I have been thinking and doing more research about my initial idea. The end of construction divide, which aside from being the target problem, also present a development barrier as I personally do not have much information on the ins and out of the trade of facility management.
I have two choices in regards to this blind spot, either find the necessary training to become a FMP (facility management professional) or hire the expertise out to some one. The earlier route required more commitment on my part, time and more importantly money. Which I do not mind as long as there are sufficient proof that my idea can indeed fly.
I need to talk to more FMs to gather more information on the existing systems.
As I spend more time thinking about what is needed, it is increasingly evident that an universal translator of sort is needed, in essence that is the main function of the web site, depository for the building information and dispensing it in user friendly manner.
At the same time, the expanded envelope also make the project tremendously large and complex, it is beginning feel like it will be way beyond the scope of what my resources and experiences will allow. A potential approach will be to carefully assess the over all grand plan, and then attempting to implement an modular portions of the plan successfully and then grow from that established position. A candidate that comes to mind initially would be the training of the end user. It has the portion that contain the most amount of interest to me and is also relatively easy to implement.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
King Midas has donkey's ears!!
I thought I was protected under the shield of obscurity, who would have imagined that the reeds would sprang forth and replies?
In the course of studying for LEED, I had an idea regarding the building manual and would like to explore it a bit more.
The building manual is part of the requirements of most building construction documents. Just as most consumer products would comes with a set of user instructions and warranties, at the end of the construction process, either the architect or the construction manager will provide the client with a set of documents that contain a complete record of the building system, as well as the warranties for everything installed in the building. This is usually couple with a short training session showing the staff how to use the systems.
The existing systems of binders I have encounter in the past seemed terribly inefficient and I thought there would be a great opportunities here to create something more user friendly.
In the course of studying for LEED, I had an idea regarding the building manual and would like to explore it a bit more.
The building manual is part of the requirements of most building construction documents. Just as most consumer products would comes with a set of user instructions and warranties, at the end of the construction process, either the architect or the construction manager will provide the client with a set of documents that contain a complete record of the building system, as well as the warranties for everything installed in the building. This is usually couple with a short training session showing the staff how to use the systems.
The existing systems of binders I have encounter in the past seemed terribly inefficient and I thought there would be a great opportunities here to create something more user friendly.
Monday, January 26, 2009
LEED NC 2.2
I am studying for the LEED NC exam now. I do need a bit of a brain dump to get a few things off my mind that will need attention.
1. Call CitySites again to see about the payment.
2. Deal with the Delaware ticket and call again to check what's going on.
3. Call the water company and deal with the payment for 424 Helen.
4. Email management for an update on inspection.
5. Call Alice to start on the tax for business portions of work.
6. Call the women back regarding the super market job.
7. Contact Chilton to update them on the job.
8. Verify that I don't have an outstanding ticket that haven't been dealt with.
10. Manage all the returns, waterproof case, B&H, campmor.
9. Pack for Boston.
1. Call CitySites again to see about the payment.
2. Deal with the Delaware ticket and call again to check what's going on.
3. Call the water company and deal with the payment for 424 Helen.
4. Email management for an update on inspection.
5. Call Alice to start on the tax for business portions of work.
6. Call the women back regarding the super market job.
7. Contact Chilton to update them on the job.
8. Verify that I don't have an outstanding ticket that haven't been dealt with.
10. Manage all the returns, waterproof case, B&H, campmor.
9. Pack for Boston.
Friday, January 23, 2009
The climb back on the horse
Its been two days since we got back and I have gotten through the study material for LEED, I still need to do the sample tests and see how I do.
I still feel convinced that the two ongoing ideas I have currently can work, but both require significant amount of work to define and make real, both structure and content wise. Time sensitive and I must act as soon as I can.
OWGAC- the off kilter title draws the initial attention but I hope that the attempt to inspire is what will sustain the concept.
There are bad news every where and you have just join the ranks of the jobless millions, a victim of the time.
Bullock we say! Your life have just begun! Instead of busting your ass working just so you can afford to buy that large screen TV t0 help you relax and recover from busting your ass working. You're done! You are no longer a nameless cog in a cold, uncaring profitability machine, you are a fine gentleman with dreams and dignity. You should wear a large name tag that said "My name is John and I am sick and tired of your bull shit!" in thick, red, permanent markered print!
Why adventure?
Make them cry! People's reaction went from "I am soo sorry to hear.." to "I am soo jealous of you!"
Me, me, me and ME! You spend the past X number of years of your life groveling at the heel of your bosses serving their every whim and what did you get? You even shaped your life to fit their needs till that job title is now of more interest to others then who you are. Who are you?
The collective wisdom of desktop support. What do you do when your computer is slow, and nothing work? Reset the damn thing! And we believe here at the OWGAC that the best way to do that, is to drag your ass to a remote corner of this planet, through a hundred miles of sleet and bad road and scream at the top of your lung "I AM SEAN!"
Next time when some one ask you "so what do you do?" look straight into their eyes and say "I do Sean" if you sense any hints of a lack of conviction on your part. Repeat step 2.
This is not a cult, we're not going to make you sell flower by the side of the off ramp. But if you agree with our belief, join us and tell us who you are.
The How,
It is not a worthy advanture unless it is hard, failure will be wholy attribute to the lack of creativity and commitment on your part. These are harsh terms but you'll surprise your self.
What you have. People often forget that money isn't the only precious resource in their life. The other, just as important if not more is time. Yes your income has just gone on the miracle diet plan but you also just gotten an 100% raise in free time. A plane ticket is 50% cheaper on Tuesday then it is on Sunday, that difference is part of your capital.
The unemployment payment max out at $405 a month, congradulation, you just found the best job in the world, you get paid and are not committed for any time. Use this resource wisely.
You might need a cellphone, eliminiate any other expenses in your life. Move in with your parents.
You are define by that which you made. Go take a pottery class, take a lump of clay and shape it into what ever that fit your fancy and make sure that it is relatively compact. Then take it with you, this is your avatar and who you are. Its your job now to understand what it means.
I still feel convinced that the two ongoing ideas I have currently can work, but both require significant amount of work to define and make real, both structure and content wise. Time sensitive and I must act as soon as I can.
OWGAC- the off kilter title draws the initial attention but I hope that the attempt to inspire is what will sustain the concept.
There are bad news every where and you have just join the ranks of the jobless millions, a victim of the time.
Bullock we say! Your life have just begun! Instead of busting your ass working just so you can afford to buy that large screen TV t0 help you relax and recover from busting your ass working. You're done! You are no longer a nameless cog in a cold, uncaring profitability machine, you are a fine gentleman with dreams and dignity. You should wear a large name tag that said "My name is John and I am sick and tired of your bull shit!" in thick, red, permanent markered print!
Why adventure?
Make them cry! People's reaction went from "I am soo sorry to hear.." to "I am soo jealous of you!"
Me, me, me and ME! You spend the past X number of years of your life groveling at the heel of your bosses serving their every whim and what did you get? You even shaped your life to fit their needs till that job title is now of more interest to others then who you are. Who are you?
The collective wisdom of desktop support. What do you do when your computer is slow, and nothing work? Reset the damn thing! And we believe here at the OWGAC that the best way to do that, is to drag your ass to a remote corner of this planet, through a hundred miles of sleet and bad road and scream at the top of your lung "I AM SEAN!"
Next time when some one ask you "so what do you do?" look straight into their eyes and say "I do Sean" if you sense any hints of a lack of conviction on your part. Repeat step 2.
This is not a cult, we're not going to make you sell flower by the side of the off ramp. But if you agree with our belief, join us and tell us who you are.
The How,
It is not a worthy advanture unless it is hard, failure will be wholy attribute to the lack of creativity and commitment on your part. These are harsh terms but you'll surprise your self.
What you have. People often forget that money isn't the only precious resource in their life. The other, just as important if not more is time. Yes your income has just gone on the miracle diet plan but you also just gotten an 100% raise in free time. A plane ticket is 50% cheaper on Tuesday then it is on Sunday, that difference is part of your capital.
The unemployment payment max out at $405 a month, congradulation, you just found the best job in the world, you get paid and are not committed for any time. Use this resource wisely.
You might need a cellphone, eliminiate any other expenses in your life. Move in with your parents.
You are define by that which you made. Go take a pottery class, take a lump of clay and shape it into what ever that fit your fancy and make sure that it is relatively compact. Then take it with you, this is your avatar and who you are. Its your job now to understand what it means.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
returning from our adventure
After a grueling 26 hours drive, we are back in NYC and trying to get our life back organized. The OWGAC blog is way behind and needs some serious catching up. I have been having some trouble focusing on the various tasks in my life outside of our adventure. I need to catch up and do them now.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
On the brink of the big trip!!
Amazingly enough, Evan was able to resolve his problem with his parent. And the trip is still on!!
It took us a little bit more then a week to take the necessary step to plan out our trip, but it still seem a bit unreal for us to have gotten this far. It all seem straight forward enough, grab a tent, throw the kayak in the trunk and off we go. Of course things never turn out to be that simple.
There's still a few things left for me to do before our departure tomorrow night.
1. I need to mail out my insurance check.
2. I need to send out the proposal, first thing in the morning.
3. I need to email the management company to check in on the status of Helen street.
4. I need to Call about the billing for my photographs.
5. I need to attend the meeting for the La Esperanza AFH meeting.
For the trip.
I still need to pack my clothing.
I need to have the Garmin map unlock on my laptop.
I need to configure the minoHD when it arrive tomorrow.
We need LOTS of AA batteries
It took us a little bit more then a week to take the necessary step to plan out our trip, but it still seem a bit unreal for us to have gotten this far. It all seem straight forward enough, grab a tent, throw the kayak in the trunk and off we go. Of course things never turn out to be that simple.
There's still a few things left for me to do before our departure tomorrow night.
1. I need to mail out my insurance check.
3. I need to email the management company to check in on the status of Helen street.
4. I need to Call about the billing for my photographs.
5. I need to attend the meeting for the La Esperanza AFH meeting.
For the trip.
I still need to pack my clothing.
I need to have the Garmin map unlock on my laptop.
I need to configure the minoHD when it arrive tomorrow.
We need LOTS of AA batteries
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Houston, we have a problem.
We are hitting some major snags with the Florida trips. Still trying to figure out the details. In the mean time, my LEED test is coming up fast and I NEED to get more pages under my belt!!
I am having a lot of trouble coming up with ideas for the La Esperanza project, not having the chance to meet the rest of the team as well as not having a definite idea of what the place look like really made it hard for me to think of something. I have to attend the meeting on Monday and then perhaps something will come then. In the mean time I should still keep it in the back of my mind and see if anything comes to me in the mean time.
I had a brilliant idea while studying for LEED this morning, as in all brilliant ideas I wonder if some one else came up with it already. I should talk it over with Kathy when we have the chance and see what she think.
I am having a lot of trouble coming up with ideas for the La Esperanza project, not having the chance to meet the rest of the team as well as not having a definite idea of what the place look like really made it hard for me to think of something. I have to attend the meeting on Monday and then perhaps something will come then. In the mean time I should still keep it in the back of my mind and see if anything comes to me in the mean time.
I had a brilliant idea while studying for LEED this morning, as in all brilliant ideas I wonder if some one else came up with it already. I should talk it over with Kathy when we have the chance and see what she think.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Learning of web 2.0
Working on the everglades blog project really opened my eyes towards the possibility made available by the web 2.0 apps by Google. Totally different level of collaboration and so forth..
Two areas of focus now is the La Esperanza project and my LEED exam. Both pressing, in a good way that is.
Ideas, Ideas, Ideas:
Centro Social la Esperanza, the original idea behind the funding of the organization is to provide an community plaza where exchange of information can take place.
The exchange of information and culture is just as important as the economic activities.
Take advantage of the "natural resources" available in an urban environment.
Recycling, what do people throw out? Can it be taken advantage of?
Two areas of focus now is the La Esperanza project and my LEED exam. Both pressing, in a good way that is.
Ideas, Ideas, Ideas:
Centro Social la Esperanza, the original idea behind the funding of the organization is to provide an community plaza where exchange of information can take place.
The exchange of information and culture is just as important as the economic activities.
Take advantage of the "natural resources" available in an urban environment.
Recycling, what do people throw out? Can it be taken advantage of?
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
The everglade trip blog
We're getting more into the planning of the Florida trip, we started a blog to track our progress. The Out of Work Gentle Man's Adventure Company
A fragmanted week
There's still a lot to do before our trip, I do need to make sure that I am on track with the professional side of things. One of the more pressing issue is studying for LEED, if we are to leave on Sunday for a week long trip. I will only have 8 more days to study for the upcoming exam. Difficult but possible.
I also need to make sure that I don't neglect my other task, networking which I haven't done much in the past few days.
I need to start transfer some of the documentation on this blog to google document also.
I also need to make sure that I don't neglect my other task, networking which I haven't done much in the past few days.
I need to start transfer some of the documentation on this blog to google document also.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
You are going where??
We're still trying to plan out our trip to the Everglades national park, its quite some work to plan this out. Lots of things needed for a kayak camping trip, made more complicated by the fact that Evan isn't an experienced kayaker. We're looking into renting a peddle drive kayak for him, which will hopefully wok better since he can bike. I'd like to take advantage of the opportunity and start video blogging the whole trip.
Monday, January 5, 2009
off to the Everglades
Talking to Evan today we had the crazy idea of goingdown to the Everglades national park for a camping trips. There's the chance that he'll start work soon so we'll have to make the trip with in the next few days to take advantage of his off time also.
Before that happen I'll have to get the proposals for the Philadelphia community college completed and send out as well as make up for the lost time in studying. If we leave for a week, I'll only have one and half week after I come back for study, and I certainly haven't been making much headway lately.
Before that happen I'll have to get the proposals for the Philadelphia community college completed and send out as well as make up for the lost time in studying. If we leave for a week, I'll only have one and half week after I come back for study, and I certainly haven't been making much headway lately.
A new year and a new beginning
I watched the "ground hog day" last night, if it weren't for the program I heard on npr about the guy who voted it to be the best movie of all time, I might not have revisit it.
I felt some parallel with what the character in the movie was going through. Not having a job, there are essentially no distinction to my day to day live. It was inspiring to see that ultimately happiness was found though helping others. It was a path that came to me at the very beginning of this road and I still feel that it is the right path, I do need to be more proactive in seeking out more opportunities. These are the three areas where I need further developments.
1. Strengthening and growth of relationships.
a. contact John for lunch.
b. contact Maria and see how she's doing.
2. Finding additional volunteering opportunities.
3. Continue development of Architectural Skill sets.
I felt some parallel with what the character in the movie was going through. Not having a job, there are essentially no distinction to my day to day live. It was inspiring to see that ultimately happiness was found though helping others. It was a path that came to me at the very beginning of this road and I still feel that it is the right path, I do need to be more proactive in seeking out more opportunities. These are the three areas where I need further developments.
1. Strengthening and growth of relationships.
a. contact John for lunch.
b. contact Maria and see how she's doing.
2. Finding additional volunteering opportunities.
3. Continue development of Architectural Skill sets.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)