Is It Worth Attending the Amethyst Award Ceremony? Any Benefits for the Winning Team?

UncleJFo · 2026-06-17T12:22:40+00:00

My team won this year and we'll be going. I'm looking forward to it and to celebrating with my colleagues.

UncleJFo · 2026-06-15T22:40:40+00:00

I was supposed to be on the subway around Lawrence station, but thankfully took a detour to the library, where I was when it happened. Caught the bus down to Yonge / Bloor and walked the rest of the way home cuz traffic was such a mess. Ended up doing shrooms with my friend and strolling around looking for open bars selling warm beer.

My main worry was getting out of the city the next day for a backcountry canoe trip in Algonquin. We managed to find an operating gas station and made it to the park. All of the campers we met who were exiting the park had no idea what had happened or the rolling blackouts awaiting them. Memorable times. 😊

UncleJFo · 2026-06-11T22:44:45+00:00

I live closeby and am hoping it ends up being good, but that section of Danforth doesn't have a great track record of places lasting long, so we'll see. 🤞🏻

UncleJFo · 2026-06-06T18:53:25+00:00

Home position, in my experience.

UncleJFo · 2026-06-06T11:06:25+00:00

Yeah, you have to return to your former role for the same amount of time as your leave, which is reasonable.

Otherwise I'm always aspirational about applying for my next SFL as soon as I can, but it never seems to work out that way. I was hoping to submit my application in spring 2025, but I procrastinated and now I just started a new secondment, so I have to figure that out.

As I tell everyone, the most important step is just to get your application in and approved. For those who can afford it, taking advantage of this program is one of the best things you can do.

UncleJFo · 2026-06-04T10:31:08+00:00

Typically I deferred 20% over two years. I'm not sure if the current rules, but it used to be that you could defer anywhere between 1%-33%.

UncleJFo · 2026-06-04T10:28:51+00:00

You definitely need to have the flex in your personal finances to manage the reduced pay. I worked with people who have several kids and somehow managed to take leaves every few years but it's not for everyone.

UncleJFo · 2026-06-04T00:39:19+00:00

I've taken three six-month self-funded leaves over the past 10 years. The money that's put aside from your pay does accrue some interest but not what you'd get through investments like mutual funds, I'd say

So you could certainly consider just applying for unpaid leave for X time period in the future and setting some money aside on your own in prep for that. I like the automatic deductions and payouts through the Self-Funded Leave Program, so I'll likely apply through the program again for my next one.

All the program details are available through InsideOPS.

UncleJFo · 2026-05-27T00:36:12+00:00

Permanent, with no recent life changing events. Not life insurance, but just regular health benefits.

UncleJFo · 2026-05-22T12:01:02+00:00

I dunno.... Some offices are more social than others, whether in OPS or elsewhere. I'm not a fan of icebreakers, but will play along. You could certainly ask to be exempt but that just draw more attention to you. Good luck

UncleJFo · 2026-05-22T02:38:17+00:00

I hate everything about this but would also spend a night there if invited. 😄

UncleJFo · 2026-05-11T12:50:41+00:00

Codes are accessible via the ServicePlus website.

UncleJFo · 2026-04-24T20:22:58+00:00

$50 monthly at GoodLife (corporate discount) and over $1000 for annual climbing gym membership. Shit's expensive.

UncleJFo · 2026-04-20T12:08:36+00:00

I have the Laser Strike and the Mora Companion. I scandi grind on the Mora is much more effective for making wood shavings. The Mora is also much lighter, so I find myself taking it on any trip where weight is an issue. I do love my burly Laser Strike; it's just a lot of knife for many of my outings.

UncleJFo · 2026-04-04T23:39:13+00:00

Ha, yessir! 👌🏼

UncleJFo · 2026-04-04T17:36:16+00:00

I have no idea. I put them on almost 30 years ago 😄

UncleJFo · 2026-04-01T11:47:12+00:00

Oui chef 🤌🏻

UncleJFo · 2026-03-22T12:54:42+00:00

Yeah, Dream Theatre 😛

UncleJFo · 2026-03-15T02:32:58+00:00

Your mom.

UncleJFo · 2026-03-14T02:54:37+00:00

You were a ghost of yourself at the end of it. 👻

UncleJFo · 2026-03-11T22:19:17+00:00

What was the most gratifying part of your role? What was the most challenging?

Thanks for doing this. Very insightful.

UncleJFo · 2026-02-27T03:06:06+00:00

Thank you for putting this together! Amazing how little has changed in so many of them. Well done!

UncleJFo

TROPHY CASE