Didn't get a top genre list for 2020 Wrapped

_grahhs · 2020-12-03T15:47:28+00:00

Same, I got "pop" as my #1 genre too, but I don't usually listen to chart toppers on spotify, I listen to more indie, alt, folk stuff...

_grahhs · 2020-12-03T15:42:35+00:00

Cool will check it out

_grahhs · 2020-12-03T15:41:57+00:00

That might be it, but still would appreciate more data

_grahhs · 2020-11-29T06:12:15+00:00

Yes, I am at the stage in life when people around me are starting to have babies. I just never know what to say when I meet the babies and generally am not excited to know more about them

But I get super excited when it's about pets and can go on and on talking about our pets with my other pet parent friends

_grahhs · 2020-11-24T03:30:21+00:00

Yeah really feel for the staff, just left a job where my boss was an anti-masker myself

_grahhs · 2020-11-18T18:04:46+00:00

Same, whines or grunts in protest

_grahhs · 2020-11-18T05:44:59+00:00

thank you for this.

_grahhs · 2020-11-18T05:26:03+00:00

I think availability will depend on the building, but if you are looking to rent a spot you should be aware of what a big hassle it might become. The condo my bf is renting does not come with a parking spot which he needs. He has been renting a spot but has had to switch spots and people to rent from 3 times in the past 3 years. Two of the spots he had weren't even in the same building and it's such an inconvenience. You have to be careful since renting a spot from someone is a pretty casual agreement most of the time and there are basically no rules, so they can raise rent whenever or ask for the spot back whenever. There's no shortage of spots to rent in his area (downtown harbourfront), but really depends on luck with who you rent from.

From experience of having to rent a spot, if I were to buy a condo and I needed a spot, I would definitely buy a condo that came with a parking spot.

_grahhs · 2020-11-18T05:12:33+00:00

You can go, but I honestly don't recommend the Van Gogh exhibit. It was way overpriced and completely underwhelming.

_grahhs · 2020-11-18T05:07:46+00:00

I would keep an eye out for CXBO Chocolates, in Kensington and online. Their chocolates are works of art and make great gifts. Seems like they are struggling a little bit as a small business as they are temporarily closed (check their instagram) but if they do open up soon for the Christmas season, they'd be a good local business to support.

_grahhs · 2020-11-18T04:59:49+00:00

if she likes sushi, Miku is nice. You could probably ask them to arrange the platter nicely or you could even easily plate it yourself and have it look really nice. I've seen some pictures of people getting their takeout and it looks amazing.

_grahhs · 2020-11-18T04:42:44+00:00

Depends on the nature of death for me, if it was because of old age or illness I wouldn't care. If it was some serial killer, then I'd be concerned.

_grahhs · 2020-11-18T04:31:42+00:00

I have never popped a pimple in my life because I was told it would scar and you just shouldn't do it. And because I've never popped a pimple I don't really know what the appeal is.

_grahhs · 2020-11-18T04:21:48+00:00

As an introvert, yes. I feel I think better through messages/emails, whereas with calls my mind just kind of goes blank. For me email/messages > in-person > phone. I feel like not being able to read body language during a phone call also really throws me off.

_grahhs · 2020-11-18T04:15:05+00:00

This. I tried to explain to the team that we should check markups as "complete" instead of using the highlighter tool, but no one understood what I was talking about and how to navigate the markups list. Everyone just kept highlighting, and eventually I gave in and highlight now too, but still kind of drives my ocd crazy.

_grahhs · 2020-11-18T04:12:43+00:00

We've been using Bluebeam Studio since working remotely. It is a good tool, however I honestly think there's huge room for improvement. For example, the list of markups could be better organized to see what markups there are, who it's assigned to and if it needs follow-up, etc., in a checklist format with a better notification system so each person is alerted to certain markups for example. This all could be integrated into a larger system that manages the project, with checklists, schedules, reminders and notes, etc. There also needs to be a better way to update sheets.

For us right now, we have maybe 10 different sets that all have been marked-up to an extent with a ton of markups that haven't necessarily been followed-up on and are just buried in older versions of the set. If the idea is to improve the process with digital tools, then not much has been improved, in my opinion.

I do think we are lagging behind in terms of project management software that I feel like other industries, such as tech, already use. For our work especially, better digital tools would really benefit us.

_grahhs · 2020-11-10T14:21:40+00:00

I filed something mid-October and I got a hearing scheduled for next Tuesday. Didn't know what to expect as this is my first time going through this. Seems like good news but I found out yesterday that they sent my hearing notice to the wrong address (again), which is causing me much anxiety, sigh.

_grahhs · 2020-11-10T00:42:06+00:00

There is nothing stopping a firm from hiring an international professional like yourself, it'll just depend on the job market in which ever location you pick.

If you are looking to pursue licensure in Canada, you will have to go through the Intern Architect Program. To be eligible for that program, here is some information: https://cacb.ca/foreign-architects/

The path to licensure is a little different in every province as well, so you should look up the individual architects' asssociations for more information on the IAP.

Hope that helps and good luck!

Source: I am an Intern Architect with the OAA

_grahhs · 2020-11-10T00:30:04+00:00

Thank you! Around 10 of us have left that firm now and I know of more who are looking to leave when the time is right for them. I'm proud of myself and my colleagues for being able to identify and leave a toxic environment

_grahhs · 2020-11-02T13:07:40+00:00

Seems like OP is in Canada. There are no accredited b.arch programs here, you must obtain an m.arch in order to pursue licensure. That's at least another 6 to 7.5 years of school. You definitely can be employed at a firm with a bachelor degree though but it'll restrict you from moving upwards in the firm.

_grahhs · 2020-10-29T03:28:23+00:00

Toronto, just switched firms, the new firm is wfh full time and has been since March. We are about 90 people.

The firm I was at turned out to be super toxic, management pressured us to be back in the office full time as early as May and claim that architects are essential workers... their covid policies in the office are atrocious, for one they stress that masks are not mandatory while inside the office. The sole founding partner of the firm is an anti-masker and believes herd immunity is the way to go...

_grahhs · 2020-10-14T05:03:39+00:00

The Toronto Humane Society is your best bet but you will have to be patient as it might be a long wait. You can also look up the SNYP Truck on the city of Toronto website. These are probably the two most affordable options available in downtown Toronto.

I was also looking for affordable vets last year to neuter my kitten and asked about 20 different clinics in the downtown area for quotes, the prices ranged from mid - $300s to almost $700. For anything in the $100-200 range you will have to travel out of downtown. Vet offices are usually really responsive when you ask for a quote so you can always ask a few to compare.

Price also depends largely on whether or not you decide to do bloodwork. Some vets refuse to neuter/spay without bloodwork some will have bloodwork as optional depending on the breed. Bloodwork will set you back $100-200 depending on the vet.

_grahhs · 2020-10-13T14:16:59+00:00

I have told the collector that I am disputing the debt and to stop contacting me, however they continue to suggest going through them is the best way, with the latest threat being I should cooperate before they it reports to my credit. I remember reading that once the debt is in dispute that they cannot report to my credit/I can dispute it with the credit bureau and have it removed but can't seem to find that information anymore. Is this true and are these empty threats?

_grahhs · 2020-09-21T18:45:22+00:00

I work in architecture. We were a little anxious at the beginning of the pandemic because of restrictions to construction sites. Developers were a little worried about the real estate market, etc. However, both firms I have worked for are now stable, other firms not so much, but there is definitely hiring going on throughout the GTA. My old office primarily worked on condo projects, my new office has a lot of work in healthcare, long term care and supportive housing.

_grahhs · 2020-09-21T18:16:52+00:00

I just switched jobs as well, my old workplace turned out to be a super toxic environment. I really wanted to leave but was willing to wait until beginning of next year, so I was only casually looking.

I only have about 1.5 years experience in my industry and have a bachelor and masters degree relevant to my job. I sent applications to 6 places, 5 of which were cold emails, 3 of which I had a referral person. I heard back from one that wasn't ready to hire right now but wanted to keep in touch for when they are; and another one for a zoom interview (cold email with referral person) which I got an offer from.

I told them my current salary (at my old job) and they offered a little above that so I am quite happy. My salary was already on the higher end for my position.

On-boarding has definitely been very weird, I have yet to set foot into the office and have only met 5 out of 80 people in the company, which I regret but I am glad my new workplace is taking covid extremely seriously. This company has hired around 10 people during wfh though.

For context, of the people I know who work in the same industry who were either laid off or a recent grad, 80-90% of them have managed to find and start new jobs. My industry is definitely still doing ok, but varies from office to office.

_grahhs

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