About Me

Profile

Name: Andy Vair
Most Recent Occupation: Service & Support Representative
Current Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada


Currently on a path to continue an exhilarating, challenging and intellectually rewarding career by applying acquired skills & knowledge of Computer Programming, Web Development, and Technical Support to an interesting position in the IT Industry, preferably but not necessarily in the Programming Department of an exciting and progressive company.

I can design, develop, debug, and maintain both desktop applications and website functionality which includes building & normalizing relational databases and creating server-side dynamic functions. I can provide software support for Microsoft Office Applications, Windows 2000, XP, & Vista OS, Driver Installations, Virus/Spyware diagnosis & removal; in addition I can troubleshoot & repair Hardware configurations and provide Networking solutions.

Over a quarter of a century of service industry employment history in the kitchen, which includes but is not limited to experience with teamwork, communication & organizational skills, clarity & competence under pressure and task-related focus. As a highly motivated individual with a positive attitude, a co-operative nature, a willingness & ability to learn quickly and a high level of concentration I have many valuable skills which would be an asset to any present or future endeavors.


History

Born and raised in Lethbridge, Alberta where I attended Lethbridge Collegiate Institute, I moved to Edmonton, Alberta in the summer of 1985 where I've lived ever since.

Worked as a cook for nearly a quarter of a century in various restaurants in Lethbridge and Edmonton, including Harpo's (no longer exists, but the flagship Venice House Restaurant in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan does), Pier 317 (now occupied by Mocha Cabana, Yes Please Food & Bar (formerly located at the base of Campus Tower near the University of Alberta), Avenue Pizza, Yellowhead Motor Inn, and most recently Franco's Family Dining.

In 2003, I arranged my only overseas (or traveling anywhere outside of Canada on my own) vacation to the mystical City of Angels in the Land of Smiles Bangkok, Thailand.

In the fall of 2004, I returned to school to continue my learning in Computer Programming and Web Development at CDI College in Northgate.

First I.T. related employment: Dell Canada working for Dell On Call software support for American business clients.

Most recently employed by Intuit Canada working for ProFile Income Tax Software Service & Support.


Interests

Programming & Web Development:
Constantly noodling around with some new project or idea, occassionally conscripted to actually work on something with a goal or deadline. I prefer to use Visual Basic 2008 for desktop applications, Dreamweaver CS4 for websites and Fireworks CS4 for any necessary photo-editing.

Video Games (primarily RPGs):
Currently playing Neverwinter Nights, Oblivion & Warcraft III, but I often go back to visit an old favorite like Baldur's Gate or even further back to Pool of Radiance (with DOSBox of course).

Music:
I play guitar (sloppily), sing (poorly), and write songs (silly and prone to self indulgence!). I own a Fender DG-5 acoustic , a B.C. Rich Warlock, and a Roland Cube-20X amplifier. Sweet, sweet melodies! (well, in my mind anyway...)

Surfin':
Oh yeah, I spend way too much time on Facebook and Fark...