blog.noetech.com

Concert Series

I spent this weekend at two concerts. Fist up on Saturday night was Tony Bennett at the Hollywood Bowl with Devon. He was great and played for two hours. Not too bad for someone his age. He's a real entertainer, filling the night not only with great music, but with a lot of stories.

The surprise hit of the night though was the Los Angeles Philharmonic conducted by Jeff Tyzik. They played a great collection of Jazz from the 20s.

On Sunday I went with a friend from work and Devon to see Tom Petty at the Verizon Amphitheater in Irvine. After the two hour drive (an hour of which was spent going less then a mile), we had to walk a half mile to our seats. Not the best venue. Our seats were very much nose bleed, but the show as awesome. I've never seen them perform before, so I was very excited.

He played my two favorites, Refuge and Breakdown. Because the drive took so long, some kind of accident, we missed Jackson Browne opening. Too bad, the last song sounded great while we were getting our beer.

Next week, James Taylor, also at the Bowl.

Technorati Tags: Jackson Browne, Tony Bennett, Hollywood Bowl, Tom Petty

Living in LA

I've lived in LA now for almost two years. It seems crazy to me that it has been that long, but a lot as happened to me since I've moved here.

I'm make more money then I did in Chicago, and not just by a little bit, well more then double. California salary ranges are ridiculous, but thank God for it.

I have a new, absolutely awesome car.

I'm finally getting my Bug out here next month.

I'm still looking to pickup a Triumph TR-3

I've made my mark at World of Wonder and my name is on several films (including a successful theatrical documentary) and countless televisions shows.

I some how turned my tech job into "Head of Post Production and Technology" which, if I do say so myself, sounds very impressive.

I have a corner office (it's easy when you are the one who designs the new space).

I get to work on exciting projects that go beyond traditional TV, including one now that I can't really talk about, but should be very cool.

I'm dating a wonderful person.

I'm finally divorced.

My hours have dropped down to a more normal range, only about 60 a week at most.

I'm seeing Tom Petty on Sunday, and James Taylor the week after.

That's better. It's important sometimes to list all the good things, otherwise I'll forget. My job can be very stressful so I like to remind myself that I work for and with amazing people and I need to be grateful for the position I'm in. I could still be working at Columbia College after all (though I wouldn't mind the hours).

I still need to move to a real apartment, but that's my doing. I'm too cheap, I really don't want to pay 1,200 in rent. Currently I don't even have to think about paying rent, I don't really want that to change.

Technorati Tags: GTI, VW, world of wonder, triumph

A New Car

Apparently my Gallery installation has broken since I last used it a few months ago. I'm not looking so good in these pictures, really need to straighten out my back and lose a few pounds.

Buying a new car sucks, I'm not very good at negotiations. Lots of "I'm walking out", "you're screwing me" and of course from them, "I'm not making a dime on this deal". Almost too much trouble, but I did end up getting a good price. Devon was kind enough to drive to the shop and sit with me for the three hours it took to sign the deal (more on her soon enough).

Now I need to get the Bug to LA, and sell the Jetta.

Technorati Tags: Cars, GTI, VW

A New Car

I bought a new car this weekend, a VW GTI 1.8T. It's red with black leather interior. After a year of trying what to do about a vehicle, I finally found one I liked. It's a small high-school flashback, when I drove a '87 GTI.

After I decided what I wanted, it took a few calls to find a lot that had the exact model in stock. I ended up getting it in Santa Monica. I got it for 4k under sticker, and feel good about the price I payed. Anyway, in love. Now I just need to chip it, get new tires and stereo :-)

Pictures to come soon.

Technorati Tags: GTI, Cars, VW

Divorced

Finally after 7 months of paper work I'm divorced. It actually happened on the 13th of July, but it took the paperwork a while to get here. Now I just have to go through the huge, gigantic process of changing my name back on all my IDs, bank cards, etc. It will take me months, I know it. This should make dating easier now anyway.

The New Yorker

Every year for Christmas my maternal grandmother gets all her kids and grandkids a subscription to The New Yorker.

I love the New York, and not just for the cartoons either, though they're great. The problem is that it's a weekly magazine and I just have a hard time keeping up with them. Currently I have a backlog of 5 weeks and I don't see myself catching up. What usually happens is that I fall so far behind, that I give up, and start over with the current issue. Then inevitably, I fall behind the next week. It's a shame, because I really do want to read them all.

But of course, I could have bigger problems.

Technorati Tags: Magazine

Wisconsin and other Travels

Well I've been busy, off traveling around the world, or at least the midwest. And that was weeks ago actually. I went back to see an old friend get married and it was very nice. I got to see some friends I haven't seen in 10 years or more, so that was nice. But I only got one day in Wisconsin, the rest was spent in Chicago, sleeping. I couldn't believe how much I slept, but it was good to finally get some rest.

I flew there, which was a tough one for me, but it ended up being much worse in my head then in reality. I think I may just get over this fear after all. We'll see.

And a quick work plug, Sports Kids Moms & Dads starts airing on Bravo this Wednesday at 10/9c, you can see my name for a split second before they squeeze me out.

And if you're in the UK, or get UK channels, you can see our doc Power Lesbians on Sunday at 10pm, it's on Sky. Camp Michael Jackson also premiers on Sky in early June, so that's something to watch out for. On CMJ, I actually get my own card, which is a big deal let me tell you.

Technorati Tags: TV, Travel, Wisconsin

Dentists & NAB

So again I find myself neglecting this site.

There really hasn't been much going on lately except for the fact that I have reintroduced myself to a dentist. I hate dentists, they hurt you and take your money. I guess you get better looking teeth, but still not sure it's worth it. I had a nice little savings going all ready to be spent on a new car. Instead I have to spend 3k to fix a few teeth.

I keep telling myself that it's worth it, but still not that sure. I really wanted a new car, and a new digital camera for that matter.

I really wish I had dental insurance.

On the plus side I'm going to NAB in Vegas in a few weeks. I'm only going to be there for one day of the conference, a half day at that, but I'll be at the Apple event. Here's hoping for a kick ass FCP 5, with a new media management system, shared projects, amazing realtime effects that use Core Image and possible some new hardware announcements that will compete with Avid's Adrenaline. I mean, they are so close with Xsan, so close.

Empty

I couldn't stand this being empty anymore, but I have nothing to say.

Josh and Serena were here over the weekend and I took a few days off to go to Vegas. Up a few hundred but lost my digital camera and my blackberry. So, as with everything, some good some bad. I would have had pictures, but, you know, lost the camera. Right now some stripper is looking at pictures of the three of us.

I can't really afford a new one, so no new pictures for me for a while.

House Sitting

Tonight I'm watching the O.C. on a 50 inch television while sitting on a very comfortable sofa. You can imagine the improvement from my studio apartment with my 21 inch set and not much furniture to speak of.

The home sits in the hills of Hollywood, overlooking the Magic Castle*. It's multi-level. I have to walk up stairs to get to the kitchen. Did you hear that? Multiple levels! I don't even have multiple rooms.

I'm enjoying myself immensely. So why am I living in such lavish quarters? I'm house sitting for one of my bosses while they are at Sundance for the Inside Deep Throat premier. To tell you the truth, I was tempted to make my way up to Park City as well, but I'm glad I didn't, this is just too much fun. I do fear that I may get a little spoiled though.

So you know, it's not all fun and games, I have two little critters to watch while I'm hear. I was a little afraid that they wouldn't take to me, but so far they seem to love me. All cuddled up by my feet. Not so much my personality as the treat.

*Weird right?

xmas

Christmas is just a week away. Lovely.

I bought myself an iPod Photo as a little christmas present to myself. I'm on to my third one now. My last iPod was getting a little old. Only 20 gigs (not enough to hold all my music) and, most importantly, it didn't have the click wheel. I also picked up the iPod socks, which are just too cute. I mean really, socks. How much cuter can you get?

Speaking of iPods, you can still win an iPod Mini from World of Wonder by sending in your Hot Christmas Story. I know it says by the 15th, but we extended it till Monday.

Don't be fooled, Apple really is filled with geniuses. Well, except for their enterprise system engineers who take 8 hours to setup a demo of... well unreleased products and all that. You get my point. They really could use a guy like me :-)

I kid you not, at one point when they couldn't get it running, I stepped in and plugged it in...

Ok, I'm getting away from xmas, the whole point here.

I received a bunch of stuff at work on Friday; it was secret santa day. I got a nice gift card, some white t-shirts and hot chocolate. Nice. I also received a belated b-day gift; a very nice ashtray. They know me so well there, don't they?

I also received a great gift from my Dad. Lenny Bruce: Let the Buyer Beware. It's a great book with six CDs filled with performances and interviews. Really, it's amazing. Great packaging. I never would have thought to get it myself, but I'm sure glad someone else did. Thanks Dad.

As for those of you who have yet to send me anything, iTunes gift certificates work as well as they did last year.

I hope everyone enjoys they holiday, and if not at least you get the day off.

Birthday

It's my birthday. I'm 27. I received a globe from my mother, a Kringle from Erica, and something "bizarre" from my father, that hasn't arrived yet. All and all, not a bad take, but couldn't someone have gotten me that TV?

Time to take a nap in prep for tonight. I'm on strict orders from my boss to get some action tonight so I'll need my rest.

Sick

I'm sick. I hate being sick.

I remember liking being sick when I was a kid. I guess getting out of school outweighed feeling awful. Now, not so much.

Interesting Mail

I received two interesting pieces of mail today.

First, and most interesting, was a post card from my high-school, Wayland Academy. they are looking to update my biographical information to be included in Wayland Academy's Sesquicentennial Alumni Directory. The thing is, I never graduated. I'm not an alumnus. In fact, I have no idea how in the hell they would have gotten this address. Not that I mind. It's just a little strange. Not sure if I'm going to call them or not.

The other piece of mail was a small package with two cards, one a birthday and the other a christmas card. From 2002. From my sister. Seems they were lost in the mail, I guess.

Thanks Kate.

iPod Photo

Just in case anyone was wondering, I'll take an iPod Photo for my birthday.

Birthdays

It's getting pretty close to my 27th birthday, and from the way I talk, you would would think it's tomorrow.

After your 21st birthday, there isn't much to look forward to until 65, that artificial retirement age. You have 16, 18, and 21, then nothing. It doesn't seem fair. There should be something you can't do until you're 30. I don't have any suggestions, but it would give you something to look forward to other than just getting older.

Work and Mom

Continuing in the busy as hell vain, I was at work till 9:30 last night and back at 8:30 this morning. Believe it or not, we still didn't get what we needed done.

Just when you think you're over the hump, and everything will finish on time, a $40k piece of equipment decides to stop working. And it just happens to be the only thing you actually need to work. You have to love technology.

It was so bad, I had to take to bed. What else can you do?

Speaking of taking to bed, it was my Mom's 60th birthday last Thursday. The whole family had a big conference call. Fun, but you couldn't really follow the conversation.

Well here's to Mom, 60 and plenty left. Sure to be spent sailing the Mediterranean. Can you imagine something better? Not me.

Before / After

Before #1:

After #1:



Before #2:



After #2

Mom's Visit Continues

Mom is still here and making me spend even more money. Yesterday after lunch with Thairin at the fabulous Musso &38; Franks we went to Ikea. I purchased a stand for my TV, a chair and some little things.

Then today we went to Pier 1 to pick up some curtains for my big door. We also stopped by Home Depot for some plants and a tape measure.

The place looks so much better it's amazing, and it doesn't look too Ikea, which is always a concern.

The best thing is I finally framed and mounted the photo book that the late great Nate (not so late) gave me almost a year ago. Originally meant to be bound in a book, I thought I would destroy them that way. So instead they are just simply framed and hung around the room at eye level. Some have prints on both sides, so now and again I can switch it up. The best part is that they are all pictures of Chicago, to remind me of home.

Combine this with my new wall clock to replace the one left in Chicago, and I feel right at home.

She may have made me spend all my savings, but I think I'll be able to live here a bit longer now.

More photos of the completed room on page two of my gallery.

Mom Arrives and Cleans

My Mom has arrived and has already started fixing up the apartment as you can see. We did a trip to Target and I felt how my mother most have when I was a kid, throwing everything into the cart. She just wouldn't stop. So a few hundred dollars later and I have a throw rug and a couple of candles. Oh yeah, and a doughnut chair.

Loving it.

More photos

Work Dreams

I've been working pretty hard lately, putting in hours and days I've never done in the past. I don't mind, it's part of my new position and besides I'm trying to be successful and move up in the world. It usually helps to work hard, and smart of course. It also makes it easier that I don't really have anything else to do.

So anyway, I've been working hard and I'm starting to have horrible dreams about work. They usually involve missing air-dates, assistants deleting media and my bosses yelling at me at unbelievable sound levels. It's not even fair to call these things dreams, they're nightmares. I'm waking up in cold sweats for christ's sake. I've had nightmares about work before, but never this often and this intense. I'm also waking up in the middle of the night thinking I've forgotten something absolutely vital, but then realizing that I didn't.

Anyway, it will be nice to have a couple of days off to relax a little.

Setups

One of my friend Josh's coworkers is coming to LA for a visit, she used to live here you see, and he told her she should meet up with me while she's here.

See Josh thinks that I need some friends, mostly I sure so I'll stop bitching to him about LA. I'm not big on setups, for anything and I'm not really big on meeting new people in general. I prefer old friends and if I have to meet new people I prefer it to be through them or work. Which is why Josh probably thought to tell his coworker that I'm a "social retard".

I can be perfectly social, as long as I've been drinking, I just usually prefer not to be.

See it's my choice :-)

Leonard Cohen

I can't stop listening to Everybody Knows.

I've been kind of obsessed with Pump Up the Volume lately.

While I'm at it, his version of Hallelujah is pretty damn good too.

A Visit

My mother is coming for a visit, arriving tomorrow and staying until Monday.

I have no idea what I'm going to do with her. I currently have two things planed, dinner with a friend from work and a movie.

Somehow I don't think that will fill three and a half days. Maybe we'll take that Jetta in to get fixed so I can sell it.

I haven't told her that I need to work on Sunday either... I'm sure she'll find something to do. She mentioned wanting to take one of those Hollywood home tours, and there's no way in hell I'm participating in that.

Divorce

So yesterday was my four year anniversary. How funny is that? I really need to get around to that divorce.

Blasé

If there's one thing that drives me crazy it's people who tell you how to do your job. Especially people who have never had your job, or anything like it. Of course your boss is supposed to tell you how to do it, that's his job, but random people constantly telling you how they would do it? Well I'm just about to lose my mind.

Now I'm not saying that my department is perfect, it's not. But I've only been in charge there for about three weeks and I'm happy with the progress we've made. We still have a ways to go to make it as efficient as it can be, but in my short time I've begun to make the changes need. I'm starting to feel the shift.

The last thing I need is someone looking over my shoulder who has never run a department in his life and has no idea what it takes to change a very intrenched culture.

I'm ranting a little because it's been a pretty hard week and I still have to work this weekend. I swear, I would really love to turn over my job to this man. Oh and the PC thing? Really needs to end. We're a Mac company, just deal with it already.

What I really need is a private office / space. Some day.

Blasé.

The Tattoo

I've been tattooed six times now, and never before has anything gone wrong. Well, something is wrong with the top bar. The scabs are much thinker than they should be and it's much more painful than it should be. At first I thought it was infected, it was giving off a lot of heat, and the redness was spreading about an inch or so around it. But today it seems to have gotten better. The thicker scabs have come off with the cleaning and left a much thinner one. Also there's no puss, some fluid, but no puss.

I've heard before that red ink causes more problems than other colors, so I'm hoping that's all it is. Either way, I'm probably going to need some serious touchup when it heals.

The Bandage and the Work

Bloody

Clean

The Tattoo is Done

I'm back from getting my new tattoo. It looks good, and I'm glad I finally added some color to the mix. It didn't hurt nearly as much as I remember. Not sure if it was because of the artist, my body or my memory.

I headed straight out to the Sunset Junction street thingy and I have to go out all badged up. My whole arm is covered because I had work done on my wrist, by my elbow and upper arm. I look like I was attacked by some sort of rabid animal.

I didn't get any pictures of it being done, but I'll be throwing up some of the bandage in the morning.

Off to Work, But

What the back of a city should look like. If LA had Alleys it would go a long way.

See how nice I used to live?

That's it for complaining about LA I promise. It's really not that bad at all, and besides where else would I be?

Getting a New Tattoo

I have an appointment tomorrow to get another tattoo. 'm getting a few lines added to the last piece I had done, which was almost two years ago now.

I have to be honest, I'm a little nervous. I'm not one of those people who claims that it doesn't hurt or that I enjoy the pain. No, the shit hurts like nobody's business. To make it worse, this is the first time that I'll be sitting without someone to talk to. The other five times I've had friends to talk with, it helps to take your mind off of it. Don't get me wrong, it's worth it.

At least it should be short, I'm guessing about 45 minutes, maybe less. Nothing compared to my back piece which took four hours. While I'm there, I'm going to have him draw something up to cover my upper arm. Because it's so dense, I think my only real option is to get my whole upper armed covered in black and have it blend into the tribal work on my shoulder and back. People keep trying to talk me out of it, probably for good reason, but I think I'm going to start on it anyway.

The thing about tattoos is that tattoo artists are not really the nicest people in the world, with exceptions of course. They tend to be a little condescending, arrogant and, well, snobby. The guy I'm going to tomorrow was recommended by an artist in Chicago who's none of those things, so here's hoping. I bring it up because I plan on asking someone there to take some shots of the work being done.

The TR3

My sisters sitting on the TR3. It doesn't look as bad as I remember it. Both of my sisters wrote to tell that they remember being driven home from the pool and stopping at the Dairy Queen. I don't remember that, but it sounds nice.

Also, my Mom used it to bribe me.

p.s. Mom also used the T to toilet train you. If you used the potty like a big boy all week, you'd get to go for a ride on Sunday. :)

I knew cars even then.

Triumph TR3

When I was a little boy, before I could come anywhere close to seeing the big picture, my Dad had a Triumph TR-3. A little red one, much like the one pictured to the right except his had a roll bar and a lot more rust.

We all loved that car, but not nearly as much as my sister. When my Dad sold it to buy a very cool, but not working at all, Jaguar (pictured at left), she cried. I don't think it's going too far to say that that experience ruined cars for her forever. Somewhere there's a really great photography of her as the car is being taken away (I must admit that I could be making this part up).

I don't remember much, the rust holes, standing in the back holding onto the roll bar, and most of all, the smell. A mixture of gas and, well I guess, age. It was a beautiful thing.

I mention it because I'm seriously looking for a new car, though I haven't even begun to think about paying for it. A TR-3 is in the running along with a mid 60s Porsche 912, and another Bug. Surprisingly, they're all in the same cost range.

I'm sorta partial to this one. He's cute with the racing stripes. and so far not too badly priced. I could get it shipped from Texas right :-)

Yeah right, just like I'm going to have my Bug shipped from Chicago. Any day now, I promise.

Burning a Hole in My Pocket

Lately I've been feeling especial broke. It seems like I don't have any money at all, which is ridiculous seeing as I make more now than ever. So where's it all going?

Well, I pay over double the rent here than I did in Chicago, for a much shittier place I might add. So that's one thing, but that doesn't account for it all.

I was walking home from work contemplating this dilemma when I think I figured it out.

Beer.

When I lived in Chicago, there was always at least one of us in the group who didn't have any cash, so we didn't go out more than once or twice a week, drinking in the rest of the time. And when we did go out it was to a very cheap bar where you can get PBR for $1.50. Here, I drink about four times a week and pay, at minimum, twice that. So that's at least $100 a week gone. If I go to a club, which isn't that often, you can probably add another $50.

Then there's living alone, no more sharing all the bills. I believe my monthly bill total was somewhere around $40. Now it's something like $200.

Combine this with eating out twice a day most every day and you start to get the picture.

I have got to start eating at home more and maybe, just maybe, cut back on the drinking.

I really should be living large right now.

So when anyone asks why I hate LA, it's not the people, the job, or the crappy layout. No, it's the sucking noise it makes as it eats my money.

Ok, it might be some of the people.

Erica's Visit Photos

A photo gallery of Erica's visit to LA a week or so ago. Mostly at the Powerhouse, the greatest bar in Hollywood, and recently purchased by a hottie.

Right, I should make that clear. From left to right, Alyson, Matt and Erica. In the gallery, I'm the guy in the last two photos, in case you didn't know.

Work Upgrades

Starting on Monday I have a new title and responsibilities at WOW. I'm now the Head of Technology overseeing both the IT and post production departments. Though it's still just me for IT. It's going to be even more work than I already have, but it should be a good experience. WOW is a growing company and it's a great to be apart of it.

One of the main reasons I left Columbia was that there wasn't any room for growth. So it's nice that after only nine months, they had enough confidence to promote me, really create a whole new position for me.

Just a little pressure.

Shower

My sister had her baby shower in Antibes. Not a whole lot of family there, but they all called in from the cottage. She's really starting to show, it was surprising. My other sister has more details.

Room Change

I finally got around to rearranging my studio today with Erica's help. It seems to have much more room now. Now I just need some furniture.

Vegas

Ahh, so my trip to Vegas. A friend from work's sister was in Vegas for some kind of convention (isn't everyone) and he was looking for a driving partner so I tagged along. I've been to Vegas a couple of times before, but never to gamble, so I made the most of it. the problem was we were having a hard time finding a room, either they were sold out or way too expensive. So for Friday night, we just gambled all night and crashed in his sister's room when she left for the convention.

Gambling all night not the brightest idea. When we first got we sat down at a blackjack table, and within ten minutes I was up $75. Not bad, but it didn't go so well after that. After we meet up with his sister and her husband, we played (I think) Gai Pow Poker. Not my game, but slow enough that it took three hours to loose $100. So down about $25, we left to go to the Bellagio poker room. The lowest game they had was a 4/8 table. I sat down with $100, not nearly enough to make a really go at it. Within 20 minutes that was gone and it was time to return to his sister's hotel. Back at the Westin I took a lesson in Craps before returning to the blackjack table, the only place to give me money that night. By 9 in the morning I was in for $270, more than half of what I had allotted to lose. The only good thing was the free place to stay.

The next day was spent at the Aladdin where I lost another $100 at a three card poker game. That's about how long it took me to realize that I shouldn't be playing anything based on poker. I stuck to the only $10 minimum blacktable in the place for the rest of the night. I had a really good run and ended up only being down $200 for the weekend. Not bad.

Around midnight Saturday, we decided to head towards LA, hoping to get a room a the last casino before hitting California. We were shocked when they as well were sold out, along with every casino around. In sort of a pickle, and tired as all hell, we sat down at a blackjack table. We each bought in for $50 and in about 15 minutes, my Vegas partner was coloring up to $500. It was an impressive run, while I just broke even. That run was a god send, and he ended up down only a few hundred thanks to it.

After that we decided to head to the next town, about 30 minutes up the road to find a hotel. Sold out as well, who knows why, the only thing they have there is the worlds largest thermometer. So we ended up sleeping in his truck on the side of the highway for four hours and then finished the drive into LA.

It was a good time and had I stayed with blackjack, I would have been up a few hundred. Lesson learned, I'll do better next time.

Vegas Weekend

I spent the weekend in Vegas. I've slept 8 hours in the last 52, half of which were in a car in the desert. Needless to say, I need some sleep. Take a look at here to see a couple of pictures of the drive while I sleep it off. More details to come I'm sure.

Drinking

Oh and I didn't drink tonight. That always helps with poker. I'm actually fairly proud of myself for sticking to it. Something I'm not usually able to do. After waking up this morning on the floor between the bathroom and my bed in a crawling position, it seemed like a good idea to skip a night.

Poker

It turns out that I'm really good at poker, or just really lucky. I played another house game tonight and I took home $20 +. That's better than it sounds. This was dealer choice with nickel antees. I bought in with 5 bucks, most everyone else bought in $10. Only one other person was up at the end of the night, and they were only up 85 cents.

Not a bad way to spend a Saturday night, have a little fun, make a little money.

Next stop Bicycle. The I'll lose it all.

LA

I think I'm on the verge of being done with LA, and not just because it's not what I expected, which is to be expected really. No, I don't think it fits me very well. I don't think I'm outgoing enough to make it work.

Five Things to Work on in the Next Month

1. Making work more enjoyable and getting out of the rut that I'm in.

2. How to make more of my LA experience. How to turn it into a good story to tell in ten years.

3. How can I dress up my studio apartment to make it seem more permanent and comfortable.

4. Getting rid of the car I have and into something I would prefer.

5. Plan a long weekend to Chicago (must work on fear of flying).

Father's Day

So I'm not the brightest boy in the bunch it turns out.

Last Sunday as I was slowly waking up, I had the TV on and I heard something about Father's Day. Not being completely awake and the fact that I knew it was coming up, I concluded it was that day. So off I go to call my Dad and wish him a good Father's Day. God Bless him, if I believed in such a thing, he was kind enough not to mention that I was two weeks early.

I didn't even realize my mistake until the middle of the week when some else asked me when father's day was and I said last Sunday. After some disagreement, we looked it up. Yeah...

Jewelry

A couple of weeks ago I ordered some new jewelry, 2 2 gauge 3/4 inch captive bead rings and one 2 gauge flat-back plug. These are fairly large gauge jewelry so it took awhile for them to come in. Finally today I received them. Man did they ever fuck up my order. Instead of the flat-back plug I got a normal O-ring plug. Yuck. And instead of two rings they sent three. You would think they would be careful with the number of pieces they send out, at $50 a pop those aren't cheap.

Now I have to go to the post office and ship them back. What a pain.

Putting rings of this gauge in is tough. I can't believe I got them in without any help. It did take 20 minutes, but still, impressive.

New Number

Just wanted to let the friends know that I have a new LA local number. The old one doesn't work now so if you know me and you need it send me an email.

Flip-Flops

I few weeks ago I bought my first pair of flip-flops and I'm loving them. They're comfy and very convenient. And I don't feel too much like a schmuck for wearing them. The only downside? Dirty hippy feet (no offense to hippies).

A picture of my flip-flops.

Family Album

I added another album to my Gallery installation. This one is of some family photos that I used to have an iPhoto book made a little while ago. This was the first one and I'm pretty happy with it. I might just have some others made.

Speaking of family photo albums, I really need to get a hold of all our family photos so I can digitized them. Along with all my grandfather's slides. I should of done this when I worked at Columbia*, with the Imacons it would have been really nice. Hindsight I guess.

*They really need update that page. The 18 new Quicksilver g4s in 2001 just isn't that impressive anymore.

Where else would I want to be?

New Tattoos

I'm looking to get some more work done and am in need of a good tattoo artist/ shop in or around Hollywood. Any one have suggestions? There's a whole strip of them on Hollywood Blvd, but I don't want to just walk in without any recommendations. Skin is pretty important after all.

I forgot that I used to shoot

Falling Asleep

When I was still with my wife (we weren't actually married yet), we lived in this cute little house in Logan Square in Chicago with a few friends. It was a small place with two cute bedrooms on the second story. It was one of those second stories where the ceiling was really the roof and the walls started coming in at your waste. The lower part of our bedroom walls were painted red while the rest was left white. I loved that bedroom. I loved that house really. If only it was in a decent neighborhood.

When we lived there, we would always play music as we went to sleep. It was almost always X Marks the Pedwalk. Anyway, my point is that I miss falling asleep to music. I only have one stereo and I use it as an alarm, so I can't use it to fall asleep. The volumes just wouldn't match.

Now, I'm really just romanticizing the whole place. In actuality we received death threats over the phone, "die" was written in snow on a friends car, it had a "KKK" room with terrifying, racist graffiti, and a really horrible thing happened to a friend while living there.

Still, I liked falling asleep to music.

Now that I'm thinking about that house, I wonder if anyone has any pictures of it? Two of my films were shot there, so there's always that. But I would have to have them run through a telecine....

Cribbage

I haven't played Cribbage in years. My grandfather and I used to play whenever I would visit them in Nebraska. I don't think I even know anyone that knows how to play anymore. Not sure I remember either. I'm going to make some one play with me. It'll be good for 'em.

Poker Virgin

I played my first game of No Limit Texas Hold 'em tonight. I did pretty damn well if I do say so myself. We ended up playing 6 rounds. I won twice and came in second twice. In the second round it was down to me and two other people. I was only holding one chip, but I managed to come back and win. It was a sight to see. I played in perfectly, again, if I say so myself. The first 6 games had a $5 buy in and last was a $10 buy in. I won the last hand as well, which made me up $25 for the night.

I loved it, I loved it, I loved it. I'm going to have to make it a weekly thing. Here's hoping it wasn't beginners luck.

Wisconsin Night Out

I finally made it out last night. Around midnight my friend Mike called and asked me to join him and some friends out at a bar not too far from me. It turned out to be a good time. Mike and his friends are from Waupun, about 10 minutes from my hometown. Soon we were thinking of common friends and places. Chatting about Wisconsin and friends we all knew made me feel a little homesick. It's been almost a year since I last visited. Don't get me wrong, Fond du Lac is the black hole of the world, but my friends are still great. I'm going to have to make some time this summer for quick drop by when I'm in Chicago.

Driving in LA

I'm at home tonight when there's a perfectly good viewing party for Totally Gayer going on right now. For some reason I just can't bring myself to drive there. I really have to get accustomed to LA, where you have to drive to do anything. I'm lucky enough to live in Hollywood, where I can usually go out without driving, but not tonight. I may end up dragging myself out yet, but I doubt it.

This city needs more cabs.

The thing about waking up

The thing about waking up everyday for work is, no matter how late I stay up the night before, come saturday morning, I'm up. No amount of tossing and turning will help. I just have to give up and get up.

So here I am, 9 o'clock in the morning on a Saturday with nothing to do. I've already been to work and back to finish up some small things left over from Friday, my Tivo is filled with nothing good at all, and I just finished reading Party Monster, just because it seemed like something I should do.

I could always clean or maybe do my laundry, but that's what Sundays are for. If I do it today, what would I do tomorrow?

I guess Saturdays are errand days, but I have all the groceries I need, I don't wash my car, and you'll never see me at Target on the weekend.

So...Here I am, writing about nothing in particular, for no particular reason, and looking for guidance really. I'll be sure to let you know if I receive any.

Here I am again

I went bowling tonight, at a place called the Lucky Strike, of all things. I drank Bud Light out of pin shaped bottles. I got nice and drunk, beat my competitors, and made drunk phone calls. All and all, a good night.

Others have been there as well.

Cookling & Cleaning

With Erica in town, I knew it wouldn't be long before she took me grocery shopping. She made me buy a frying pan, salt & pepper, a toilet brush, and many other useful things. So tonight I'll be cooking for the first time in my apartment (the PB&Js don't count). I'll be making my famous Sloppy Joes. Besides brats and Mac & Cheese, that's all I got.

Tomorrow she's making me steak though. Yum Yum.

She also made me clean my apartment. It's been awhile. The bathroom was looking particularly skank. It's good to have active visitors.

A Great Lunch

It came up at work today that I haven't been posting here that much. When asked why I said that there just hasn't been that much for me to talk about. I was then corrected and told that I tell them all kinds of stories. So to rectify, here is the lunch I had the other day that was so good I couldn't stop smiling all afternoon.

Now that I live so close to work, I often go home to eat. On the first day I went home I had a PB&J, apple sauce and chips. I know it doesn't sound like much, but it was so good. I felt like I was in grade school again, and that's the best feeling you can have. I wish I always felt that good and stress free.

Learning Spanish

I've been eating McDonald's quite a bit lately. It's on my way home from work and the only things I can eat at home are frozen pizza and PB&J (I don't have any dishes).

I usually stop at about the same time at night and often have my order taken by the same guy. About a week ago I gave my order and he started talking to me in spanish. Not speaking any spanish what so ever, I just stared blankly at him. A couple nights later I was there again and he pointed out that I'm the guy who doesn't speak spanish. He's now taken it upon himself to teach me. Every time I go there now, he repeats my order in spanish and when I give him my money he makes me tell him how much it is in spanish. Then he tells me my change.

I think he likes me. It's kind of cute really.

2003, A Year in Review

It's almost 2004 which means I should reflect on the last year a little. I can safely say that it was a great year for me. There were some dark spots this summer and early fall when I didn't have anything to do, but all and all this has probably been one of the best years of my life.

Some of the good:

I bought and sold my first motorcycle

I got a '69 VW Beetle, all though I don' have a title for it, it doesn't really run, it needs new windows, it's in Chicago and I don't know how I'm going to get it here. Still I have it.

I had a girlfriend.

And the biggest thing: I have a great new job in a whole new city, LA.

I have great hopes for 2004 as well. My new job should get even better, maybe a little more money. I should be able to get the Bug into LA sometime. I might even meets some people so I can go out.

So here's to 2003 and here comes 2004.

Internet Access

Finally I can stop using the dial-up here at home. My only complaint is that the DSL is PPPoE, even though I was told it wasn't. I hate PPPoE, for no good reason, but still, I hate it.

With my broadband connection up you will notice a few things come back to life on this site. Mostly the web-cam pic and recent music. It's nice to be back on my own computer. The laptop is nice and all, but I need some screen to stretch out on. I do miss the keyboard though.

Good Things About My Home

Besides being able to walk to work, living near work gives me one other benefit. I can go home for lunch. I'll save a lot of money eating at home a few times a week. Of course I'm limited to sandwiches right now, but soon enough I will be able to make grilled cheese!

More Christmas Gifts

Thanks to my sister Peg and her husband Ryan I have even more songs to buy at the iTunes Music Store. I don't know if I can think of that many songs. Thanks guys. Now I just need a new iPod to fit all this new music on. My poor 20 gig just can't handle it anymore.

If my family is any sign, I think Apple's iTunes Store is going to have a good Christmas season.

As a side note, this is the first time in years I've had to use a dial-up account, and it sucks. Where's my DSL Modem?!

Christmas Gifts

Someone reads my Blog. Thanks Kate and Mom.

Shopping

Erica was in town these week to visit me and some other friends. Taking advantage of this, I made her come with me to Target to do my initial house shopping. I only got a few things. Trash bags, a trash can, pizza cutter, hand towels, stuff like that.

I also got one of those folding camping chairs, like I had in Chicago. This one is nicer though, it has a foot rest. This chair has made my apartment more depressing looking actually. Before, it was I just moved here and don't have any furniture cool. Now it's, I'm so broke all I can afford is this cheap folding chair thing (even if it is really, really comfortable).

I also made Erica come with me to the Grove to spend my gift certificate. I bought what has to be the most expensive pair of jeans. But god do they look good on me. Erica bought me a pair for Christmas as well. Very nice of her.

I made a quick stop into Barnes and Noble to buy Mike Moore's new book. I need something to do while I wait for my Direct TV to be installed (December 31st).

A Good Week

What a week. I moved into the new place and I love it so far. The balcony is really nice. I need to get some furniture in there though, I'm sitting and sleeping on the floor.

We also had the office Christmas party. With out going into too much detail, it was a riot. Nothing like a free open bar.

I cut off all my hair. I'm back to the buzz cut. I did it after work and before the Christmas part so everyone was very shocked. Apparently I'm now the office hottie. At least that's what everyone keeps saying.

I also received a nice little gift certificate for the Grove as a bonus. So I'll be buying so much need clothes. As tempted as I am to spend it at the Apple Store there, I must resist.

A New Home

I finally have a place! It's a little studio just a couple of blocks from work. It's going to be nice not to have to drive. It's small, but if I sleep in the closet, I think It will be ok. It has a balcony too. That's what sold me on it. That and they let me move in right away.

It will be a couple of weeks before I have an internet connection and cable TV. With any luck one of my neighbors will have an Airport network setup that I can use in the mean time.

Things I would like

Apple's iTunes gift certificates.

Just in case you were wondering what to get me this holiday season.

Lacking, in almost everything

I just went to my site (just took look at it, I know I'm vain) and it was a sad, sad site. Blank, just nothing.

I just haven't had the energy to write anything lately. I have been a little overwhelmed with work for the last couple of weeks and my person life has taken a back seat. Which is probably good, I would just get depressed anyway.

Birthday

It's my birthday. Yes, my birthday.

Looking for a Place

I still haven't found a place to live. I'm not sure what's wrong with that no one wants to live with me :-) Maybe it's the smoking.

I guess it's time to get a studio, but I can't even seem to find one in a neighborhood close to work that I can afford. What a pain this is.

I would really like to have a place for my birthday next week. I just want to unpack all my stuff.

I bought Tony Hawk's Underground last weekend to keep myself entertained, but I beat it in a couple of days. Nothing left to do now except work.

Week One

I'm about to finish up my first week here at WoW (yes, I'm now using the abbreviation). All went well. It has a great atmosphere and I like the work they are doing. Plus I love having a laptop to use again.

As for my first week and a half in LA? Fairly boring. If it wasn't for Erica's visit last weekend I would have gone crazy. I am in desperate need of my own place. At least then I won't miss my shows and I can perform some personal activities.

I think I have giving up hope of living in Los Feliz, too expensive, but maybe I can find a place in the Silverlake area.

Now back to making sure that the show gets to tape.

Third Day

Well my third day is going well. Yeah I'm still here 12 hours later. I'll probably be here for another hour or two.

Final Cut Pro is the devil by the way.

I need to buy some better shoes, my feet are killing me.

And I have no time to look for a place to live.

I like it.

First Day at Work

Today was my first day at World of Wonder.

It went well. I definitely like the place as much as I thought (easy to say after only one day). The only bad thing was the parking ticket. I'm waiting for my tag so I can park in the lot.

I had a nice titanium G4 waiting for me when arrived this morning. That was nice. I had a chance to checkout the Xserve RAID. That's one nice piece of equipment. I think I need one for home. You can never have enough space for MP3s.

Oh...and the man I'm replacing was nice enough to take me out for lunch.

I'll have more to say once I get more acquainted.

Bookmarks

Apple's .Mac service has one thing that really makes it worth the $99 a year, Bookmarks. It's a life saver to be able to use all my bookmarks when traveling or using someone else's computer. And they sync...yeah.

As you can tell I'm just sitting around bored while my laundry finishes drying.

I had no luck finding an apartment today either. I'm not in a realy hurry or anything. I can stay with Galerkin as long as I need to, but it would be nice to get settled in somewhere.

Odd Times

I'm on the oddest sleeping schedule now. I was getting up at 6 each moring on the trip and now I can't sleep much past that. I guess it's good. I'll be getting up early starting next week anyway. Still there isn't a whole lot to do at 7 in the morning.

The Last Night Out

My last night out in Chicago was interesting. I managed to fall through a glass door at the Pick Me Up Cafe. It was a little embarrassing. I wasn't even drunk.

It's fitting I think.

Tonight should be less eventful for me. Just having dinner with a couple of friends. Then early to bed.

I leave at 8 am tomorrow and will be out of contact until Thursday. Wish me luck on my drive across the country.

A Place and a Countdown

I now have a place to stay while I look for a place in LA. I'm very relieved. A friend of my uncles is being kind enough to let me stay in his guest room.

Two more days before I leave.

The Preparations

I have been completely neglecting my site, I know. I'm pretty busy here trying to get everything worked out before I go. Some of the more pressing issues include finding someone to take my room here in Chicago, finding a place to live at in L.A. and figuring out how to get the Beetle out there.

I am also trying to shed myself of most of my possessions. I can only take what will fit into a Jetta, which isn't much more than my computer and clothes.

And of course I'm trying to see as many people as possible before I leave next week.

It's worth it though.

A New Job

Today has turned into a good one. I got the job in L.A.

I start November 3rd, so I only have about two weeks left here in Chicago. I'm not sure how exactly I'm getting out there yet. I may drive the Beetle if I can get the title in time, otherwise it's the train again. I would prefer to drive though, I'll be able to take some things with me. We'll see.

I guess I should mention what I'll be doing there. I'll be the network administrator and providing end-user support for World of Wonder. They produce documentaries, some television and have a feature out right now. It is about 75 machines (all Mac) and growing fast.

It should be a really great experience for me. Wish me luck.

More on the California Job

I have the second interview next Wednesday. I feel good about my chances, even if I am a little nervous. I found out more about the network today and it helped solidify my interest in the position. In this position I would be able to build the infrastructure as they grow not just maintain what someone else built. Definitely something that I like to do.

I'll be taking the train out there instead of flying. Not only is it cheaper, but it should be fun to see the countryside. I have never been on a long train trip before, but I'm sure I will enjoy most of it.

By the twelfth hour I expect to be chastising myself for not just taking a plane.

I leave on Sunday, returning on Saturday. I think I will be staying with a friend of my sisters for the two nights that I'm there. I have never meet him, but I'm told he's nice. Hopefully I can get him to show me around, it's been awhile since the last time I visited LA.

Sunny California

I got the call from the company I interview with last week. It looks like I'll be flying out to LA next week to meet with the bosses. The meeting seems more of a formality, just to make sure I'm not creepy or something. If all goes well I'll be living in Hollywood by the 15th.

So now I'm looking for neighborhoods to live in. I really have no idea where I would want to live at all.

If anyone has a suggestion for getting a VW Beetle and a motorcycle to Cali, I would be interested.

Over the Phone

I had an interview today over the phone with a company in Hollywood. I think the interview went well, but I will have to wait and see. I'm actually pretty excited about it. It sounds like a great place to work. An all Mac shop with about 75 machines.

I would be the only tech person on staff, so I would also be in charge of budgeting and purchasing along with support. It's definitely the kind of environment and responsibility that I'm looking for.

Could this be bye bye Chicago, see you later winter? Probably not, but we can always hope.

Birthday

Just two months now until my birthday! Just a friendly reminder for friends and family. I have an Amazon wishlist just incase you don't know what to get me :-)

The Cold

Now that I have both a motorcycle and Beetle, I don't know how I'm going to make it through another winter here in Chicago. I would love to be somewhere warm, someplace where I can ride year round. A place where I can put the top down in December. Maybe I could even have a garage to store them in. Maybe I could build things there. I like to build things, you know?

It was in the 50's here today. It will be in the 40's tonight. I don't know how I'm going to make it through another winter here in Chicago.

Chops Being Chopped

If you look over at the webcam picture on the left you maybe able to notice that I cut off my chops. That is if you even knew I had them.

I'm not sure why. I just got out of the shower and started hacking them off. It should make my Mom happy, it already made some women happy on the train this afternoon :-)

Now though, I have some weird red splotches on my cheek. I wonder how long I've had it, and if it's going to go away. It is not very attractive.

My Night in the ER

I spent a good part of last night in the hospital. It was an incredible waste of time, and I don't think I've ever been treated so badly by a doctor.

The Door County Homes

This is where I stayed while in Door County. The family cottage was originaly built in '58 I believe. The section with the second story was added in the mid to late 60s when the family made it their permanent home.

This is the home my Grandpa built in the late 70's. The earth berm home I was talking about. It's on a beautiful double lot. It's in some need of repair.

From the side.

How to Turn 4.5 Hours into 13

Well here's the Beetle, looks great don't you think?

I drove it down to Chicago following my Mom just in case there were any problems. Of course there were. As it turns out, the alternator doesn't work and around Milwaukee the battery died. By this time we had already been on the road for 6 hours (for a trip that normally takes 4.5 for the whole thing). Frustrated we ran off to Walmart to pickup a new battery. Thinking that I would save some money I bought a small one.

I should have taken into account the traffic in Milwaukee, being Harley's 100th anniversary and all. 200,000 bikers lined the streets. By the time we got out of the city it was dark and I had to turn on the headlights. We made it to a north suburb before the battery died. We had to leave the car at an all night gas station (there were very nice). I picked it up the next day with the help of Serena and Dustin.

Time spent on the road....13 hours! I was so glad to get into bed. My poor Mom had to get up early and fly home to France. I owe her a lot for taking the time.

Here we are on the side of the road discussing a possible wrong turn (which is was).

Rude

I was walking down Clark street tonight with my roommates when some random woman basically called me ugly. I quote:

That guy needs to cut his hair and loose the jewelry.

I can't believe she said that. I don't care what you think of my look, but keep it amongst yourself. I don't need to hear it. I was so shocked that I didn't even say anything, but Serena yelled at her. It was fairly funny, but I don't remember what exactly she said.

There really isn't a need to scream out what you think of someone you don't know who is just walking down the street.

People suck.

I'm Back

Well I'm finally back from my week in northern Wisconsin. It was a great time, but the drive back was hell. I managed to gain a 70's VW Beetle convertible (pictures to come soon) and on the way back I discovered that the alternator doesn't work.

More details of my trip w/ photos will be coming in the next few days.

Summer Get Away

It's been a busy few days. With my Mom in town, there has been a lot of diners with family and other similar events.

Today I went with my Mom and a couple of my cousins to the Museum of Science and Industry. The train set was as good as I had hoped.

Tomorrow I have my court date and then we're off to Door County. My aunt has an old Volkswagen Beetle up there that she's trying to sell and I'm thinking of buying. At least it will be fun to drive it around while I'm there. Plus I get to go swimming for the first time in a few years. I plan on having a great time. I should be back in town Friday or Saturday night, until then I'm computer free.

I'll be sure to post some pics when I get back.

Visiting Mother

My Mom is going to be in Chicago this week. All I was told was that she would be coming in on Saturday and that she wanted to go up to Door County Wisconsin.

This leave me just a few questions:

What time will she be getting in?
Where will she be staying?
Will we have time to see each other Saturday, or not until Sunday?
When are we going to Wisconsin?
For how long will we be gone?
And the big one, when is she leaving?

I just love how I get all the details.

The Things We Keep

I don't have many things from my childhood, in fact I only have one thing. A die cast Model T that my grandfather gave me. I've managed to keep it because of it's size. It's not so big as to be left behind in a move and not so small to lose. I love this car.

Looking at it tonight got me thinking of other things that I've managed to acquire and move with me over the years. Here is a list of strange things (at least to me) that I have hiding in my apartment.

• A huge collection of clothes pins, remnants of film school.
• Empty sandbags. Also from film school.
• A 2000 watt Mole Richardson light. Mine is from the 60's so it's black.
• An old gas mask.
• A ping pong paddle and a collection of balls. I just wish I actually had a table, or ever had one.

The Family

My Mom is stateside. She should be hanging out in Boston tonight before she flies off to Maine for a sailing class. In about a week she'll be making her way to Chicago. If she actually updated her blog, I would be able to keep track of her trip (hint hint).

Maybe while she's here we will go to the Museum of Science and Industry. They have an exhibit called the Great Train Story. Basically a train set depicting the railway between Chicago and Seattle. I love train sets.

Erica's Last Week

I just got the film back of Erica's last week here in Chicago. Here we are outside the airport saying some of our last goodbyes. It's my second favorite one in the group.

I also have a really crappie picture of a tiger, but you can't really see the poor thing.

BTW, the picture is huge. Just huge.

Stop Watch

I want this.

I've wanted an analog stop watch for the longest time. I don't know why I don't just buy it.

I'm not sure what on earth I would actually do with it, but it seems like fun.

P.S. I miss Erica.

New Contract Job?

I have a interview tomorrow for a contract job. I hate interviews. I don't own any clothes that would be appropriate (all I own are black t-shirts and black pants). What do I do about my hair and side burns? They're getting a little out of control now. It probably doesn't really matter, it's just a preliminary interview after all.

It does sound like a fun job. Transition a medium (250+) company to Mac OS X. I like to image computers. I don't really know why.

On a Jet Plane

I saw Erica off tonight. I joined her and her sister for the cab ride out to the airport. They don't allow people without tickets into the gates anymore, so I didn't get to see her fly off. Our tearful goodbyes were outside, but at least we got to smoke.

I'm going to miss her. This summer was really fun for me and she had a lot to do with it. So here's wishing her a safe flight and a great time living in Oakland.

Trip to the North

I'm back (bet you didn't know I was gone) and I'm dead tired from the drive. Coming into Chicago was hell, horrible down poor plus returning vacationers. Blah.

I took a last minute trip to my home town to see some friends and my dad. Nothing too exciting happened, but it was great to see everyone. I spent most of my time talking about motorcycles. They all seem to have more than one. Bastards.

A Chicago Tourist for a Day

I've had a very eventful day. Since Erica is leaving in just a couple of days, she wanted to do "Chicago" things. We started at the Lincoln Park Conservatory, and then spent a few hours at the zoo.

I haven't been to either since high school, so it was fun to see some of the new things. I think the favorite of the day was the "sensitive plant". The leaves curl under when you touch them. Neat.

Tonight we're going to go see The Matrix Reloaded at the Imax theater at Navy Pier. It should be cool.

Death Avoidance

In my apartment we have a white board for writing notes and messages to each other. We all have different schedules so it is the only was to communicate messages with any swiftness.

So this morning I come back from a meeting to find a new note, I'll quote:

Smells like gas by stove.

That's it. Just a fucking note? Don't you try and fix it? Failing that, shouldn't you wake up, at the very least, the guy who's room is next to the stove? If he doesn't die from the carbon monoxide, he could blow himself up when he lights his morning smoke.

It turned out that just the pilot light was out, but it could have been anything. Makes me nervous for the next time there's a leak.

Another Night, a Better Time

I had a much better night. Nothing in particular happened, but no one sucked.

A Waste of a Friday

Well as you can see from my lack of updates yesterday, I've been spending too much time playing SimCity. I did manage to go out last night though. A friend of Erica's had a party. We didn't stay long, it was not a fun time. Too many people trying to be too cool.

I was amazed at the amount of people wearing leg warmers on their arms. God I hate that look. A whole group of kids who think their different and special all dressing exactly alike....I don't think they really get it.

Lunch in the Loop

I had a nice lunch today with some old coworkers downtown. You have to love the buffalo burger at Hackney's.

It's weird seeing all those computers that I no longer have control over. I need my own personal lab at home. All G5s of course.

Death

I had a call today from a friend looking for a phone number of another friend. She sounded sick so I asked her if she was feeling alright. She let me know that a friend of hers died this morning.

So while saying good bye and trying to say something comforting, this came out.

umm...I hope...umm...well there's no point in wishing him well, he's dead and all, so...umm...sorry.

I think I can safely say that I'm the worst person to talk to if it involves death.

All By Myself

I have the apartment to myself for the next four days, not counting Erica of course. My roommates are off on a trip to Canada. I was originally supposed to go with them, but work commitments have left me stranded in Chicago.

I will make good use of the apartment while they are gone though. 4 days of walking around naked. Fun.

Lost Toys

While looking for vanilla for my french toast, I found a bell for my bike that a friend gave me awhile ago. I totally forgot about it. I still searching my head for why it would be in the cabinet above the sink.

Midnight Craving Satisfied

Well I actually did make that french toast this morning, or at noon anyway. It was in fact as easy as I remember it looking. The only problem was that I didn't really check to make sure we actually had everything I need. So my french toast was made without vanilla and eaten without syrup. It was still very good.

French Toast

It's almost three in the morning and in bed trying to sleep, but all I can think about is making french toast. I don't think I have ever made it before, but I'm going to try in the morning.

I remember my Mom making it for me as a child. Doesn't seem to hard, just a some beaten eggs, milk and vanilla. Wish me luck.

Racket Balls

I have found my long lost racket ball. I used to never be without it. I'm sure that it was really annoying. I'm glad it's back. It will probably only be a day before I break something.

Cleaning

I spent the better part of my day cleaning my room. My god did I let it get nasty. No wonder I was sniffling all the time. With the size of the dust bunnies, you would think I was sharing my room with several hairy cats.

Within minutes of putting the vacuum cleaner away there was ash and tobacco on my desk. What I need is one of those vacuum tables. There're kind of ugly and probably loud though.

QotD: Your List

Erik's question of the day is a good one, very enlightening.

Question: If you were married (or if you are), what five celebrities are on "your list?"

Here are my five, in no particular order.

Halle Berry
Christina Aguilera
Shakira
Jennifer Aniston
Madonna

This was hard for me to answer, I've never tried to narrow it down to five before. I think I'm happy with it, but here are some people who almost made it.

Brad Pitt
Kirsten Dunst
Eliza Dushku
Carmen Electra
Kate Hudson

Getting Money

For the most part I like working for myself, but I hate having to get money from people. I have a client who owes me a fairly large sum of money and hasn't paid in almost two months. I don't like to be a nag and there's no way I'm going to call and ask for it. I guess it's time to send out another invoice and hope they get the hint.

Come on, part of that money is for my iSight.

My Typepad Blog

While trying to figure out what to do with my Typepad Blog, I decided to put up a photo ablum. A little while back my sister Kate was kind enough to scan some family pics and send them to me. Go ahead and take a look at what I looked like as a child. It's not always so good.

Eating a Meal

Tonight I had KFC for the first time in a long time. I forgot how good it is and how it feels like a meal. I don't eat a real meal very often, mostly sustaining myself with delivery and frozen pizza. Sometimes I'll eat out, but that's not a real meal either, often just a burger and fries. It was nice to have such a variety of food for dinner,

Yum...biscuits and wedges...good.

Old Friends

I received a phone call from an old friend tonight. It always surprises me when I'm handed the phone. No one but my Mom calls me on the apartment land line. I figured it must be a tele-marketer or something. I was relieved when it was my friend Jess who I haven't seen in 5 years, since I moved to Chicago.

I met Jess while still living in my hometown about 7 or 8 years ago. We ended up being close friends. When she moved to Colorado and I moved to Chicago, we just sorta stopped talking. Well now she's back in Fond du Lac and got my number from a mutual friend.

It was weird to talk to her. When you haven't seen someone in that long, it can be hard to think of something to say without reminiscing. We ended up talking for over an hour, apparently I thought of something. She sounded great. Hopefully I'll be seeing her in a few weeks. I've been trying to plan a trip up there all summer, but it's proving harder than expected to get away.

July 4th

My day has been interesting. It started by watching Cocktail and continued with a barbecue. Nothing like some beer brats to make a summer holiday complete. After we finished eating, we headed off to a traditional barbecue in the suburbs. We didn't eat, but did have a few beers and there may have been a frisbee thrown around.

I love the Fourth of July. I hope everyone else had a great one as well. It's now time for bed.

Socks

Seriously, I no longer have a single sock without a hole in it. Something must be done. That last batch really sucked.

Court Date

Well I had my court date this morning. What a pain in the ass. Turns out it is not in fact a court date, instead it a day to meet the other attorney and set a trial date with the judge. Blah.

It was funny. The lawyer asked me out to the hall and "explained" what was going on. He offered to allow me to make payments and they would take it off my credit, but I had to do it today, one time offer.

I hate when people assume that I'm an idiot. I turned down his generous offer to pay a crap load of money that I don't think I owe. I might as well go to trail and at least have a chance to win. It's not like I'll pay less if I settle.

He asked why I thought I didn't owe any money, apparently he never read the letter I sent a year ago when this started. Anyway he seemed surprised by my thoughts on what happened. I guess the building management never talked to him.

Anyway, now I have to prepare for trial, whatever that means. I have a couple of months for it though.

Strega Nona

One of our neighbors works down the street at Strega Nona's as a sous chef. He was kind enough to cook us up some sample dishes to share as well as comp us our drinks. We ended up spending 3 or 4 hours there.

The place has a nice atmosphere, and it's huge. The food was good but not great. It's a basic red sauce Italian place. I guess that their thinking of redoing the place and turning it more into a bar, which makes all the money as it is anyway. The plan is to just serve a "better" bar food. Those types of places seem popular lately, especially in my neighborhood.

Anyway, a decent night out.

I'm Back

I just got back for the Apple Store opening downtown, just four hours after I left. We got there an hour before it opened and the line was already wrapping around three city blocks. Within an half hour the line was doubling over itself, totaling around 6 city blocks, or about a half mile. I wish I had a digital camera, but I'm sure pics of the event will show soon enough.

Once the store opened the line moved quickly and we were inside in less than an hour. I couldn't buy anything so we just looked around. I was hoping that they had SimCity 4 but as it just started shipping today I wasn't surprised when it wasn't.

The store is crazy big. They have a classroom in this one on the third floor I guess, but we didn't get to see it. The internet cafe is really just a few iMacs with iSights, no drinky drink.

I'll be going there next week to buy my iSight, and may just stop by on Tuesday to see Cheap Trick :-)

Apple Store

Holly is on her way over and then we are off to the opening of Apple's North Michigan Ave store. I hear they're giving away isights, here's hoping.

My Bed

Not too long ago I built myself a new lofted bed. Since the weather was still chilly, I didn't think about the summer months. Now that it's in the 90s my bed is almost unusable.

Besides the fact that heat rises, the vent is right behind the bed and shoots straight down on top of my TV. The air conditioning never has a chance.

To solve this dilemma I made a little scoop out of a discarded box left over from our party. You can see it in the second pic. Not the best looking thing in the world, but my sleeping area is already more comfortable. Just in time for the temp to go back to normal.

Cigarette Burns

I have this problem. I have an ashtray on my desk. Generally I keep it relatively close to the edge, I'm not sure why. I do it without thinking. So what happens is, every time I go to type something, I put my smoke in the little holder spots. I don't let the tip rest in the ashtray, seems dirty to me. Instead I balance it in the center.

So what happens next is the cigarette burns down, making it more back heavy. This causes the cigarette to fall out of the ashtray. Now my table must be at a slant because every time it rolls to the floor.

So far not that big of a deal, but what has happened three times in the last year now is a problem. I forget about it. I don't check it, I don't even think about. Sometimes I even leave the room. Thus I have three cigarette length burns on my floor.

This is not good. No matter how much I try I can't keep that damn ashtray farther away from the edge. Blah, I'm have to work on that. Anyone know how to get burn out of a floor without resorting to refinishing? I imagine not.

Sorry about the completely random rant, but you know how it is.

G5 Mess

This whole mess over Apple's claim that the G5 is the fastest desktop computer ever is utterly ridiculous. You have some people saying that they rigged the benchmarks and of course Apple is saying they didn't.

Blah, blah, blah. Every hardware company tests in a way that makes their machines look the best. For christ sake, Apple even had Photoshop stats that made the G4 look faster than the P4, which we all know is bullshit, and there was less of an uproar.

You can never trust a company to give an unbiased statistic, they have marketing departments to make sure that doesn't happen. So take Apple's spec scores with a grain of salt as well as everyone else's and move on.

My point is simply that the G5 is fast. Faster at somethings, slower at others I'm sure, but fucking fast none the less. No one can argue that they have caught up. What I would like to see are some comparisons to the G4 so I can know how much my computer sucks now :-)

I want one.

Or maybe my point was that everybody should just shut-up already, including me.

Not to get too much off topic, but I'm going to be at the Chicago Apple Store opening on friday. The reason for the visit is to pickup my new iSight of course. Here's hoping they have them in stock.

Sun Burn

I rode my motorcycle downtown today to see a client, and because I'm stupid I had to go home then back again. All told, I spent almost two hours on my bike in the scorching sun, between the hours of 11 and 3.

I'm burned, charred, and bright red. It hurts like hell and I have a headache from the heat. Horrible day. I't the most ridiculous burn pattern on top of it. Just the tops of my arms, the undersides are fine. I guess it's time for me to buy some sun block.

iChat

Apple released some new toys at their developer conference today. I'm not going to recap, you can find lots of info elsewhere. I do want to say that the new version of iChat rocks.

I'm not able to test out the video yet, but the audio works great. Even with my crap mic the sound quality was good. I talked to my sister in France for a good ten minutes without any noticeable lags or drops. I swear it was better than some of the phone connections we get.

This may actually replace the phone when it comes to talking to my family overseas. Something that I would have doubted. It will certainly be cheaper.

The key now is to convince my Mom that she needs iSight. Shouldn't be to hard, she does need her dose of Tom. As I told my sister, it's a communications device that gives you Tom on demand. What more could a mother want?

Hit and Runway

It was a nice lazy Sunday afternoon. I had a couple of tall cans on the back porch with Josh and Serena before retiring inside for a movie. Josh deep fried us some cheese curds and holly showed up just in time to catch it with us.

Hit and Runway was the film of choice and it did not disappoint. It is definitely not the greatest comedy ever made, but it made me laugh. Peter Jacobson's character was incredibly cute, but possibly a little too Woody Allen like.

I seem to like movies about people writing movies.

Summer Lovin' Status

The party went off pretty well. It wasn't as big as our last one, but still a good crowd. We had to kick people out at 5 this morning, way too hungry to wait any longer. You wouldn't believe how hard it is to get people out.

The house is a mess and I plan to hide in my room all day in order to avoid the cleaning for at least a little while. I'll get roped into it tonight I'm sure. I'll eventually have get something to eat, then they'll grab me.

We had some drama and had to ask someone to leave. He took it well, and it was over fairly quickly. Speaking of drama, we found out last night that our landlord is moving into the first floor apartment in two weeks. That's never good.

Motorcycle

I finally have a picture of my bike. I took it with a DV cam so it's not the greatest, but at least I have one now.

Pay particular attention to the seat and back half, in my opinion the best looking part. Now if it just didn't have a the Suzuki across the tank.

Summer Lovin'

I'm spending my day cleaning up for tonight's party: Summer Lovin'. This includes the usual list of activities, cleaning the bathroom, putting the junk away, arranging seats, and most importantly, setting up a playlist.

It should be a fun night. I'll try not to do any drunken posts.

11 Things

BlogFodder asks for 11 objects in your immediate vicinity. Here we go.

1. A super sized McDonald's cup
2. A small needle nose pliers
3. 7 boxes of matches
4. UPS info notice
5. Three Yo-Yos
6. American Express welcome here sign & buisness card holder
7. Three disposable lighters
8. Two 1.5 oz. containers of pipe tobacco
9. A $20 bill
10. A motorcycle temporary license
11. A chain-mail Green Bay Packers logo

Saw it first at The Long Letter

Buying a Pipe

I was working downtown today and as I was leaving I thought I would stop by Iwan Ries to check out their pipes. The place looks like an old men's club when you walk in. Everything is layered in dark woods and lit with low lamp light. The even had the old school phone booths. The ones that are like little closets built into the walls, with little seats. I was the only one under 50 there.

I ended up choosing a nice GBD. It has a fairly simple smooth wood grained bowl and the neck has a gentle sloop to it. I also picked up the requisite tools, pipe cleaners and a tamper. All within my gift certificate's limit.

A good day.

A Simple Night Out

I went to the Double Door tonight to see Monster Trucks. Josh knows someone in the band so we were supposed to get comped. We ended up just getting a couple bucks off the door. Still it was a good time. They weren't too bad, I'm not a huge fan of metal.

Gifts

I received two packages today, one expected, the other a nice little surprise. My sister Kate got me a gift certificate from Iwan Ries, a really nice smoke shop downtown. I'll be going there tomorrow to pick out a good pipe and some new tobacco.

My plan is to quite smoking cigarettes and just stick to the pipe while at home. We shall see if this works. So far I've cut down to about two packs a day, maybe less. This is progress, trust me.

Day in Court

My day in court turned out to be a day of filing paper work. The stupid summons doesn't tell you anything.

I was impressed by how fast everything was though. There was virtually no waiting at any of the offices that I had to visit. Everyone was very polite and helpful. I was expecting something more along the lines of the DMV.

My day in court is now set for July 1st. I'm sure I'm going to lose.

Summons

Nothing like being woken up by a guy trying to serve you. Yes you read right, I'm being sued. Blah, crappy day so far. The worse part is that the court date is Tuesday. Not a whole lot of time to prepare. The notice papers even say that I have to be served my summons at least three days before the court date. Maybe I'll be able to get some more time.

All over a stupid lease from over a year ago. The place sucked, they never fixed the things they said they would and most importantly, it smelled like a sewer. The plumbing wasn't vented right and all the gas came back in the apartment. I had to let the place air out for an hour every time I came home after work. Blah.

Techno and Breakfast

I woke up to weird jazz techno this morning. Apparently there's a block party in front of our house this weekend. No one tells me anything. If there weren't enough children around already.

After we gave up trying to sleep through the noise we went and had a good breakfast at Stella's this morning afternoon. Erica seemed to enjoy her omelet and I certainly enjoyed my french toast special. I liked the place better before the remodel, but it's still nice.

Stupid People

It's 4 in the morning and some stupid girl just called three times in a row. Think! Is it possible people are trying to sleep, or maybe even having sex? Could it be that they don't want to answer the fucking phone!

When they do finally answer, because they think someone maybe dead, do you think it's OK to have attitude? I'm sorry that Steve isn't home, but the world doesn't revolve around you.

Fuck off!

*UPDATE*

It is now 20 minutes later and she has called again. I told her not to call here again and she asked me why I had to be so mean. I wonder why I maybe a little cranky. If I every meet this girl I'm going to freak out. Steve and his stupid pussy.

Parties & Europe

We just got back from a party on the south side at my friend Jeffrey's loft. A fairly good time. The music could have been more danceable, and someone drank all our beer, but it was still good. I got to see a lot of people who I haven't seen in a while.

For some reason I decided to go through a life change during it though. When I was in high-school I always said that I would tour Europe for a year when I graduated, but dropping out and my parent's divorce kind of ended that plan. Now I'm thinking of taking it on again. Something about buying a motorcycle and driving across Europe sounds good to me. I wonder why :-)

Millionaires

4 out 10 Senators are millionaires. I would have guessed it to be much higher than that.

Good old Herb Kohl keeping it alive at number 2. When I lived in Milwaukee he used to come into the George Webb's every morning for coffee. He didn't like to be bothered too much.

Like Grandpa

In in effort to cut down on my smoking (mostly for monetary purposes) I have started to smoke a pipe. As it turns out, it's much harder than you would think. Keeping the damn thing lit is near impossible, and when I do finally light it, it gets freaking hot.

I also have a bad pipe. There is not a good tobacco shop around me so I had to go to a head shop. The pipe I got looked like a normal tobacco one, but no, pot pipe. Too small of a drag to keep it burning. Lucky for me I have a old one from somewhere that I managed to find. Now I just need a jacket with leather patches.

Three Deer

You have to love Google's image search. Steve wanted to scan an image he found in some magazine a couple of years ago, but we don't have a scanner here anymore. Two searches later we have it, and in much higher quality than the old one he had.

The image is to be used on our next party flyer. Not our most exciting one, but good none the less.

Hard Day of Work

I spent the day working for a client whose office is in an attic. It was so hot and humid I thought I was going to pass out. They need to get some air-conditioning.

A Friend

I setup a site for a friend of Erica's yesterday. Adam's Apple can be found at adam.noetech.com

Saturday Night

I went to this party downtown last night. It was horrible. For one, everyone was the same. It was polo shirt after polo shirt. Nothing wrong with polo shirts, but jesus people spice it up. I think because of the all the sameness there wasn't any mingling of any sorts, which is the whole point of a party.

Serena had invited over a friend from work and she brought her boyfriend. They were a little shy, but I like them. Hopefully we will see them again. The boy had bad ass pants.

The apartment was a white man's reggae paradise. It even had what appeared to be an alter. It was nuts. We didn't stay very long, short enough that are CTA cards were charged for a transfer. We just went back to our apartment and hung out for a little bit.

Brunch and the Cubs

It's a beautiful day in Chicago. I went to Orange with Josh, Serena and Erica for brunch. Erica works there so we were able to sit right away. I didn't really like the place very much. My food was good, but the atmosphere wasn't to my liking. It seemed to be trying to hard to be the trendy brunch place.

While there I ran into someone who I haven't seen in a long time. I invited him to our next party so hopefully I'll start seeing that crowd again.

The Cubs were apparently playing the Yankees today and the game let out right as we were leaving breakfast. it took 30 minutes to get home. Normally it would less than 10. Blah, I hate living near Wrigley Field.

Sister

My sister tricked me! She had volunteered to pick me up a leather jacket in Chile while she was still living there (apparently leather in Chile is cheap). She wanted me to be protected while on my motorcycle. So I sent her a link to a jacket that I liked so she could try and find one that had the same style. Instead of buying me the cheap leather she went ahead and bought me the one I sent her. Too nice.

Thursday Night Tradition

For our traditional Thursday night out we went to Coobah where Josh works. It was just me, Josh and Serena. Steve had to work and of course Erica can't go. While there a waitress comes up to Serena and starts telling her how she was hitting on Josh one night while they got drunk together. Oh bad news for Josh. I'm sure he was just having a drink after work and a few people were there, but that's not what she made it sound like.

Soon after we took off. It was the first thing out of Serena's mouth. I took my leave and headed to the Pick Me Up for a chocolate malt. I didn't want to witness what was about to happen.

Movies, Agro, Beer

I went with Erica, Steve, Josh and Serena to the Brew & View last night to see Old School. I love that place, nothing like drinking while watching a funny movie. We ended up staying for the second movie as well. Bringing Down the House sucks. Steve Martin has really gone downhill.

While getting are IDs checked and paying, one of the guys gave Erica a big lecture about not drinking (she is not 21) and if she was caught we would all go to jail. Thinking it was funny, I teased her about not getting us arrested. The guy behind the counter freaked out. He screamed asking if there was a problem with what he had said. Telling him no, that I was just teasing a friend, we walked away. Apparently, steve was still in line, he said that he would "tease my ass right on out of here." How fucking agro can you get? I get enough BS agro attitude in bars, I don't need it from some power hungry asshole while I'm just trying to see a movie with my friends.

I guess he didn't learn the whole "don't scream at your customers" lesson. Jackass.

Work

I'm stuck at a clients waiting for Win XP to reinstall.....I've already been here too long and have at least an hour left here.

I can't type on normal keyboards anymore. I keep hiting the wrong keys. Blah.

Newly Digital

Adam Kalsey has a project called Newly Digital where he initially asked 11 people to write about their first computing experience and is now asking everyone to participate. So read on to read mine.

via Six Log

A Day for Nothing

Serena is projectile vomiting in the bathroom. Steve is sleeping. Josh is holding Serena while she vomits, and I'm playing GTA: Vice City. Not the most entertaining day.

Vice City isn't the same once you beat it. You would think that it has a lot of replay value, but not so much for me. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4 isn't much fun anymore either. The upcoming Tony Hawk sounds good though.

I'm so bored. Maybe I should just take a nap.

Butterflies

I have parties to go to both tonight and tomorrow. I'm a little social butterfly, yes I am.

Tonight's party: 1981 RAD. I'm not sure, but I hope it's a reference to the movie RAD (although that was made in '86). I have fond memories of that movie every time I ride my BMX.

New Hair

I gave Josh a hair cut tonight. He now has a mohawk. Very nice.

Speaking of hair, a nice history of some random person's

Thunderstorms

I had to run out and do some errands today and just made it back before the downpour started. I had to cut the trip short so I wouldn't get caught in it while on my motorcycle. The one thing that didn't get done was grocery shopping. I don' t have any food and it's raining hard as hell now. I guess I'll be ordering in tonight.

When I was younger we used to go to my grandmother's cabin in Door County, Wisconsin. Thunderstorms up there were great. Watching them rolling in over lake Michigan was spectacular. If you were lucky you would see large water spouts, little tornados of water. I have fond memories of sitting on the beach watching them come in, then dashing to the house before it started raining on you.

I just love thunderstorms and I hope this heavy rain turns into a big one. They make me feel really cozy. To bad Erica isn't here to enjoy it with me, she's off doing homework. blah.

More Memorial Day

I may not have been able to do anything for Memorial Day, but the night will be just fine. Josh and Serena just got back from Fond du Lac. Add in Steve and Alana and we have a good group for drinking. Sad that Erica couldn't make it, but we will still paint the town red (anyone know where that saying comes from?). Actually, we'll probably spend the night at the home, cheaper and all. Hope everyone had and is having a great Memorial Day.

Memorial Day

Normally Memorial Day is my favorite holiday of the year. I love any excuse to barbecue. Unfortunately this one is not going to be very much fun. For some reason I made an appointment with a client for this afternoon, I was thinking. Plus Josh and Serena are both out of town anyway. I'll probably throw some brats on the grill tonight, but it's not the same. Anyway, hope everyone else has a better one.

Old Friends

Reading Etan's post on seeing old friends reminded me about an old grade school friend that has recently popped up in my circle of friends. I haven't seen him yet, but Josh has and one of his coworkers hangs out with him. It looks like he will be coming to our next party in a couple of weeks.

One of the reasons I live in a large city is so I can avoid situations like this. It's going to be weird, we sorta fell out of favor with each other. Of course we were twelve so I don't think we need to hold on to those grudges anymore.

Foosball

Today has been a day of foosball. Josh is off from work and when Joe stopped by, he had to play. Soon after Steve showed with a bunch of people that his girlfriend knows from somewhere. One of the men claimed to be a master foosballer.

Well let it be known that Thomas is still the king. Joe just sucks, he was whipped 19-5, 19-1 and 16-4. The master foosballer died 10-1 in one to one and 4-3 in teams.

It's nice to be good at something.

New Friend

We have this friend who now lives in Portland, Wa. Recently he asked us to hang out with someone he knows that just moved to Chicago. We meet up with him a few nights ago at a local bar, and tonight he's at our house. Joe is a nice kid, but it's weird to meet someone like that. It was just like a blind date. He even told us what he would be wearing so we would know which one he was.

Apparently Joe comes to Chicago every summer to work for his uncle. He lives with his uncle in a studio apartment all summer long, and he doesn't know anyone in the city. Poor bastard. We're taking him in and I'm sure we'll see quit a bit of him in the next few months.

Boats & Water

My sister has some great pics of my mom's boat going into the water from dry dock. I've never seen how they do that before. Kinda neat.

Say Anything

Erica had never seen Say Anything so that's what we watched tonight. In fact she hasn't seen any of the greatest 80's classics, Better Off Dead, One Crazy Summer, or The Sure Thing. All Cusack movies, all great. Shame. We have a lot of catching up to do before she leaves.

Jumpsuits

I'm trying to find a yellow jumpsuit. It's harder than you may think. So far the closest thing I found is one for firemen. I think it will probably too heavy but it looks bad ass. I'm off to watch a movie, so the search will have to wait until tomorrow.

Time Slips

Scott Rosenberg mentions Henry Norr's recent firing from the S.F. Chronicle. I just hope it wasn't done because he participated in a protest.

The article reminded me of one of my first jobs.

Mother's Day

I missed my mother's phone call today. Of all days to sleep through the phone. I just wanted to give a big happy mother's day to her. She's the greatest and I miss her.

Hope you had a great day and received my little card. Sorry I missed your call, but you'll be happy to know that I'm seeing someone.

Agro

I went to a party with Erica, Adam and Stephanie last night. It was really ridiculous. There were a ton of angry drunk boys and I swear people were doing keg stands. There was one guy in particular who was absolutely stupid. He kept getting in people's faces and just starting shit.

Beyond that I had a good time. I spend most of it sitting with Erica and making fun of everyone. You can't go wrong with that.

Two random thoughts.

1. I wish some of these people had sites for me to link to. They have to work on that.
2. I have started to use agro way to much.

Close Calls

Imagine you are riding your motorcycle at 30 mph and are coming up to a stop sign. You squeeze the front brake and it doesn't move. You are not stopping. That was my experience today. Thank you back brake. Had there been a need for a quick stop I would have been in trouble.

A little disassembly, cleaning and reassembly and I'm out riding again. When all your vehicle's mechanical parts are exposed to the weather they develop problems. A reminder to thoroughly check the bike for taking off.

Josh's Birthday

What a beautiful day! 84 and sunny, to bad I slept through most of it. Had I known that it was going to be so nice, I may have tried to get to bed before 7 this morning. Well, probably not.

Erica, the woman from the other night, called me yesterday to see if I wanted to get lunch. I met up with her at Salt & Pepper around 2. Afterwards we came back to my house for Josh's birthday.

None of us have much cash right now so we celebrated by drinking at home. Josh seemed to have a good time. He wasn't looking forward to his 25th. I owe him a present. It's going to end up being a 40 of Olde English. A little flashback to the Milwaukee days.

Another Sister

My sister Kate wanted to get on the Movabletype bandwagon as well. Comments and trackbacks are just to alluring I guess. She has now been added to my server. My mom will be next. I'm going to wait on that and let Kate get acquanted with how it works first. She will be the one showing my mom.

Date

Well my date just ended. I would say that it went well. It was great and Etan was right, the boyfriend isn't really an issue. I've been up for 24 hours now. I didn't get my nap in yesterday.

Glutton

Sister

I setup a new site for my sister today on my MovableType install. Her old site was being hand coded, not very efficient. It will be nice to be able to leave comments. Now I just need to convince my other sister & my mom that MT is the way to go. It should not be to hard.

Sleeping

For some reason I just woke up and thought it was seven in the evening. I could not understand why I had slept so long. Now that my brain is working a little better, I can't understand why I slept so little. Time to go back to bed.

Night on the Town

It's rare that I have the opportunity to meet anyone new. It's even more rare that I get to meet someone that I think is attractive. Rarer still that I meet someone that I like. I was lucky enough to meet someone this weekend who I did find attractive and who I actually liked. So in a move that is very uncharacteristic of me, I called her tonight and asked her to meet me for dinner and what not. About three hours into it, the boyfriend in mentioned.

Just a couple of thoughts, she knew I was interested, I told her so when I ask for her number. If that wasn't enough, a friend of hers told her that I was interested. Why would she give me her number, and why in hell would she go out with me?

It isn't this particular situation that upsets me. It's all the other ones like it. It just seems that I'll never meet anyone. It just hurts. I like to think that I'm a likable person that has something to offer. Nights like this really make me wonder.

Naked Men & Foosball

I'm hung over and I need to get some sugar in my system. Here is the quick run down on the party.

Party

The house is now clean and prepared for the party we are having tonight. It was very dirty and it will be again by morning. Tonight should be fun. Steve invited a lot of people that I don't know. That's always good when you're drunk. I guess we did invite the neighbors. We'll see if they show after that fiasco.

Yeah For Me

I'm a licensed motorcyclist.

Music

In the process of re-ripping some of my albums to AAC I've discovered quite a few albums that I never ripped in the first place. It must have been from when I first started and didn't have much hard drive space. I must have forgotten them when I finally received a real drive. That's three years without these albums. They can't be that good or I would have noticed. Still, a nice little find.

I love that iTunes 4 allows artwork. I never would have thought that I would use that feature.

Rain, Rain, Go Away.

I was not so lucky today. It rained pretty hard all afternoon. By the time I got home I was soaked. No I can't seem to get warm. Maybe I'll stand in front of the oven for awhile.

Quiz

Erica notes some quizzes that she has taken lately. One caught my eye, what kind of kiss are you. I am mysterious. Nice, I can live that that.

Mother & Son Days

Here is a picture of my Mom on my sister's site. In it you can see my mom's tattoo that she got with me. We went to get our first together. Her, a flower. Me, a big back piece. I don't really remember how I talked her into going with me to get it, but it was a lot of fun. She didn't even flinch. Just kept on reading her book like someone was drawing on her. The funniest thing was that I ended up not getting one that day. The shop wanted way to much money for my back piece and I ended up going to a place called Iron Age in St. Louis.

Class

I'm back from my motorcycle class. It was really fun, and I lucked out with the weather. By the time we arrived on the range the rain had stopped. It started again while were having lunch, but stopped by the time we were finished. Once again it started right as I got into my car to go home. Hopefully I will have the same luck tomorrow.

Probably because I've been riding, I did very well. Most of the people did. There was one person who they asked to leave. She just couldn't put her feet on the pegs without falling over. She's going to come back for some one on one lessons. One other person fell during the leaning turn exercise. She wasn't hurt at all and just kept laughing.

As a side note, the class is run by all women. I am much more comfortable with women, so I was happy. One was incredibly attractive, she had the nicest voice. Not something I notice very often. Very distracting. You have to wear a long sleeved shirt and the only one I have is the "Tom says you're ugly" shirt. The instructors thought it was the greatest shirt they have ever seen. I'm inclined to agree.

I'll Be Sick

Thunder storms, great. I'm about to leave for my motorcycle class and it's crappy as hell out. I really wish they didn't do it rain or shine. I'm borrowing a waterproof jacket, but my denim pants aren't going to be so good. Seven hours in the rain. Blah.

More Neighbors

More info on the neighbor/cop thing. Turns out they did come up and knock, but no one answered. Go figure, we were all asleep. Some how they couldn't tell that the music was getting softer as they came up the stairs and that nothing was coming out of the door. They also claimed to not know that anyone lived below them. That is why they thought it had to be us. Again, music getting softer & nothing coming out of our door. She also blamed it on her boyfriend. This I can actually believe. I've met him once, not the brightest.

What really pisses me off though, is that they tore down a flyer we had on our door. You can see it to the right. I loved that thing. I guess I can always print another. Still, what the fuck?

Neighbors

In the middle of last night the police came knocking on our door. Apparently our neighbors below us called the police because our music was too loud. The only problem was that we were all asleep. It turns out that it was the guy living below them.

Two things about this piss me off.

Cleaning Up

A little house cleaning was in order for my link collection. I prefer to link only to sites I read everyday or close to it. I can't read sites that haven't been updated, so everyone that hasn't updated recently was removed. To my friends who have lost their not so important space, put something up and you shall return.

Important Milestones

Three milestones on my motorcycle tonight.

1. First night ride. I found out that the only thing more fun than riding my bike on a beautiful 70 degree day is to ride it on a beautiful 70 degree night.

2. I crossed the 100 mile mark on my ride tonight. Not sure what this really says, but it made me feel good.

3. I went through a tank of gas. Thank god for the reserve or I would have been pushing this thing quite a few blocks. The whole tank, including the reserve, is 3.2 gallons. Enough to go about 120 miles. You have to love a motorcycle's gas milage.

Tomorrow I'll go through a fourth milestone, fill the tank for the first time. I never really thought that it would be hard until I started reading this motorcycle site's forums. They seem to have a lot of info about it, which makes me think that it is harder than originally expected.

QoD

Another Question of the Day from Erik.

Question: If you could take back any gift you've given but now wish you hadn't, what would it be?

I once gave a girlfriend this giant stuffed Elmo. I wish I had kept it, not because I don't think she deserved it, I just really liked it. I love Elmo.

A day of Cleaning & Rest

I woke up this morning in a lot of pain. I was a little surprised, although I should not be. Thirteen hours of building will do that to someone who is as out of shape as I am.

I spent the better part of the morning cleaning up the mess we made and moving furniture around. The rest of the day will be spent rereading The Hotel New Hampshire for the millionth time.

Manly Man

I spent the whole day building and I'm no where near finished. All the wood is cut and my bed is lofted. We still have to finish Josh and Serena's bed and we haven't even started the sound booth. It's going to be a long night.

My bed still needs a few finishing touches. I'm adding a couple shelves and a railing. The bed is 6 feet 8 inches high. As it turns out, this is much higher than I imagined. I had to build a ladder to get in it. I have about 3 feet above me now. I won't have many options during sex. Lucky for me that's not an issue right now :-)

I love Wood*

I spent the better part of my morning with Josh at the new Home Depot in Lincoln Park buying lumber for some projects at the house. I like the one near Logan Square much more. The new one isn't as big, and the selection is a lot smaller. We did manage to find the 56 2x4s and plywood we needed though. It barely fit in the station-wagon that we borrowed.

What's all this wood for you ask? We are building a sound booth and lofting my bed. Sound booth, not so exciting, but it's going to be so much fun to have my bed 8 feet in the air. I may even tent it. I'll be so cute hiding up there.

*Just for Jeffrey

DMV Madness

Two hours spent in the DMV waiting to get my motorcycle permit. What a waste of time. They have 14 desks but only 5 people working. Every single one of the people in that office today were paying for something. 5 dollars here, 10 there, and guess what? You have enough money to hire more people! Ruined my whole day. At least I fixed our internet connection.

New Look

Last night we rearranged our apartment. Now that Holly is gone we have a lot more room. The foosball and Boccerball tables now have their own room. This should lead to more playing time. The TV now has a real stand and isn't on the verge of falling over anymore. The only thing that I don't like about this new arrangement is the big round coffee table. It's very big....and round.

The move seems to have killed our internet connection though. It has been pretty flakey lately and this seems to have been the last straw. I have an extra cable modem around somewhere, and if I can find it, I'll swap it out this afternoon. Hopefully that is all it is. Waiting for AT&T to show sucks.

18 and life to go

I often say that I want to be 18 again. To have the amount of fun I used to have. Well today I felt 18 again, and it wasn't good at all. It was one of those moments that make you want to escape your own skin, or take to bed. I may in fact go do that.

Brain type

Dave Hyatt mentions a test for what type of brain you have. Fun. My Empathizing score was 18 and my Systematizing score was 46. This makes me an extreme type S. Apparently this maybe a manifestation of autism, yeah for me.

Then there was four

I helped my roommate Holly move out and into her new place tonight. She got a little furnished studio in Logan Square. It's creepy but neat place. It has a cool milk drop and an old intercom system. Of course they don't work or anything, but still neat. The place reminds me of a hotel that drug addict writers would live. Holly does write, but she doesn't mingle with drugs. One out of two ain't bad, right? The whole thing was actually kinda depressing. I feel bad for her, she is going to be so far away and she doesn't even have a phone. Hopefully it will be temporary and she can move someplace a little nicer and closer to her friends.

Brown to Black

I will be without my motorcycle till Thursday now. The brown seat just didn't grow on me at all. A cobbler to the rescue. The leather is being re-dyed black. It will look great with the new shape and in black this time. When it is all said and done, I will have spent 25 bucks. Not bad for a new seat.

Breakfast for Recovery

Like any day after a night out, breakfast was required. As everyone was either at work or sleeping, Josh and I headed out to Nookies Tree by ourselves. I had a waffle that was a little burnt, and the dollar for real maple syrup is a little steep. It was nice to hangout without everybody around.

Boy's Town, where Nookies is located, is my favorite part of Chicago. It has these great street markers, large sidewalks, and tons of great places to eat and drink. I used to live there years ago and I always wish that there was parking there so I could move back. Even though it is only a few blocks from my present neighborhood, I seldom make it there.

Another Thursday Night

As usual, we went to Simon's tonight. Managed to stay coherent enough not to make to much of a scene. It was a good time all around. Are game of truth or dare ended abruptly when Alana turned down a fairly easy dare though.

After Monday's night of drinking with some other friends (I think it is safe to call them that) I have decided that I do need more time with outside people. I will have to work on that.

Great days

Yesterday was one long day. On my way home from a client's, I saw Steve on his way to lunch. Off I went with him to a small little pizza place on the corner of Belmont & Clark. I have never been there before and was surprised at how good it was and by how empty it was.

No news for nerds for me

I have been banned from Slashdot! This is a little troubling. Apparently you can't grab their RSS feed more than twice an hour. I have NetNewsWire setup to grab feeds every half an hour so I'm not sure what the problem is. Hopefully it will work it self out in a day or two. In the mean time, I'll just have to resort to checking the actual site for updates a couple of times a day. How archaic.

Divorce

My divorce (still on going) was the most painful thing that I have gone through, second only to my parent's. When I read something like this, I'm just thankful that we got it over with quick, before the kids and the house and...well, you get the idea.

Summer Shirts

Tomorrow and most of the week it is supposed to be in the 70s. It might be time to make the summer switch from black t-shirts to white. I'll have to stop by T-Shirts.com to pick up my summer supply as all my old ones are useable. See the problem with white t-shirts is that they don't last very long. To thin to wear more than a couple of times before you can start to see through them. I'm too hairy to let that happen.

New Clock

Yesterday I went with Josh and Serena to a resale shop to find them a dresser. During this fun outing I was lucky enough to find a neat little wall clock. It looks like the one pictured here except that the numbers are sans-serif, which I prefer. I was going to put it up in our kitchen, but my selfish instincts kicked in and it is now hanging in my room. Where, in just in case you were wondering, it looks fab.

Moving around

I moved the Foosball table out of my room today and moved in my computer. It will be nice to have privacy and to be able to listen to music without head phones. I also have a lot more desk space now. All of it is in front of my window, so I don't know how I will go about opening it. Something to think about. Now if I just had space for a dresser I would be a happy man.

Moving

The whole moving thing has really turned into a huge mess. The reason that we were going to move was that our building's management sucked and the rent was a little high. Now the building has switched hands and the new owner fired the management company. After a little negotiation he has also lowered our rent by a couple hundred and we have now decided to stay here. So much energy spent just to end up staying. We will have one less person living here starting in May, so that extra space will be great.

Required Reading

My grandmother is nice enough to buy me a subscription to The New Yorker for christmas every year. She does the same for everybody in the family. The problem is that it is a weekly magazine and I just can't keep up. I usually take all month to get through a magazine. So with The New Yorker I end up only reading one out of four. I need to buckle down and start reading.

Sleeping Quaters

Can I sleep in a pantry?

About Me

An about me page is long over do so here it is. Don't expect much, I have a boring life.

Custom Bike

I made my first modification to my bike today. I removed the rear seat to give it a more classic look. It looks great except that the main seat doesn't mold into the fender very well. I would love to get an after-market one, but I can't find on for my model bike. Still it looks better this way. Next I need to replace the pegs with some chrome ones.

Dream Bike

Time to start saving for next year.

The Apartment

It looks like we won't be moving into the greatest apartment ever. We have been waiting for days to hear if we get it. They are very weird about the whole thing. We can't wait any longer. If we do and they turn us down we will miss all the good ones. So we are telling them no thanks. More looking.

Credit

After applying for that apartment, I got curious about my credit report. 12 dollars later, I'm no longer curious. As it turns out, my credit is fairly good, as it should be. One negative thing, it turns out that I owe People's Gas 37 bucks from 2000. I guess they couldn't find me because I changed my name that year. Time to give them a call. Can't have bad credit, now can I?

Roommates

*Warning* Drunk post ahead.

Nothing is worse than hating your roommate. Once the you notice the things you don't like, you can't stop noticing it. It is a constant annoyance. It is no good at all. Bitch, bitch, bitch. I hate when people bitch over and over again about the same crap. Especially about things that to me don't really matter. I wanted to mention some things that bother me, but there is too many. I can't pick one. I can't wait till we move and I can put my computer in my room so I can avoid situations like the one taking place behind me right now.

P.S. I need someone to go with me to visit my mom in France. In other words, I need a girl friend.

Parking

We will find out tomorrow morning if we get the apartment. Now I have to start searching for a parking space nearby. Serena is very worried, but probably won't look for one. It would also be nice if I could find a spot deep enough to fit my bike into along with the their car. Searching for a parking space online is not going very well. I found one site, parkingsearch.com, and they only have one spot a couple of blocks away. I would like to find something closer. If anyone has a suggestion as to where to look for a listing that would very kind.

Apartment

Steve and I went and looked at a couple more apartments today. We found what has to be the greatest apartment ever seen. It is huge. The bedrooms are at least twice the size of the ones we have now. It has two bathrooms, right next to each other (weird). Central Air/Heat will keep us comfortable. The best thing about the place is the rooftop deck. There is not a building next to it so you have a great view of the city. The apartment also has this fire escape thing (not an actual one) the runs the whole length of the apartment. Awesome. Just as a topper it's four blocks from my favorite bar. I'm in love. We are dropping off the applications tomorrow morning. Wish us luck!

April 1st

I really don't like April fools day. The web will be filled with a load of not so funny bs all day. I'm I just not fun?

The Sister

And here is my oldest sister living the good life in france.

Pics of the Family

My Mom and Uncle Bert.

Sorry Kate for beating you to it.

Ride on

Well I had a great ride today on my bike. It's a little chilly and I probably should have worn my pants, but none the less a great little trip. I'm starting to feel very comfortable on the bike and even took it out in the rain. If weather.com is correct and the weather is good I plan to take a ride out in the country. I may even do a day trip into Wisconsin. This is when motorcycling is supposed to be the most dangerous, when you start getting the confidence but still lack some of the skills. I was starting to wish I had bought a bigger bike, maybe a 500cc, but now that the bike is starting to break in it is getting much quicker.

Old Friends

A received a phone call from my friend Matt last night as I was heading out the door. I have known Matt since the third grade (he claims it was the second) and although I don't talk to him often and see him even less, he is still one of my best friends. I can talk to him about things that my current friends don't care about, cars. Motor-vehicles in general actually. It was great to talk to someone about my bike who actually has one too. I'm going to try and ride my bike up to Fond du Lac after my MSF class. Telling Matt that I wasn't sure if I could make it all the way to FDL he promptly volunteered to meet me in Milwaukee with his trailer. Of course Matt has a trailer, and I'm sure a big truck to pull it.

I haven't seen Matt since my trip in November, which was the first time I had seen him in two years. I'm going to make an effort to see him and JD more often. I figure we can do a ride and camp thing. Camping in Wisconsin is great.

Experimental

I went to see Plaid at the Metro last night. I was a little disappointed. The opening DJ was great, but everything after that was just your standard dance tracks. It was very much a post-raver crowd. Plaid stuff is normally pretty experimental, the must have been playing to the crowd. Yet another lesson...I still hate shows.

Nostalgia

Thomas Noe's Rants: Nostalgia

Feeling it again. This time towards high-school. I'm pretty sure I didn't like it though.

Socks

You have to love Osco. 6 pairs of socks for 6 dollars! 3 packs and I can finally throw out all my old ones with the holes. It was getting pretty sad, let me tell you.

My Uncle

Soleil

My uncle Bert and the Russian millionaire.

My Diet

If you remember I was supposed to start a new diet. Well that didn't really work out so well. But I have improved my eating habits. I now eat twice a day. I have a bowl of Cheerios every morning when I wake up. I can't remember the last time that I ate breakfast on a regular basis. I will says this, I have a lot more energy through the day now. I haven't taken a nap in a three days. Let's see if I can keep it up.

Oh yeah, I haven't had a glass of chocolate milk in over a week.

New blog

Just made a blog for my friend Steven Shoup. He hasn't added anything yet, and not sure how much he will use it. We shall see.

What a day

Spring is here, spring is here! Rejoice. 66 and sunny in good ol' Chicago. I took the bike out for a spin earlier. I wanted to rip off my helmet and coat to enjoy the temps. As it gets warmer and warmer it will be hard to keep fully protected. Riding in this weather was great. There were lots of bikes out today. Mine looks a little small. I may get a complex.

I'm just about to throw some brats on the grill. The first barbecue of the year with the friends. I love cooking out more than any other summer activity (the bike may change that). I make it a rule that I cook out at least once a week and try to do it twice. Nothing like some brats and the champagne of beer.
Spring, spring, spring!

First Ride

The weather was finally nice enough to take my bike out. Just a couple times around the block(s). It is an incredible feeling. Tomorrow I'm going to venture out a little more and take it to a clients a few blocks a way.

Something New

I am going to do something that I have never done before; go on a blind date. Holly knows someone who she swears is attractive and cool. Steve complies. Well, soon enough we will know what I think. Wish me luck.

Did I mention that I love my keyboard?

Did you notice how much better my spelling is?

Bike

Well my bike was finally delivered this afternoon. Of course it started to snow an hour later. Hopefully it will melt by tomorrow afternoon so I can get in some riding time.

Bike Watch part 2

After a call in to the bike shop I have discovered that their delivery guy called in sick. Thus no bike today. How hard would it have been for them to call me so I would not have had to sit around all day? The told me to call them in the morning. I guess that means they may deliver it then. That bastard better be sick, not that I could know either way.

Bike watch

3:15 - No sign

Drinky drink

Until I get over this latest funk, I can't drink anymore. If past years are any guide, I won't be drinking until the end of May or June. One exception, if I'm hanging out with someone that I have a crush on. If I don't drink then, well, it would just be pointless.

Yum, yum. Time for bed.

Drinky drink

Until I get over this latest funk, I can't drink anymore. If past years are any guide, I won't be drinking until the end of May or June. One exception, if I'm hanging out with someone that I have a crush on. If I don't drink then, well, it would just be pointless.

Yum, yum. Time for bed.

Bike

Well it is official, I own a motorcycle. It will be delivered on Friday, of course the snow will keep me off it for awhile. Wish me luck.

Calming the Mother

My uncle who has been riding for longer than I have been alive has eased my mother's fears. Which is good because I already bought my bike and all. The next time I'm in France I'll have to take him out for dinner.

Contacts

I really should have my 's number. Trying to get a hold of someone who lives outside the country is a pain.

Bullshit

I don't know what it is. Everything in my life is perfect. I don't have a day job anymore, I'm making more money than ever, and I just bought a motorcycle. Still I'm sad as ever. I just can't seem to shake it. It drives me nuts that I can't ask someone out. There was this girl who I like at the my last place of employment that I really liked. She was lots of fun and seemed to have lots of things to say. She even seemed to like me a little, but there is now way I would ask her out. I just don't do that. It seems creepy to me. Oh...incognito girl. I'm pissed and pissed. Ha ha, get it?

Bullshit

I don't know what it is. Everything in my life is perfect. I don't have a day job anymore, I'm making more money than ever, and I just bought a motorcycle. Still I'm sad as ever. I just can't seem to shake it. It drives me nuts that I can't ask someone out. There was this girl who I like at the my last place of employment that I really liked. She was lots of fun and seemed to have lots of things to say. She even seemed to like me a little, but there is now way I would ask her out. I just don't do that. It seems creepy to me. Oh...incognito girl. I'm pissed and pissed. Ha ha, get it?

Lunch

I went out to lunch today with the everyone (minus holly). We went to the Blue Bayou, a new restaurant that just opened across the street. It is trying to be very New Orleans, and it is fairly successful. My food was good, and I'm sure I'll stop in again.

Motorcycle

I bought my motorcycle today. I went with the Suzuki. They gave me a great deal. It's blue. The MSF classes won't start until April though. A little disappointing. Anyway, very exciting!

Lonely

I'm lonely. I need a companion.

That's funny. I'm funny. Are you funny?

Jewels

BBC NEWS | World | Europe | Heist 'geniuses' got $100m gems

I always wanted to be a jewel thief.

Yamaha?

Yamaha Motor Corporation - 2003 Virago 250

So after some more research, I think I've changed my mind. I'm now thinking that the Yamaha is a better buy. A little more expensive, but the reviews are great. I'll have to see them in person to get a feel for them. This weekend. Yeah for me.

Motorcycle

SUZUKI Cruisers

Well, I think instead of buying a car, I'm going to get a motorcycle. Specifically the one above. It's very cheap and small. Very important for me as I've never actually been on a bike before. I'm going to go look at them this coming weekend and sign up for a MSF class. Good times.

A visit

I was downtown today and during a break from work, I stopped by my old job. When I walked in I had this urge to go into my old office to take my coat off. I resisted. I went out to lunch with Tammy and joked about the new guy. I got to eat at the South Loop Club. Boy have I missed that. The best burgers in the city. Jennifer was not in yet, so I didn't get to see here.

Yes I know Jennifer's site just goes to a directory listing. I'm trying to embarrass her into putting something up. I hear she is addicted to reading blogs now, so I may just have to set up a Movabletype installation for her. She has to but something up, it's sad.

New diet

I eat between 350 and 800 calories a day, and only once. No longer. Starting tomorrow I moving to 3 times a day and in a few months up to five times a day (the correct amount for my body type). I'm also increasing my intake to 2800 calories a day. This will allow me to actually move. As it is, I can barely stand :)

Music

I can't stop listening to ABBA. It might actually be a problem. I may need help.

Big Pills

Serena is making me take a daily multivitamin. This can't be good.

Taxes

I'm really fucked this year. I planned on buying a car latter this month, but it turns out that I owe a shit load in taxes. No car. If my wife would just file jointly, I would not owe....fuck. To much money. No more little Civic. I'm taking to bed.

Taxes

I'm really fucked this year. I planned on buying a car latter this month, but it turns out that I owe a shit load in taxes. No car. If my wife would just file jointly, I would not owe....fuck. To much money. No more little Civic. I'm taking to bed.

Certifications

I took my ACTC test today. Now I probably should not have gone out last night. I woke up with a horrible headache and just generally feeling crappie. I did manage to get myself out of bed and down to the testing center. I passed with a good score. I had guessed that I would do the worst in the section dealing with Apple's mail server. I did. I also hate questions that say "choose all that apply". I don't do well with them. Well, I'm certified, thank you very much.

Chocolate Milk

I have a tendency to be habitual. I eat virtually the same things everyday, I always walk the on the same side of the street, things like this. One of my more child like habits, besides smoking, is drinking a half gallon of Oberweis chocolate milk every day. It makes me a little sick, but it's so good.

ACTC

I have a test tomorrow. Like being back in school. I'm sure this one will be easy though.

Work

I have this client whose network is jacked. Now normally I don't work with anything other than Macs as that is what I do, but the person who did tech stuff for the PC was fired, so that leaves me. They have a big NT box for the accounting group, a linux box for the creatives and another linux box had been running as a router. My first day doing work for them they had some people working on the linux router and they couldn't get it up and running. Now this facility has maybe 20 computers total. Why in god's name are they running NAT on a dedicated machine? So I just pulled it and put in a simple $50 hardware router. The right tool for the job people.

I was called by them today because the creative server stopped responding (For the record, this is a server that was setup before they were my client). So I get there and it is panicked. A little research and lo and behold the boot drive is dead. Now I have to figure some way to get the files off the other three drives. They don't have another linux box.

Apple

Just received my membership email from Apple for the Apple Consultants Network (ACN). Hopefully it will turn out to be worth the cash. I keep wanting to take the Apple cert tests, but the newest ones, for 10.2, aren't ready yet. Annoying. I will have to settle for ACTC instead of the more thorough ACSA. At least the ACN gives me a discount on the ACTC test and then I can be a premier member....really not sure how much benefits I will get. Time will tell.

Still sick

Ok, so I'm starting to think that the recent illness that has taken me over is not related to Heidi's cat. After all, if it was wouldn't it be gone be now?
In unrelated news, I need a new hobby. There just isn't that much work to do on my website anymore. But where can I put a train set?

Sick

I spent the night at Heidi's and the cat slept on my face. I'm now incredibly sick. In my boredom, I watched a really bad movie and one really good one. If I can just talk someone into going to Blockbuster.

A little bored

I'm a little bored. Already. Normaly when I take time off, other people in the house aren't working either. Now no one is around. Apple released new things today (here and here), and I have no one to tell until Josh gets home tonight. I think I may end up going crazy.

A little bored

I'm a little bored. Already. Normaly when I take time off, other people in the house aren't working either. Now no one is around. Apple released new things today (here and here), and I have no one to tell until Josh gets home tonight. I think I may end up going crazy.

I'm funny

So Holly, my roommate, flipped her shit tonight at Serena. So....I decided to play a practical joke. I took her script that she has been writing for a while and turned it into simplified Chinese. Seriously, it's funny. I can't wait until she opens it up.

Funny phone message

I had two messages on my voicemail today from my replacement at work. He apparently was mugged. He some how managed to get all his stuff back, but when he was grabbing his notebook some pages must have torn out. So now he wants me to help him. He'll pay me of course. No offense, but you're lying. Simple. And you're an idiot. And you're going to pay me an hour what you take home in a day? Don't quite believe it.

Last day at work

It was very nice. Not to much todo. I got a really cool remote control car and a neat bell for my bike. I was able to eat a lot of cupcakes. Then we went out for drinks. All and all, very nice day.

Last day at work

Today is my last day. I was hoping that there wouldn't be to much todo. Well, there is a lot that I need to get done. I should be able to finish it by lunch though. Then I can relax. It will be weird on Monday, when in the first time in two and a half years I don't go into work. I may just miss it a little.

Work

I've been holding back on you. They hired a new guy at work to replace me. He is really annoying. I just can't take him. How many times do I need to tell him how to log on the the server? He doesn't understand that when you ssh into the server, you are not working on the local computer. Now I don't expect my to understand that (although I'm pretty sure she could), but the tech guy? Yes I do. All day he has been following me around asking "is it done yet?", "are you finnished yet?".....freaking out. Had to take time away from work to write this. I have to keep stoping in the middle of this post because he keeps coming in here to see if stuff is done yet. Aaah

Weekends suck

As most people, I have a three day weekend. It was completely wasted. With Josh and Serena out of town, and Steve at work there was nothing to do. Ah a sober weekend. It's been a long time. It did allow me to get a lot done. Although I didn't really have anything todo. I'm sure that we will hit Simon's (my new fav bar) this week sometime. Hopefully fun will happen. It is also my last week at Columbia! I have a lot to do before I leave. I'm having problems getting the imaging to work. I'm sure I'll get it on Tuesday.

I received one of the

I received one of the certificates from my certification today. It is actually nice looking. I was expecting something rather ugly. I was joking with Steve that I should have it framed and mail it to my dad. I'll never have a diploma, but at least I'm certified!

Depressed

Well I'm entering a depressed mode. Hopefully it won't last to long. It's been a couple of days now, as I'm sure you can tell from the last post. I just can't help but feel that I'm missing something. I feel distracted, from what I don't know. Maybe I've been drinking to much. I did pass up going out with Heidi tonight, although I promised I would earlier this week. I need to buy a DV camera. I want to start shooting again. Now that I'm not going to be at Columbia anymore, I can't use the ones they have. Now I wish I had used them while I could. I can get a cheap one, but I have a lot of expenses so I should wait awhile. Blah blah blah, I can ramble a lot.

Guilt

Family and timid friends stand back. Sex talk is about to happen. You have been warned.

I have major guilt about sex. Of all the people I've had sex with, only twice was it actually enjoyable. I can't have sex with people with out feeling as if I'm taking advantage of them or abusing them. I'm not kidding, I feel abusive. I feel guilty for the way I like having sex. This is a problem. I guess I have to start by being in relationships with people that I really like and enjoy being with outside of the whole sex thing. I'm drunk, going to be now.

Red girl

Red girl was looking at me again today. I can't figure her out. Why is she always staring. Very weird. Some day I'll know, I will, I will.

Now for a real update,

Now for a real update, that is not about my site. What a boring weekend. I went to a movie on Friday with everyone and Heidi. About Schmit. It was ok, not as good as expected. Serena passed out at 8:30 on Sat. so we didn't go out.

Only two more weeks at work then I'm all done. It will be great not to have a daily grind. I'm a little woried about what the lab is going to do. The guy they hired is a little weak in the skill department. I'm sure they will figure something out though. Much faith. I'm going to go to bed now.

Now that I'm leaving Columbia,

Now that I'm leaving Columbia, I need to move my blog to a new server. Although I did like serving it from Mac OS X Server, I'll have a better stats engine on the new one. It will be served from the same server I'm using for Noetech. This will be the last post to the old server. It may take a couple of days for the DNS to propagate s