Sat - March 12, 2005
My Blog Has Relocated
The new website is up and running... well, it's up
at least. The only thing currently available on the new site is my Blog. I will
discontinue use of this blog. I'm not going to post a link to the new blog here
because It will help me eliminate unwanted traffic to the new location and
police access! Same with the new site. I've sent an email with the address to
the new website to everybody who needs it!
This Blog will remain intact during the transition process as I move all my previous entries to the new site!
Thanks,
Later,
J
This Blog will remain intact during the transition process as I move all my previous entries to the new site!
Thanks,
Later,
J
Posted at 04:07 PM Read More
Wed - February 9, 2005
Man VS. Machine (The epic recollection of my store's new cash register)
As the title infers, my store got a new cash
register last night. When I showed up it was already installed. That's when the
fun began. NOTHING was working on it. Our supervisor brought it and didn't
finish programming it before he left, yet decided not to leave our old one up
and running. Thus, we had to make do with a machine that wasn't quite working
yet. Entertainment abound.
As soon as I got to work, it was giving me trouble. My co-worker and I couldn't figure out how to close it down and reopen it so as to keep the transactions she made under her name and the ones I made under mine. All our managers had their phones off for the night. I ended up just continuing on her till. That really sucks because if she did anything fishy then it will incriminate me too. I trust her about as well as anybody should trust a co-worker, but I prefer to keep any money I touch solely in my hands if I am to be responsible for it.
The drawer shot open and bruised my stomach. I'm still mad about it. It shot open so fast that I couldn't move out of the way and I heard the thud when it hit my stomach (before I'd had a chance to prepare) and a few minutes later this insane stinging sensation arrived at exactly the spot the drawer hit. I was so mad I wanted to fill out an accident report and go home LOL.
Well, things improved a little, until my co-worker messed up the ability to void. LOL Now, when you work in a place like I do, people change their mind a lot when they see the price of certain products... often after you've already rang them up. So, not having the ability to void off an item is unrealistic. Nevertheless I was forced to get out the highlighters and calculator and mark on my register tape every single item that wasn't purchased, and recalculate the total and the tax. My till will likely be off by an epic amount until they figure out that I was unable to void and add all the highlighted amount together. I'd like to see the look on their face in the morning when they see that my till is off by like a hundred bucks LOL!
I know this is a lot of stupid insider info that you will never be able to use, but I'm just venting. Let me just say that even stupid simple jobs have their difficult moments.
I spent most the night sulking about my bruised tummy, and sitting in the cooler juggling beer cans. I'm getting really good at juggling beer cans! I didn't really feel like doing much because I only have a few days left at this job, and I don't feel the urge to win any brownie points that will expire tomorrow.
I miss Josh. If he were here I wouldn't be so pissy about my bruised stomach. There is something about him that just makes me feel calm, at ease.
Enough Mushy stuff, onto mushy drama. I have no clue what to get him for valentines day. Despite this connection that developed almost overnight... I still don't know everything about what he likes and doesn't like. I will take a cue from Austin on this though and make sure not to send him fake dog doo like Austin's brother sent his girl friend for valentine's day one year. Yeah, I did just say that. What would posses a person to send their loved one a heap of plastic dog shit on the most romantic day of the year.
From what I gather Austin's brother wasn't even arguing with this person... just thought it would be a unique Valentine's Day gift. That's the kinda thinking that'll have you dying a virgin from the frigid chill of a girl's shoulder.
Luckily I'm a little more tuned into this whole love thing than that... but not a whole lot more. I'm not really a mushy person. I really like him though, and he's nice to me... so rare in a boyfriend, so I want to get him something special. Blah, what drama. Who'd of thought I'd be this sappy. I hope he doesn't get me a heap of fake dog shit.
Later.
As soon as I got to work, it was giving me trouble. My co-worker and I couldn't figure out how to close it down and reopen it so as to keep the transactions she made under her name and the ones I made under mine. All our managers had their phones off for the night. I ended up just continuing on her till. That really sucks because if she did anything fishy then it will incriminate me too. I trust her about as well as anybody should trust a co-worker, but I prefer to keep any money I touch solely in my hands if I am to be responsible for it.
The drawer shot open and bruised my stomach. I'm still mad about it. It shot open so fast that I couldn't move out of the way and I heard the thud when it hit my stomach (before I'd had a chance to prepare) and a few minutes later this insane stinging sensation arrived at exactly the spot the drawer hit. I was so mad I wanted to fill out an accident report and go home LOL.
Well, things improved a little, until my co-worker messed up the ability to void. LOL Now, when you work in a place like I do, people change their mind a lot when they see the price of certain products... often after you've already rang them up. So, not having the ability to void off an item is unrealistic. Nevertheless I was forced to get out the highlighters and calculator and mark on my register tape every single item that wasn't purchased, and recalculate the total and the tax. My till will likely be off by an epic amount until they figure out that I was unable to void and add all the highlighted amount together. I'd like to see the look on their face in the morning when they see that my till is off by like a hundred bucks LOL!
I know this is a lot of stupid insider info that you will never be able to use, but I'm just venting. Let me just say that even stupid simple jobs have their difficult moments.
I spent most the night sulking about my bruised tummy, and sitting in the cooler juggling beer cans. I'm getting really good at juggling beer cans! I didn't really feel like doing much because I only have a few days left at this job, and I don't feel the urge to win any brownie points that will expire tomorrow.
I miss Josh. If he were here I wouldn't be so pissy about my bruised stomach. There is something about him that just makes me feel calm, at ease.
Enough Mushy stuff, onto mushy drama. I have no clue what to get him for valentines day. Despite this connection that developed almost overnight... I still don't know everything about what he likes and doesn't like. I will take a cue from Austin on this though and make sure not to send him fake dog doo like Austin's brother sent his girl friend for valentine's day one year. Yeah, I did just say that. What would posses a person to send their loved one a heap of plastic dog shit on the most romantic day of the year.
From what I gather Austin's brother wasn't even arguing with this person... just thought it would be a unique Valentine's Day gift. That's the kinda thinking that'll have you dying a virgin from the frigid chill of a girl's shoulder.
Luckily I'm a little more tuned into this whole love thing than that... but not a whole lot more. I'm not really a mushy person. I really like him though, and he's nice to me... so rare in a boyfriend, so I want to get him something special. Blah, what drama. Who'd of thought I'd be this sappy. I hope he doesn't get me a heap of fake dog shit.
Later.
Posted at 08:02 AM Read More
Mon - February 7, 2005
Very Centered, Boise, My 10 Spot, And A Spiritual Rambling
Well, it was back to Boise for me this weekend. A
lot is going on right now... most importantly, I seem to be unstressed about it.
Or so my chakra reading claims... LOL. Yes! That's right! I said Chakra reading.
Now I'm not really into these sorts of things. I know they are a huge part of
some people's belief systems, and that is great because they force you to look
at several aspects of your personality and make sure you are well in balance
with them all. It's the mystic element of it that I'm not very keen on. I'm very
skeptical when it comes to believing anything I can't touch, smell, hear, or
see. However, by this same token, I would also be ruling out some simple things
like air... which does not fall under any of these senses... yet it still
exists.
I do believe in forms of Charma at a very base level. I don't believe there is an all-knowing individual that dishes out fate based on your actions... I tend more to believe in the fashion of good deeds rarely come back to bite you in the ass. For instance, if you treat people kindly... they will have less of a reason to treat you any other way. This is the extent to which I believe in Charma... as more of a "golden rule" theory of living, than a "force of nature."
It's not to say that I wouldn't believe in such things if they offered proofs. Say I turn on NBC tomorrow and the news says Jesus has returned. Well, at that point I think I'd have to be a Christian simply because there is now evidence that it is correct. In this sense I'm agnostic because I'm not willing to throw my belief system in a nameless, faceless entity that has been fashioned by and interpreted by man.
So, that's why I'm not Christian. I do believe in some basic morals that reflect a rather christian upbringing though. I find these to be less religious based, then of a desire to lead a life I can be proud of. These things aren't so much a fear that I will end up in Hell, as a fear that I won't be able to look at myself and feel confident that I've made the right choices.
I'm also not Pagan... though to be anything other than Christian would be Paganism I suppose. I like a lot of the elements of Wicca and various other religions, but find it humorous that they try to differentiate themselves from Christianity when several of the elements are similar or the same. There is a large difference when it comes to the associated mythology of all religions, but as far as the code of lifestyle, most religions encourage a reasonably responsible life.
The particular aspects of Witchcraft in any form that don't appeal to me are the mystical elements. The "magic" of the religion. Once again, these are things I can't see, smell, hear, taste... so on, so forth. Thus I'm skeptical of them. I think it is very healthy to be skeptical of something you know little about. It's very true that I know very little about pagan religions. What I do know I'm skeptical of also. In two books that I read, recommended to me by a practicing Wiccan, and a good friend, describe chants to assist you in finding ... parking spaces...
Now, I mentally scoff at this because of the factors involved, but I can't say it can't happen. Evolution is inexplicable also... The world itself is of an unknown origin... as is mankind... so can you say with all your heart you know that there is no way that by connecting with nature and the elements around you at a deeper level that it would still be impossible to alter your environment of non-physical means? Hmm... I can't. I also can't say with all my heart that you could. Damn us agnostics for being unable to commit right? LOL.
Anyhow, all this aside, we were at a really neat store that seemed geared toward the Pagan crowd, applicably name "Crone's Cupboard" in Boise. It was a grand re-opening because their original building burnt down when... CHRISTMAS LIGHTS.... caught it on fire. Yeah, it was a general consensus that hypocrisy was actually the cause of the fire.
They had an individual who was doing Chakra readings on her Sony Vaio Laptop. It had a device attached that you placed your hand on and these little metal studs communicated your energies to the computer and it all came out in a report form. Very colorful. It was consistent, as it tested me and my boyfriend with the same respective results each time, though we both had very different readings. My friends Sarah's was WAY out of whack. Josh had a few things going on that he needed to work on according to the reading. Me? What about me?
Nearly perfectly centered according to the machine. The only thing lacking was... a connection with spiritual and mystical energy... My mouth dropped at how accurately this little computer app tore my person apart. The lady was so shocked that a person my age would have such a centered shakra that she asked if I smoked weed LOL. Well, I don't smoke weed... I guess I'm just well centered right now. It also pointed out a few character traits. I'm a very sexual person according to this report... that much is true... as it claimed almost 80 percent of my mental state is focussed on Body. Mine and other's bodies. Less than ten percent was mystical element, and the rest was a mental focus.
She went on to pretty accurately describe some situations going on in my life right now. I was very curious about this because I've never met her, and it didn't seem like these were factors she could pick up from physical cues or personality traits. Especially in the few minutes she spoke with me.
I was confident that, through some means, this reading was a fairly accurate depiction of my soul. In essence that is what it did... identify you down to a level that you could consider your core person.
I'm actually recommending people go try this. Not for the mystical element, but because it forces you to think about your life, and how balanced you really are. Not spiritually, but as a person. It's a good report card to reflect how you are living, and how you really feel. Very interesting. I doubt I'll go back because it was more a curiosity for me than a guiding light... but I feel everybody should give it a try. Just be sure to pack cash... the psychic community doesn't really accept Visa... whoops.
The trip to Boise was fun, short-lived, but fun. I made it back just in time to watch the superbowl to see my beloved Patriots take it for another year! Yeah, football dynasties are always fun!
Also, of significant interest in my life, I've reached my 10 spot! LOL You maybe wondering what that is...WELL.....
When I started the diet that I talk about regularly on this blog, I had to choose what weight I wanted to wind up at. Well, I started my diet at 204 lbs. I took a look at the safe weight ranges for my age, build, and height and decided that I wanted to weigh 145 lbs. That left me with about 60 lbs to loose. The first goal that the dieting method set for me, however, was 10 % of my body weight. I'm happy to say that, in just a few days over a month, I've lost that 10% of my body weight. Ten percent of me is just... gone... LOL That's a good thing! I've lost 23 lbs to date! Less than a month and a half into my diet.
Honestly, I don't see the changes, but the people around me keep telling me that they are becoming very evident especially in my face. That feels good, but I wish I could notice more. I guess that's a side affect of having a goal oriented view of how I should look, and seeing myself every day.
Nonetheless, I'm still proud of myself and feel righteous in that pride. I've stuck to my guns on this diet, no matter how many dirty looks I get when I order food like I'm going to be feeding a rabbit LOL.
There is still a long way to go. I've still got about 40 lbs to loose. They aren't likely to drop off as quickly as the first 20 did. But I'm learning important things about how to live healthier, and that will be invaluable to my longevity!
Anyway, before I go on another huge diet rant ( or more huge I guess) I'm gonna split and try to sleep before I have to work tonight! Later!
I do believe in forms of Charma at a very base level. I don't believe there is an all-knowing individual that dishes out fate based on your actions... I tend more to believe in the fashion of good deeds rarely come back to bite you in the ass. For instance, if you treat people kindly... they will have less of a reason to treat you any other way. This is the extent to which I believe in Charma... as more of a "golden rule" theory of living, than a "force of nature."
It's not to say that I wouldn't believe in such things if they offered proofs. Say I turn on NBC tomorrow and the news says Jesus has returned. Well, at that point I think I'd have to be a Christian simply because there is now evidence that it is correct. In this sense I'm agnostic because I'm not willing to throw my belief system in a nameless, faceless entity that has been fashioned by and interpreted by man.
So, that's why I'm not Christian. I do believe in some basic morals that reflect a rather christian upbringing though. I find these to be less religious based, then of a desire to lead a life I can be proud of. These things aren't so much a fear that I will end up in Hell, as a fear that I won't be able to look at myself and feel confident that I've made the right choices.
I'm also not Pagan... though to be anything other than Christian would be Paganism I suppose. I like a lot of the elements of Wicca and various other religions, but find it humorous that they try to differentiate themselves from Christianity when several of the elements are similar or the same. There is a large difference when it comes to the associated mythology of all religions, but as far as the code of lifestyle, most religions encourage a reasonably responsible life.
The particular aspects of Witchcraft in any form that don't appeal to me are the mystical elements. The "magic" of the religion. Once again, these are things I can't see, smell, hear, taste... so on, so forth. Thus I'm skeptical of them. I think it is very healthy to be skeptical of something you know little about. It's very true that I know very little about pagan religions. What I do know I'm skeptical of also. In two books that I read, recommended to me by a practicing Wiccan, and a good friend, describe chants to assist you in finding ... parking spaces...
Now, I mentally scoff at this because of the factors involved, but I can't say it can't happen. Evolution is inexplicable also... The world itself is of an unknown origin... as is mankind... so can you say with all your heart you know that there is no way that by connecting with nature and the elements around you at a deeper level that it would still be impossible to alter your environment of non-physical means? Hmm... I can't. I also can't say with all my heart that you could. Damn us agnostics for being unable to commit right? LOL.
Anyhow, all this aside, we were at a really neat store that seemed geared toward the Pagan crowd, applicably name "Crone's Cupboard" in Boise. It was a grand re-opening because their original building burnt down when... CHRISTMAS LIGHTS.... caught it on fire. Yeah, it was a general consensus that hypocrisy was actually the cause of the fire.
They had an individual who was doing Chakra readings on her Sony Vaio Laptop. It had a device attached that you placed your hand on and these little metal studs communicated your energies to the computer and it all came out in a report form. Very colorful. It was consistent, as it tested me and my boyfriend with the same respective results each time, though we both had very different readings. My friends Sarah's was WAY out of whack. Josh had a few things going on that he needed to work on according to the reading. Me? What about me?
Nearly perfectly centered according to the machine. The only thing lacking was... a connection with spiritual and mystical energy... My mouth dropped at how accurately this little computer app tore my person apart. The lady was so shocked that a person my age would have such a centered shakra that she asked if I smoked weed LOL. Well, I don't smoke weed... I guess I'm just well centered right now. It also pointed out a few character traits. I'm a very sexual person according to this report... that much is true... as it claimed almost 80 percent of my mental state is focussed on Body. Mine and other's bodies. Less than ten percent was mystical element, and the rest was a mental focus.
She went on to pretty accurately describe some situations going on in my life right now. I was very curious about this because I've never met her, and it didn't seem like these were factors she could pick up from physical cues or personality traits. Especially in the few minutes she spoke with me.
I was confident that, through some means, this reading was a fairly accurate depiction of my soul. In essence that is what it did... identify you down to a level that you could consider your core person.
I'm actually recommending people go try this. Not for the mystical element, but because it forces you to think about your life, and how balanced you really are. Not spiritually, but as a person. It's a good report card to reflect how you are living, and how you really feel. Very interesting. I doubt I'll go back because it was more a curiosity for me than a guiding light... but I feel everybody should give it a try. Just be sure to pack cash... the psychic community doesn't really accept Visa... whoops.
The trip to Boise was fun, short-lived, but fun. I made it back just in time to watch the superbowl to see my beloved Patriots take it for another year! Yeah, football dynasties are always fun!
Also, of significant interest in my life, I've reached my 10 spot! LOL You maybe wondering what that is...WELL.....
When I started the diet that I talk about regularly on this blog, I had to choose what weight I wanted to wind up at. Well, I started my diet at 204 lbs. I took a look at the safe weight ranges for my age, build, and height and decided that I wanted to weigh 145 lbs. That left me with about 60 lbs to loose. The first goal that the dieting method set for me, however, was 10 % of my body weight. I'm happy to say that, in just a few days over a month, I've lost that 10% of my body weight. Ten percent of me is just... gone... LOL That's a good thing! I've lost 23 lbs to date! Less than a month and a half into my diet.
Honestly, I don't see the changes, but the people around me keep telling me that they are becoming very evident especially in my face. That feels good, but I wish I could notice more. I guess that's a side affect of having a goal oriented view of how I should look, and seeing myself every day.
Nonetheless, I'm still proud of myself and feel righteous in that pride. I've stuck to my guns on this diet, no matter how many dirty looks I get when I order food like I'm going to be feeding a rabbit LOL.
There is still a long way to go. I've still got about 40 lbs to loose. They aren't likely to drop off as quickly as the first 20 did. But I'm learning important things about how to live healthier, and that will be invaluable to my longevity!
Anyway, before I go on another huge diet rant ( or more huge I guess) I'm gonna split and try to sleep before I have to work tonight! Later!
Posted at 02:40 PM Read More
Tue - February 1, 2005
A Brave New World Part 2: Two Lanes, Snow, and a Trucker Stop
I don't know how I managed to do it, but I made it
all the way back from Boise without falling asleep at the wheel and dying. I
stayed way longer than I should have... but do I regret it? NO!! I left for
Boise on Thursday morning and just left yesterday morning with barely enough
time to sleep about 3 and a half hours, and then go to work.
Such a beautiful city. Such a beautiful boy it holds... Such a strange obsession I've got with repetitive phrases. It wasn't an easy trip by any means. I was so tired at one point I had to pull of the road to take a nap. SNOW all over the place! So I come sliding into a truck stop at full speed because my leg is kinda tired and I could barely depress the brakes because I was so FREAKIN exhausted... my vehicle began it's fishtailing... icey driving issues... and I almost rolled off an embankment and down a canyon. Honestly, being as tired as I was... I don't think I would have felt the impact.
I decided I wasn't going to be an idiot, despite the fact that I had to work... I was going to pull over and sleep some before moving onward. A half hour later, I'm awakened by the insane urge to pee... RIGHT NOW! I leapt out of the van and dashed madly for the bathroom at this rest area and barely made it in time. After my nearly embarrassing issue there I felt strangely revived.
I continued my journey and managed to make it back home within reasonable range of when I had planned on arriving. I was SO DAMN TIRED!
I hopped in bed as soon as I got home... well I called to tell Josh I made it safe... I figured it was the boyfriendish thing to do...ANYWAY, I got home and tried to get some sleep. I had been asleep for about an hour when the phone rang...
Such a beautiful city. Such a beautiful boy it holds... Such a strange obsession I've got with repetitive phrases. It wasn't an easy trip by any means. I was so tired at one point I had to pull of the road to take a nap. SNOW all over the place! So I come sliding into a truck stop at full speed because my leg is kinda tired and I could barely depress the brakes because I was so FREAKIN exhausted... my vehicle began it's fishtailing... icey driving issues... and I almost rolled off an embankment and down a canyon. Honestly, being as tired as I was... I don't think I would have felt the impact.
I decided I wasn't going to be an idiot, despite the fact that I had to work... I was going to pull over and sleep some before moving onward. A half hour later, I'm awakened by the insane urge to pee... RIGHT NOW! I leapt out of the van and dashed madly for the bathroom at this rest area and barely made it in time. After my nearly embarrassing issue there I felt strangely revived.
I continued my journey and managed to make it back home within reasonable range of when I had planned on arriving. I was SO DAMN TIRED!
I hopped in bed as soon as I got home... well I called to tell Josh I made it safe... I figured it was the boyfriendish thing to do...ANYWAY, I got home and tried to get some sleep. I had been asleep for about an hour when the phone rang...
Posted at 08:47 AM Read More
Sun - January 30, 2005
A Brave New World Part 1...And then I met Josh
So, I made it to Boise safe and sound. I'm still in
Boise actually. The roads weren't bad at all. In fact, though I'm certain they
get a little snowy/icy once in a while, the route to Boise from where I live has
never been a perilous trip for me. I visited around this time last year and
things were pretty smooth sailing.
Back to my story. I got to Boise on Thursday, I had planned on leaving either late Friday night or early Saturday morning. I took care of business with Boise on Friday morning and decided to go to dinner with the friends I also came to visit and stayed with; Sarah and Austin. Well, Sarah likes to go places in bigger groups. I'm not very fond of this, but I decided I would humor her just for one night when she said that she was going to invite a couple friends along. Austin wasn't able to make it because he was working. Well, only one of the people Sarah had invited actually came along...
... And then I met Josh. He was Sarah's friends who was joining us for dinner. Josh and I got along very well right off the bat. Several of Sarah's friends and I don't get along. Josh was different. He was more like me. I ended up deciding to stay until at least Saturday morning so I could go back to the apartment and watch a movie with the two of them. I was really in the mood to watch "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas", and when you are in the mood for that movie nothing else will do. So, I conned them into watching Fear and Loathing with me. I found that I spent most of the movie paying more attention to Josh. I kept thinking "This guy is really cute, and he's funny, and smart... he is way out of my league."
The movie ended and Sarah went to bed for the night because she had to work early in the morning. I decided I would take Josh home so that he could stay a little longer. We talked about random things while we watched Leno and Conan. It started getting really late, and I realized that I really liked Josh, and if I didn't say something... at least try to tell him how I felt, there wouldn't be another chance, I'd probably never see him again.
So, I got uncharacteristically bold and told Josh I liked him and asked him if he would be my boyfriend.
It's a strange God. Despite the fact that I'm ugly by my estimate, and Josh is capable of far better than me, he said YES. I've probably been a bit clingy with him for the past two days (I decided to extend my time in Boise so that I could spend some time with him) because I keep looking at him in disbelief that the whole thing is actually real. He's so cool... and he's actually my boyfriend...
We got kind of crazy today with the digital camera, so I have pictures to show you of Josh... and I'm actually smiling in them... like... smiling happy, not smiling laughing. This isn't a very common thing.
Isn't he cute!!!
Me trying to make Josh laugh in this picture
Josh trying to wake me up
My hideous smile... possibly the first time I've ever seen it.
Josh looking very perplexed by the camera.
Me trying to wake him up with camera flashes... pretty sound sleeper.
Isn't he cute?!
There are some new pictures of Sarah also. I'm going to make them, along with the pictures above, available in my photo album as soon as I get back from Boise.
Back to my story. I got to Boise on Thursday, I had planned on leaving either late Friday night or early Saturday morning. I took care of business with Boise on Friday morning and decided to go to dinner with the friends I also came to visit and stayed with; Sarah and Austin. Well, Sarah likes to go places in bigger groups. I'm not very fond of this, but I decided I would humor her just for one night when she said that she was going to invite a couple friends along. Austin wasn't able to make it because he was working. Well, only one of the people Sarah had invited actually came along...
... And then I met Josh. He was Sarah's friends who was joining us for dinner. Josh and I got along very well right off the bat. Several of Sarah's friends and I don't get along. Josh was different. He was more like me. I ended up deciding to stay until at least Saturday morning so I could go back to the apartment and watch a movie with the two of them. I was really in the mood to watch "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas", and when you are in the mood for that movie nothing else will do. So, I conned them into watching Fear and Loathing with me. I found that I spent most of the movie paying more attention to Josh. I kept thinking "This guy is really cute, and he's funny, and smart... he is way out of my league."
The movie ended and Sarah went to bed for the night because she had to work early in the morning. I decided I would take Josh home so that he could stay a little longer. We talked about random things while we watched Leno and Conan. It started getting really late, and I realized that I really liked Josh, and if I didn't say something... at least try to tell him how I felt, there wouldn't be another chance, I'd probably never see him again.
So, I got uncharacteristically bold and told Josh I liked him and asked him if he would be my boyfriend.
It's a strange God. Despite the fact that I'm ugly by my estimate, and Josh is capable of far better than me, he said YES. I've probably been a bit clingy with him for the past two days (I decided to extend my time in Boise so that I could spend some time with him) because I keep looking at him in disbelief that the whole thing is actually real. He's so cool... and he's actually my boyfriend...
We got kind of crazy today with the digital camera, so I have pictures to show you of Josh... and I'm actually smiling in them... like... smiling happy, not smiling laughing. This isn't a very common thing.
Isn't he cute!!!
Me trying to make Josh laugh in this picture
Josh trying to wake me up
My hideous smile... possibly the first time I've ever seen it.
Josh looking very perplexed by the camera.
Me trying to wake him up with camera flashes... pretty sound sleeper.
Isn't he cute?!
There are some new pictures of Sarah also. I'm going to make them, along with the pictures above, available in my photo album as soon as I get back from Boise.
Posted at 05:51 PM Read More
Wed - January 26, 2005
To Boise... and BEYOND!
Well, tomorrow is my big trip to Boise. With the way
the weather around the northwest has been lately... wish me some luck passing
through Oregon. Oregon is such an unnecessary state. I wish they would just
split it between WA and ID and call it good. Bunch of commie bastards. Anyway,
I'm on my way to Boise for a couple reasons. Foremost, it's just been a really
long time since I've seen two friends that live there.
My diet is going pretty well. now that I've worked out the confusion with a scale that was working improperly I've found that I've just recently lost 14 lbs. I had thought a week ago that I had already lost 15. It's still significant to me though. Every bit counts right?
I'm learning to eat healthier. It's not nearly as trying as you would imagine. After a while junk food just stopped holding much appeal to me. It helps I guess that, now that I'm actually reading labels, I imagine the fat specified on the back much like it is on a cut of steak. A disturbing translucent blob of lard... that'll take the edge off of a Snickers bar real quick.
Soda has been the easiest thing to drop amazingly. Anybody who knows me, knows that I am a soda FIEND! I used to easily drink several cans or bottles of coke or cherry coke in a day. Well, I still drink pop, but now I drink diet. I'm in love with this new diet vanilla cherry dr. pepper. Strangely, for all those years I drank regular because I couldn't stand the taste of diet soda, after a few days of drinking strictly diet, I can't even tell I'm drinking diet.
I guess the next big thing for me is learning balance. I actually eat more now than I ever did, just healthier. I say "balance" because I'm including several food groups into my diet now, whereas pre-diet, my food groups were a little more like: Taco Bell, McDonlds, Dominoes, and Top Ramen. Now I'm actually planning my meals around edging in 5 fruits and veggies and 3 dairies... It can get complicated... but I'm actually inspired by the initial success of this diet.
I'm getting much better at understanding what is healthy also. I had lunch with an old co-worker today who is a personal trainer, which I used to dread because I knew I wasn't eating right and getting exercise. Now, I don't feel guilty going out and eating with people who weigh less than me. Because I'm not ordering some insanely huge burger, pie, and milkshake all to myself.
Well, if it seems like this diet has consumed a lot of my life, it has. As with many significant lifestyle changes, its changing the way I feel, act, and interact. It's the first step in a much needed series of improvements to myself. Along the way are a better job, education, and... with any luck... moving out! Maybe even... god forbid... a boyfriend LOL.
For now though, I'm happy with myself, first time in a long time. I can honestly say that I've made the first step toward improving myself, and so far I've stuck to my guns for what will be a month as of Saturday. I don't have any desire to go back to the way I used to be.
I tipped the scales at 204 lbs. the day I stared this diet. I'm now... officially... 190 lbs (with all my clothes on and a very full stomach LOL). Now, 14 lbs. may not seem like a lot, but to put it into perspective, not only is it 5% of the weight I had to loose... it's also about the same weight as 8 medium cantaloupes and 1 sack of potatoes.
Alright, I'm done ranting about weight... later!
My diet is going pretty well. now that I've worked out the confusion with a scale that was working improperly I've found that I've just recently lost 14 lbs. I had thought a week ago that I had already lost 15. It's still significant to me though. Every bit counts right?
I'm learning to eat healthier. It's not nearly as trying as you would imagine. After a while junk food just stopped holding much appeal to me. It helps I guess that, now that I'm actually reading labels, I imagine the fat specified on the back much like it is on a cut of steak. A disturbing translucent blob of lard... that'll take the edge off of a Snickers bar real quick.
Soda has been the easiest thing to drop amazingly. Anybody who knows me, knows that I am a soda FIEND! I used to easily drink several cans or bottles of coke or cherry coke in a day. Well, I still drink pop, but now I drink diet. I'm in love with this new diet vanilla cherry dr. pepper. Strangely, for all those years I drank regular because I couldn't stand the taste of diet soda, after a few days of drinking strictly diet, I can't even tell I'm drinking diet.
I guess the next big thing for me is learning balance. I actually eat more now than I ever did, just healthier. I say "balance" because I'm including several food groups into my diet now, whereas pre-diet, my food groups were a little more like: Taco Bell, McDonlds, Dominoes, and Top Ramen. Now I'm actually planning my meals around edging in 5 fruits and veggies and 3 dairies... It can get complicated... but I'm actually inspired by the initial success of this diet.
I'm getting much better at understanding what is healthy also. I had lunch with an old co-worker today who is a personal trainer, which I used to dread because I knew I wasn't eating right and getting exercise. Now, I don't feel guilty going out and eating with people who weigh less than me. Because I'm not ordering some insanely huge burger, pie, and milkshake all to myself.
Well, if it seems like this diet has consumed a lot of my life, it has. As with many significant lifestyle changes, its changing the way I feel, act, and interact. It's the first step in a much needed series of improvements to myself. Along the way are a better job, education, and... with any luck... moving out! Maybe even... god forbid... a boyfriend LOL.
For now though, I'm happy with myself, first time in a long time. I can honestly say that I've made the first step toward improving myself, and so far I've stuck to my guns for what will be a month as of Saturday. I don't have any desire to go back to the way I used to be.
I tipped the scales at 204 lbs. the day I stared this diet. I'm now... officially... 190 lbs (with all my clothes on and a very full stomach LOL). Now, 14 lbs. may not seem like a lot, but to put it into perspective, not only is it 5% of the weight I had to loose... it's also about the same weight as 8 medium cantaloupes and 1 sack of potatoes.
Alright, I'm done ranting about weight... later!
Posted at 02:22 PM Read More
Sun - January 23, 2005
Jump in my anti-homo-mobile
I saw a bumper-sticker yesterday that pissed me off.
It said "Marriage =" then showed the man symbol and a "+" then the woman symbol.
You know those weird symbols you always see depicting bathroom orientation. They
are modified stick figures. The woman one wears a dress... that of course
doesn't help me much because some of the men I've known wore dresses. Anyway...
Marriage= a man+ a woman.
I know everybody has a right to their own opinion. I could just easily put a bumper sticker on the back of my car that says "Marriage= woman+goat." It's the thought that counts though. That thought is hurtful. This sticker was designed to hurt people.
So, here's the question... is it wrong to be hurt by a sticker like that? This is a bit different than the average bumper sticker that says something like Ford sucks, or Chevy Rules...It's essentially the same as having a racist bumper sticker. But, it is somebody's belief system.
The biggest cultural divides seem to occur in things which don't involve the people who don't like them. For instance, it will never injur the driver of the homophobic car if I get married to another guy. It won't poison his food, it won't cause a heartattack, it won't cause his religion to collapse... nope, won't hurt him. Yet he would fight with ferocity to ensure that a considerable group of people are unable to pursue a means to their happiness.
It won't hurt him, just me.. and that's ok apparently. I would like to see people who have the confederate flag in their back window ticketed as well, but I suppose that doesn't fit into a free society now does it? Neither does asking this guy to take the homophobic bumper sticker off his car, but it is meant to hurt nonetheless.
I took pleasure in the thought that he may some day die of testicular cancer, or a brain tumor... but maybe I will too... more importantly... maybe he will. Maybe he has a son, and maybe that son will be gay, and maybe I'll meet that son, and fuck him in the name of revenge... BUT it won't change the fact that at least a few idiots out there nod their head and probably give the guy a thumbs up when they see his sticker out there on the road. One such dumbass would be G Dub. I've never seen a president so set on trying to alienate a group of people. He's just a hick who's traded in his gun for a stronger weapon... politics.
LOL What a great time to remind people to join the "Save a Queer" campaign. SAQ is my underground railroad plan in case Bush gets his way and they come for us in the night. Wouldn't be the first time a government tried to eliminate my people. You can never be too prepared. Even though we can't be in the boy scouts we still know to "be prepared" eh?
Oh well, time to stop bitching and go to work. That freak with the bumper sticker was probably one of bosses.
I know everybody has a right to their own opinion. I could just easily put a bumper sticker on the back of my car that says "Marriage= woman+goat." It's the thought that counts though. That thought is hurtful. This sticker was designed to hurt people.
So, here's the question... is it wrong to be hurt by a sticker like that? This is a bit different than the average bumper sticker that says something like Ford sucks, or Chevy Rules...It's essentially the same as having a racist bumper sticker. But, it is somebody's belief system.
The biggest cultural divides seem to occur in things which don't involve the people who don't like them. For instance, it will never injur the driver of the homophobic car if I get married to another guy. It won't poison his food, it won't cause a heartattack, it won't cause his religion to collapse... nope, won't hurt him. Yet he would fight with ferocity to ensure that a considerable group of people are unable to pursue a means to their happiness.
It won't hurt him, just me.. and that's ok apparently. I would like to see people who have the confederate flag in their back window ticketed as well, but I suppose that doesn't fit into a free society now does it? Neither does asking this guy to take the homophobic bumper sticker off his car, but it is meant to hurt nonetheless.
I took pleasure in the thought that he may some day die of testicular cancer, or a brain tumor... but maybe I will too... more importantly... maybe he will. Maybe he has a son, and maybe that son will be gay, and maybe I'll meet that son, and fuck him in the name of revenge... BUT it won't change the fact that at least a few idiots out there nod their head and probably give the guy a thumbs up when they see his sticker out there on the road. One such dumbass would be G Dub. I've never seen a president so set on trying to alienate a group of people. He's just a hick who's traded in his gun for a stronger weapon... politics.
LOL What a great time to remind people to join the "Save a Queer" campaign. SAQ is my underground railroad plan in case Bush gets his way and they come for us in the night. Wouldn't be the first time a government tried to eliminate my people. You can never be too prepared. Even though we can't be in the boy scouts we still know to "be prepared" eh?
Oh well, time to stop bitching and go to work. That freak with the bumper sticker was probably one of bosses.
Posted at 05:14 PM Read More
Thu - January 20, 2005
I'm an idiot
Yesterday yet another day in a series of horrible
mishaps which I like to call... this week. Those of you who know me, probably
have noticed that my thought process is like a train that is constantly
derailing. Expecting me to remember from day to day is an issue, but expecting
me to finish a thought is really out of the question. Well, I remember starting
the water to fill the mop bucket at work yesterday... for what it's worth.
Unfortunately, I was distracted shortly thereafter and forgot quickly about the
mop bucket filling. I decided at this point it would be a good idea to go to the
cooler and stock soda.
An hour later, I strolled out and was confronted with a curious pool of water making it's way from the back room. I STILL DIDN'T REMEMBER starting the mop water. I was certain a pipe had broken. I walked to the back, and, aside from the 4 inch deep water (we fill out of a very wide pipe that feeds into the dishwasher) I noticed a mop bucket with water barreling over the sides.
I actually considered quitting instead of dealing with this... but I eventually decided that would be a bad idea. Fast forward about two hours. Now, the only way I continue to function like a normal human being is that, under the gun, I'm usually a very quick and innovative thinker. So I stood amid a drying floor encircled by fans set on high. About this time I hear the front door open. I decide, with this situation under wraps for the time-being, to attend to customers.
As I round the corner, the chick hurls ALL OVER! Less than a foot from a garbage can. This, of course, makes me sick. I rush to closest trash and hurl. Fast forward about 20 minutes... Said girl left with 7-Up, and applicable medicines and I am left dealing with a heap of vomit.
Being the genius I am (insert snide remarks) I decide that, since this unfriendly... pool... is near a door, I am going to get it "outside." So, I decide to do this by washing it out with a hose.
Fast forward about a half hour. This idiotic plan has actually worked. With a bit of bleach and mop water the floor is once again sanitized and the chunks are now the duty of the video store I hosed them off in front of next door.
I think I'm all good... I've got my stomache about me, then a customer comes in (mind you I go hours at times without seeing anybody). I open my mouth and try to talk to this person and it triggers the vomit I've been holding back successfully dealing with the prior situation. I literally started to say "Hello!" then spun around and vomited into the trash.
They stood flabergasted before me. I told them it would be best if they went to the store up the street and they complied.
Fast forward about 2 hours. Once again... I've mentioned that my train of thought derails easily. SOMETHING still smells horrid in the store, long after I emptied the trash and cleaned the floors of vomit. Then it occurs to me that the fans in the back are facing solid walls with no ventilation. I walk into the back and sure enough... they have trapped the scent of vomit in a wind tunnel-esque GAS CHAMBER! I almost lost it again. Luckily I'm on a diet and had no food in my stomache left to heave LOL.
Fast forward about 2 more hours. My relief comes in and I tell them, "If you want to see something really interesting... watch the tapes from last night" and leave.
Fast forward to about an hour and a half ago... My phone starts ringing.
"Hello"
"John?" (That's what they call me, that's not my name, nor my nickname, just what they decided to call me.)
"Yes."
"Are you ok?"
"I think so...
Just then I remember everything that happened...
...NO! I'm not OK!"
"Well, are you feeling better?"
"Yeah, I've had some sleep, I think I'll be alright now."
"OK, well, we also need you to come in at 7:45 tonight."
"Uhm... alright..."
"Thanks...click..."
Those bastards! I can't believe how audacious people can be! I should call in sick on their ass. Making me come in early after all the events of yesterday.
Such is my life, now, the moral of my story is never partake in events that could possibly end with a moral like this story. Clear? Good! Later.
An hour later, I strolled out and was confronted with a curious pool of water making it's way from the back room. I STILL DIDN'T REMEMBER starting the mop water. I was certain a pipe had broken. I walked to the back, and, aside from the 4 inch deep water (we fill out of a very wide pipe that feeds into the dishwasher) I noticed a mop bucket with water barreling over the sides.
I actually considered quitting instead of dealing with this... but I eventually decided that would be a bad idea. Fast forward about two hours. Now, the only way I continue to function like a normal human being is that, under the gun, I'm usually a very quick and innovative thinker. So I stood amid a drying floor encircled by fans set on high. About this time I hear the front door open. I decide, with this situation under wraps for the time-being, to attend to customers.
As I round the corner, the chick hurls ALL OVER! Less than a foot from a garbage can. This, of course, makes me sick. I rush to closest trash and hurl. Fast forward about 20 minutes... Said girl left with 7-Up, and applicable medicines and I am left dealing with a heap of vomit.
Being the genius I am (insert snide remarks) I decide that, since this unfriendly... pool... is near a door, I am going to get it "outside." So, I decide to do this by washing it out with a hose.
Fast forward about a half hour. This idiotic plan has actually worked. With a bit of bleach and mop water the floor is once again sanitized and the chunks are now the duty of the video store I hosed them off in front of next door.
I think I'm all good... I've got my stomache about me, then a customer comes in (mind you I go hours at times without seeing anybody). I open my mouth and try to talk to this person and it triggers the vomit I've been holding back successfully dealing with the prior situation. I literally started to say "Hello!" then spun around and vomited into the trash.
They stood flabergasted before me. I told them it would be best if they went to the store up the street and they complied.
Fast forward about 2 hours. Once again... I've mentioned that my train of thought derails easily. SOMETHING still smells horrid in the store, long after I emptied the trash and cleaned the floors of vomit. Then it occurs to me that the fans in the back are facing solid walls with no ventilation. I walk into the back and sure enough... they have trapped the scent of vomit in a wind tunnel-esque GAS CHAMBER! I almost lost it again. Luckily I'm on a diet and had no food in my stomache left to heave LOL.
Fast forward about 2 more hours. My relief comes in and I tell them, "If you want to see something really interesting... watch the tapes from last night" and leave.
Fast forward to about an hour and a half ago... My phone starts ringing.
"Hello"
"John?" (That's what they call me, that's not my name, nor my nickname, just what they decided to call me.)
"Yes."
"Are you ok?"
"I think so...
Just then I remember everything that happened...
...NO! I'm not OK!"
"Well, are you feeling better?"
"Yeah, I've had some sleep, I think I'll be alright now."
"OK, well, we also need you to come in at 7:45 tonight."
"Uhm... alright..."
"Thanks...click..."
Those bastards! I can't believe how audacious people can be! I should call in sick on their ass. Making me come in early after all the events of yesterday.
Such is my life, now, the moral of my story is never partake in events that could possibly end with a moral like this story. Clear? Good! Later.
Posted at 04:57 PM Read More
Tue - January 18, 2005
The Amazing Vanishing Computer
Uhm... Did anybody else notice this?
A few months ago I wrote this
blog titled "Japan Envy" as part of my Japanalyzed series. Amongst the great
technologies covered in it were the Sony Vaio U series handheld computers
(picture below).
The Vaio U series is Sony's line of ultra-portable, fully functional, Windows XP computers. It's got a 1ghz processor and up to a 30gb HD. Along with it's accessory optical drives and keyboard, you can load anything on this handheld bad boy that you could on a desktop tower with the similar specs. I consider this the next logical step in laptop computer. Genius.
Well, the point of the Japanalyzed series was to shine light on great Japanese technologies that we would likely never see here in the US. I judged, based on it's $2000 price tag, it wouldn't do so well here, and would probably never be introduced. So, I was pretty happy to be proven wrong when Sony debuted the Vaio U series in the US about a month ago.
Since it's quiet debut, the series has mysteriously disappeared off of Sony's website. Now you see it, now you don't? I'm not quit sure what the game plan is over at SCEI, but I really hope this doesn't mean it is gone for good. I can't imagine that a couple weeks and virtually no marketing was enough time for Sony to chalk the system up to failure.
Perhaps I'm overreacting a bit. Maybe they are just gearing up for a major revision on the line... who knows? One thing is for sure; however, it was a solid step toward higher quality electronics in the states.
US consumers tend to be a bit frugal. We really don't justify electronics of "convenience" with a price tag over 500 bucks. The Vaio U series was a bit misunderstood in this sense. It was a fully capable laptop computer by all regards. Better yet, it was a fully capable laptop you could stick in your pocket.
If you are itching for a similar technology, there is a homegrown company that's still offering a (less feature laden) version of the handheld computer. OQO's 01 has similar specs... but it's not as well designed, lacks many of the connection options, and alas... is not Sony... a fact that seeps through in every inch of it's design and functionality ( I actually tried this thing out at a CompUSA, good luck trying to type on that keyboard!).
If Sony has decided to nix the Vaio U series in the US... this is one person's plea to BRING IT BACK!
The Vaio U series is Sony's line of ultra-portable, fully functional, Windows XP computers. It's got a 1ghz processor and up to a 30gb HD. Along with it's accessory optical drives and keyboard, you can load anything on this handheld bad boy that you could on a desktop tower with the similar specs. I consider this the next logical step in laptop computer. Genius.
Well, the point of the Japanalyzed series was to shine light on great Japanese technologies that we would likely never see here in the US. I judged, based on it's $2000 price tag, it wouldn't do so well here, and would probably never be introduced. So, I was pretty happy to be proven wrong when Sony debuted the Vaio U series in the US about a month ago.
Since it's quiet debut, the series has mysteriously disappeared off of Sony's website. Now you see it, now you don't? I'm not quit sure what the game plan is over at SCEI, but I really hope this doesn't mean it is gone for good. I can't imagine that a couple weeks and virtually no marketing was enough time for Sony to chalk the system up to failure.
Perhaps I'm overreacting a bit. Maybe they are just gearing up for a major revision on the line... who knows? One thing is for sure; however, it was a solid step toward higher quality electronics in the states.
US consumers tend to be a bit frugal. We really don't justify electronics of "convenience" with a price tag over 500 bucks. The Vaio U series was a bit misunderstood in this sense. It was a fully capable laptop computer by all regards. Better yet, it was a fully capable laptop you could stick in your pocket.
If you are itching for a similar technology, there is a homegrown company that's still offering a (less feature laden) version of the handheld computer. OQO's 01 has similar specs... but it's not as well designed, lacks many of the connection options, and alas... is not Sony... a fact that seeps through in every inch of it's design and functionality ( I actually tried this thing out at a CompUSA, good luck trying to type on that keyboard!).
If Sony has decided to nix the Vaio U series in the US... this is one person's plea to BRING IT BACK!
Posted at 02:23 PM Read More
Mon - January 17, 2005
You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.
Shalaney's blog is tackling a really interesting
topic this morning. Check it out by clicking here
.
Today sucks... period! I'm so frustrated and
exhausted that I can't even write this blog to explain all the reasons why, I
just want to go to bed and never wake up.
Posted at 07:23 AM Read More
Sun - January 16, 2005
Live From Hell
What a day it is already shaping up to be. I was
awoken a couple minutes ago by my dad scraping windows and starting our van up
at 5:55 in the morning. Where the hell are you going to go at 5:55 on a Sunday
morning? Church? Our family doesn't go to church! Anyway, I awake
now.
Yesterday my car was giving me all sorts of issues and I thought I was going to miss Hunter's birthday part at the movies. It wouldn't start! Finally I got it to go and made it early. We saw "The Incredibles" which I'd already seen, but I didn't mind watching it again. It was kind of fun. Shalaney was at home dying of the plague or something so she couldn't make it! I missed her being there to make fun of some parts with me and hope she gets to feeling better!
Some of you may know I'm on a diet. Blah... I'm sticking to it really well, but I've been a bit dissapointed in the results. This is exactly two weeks since I started. I weighed as is required weekly by this diet, yesterday and found that this week I had only lost 4 lbs. Making for a total of 11 lbs I've lost since I started this diet 2 weeks ago. I know they say that every bit counts, and there is no miracle weight loss pill... but christ, at this rate it will take me a year to get to my goal. LOL Maybe by the time I'm put in the home I'll have a nice body.
On top of that, according to this diet, I am 70 lbs overweight. 70 lbs? That means I should weigh 135 lbs. WOW! I don't think I can get that small! I thought at most I was like 50 lbs. overweight. Even that seemed like a stretch to me. I guess thats the point, you can't be your own judge on these things... I know 14 year olds that are tiny that weigh 135 lbs though.
I have learned quite a bit on this diet though. Eating out (including any fast food) should really be more like a once or twice a month thing, because even the healthy foods and salads are extremely unhealthy from many restaurants. Perhaps that is why American's are so overweight. We live in a society where fast food is a staple because we are too busy to take time off for food. It's all too convenient to eat on the go.
I've also learned about foods. Did you know that Soy ice cream kicks ass? It's SO GOOD! LOL. I'm not just saying that because I'm on a diet and haven't had good food in a while... it really is good. I got this kind called "Soy Dream Butter Toffee." Granted it isn't like you can eat the whole carton because it is soy, it's still something you have to eat in commodity, but it's BETTER regular ice cream. AND, there are these chips called "Lights" from Doritos, Ruffles, Lays, and Tostitos. There is no difference between these chips and the real thing in my opinion, but they aren't bad for you, and regular chips are REALLY bad for you.
Also, boneless, skinless, chicken breasts are the secret to loosing weight along with veggies. If I could stand to eat them for every meal each day the pounds would have been dripping off by now. I get sick of chicken really quick though.
My collection of Invader Zim DVDs is finally complete! ZIIIIMMM!!!!!!! I love that show. I've been a fan of Jhonen Vasquez (the writer and designer) since I read his Squee! comics way back in the day. I also picked up this really cheesy 80's B movie to watch with Shalaney called Ride to Osaka or something like that about the Japanese Maffia and their slave trade. Weird huh? It was only 4 bux. Can't be that bad!
Well, that's about it for now. Later!
Yesterday my car was giving me all sorts of issues and I thought I was going to miss Hunter's birthday part at the movies. It wouldn't start! Finally I got it to go and made it early. We saw "The Incredibles" which I'd already seen, but I didn't mind watching it again. It was kind of fun. Shalaney was at home dying of the plague or something so she couldn't make it! I missed her being there to make fun of some parts with me and hope she gets to feeling better!
Some of you may know I'm on a diet. Blah... I'm sticking to it really well, but I've been a bit dissapointed in the results. This is exactly two weeks since I started. I weighed as is required weekly by this diet, yesterday and found that this week I had only lost 4 lbs. Making for a total of 11 lbs I've lost since I started this diet 2 weeks ago. I know they say that every bit counts, and there is no miracle weight loss pill... but christ, at this rate it will take me a year to get to my goal. LOL Maybe by the time I'm put in the home I'll have a nice body.
On top of that, according to this diet, I am 70 lbs overweight. 70 lbs? That means I should weigh 135 lbs. WOW! I don't think I can get that small! I thought at most I was like 50 lbs. overweight. Even that seemed like a stretch to me. I guess thats the point, you can't be your own judge on these things... I know 14 year olds that are tiny that weigh 135 lbs though.
I have learned quite a bit on this diet though. Eating out (including any fast food) should really be more like a once or twice a month thing, because even the healthy foods and salads are extremely unhealthy from many restaurants. Perhaps that is why American's are so overweight. We live in a society where fast food is a staple because we are too busy to take time off for food. It's all too convenient to eat on the go.
I've also learned about foods. Did you know that Soy ice cream kicks ass? It's SO GOOD! LOL. I'm not just saying that because I'm on a diet and haven't had good food in a while... it really is good. I got this kind called "Soy Dream Butter Toffee." Granted it isn't like you can eat the whole carton because it is soy, it's still something you have to eat in commodity, but it's BETTER regular ice cream. AND, there are these chips called "Lights" from Doritos, Ruffles, Lays, and Tostitos. There is no difference between these chips and the real thing in my opinion, but they aren't bad for you, and regular chips are REALLY bad for you.
Also, boneless, skinless, chicken breasts are the secret to loosing weight along with veggies. If I could stand to eat them for every meal each day the pounds would have been dripping off by now. I get sick of chicken really quick though.
My collection of Invader Zim DVDs is finally complete! ZIIIIMMM!!!!!!! I love that show. I've been a fan of Jhonen Vasquez (the writer and designer) since I read his Squee! comics way back in the day. I also picked up this really cheesy 80's B movie to watch with Shalaney called Ride to Osaka or something like that about the Japanese Maffia and their slave trade. Weird huh? It was only 4 bux. Can't be that bad!
Well, that's about it for now. Later!
Posted at 06:30 AM Read More
Wed - January 12, 2005
MacWorld: Big Moves From Apple
You can watch the Macworld SF '05 keynote speech, to
which this blog refers, here
Some big news this morning in the world of Mac.
Interestingly, downplayed by MSNBC... hmmm...
Apple not only announced new software but new hardware as well. They reaffirmed that their competition with Sony would not interfere with their cooperation with Sony (in a rare appearance from Sony's president). They established a leaning toward BluRay disc format, and showed progress in their joint venture with Motorola on the iTunes enabled phone.
I want to start by debating a few of Jeff's comments . I had a very different opinion of the iPod Shuffle. Apple has no excuse for leaving a display of some sort (at least for tracking song number) off of this product, which I'm sure will be added by request (as in demand) next year, but it had some extremely strong points. First off, a 512 Mb flash media player for $99 is hot no matter how you cut it. Next, I have a Sony Minidisc player. I never look at the display, it's always in my pocket. I like that the display is there, but I have to admit... I never make use of it for anything other than to check battery life. Unlike the Standard and Mini iPods, the Shuffle can't tote your entire music library. With that in mind, you are going to have to put some thought into which songs you want to carry with you while playlisting. I "get" the idea. Make a list of great songs, shove it in your pocket, and jam. If you want an inexpensive player that can handle your whole audio library with a nice display and a decent size, choose the iPod Mini instead.
Doesn't the Shuffle look damn cool though? I'll be one of those idiots Jeff predicted will help Apple sell a bazillion of these things. I think they make a more realistic product for exercising at the gym (when you really aren't reaching into your pocket every five minutes to look for a song), and for people like me who listen to a lot of audiobooks downloaded from iTunes (books are better left on tape... and now iPod).
I have these gripes though: The marketing/name is confusing and ignorant, not adding a screen is a mistake that could cost apple their dominance in the market, the lanyard is not going to go over like the now cult-icon iPod headphones, the battery life is inexcusable for a product so small without a display, the accessories are just iPod standards not new and innovative for this unique product.
The USB storage device option, with the ability to set limits for how much is music, and how much is data... killer, well done, way to go Apple! It may actually sell better amongst Apple users as a USB storage device than a digital audio player.
On to the next big debut at Macworld. The "headless iMac" turned out to be the "Mac Mini " (can you tell that the iPod is seeping into every facet of Apple's business). This product has Jeff and I at odds of opinion again (read the linked entry in Jeff's blog above).I was initially in love with it. After watching Steve's keynote I zipped over to Apple.com to check it out in greater detail and found it to be highly disappointing. First off, let it be said that I'm not expecting the world out of a computer this cheap, but what exactly is the point of creating a computer to compete with entry level PC pricing if the product doesn't compete? This HP PC package from Walmart.com is $468, also has 256 MB of RAM, the same 40 GBs of HD, the same type of combo CD burner and DVD style drive, even comes with iTunes pre-installed, but it is is $40 less and comes with a 17" monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
If you are price shopping, and feature shopping, Apple just got beat out. Unless you know how much better an Apple is (as I and many others do), you are are going to opt for the PC. Also, if you are thinking of adding any features to the Mac Mini... think again. Out of curiosity I went through the steps to order a Mac Mini (but did not complete the order) and found that my Mini, equipped with a DVD burner, an 80 GB hard drive, A regular "wired" keyboard and mouse, and 512 MB of RAM skyrocketed to $782. This similarly equipped E-Machine package , which includes a 17" monitor, a keyboard, and a mouse is almost $200 less.
Now, knowing the superiority of a Mac, I can tell you that the Mini is probably far better a machine than either the E-Machine or the HP... but I can't say it's a better deal, which is pivotal in encouraging PC users to transition to the Mac OS.
Also, why include iLife if the Mini doesn't have the capabilities to utilize many of the apps and their features? Why include Garage band if you aren't going to include an optical audio input? Why include iDVD when the RAM and processor limitations are going to frustrate potential switchers? Why bother including an HD video editing program in a computer that ships with a 40 GB hard drive? Especially one without a DVD burner? Uhm... whatever Apple had planned with this comp, I feel they've missed their mark. It is a pretty little box though. Right size to hook to an HD tv and replace your DVD player and CD player with as Jeff suggested. With an accessory EyeTV from Elgato, it'd make a great PVR and DVD burner to replace your TiVo also.
Love the Apple, hate the sin. That's my theory on the Mac Mini... oh, and the name is freaking gay! That's coming from a gay guy, and not meant in a kind way. In the world of PCs, especially media-centric PCs... you don't want to have to be the guy who tells his friends he just got a Mini... LOL How sad... it almost immediately infers negative info about penis size. What! You were thinking it too!
I noticed that Apple stock is down this morning, it probably echoes the sentiment of both Jeff and I on these different products. Apple's entry level product line was more or less unveiled at Macworld '05 and left MANY unimpressed. I can honestly say that both of these products show great promise if Apple offers the proper tweaks on them, but I don't think any will have the kind of success that either the iMac or the iPod did. Speaking of which... if you are really considering the jump from PC to Mac, consider a far more solid Mac. The iMac G5.
As for software unveilings, Pages and iPhoto are exceptional. I don't think you can find products so well developed or all-encompassing on PC. They are truly examples of Apple's superiority when it comes to innovative software that doesn't require college degrees to use (but looks like it did). As Jobs likes to say "Software a mere mortal can use." And what a killer price point! $79 buys you one of the best entry level, all-encompassing media editing suites around from the company that knows digital media best. Excellent tweaks to OSX for the Tiger build as well... not quite sure it is deserving of a new OS release as opposed to a Microsoft Plus!-esque enhancement pack... but the dashboard and spotlight features really are killer.
As a musician... Garageband is simply the best program in it's price range period. The new tweaks to it that come along with iLife '05 make it the best app of it's type in my opinion (I've tried Magic Studio, Sony Acid Studio and Studio Pro, Cakewalk, and Pro Tools LE) the things you can do in Garageband are worth the $79 price tag of iLife alone. If you are a small fry musician, or fancy yourself an up and coming band... and you aren't using Garageband (or even worse, if you are using the POS Sony Acid Studio or Acid Studio Pro) you are AN IDIOT. It's 10x the program for less, of course you'd have to switch to know, but what the heck are you doing using PCs for audio anyway... I could go into a whole spell about Mac OSX and Core Audio... but it's getting late and I don't have the time to give it my full passion... so just know that if you aren't using an Apple and Garageband, you have no idea what you are missing. If you are starting to outgrow Garageband, Logic Express or Pro take it to a whole new level.
Well, I've done enough damage for a day. I've got to go buy my iPod Shuffle! Later!
Apple not only announced new software but new hardware as well. They reaffirmed that their competition with Sony would not interfere with their cooperation with Sony (in a rare appearance from Sony's president). They established a leaning toward BluRay disc format, and showed progress in their joint venture with Motorola on the iTunes enabled phone.
I want to start by debating a few of Jeff's comments . I had a very different opinion of the iPod Shuffle. Apple has no excuse for leaving a display of some sort (at least for tracking song number) off of this product, which I'm sure will be added by request (as in demand) next year, but it had some extremely strong points. First off, a 512 Mb flash media player for $99 is hot no matter how you cut it. Next, I have a Sony Minidisc player. I never look at the display, it's always in my pocket. I like that the display is there, but I have to admit... I never make use of it for anything other than to check battery life. Unlike the Standard and Mini iPods, the Shuffle can't tote your entire music library. With that in mind, you are going to have to put some thought into which songs you want to carry with you while playlisting. I "get" the idea. Make a list of great songs, shove it in your pocket, and jam. If you want an inexpensive player that can handle your whole audio library with a nice display and a decent size, choose the iPod Mini instead.
Doesn't the Shuffle look damn cool though? I'll be one of those idiots Jeff predicted will help Apple sell a bazillion of these things. I think they make a more realistic product for exercising at the gym (when you really aren't reaching into your pocket every five minutes to look for a song), and for people like me who listen to a lot of audiobooks downloaded from iTunes (books are better left on tape... and now iPod).
I have these gripes though: The marketing/name is confusing and ignorant, not adding a screen is a mistake that could cost apple their dominance in the market, the lanyard is not going to go over like the now cult-icon iPod headphones, the battery life is inexcusable for a product so small without a display, the accessories are just iPod standards not new and innovative for this unique product.
The USB storage device option, with the ability to set limits for how much is music, and how much is data... killer, well done, way to go Apple! It may actually sell better amongst Apple users as a USB storage device than a digital audio player.
On to the next big debut at Macworld. The "headless iMac" turned out to be the "Mac Mini " (can you tell that the iPod is seeping into every facet of Apple's business). This product has Jeff and I at odds of opinion again (read the linked entry in Jeff's blog above).I was initially in love with it. After watching Steve's keynote I zipped over to Apple.com to check it out in greater detail and found it to be highly disappointing. First off, let it be said that I'm not expecting the world out of a computer this cheap, but what exactly is the point of creating a computer to compete with entry level PC pricing if the product doesn't compete? This HP PC package from Walmart.com is $468, also has 256 MB of RAM, the same 40 GBs of HD, the same type of combo CD burner and DVD style drive, even comes with iTunes pre-installed, but it is is $40 less and comes with a 17" monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
If you are price shopping, and feature shopping, Apple just got beat out. Unless you know how much better an Apple is (as I and many others do), you are are going to opt for the PC. Also, if you are thinking of adding any features to the Mac Mini... think again. Out of curiosity I went through the steps to order a Mac Mini (but did not complete the order) and found that my Mini, equipped with a DVD burner, an 80 GB hard drive, A regular "wired" keyboard and mouse, and 512 MB of RAM skyrocketed to $782. This similarly equipped E-Machine package , which includes a 17" monitor, a keyboard, and a mouse is almost $200 less.
Now, knowing the superiority of a Mac, I can tell you that the Mini is probably far better a machine than either the E-Machine or the HP... but I can't say it's a better deal, which is pivotal in encouraging PC users to transition to the Mac OS.
Also, why include iLife if the Mini doesn't have the capabilities to utilize many of the apps and their features? Why include Garage band if you aren't going to include an optical audio input? Why include iDVD when the RAM and processor limitations are going to frustrate potential switchers? Why bother including an HD video editing program in a computer that ships with a 40 GB hard drive? Especially one without a DVD burner? Uhm... whatever Apple had planned with this comp, I feel they've missed their mark. It is a pretty little box though. Right size to hook to an HD tv and replace your DVD player and CD player with as Jeff suggested. With an accessory EyeTV from Elgato, it'd make a great PVR and DVD burner to replace your TiVo also.
Love the Apple, hate the sin. That's my theory on the Mac Mini... oh, and the name is freaking gay! That's coming from a gay guy, and not meant in a kind way. In the world of PCs, especially media-centric PCs... you don't want to have to be the guy who tells his friends he just got a Mini... LOL How sad... it almost immediately infers negative info about penis size. What! You were thinking it too!
I noticed that Apple stock is down this morning, it probably echoes the sentiment of both Jeff and I on these different products. Apple's entry level product line was more or less unveiled at Macworld '05 and left MANY unimpressed. I can honestly say that both of these products show great promise if Apple offers the proper tweaks on them, but I don't think any will have the kind of success that either the iMac or the iPod did. Speaking of which... if you are really considering the jump from PC to Mac, consider a far more solid Mac. The iMac G5.
As for software unveilings, Pages and iPhoto are exceptional. I don't think you can find products so well developed or all-encompassing on PC. They are truly examples of Apple's superiority when it comes to innovative software that doesn't require college degrees to use (but looks like it did). As Jobs likes to say "Software a mere mortal can use." And what a killer price point! $79 buys you one of the best entry level, all-encompassing media editing suites around from the company that knows digital media best. Excellent tweaks to OSX for the Tiger build as well... not quite sure it is deserving of a new OS release as opposed to a Microsoft Plus!-esque enhancement pack... but the dashboard and spotlight features really are killer.
As a musician... Garageband is simply the best program in it's price range period. The new tweaks to it that come along with iLife '05 make it the best app of it's type in my opinion (I've tried Magic Studio, Sony Acid Studio and Studio Pro, Cakewalk, and Pro Tools LE) the things you can do in Garageband are worth the $79 price tag of iLife alone. If you are a small fry musician, or fancy yourself an up and coming band... and you aren't using Garageband (or even worse, if you are using the POS Sony Acid Studio or Acid Studio Pro) you are AN IDIOT. It's 10x the program for less, of course you'd have to switch to know, but what the heck are you doing using PCs for audio anyway... I could go into a whole spell about Mac OSX and Core Audio... but it's getting late and I don't have the time to give it my full passion... so just know that if you aren't using an Apple and Garageband, you have no idea what you are missing. If you are starting to outgrow Garageband, Logic Express or Pro take it to a whole new level.
Well, I've done enough damage for a day. I've got to go buy my iPod Shuffle! Later!
Posted at 10:53 AM Read More
Tue - January 11, 2005
Happy Birthday Hunter
Wow, when I was the age he is now... A little older
I guess... I remember Shalaney wheeling a stroller over to our place and taking
a look at a tiny little baby. 10 years later he turned out to be a great kid, a
great artist, and does one hell of a robot. If I had a son, I'd want him to be
just like Hunter!
Posted at 09:22 AM Read More
Sun - January 9, 2005
Oh the suspense!
Mac World Expo 1 day away!
It is a very interesting and rewarding time to be an
Apple computer fanatic. The iPod has, without question, dominated the portable
audio market. According to this
article it controls 87% of the market. If their wasn't currently a sea of
competition, this would be considered a monopoly in combination with the syncing
stipulations and popularity of the iTunes Music Store. By the way, that article
is also a quick bio on Apple-lover's almighty hero Steve Jobs. You may know him
from his work with his other company;
Pixar.
The iPod isn't the only thing exciting in the Mac world. In fact, the most exciting thing at this very moment is the coming of MacWorld SF (San Francisco) This is a Mac technology expo that could be likened to a CES (though obviously not as large) or E3 of the Apple world. So why is this yearly conference so huge? One word: lawsuits! Apple is on parade trying to silence websites that they believe to be spreading facts gained through individuals with confidential knowledge of upcoming Apple products. This lawsuit regards upcoming innovations to the Mac OS ( OS X Tiger), and an upcoming music-related code (or possibly device) called Asteroid. This article talks about lawsuits over other potential upcoming products.
Why is this important? These lawsuits give us a peak at what might not be rumor. One extremely prominent theory is that Apple will be announcing a sub-$500 computer at the Macworld conference next week. With the iPod selling in the tens of millions at a similar price point... this could be huge for Apple. This item was listed, but not confirmed as an upcoming item in one of their lawsuits.
It has been said that the company wasn't quite ready to release this product yet, and that's why they are desperately trying to stifle the word on it. Apple's tradition is to release products immediately after announcing them. This no lag-time process undoubtedly helps them sell, but probably solidifies the features of the final product as well.
This sub-$500 computer is being affectionately referred to as the headless iMac. It is commonly believed that this computer will be a G4 Processor-based mac without an integrated monitor. It is not likely that this computer will support DVD burning due to the potential processing and memory limitations.
Another product being talked about a LOT recently is a flash memory-based iPod . Yeah, Apple could potentially include a memory stick (extremely likely to be Smart Meda or Secure Digital) player in it's iPod line. A product that has so effectively been so effectively quelched by the success of the iPod. This article talks about an iPod that lacks a screen and is very small in form. Possibly it could be an internal memory player with a set base of memory like 512mb- 1gb.
On to the iTunes capable phone . Come on now, you knew it was coming! Yes, Motorola and Apple are in cahoots building a phone that syncs with iTunes. An "iPhone" has always been an extremely popular rumor amongst Apple fans, and is perhaps being blown out of proportion. It is believe that Apple will brand the phone and design it, and it will be built by Motorola. This is key to expanding the Apple operating system. If, for instance, you had a mobile device that could connect with your Mac via iSync, and supported Mac OS X Address Book, possibly Sherlock, and of course iTunes and the ITMS... you'd have, in essence, Mac OS X Mobile.
According to what has actually been said by both companies and the importance of businesses in cell phone marketing... it's far more likely in my opinion that the phone will simply be a Motorola phone, or series of phones, that support/s iTunes for both ring tones and probably an ability to hold a few songs on some internal memory.
There are a few new programs of question as well. Code name "Sugar" is reported to be a productivity suite from Apple to replace Appleworks called iWork '05 . Several existing Apple technologies are supposedly present including Keynote.
Personally I'm waiting for an Apple version of Microsoft's popular Windows Media Center Edition. Any sort of PVR program actually would be a welcome inclusion into OS X.
All right, well that's it for now!
The iPod isn't the only thing exciting in the Mac world. In fact, the most exciting thing at this very moment is the coming of MacWorld SF (San Francisco) This is a Mac technology expo that could be likened to a CES (though obviously not as large) or E3 of the Apple world. So why is this yearly conference so huge? One word: lawsuits! Apple is on parade trying to silence websites that they believe to be spreading facts gained through individuals with confidential knowledge of upcoming Apple products. This lawsuit regards upcoming innovations to the Mac OS ( OS X Tiger), and an upcoming music-related code (or possibly device) called Asteroid. This article talks about lawsuits over other potential upcoming products.
Why is this important? These lawsuits give us a peak at what might not be rumor. One extremely prominent theory is that Apple will be announcing a sub-$500 computer at the Macworld conference next week. With the iPod selling in the tens of millions at a similar price point... this could be huge for Apple. This item was listed, but not confirmed as an upcoming item in one of their lawsuits.
It has been said that the company wasn't quite ready to release this product yet, and that's why they are desperately trying to stifle the word on it. Apple's tradition is to release products immediately after announcing them. This no lag-time process undoubtedly helps them sell, but probably solidifies the features of the final product as well.
This sub-$500 computer is being affectionately referred to as the headless iMac. It is commonly believed that this computer will be a G4 Processor-based mac without an integrated monitor. It is not likely that this computer will support DVD burning due to the potential processing and memory limitations.
Another product being talked about a LOT recently is a flash memory-based iPod . Yeah, Apple could potentially include a memory stick (extremely likely to be Smart Meda or Secure Digital) player in it's iPod line. A product that has so effectively been so effectively quelched by the success of the iPod. This article talks about an iPod that lacks a screen and is very small in form. Possibly it could be an internal memory player with a set base of memory like 512mb- 1gb.
On to the iTunes capable phone . Come on now, you knew it was coming! Yes, Motorola and Apple are in cahoots building a phone that syncs with iTunes. An "iPhone" has always been an extremely popular rumor amongst Apple fans, and is perhaps being blown out of proportion. It is believe that Apple will brand the phone and design it, and it will be built by Motorola. This is key to expanding the Apple operating system. If, for instance, you had a mobile device that could connect with your Mac via iSync, and supported Mac OS X Address Book, possibly Sherlock, and of course iTunes and the ITMS... you'd have, in essence, Mac OS X Mobile.
According to what has actually been said by both companies and the importance of businesses in cell phone marketing... it's far more likely in my opinion that the phone will simply be a Motorola phone, or series of phones, that support/s iTunes for both ring tones and probably an ability to hold a few songs on some internal memory.
There are a few new programs of question as well. Code name "Sugar" is reported to be a productivity suite from Apple to replace Appleworks called iWork '05 . Several existing Apple technologies are supposedly present including Keynote.
Personally I'm waiting for an Apple version of Microsoft's popular Windows Media Center Edition. Any sort of PVR program actually would be a welcome inclusion into OS X.
All right, well that's it for now!
Posted at 05:50 AM Read More
Sat
- January 8, 2005
White Noise (** )
You can visit this movie's website by clicking here
Well, it's not Van Helsing... that's about the only
thing it has going for it. Apparently I wasn't the only one who felt that way. I
read something about it on MSNBC today and they only gave it one
star.
It tried to go in a whole lot of directions and left about everything unexplained in the end. So this guy's wife dissapears and a man who's expertise is in recording voices and images of the dead in untuned mediums shows up and tells him that his wife is trying to contact him.
After that he becomes obsessed with trying to record her, and decipher what she's telling him. That's about it for this movie. There are evil ghosts, whom you never get a background on who don't like him meddling. You never do find out exactly what happened to his wife, though you are given clues, and half the movie you spend trying to decipher garbled noises and staring at snowy TV screens.
I knew something at the theater smelled like crap... it was this movie.
I wouldn't bother going to see it in theaters. There really isn't a lot that the big screen does for it. It plays out kind of like an episode of unsolved mysteries so you may feel more at home watching it on your TV anyway.
It tried to go in a whole lot of directions and left about everything unexplained in the end. So this guy's wife dissapears and a man who's expertise is in recording voices and images of the dead in untuned mediums shows up and tells him that his wife is trying to contact him.
After that he becomes obsessed with trying to record her, and decipher what she's telling him. That's about it for this movie. There are evil ghosts, whom you never get a background on who don't like him meddling. You never do find out exactly what happened to his wife, though you are given clues, and half the movie you spend trying to decipher garbled noises and staring at snowy TV screens.
I knew something at the theater smelled like crap... it was this movie.
I wouldn't bother going to see it in theaters. There really isn't a lot that the big screen does for it. It plays out kind of like an episode of unsolved mysteries so you may feel more at home watching it on your TV anyway.
Posted at 11:01 PM Read More
PSP, Sony PSP
Monday
My Birthday, Mindi, Squee, and Caddy Trucks
A Sad Day In Methville
Deck My Halls
Lemony Snicket's: A Series of Unfortunate Events (***.5)
Blade Trinity (**.5)
A Few Playstation Updates
A Barrel of Laughs
My Love of Apple Reinforced (Version 2.0)
Missunderstanding My PSP Perspective
A Day in Methville
The Sony Playstation Portable (PSP)
National Treasure (**** )
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Published On: Apr 18, 2005 07:01 PM
Published On: Apr 18, 2005 07:01 PM