Journey of 1000 miles

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 23:11:35 GMT

Yeah... very much the end of an era. Possibly even an entire epoch.

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 03:27:54 GMT

I am so incredibly frustrated right now. I don't know if I want to scream and throw things or just curl into a call and cry.

Crazy Major Update

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 06:07:23 GMT

Yeah.. lots and lots have happened since the last time I posted. From the last post I apparently was still in fencing. I've since quit that. A big part I think was that is took my over an hour one-way of travel time. But beyond that, I wasn't quite getting what I wanted out of it.. part of it might be that I felt I wasn't being taught at my speed. Right after I stopped fencing, I decided to join the TC Terrors (the local men's roller derby team). So far, it's freakin' awesome. I think it;s kinda taking the opposite trajectory for me that fencing took. Currently there's no home venue to host bouts for the Terrors so it's a traveling team - I'm probably going to start trying to travel with them starting this March going to Milwaukee. Roller derby does make me a bit sore... but this kind of sore makes me feel like I'm actually DOING something.

In other news - I've FINALLY got my drivers license and am going to be getting a car in the nearish future (in the next month or so). Probably going to get an Accord that is a few years old that I can buy outright. I'm actually thinking of turning in my change tin and doing my taxes early to build up cash so get a car sooner. At the very latest I'll get a car right after I get my yearly bonus mid-March.

In work related news - I got promoted to a salaried position a few months ago. Enough of a pay raise to pull me out of the union. In todays market, I'm a little weary that I no long have the union protection, but I think I've worked myself into an indispensable position.

Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:24:42 GMT

I missed fencing today. Really started from the last time I went to fencing on Tuesday. About half way through the exercises, I started feeling really queezy and had to sit out for 10 minutes or so. After sitting I felt better enough to participate in most of the rest of the class. I had hoped that my mask was smaller than it usually was (making it more stuffy) combined with the exertion made me sick and that was it. But no. It turned out that was only the beginning of it and I ended up being quite ill for the next couple days (thus missing my Thursday class). After getting horrible sleep Thursday night (to start out, I went to bed about 10:30 but fell asleep about midnight), went in early to work as I was awake at 4:30 and couldn't get back to sleep. Went to a meeting then took the rest of the day off and came back home to finish recuperating. While I did get to bed fairly late last night (thanks OpenTyrian DS), I didn't think to set an alarm today as I didn't expect to sleep nearly 11 hours, waking up at the time I should be at the bus stop to get to fencing. Gah. As I'm leaving for Houston tomorrow and coming back Friday, the next time I'll be able to go is in a week.

On a side note: I hate dreams where something happens to me that would make me happy to the point of tears. I always wake up and know it's not real.

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 03:37:13 GMT

Fencing Day #2

Went to my second fencing class yesterday. Smaller overall class today, only two of us newbies from Tueaday and a few more experienced fencers. Thinking maybe most of the adult class comes once a week? But anyway, the warmups were a bit more intense then they were on Tuesday (as us n00bs were thrown in with the more experienced). Before we grabbed weapons there were more stretches and we did a number of varied footwork drills working on varying speed with advances, retreats, and lunges.

When we were told to grab equipment, I decided to stick with the Sabre for now while the other newbie switched to Foil. As a result, I was paired with someone who has been fencing for about 4 years, though had just gotten back into fencing after being out for almost a year getting married, buying a house, little stuff like that. We did a few weapon drills and then got to actually fence for the last half hour or so. I could tell he was going a bit easy on me and basically serving as a sort of teachers aide. I think the thing I liked most about what he was doing was a number of times, after a point was scored, he had me describe the actions that took place (i.e. he feinted to my right, lunged left, I parried and reposted). I definitely felt like I learned a lot and started really to pick up on some of it (like I stopped falling for all his feints by the end).

So far, I am quite enjoying fencing. I'm still a bit sore today, hopefully I'll feel good enough to go tomorrow where I'll probably buy a glove at the school. (my first piece of fencing equipment - yay!)

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 03:30:25 GMT

First day of fencing. So far I'm enjoying it. Just worked on the very basics (obviously) - basic en garde, advancing, retreating, lunging, and thrusting. Used the Sabre today, probably continue with that at least for now. I'll probably switch to the Foil at some point, though you're generally not stuck with a single weapon the entire time. It's just good to learn one before learning multiple.

Worked from home this morning and got into the office about noon. Ate some free fajitas and then pretty much sat through a couple teleconferences the rest of the day. No meetings until Friday so I'll be working from home tomorrow and Thursday. It'll rock!

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 14:35:46 GMT

Nothing. Again. ..I really should stop getting my hopes up.

In other news since I last posted: I'm flying to Houston on a fairly regular basis for business. The third trip was canceled in September due to Hurricane Ike but am going again Oct 19-24. Got a nice promotion, though it has yet to be announced - kinda odd at work. Though am going to get lots of new equipment for my new job, laptop, new phone, webcam, the works! Also, am going to start Fencing next week. I still need to go out and get a pair of athletic pants and maybe a pair of basic sneakers as well.

Mon, 19 May 2008 01:36:06 GMT

Had the date with the cute Rollergirl. Other then the fact that I was pretty shy/nervous I think it went really well and hope for a second date in the near future. Went out to eat at the Rail Station, she brought me a rose (awwww). After dinner came back to my place and watched Enchanted, I'd say a pretty good first date movie. Figure starting on something like Requiem for a Dream would have been a bit of a downer.

This weekend has been totally exhausting. Got up early (like 7:30am) for the final Spanish class on Saturday. Went to a bonfire at L&As in the evening. Had a pretty good time though I probably took in too many intoxicants. Spent the night. Had an incredibly shitty morning. I won't go into any detail on how bad it was but I'm not sure if I've felt shittier on so many different levels like that before.

After I got home from L&As, played about 7 hours of Rock Band. Me, Tracy, April, and Dan played through the Endless Setlist (all 58 songs that come with the game). Game froze after we played the first 12 and had to replay them (super shitty). So overall we actually played 70 songs. Save for a few of the temporary pause breaks and pizza break; I was on my feet the whole time (I can't play well sitting down). My feet hurt :( Though our Rock Band band is now something like 43rd in the country for all PS3 bands so I suppose it was worth it?

I'll probably be heading to bed early tonight... have work tomorrow *sigh*

Mon, 12 May 2008 23:32:15 GMT

It has been a looooong time since I've last posted (a real post that is). Finally got my first credit card - yay free money! :D (jk)

Overall life has been alright. Work is the same (i.e. working on things that aren't in my job description). I've been trying to get out and socialize more as well. Seems to be working out alright, definitely helps elevate my mood. Though I should probably try to get out even more. One thing that might help in that cause is the possibility of a date with a super cute Rollergirl which I'm trying to set up for this Thursday. (wish me luck!)

I've also noticed lately that I've gotten a bit out of shape (not that I've even been is AWESOME shape, but still..). I'd play more DDR but most of my video game playing time has been mostly Rock Band and more recently started to get into Super Paper Mario. I should really invest in a good bike this summer and go on regular bike rides. Definitely not wont for lack of bike paths.

That's probably enough for now... hopefully I'll start regularly updating again.

also jumps on said band wagon

Sun, 04 May 2008 16:30:58 GMT

Your LJ Slut Stats!
Out of your 23 friends, percentages you have:
met		69.56%
hugged		43.47%
dated		8.69%
kissed		21.73%
seen shirtless		43.47%
seen naked		30.43%
had net sex		21.73%
made out with		17.39%
had oral sex		4.35%
fucked		4.35%
Get your LJ Slut Stats!

Sun, 06 Jan 2008 23:16:15 GMT

Heh - all the reds are <50% while all the blues are >75%... wonder which side I'll vote for.. hm...

90% Barack Obama
89% Chris Dodd
88% John Edwards
87% Hillary Clinton
86% Mike Gravel
84% Dennis Kucinich
82% Joe Biden
75% Bill Richardson
46% Rudy Giuliani
33% John McCain
26% Mike Huckabee
25% Mitt Romney
23% Ron Paul
23% Tom Tancredo
13% Fred Thompson

2008 Presidential Candidate Matching Quiz

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 03:49:22 GMT

I got a new bed today! I upgraded from a twin to a queen. I was at work only 2 hours and got home early to await my bed. The delivery guy came at 12:20 and after all was said and done, it was 3:30. I put together the frame, put on the head/foot boards, lugged up the box spring and put it on the frame, lugged up the mattress and put it on the box spring, and broke up all the big boxes and threw away most of the many many pieces of plastic that everything was wrapped in.

A little drama with the head/food boards. Both boxes said "Contains 1 head board". I was quite worried that I didn't get a foot board. After opening one and examining it, it seems that the only difference between the foot and head board is that you put leg extenders on the head board. The 'boards have the right holes to be either. *whew* So instead of lacking a foot board, I got an extra set of extenders and double the needed nuts/bolts.

Took a little nap with the kitty soon after I got everything set up (was a bit worn out). After Tracy & April came home, we went to Target. I got a bedding set and some new pillows and we all picked out a Christmas Tree. First time a Christmas Tree will be up where I make residence since moving out of my parents. I'll finally get to use those bulbs I got a couple years ago.

I'll see about trying to update more - no promises though.

Finally

Sat, 03 Nov 2007 21:53:15 GMT

I finally got off my lazy ass and completed Phase 1 of Operation Fix Wall. Well.. it was really Phase 1c as Phases 1a and 1b were utter failures. Oh well - third time's the charm! I'll put on a 2nd coat of compound tomorrow some time after the Vikings lose to the Chargers. 3rd possible coat will come after work Monday. Then I'll sand it smooth an put a coat of paint over it... none will be the wiser!

Wed, 24 Oct 2007 23:26:21 GMT

I'm working on a fairly large project at work. I've been working on fixing certain types of problems that occurred for the first 15 months of our new computer system. Started in early August and got through the 15 months and fixed all the problems I knew how to fix. I had questions about how to fix the rest to several different people (depending on the problem). Within half an hour of getting in this morning, I finally hear back from 2 of the people I've asked how to fix the problems that are left. First one basically told me to NOT fix it (which is completely wrong and would probably end up fucking the company over if they aren't fixed and we're ever audited)... I'll have to talk to her boss about it who's out of the office until next week. As I'm hanging up the phone in semi-disbelief I get an email back from another person saying they can't help me with another problem (which is the problem that is 90% of what is left to fix).

I spent all day trying to figure out what I could possibly do with these. It sucked.

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 22:28:55 GMT

So I have three people on my friends page who've done this so far...

1. Go to Career Cruising, www.careercruising.com
2. Put in Username: nycareers and Password: landmark.
3. Take their "Career Matchmaker" questions.
4. Post the top twenty results
5. Put the careers you have seriously considered in bold

1.	Race Car Mechanic
2.	Avionics Tech
3.	Aircraft Mechanic
4.	Diesel Mechanic
5.	Automobile Mechanic
6.	Motorcycle Mechanic
7.	Heavy Equipment Mechanic
8.	Farm Equipment Mechanic
9.	Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration Tech
10.	Medical Imaging Tech
11.	Computer Support Person
12.	Elevator Installer and Repairer
13.	Industrial Machinery Mechanic
14.	Millwright
15.	Cardiovascular Tech
16.	Electroneurodiagnostic Tech
17.	Genetic Counselor
18.	Automotive Painter
19.	Special Effects Technician
20.	Boilermaker

I think I missed my calling... what I do is closest to #11, but my top 10 are filled with various mechanics or techs. Geez

Mmm Fajitas

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 22:57:30 GMT

I had a very good day today. This morning, even getting into the shower slightly later then normal - I still got done really early. I was finished getting dressed and really ready to go about 5 minutes or so before I usually get out of the shower. Left enough time for a most excellent bonus this morning :)

At work, a guy from Houston (actually a decent guy) was up here - equivalent to my boss. They ordered lunch for the department today and since my boss designated it a meeting (ie - everyone had to be there and eat and meet the guy from Houston) she said that we could still take our lunch break that day at some other time. So basically I not only get free tasty fajitas, but got to leave nearly an hour early due to me taking my usual lunch/break combo at the end of the day because of it! :D

No More Harry Potter

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 03:30:53 GMT

Finally finished the last Harry Potter book. Inadvertently dedicated most of this past weekend to it. Going to be busy again next weekend. Going to be Fish 'n Chips 'n Movies - British Comedy Night. Though back to the book, I really enjoyed it. Going to miss there being no more Potter to read. Kind of what I felt when I finished Children of the Mind, the end of the Enders Series. Guess I'll just have to find a new series to read... or just re-read an old one ;)

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 03:56:32 GMT

My boss gave me and another coworker a couple twins tickets she got from her husband. Got to leave work at 11:30, took in the first Twins game I've been to in years (including witnessing my first live grand slam), and got home quite early. Good day overall I think.

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 04:01:15 GMT

Man these have been a good past couple of days. Best weekend I've had in a good while. Had the most excellent late night viewing of Princess Bride on Friday and then a very fun birthday party Saturday which we got home around noonish today. Whole weekend made me quite a bit more excited for another party in a few weeks.

Sat, 18 Aug 2007 12:59:34 GMT

All I'm going to say is that the Princess Bride is awesome.

Wed, 15 Aug 2007 03:29:18 GMT

Moving went quite well last Thursday. Both people who asked to help were delayed but arrived at the same time while traveling separately. And this was about 5 minutes after me and my dad got back with the truck and some lunch before starting. All in all the whole thing took about 3 hours. At least, picking up the truck at 12:15 and dropping it off at 3:15 using only about $3 worth of gas in the process.

Still getting used to living in this house. When I started seeing lightning last night the first half-thought I had was that I hoped it didn't rain on me on the way home... then quickly remembering I already WAS home! Ha! Luckily I've yet to even attempt to get off at the Lake St station. Though I really should soon as I probably have some mail to grab there (just got my change of address into the PO today) - not to mention I still have to clean up the place and patch a hole in the wall (don't ask)

I've been thinking lately (I know - never a good thing!). But for some reason I got it in my head that the worst thing I can do is do something with a girl to the point where she has to ask me to stop. Which in a sense is true as that while continuing after she says stop is much, much worse - I lose any sort of drive I have to continue if I'm asked to stop. I'm very much a need to know what I'm doing is alright and wanted so in a sense, having a girl ask me to stop IS the worst thing I can do. I know it's not a bad thing per se, but it has held me back at times when I probably shouldn't have held back. I've probably missed out on a lot thanks to this... I just have to learn that it's not that horrible a thing if it happens.

Man this was a rambly post - sorry 'bout that.

Wed, 08 Aug 2007 02:15:32 GMT

And so soon ends the living by ones self experiment. Tomorrow night will be the last night I spend under this roof. Moving truck is reserved for pickup at noon Thursday and with everything just about ready to be loaded onto a truck right now it shouldn't take too long to move. If anyone who reads this is free during the day on Thursday and would like to help out, I would mucho appreciate it :D

With so many things I need(ed) to do, I've been really scatter brained. I'm not sure what to do with all my pots and pans... not sure if Tracy & April need anything or what - but I imagine that they won't need or want everything (considering I got all my parents old set). I also still need to get a wireless network card for my computer as I won't be able to have the old fashioned wired kind.

Well, here I hope that everything goes well with the move!

Thu, 02 Aug 2007 04:23:34 GMT

My ride called from the front of my place at 5:46, the bridge we had crossed over to get to our destination collapsed at 6:08. It takes about 5-10 minutes to get from where I live to the bridge (I think, maybe longer considering lights and traffic). We didn't know what had happened until we walked down from Annies to the river and saw the bridge in the water after seeing smoke and hearing a lot of sirens in the not too distant distance. Glad I didn't decide to print out the directions!

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 22:48:12 GMT

I got home from Tracy and Aprils last night (won't be much longer before they will be one in the same) and found this small red fuzz on top of my toilet lid in the back corner. I think nothing of it, blow it off, and take a whizz. Shortly after I go to bed. I wake up the next morning, stumble into the bathroom to be greeted by something else on the toilet lid. There was 1/4 of a square of toilet paper where the red fuzz happened to be just the night prior (really about 6 hours). I doubt the fuzz and 1/4 square are related (beyond where I found them) but it is really odd.

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 04:30:29 GMT

Got through these past couple of weeks alright I'd imagine. My uncles funeral was alright, a little preachy for my taste, but oh well.

Married my sister last weekend. That is, I performed her marriage. No more Heather Lorge - not Heather Sterzinger. Weird. The wedding went really well. The worst "catastrophe" was the night before the wedding there was suppose to be a BBQ just outside the resort lodge on the beach of Lake Superior on the night before the wedding. Though it was rainy so it became a buffet indoors. The day of the wedding itself ended up being a gorgeous day. I'd say another beautiful wedding courtesy of Andrew Lorge. Makes it 100% beautiful wedding success rate ;D

That big company wide project I'm on is actually going really well. After that 2nd meeting of the project last Thursday and I feel pretty comfortable about what I've done verses what other people in the project have done (some actually haven't done any of the work yet). After work went over to Tracy/Aprils and watched Children of Men with April and this really cute girl Sara(h?) who is on a soccer team with April. Really interesting movie, though I don't suggest it if you're looking for a comedy.

Saturday hung out at Doug/Patricks and watched some mXc and made some juicy lucies. Left early to hang out with someone later in the evening but never showed up >_<

Today wend to watch April in a mud volley ball tournament and later went back to their place and watched some Bourne Identity. Good entertaining flick I must say.

Overall been a good week I'd say. Though I still have to pack, fix up, clean this place, and move to Tracy/Aprils in the next week or two. At least it seems it'll be a little less hectic then the last couple weeks.

Journey of 1000 miles

Crazy Major Update

*also jumps on said band wagon*

Finally

Mmm Fajitas

No More Harry Potter

also jumps on said band wagon