Friday, June 22, 2007
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
What the F? A midterm!?
I thought I was out of school, but lo and behold, I enrolled in a javascript class to improve my programming skills and thus become a more valuable employee. For some reason, it didn't quite sink in that I would have to take a midterm.
As I sit here in javascript class, having just finished my midterm, I am very surprised at how much easier it seems to be now, out of school, just doing this for my own edification, than it seemed when I was actually in the thick of it. I wonder if I went back to school if it would be as hard as it once was.
I guess we'll see how I feel after I actually get my grade. :)
As I sit here in javascript class, having just finished my midterm, I am very surprised at how much easier it seems to be now, out of school, just doing this for my own edification, than it seemed when I was actually in the thick of it. I wonder if I went back to school if it would be as hard as it once was.
I guess we'll see how I feel after I actually get my grade. :)
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Thoughts from my old notebook
Today, we went to the Museum of Natural History with Jenny and Cody. I love that museum. They are having a mythical creatures exhibit right now but it wasn't as fantastic as I'd hoped. I enjoyed going through the NY State history/ecosystem hall better.
We also tried Pinkberry. My apologies if you actually go to that link and hear the incredibly catchy music. It was pretty darn good. I'd go again if it was more convenient.
Val! and I have been commenting back and forth on a lot of our photos from Portland. Good times.
I switched to a new notebook at work, which resulted in my going through my old one, transferring some still-relevant notes, throwing most everything away, and stealing a couple of sheets of musings I'd written while sitting in meetings but being "checked-out." I thought I'd transcribe them here, despite the fact that they're lacking. Then again, most of my posts here are anyway.
I am not sure what the above was about.
I like this one a little better;
We also tried Pinkberry. My apologies if you actually go to that link and hear the incredibly catchy music. It was pretty darn good. I'd go again if it was more convenient.
Val! and I have been commenting back and forth on a lot of our photos from Portland. Good times.
I switched to a new notebook at work, which resulted in my going through my old one, transferring some still-relevant notes, throwing most everything away, and stealing a couple of sheets of musings I'd written while sitting in meetings but being "checked-out." I thought I'd transcribe them here, despite the fact that they're lacking. Then again, most of my posts here are anyway.
"because you have changed, or because you are new... or because once we fought with you, with your citizens, but have since made amends and you are once again new to us <3"
I am not sure what the above was about.
I like this one a little better;
I am remiss to damage a page completely blank, full of purpose, a thing of beauty almost - not at all ugly or hideous as it sometimes becomes once I've begun my regular scribblings.
And yet - I have that unfortunate human condition that requires me to deface or destroy those beautiful, pristine things.
He called in... who cares. Half of the time he just sits there bored out of his mind anyway.
I feel sad or lonely or maybe that's not it. Maybe what I feel is dispassionate and insignificant. I don't know, but I imagine that could be it.
I want pizza. I want Cosi. I want happy. I want cozy.
TB strategy - "it's a little all over the place" and "We're still trying to figure out just what it will be." Meaning if you're a man or have the right title people will actually listen and respond to your ideas. What am I missing?
Everything is so small if you want it to be - feels so small.
Like I am so in debt and I don't want to be an insignificant worker bee all my life and I want to do fun stuff and How will I be able to get out of debt in order to justify going back to school.!
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Friday, June 15, 2007
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Beautiful Day with Val! in Portland, ME
 |
| Portland, Maine with Val! - June 2007 |
  | Val! and I went to Portland, Maine last weekend and drove around to see what we could see. We had some lobster and we weren't impressed, especially for the cost! We saw some gorgeous scenery and amazing houses, and we had some delicious ice cream and lemonade. Check out all of our photos in our gallery here. |
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
It's been a few days since I have written... It seems difficult to focus my thoughts most of the time. I feel like, typically, I just write something quick and that is all - not too much that is interesting or insightful. In a day, a lot happens. I could be like so many bloggers out there and talk more about work. Perhaps I should, as I had a particularly pleasing day yesterday.
I also feel as though...
I lost that train of thought. It was this morning, before the day and its little annoyances - its little feelings of frustration, of hitting walls, of providing support for other people and their projects vs. my own feelings of accomplishing something, even though I am responsible for those projects.
The above paragraph was at the beginning of JS class. Now that we've learned some more javascript tips/tricks - I am feeling better. I really should dedicate time to practicing this. Maybe if I get that web design gig. Thanks for calling and REMINDING me Vallers!!!
I also feel as though...
I lost that train of thought. It was this morning, before the day and its little annoyances - its little feelings of frustration, of hitting walls, of providing support for other people and their projects vs. my own feelings of accomplishing something, even though I am responsible for those projects.
The above paragraph was at the beginning of JS class. Now that we've learned some more javascript tips/tricks - I am feeling better. I really should dedicate time to practicing this. Maybe if I get that web design gig. Thanks for calling and REMINDING me Vallers!!!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Monday, June 11, 2007
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Friday, June 8, 2007
Thao n Val!
Justin posted this photo a little earlier. I just wanted to add a little update. We woke up SUPER early this morning, in the 6 AM time frame, to get ready to meet Thao at work at 7:50 AM. We were on the 8 AM shuttle to the airport to pick up our SIDA badges. The longest part of the entire experience was transportation to and from the airport. We missed the shuttle back and had to take the bus. Work passed smoothly enough, and at the end of the day, Thao, Justin and I walked an area near the house to buy some groceries and head home. We all BBQ'd and Vallie! came over for dinner (burgers, salmon, a nice salad and some baked beans for dinner, then oreos and cake for dessert) and to spend the night. After dinner, Val! and Thao enjoyed some Arrested Development. Val! offered to drive Thao home, so I went along for the ride. All in all, it was a good night. I should be in bed now! I am crazy. :)
Budget update:
$5.00 - breakfast (Justin and I had oatmeal from hot n tasty)
$15.00 - lunch (both of us)
$25.50 - dinner/groceries
--------
45.50 - over budget today! maahhhh Oh well, one day over budget isn't terrible!
Hope y'all all have a good night! In the meantime, check out this AWESOME Google Contest Thao is working on for JetBlue.com, and send in your photos people (example)!
Thursday, June 7, 2007
...super balls.
The most awesome thing ever...
I want this in super high resolution so I can play it all the time. Whenever I am stressed or sad, I can put it on and it will be beautiful, peaceful, and I will have no other care in the world. I don't think I could love any video more than this...
Making of.
I want this in super high resolution so I can play it all the time. Whenever I am stressed or sad, I can put it on and it will be beautiful, peaceful, and I will have no other care in the world. I don't think I could love any video more than this...
Making of.
You may have guessed it!
The Spurs are in the playoffs and Justin has an ongoing debate with one of his former coworkers, Jason, about whether they'll win or lose. Of course, Justin is rooting for the Spurs. He went to their website while on the phone with Jason a few minutes ago and called over to me, "Hey, isn't this what you wanted them to do when you were there?"
I looked at his monitor and was met with a streaming webcast of the playoff game.
"That can't be live." I was in denial.
"It is!"
...
Don't that beat all.
Good for them. It only took them four years to do what I was trying to do in 2003. The only thing I was able to get permission to do in the realm of video streaming was done at the last minute with my own personal webcam and a page that kept refreshing, aimed at the outside festivities of the SBC Center. Still, it was a big hit. And no, it was not possible to set it up inside.
My web advertising idea was also a big hit, and they've taken the concept a very long way, especially considering my director at the time scoffed at the idea. We are really living in a strange world, let me tell ya.
Being at the point in my life that I am, I can look back with perfectly clear hindsight and see the situation differently than I did at the time. Sure, my severance package was more than amiable, but what was the real reason that the Spurs and I had to go separate ways? Sure, the fit wasn't right. Whose fault was that, though?
I don't like to internalize things. I suppose it is a constant struggle. I am definitely better about it than I was ten years ago. I am sure I'll be that much better ten years from now. I just sometimes wonder if being motivated, self-assured, and intelligent is more of a hindrance than a blessing...
Budget update:
$20 - Dinner at the diner (both of us)
----
$20 - Yeah, total. We made sandwiches for lunch and had breakfast at home. Rock! Unfortunately, we also discovered that the refrigerator is on the fritz. So far, our milk and yogurt seem to have soured. Hrmph :(
I looked at his monitor and was met with a streaming webcast of the playoff game.
"That can't be live." I was in denial.
"It is!"
...
Don't that beat all.
Good for them. It only took them four years to do what I was trying to do in 2003. The only thing I was able to get permission to do in the realm of video streaming was done at the last minute with my own personal webcam and a page that kept refreshing, aimed at the outside festivities of the SBC Center. Still, it was a big hit. And no, it was not possible to set it up inside.
My web advertising idea was also a big hit, and they've taken the concept a very long way, especially considering my director at the time scoffed at the idea. We are really living in a strange world, let me tell ya.
Being at the point in my life that I am, I can look back with perfectly clear hindsight and see the situation differently than I did at the time. Sure, my severance package was more than amiable, but what was the real reason that the Spurs and I had to go separate ways? Sure, the fit wasn't right. Whose fault was that, though?
I don't like to internalize things. I suppose it is a constant struggle. I am definitely better about it than I was ten years ago. I am sure I'll be that much better ten years from now. I just sometimes wonder if being motivated, self-assured, and intelligent is more of a hindrance than a blessing...
Budget update:
$20 - Dinner at the diner (both of us)
----
$20 - Yeah, total. We made sandwiches for lunch and had breakfast at home. Rock! Unfortunately, we also discovered that the refrigerator is on the fritz. So far, our milk and yogurt seem to have soured. Hrmph :(
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Rock-n-Roll! JetBlue adding real-time flight tracking using Google Maps!
Low-cost American airline JetBlue announced yesterday they have struck a deal with search giant Google to provide real-time in-flight tracking via the wildly popular Google Maps software on the seat-back screens.
read more | digg story
In other news I think it's a little sad that my budget is what has me posting here on a (for the last few days) regular basis. Oh well, better something than nothing. ;)
$1.00 - soda (me)
$10.00 - internet access at Starbucks (Justin needed entertainment while I was in class)
$17.00 - dinner at Chipotle (me and Justin)
-----
$28.00 total. Might be a little more with the change, but still just barely under our budget.
I had a good time talking with Thao, Oscar, and Justin this afternoon. Thao, Oscar, and I had javascript class in the city tonight. The subway ride, dinner, and chatting outside of Chipotle before we went our separate ways was a lot of fun.
Justin and I are getting cable tomorrow. We have our internet right now through Earthlink, but tomorrow Time Warner is going to switch us over to them and we will be getting cable TV, which I am actually happy about! :)
I need to start getting home and writing on here earlier. It always seems like I am too tired to really concentrate on saying something interesting!
Val! sent me an interesting article about female sexual issues and enhancements. Its a worthwhile read. Sweet dreams!
read more | digg story
In other news I think it's a little sad that my budget is what has me posting here on a (for the last few days) regular basis. Oh well, better something than nothing. ;)
$1.00 - soda (me)
$10.00 - internet access at Starbucks (Justin needed entertainment while I was in class)
$17.00 - dinner at Chipotle (me and Justin)
-----
$28.00 total. Might be a little more with the change, but still just barely under our budget.
I had a good time talking with Thao, Oscar, and Justin this afternoon. Thao, Oscar, and I had javascript class in the city tonight. The subway ride, dinner, and chatting outside of Chipotle before we went our separate ways was a lot of fun.
Justin and I are getting cable tomorrow. We have our internet right now through Earthlink, but tomorrow Time Warner is going to switch us over to them and we will be getting cable TV, which I am actually happy about! :)
I need to start getting home and writing on here earlier. It always seems like I am too tired to really concentrate on saying something interesting!
Val! sent me an interesting article about female sexual issues and enhancements. Its a worthwhile read. Sweet dreams!
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Kickin' Ass on the Budget
That is correct, we've kicked ass on the budget for another day. When I say kick ass, I do not mean that we merely stayed within the budget, but that we were (IMHO) well below the budget.
Today, once again, we didn't have to buy breakfast (already had purchased this food pre-budget) *and* there was free lunch at work due to an Orientation class (Justin's). I am a little worried about the pre-budget food running out, but I think, in general, it will be OK.
$16.05 - groceries (lunch meat, lettuce, OJ, etc. - both of us)
$1.25 - ice cream from a Russian store (Justin was tempted)
-----
$17.30 total.
So, when we have to buy rice krispie treats and crackers and all the other things that I happen to have and snack on for free, this price will certainly go up. :<
Later on... Oh such an interesting update. I had more I was going to write but now it is late and that moment has passed. Goodnight!
Today, once again, we didn't have to buy breakfast (already had purchased this food pre-budget) *and* there was free lunch at work due to an Orientation class (Justin's). I am a little worried about the pre-budget food running out, but I think, in general, it will be OK.
$16.05 - groceries (lunch meat, lettuce, OJ, etc. - both of us)
$1.25 - ice cream from a Russian store (Justin was tempted)
-----
$17.30 total.
So, when we have to buy rice krispie treats and crackers and all the other things that I happen to have and snack on for free, this price will certainly go up. :<
Later on... Oh such an interesting update. I had more I was going to write but now it is late and that moment has passed. Goodnight!
Monday, June 4, 2007
Budget?
That's right, you read my title correctly. Justin and I decided, once again, we need a budget. Sure, we live ok month to month right now, but if we really want to save money to pay off debt and go on a VACATION in October, we have got to get serious and save some cash.
I feel that since living with a budget is relatively new to me since I haven't done it for a long time, I'll probably be writing about it quite a bit, so why not start now, on our first budget day?
A lot of people will probably scoff at our budget, but it will prove challenging for us, I imagine. We are allotting ourselves $30/day together, or $15/day/person. Here is our budget breakdown for today.
We brought our breakfast and lunch to work with food we'd bought prior to our budget, so that doesn't count. ;)
$1 - diet coke (Justin)
$22 - dinner at TGIFridays (both of us!)
$5 - ice cream from the store (I am on an ice cream kick)
-----
$28 total.
Not great considering we didn't have to buy breakfast or lunch, but not too shabby for our first day either. We realize we won't be eating out very often, especially without planning for it.
In other news, I had a disheartening meeting with our VP today. I found out that, unlike I thought and had been lead to believe, my direct boss has never discussed the possibility of giving me a promotion, which he mentioned to me 5 months ago. Now I feel betrayed and exploited. Fun stuff. I hope that my VP at least feels I am doing a good job. We are also getting a new director soon, so in a way, it's a good thing to be starting over with someone new. I just hope I can be peppy and driven again when he gets here. Not that I have completely lost those qualities, I just feel a little down. Honesty being important and all that rot.
I feel that since living with a budget is relatively new to me since I haven't done it for a long time, I'll probably be writing about it quite a bit, so why not start now, on our first budget day?
A lot of people will probably scoff at our budget, but it will prove challenging for us, I imagine. We are allotting ourselves $30/day together, or $15/day/person. Here is our budget breakdown for today.
We brought our breakfast and lunch to work with food we'd bought prior to our budget, so that doesn't count. ;)
$1 - diet coke (Justin)
$22 - dinner at TGIFridays (both of us!)
$5 - ice cream from the store (I am on an ice cream kick)
-----
$28 total.
Not great considering we didn't have to buy breakfast or lunch, but not too shabby for our first day either. We realize we won't be eating out very often, especially without planning for it.
In other news, I had a disheartening meeting with our VP today. I found out that, unlike I thought and had been lead to believe, my direct boss has never discussed the possibility of giving me a promotion, which he mentioned to me 5 months ago. Now I feel betrayed and exploited. Fun stuff. I hope that my VP at least feels I am doing a good job. We are also getting a new director soon, so in a way, it's a good thing to be starting over with someone new. I just hope I can be peppy and driven again when he gets here. Not that I have completely lost those qualities, I just feel a little down. Honesty being important and all that rot.
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