One of my friends got married. I am of two thoughts.
1. I expected he would be the first, but not quite this soon.
2. That bi*ch is crazy, and she's probably using him for a green card.
We'll see how long it lasts. Apparently, the reception is in a year, so it'll have to last at least that long.
Anyways.
Christmas Eve was spent at Sushi Koyo with Hiro, another friend, and a bottle of Blue Label. Christmas Day was spend at home not doing very much at all, as far as I recall, although the night was spend at my girlfriend's house.
Morning after was originally supposed to be snowboarding(no, thank you) but I managed to beg off and go shoot rifles at Burro Canyon Shooting Park with SuburbanDweller instead.
Note: Get a laser bore sight and a spotting scope.
Related note: we suck.
Day was spent mostly at home trying to figure this Shogun: Total War 2 thing out. Load times are terrible.
All in all, an OK Christmas.
----
I did discover something I thought to be very interesting. Heard on NPR, John Henry Faulk's The Christmas Story.
If you have a few spare minutes, please listen.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Not Skyrim
My Facebook has been inundated by friends posting on Skyrim and how much time they plan to spend or have spent on it.
I too have started playing a game, but it's definitely not Skyrim.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
Verdict 8 hours in: Awesome, if cheesy.
The characters look a bit different, brighter and much more primary-colored. As far as style goes, I much prefer Twilight Princess, where everything looked darker and more appealing to more mature audiences. Zelda's hair isn't blond, it's Pikachu Yellow.
Gameplay is still as good as ever. It's a Zelda game, how could it not be?
Picked up a Walter PP, '64 vintage. I'll name her Frauke.
Still looking for a CZ-75 in a later '70s vintage.
---
Situation: Normal with girlfriend. All's well that ends well.
Note: Actions speak louder than words, but some prefer the words and notice not the action.
I too have started playing a game, but it's definitely not Skyrim.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
Verdict 8 hours in: Awesome, if cheesy.
The characters look a bit different, brighter and much more primary-colored. As far as style goes, I much prefer Twilight Princess, where everything looked darker and more appealing to more mature audiences. Zelda's hair isn't blond, it's Pikachu Yellow.
Gameplay is still as good as ever. It's a Zelda game, how could it not be?
Picked up a Walter PP, '64 vintage. I'll name her Frauke.
Still looking for a CZ-75 in a later '70s vintage.
---
Situation: Normal with girlfriend. All's well that ends well.
Note: Actions speak louder than words, but some prefer the words and notice not the action.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Daleka and Mirna, + Mad
Picked up two guns. A CZ-75B in .40 S&W and a Yugo M59 SKS.
I only have a picture of Daleka for now, as Mirna is disassembled and waiting for a cosmoline removal treatment.
Will be picking up a third gun in a few days.
Handgun Hangers are working awesome.
Now needing to stockpile .32ACP and 7.62x39.
---
Went to a photography workshop/lecture thing with my girlfriend for our anniversary(or that date we arbitrarily decided would be our anniversary). Didn't learn much, and spent a buncha lotta money. But it was something to do with her.
Speaking of which, she's having a big mad right now. At me. As is typical, I'm not sure why, but I'll get back to you when I do. (Note to self: Letter?)
That or the next post will be very sad and dark. Or sad and flippant.
But mostly just sad.
---
Rained a bunch, snow in the mountains. Looks pretty, but I don't want to break another rib on it.
3DS is fun and 3D, but the 3D is kind of headache inducing. But I still like it. Thanks, shuggapuddin', even if you're sad I guessed what it was. And hating at me at the moment.
For reference: I got her a big chibified Chewie. It's cute. And it growls.
I only have a picture of Daleka for now, as Mirna is disassembled and waiting for a cosmoline removal treatment.
Will be picking up a third gun in a few days.
Handgun Hangers are working awesome.
Now needing to stockpile .32ACP and 7.62x39.
---
Went to a photography workshop/lecture thing with my girlfriend for our anniversary(or that date we arbitrarily decided would be our anniversary). Didn't learn much, and spent a buncha lotta money. But it was something to do with her.
Speaking of which, she's having a big mad right now. At me. As is typical, I'm not sure why, but I'll get back to you when I do. (Note to self: Letter?)
That or the next post will be very sad and dark. Or sad and flippant.
But mostly just sad.
---
Rained a bunch, snow in the mountains. Looks pretty, but I don't want to break another rib on it.
3DS is fun and 3D, but the 3D is kind of headache inducing. But I still like it. Thanks, shuggapuddin', even if you're sad I guessed what it was. And hating at me at the moment.
For reference: I got her a big chibified Chewie. It's cute. And it growls.
Monday, December 5, 2011
The most expensive time of the year
Christmas is coming, and lots of money is being spent.
Admittedly, most of it is on myself.
Tee Hee*deadpan*
Related: Need to make room in the safe. Ordered some Handgun Hangers. Hope they work as well as advertised.
Also, need to figure out new ammunition stockpiling solution, and to discuss future purchases and caliber sharing.
Got my girlfriend something too, but nothing that goes bang. She still lives at home, unfortunately.
Also, I'm told not to get girlfriends any guns unless you purchase yourself some body armor at the same time. Crotch plate required.
And I've forgotten to get my oil changed in the truck for yet another week. Damn.
Oh, and photoventure to come soon! Hopefully!
Beyond that, Santa Ana winds tore up lots of SoCal, and several of our company properties. Annoyed, but did hear the most awesome wind chime during the gusty weather. Never knew how beautiful they could sound.
Went to a birthday celebration at The Association in LA. Bar lacked many bottles, such as Midori and Southern Comfort. Interesting night, spent most of it being a pillow. Girlfriend barfed. Pics on FB.
Admittedly, most of it is on myself.
Tee Hee*deadpan*
Related: Need to make room in the safe. Ordered some Handgun Hangers. Hope they work as well as advertised.
Also, need to figure out new ammunition stockpiling solution, and to discuss future purchases and caliber sharing.
Got my girlfriend something too, but nothing that goes bang. She still lives at home, unfortunately.
Also, I'm told not to get girlfriends any guns unless you purchase yourself some body armor at the same time. Crotch plate required.
And I've forgotten to get my oil changed in the truck for yet another week. Damn.
Oh, and photoventure to come soon! Hopefully!
Beyond that, Santa Ana winds tore up lots of SoCal, and several of our company properties. Annoyed, but did hear the most awesome wind chime during the gusty weather. Never knew how beautiful they could sound.
Went to a birthday celebration at The Association in LA. Bar lacked many bottles, such as Midori and Southern Comfort. Interesting night, spent most of it being a pillow. Girlfriend barfed. Pics on FB.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Thanksgiving is a Wonderful Holiday
It must be said that I am truly thankful for Thanksgiving. It shall go on as the holiday I value above all others.
Unlike, say, Christmas, there is no pressure like presents; getting gifts for one, but not the other; spending too much, and not getting anything in return; last minute shopping; etc.
I had four different celebrations this Thanksgiving: with my family, with my girlfriend's (unknowing) family, and with two different groups of friends.
All were enjoyable, some more than others, but besides the point.
Thanksgiving is a time when everyone makes their way back home, to share in each others' company, to drink and laugh with friends all together, to reaffirm bonds that may have frayed through the rougher times of the year.
Something about the food and the festive atmosphere allows us to put aside our troubles and just smile at one another, rubbing shoulders in a room full of people willing to rub shoulders with you.
Food was most excellent at two of four celebrations, middling at the third, and one is not really worth mentioning. Ironically, it was the gathering with the least number of people that had the best vittles.
That mac n' cheese really was the best I'd ever had, and the ham was the stuff of dreams.
Other things:
Went to the Auto Show. For the money, want a Fiat Abarth. For not the money, want a Porche 911. Not many models(human female), more in the Nintendo booth playing Mario Kart with 4-10 year olds(who aren't quite up to appreciating the pretty ladies and their low cut shirts) than in the rest of the show put together.
Went to the shooting range. First in a long while. Will pick up CZ-75B in .40 when found, probably in black. Would like Springfield EMP, but expensive.
Unlike, say, Christmas, there is no pressure like presents; getting gifts for one, but not the other; spending too much, and not getting anything in return; last minute shopping; etc.
I had four different celebrations this Thanksgiving: with my family, with my girlfriend's (unknowing) family, and with two different groups of friends.
All were enjoyable, some more than others, but besides the point.
Thanksgiving is a time when everyone makes their way back home, to share in each others' company, to drink and laugh with friends all together, to reaffirm bonds that may have frayed through the rougher times of the year.
Something about the food and the festive atmosphere allows us to put aside our troubles and just smile at one another, rubbing shoulders in a room full of people willing to rub shoulders with you.
Food was most excellent at two of four celebrations, middling at the third, and one is not really worth mentioning. Ironically, it was the gathering with the least number of people that had the best vittles.
That mac n' cheese really was the best I'd ever had, and the ham was the stuff of dreams.
Other things:
Went to the Auto Show. For the money, want a Fiat Abarth. For not the money, want a Porche 911. Not many models(human female), more in the Nintendo booth playing Mario Kart with 4-10 year olds(who aren't quite up to appreciating the pretty ladies and their low cut shirts) than in the rest of the show put together.
Went to the shooting range. First in a long while. Will pick up CZ-75B in .40 when found, probably in black. Would like Springfield EMP, but expensive.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Assassin's Creed: Revelations
Rained a bunch this weekend, which left me with a lot of spare time, so my girl brought over the new Assassin's Creed and we watched/played the last chapter of Ezio's life.
The gameplay is pretty much the same as Brotherhood, but they added a hook-blade and some bombs. And that's pretty much it. They took out horses though, which is alright since the city streets ain't too wide anyhow, but my girlfriend thinks otherwise.
Story is as intriguing as ever, but the game may as well been full blown $19.99 DLC for AC: Brotherhood, seeing as it doesn't really seem like a new or different game.
I still like it though, and we must have put in at least 10 hrs on it.
In other news, I'm drinking a lot more red wine than any other alcohol now. Doesn't much bother me, but I do have many bottles of Scotch seemingly languishing on my shelf, as well as many other bottles of other alcohols not doing too much under my desk.
I'll get back to them at some point. Winter doesn't much seem like a beer and cocktails kinda season to me. My tastes will change when the weather warms again.
The gameplay is pretty much the same as Brotherhood, but they added a hook-blade and some bombs. And that's pretty much it. They took out horses though, which is alright since the city streets ain't too wide anyhow, but my girlfriend thinks otherwise.
Story is as intriguing as ever, but the game may as well been full blown $19.99 DLC for AC: Brotherhood, seeing as it doesn't really seem like a new or different game.
I still like it though, and we must have put in at least 10 hrs on it.
In other news, I'm drinking a lot more red wine than any other alcohol now. Doesn't much bother me, but I do have many bottles of Scotch seemingly languishing on my shelf, as well as many other bottles of other alcohols not doing too much under my desk.
I'll get back to them at some point. Winter doesn't much seem like a beer and cocktails kinda season to me. My tastes will change when the weather warms again.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Nothin' Doin'
Watched A Very Harold and Kumar 3D Christmas. It was lots of fun, but sad that I haven't seen Puss in Boots yet.
Also, I would like to celebrate my holidays one at a time.
Wonder if I'll have as awesome a Thanksgiving as last time.
This week was pretty uneventful. Worked mostly.
Got a compressor and a paint gun. Compressor's probably too small, but I like it. Learned that mineral spirits are a better cleaning agent for enamel paint than acetone.
Another step on the journey to handyman competency with matching equipment.
Also, I would like to celebrate my holidays one at a time.
Wonder if I'll have as awesome a Thanksgiving as last time.
This week was pretty uneventful. Worked mostly.
Got a compressor and a paint gun. Compressor's probably too small, but I like it. Learned that mineral spirits are a better cleaning agent for enamel paint than acetone.
Another step on the journey to handyman competency with matching equipment.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
So I bought a car
My old C320 met the end of the road this week, took it in to trade.
CarFax showed that the previous owner got into an accident, which would explain a lot.
I had been looking to replace if for quite some time now, but didn't realize it would be so soon. I had been searching around for a BMW 335i or something in that class range, but somehow got led to a Lexus dealership by my father, who is a loyal Lexus driver.
After looking around the pre-owned lot, we called one of the salesmen over and asked him to point us to the cheapest IS350 they had, which was the newspaper special of the week(it was also only one of two 350s on the lot, all the others were 250s). My dad offered to match whatever I put down on a new car, so long as it was a Lexus, and I figured my wish for a BMW wasn't worth the additional cost when I could get a pretty good Lexus at 2/3's the cost of what was already a hefty discount.
I traded in the C320 for $3k, wrote out another $5.5 in check, and my dad matched both trade and check, and I ended up taking on $13k in loans at 2.9% for 4 years, monthly payment about $400. This is much better than the Tacoma loan I had, some $10k at 6.69%, which I just paid off.
I am now the new owner of a pre-owned '09 IS350, in Black Sapphire Pearl. (The color is so dark I actually thought it was black. I do like it.)
I've only driven it for about 4 hours, but my initial impressions are thus:
The engine is powerful, about 70hp more than my old C320, and it certainly feels that way. Good.
The steering feel is poor. The steering wheel is also much lighter than what I am used to, but that is just personal preference. Huh.
The transmission lags for a second during upshift in the steptronic mode. Bad.
The Navi is annoying, as it basically shuts all controls off while the car is moving for safety. Bad.
The Bluetooth interface does not play well with iPhones. I hear they corrected this the next model year, but this does not help me. Bad.
Keyless entry is awesome. The gauges look awesome. Fit and finish are about what I'd expect in a luxury sport-sedan. Good.
The back seat is small compared to my old C320, especially when you consider that this car is more than 3in longer than the old car. When I sit in the back, I just about hit my head so not much head room back there. This is OK, though, as I rarely have people in the back, and if I do, they tend to be female and short. Acceptable.
The car is pretty sexy looking, in and out, but some design choices limit functionality, most noticeably, the single front in console cup holder prevents me from grasping the shifter knob as I am used to when I drive. Also, the second front cupholder, hidden in the armrest compartment, is placed in a strategically inconvenient area. If that cupholder is being used, where the hell do I put my arm? Bad.
Some distortion in AUX input, but may be an iPhone issue. Will comment later after I install an aftermarket iPhone integration and docking kit into the car. Uh...
The gas tank is either really small, or the car eats too much gas, more testing required, but I estimate the range to be about 340-360 miles. Uh...
----
The majority of complaints I have against the car are probably because I'm used to a German sports car. The Germans and the Japanese have inherently different ideas of how sports cars should drive, and this results in some friction in drivers switching between the two, methinks. As time goes on, I think I will settle into this new car, and most of my complaints will go away.
This really is a sexy looking car, and I do want to like it, but it will need to grow on me.
In order to speed this "liking" process along, I've named the car "Belle," derived from the "blue bell" flower, in reference to the blue color hidden in the paint.
But no matter what, I still think the cupholders are stupid. They are ill-positioned, and there aren't nearly enough of them.
Pictures eventually.
CarFax showed that the previous owner got into an accident, which would explain a lot.
I had been looking to replace if for quite some time now, but didn't realize it would be so soon. I had been searching around for a BMW 335i or something in that class range, but somehow got led to a Lexus dealership by my father, who is a loyal Lexus driver.
After looking around the pre-owned lot, we called one of the salesmen over and asked him to point us to the cheapest IS350 they had, which was the newspaper special of the week(it was also only one of two 350s on the lot, all the others were 250s). My dad offered to match whatever I put down on a new car, so long as it was a Lexus, and I figured my wish for a BMW wasn't worth the additional cost when I could get a pretty good Lexus at 2/3's the cost of what was already a hefty discount.
I traded in the C320 for $3k, wrote out another $5.5 in check, and my dad matched both trade and check, and I ended up taking on $13k in loans at 2.9% for 4 years, monthly payment about $400. This is much better than the Tacoma loan I had, some $10k at 6.69%, which I just paid off.
I am now the new owner of a pre-owned '09 IS350, in Black Sapphire Pearl. (The color is so dark I actually thought it was black. I do like it.)
I've only driven it for about 4 hours, but my initial impressions are thus:
The engine is powerful, about 70hp more than my old C320, and it certainly feels that way. Good.
The steering feel is poor. The steering wheel is also much lighter than what I am used to, but that is just personal preference. Huh.
The transmission lags for a second during upshift in the steptronic mode. Bad.
The Navi is annoying, as it basically shuts all controls off while the car is moving for safety. Bad.
The Bluetooth interface does not play well with iPhones. I hear they corrected this the next model year, but this does not help me. Bad.
Keyless entry is awesome. The gauges look awesome. Fit and finish are about what I'd expect in a luxury sport-sedan. Good.
The back seat is small compared to my old C320, especially when you consider that this car is more than 3in longer than the old car. When I sit in the back, I just about hit my head so not much head room back there. This is OK, though, as I rarely have people in the back, and if I do, they tend to be female and short. Acceptable.
The car is pretty sexy looking, in and out, but some design choices limit functionality, most noticeably, the single front in console cup holder prevents me from grasping the shifter knob as I am used to when I drive. Also, the second front cupholder, hidden in the armrest compartment, is placed in a strategically inconvenient area. If that cupholder is being used, where the hell do I put my arm? Bad.
Some distortion in AUX input, but may be an iPhone issue. Will comment later after I install an aftermarket iPhone integration and docking kit into the car. Uh...
The gas tank is either really small, or the car eats too much gas, more testing required, but I estimate the range to be about 340-360 miles. Uh...
----
The majority of complaints I have against the car are probably because I'm used to a German sports car. The Germans and the Japanese have inherently different ideas of how sports cars should drive, and this results in some friction in drivers switching between the two, methinks. As time goes on, I think I will settle into this new car, and most of my complaints will go away.
This really is a sexy looking car, and I do want to like it, but it will need to grow on me.
In order to speed this "liking" process along, I've named the car "Belle," derived from the "blue bell" flower, in reference to the blue color hidden in the paint.
But no matter what, I still think the cupholders are stupid. They are ill-positioned, and there aren't nearly enough of them.
Pictures eventually.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Happy Samhain
Ain't much happen this week.
I ordered an iPhone 4S, won't be here for three weeks.
Got an HTC Jetstream tablet for work, report on it next time.
Did nothing for Halloween, but did dig out my pimp cane just in case I was.
Really, nothing exciting.
I did eat lots of delicious McRib though.
I ordered an iPhone 4S, won't be here for three weeks.
Got an HTC Jetstream tablet for work, report on it next time.
Did nothing for Halloween, but did dig out my pimp cane just in case I was.
Really, nothing exciting.
I did eat lots of delicious McRib though.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
HWY 1/San Francisco/Napa Valley
Five days on the road with the girlfriend.
Day 1:
LA to Santa Barbara
Stopped at Santa Barbara Courthouse and the old Mission. Both interesting architectural locations. Can't say which one I liked more, but worth the visit. Also the only courthouse I've been to that did not require I go through a metal detector.
Santa Barbara to Morro Bay
Morro Rock is much bigger than I thought it would be. It also seems unnatural somehow. Like it isn't a rock, but a giant egg of some sort. Ate lunch at the Flying Dutchman. Delicious and recommended.
Morro Bay to Pfeiffer Beach
The most interesting natural location of the trip. There was purple sand and wave hollowed rock formations. Took very cool pictures here. Check Flickr. The drive to Pfeiffer was also beautiful, and fun. Lots of cliffhugging turns and cornering.
Pfeiffer Beach to Monterey/Pacific Grove
Ate a gourmet dinner prepared by a world famous chef, then went to sleep.
Day 2
Monterey/Pacific Grove
Visited Lover's Point. The weather was extremely foggy, so was disappointed at photos. Ate at Red House Cafe. Great service, great food. Very highly recommended. Got the Portobello Mushroom Sandwich. Visited Point Pinos Lighthouse(meh) and the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary. So many butterflies, but was too cold for them to be fluttering about. Did you know that if temps are under 55 degrees Fahrenheit, butterflies literally can't fly anymore?
Pacific Grove to San Francisco
Weather cleared up about 1500hrs. Saw an amazing wall of clouds spilling over the mountains to the left of FWY 280. Missed two vista points on the freeway, so did not get any photos. Probably the low point of the trip, that. Made it SuburbanDweller's and let ourselves in. Had a spare key from last time in the car. Lucky that, came in handy later. Ate at German restaurant Suppenküche. Everything is good, try the bratwurst and the lamb chops. And the beer.
Day 3
San Francisco
Ate at Brenda's in the morning, as planned. Been dreaming of the goddamn crawfish beignets for a long time. Went back to Corona Heights for a moment, then to The Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption. Took a shot of the stained glass ceiling that I didn't get last time I was here. Walked over to Japantown, then drove to the Palace of Fine Arts cause the other half wanted to go. Ate at some Mayan place for dinner. Was OK.
Day 4
SuburbanDweller had a gig at the Google campus over the weekend, so he took off after dinner Friday night, leaving his place to our tender care. Lucky I had that key, eh?
San Francisco to Napa
1 hour drive. Stopped by the Oxbow Public Market. Was ok. Ate at Bistro Jeanty's. For the price, was probably the cheapest French meal I've ever had. Also Michelin rated 1 star. Was good, but not the best meal of the trip. Visited the Rubicon Estates, but didn't taste. Saw a bunch of Coppola stuff, an Oscar and an Emmy. Went to the Mondavi vineyard and took the tour. The guide, a old gentleman named Richard, was the best tour guide I ever had. Affable and informative, he seemed to take a real joy in his job. Wine was also excellent, as far as my undeveloped palate could tell.
Roared off to make it to the Hess Collection before it closed taking some back roads. Hess Collection located away from other vineyards, higher up in the mountains. By the time we got there, the museum was already closed(1700hrs), but the tasting room and gift shop was open for another half hour. Wine was enjoyable, and purchased some awesome wine bottle spout and stopper combos. Have not yet been able to locate similar product online yet.
Returned to San Fran and ate at some super hipster joint called Outerlands. Waited a goddamn hour. portions were small but the triambel squash soup was good. Also quite expensive. Would probably not go again.
Day 5
Had an interesting laundry issue in the morning. Went to the market and bought fruit to set up a nice basket for SuburbanDweller as thanks. Plus, he needed fruit; the freshest thing in his fridge was a bag of onions.
San Francisco to LA
Ate at the Pluto's in San Jose for lunch. Meh.
Ate at the Flying Pig in LA for dinner. Yum.
1100 miles from beginning till end.
Was fun. Back to work.
Day 1:
LA to Santa Barbara
Stopped at Santa Barbara Courthouse and the old Mission. Both interesting architectural locations. Can't say which one I liked more, but worth the visit. Also the only courthouse I've been to that did not require I go through a metal detector.
Santa Barbara to Morro Bay
Morro Rock is much bigger than I thought it would be. It also seems unnatural somehow. Like it isn't a rock, but a giant egg of some sort. Ate lunch at the Flying Dutchman. Delicious and recommended.
Morro Bay to Pfeiffer Beach
The most interesting natural location of the trip. There was purple sand and wave hollowed rock formations. Took very cool pictures here. Check Flickr. The drive to Pfeiffer was also beautiful, and fun. Lots of cliffhugging turns and cornering.
Pfeiffer Beach to Monterey/Pacific Grove
Ate a gourmet dinner prepared by a world famous chef, then went to sleep.
Day 2
Monterey/Pacific Grove
Visited Lover's Point. The weather was extremely foggy, so was disappointed at photos. Ate at Red House Cafe. Great service, great food. Very highly recommended. Got the Portobello Mushroom Sandwich. Visited Point Pinos Lighthouse(meh) and the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary. So many butterflies, but was too cold for them to be fluttering about. Did you know that if temps are under 55 degrees Fahrenheit, butterflies literally can't fly anymore?
Pacific Grove to San Francisco
Weather cleared up about 1500hrs. Saw an amazing wall of clouds spilling over the mountains to the left of FWY 280. Missed two vista points on the freeway, so did not get any photos. Probably the low point of the trip, that. Made it SuburbanDweller's and let ourselves in. Had a spare key from last time in the car. Lucky that, came in handy later. Ate at German restaurant Suppenküche. Everything is good, try the bratwurst and the lamb chops. And the beer.
Day 3
San Francisco
Ate at Brenda's in the morning, as planned. Been dreaming of the goddamn crawfish beignets for a long time. Went back to Corona Heights for a moment, then to The Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption. Took a shot of the stained glass ceiling that I didn't get last time I was here. Walked over to Japantown, then drove to the Palace of Fine Arts cause the other half wanted to go. Ate at some Mayan place for dinner. Was OK.
Day 4
SuburbanDweller had a gig at the Google campus over the weekend, so he took off after dinner Friday night, leaving his place to our tender care. Lucky I had that key, eh?
San Francisco to Napa
1 hour drive. Stopped by the Oxbow Public Market. Was ok. Ate at Bistro Jeanty's. For the price, was probably the cheapest French meal I've ever had. Also Michelin rated 1 star. Was good, but not the best meal of the trip. Visited the Rubicon Estates, but didn't taste. Saw a bunch of Coppola stuff, an Oscar and an Emmy. Went to the Mondavi vineyard and took the tour. The guide, a old gentleman named Richard, was the best tour guide I ever had. Affable and informative, he seemed to take a real joy in his job. Wine was also excellent, as far as my undeveloped palate could tell.
Roared off to make it to the Hess Collection before it closed taking some back roads. Hess Collection located away from other vineyards, higher up in the mountains. By the time we got there, the museum was already closed(1700hrs), but the tasting room and gift shop was open for another half hour. Wine was enjoyable, and purchased some awesome wine bottle spout and stopper combos. Have not yet been able to locate similar product online yet.
Returned to San Fran and ate at some super hipster joint called Outerlands. Waited a goddamn hour. portions were small but the triambel squash soup was good. Also quite expensive. Would probably not go again.
Day 5
Had an interesting laundry issue in the morning. Went to the market and bought fruit to set up a nice basket for SuburbanDweller as thanks. Plus, he needed fruit; the freshest thing in his fridge was a bag of onions.
San Francisco to LA
Ate at the Pluto's in San Jose for lunch. Meh.
Ate at the Flying Pig in LA for dinner. Yum.
1100 miles from beginning till end.
Was fun. Back to work.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
DineLA and Rune Factory
This year's DineLA restaurant was Maison Akira, a French restaurant with a Japanese chef.
This is a unexpectedly good thing. For an even $100USD, I got a three course meal (with wine pairings) consisting of
Grilled Duck Foie Gras - on Daikon Confit in a Portwine Truffle Sauce
Maple Leaf Duck Breast Rôti - Sauce Aigre-Doux with Potato Galette and Legumes de Saison
Pineapple Rôti and Pistachio Wrapped in Phyllo - with Rhum Raisin Ice Cream
The true winner of the night, however, was the Grilled Chilean Sea Bass(or Patagonia Toothfish, as I like to call it). Soft and melt in your mouth tasty.
That's not to say the rest of it was bad, it was all wonderful, but the fish put it all to shame.
Maison Akira also offers a $160USD ten-course meal with wine pairings. I will be sure to come back and try it some day.
The big time-occupier of the week is the new Harvest Moon/Rune Factory game RF:Tides of Destiny. Having played just about every Harvest Moon there is, there was no way I was going to let this game pass me by. And it's fun as hell, to me anyway. Others might have a different opinion. Die-hard Harvest Moon fans would be annoyed to note that farming is different in this game as compared to even previous Rune Factory games. This game is more centered on crafting and fighting than one would expect from any Harvest Moon.
I find I don't have a problem with this. Actually, it's saved me lots of repetitive plant-watering, and for that I am thankful.
Will be gone from Wednesday to Sunday. I'm taking HWY 1 up to San Francisco and Napa for a 5 day photo-venture. Well, it's really only 4 days, the last one is spent purely on driving back home.
Hoping all goes well.
This is a unexpectedly good thing. For an even $100USD, I got a three course meal (with wine pairings) consisting of
Grilled Duck Foie Gras - on Daikon Confit in a Portwine Truffle Sauce
Maple Leaf Duck Breast Rôti - Sauce Aigre-Doux with Potato Galette and Legumes de Saison
Pineapple Rôti and Pistachio Wrapped in Phyllo - with Rhum Raisin Ice Cream
The true winner of the night, however, was the Grilled Chilean Sea Bass(or Patagonia Toothfish, as I like to call it). Soft and melt in your mouth tasty.
That's not to say the rest of it was bad, it was all wonderful, but the fish put it all to shame.
Maison Akira also offers a $160USD ten-course meal with wine pairings. I will be sure to come back and try it some day.
The big time-occupier of the week is the new Harvest Moon/Rune Factory game RF:Tides of Destiny. Having played just about every Harvest Moon there is, there was no way I was going to let this game pass me by. And it's fun as hell, to me anyway. Others might have a different opinion. Die-hard Harvest Moon fans would be annoyed to note that farming is different in this game as compared to even previous Rune Factory games. This game is more centered on crafting and fighting than one would expect from any Harvest Moon.
I find I don't have a problem with this. Actually, it's saved me lots of repetitive plant-watering, and for that I am thankful.
Will be gone from Wednesday to Sunday. I'm taking HWY 1 up to San Francisco and Napa for a 5 day photo-venture. Well, it's really only 4 days, the last one is spent purely on driving back home.
Hoping all goes well.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Fleas
This week's main theme is fleas. I've 33 flea bites on various parts of my body.
I'm 90% certain I picked them up on the job. The current site had some rather large dogs(and rather large piles of dog poo) present at some point in the recent past, and they left us(the workers) some presents.
I also climbed a tree and took down a pretty shaky tree house.
Visited the new Mother's Market in Brea. Did not like. Too rich for me.
And that's not easy.
It was also too green.
The butcher shop next to it was more my taste, with exotic meats and tasty looking cuts, but also too rich for me.
Had a $0.10USD 6-wine tasting at Total Wine & More. Best Value of the Year.
Discovered that Popeyes Chicken was closing down all over the place, and drove some 30 miles to hunt one down. Was crushed to discover it had been replaced by a Church's Chicken, only to praise the heavens when we found it a block away.
Visited Pomona's Antique Row again. Have concluded that people collect the weirdest things. Have also concluded I want the $150USD replica of Mal's sidearm from Serenity.
Just you wait, my pretty...
I'm 90% certain I picked them up on the job. The current site had some rather large dogs(and rather large piles of dog poo) present at some point in the recent past, and they left us(the workers) some presents.
I also climbed a tree and took down a pretty shaky tree house.
Visited the new Mother's Market in Brea. Did not like. Too rich for me.
And that's not easy.
It was also too green.
The butcher shop next to it was more my taste, with exotic meats and tasty looking cuts, but also too rich for me.
Had a $0.10USD 6-wine tasting at Total Wine & More. Best Value of the Year.
Discovered that Popeyes Chicken was closing down all over the place, and drove some 30 miles to hunt one down. Was crushed to discover it had been replaced by a Church's Chicken, only to praise the heavens when we found it a block away.
Visited Pomona's Antique Row again. Have concluded that people collect the weirdest things. Have also concluded I want the $150USD replica of Mal's sidearm from Serenity.
Just you wait, my pretty...
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Black Rock Canyon and Brewery Art Walk
Had several interesting days this week.
On Thursday, I rolled out of bed and there was a cat waiting outside of my room. Apparently my dad left the garage door open and a cat wandered into the house. Played with it a bit then shooed it outside.
Later that same day, a dog wandered into the then current job site. Played with it a bit then shooed it outside.
Friday was the birthday of a friend, ate Korean BBQ. Was good.
Saturday, I went hiking for the first time in a long time. And not alone.
An outdoorsy-photography-minded person invited me with him to Black Star Canyon in Orange County. A short 6 mile round trip hike, made difficult by the 15lbs of camera equipment I had slung over my shoulder. I must find a more effective way of carrying a tripod, although I am sure I'm not the only person with such an issue.
We saw a tarantula, several frogs, a salamander skeleton, and a few other creatures. Oddly enough, there was a beheaded eagle spread across the ground early on in the hike. There was also a cute, but dead, mouse at the end of the trail, sitting on a rock. Flies and mosquitoes were very much in evidence.
There was a lot of scrambling along the trail. The other guy had Five Fingers, but I had left my pair in the car, reasoning that the extra weight of my camera equipment would necessitate footwear with more support, and thus stuck to my 5.11 boots. This was something of a mistake when it came time to scramble over the giant boulders.
At the end of the trail is (supposedly) a waterfall. Being as this is October and right after the dry season, there was no such thing. Climbed up into the hole where the waterfall supposedly flows from, took a gander, and promptly climbed down to retrieve my camera equipment. The tripod I had lugged along for the last two hours finally had purpose. 8 second exposures.
Overall, a good hike. Would do again.
Sunday(today), I had work in the morning and the evening. In the afternoon, I met up with a friend who had come back to town for the week, having moved to San Jose some months before. The two of us and his girl-of-questionable-relationship-status wandered around the LA Brewery Art Walk for a few hours before heading on to the Flying Pig. Brewery Art Walk was as interesting as it was last time. I didn't shoot many pictures of it though, as I've already seen the complex and didn't feel compelled to shoot it again. Flying Pig was delicious, though it reminded me how much I dislike brown rice.
After dropping off my friend at Bob Hope Airport, his girl-fring and I chatted about a possible whiskey tasting in the near future.
Hopefully, the three people who actually read this thing will see it up soon.
On Thursday, I rolled out of bed and there was a cat waiting outside of my room. Apparently my dad left the garage door open and a cat wandered into the house. Played with it a bit then shooed it outside.
Later that same day, a dog wandered into the then current job site. Played with it a bit then shooed it outside.
Friday was the birthday of a friend, ate Korean BBQ. Was good.
Saturday, I went hiking for the first time in a long time. And not alone.
An outdoorsy-photography-minded person invited me with him to Black Star Canyon in Orange County. A short 6 mile round trip hike, made difficult by the 15lbs of camera equipment I had slung over my shoulder. I must find a more effective way of carrying a tripod, although I am sure I'm not the only person with such an issue.
We saw a tarantula, several frogs, a salamander skeleton, and a few other creatures. Oddly enough, there was a beheaded eagle spread across the ground early on in the hike. There was also a cute, but dead, mouse at the end of the trail, sitting on a rock. Flies and mosquitoes were very much in evidence.
There was a lot of scrambling along the trail. The other guy had Five Fingers, but I had left my pair in the car, reasoning that the extra weight of my camera equipment would necessitate footwear with more support, and thus stuck to my 5.11 boots. This was something of a mistake when it came time to scramble over the giant boulders.
At the end of the trail is (supposedly) a waterfall. Being as this is October and right after the dry season, there was no such thing. Climbed up into the hole where the waterfall supposedly flows from, took a gander, and promptly climbed down to retrieve my camera equipment. The tripod I had lugged along for the last two hours finally had purpose. 8 second exposures.
Overall, a good hike. Would do again.
Sunday(today), I had work in the morning and the evening. In the afternoon, I met up with a friend who had come back to town for the week, having moved to San Jose some months before. The two of us and his girl-of-questionable-relationship-status wandered around the LA Brewery Art Walk for a few hours before heading on to the Flying Pig. Brewery Art Walk was as interesting as it was last time. I didn't shoot many pictures of it though, as I've already seen the complex and didn't feel compelled to shoot it again. Flying Pig was delicious, though it reminded me how much I dislike brown rice.
After dropping off my friend at Bob Hope Airport, his girl-fring and I chatted about a possible whiskey tasting in the near future.
Hopefully, the three people who actually read this thing will see it up soon.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Aquarium and other Haps
Have come to the conclusion it is economically unfeasible for me to move out within the next six months, as I've just purchased rental property, and have no funds to move out with.
Words cannot describe my disappointment.
Instead, I will say that I went to Photographer's Night at the Aquarium of the Pacific.
Tip: when shooting pictures of fish through thick acrylic, find a spot that doesn't have a scratch in it, and wipe it clean. Also, bring a macro lens.
It was very fun, though very few of my pictures came out well. I attribute it to both lack of skill and unfamiliarity with settings. On the plus side, the event as a whole did improve my skill with DSLRs in general, so it can't be said to be a loss in any sense of the word.
Ate at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. afterwards. Ridiculously expensive, but was fun. Will probably not go back.
Other events of note:
Girlfriend took the GRE, did not do well, apparently. We will see when the results come out.
Girlfriend also got sandwiched.
Conclusion: Week was filled with Girlfriend related shenanigans.
Words cannot describe my disappointment.
Instead, I will say that I went to Photographer's Night at the Aquarium of the Pacific.
Tip: when shooting pictures of fish through thick acrylic, find a spot that doesn't have a scratch in it, and wipe it clean. Also, bring a macro lens.
It was very fun, though very few of my pictures came out well. I attribute it to both lack of skill and unfamiliarity with settings. On the plus side, the event as a whole did improve my skill with DSLRs in general, so it can't be said to be a loss in any sense of the word.
Ate at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. afterwards. Ridiculously expensive, but was fun. Will probably not go back.
Other events of note:
Girlfriend took the GRE, did not do well, apparently. We will see when the results come out.
Girlfriend also got sandwiched.
Conclusion: Week was filled with Girlfriend related shenanigans.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Not my home anymore
I got home from work today and sat at my desk, aimlessly browsing the web, seeing but not processing the images on my monitor.
My mind was on other things.
Work was not good today; several mistakes were made. I will admit that I am partially at fault, not committing the original mistakes, no. My fault lies in not catching the mistakes before my father did. And he was not happy at all.
Working for one's parents has pros and cons. Pros include not worrying about getting fired, and not worrying about requesting vacation time. Basically, all the benefits of having a extremely secure job.
Cons are a much lengthier list, but condensed:
It's hard to get paid for the work you do.
When something goes wrong, your boss will yell at you until you get off work.
Whenever your boss starts lecturing you, he brings up things that no ordinary boss would know.
You never get off work.
Anyways, as I sat there, I realized that I was waiting for something.
I was waiting for my boss to come home and lecture me.
And I realize that this is not an occasional occurrence.
Every night, my ears are trained to the sound of my father coming up the stairs to this room. I'm paranoid in my own room. I can't relax here.
Every man's home is supposed to be his castle.
I'm no longer safe or secure in this house.
This house belongs to my boss.
This is no longer my home.
Tomorrow, I'm taking the day off.
I need to clear my mind and examine my options.
I need to move.
My mind was on other things.
Work was not good today; several mistakes were made. I will admit that I am partially at fault, not committing the original mistakes, no. My fault lies in not catching the mistakes before my father did. And he was not happy at all.
Working for one's parents has pros and cons. Pros include not worrying about getting fired, and not worrying about requesting vacation time. Basically, all the benefits of having a extremely secure job.
Cons are a much lengthier list, but condensed:
It's hard to get paid for the work you do.
When something goes wrong, your boss will yell at you until you get off work.
Whenever your boss starts lecturing you, he brings up things that no ordinary boss would know.
You never get off work.
Anyways, as I sat there, I realized that I was waiting for something.
I was waiting for my boss to come home and lecture me.
And I realize that this is not an occasional occurrence.
Every night, my ears are trained to the sound of my father coming up the stairs to this room. I'm paranoid in my own room. I can't relax here.
Every man's home is supposed to be his castle.
I'm no longer safe or secure in this house.
This house belongs to my boss.
This is no longer my home.
Tomorrow, I'm taking the day off.
I need to clear my mind and examine my options.
I need to move.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
10 Years
America had a pretty big day 'round this time ten years ago. 10 years later, things are still all kinda of fucked up, but not in the same way.
One we didn't see coming. The other, we should have seen coming.
Ain't done too much this week.
Went to a gathering, barfed from drinking for the first time(related).
Didn't eat moon cake, thank God. (Did you know there's a black market for moon cakes?
Thinking about another road trip to Monterrey/Big Sur, maybe stop by San Fran to see SuburbanDweller and eat Brenda's. Mid to late October is the plan so far.
One we didn't see coming. The other, we should have seen coming.
Ain't done too much this week.
Went to a gathering, barfed from drinking for the first time(related).
Didn't eat moon cake, thank God. (Did you know there's a black market for moon cakes?
Thinking about another road trip to Monterrey/Big Sur, maybe stop by San Fran to see SuburbanDweller and eat Brenda's. Mid to late October is the plan so far.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Huntington Library, Again
Went to the Huntington Library again, but not alone this time.
See, I have a girlfriend now, and she's kinda obligated to go where I drag her.
Aren't relationships great?
Monday, August 29, 2011
Hollywood Bowl and Rum Punch
Went to the Hollywood Bowl. Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures as they had a rule against cameras with detachable lenses.
First time I heard it stated like that.
Instead, I got drunk on Rum Punch.
Malibu Rum Punch, specifically, the kind that comes in a bag with a spout.
I was probably pretty embarrassing, but I don't remember much anything of that night.
Not even the concert.
So it was $25 for me to do embarrassing things in front of a whole bunch of people, and not much else.
Damn that Rum Punch.
15% alcohol my ass.
First time I heard it stated like that.
Instead, I got drunk on Rum Punch.
Malibu Rum Punch, specifically, the kind that comes in a bag with a spout.
I was probably pretty embarrassing, but I don't remember much anything of that night.
Not even the concert.
So it was $25 for me to do embarrassing things in front of a whole bunch of people, and not much else.
Damn that Rum Punch.
15% alcohol my ass.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
A very late blog post
Finally got around to editing my photos, not that there were many.
The rest will be going on Flickr soon.
Speaking of which, do I want to pay for Pro...or not?
Recounting the past week+.....
Many nap parties, fixed a bunch of things at my girlfriend's house, established that my awesomeness makes peoples'(or just girls') parents like me, and ate duck curry.
SuburbanDweller has been and gone, but fun times abounded while he was here.
Chocovine chocolate wine is complex and oversweet, but good in small quantities.
Mead is Viking Cruck Juice, and we like it cold.
Nan finally got a job, as a bartender! Guess that Mixology Certification came in handy after all.
Currently having guests over, kicked out of my own bed for two or three nights.
Watched "Into the Woods" musical. Enjoyable and witty, but can't help but draw comparisons to Congress.
In other news: remember this section?
Libya rebels take Tripoli (almost). Happily surprised at short length of armed action.
Now comes the hard part.
The rest will be going on Flickr soon.
Speaking of which, do I want to pay for Pro...or not?
Recounting the past week+.....
Many nap parties, fixed a bunch of things at my girlfriend's house, established that my awesomeness makes peoples'(or just girls') parents like me, and ate duck curry.
SuburbanDweller has been and gone, but fun times abounded while he was here.
Chocovine chocolate wine is complex and oversweet, but good in small quantities.
Mead is Viking Cruck Juice, and we like it cold.
Nan finally got a job, as a bartender! Guess that Mixology Certification came in handy after all.
Currently having guests over, kicked out of my own bed for two or three nights.
Watched "Into the Woods" musical. Enjoyable and witty, but can't help but draw comparisons to Congress.
In other news: remember this section?
Libya rebels take Tripoli (almost). Happily surprised at short length of armed action.
Now comes the hard part.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Home again, and drained
Taiwan was a good break, took very few pictures, and haven't had time to work on the ones I did take.
Work is consuming much time with backlog, what remains is spent with girlfriend.
Speaking of which, spent lots of time defining relationship with said girlfriend online while physically away.
Spent more time doing the same on return.
Satisfied with ongoing discussions.
Must sleep now, more to come next post, hopefully with pictures.
Work is consuming much time with backlog, what remains is spent with girlfriend.
Speaking of which, spent lots of time defining relationship with said girlfriend online while physically away.
Spent more time doing the same on return.
Satisfied with ongoing discussions.
Must sleep now, more to come next post, hopefully with pictures.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Time with Family
Taiwan is as I expected. Hot, humid, and swarming with mosquitoes.
Still, it's the first time in a long time I've been able to just lay back and not think about anything at all for a whole day.
Also, family is here.
Spending time with family is good for the soul, donchaknow?
Tried to go out on a photoventure, but it's raining cats and dogs. Did go out and play a bit though. And eat. Seems everywhere I go, I eat.
Still, I have mixed feelings. I feel like there's so much stuff piling up at home, yet I'm messing about here.
Also, my girlfriend is five thousand miles away, and I'm feeling nuzzly, among other things.
Here's to hoping the rain lets up a bit, the mosquitoes stop trying to eat me alive, and my girlfriend not leaving me in the 11 days I am gone!
Still, it's the first time in a long time I've been able to just lay back and not think about anything at all for a whole day.
Also, family is here.
Spending time with family is good for the soul, donchaknow?
Tried to go out on a photoventure, but it's raining cats and dogs. Did go out and play a bit though. And eat. Seems everywhere I go, I eat.
Still, I have mixed feelings. I feel like there's so much stuff piling up at home, yet I'm messing about here.
Also, my girlfriend is five thousand miles away, and I'm feeling nuzzly, among other things.
Here's to hoping the rain lets up a bit, the mosquitoes stop trying to eat me alive, and my girlfriend not leaving me in the 11 days I am gone!
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Certified
Got my Mixology/Bartending cert. Dunno what I'm gonna do with it.
Schedule's been kinda hectic, trying to get things done before I leave for Taiwan on Thursday.
Have noticed a few things these last few days:
Congress works on legislation like students work on homework: pretend to work on it until it's 30 mins before class and pump something(anything!) out ASAP.
Singing along to the radio does not improve my mood.
My girlfriend has a tendency of getting caught up in things when she's about to come see me.
Suppose I'll work on it, but I'm not quite sure how to.
Still have to find present for the family before I pack.
Schedule's been kinda hectic, trying to get things done before I leave for Taiwan on Thursday.
Have noticed a few things these last few days:
Congress works on legislation like students work on homework: pretend to work on it until it's 30 mins before class and pump something(anything!) out ASAP.
Singing along to the radio does not improve my mood.
My girlfriend has a tendency of getting caught up in things when she's about to come see me.
Suppose I'll work on it, but I'm not quite sure how to.
Still have to find present for the family before I pack.
Monday, July 25, 2011
A week of bartending and tooth pains
Can't say the week was busy, per say, but...
I'd forgotten how inconvenient school could be on one's schedule. I had a toothache the entire week and was unable to go to the dentist due to bartending school.
Was finally able to go on Saturday. Got some antibiotics prescribed for my pericoronitis. That's it.
Got myself a water pik thing, will hopefully prevent future cases of such. Never let it be said I don't learn from my mistakes.
Spent all the money I had saved up on a new lens. The prima donna of DX lenses, the Nikkor 18-200mm VRII. It's in the mail(I hope). It'll likely get here before I leave for Taiwan on the 4th.
I'd forgotten how inconvenient school could be on one's schedule. I had a toothache the entire week and was unable to go to the dentist due to bartending school.
Was finally able to go on Saturday. Got some antibiotics prescribed for my pericoronitis. That's it.
Got myself a water pik thing, will hopefully prevent future cases of such. Never let it be said I don't learn from my mistakes.
Spent all the money I had saved up on a new lens. The prima donna of DX lenses, the Nikkor 18-200mm VRII. It's in the mail(I hope). It'll likely get here before I leave for Taiwan on the 4th.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Slow market, busy week
Week with intern was fun. Had him do all the sh*t I didn't want too, then took him out to dinner every night.
Market's doing terrible at the moment, sitting on a buttload, but ain't able to buy anything. Also, one of the former occupants of a property came back and smashed the crap out of everything. Everything. Hell, even the ceiling light fixtures 15 feet up. Work beckons.
Checked out some new model homes in Brea. Nicely staged, as they should be. Have come to the conclusion that I'd rather have a smaller home than a bigger one.
Went to the OC Fair. Expensive, but interesting. Fried Kool-aid was an extreme disappointment.
Photography ain't doing so well, not much opportunity to shoot at anything, but that will change, hopefully.
Started bartending school today, broke a glass. Should prove fun and interesting if today was any indication.
Note to self: Another card 7-17
Market's doing terrible at the moment, sitting on a buttload, but ain't able to buy anything. Also, one of the former occupants of a property came back and smashed the crap out of everything. Everything. Hell, even the ceiling light fixtures 15 feet up. Work beckons.
Checked out some new model homes in Brea. Nicely staged, as they should be. Have come to the conclusion that I'd rather have a smaller home than a bigger one.
Went to the OC Fair. Expensive, but interesting. Fried Kool-aid was an extreme disappointment.
Photography ain't doing so well, not much opportunity to shoot at anything, but that will change, hopefully.
Started bartending school today, broke a glass. Should prove fun and interesting if today was any indication.
Note to self: Another card 7-17
Monday, July 11, 2011
Reporting Not Much to Report
Google+ Hangout is awesome.
Apparently, Facebook is feeling the heat, and is teaming up with Skype to roll out something similar soon.
Ain't much a better kick in the pants than a bit of competition.
Intern is here for a week. Means less ***, but more company.
And less work.
Apparently, Facebook is feeling the heat, and is teaming up with Skype to roll out something similar soon.
Ain't much a better kick in the pants than a bit of competition.
Intern is here for a week. Means less ***, but more company.
And less work.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
4th
Watched Transformers midweek. Determined that starlets have force fields over their faces. Didn't shoot any photos.
Had a BBQ at my house for the first time in a long time. Good food, good friends. Tragic accident. More details to come.
Determined to learn to BBQ and grill well. After bar-tending classes.
Sleeping soon. Work in the morning.
Had a BBQ at my house for the first time in a long time. Good food, good friends. Tragic accident. More details to come.
Determined to learn to BBQ and grill well. After bar-tending classes.
Sleeping soon. Work in the morning.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Shopping and Explorations!
Quiet week. Ain't done much 'sides work.
Went shopping with a pair of twins. Separately, mind you, on two different days. Comparatively interesting, literally speaking.
They tended to follow the same shopping pattern, though one was much more concerned about shoes and accessories than the other was.
Bought one twin dinner, bought the other a skirt and a few small bits and pieces.
Lead someone to explore new and interesting aspects about life.
Said someone leaving LA for a three month internship in SD, meaning I'll be getting cranky near the end of the week, then mellowing out during weekend visits.
Also, a dear friend is returning for the summer on the weekend.
Am looking forward to the weekend.
It promises much cuddling.
Ninja Edit: Forgot something awesome: Watermelon Sweet Tea - Sweet, sweet success.
Ninja Edit 2: Said someone above is returning to LA tonight because internship suckage. Good new or bad news?
Went shopping with a pair of twins. Separately, mind you, on two different days. Comparatively interesting, literally speaking.
They tended to follow the same shopping pattern, though one was much more concerned about shoes and accessories than the other was.
Bought one twin dinner, bought the other a skirt and a few small bits and pieces.
Lead someone to explore new and interesting aspects about life.
Said someone leaving LA for a three month internship in SD, meaning I'll be getting cranky near the end of the week, then mellowing out during weekend visits.
Also, a dear friend is returning for the summer on the weekend.
Am looking forward to the weekend.
It promises much cuddling.
Ninja Edit: Forgot something awesome: Watermelon Sweet Tea - Sweet, sweet success.
Ninja Edit 2: Said someone above is returning to LA tonight because internship suckage. Good new or bad news?
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Tim Burton, Dog, and Spring Cleaning
A sorta quiet week, the exception being yesterday.
Had Vizzi Food Truck's Foie Gras PB&J on Wednesday. Possibly the most delicious thing I've ever had. Didn't realize we had food truck gatherings nearby, but we do, and I am all the poorer for it.
Viewed the Tim Burton exhibit at the LACMA. Interesting, if full of things that I didn't really expect to be in an exhibit.
Went to a place called Hambone's Soul Food for lunch. Was the fastest BBQ joint I've ever been to. Only took about 5 minutes for me to get my food, as opposed to waiting an hour for a table and another 40 minutes to order and get our food. Place also had direct TV and a super friendly owner. And yes, his name is Hambone.
Probably the most interesting event to occur this week would be Rabbit the dog(it's still technically nameless, so I named it Rabbit, temporarily). A friend wanted to get a dog for his girl, but was in NorCal and the seller was unwilling to hold the dog for him. As a consequence, we(Puddin' and I) had to go get the dog(Pomeranian-Shitzu mutt) for him. Damn thing had fleas nesting all over it.
What's with girls and wanting tiny useless dogs anyway? Can't they fall for something that comes in medium or large?
Admittedly, Rabbit was goddamn cute, but still, fleas and uselessness does not a heavenly match make.
Cleaned out the garage and the closet today. My packrat tendencies have come back to haunt me. I've got stuff from every year of my life tucked away in there, and I can date them back to about a decade ago when I moved into this house by the thickness of the dust layer on various objects.
But at least I can park my car indoors again.
Had Vizzi Food Truck's Foie Gras PB&J on Wednesday. Possibly the most delicious thing I've ever had. Didn't realize we had food truck gatherings nearby, but we do, and I am all the poorer for it.
Viewed the Tim Burton exhibit at the LACMA. Interesting, if full of things that I didn't really expect to be in an exhibit.
Went to a place called Hambone's Soul Food for lunch. Was the fastest BBQ joint I've ever been to. Only took about 5 minutes for me to get my food, as opposed to waiting an hour for a table and another 40 minutes to order and get our food. Place also had direct TV and a super friendly owner. And yes, his name is Hambone.
Probably the most interesting event to occur this week would be Rabbit the dog(it's still technically nameless, so I named it Rabbit, temporarily). A friend wanted to get a dog for his girl, but was in NorCal and the seller was unwilling to hold the dog for him. As a consequence, we(Puddin' and I) had to go get the dog(Pomeranian-Shitzu mutt) for him. Damn thing had fleas nesting all over it.
What's with girls and wanting tiny useless dogs anyway? Can't they fall for something that comes in medium or large?
Admittedly, Rabbit was goddamn cute, but still, fleas and uselessness does not a heavenly match make.
Cleaned out the garage and the closet today. My packrat tendencies have come back to haunt me. I've got stuff from every year of my life tucked away in there, and I can date them back to about a decade ago when I moved into this house by the thickness of the dust layer on various objects.
But at least I can park my car indoors again.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Graduations
Lots of people graduating these days, lots of celebrations.
Work has been slow, but I've been spending a lot of money on food these past few days.
Went to Lola Gaspar in old Santa Ana. (Delicious food, drinks were "meh.")
Also went to Heroes Bar in downtown Fullerton. (drinks with friends)
Had Bool BBQ food truck food at the LA Artwalk. (packed with people, but food was good)
Haven't shot much in the past week, but hope to change that come the weekend.
and cuddling is awesome.
Work has been slow, but I've been spending a lot of money on food these past few days.
Went to Lola Gaspar in old Santa Ana. (Delicious food, drinks were "meh.")
Also went to Heroes Bar in downtown Fullerton. (drinks with friends)
Had Bool BBQ food truck food at the LA Artwalk. (packed with people, but food was good)
Haven't shot much in the past week, but hope to change that come the weekend.
and cuddling is awesome.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Strawberries and Boobs.
Had an odd, but good, day.
Took some pictures in the morning.
Went to pick strawberries at Cal Poly(slim pickins'). Might have been better at another strawberry patch, such as the one next to CSUF. This one doesn't seem large enough for all the people that go. Was also very expensive, at 3USD/lb.
Spent rest of the afternoon and evening hopping around various places featuring nubile female staff in revealing dress, most notably Cafe Lu and The Lounge.
The other places in the area were pretty dead. Maybe they'll be better on a busier day.
Also notable this week:
Went to the Turner's gun show. Want M1a now.
Also, note to myself: step by step 6-5-11
Took some pictures in the morning.
Went to pick strawberries at Cal Poly(slim pickins'). Might have been better at another strawberry patch, such as the one next to CSUF. This one doesn't seem large enough for all the people that go. Was also very expensive, at 3USD/lb.
Spent rest of the afternoon and evening hopping around various places featuring nubile female staff in revealing dress, most notably Cafe Lu and The Lounge.
The other places in the area were pretty dead. Maybe they'll be better on a busier day.
Also notable this week:
Went to the Turner's gun show. Want M1a now.
Also, note to myself: step by step 6-5-11
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Food Trucks and Returns
Lots of good things this week.
Outdoor Cinema Food Fest is way better than OC Foodie. For one thing, you can actually get food.
The best of the lot was the Vizzi truck. I mean, seriously, those sliders were delicious. And I hear the foie gras PB&J was the bomb.
But the greatest thing to happen this week was the mass return of many friends who graduated from college. I now have people to hang out with in the evenings without having to drive across town. Hell, there's even people(person, really) within walking distance again!
Estrogen has been reintroduced into my life, and I'm mellow-er already!
and Nikki's home too!
It's kinda late, and I got work tomorrow, so I'll cut this one short here.
Outdoor Cinema Food Fest is way better than OC Foodie. For one thing, you can actually get food.
The best of the lot was the Vizzi truck. I mean, seriously, those sliders were delicious. And I hear the foie gras PB&J was the bomb.
But the greatest thing to happen this week was the mass return of many friends who graduated from college. I now have people to hang out with in the evenings without having to drive across town. Hell, there's even people(person, really) within walking distance again!
Estrogen has been reintroduced into my life, and I'm mellow-er already!
and Nikki's home too!
It's kinda late, and I got work tomorrow, so I'll cut this one short here.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
151 posts and counting + Jacqui
This is my 151st post on this blog. I'm actually kinda proud I kept up with it for so long.
Yay me!
Had a pretty quiet week. Worked work that had piled up while I was gone, celebrated a birthday of a friend with shabu, cigars, and lambic beer.
The new shabu place that opened up in Rowland Heights, Jazz Cat, is pretty good. I've been there twice this week, both times getting lamb(cute, and delicious!) and the House Special soup.
Had another photoshoot with BeBreathtaking, model was, unexpectedly, someone I already knew.
Was actually quite nice, since I was actually comfortable with her, and hopefully vice versa. I think I did much better this time around.
Picked up a long awaited wide-angle lens. Will be rearranging my bag to accommodate this new addition.
DX Dream bag is now
1: 10-24mm Wide Angle (have it)
2: 28-300mm FX or 55-200mm DX (have neither, undecided, about which to get, will probably get both eventually, especially since the 55-200 only costs $200, and I do plan on going FX in the future when the D800 is released)
3: 35mm DX (have it, great for low light and normal shooting)
4: 105mm Macro (don't have it, but I have the 60mm Macro, and I can only see the 105 being even better)
Speaking of bags, my Incase DSLR bag bust a seam. No biggie, will sew it up when able.
Yay me!
Had a pretty quiet week. Worked work that had piled up while I was gone, celebrated a birthday of a friend with shabu, cigars, and lambic beer.
The new shabu place that opened up in Rowland Heights, Jazz Cat, is pretty good. I've been there twice this week, both times getting lamb(cute, and delicious!) and the House Special soup.
Had another photoshoot with BeBreathtaking, model was, unexpectedly, someone I already knew.
Was actually quite nice, since I was actually comfortable with her, and hopefully vice versa. I think I did much better this time around.
Picked up a long awaited wide-angle lens. Will be rearranging my bag to accommodate this new addition.
DX Dream bag is now
1: 10-24mm Wide Angle (have it)
2: 28-300mm FX or 55-200mm DX (have neither, undecided, about which to get, will probably get both eventually, especially since the 55-200 only costs $200, and I do plan on going FX in the future when the D800 is released)
3: 35mm DX (have it, great for low light and normal shooting)
4: 105mm Macro (don't have it, but I have the 60mm Macro, and I can only see the 105 being even better)
Speaking of bags, my Incase DSLR bag bust a seam. No biggie, will sew it up when able.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Road Trip Spring 2011 Thoughts
I'll be honest. This road trip was a huge hit to my finances, what with Nikki's accident and various other unexpected costs.
Even worse was the 10k I needed to write to the US Treasury when I got home for the 6/15 deadline.
I don't regret any of it.
Not even the titty bar.
Especially not the titty bar. (Reminds me that there are still beautiful women in the world outside of the pages of a magazine or a LCD. That and beautiful women are expensive.)
Not even the part with Nikki's accident.
Life's like that. Ups and Downs. Usually more Downs than Ups, but we learn to roll with the punches.
Someday, we'll look back on our vehicular mishap leading up to Nikki's sacrifice(probably when Nan and I go to Holland to visit Arjen) and laugh at our ridiculous circumstances.
It might be pretentious for me to say this, but it's just money. You can always make more. The memories of our human experience, fueled by that money, are truly what is important.
Now to pay off my credit card and the money I owe Nan...and to look forward to the next adventure.
Even worse was the 10k I needed to write to the US Treasury when I got home for the 6/15 deadline.
I don't regret any of it.
Not even the titty bar.
Especially not the titty bar. (Reminds me that there are still beautiful women in the world outside of the pages of a magazine or a LCD. That and beautiful women are expensive.)
Not even the part with Nikki's accident.
Life's like that. Ups and Downs. Usually more Downs than Ups, but we learn to roll with the punches.
Someday, we'll look back on our vehicular mishap leading up to Nikki's sacrifice(probably when Nan and I go to Holland to visit Arjen) and laugh at our ridiculous circumstances.
It might be pretentious for me to say this, but it's just money. You can always make more. The memories of our human experience, fueled by that money, are truly what is important.
Now to pay off my credit card and the money I owe Nan...and to look forward to the next adventure.
Road Trip Overview Part 2
Reno wasn't much anything special. Really was only there to sleep(Sands Regency Casino, no complimentary Internet! Luckily, I had iPhone). Also was there to lose 60 bucks at the blackjack tables. Stayed the night at Reno, then left for Lake Tahoe in the morning, a touch more than an hour's drive away.
Lake Tahoe was beautiful. Possibly the most beautiful expanse of water I've ever seen. The water was so clear, and the weather so perfect, we near spent a goddamn hour just staring at the water at various locations. Took some great shots with Konni, spent quite some time trying to shoot the starling jays. Learned a bit more about the D7000 body.
Hiked down the short Vikingsholm trail, but Vikingsholm itself was closed. Went around the south end of Tahoe, stopping at various vista points. (Was not very impressed by the Dodge Charger we rented, doesn't corner as well as the European cars we(Nan and I) usually drive.) Went back to Reno for terrible prime rib buffet and cards.
Next day was spent on the drive down to Vegas. The original plan was to play a bit in Yosemite, but all the entrances on the eastern side were closed due to snow and season. Instead, we beat it all the way down to Death Valley.
Death Valley was quite the adventure. Anyone passing through the area should devote a day driving into it. As it was springtime, it wasn't all that hot, especially since we arrived late afternoon, and played into the evening. Artist's Drive and Badwater Basin, as well as Devil's Golfcourse are all must see points. Didn't get the chance to go to any others, but I'm sure they were just as good as the above listed, if not better. Really did wish we had a better car, because the driving was awesome. Sunset at Badwater was really something else.
Helped push a stuck car out of the desert sands. What positive karma that was built was shortly removed when Nan hit a jackrabbit.
Reached Vegas after dark. Original plan of sleeping was scrapped when Arjen mentioned he had never been to a strip club before and was interested in experiencing one. Nan(who I increasingly believe is allergic to boobs) refused to go, so I reluctantly*cough* went along to keep the innocent Dutchman out of trouble.
Three hours and another large hit on my finances later, we returned to the hotel(Palace Station) and hit the sack.
Thursday was dedicated to the Grand Canyon. Spent the morning driving to said Canyon. Took the Cedar Ridge trail down a couple miles with Arjen. Nan, in his less than optimal physical state, begged off and stayed on the rim. We were rather entertained by a fat squirrel, who insisted on crawling into my backpack and coming home with us. Didn't let him, of course. Waited till sundown, took some pictures, and booked it up to the rim to meet Nan. The day was a bit hazy, but the sights and sounds were still amazing, some might even say...grand.
Spent the night in Flagstaff, and left for Las Vegas in the morning.
After arriving in the afternoon, we hit a buffet, then I went to make some money at the roulette tables. Doubled my initial investment($80), then tossed it all away on an all in bet when it was time to hit up the Strip. Didn't really expect to leave with any money at all, so I never considered cashing out.
Nan received a traffic ticket on the Strip, was a downer for the rest of the night("Twelve hours before the end of the goddamn trip!") Saw the three outdoor shows(Bellagio, Mirage, Treasure Island), Treasure Island being the most WTF. Played a game to see who could collect the most "hooker cards"(I won, because I look like a sex-starved 20-something, apparently).
Ate dinner at the McDonald's and headed to bed.
Woke up at 0400, left the hotel at 0430, and made it back to the car rental place at 0830 before our car rental expired.
Lake Tahoe was beautiful. Possibly the most beautiful expanse of water I've ever seen. The water was so clear, and the weather so perfect, we near spent a goddamn hour just staring at the water at various locations. Took some great shots with Konni, spent quite some time trying to shoot the starling jays. Learned a bit more about the D7000 body.
Hiked down the short Vikingsholm trail, but Vikingsholm itself was closed. Went around the south end of Tahoe, stopping at various vista points. (Was not very impressed by the Dodge Charger we rented, doesn't corner as well as the European cars we(Nan and I) usually drive.) Went back to Reno for terrible prime rib buffet and cards.
Next day was spent on the drive down to Vegas. The original plan was to play a bit in Yosemite, but all the entrances on the eastern side were closed due to snow and season. Instead, we beat it all the way down to Death Valley.
Death Valley was quite the adventure. Anyone passing through the area should devote a day driving into it. As it was springtime, it wasn't all that hot, especially since we arrived late afternoon, and played into the evening. Artist's Drive and Badwater Basin, as well as Devil's Golfcourse are all must see points. Didn't get the chance to go to any others, but I'm sure they were just as good as the above listed, if not better. Really did wish we had a better car, because the driving was awesome. Sunset at Badwater was really something else.
Helped push a stuck car out of the desert sands. What positive karma that was built was shortly removed when Nan hit a jackrabbit.
Reached Vegas after dark. Original plan of sleeping was scrapped when Arjen mentioned he had never been to a strip club before and was interested in experiencing one. Nan(who I increasingly believe is allergic to boobs) refused to go, so I reluctantly*cough* went along to keep the innocent Dutchman out of trouble.
Three hours and another large hit on my finances later, we returned to the hotel(Palace Station) and hit the sack.
Thursday was dedicated to the Grand Canyon. Spent the morning driving to said Canyon. Took the Cedar Ridge trail down a couple miles with Arjen. Nan, in his less than optimal physical state, begged off and stayed on the rim. We were rather entertained by a fat squirrel, who insisted on crawling into my backpack and coming home with us. Didn't let him, of course. Waited till sundown, took some pictures, and booked it up to the rim to meet Nan. The day was a bit hazy, but the sights and sounds were still amazing, some might even say...grand.
Spent the night in Flagstaff, and left for Las Vegas in the morning.
After arriving in the afternoon, we hit a buffet, then I went to make some money at the roulette tables. Doubled my initial investment($80), then tossed it all away on an all in bet when it was time to hit up the Strip. Didn't really expect to leave with any money at all, so I never considered cashing out.
Nan received a traffic ticket on the Strip, was a downer for the rest of the night("Twelve hours before the end of the goddamn trip!") Saw the three outdoor shows(Bellagio, Mirage, Treasure Island), Treasure Island being the most WTF. Played a game to see who could collect the most "hooker cards"(I won, because I look like a sex-starved 20-something, apparently).
Ate dinner at the McDonald's and headed to bed.
Woke up at 0400, left the hotel at 0430, and made it back to the car rental place at 0830 before our car rental expired.
Road Trip Overview Part 1
Caught my breath from my weeklong road trip.
There were ups and downs, ups being the sights(both landscape and female) and the food, downs being Nikki's accident and a traffic ticket, as well as the snoring.
Nan, who is originally from Holland(yeah, a Dutch Asian, whodathunk), had a friend visiting from his hometown. We decided to make his trip more memorable with a trip round the southwestern USA.
We rented a car(for insurance reasons), but discovered that there was an "underage driver's fee" of $25/day for drivers under 25 years of age. Ridiculous, but we paid it.
Our weeklong trip started with us heading north to San Francisco, with a stop at Grant's Grove. Trees were large and awe inspiring, as expected.
Our first and most painful disaster struck when we reached SF that first night. A short argument about certain vehicular controls resulted in a non-vehicular accident. The victim: Nikki, who sacrificed herself for our safety.
Spent the night at SuburbanDweller's, who was a kind enough to let us base at his home the two days we were in SF. He seemed well and in good spirit, if busy. It was the first we'd seen of each other in a while, and I was happy to see him hale, hearty, and whole.
Parking is quite the chore in the city. We ended up abandoning the car in a paid garage and hoofing it everywhere. First stop of the morning was at Union Square and the only camera shop open at 0930 on Mother's Day.
Purchased a new D7000, who I immediately christened Konni(inspired, I know). This event dealt a debilitating blow to my finances for this trip. I had left the house with 3 times more than I had expected to spend, but started the day with half that amount in debt.
Crushing.
Dragged Nan and Arjen(pronounced are-ee-en) back and forth across the city on foot. Went to Lombard St., Coit Tower, explored North Beach and the Golden Gate Park(bison!).
The best of all sights was at the Corona Heights Park outside of Castro. There exists a small hill that allows for a 360 panoramic view of the city. Brilliant.
The next day was spent mostly on food. Brenda's Soul Food is possibly the best place I've ever eaten at. Be sure to get the watermelon sweet tea. Had Pluto's sandwiches as well. It wasn't super, but was palatable enough. I actually think Brenda's ruined all the other food in the city for me. Checked out the Bay and the Exploratorium area(mostly that greco structure next to the Exploratorium, as said Exploratorium was closed on Monday.). Crosses the Golden Gate, snapped a few shots. And it was off to Reno.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
There were ups and downs, ups being the sights(both landscape and female) and the food, downs being Nikki's accident and a traffic ticket, as well as the snoring.
Nan, who is originally from Holland(yeah, a Dutch Asian, whodathunk), had a friend visiting from his hometown. We decided to make his trip more memorable with a trip round the southwestern USA.
We rented a car(for insurance reasons), but discovered that there was an "underage driver's fee" of $25/day for drivers under 25 years of age. Ridiculous, but we paid it.
Our weeklong trip started with us heading north to San Francisco, with a stop at Grant's Grove. Trees were large and awe inspiring, as expected.
Our first and most painful disaster struck when we reached SF that first night. A short argument about certain vehicular controls resulted in a non-vehicular accident. The victim: Nikki, who sacrificed herself for our safety.
Spent the night at SuburbanDweller's, who was a kind enough to let us base at his home the two days we were in SF. He seemed well and in good spirit, if busy. It was the first we'd seen of each other in a while, and I was happy to see him hale, hearty, and whole.
Parking is quite the chore in the city. We ended up abandoning the car in a paid garage and hoofing it everywhere. First stop of the morning was at Union Square and the only camera shop open at 0930 on Mother's Day.
Purchased a new D7000, who I immediately christened Konni(inspired, I know). This event dealt a debilitating blow to my finances for this trip. I had left the house with 3 times more than I had expected to spend, but started the day with half that amount in debt.
Crushing.
Dragged Nan and Arjen(pronounced are-ee-en) back and forth across the city on foot. Went to Lombard St., Coit Tower, explored North Beach and the Golden Gate Park(bison!).
The best of all sights was at the Corona Heights Park outside of Castro. There exists a small hill that allows for a 360 panoramic view of the city. Brilliant.
The next day was spent mostly on food. Brenda's Soul Food is possibly the best place I've ever eaten at. Be sure to get the watermelon sweet tea. Had Pluto's sandwiches as well. It wasn't super, but was palatable enough. I actually think Brenda's ruined all the other food in the city for me. Checked out the Bay and the Exploratorium area(mostly that greco structure next to the Exploratorium, as said Exploratorium was closed on Monday.). Crosses the Golden Gate, snapped a few shots. And it was off to Reno.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Sunday, May 8, 2011
San Francisco
Explored Union Square in the morning while looking for a replacement camera body.
Managed to find the only camera shop open at 0930 in San Fran, that luckily also had a D7000 body in stock.
As was predetermined, Nikki now has a new younger, but bigger, sibling: Konni.
Explored:
Chinatown: ironically only had Taiwan flags flying.
Lombard Street: crookedest street in the world?
Coit Tower: just looked, really. Wouldn't let me go up with my tripod.
Ate a quick lunch at Cafe Trieste(sp?) in North Beach, then went on to see bison in Gold Gate Park.
Ended the day at secret best attraction for any photo enthusiast:
Managed to find the only camera shop open at 0930 in San Fran, that luckily also had a D7000 body in stock.
As was predetermined, Nikki now has a new younger, but bigger, sibling: Konni.
Explored:
Chinatown: ironically only had Taiwan flags flying.
Lombard Street: crookedest street in the world?
Coit Tower: just looked, really. Wouldn't let me go up with my tripod.
Ate a quick lunch at Cafe Trieste(sp?) in North Beach, then went on to see bison in Gold Gate Park.
Ended the day at secret best attraction for any photo enthusiast:
Corona Heights Park (NOT Buena Vista Park)
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Nikki's Terrible Accident
First day of road trip with Nan and his friend from Holland.
Had a prelude yesterday with a day trip to La Jolla, pictures to come later.
Rented a car. Exorbitantly expensive for drivers under 25.
Went up the 5 to the 99 into King's Canyon National Park to see the sequoias in Grant's Grove.
Then when up to San Fran to visit SuburbanDweller. Had a short argument with Nan about the status of the car's headlights. Conclusively proved myself correct, but at terrible cost. Will be going to camera repair shop tomorrow. It seems like I have one of two choices:
Get Nikki fixed in a day I'd possible, and rent a body for said day.
Get a cheap replacement body till I get home and get Nikki fixed.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Had a prelude yesterday with a day trip to La Jolla, pictures to come later.
Rented a car. Exorbitantly expensive for drivers under 25.
Went up the 5 to the 99 into King's Canyon National Park to see the sequoias in Grant's Grove.
Then when up to San Fran to visit SuburbanDweller. Had a short argument with Nan about the status of the car's headlights. Conclusively proved myself correct, but at terrible cost. Will be going to camera repair shop tomorrow. It seems like I have one of two choices:
Get Nikki fixed in a day I'd possible, and rent a body for said day.
Get a cheap replacement body till I get home and get Nikki fixed.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Sunday, May 1, 2011
10 Years Coming
This week was rather slow. Didn't work all that much. Had a couple days if near nothing.
Got another pair of boots, had a mid-work hiking adventure on the only day I did work a full day, and ate some BBQ at Joey's.
Allergies are whooping my a-...eyes. Constant congestion and itchy eyes.
Just heard that Osama(or Usama) bin Laden was killed. Funny thing is, when I went to check the Yahoo front page, the top news item was a "controversial ejection during NBA playoff game" or something. Guess they hadn't had enough time to update yet.
News travels so fast on the Internet, even the Internet can't keep up with it.
Can't believe it's been a decade since the War started...
Justice is done, and Obama's gonna win the next election.
Got another pair of boots, had a mid-work hiking adventure on the only day I did work a full day, and ate some BBQ at Joey's.
Allergies are whooping my a-...eyes. Constant congestion and itchy eyes.
Just heard that Osama(or Usama) bin Laden was killed. Funny thing is, when I went to check the Yahoo front page, the top news item was a "controversial ejection during NBA playoff game" or something. Guess they hadn't had enough time to update yet.
News travels so fast on the Internet, even the Internet can't keep up with it.
Can't believe it's been a decade since the War started...
Justice is done, and Obama's gonna win the next election.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Portal 2, Tests,and the IRS
Portal 2. Got it for the PS3. And like every other reviewer out there, I say to you:
Buy It. Play It. Love It.
Took my first test in a while, a open book, timed "Real Estate Practice" final. One step closer to that broker's license. Four more tests to go. And only one of them big.
The bane of taxpayers everywhere, the IRS, is poking its nose in my general direction. It's driving the office nuts. It's driving the accountants nuts too. Ain't nothing to find, but they're gonna find something anyway. Tempted to just cook something for them to find so I can pay a fine, they can go away, and I can go back to work.
Legal robbery, that's what it is. The auditor can't go back empty handed after spending almost a week looking through the books. It's just another way of stealing money from the people who had the foresight of saving it up. They wouldn't be here if our accounts were almost empty, I bet.
I already give them half my income, and they come back for more of it.
F***ing sour.
Buy It. Play It. Love It.
Took my first test in a while, a open book, timed "Real Estate Practice" final. One step closer to that broker's license. Four more tests to go. And only one of them big.
The bane of taxpayers everywhere, the IRS, is poking its nose in my general direction. It's driving the office nuts. It's driving the accountants nuts too. Ain't nothing to find, but they're gonna find something anyway. Tempted to just cook something for them to find so I can pay a fine, they can go away, and I can go back to work.
Legal robbery, that's what it is. The auditor can't go back empty handed after spending almost a week looking through the books. It's just another way of stealing money from the people who had the foresight of saving it up. They wouldn't be here if our accounts were almost empty, I bet.
I already give them half my income, and they come back for more of it.
F***ing sour.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Descanso Garden and the Brewery Art Walk
Not much happened this week, work wise. It's been really slow, meaning that the company had time to go out on adventures. We went to the Descanso Garden for an afternoon. We had lunch at an Italian place called Portabellos or something, was pretty good.
The Garden was quite nice, lots of things in bloom. There was a tiny train to ride on, and it smelled rather terrible. Wanted to have tea at the Japanese tea house, but it was closed. Next time.
Also went to the Brewery Art Walk on Saturday. There were some rather interesting displays and exhibits, including one by a man after my own heart.
It's unbelievable how much art costs(or how much "artists" think their work is worth). The compound the art colony was housed in was much, much bigger than I had expected, and was, I think, the most interesting thing about the whole adventure.
Not to say that the art wasn't interesting, just not as interesting as the architecture.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Malibu, Car Windows, Sucker Punch, and Confusing Situations
I went to The Grotto in Malibu today.
I've come to the conclusion that I need more friends who would actually enjoy hiking.
My car window is disabled.
I've come to the conclusion that people shouldn't stick their feet out of car windows.
I watched Sucker Punch tonight.
I've come to the conclusion that people will have differing opinions about things, and it's really not worth the effort to convince them otherwise sometimes.
I'm single again as of this morning.
I've come to the conclusion that I've had a generally bad day, but maybe tomorrow will be better.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
The Beach, Knob Creek, and Future Adventures
Went to the beach today. It was quite nice, but sand still got all over the place.
Luckily, it didn't get into my camera.
Luckily, it didn't get into my camera.
Not the best picture
Ate at Plums Cafe for brunch. Expensive, yet filling. Would do again, if I got a raise.
Went to Fashion Island, hunting for sunglasses. Had an interesting conversation about Eiffel Towers.
Grandma's funeral is on Wednesday, and I had to scan some old pictures of my family for the slideshow to be present at said funeral. That was awkward, considering my family hasn't really kept up with the whole picture taking thing. My photography isn't really focused on my own family, as you can see in my photostream. Had to dig down pretty deep to find some pictures.
Realized from old albums and photosets that I'm much more cheerful and optimistic now than I was in the distant and not-so-distant past. Kind of sad about that.
I could have enjoyed life a whole lot more if I was then the way I am now.
Ninja Edit: Finally found a bottle of Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve, and am enjoying the hell out of it.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
It's what makes life beautiful
My grandmother passed on today.
Life goes on.
I wasn't close with her, but seeing her on that bed, and the reactions of my relatives does make me think some.
I don't think death bothers me as much as it does most other people. Maybe it's cause I've seen people die before, maybe because I don't think it's something to cry over.
People die. It may be spontaneous, it may be something you'll see coming from far off.
But when the time comes, we'll all inevitably move on. It's not like we'll have a choice. What are you gonna do, challenge Death to a chess game?
Sure, I'll be sad that I will never see so-and-so again, but I'll have the memories(I hope, 'less I'm so old or have some disease that means I can't even have those no more, but then, I wouldn't care, because I wouldn't remember I had the memories), and those memories will be all the more precious knowing that there will be no more.
I think it's kinda exciting, to see the Great Beyond...I mean, who wants to live forever? Your body, once strong and capable, becomes weak and ever more fragile. Where once you could leap fences and climb trees with impunity, your greatest fear becomes falling and being unable to pick yourself up.
And even if you should remain forever young, what would you do? I personally believe I would get bored of life within a few centuries.
No, immortality does not strike my fancy.
Sure, I don't really want to die yet, but one day, after I've experienced enough, seen enough, I'll take that long walk into the dark, and be satisfied.
And even should I die tomorrow, not having lived my life to the fullest, I'll shrug and move on anyway. I only hope that I'll live long enough my parents won't have to bury me, and that my death does not overly inconvenience somebody. If I'm extra lucky, maybe I'll die a glorious death, maybe I'll even die for a cause!
But even if I die young, inconveniencing thousands, under ignoble and pointless circumstances, I'm still not gonna challenge Death to a chess game.
Life goes on.
The sunset, the eve of my grandmother's death
I wasn't close with her, but seeing her on that bed, and the reactions of my relatives does make me think some.
I don't think death bothers me as much as it does most other people. Maybe it's cause I've seen people die before, maybe because I don't think it's something to cry over.
People die. It may be spontaneous, it may be something you'll see coming from far off.
But when the time comes, we'll all inevitably move on. It's not like we'll have a choice. What are you gonna do, challenge Death to a chess game?
Sure, I'll be sad that I will never see so-and-so again, but I'll have the memories(I hope, 'less I'm so old or have some disease that means I can't even have those no more, but then, I wouldn't care, because I wouldn't remember I had the memories), and those memories will be all the more precious knowing that there will be no more.
I think it's kinda exciting, to see the Great Beyond...I mean, who wants to live forever? Your body, once strong and capable, becomes weak and ever more fragile. Where once you could leap fences and climb trees with impunity, your greatest fear becomes falling and being unable to pick yourself up.
And even if you should remain forever young, what would you do? I personally believe I would get bored of life within a few centuries.
No, immortality does not strike my fancy.
Sure, I don't really want to die yet, but one day, after I've experienced enough, seen enough, I'll take that long walk into the dark, and be satisfied.
And even should I die tomorrow, not having lived my life to the fullest, I'll shrug and move on anyway. I only hope that I'll live long enough my parents won't have to bury me, and that my death does not overly inconvenience somebody. If I'm extra lucky, maybe I'll die a glorious death, maybe I'll even die for a cause!
But even if I die young, inconveniencing thousands, under ignoble and pointless circumstances, I'm still not gonna challenge Death to a chess game.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Catalina Island
Went to Catalina Island with friends over the weekend. We rented a condo for two nights, and finished a bottle of vodka a night.
Well, I finished most of it. The 95lb girl made a good effort though.
And really, Stoli is good stuff. I think it better than that weak French stuff the others seemed to prefer.
It was a good call to bring the usual sleeping bag.
Trip there was in a helicopter. I'd usually adhere to the rule that "if the wings are moving faster than the fuselage, it is inherently unsafe," but made an exception this time. It's a good thing that all of our group were skinny folk.
Food on the island was rather expensive, though that was no surprise. Zip-line wasn't really worth it, go bungee jumping instead. Scuba was brill, if expensive, and the water cold as f**k. Will probably go and get certified.
Weather was good to us, contrary to the claims of the weatherman. Got a couple good shots in, check the Flickr stream to the right.
Would do again, would recommend to a friend. Would also recommend said friend bring another friend so said friend would have other friend to warm friend during cold nights.
In other news:
dearblankpleaseblank.com is pretty awesome.
Work is dirty.
Gas is $4USD now.
Well, I finished most of it. The 95lb girl made a good effort though.
And really, Stoli is good stuff. I think it better than that weak French stuff the others seemed to prefer.
It was a good call to bring the usual sleeping bag.
Trip there was in a helicopter. I'd usually adhere to the rule that "if the wings are moving faster than the fuselage, it is inherently unsafe," but made an exception this time. It's a good thing that all of our group were skinny folk.
Food on the island was rather expensive, though that was no surprise. Zip-line wasn't really worth it, go bungee jumping instead. Scuba was brill, if expensive, and the water cold as f**k. Will probably go and get certified.
Weather was good to us, contrary to the claims of the weatherman. Got a couple good shots in, check the Flickr stream to the right.
Would do again, would recommend to a friend. Would also recommend said friend bring another friend so said friend would have other friend to warm friend during cold nights.
In other news:
dearblankpleaseblank.com is pretty awesome.
Work is dirty.
Gas is $4USD now.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Sundays Suck.
SuburbanDweller came back to SoCal for a wedding this weekend. Ate lunch with him and caught up. Was nice.
What wasn't nice was that it rained. And while I don't usually find rain all that disconcerting, it was raining on a Sunday.
And everything is closed on Sundays. I had wanted to go to Antique Row and Joey's BBQ, as well as the Mattel store, but that did not come to pass.
Luckily for my photographic hobby, I had already taken several photos in the days previous to the current inclement weather. and have posted them on Flickr for your viewing pleasure.
In doing so, I have discovered that there is a 200 picture photostream limit on Flickr's free service. Am now debating whether or not I should pay for Flickr Pro.
In other news:
Everyone got their gas masks ready? How about their survival bags? Food? Water?
Going out to get some MREs this week.
What wasn't nice was that it rained. And while I don't usually find rain all that disconcerting, it was raining on a Sunday.
And everything is closed on Sundays. I had wanted to go to Antique Row and Joey's BBQ, as well as the Mattel store, but that did not come to pass.
Luckily for my photographic hobby, I had already taken several photos in the days previous to the current inclement weather. and have posted them on Flickr for your viewing pleasure.
In doing so, I have discovered that there is a 200 picture photostream limit on Flickr's free service. Am now debating whether or not I should pay for Flickr Pro.
In other news:
Everyone got their gas masks ready? How about their survival bags? Food? Water?
Going out to get some MREs this week.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Shooting People 01
Yesterday, I took the day off from work and shot people.
With my camera.
A friend of a friend happens to be a make-up artist. She apparently heard from a little bird that I have a camera, and invited me to shoot some of her friends for some reason or the other. Having never seriously shot people before, it was kinda out of my photographic comfort zone.
Being the gung-ho, try everything, to-adventure-and-beyond person I am, I jumped at the chance.
Results can be seen in the photostream to the right.
I even brought along a model of my own(e.g. shoved fellow photo-enthusiast forward).
The shoot was pretty fun, even if I missed some of it due to logistical issues. Will do again, and happily.
In other news:
Donated $500USD to Sendai Earthquake relief. Hope all my favorite manga artists are alright.
Also, people protested at work. With a bike horn. They seemed trained. Kinda odd.
With my camera.
A friend of a friend happens to be a make-up artist. She apparently heard from a little bird that I have a camera, and invited me to shoot some of her friends for some reason or the other. Having never seriously shot people before, it was kinda out of my photographic comfort zone.
Being the gung-ho, try everything, to-adventure-and-beyond person I am, I jumped at the chance.
Results can be seen in the photostream to the right.
I even brought along a model of my own(e.g. shoved fellow photo-enthusiast forward).
The shoot was pretty fun, even if I missed some of it due to logistical issues. Will do again, and happily.
In other news:
Donated $500USD to Sendai Earthquake relief. Hope all my favorite manga artists are alright.
Also, people protested at work. With a bike horn. They seemed trained. Kinda odd.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Day 24: 141lbs, Huntington Library
Went to the Huntington Library today. Never been, so it was fun.
What wasn't so fun was the fact I went by myself. Originally, I was supposed to have two others with me, but both bailed with various reasons/excuses. But as shown in Lone Ranger, I am entirely unwilling to let the inaction of others prevent me from doing what I want to do.
Stand Alone Complex?
Dunno.
Pictures can be seen in photostream in the sidebar.
As a side note, am now greasing the groove, 15 Perfect Pushups every time I go downstairs, and 5 pull ups every time I use the restroom. I'd do more pull ups, but I need my arms for work.
What wasn't so fun was the fact I went by myself. Originally, I was supposed to have two others with me, but both bailed with various reasons/excuses. But as shown in Lone Ranger, I am entirely unwilling to let the inaction of others prevent me from doing what I want to do.
Stand Alone Complex?
Dunno.
Pictures can be seen in photostream in the sidebar.
As a side note, am now greasing the groove, 15 Perfect Pushups every time I go downstairs, and 5 pull ups every time I use the restroom. I'd do more pull ups, but I need my arms for work.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Day 16: 141lbs, Nixon Library
Gained a pound. Muscle? Maybe.
Went to the Nixon Library in Yorba Linda yesterday, didn't get any good shots.
The original plan was to go to the Huntington Library, but weather reports indicated rain, so we canceled our plans and I went to work. In truth, it did snow in Burbank, but from what I could tell, it was just fine and sunny where we were. I got off work early and gathered everyone up to go to Huntington, but the last person took too long to get ready, that decided that.
I really didn't get any shots I thought were good enough to post.
Hopefully, next week will be different.
Attended a birthday celebration today, the first in a while. Girl was really conservative, so the event was pretty tame.
Early work tomorrow, after a week off from it. Joy.
Went to the Nixon Library in Yorba Linda yesterday, didn't get any good shots.
The original plan was to go to the Huntington Library, but weather reports indicated rain, so we canceled our plans and I went to work. In truth, it did snow in Burbank, but from what I could tell, it was just fine and sunny where we were. I got off work early and gathered everyone up to go to Huntington, but the last person took too long to get ready, that decided that.
I really didn't get any shots I thought were good enough to post.
Hopefully, next week will be different.
Attended a birthday celebration today, the first in a while. Girl was really conservative, so the event was pretty tame.
Early work tomorrow, after a week off from it. Joy.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Day 8: 140.3lbs: Photography
Working out still, not much change.
Yet.
I still have hope.
Went on a photographic adventure today. Results are in the Flickr photostream to the right.
Too tired to add more, except my back feels odd for some reason.
Yet.
I still have hope.
Went on a photographic adventure today. Results are in the Flickr photostream to the right.
Too tired to add more, except my back feels odd for some reason.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Day 1, 140lbs: Lets do this!
Gained 6lbs over the last week with a massive consumption of whole milk(drowning lactose intolerance) and a new scale(Costco, $20, very nice).
Day 1
Initial Measurements:
Weight: 140lbs
Height: 5'8"
Neck: 14.25"
Chest: 33"
Waist: 30"
Hips: 35.5"
Thigh(R): 20"
Thigh(L): 20"
Bicep(R): 10"
Bicep(L): 10"
Total: 172.75"
Body Fat: 10.7%
Goal for 8 weeks, ending Sunday April 10th.
150lbs while maintaining about 8-12% body fat. Beyond that, not really caring too much about it.
Have two kettlebells: 45lb and 25lb. (oddly enough, the 45lb was cheaper than the 40lb, go figure)
Monday & Thursdays
Kettlebell Swings x 80 (45lb)
Kettlebell Bicep & Chest exercises (25lb)
Tuesdays & Fridays
Abdominal exercises (dunno what yet, look it up tomorrow)
Wednesdays & Saturday/Sunday
Yoga and trail running(two miles of hilly ridge-line)
Saturday/Sunday:
One day for rest and measurements, whichever I didn't spend running.
Will do more research, and this schedule will definitely be altered(even as soon as tonight), but this will have to do for now.
Nutrition:
Never gave a ***k before, won't do so now. Will eat anything, as long as there's enough of it to prevent my body from eating itself. Maybe will take supplements, but that will require more research.
and a few words to encourage myself:
GUTS! WILLPOWER! AND DON'T GIVE A FLYING FU** WHAT ANYONE ELSE THINKS, AS LONG AS YOU'RE DOING WHAT YOU CAN TO IMPROVE YOURSELF!
Day 1
Initial Measurements:
Weight: 140lbs
Height: 5'8"
Neck: 14.25"
Chest: 33"
Waist: 30"
Hips: 35.5"
Thigh(R): 20"
Thigh(L): 20"
Bicep(R): 10"
Bicep(L): 10"
Total: 172.75"
Body Fat: 10.7%
Goal for 8 weeks, ending Sunday April 10th.
150lbs while maintaining about 8-12% body fat. Beyond that, not really caring too much about it.
Have two kettlebells: 45lb and 25lb. (oddly enough, the 45lb was cheaper than the 40lb, go figure)
Monday & Thursdays
Kettlebell Swings x 80 (45lb)
Kettlebell Bicep & Chest exercises (25lb)
Tuesdays & Fridays
Abdominal exercises (dunno what yet, look it up tomorrow)
Wednesdays & Saturday/Sunday
Yoga and trail running(two miles of hilly ridge-line)
Saturday/Sunday:
One day for rest and measurements, whichever I didn't spend running.
Will do more research, and this schedule will definitely be altered(even as soon as tonight), but this will have to do for now.
Nutrition:
Never gave a ***k before, won't do so now. Will eat anything, as long as there's enough of it to prevent my body from eating itself. Maybe will take supplements, but that will require more research.
and a few words to encourage myself:
GUTS! WILLPOWER! AND DON'T GIVE A FLYING FU** WHAT ANYONE ELSE THINKS, AS LONG AS YOU'RE DOING WHAT YOU CAN TO IMPROVE YOURSELF!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Day -5, 134lbs
Attempting to gain 10lbs in two months in muscle weight.
Also attempting to cure lactose intolerance.
Have purchased one 25lb kettlebell.
Have also purchased half gallon organic whole milk.
Need to buy: tape measure, supplements(?), additional equipment(?).
Due to scheduling issues, total workout time per day is 1/2 hr, more added as time permits. This week will be spent in measurements and familiarization of bodies and exercises, gathering of equipment, as well as assembly of a workout schedule.
Will be drinking half gallon of milk per 24hrs until both lactose intolerance is cured and 10lbs muscle weight gained.
Will start for realsies Sunday.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Also attempting to cure lactose intolerance.
Have purchased one 25lb kettlebell.
Have also purchased half gallon organic whole milk.
Need to buy: tape measure, supplements(?), additional equipment(?).
Due to scheduling issues, total workout time per day is 1/2 hr, more added as time permits. This week will be spent in measurements and familiarization of bodies and exercises, gathering of equipment, as well as assembly of a workout schedule.
Will be drinking half gallon of milk per 24hrs until both lactose intolerance is cured and 10lbs muscle weight gained.
Will start for realsies Sunday.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Dressers
Yesterday, I helped move a IKEA PAX. And this is a reminder for those who don't have pick-up trucks of their own:
Make friends with trucks. You can't regret it.
Now, the PAX is a dresser, 8 feet tall, and about the same across. In California, the standard ceiling height in a residential building is 8 feet. Does anyone see the problem with the above statement.
Apparently, my friend has been eyeballing this dresser for a while. He has just moved out of his parents house to a sh*thole of a room next to the Dodgers Stadium. I know I wanna get out of the house, but please, there's no way I would be so desperate as to rent a room with stale carpet. Hell, I didn't even know carpet could be stale!
All joking/not joking aside, the PAX, I will admit, is a rather handsome piece of kit, assuming one can get it set up, and being that it is an IKEA product, it should serve you well enough for many years to come.
Provided you don't move in said many years to come.
Please don't move. My ribs can't really take it.
Make friends with trucks. You can't regret it.
Now, the PAX is a dresser, 8 feet tall, and about the same across. In California, the standard ceiling height in a residential building is 8 feet. Does anyone see the problem with the above statement.
Apparently, my friend has been eyeballing this dresser for a while. He has just moved out of his parents house to a sh*thole of a room next to the Dodgers Stadium. I know I wanna get out of the house, but please, there's no way I would be so desperate as to rent a room with stale carpet. Hell, I didn't even know carpet could be stale!
All joking/not joking aside, the PAX, I will admit, is a rather handsome piece of kit, assuming one can get it set up, and being that it is an IKEA product, it should serve you well enough for many years to come.
Provided you don't move in said many years to come.
Please don't move. My ribs can't really take it.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
K701s and Cracked Ribs
I cracked my rib snowboarding. Oddly enough, it's the same rib I cracked last time.
It hurts.
I got myself a pair of AKG K701s to sooth myself.
Some might ask why I didn't get K702s.
Answer: I like white better.
In order to drive these cans, I needed a better amp than the one I have now. Will be getting a Bellari HA540 in the mail soon. Will probably be tube rolling, if I can dig out those looted tubes I had.
Had a stakeout yesterday. Nan joined me and brought along his projector. Was less boring than it usually is.
Haven't been taking as many photos as I would like, and those that I have taken didn't come out very well. Will work more on this when rib heals.
It hurts.
I got myself a pair of AKG K701s to sooth myself.
Some might ask why I didn't get K702s.
Answer: I like white better.
In order to drive these cans, I needed a better amp than the one I have now. Will be getting a Bellari HA540 in the mail soon. Will probably be tube rolling, if I can dig out those looted tubes I had.
Had a stakeout yesterday. Nan joined me and brought along his projector. Was less boring than it usually is.
Haven't been taking as many photos as I would like, and those that I have taken didn't come out very well. Will work more on this when rib heals.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Minecraft Skin!
I've been playing this rather popular indie game for a month or two now, but recently decided to make a skin of myself. Thought I'd share it here.
There's also a version with my Maxpedition Sitka, but this one is more recognizable to be me. And no, it's not a beard, it's me after not shaving for a few days. Yes, it grows really fast.
In other news:
Bad News:
Today, some kid supposedly accidentally shot two kids in Gardena High School when he dropped his backpack and his gun went off. Idiot.
Good News:
Today, AB962 was struck down in court! Yay! I can buy some goddamn Makarov ammo again!
There's also a version with my Maxpedition Sitka, but this one is more recognizable to be me. And no, it's not a beard, it's me after not shaving for a few days. Yes, it grows really fast.
In other news:
Bad News:
Today, some kid supposedly accidentally shot two kids in Gardena High School when he dropped his backpack and his gun went off. Idiot.
Good News:
Today, AB962 was struck down in court! Yay! I can buy some goddamn Makarov ammo again!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Falling into a habit
My sleep schedule has regularized. I'll try to go to sleep around midnight, wake up around 0700, roll around the bed until 0745, get to work by 0800.
Breakfast consists of toast, or dumplings, and juice, tea, or Tang.
On a normal day, I'll work till a)I get an injury that requires I go home to take care of it, b) finish by 1600, or c) work till 2000hrs.
Between the hours of 1200-2000 are two or three meals, depending if I forget a meal or two. My average day will include about 150 miles of driving.
When I get home, I'll have a few hours to take care of things: online browsing, letters, paperwork, etc.
S**t, shower, shave, and sleep comes around midnight.
and then, I'll wake up 0700, and start the cycle all over again.
In other news:
Arizona shooting: jumped on by every political critter, Liberal or not. Disgusted.
And postage to Hong Kong is more than it used to be(two standard stamps). Now it's two stamps plus $.10. Ugh.
Breakfast consists of toast, or dumplings, and juice, tea, or Tang.
On a normal day, I'll work till a)I get an injury that requires I go home to take care of it, b) finish by 1600, or c) work till 2000hrs.
Between the hours of 1200-2000 are two or three meals, depending if I forget a meal or two. My average day will include about 150 miles of driving.
When I get home, I'll have a few hours to take care of things: online browsing, letters, paperwork, etc.
S**t, shower, shave, and sleep comes around midnight.
and then, I'll wake up 0700, and start the cycle all over again.
In other news:
Arizona shooting: jumped on by every political critter, Liberal or not. Disgusted.
And postage to Hong Kong is more than it used to be(two standard stamps). Now it's two stamps plus $.10. Ugh.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Contemplative Rain
There's something powerful in standing in the woods during rain- the fresh, crisp grass, pale in its newness wrapping around ankles and calves, the cold damp biting deep into nostrils, the overcast sky casting pensive light down on all the world, and the light rain tapping its repetitive percussive soundtrack all the while.
The scene around you becomes your entire world: the dense trees, bark darkened in dampness, and the ever pervasive green sprawl under it.
You see nothing else, you smell nothing else, you hear only the raindrops on the leaves, and feel naught but those same wet fingers caressing your shoulders and hair.
It's a quiet contemplative time.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
The scene around you becomes your entire world: the dense trees, bark darkened in dampness, and the ever pervasive green sprawl under it.
You see nothing else, you smell nothing else, you hear only the raindrops on the leaves, and feel naught but those same wet fingers caressing your shoulders and hair.
It's a quiet contemplative time.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy Birthday, 2011!
The best New Year's parties I've ever had!
And I had a New Year's Kiss! (Had to chase the girl around a bit, but I did get it!)
Slightly drunk, but still mostly coherent.
Tiff's leaving for HK tomorrow morning, won't be back till May/June! What will I do!
Resolved to be more affectionate and be more reliable! And to move out!
In other news:
Having used my Incase DSLR Sling Bag for a goodly amount of time now, I heartily recommend it. It's awesome. Detailed review later.
Purchased Heinlein's JOB: a Comedy of Justice. Will read it tomorrow, if I can.
And I had a New Year's Kiss! (Had to chase the girl around a bit, but I did get it!)
Slightly drunk, but still mostly coherent.
Tiff's leaving for HK tomorrow morning, won't be back till May/June! What will I do!
Resolved to be more affectionate and be more reliable! And to move out!
In other news:
Having used my Incase DSLR Sling Bag for a goodly amount of time now, I heartily recommend it. It's awesome. Detailed review later.
Purchased Heinlein's JOB: a Comedy of Justice. Will read it tomorrow, if I can.
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