Looking Back...Year in Review

I must say that 2007 was considerably better than the year before. However, I see a lot of room for improvement for 2008. The good thing about blogging as often as i do, is that it is easy to go back and look at the year, the good, the bad, and the boring...and with that, i'll recap the year by selecting one or two posts per month. Without further ado:

1. January -- iFell for iPod and The Brotha from anotha Motha.

iPod...what an invention! The iPod almost never leaves my pocket.

I always enjoy hanging out with my best bud from EB. Soon, i hope to find some time to visit them in Nevada.

2. February -- Rockstar? Finding Reason Debuts.

No surprise here that this was my selection for February. When are we gonna do that again?

3. March -- Party Like a Rockstar, The Birthday Pictures... The Call Came From Outer Space, and Chattin' with Astronauts in Space.

Hey, it's my birthday month, i'm allowed a few additional posts. Actually all the posts are tied to one day during the month, March 16th...my birthday. It was a great birthday! Probably my best yet.

4. April -- Increment 14's Success.

One of my proud work related accomplishments. It was a long ride, but a fun one. And it kept me busy...which was something i needed.

5. May -- The End.

The close of a 12 year chapter...

6. June -- Biggio's 3000th

I wasn't at this game, but i've been a long time Astros (and Biggio) fan. So that's why this got the pick. This was also the month that the ISS almost died.

7. July -- Definition of Cute

Not a whole lot of interesting stuff going on in July, but here's a my Godson being cute.

8. August -- And So It Begins...

This was the month of my mission as lead ADCO. There are actually 12 or so other posts for this month, but i'm too lazy to link them all. So, i'll leave you with the fist post of the mission.

Another proud moment in my work career.

9. September -- Sneak Peek.

I started painting the studio...and gave you the sneak peek here. The studio is not 100% complete, but it is closer. I need to acquire one or two more components and it'll be complete. I use it nearly daily...so it is operations. Just a few more touches and it'll be all complete...like i see it in my head.

10. October -- Current FR Logo and Busted Knuckles.

The FR logo change. We updated the logo in preparation for next year.

And, i was proud of my $3 fix that i had to put it here in the year in review.

11. November -- Debs Visit.

I was glad to get to visit with Debbie and finally meet her husband, Al. It was a good few short hours.

12. December -- 12 Christmas Facts and Time-Lapse Entertainment.

Christmas and Family...what could be better...

And that concludes my look back at the year 2007. If some of your favorite posts didn't make the list...that's okay...the posts are still there for your viewing pleasure.

2007 was a good year for me. A lot of other things happened over the year that didn't make the blog and that's okay. Those moments are for me. How did your 2007 treat you? Were you satisfied? Would you do anything differently? There is still some time left in 2007...maybe you could make that happen? Is there anything you'd like to accomplish in 2008 (you can wait to answer that question in tomorrow's post)

Farewell 2007!

I've Seen It Before...

Aggies blow a football game. Well, i'll give credit where credit is due, Penn State did play a tough game. The Aggies were a little too cocky...and then came that horrible call on 4th and inches...A quarterback sneak would've worked...Fullback up the middle would've worked ... but the option was shut down cold! Penn State was ready for that and executed the defense well. Anyway...typical Aggie fashion. Cory and Erin got their money's worth out of that game. Congrats Cory and Erin...

Other football news...New England Patriots have gone undefeated in the regular season by beating the NY Giants tonight. Although it wasn't a pretty game...but they pulled it off to become the fourth team in NFL history to achieve that mark.

Did a little more studio work today. Focused mainly on getting rid of some fret buzz on my silver strat. I think it's always been there, but has only become more annoying to me as my ear starts to become attuned and aware of my sound. I haven't been able to eliminate that noise yet. I have a few tricks i'll try, but if that doesn't work, maybe i'll take it in to the professionals. And while my strat is in the shop, i'll just buy a new guitar to supplement that one... hehe.

So, where are all the parties at?

Early Start

Motivation strikes. I never know when or where or what kind...but i try to seize it when it does strike. I felt fairly productive today...Normally at work, i get inspired or motivated to work on music somewhere around 10am. I thought i'd try to go into the studio and work up some motivation...but before i got there a different kind of motivation came over me.

One of my goals for 2008 is to do some major cleaning around the house. I got an early start on my goals today by doing some cleaning...getting rid of, or filing away my mail. It's unbelievable how quickly that can get away from you. But i'm all caught up now on that. I also started finding homes for other things were just lying around. I'm such a pack-rat. I don't know why i save things that i know with high confidence that i'll never look at or need again. So, i hope to get rid of a bunch of junk in 2008. I need to clean out my closets. Once the studio is totally complete, i'll start on the closets and the other spare bedroom.

I did get some studio work in today. I continued working on a new sound. I think i have a pretty good sound set up for the cover song. But the real test will to hear the sound through the PA system (ultimately, this is what we'll be playing through...)

I also had a mission to go find me some new sunglasses. I came home empty handed. The two different retailers i went to didn't have the Spys that i wanted to try on. However, if i decide i want to replace my old Spys, both retailers had those in stock.

I know this is a bit early, but what would you like to accomplish in 2008?

Horelica House of Music -- Edition 21: Legends

It's been a long time, i know. I was in the jazzy/bluesy mood tonight, so after my stint in the studio, i pulled up these two legends to give them a close listen. Just amazing. I could listen to this stuff for hours. So i'll start with the living legend.

1) B.B. King



The definitive, a man and his guitar, Lucille. Here's some more info on the living legend.
Now on to the legend that has since passed...but is not forgotten.

2) Louis Armstrong



Great stuff here folks. "What a wonderful World" blows me away everytime. And i'm fond of "A Kiss to Build a Dream On" and "Dream a Little Dream of Me." For more on Satch, go here.

Good stuff, no...Great stuff.

Quality Studio Time

With the holiday break, i'm actually getting in some good studio time. I've been working through the finished songs, just to keep me fresh on those. I have been tweaking the sounds just a bit. I felt that my guitar sound was a little thin in some respects, so i'm trying to tweak the effects board. I'm going to break for lunch here, but i will start working on the new stuff and the cover song. It's amazing what you can accomplish if you don't have work to get in your way...

I'm sure by this evening, my fingers will hurt so, i'll just probably sit back and watch some movies...
Care to join me?

Time-Lapse Entertainment

Ok, here are the videos that i promised. I've been wanting to use one of the new features of my new camera, and what a better way to test it out by using during some of our Christmas festivities. The new feature on the camera is a time-lapse video. The camera will take one picture per second and then compile those frames into a movie. It's quite comical. There is no sound to these video clips, but you get the idea. I'm quite pleased with that new feature.

1) This first video is of us unwrapping our Christmas gifts.

2) This second video is me and my brother doing a little bowling on the Wii!

3) This third video is of the whole family getting in on the bowling fun. Yep, i made my parents give this thing a try. It was quite comical. But i think they enjoyed it.

Update:
A brief comment on the Wii...the Wii, is just this side of awesome. For an "interactive" game system, it definitely provides lots of fun. We only played the little sports game that came with the Wii, but that could keep me entertained for hours. I've also noticed something...i don't do well with game controllers consisting of more than, say 4 buttons...I did pretty well on the Wii. It's hard to say which game (tennis, bowling, baseball, golf, or boxing(didn't play boxing)) was the most fun, but tennis really keeps you on your toes. I can definitely see how people have socked their opponents in the face or some of these other issues. If you get into the game you lose your sense of surroundings...It's all in good fun.

Merry Christmas from San Antonio

As promised, here is the blog from a new location.
I want to wish each and everyone a very Merry Christmas.

I hope that you all had a wonderful day.
I've got some videos that i hope to upload tonight when i get back to EB.
So, stay tuned...they should be entertaining...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Night Before...

Good Evening all. This post comes to you from
East Bernard my hometown. I hope you are getting excited about the big day tomorrow. I hope you are anxiously awaiting that moment when you get to tear into those gifts that were so lovingly picked out for you. Will you get what you want? Will you be totally surprised? Just a few more hours and you'll know. I hope you got your underwear today (you know who i'm talking to ...)

Tomorrow's post will be from a different location...

Good night to all, and to all, a good night!

Merry Christmas from Finding Reason

Just in time for your new music fix! Finding Reason has uploaded a brand new song for your enjoyment. Consider this our present to you! Ben has been working tirelessly on mastering the mix for this demo, "Ghost of a Man". This song has a lot of texture and a lot of changes. I thought "Blue Devils" was hard to learn...i'm in trouble on this one. A special thanks goes out to our good friend, Ron, of Death Carpet Trio, who laid down the sweet drum track for this song. Ron, if you recall, was our drummer for the first performance of Finding Reason back in February. Are there any performances lined up in the near future? Well, let's just say that we hope that 2008 will be a good year for us. Along with the 4 completed original works, we are working on a cover song and then there are,of course, our umpteen different songs in various stages of work...some with music completed but no lyrics, some with lyrics completed but no finished music structure, and then there are those with no lyrics and no music structure...just riffs here and there.

Merry Christmas from Finding Reason!
Rock on...

Let It Begin...

I'm done with my two 13 hour shifts for the weekend. Now the holidays can begin. I'm looking forward to some time off. I'm also looking forward to seeing the family again, especially Brandon and Jessica. I will probably get to play the Wii. I hear it's a hoot! I also hope to catch up on some sleep, but that probably won't happen until later in the week.

Following work tonight i met Erin at the favorite watering hole, Boondoggles, for some food and good conversation. I had an enjoyable time.

Hope everyone is having a splendid holiday season so far!

The Unthinkable...

I've lost my sunglasses! I'm usually pretty good at keeping track of my sunglasses. I guess i'm losing my mind...or maybe i've been preoccupied...whatever the case, my spys are gone. The good news is that i've been thinking about a new pair for some time now. Recall this post.

I'm sure just as soon as i buy a new pair, the old pair will turn up.

I'm slightly concerned about this...i rarely lose things...i misplace things all the time, but i eventually recall where i put them...

12 Christmas Facts

I've been tagged with a random fact task. Erin wants to know my Christmas facts. This will actually be fairly tough for me...for i'm either boring or i have suppressed some of my Christmas memories. But here's what i came up with...

1. My favorite "older" Christmas show is without a doubt "A Christmas Story!" I triple dog dare you to not get a kick out of this one.




2. My favorite "newer" Christmas show is "Home Alone." Yes, i admit it. And i'm not ashamed either.

3. I'm beginning to see a trend here. Does everyone get underwear for Christmas? I can't remember the last time i actually bought underwear.

4. In my recollection, we have never had a real Christmas tree. All of our Christmas trees came out of boxes.

5. One of my favorite Christmas desserts are cookies that my mom makes. She calls them cherry winks. They are made with crushed corn flakes, dates, and of course a cherry.

6. When i was a little tyke, my parents would drive me and my brother through the "rich" neighborhoods to see all the fantastic Christmas lights and decorations of the well-to-do.

7. On my dad's side of the family, we have a very non-traditional Christmas meal. My uncle Mark usually fries up some shrimp and oysters and whips up a pot of gumbo. That started a few years ago. Sadly, i'll miss this years celebration because i'm working.

8. I'm a last minute shopper. I don't know why? Every year i tell myself that i'm not going to wait till the last moment to do my shopping. Yet, i never listen to myself.

9. I hate wrapping gifts for the sole reason that i'm just plain bad at it.

10. I'm a double, sometimes, triple boxer. Despite hating the gift wrapping part, i will sometimes wrap a smaller gift, and then put it in a bigger box, and then wrap that box. I will also add ballast to my gifts so that the receiver can't identify the gift before opening the gift. I'm sneaky like that.

11. The best thing about the Christmas season is the getting together with friends and family. Sometimes it's the only chance i get to see family members. But everyone has a good time even if it is for a brief few hours.

12. Last, but not least, my Godson, Luke, and his baby brother Joel, got a me a reindeer that poops candy. It's awesome!

I'm not going to tag anyone in particular, but if you feel like sharing 12 of your Christmas facts then please do so!

Test Drive

I hate car sales people...and i hate insurance people. So, i decided i'd face one evil today and go check out the new Infiniti EX35. Before i get to the car, i must say a little about the sales people. Infiniti is really nice (so far). When i walked in the door i wasn't surrounded as if i were the only piece of meat they have seen for days. The receptionist was nice and put me in contact with Billy...the guy i've been talking to via email.

Billy was a nice guy. He didn't pressure me, didn't push any options on me that i don't want, and even tried to help me out by taking some options off the table. If i do business with these guys and they continue to be nice and honest then perhaps my outlook on car sales people will be less harsh. I don't think i'll change my opinion of insurance people though.

So, first impressions. Their initial shipment was 4 EX35s, 3 of which were already sold. They had one available on the lot and we took it for a test drive. It provides a quiet and smooth ride. The interior is lush...and this was just a mid-level interior. I think i would spring for the upgraded interior, which adds leather upgrades and wood trim (i'm not a fan of wood trim, but it comes with the upgraded leather...and kinda looks nice). The driver's side (my side) is roomy. Billy is 6'4" and he had no problems with room in the passenger side. He looked mostly comfortable. The buttons and knobs were all within comfortable reach. I didn't play around with the nav system or the iPod interface...although i probably should have.

I didn't push the engine but it did feel responsive and quick to pull. (i'm somewhat paranoid with a vehicle that isn't mine yet...so i kept it civil). Braking was really responsive...but i guess that's the difference between brand new brakes and worn and used brakes.

Now, to the drawbacks. There isn't much backseat leg room. I crawled in the back with the driver's seat set to a comfortable length for me and there was ample room for me...but i'm not that big of a guy so bigger people would not be terribly comfortable back there...and with the front seat all the way back, there really is no leg room...i didn't even bother trying that one out. So, bottom line is this vehicle is not a people carrier. If i decided to get this, i might be able to get 4 people in there without being too cramped (but this will require the front seats to be moved up some, er...a lot).

The other disappointing thing is the space behind the back seats. It's not that big. The cruiser will swallow much more than this thing ever could. The requirement that i have is that the vehicle be able to carry my guitars, effects board, and perhaps an amp, which it will do with the rear seats folded down. I know i couldn't get the amp in there without putting the seats down. It might be tricky to get the guitars in there...but it might be possible.

The exterior dimensions are bigger than the cruiser (except in height--the EX35's roofline is about 2" shorter than the cruiser. The EX35 has nearly twice the horsepower of the cruiser and 10 times the luxury.

I think i'd be much happier with the Infiniti EX35 than the cruiser even with the shortcomings of the EX35s rear passenger and cargo volume. So, that means that I could still help you move into your new house, Erin, (whenever that comes around), but i won't be able to pack as much stuff in the EX35 as i could with the cruiser. Would that be okay?

Now...i've seen the product. I've formulated a first impression. I've given it a test drive. Should i buy it? What color should i get? Currently, i'm leaning towards a wheat interior with a black exterior. (I saw this combination on a Range Rover once and it's mighty nice). The other color i'm interested in is the platinum graphite...which happens to be the color of the vehicle that i test drove. Again, the interior would be wheat. Should i even buy this? Need your input folks! So, send me your "whatever makes you happy" comments and suggest a color...
Thanks...

Sleeping Well?

I hope that someone is getting some sleep. I'm here at work, it's 3am...and i'm not doing much. We are supposed to be in a simulation with France and Russia, but the simulators are not cooperating this morning. So that leaves me with little to do...or should i say, little desire to do anything.

It's little things like this that aggravate me the most. Basically, as soon as i got home from work yesterday, i had to go to sleep (try to go to sleep), so that i'd be bright and cheery at midnight. So, i couldn't work on music...or do anything else. Just had to get some sleep to prepare for the next work related thing.

Hopefully, i'll get some things done tonight...my list keeps growing. It's time to mark some things off.

Ok, you can go back to dreamland now...

Way Too Early

It's way too early in the morning. But i'm setting myself up for the next two days. I am filling in on console this morning and then i've got a sim early, early, early Thursday morning. This is what i do though...once i make it through the weekend, i will be enjoying Christmas vacation.

I received an email from my Infiniti contact and he tells me that the new Infiniti EX 35 has finally arrived at the dealership. I will try to schedule a test drive later this week.

Well that is all for now...just needed to do something to keep me awake. Have a good day.

Hello, Time? Where are you...??

Where does time go? I disappeared into the studio and when i came out, i somehow found it to be hours later. Time just took off. disappeared. vanished. where did you go? I called for you, but you didn't answer. I fear you are gone...

Oh well...it was an okay studio session. I think i figured out the chorus to the cover song. Piece by piece, little by little. Another thing on the list is to dial in the right sounds for this song. There is a lot of tonal texture...so i'll need 3 or 4 different sounds. I'll have to save that for another day.

I just realized, i still need to wrap Christmas gifts...i'm horrible at that. Heck, i still need to do some Christmas shopping. Hmmm...wonder where i'm going to find the time for that?

Well, i'm turning in early tonight, i have a few early mornings ahead of me...i need to get some sleep. g'night...

Same Old Story

Tonight Finding Reason got together for a jam session...our first in a very long time. Tonight was merely a brainstorming session. We tried to work on new material...didn't even play through our usual finished stuff. As mentioned in a previous post, Ron came into the studio and did some drum work for us. From what Ben told me, he really enjoys playing our stuff...which is good news for us. He is officially no longer playing with LTS. So, he'll have time to work for us if we ask nicely. And we welcome that. He won't be our official drummer (not at this time anyway), but i think we'll see more of him.

I brought to the band the material that i've been working on...but i'm not sure we got very far...especially since we figured out that it sounds very similar to a song by one of my favorite bands. It happens to be a similar chord progression, but i use a different rhythm. So, we will continue to work with it. Interestingly enough, we decided on a cover song to add to our list of music to work on...and that song is the very song by the very band that i just described. I'm both happy and disappointed that the material i came up with sounds like this band...happy because i was able to construct something that would be worthy of this band...disappointed because this band has already come up with what i developed...but most music is regurgitated these days anyway.

So, i need to figure out a way to manufacture time. If anyone has any ideas, let me know.

This morning as i was searching out my next guitar i think i stumbled across the awesomest of awesome guitars. You see, i need several guitars to express my music. Each guitar has a different sound, a different mood, and usually different tunings. I work with at least 3 different tunings in the songs we do. Which means i need to re-tune one of my guitars to play out. I could solve the problem by having another guitar, each guitar with a different tuning for a particular song. Tuning and re-tuning a guitar, while fairly easy, can be cumbersome and a pain. The guitar i found today is a robot. That is what Gibson is calling it anyway. This guitar has computer controlled tuners and a computer on board to tune your guitar for you...to several different tunings even. (how ingenious, why didn't i think of that?). Unfortunately, it way too expensive for me right now. Conceivably, i could use this guitar for all my needs...however it would produce the same sound...which isn't necessarily a good thing. Anyway...here's the pretty guitar and it's specs.

I'm disappointed that i haven't made faster progress. I'm sure the guys in the band are disappointed too...and i know you are too. I promise we are working on it. Hang in there...we'll make it, eventually...

Holed Up

Ok, i've been somewhat of a recluse lately. I've been holed up in the studio...well, at least trying to be. I've spent the last few days trying to get some quality work done. I did work through the existing songs...and i'm comfortable with those three. I do seem to struggle on the unfinished stuff...probably because it isn't finished yet. I also started working on a potential cover that we'll introduce into the mix. We've toyed with the idea of adding some covers to help fill out our set list. Tomorrow (er...today) we'll hit Groovy B studios for a practice session. We called in a favor to our favorite drummer Ron to do some studio drumming on one or two of our unfinished works.

I've come to the realization that time is running out. There just aren't enough hours in the day to get all the things done that i want to get done. Something has got to give...but what? work? nope...not yet. eating? nope...that won't work either. sleep? i could get less sleep...but that won't do me any good. Hmmm...i've run out of ideas...i guess i'll try again tomorrow.

Post Travel Routine

Everyone has a routine that they do when they get back from traveling. My routine usually starts off by catching up on sleep. I slept quite late this morning...and it was excellent.

Then came the arduous tasks of doing laundry, returning things to their resting places, and just generally cleaning up. Such a pain...but needs to be done. I think i'm at a point where i can get back on my regular routine.

I still have some things i need to get done...namely, work on Finding Reason stuff. I think i'm going to reserve some time for music in the coming days. It's been a while, and i miss my friends.

I hope all is well in your world?

21 Hours

Catch up post:

That's how long it takes to get from Moscow to my driveway. Such a long day of traveling. At least i was able to select my seat on the way from Moscow to Atlanta. I chose a seat in which no one was sitting next to me. This allow me to stretch out and not be confined to the upright fetal position. That made the 12 hour flight from Moscow to Atlanta not near as bad as it could've been.

However, i was starting to get cabin fever on the flight from Atlanta to Houston. I wanted off that airplane. Todd doesn't like being in uncomfortable seats for 21 hours. Todd doesn't like crowds. I was not a happy flier on that last leg.

But all is good with the world right now.

Winds of Change

Catch up post:

I follow the Moskva down to Gorky Park...

I've always wanted to do that...I didn't see any soldiers walking by...i got my fill of soldiers the other night. Every time i hear that song i'm reminded of it. Well, i have done that. Sunday morning, Matt and I headed out into the frigid morning air of Moscow...with Gorky park as our first stop. We planned out the trip the night before...you see, with the Metro, you often have to switch trains multiple times to get where you are going...and it's always best to not look lost...so preparation is key.

Gorky park was fairly deserted...with the exception of a group of guys trying to get in some quality hockey, and the grandfather taking his granddaughter for a little skate through the park. Ice and snow covered most of the park...with a new dusting of snow while we were there. There isn't much to see in Gorky during the winter. I suppose during the spring and summer there are beautiful flowers everywhere. I might have to make a return trip during the warmer months to enjoy it all. My last trip i was only able to see Gorky Park from the boat tour we took.

Being sunday, Matt and I went to church. The next stop on our short list was to hit Christ the Saviour Church. You've seen this in some of my other pictures. But it has a lot of picture quality there so we went. We did go inside this time though. The sign at the entrance said no cameras...so i wasn't brave enough to pull out my camera in there...but matt did. If i can find where he put his pictures i'll link them here. It's quite impressive in there.

Since Matt had to be at work later in the day (he never went in since the launch slipped) we headed back to the hotel so that we could check on the status of things. This is where we learned that the mission was going to be slipped until January. We had a discussion on when we were going to fly back and such. After much deliberation we decided that Tues, the 11th was going to be our return day...if we could only get our plane tickets updated. I had some trouble, but my secretary took care of that once she got in on Houston Monday morning.

Sunday night we decided to hit the Star Lite Diner in Moscow. It's a swinging 50s decor joint with good milkshakes and hamburgers. But to our demise, it was closed due to fire damage. I wish i would've known that before trekking out into Moscow. I was kinda bummed too. Oh well, perhaps they'll be done with the repairs for the next trip.

Here is the whole lot of pictures that i've been meaning to uplink. Enjoy.

Moscow 2007

Maybe if i find some extra time, i'll actually label each of the pictures...

Home Sweet Home

I am safely back on US soil. Since the STS122/1E mission has been delayed to at least January, i'm back home from Moscow. The flight to/from Moscow takes a lot out of you, so i'll keep this short. I do have to put together a few more posts from my journey through Moscow, but that'll have to wait for another day...

Get Yer Shop On...

Since we are in a launch slip case...we all had the day off today. Being a weekend, we headed out...way out...to Izmailova (a large outdoor market)...or souvenier central! Yes, i said outdoor. Yes, the temperature was about -2 degrees C (28 degree F) with light snow flurries. Yes, these people are hardcore. I had a few things on my list to get...mostly for Christmas gifts...so i can't disclose what i got, but i do have some loot. But i feel like i'm forgetting some things, so i may have to shop around some other places...assuming i have room for all this stuff. Guess i'll have to pack with a little more precision...since one purchase alone will nearly take up all of a suitcase. I do have some snack food that i won't be bringing back, so that will free up some room.

On the trek back from Izmailova we stopped at what i think is my favorite Restaraunt in Moscow...VaPianos. It's an italian joint...i know...not russian...but the food is so good. One of my new friends (Al -- from the FAO world) was overly happy about the food so much so that he decided to pay for us. That was nice of him.

Another small world moment. The Ops Lead (Bryan Janda) that's on my shift has relatives that live in East Bernard. I had to fly around the world to find out that someone i work with has relatives in EB. Small world!!

Moscow sure is a wonderful place. I like it here...despite the cold or the inability to breathe (pollution).

Hard Rock'n Moscow

Yesterday, Matt and I decided to do the American tourist thing and hit the Hard Rock Cafe Moscow.

But before i get to that, yes, we're in a launch slip case, which is not great news at all. I'll be here longer and possibly pushing up to Christmas...or i'll come home early, and have to do this all over again in January or February; neither of which is pleasing to me. We are attempting to launch on Sunday, but there are meetings on Saturday to discuss those plans. I think our launch window cuts out on Dec. 13th...so if we're not off the ground by then, I'll be coming home, only to turn around and come back out here 1 or 2 months later.

So, following work, I had the computer guy come in to fix my computer issues. Didn't get it fixed. Although it has been decided that i'm getting a "new" computer on Monday. I still don't think that is going to solve my problem, but the work around is giving me computer access so i'm content.

Once it was decided that there was nothing that could be done with the computer, it was time to hit Moscow. Trip two...to the unknown. Are my navigation skills good enough yet? Yep...they were. We plotted our course before heading out and then decided to give it a shot. We found it without much trouble at all. I feel much more comfortable navigating the metro system.

Hard Rock Cafe Moscow was well...Hard Rock Cafe...and supposedly the second largest restaraunt in Europe! It didn't seem all that big to me...but it was definitely crowded. We found a couple of spots at the bar and ordered some food...tastey American Food. Then we did the touristy thing and bough Hard Rock souveniers. I wanted a Hard Rock Moscow cap, but there were no caps or hats at all...so i had to settle for a t-shirt.

It's a bit chilly here when the sun goes down. Last night on our trip to and fro it was around -3 degrees C (26 Degrees F). I was well prepared and i'm weathing it well.

But i have marked another thing off the list that i wanted to accomplish on this trip. [I wanted to post some pictures, but this computer is acting up again...sorry...you'll have to wait.]

Mission Control Moscow

On the second day we went into work. Seems that the snow is sticking better up here in Korolev...well, the what used-to-be-snow-and-now-is-an-icy-slush. Didn't think about taking a picture of that (perhaps i'll get a picture of that for you melissa...that might meet your snow picture). Speaking of snow...it's still a little too warm for additional snow...but there is a 30% chance of snow everyday.

The road coming into Korolev has been updated since i've been here...they are putting in ramps and such to help ease the flow of traffic in and out of Korolev. Things are pretty much as i remember them...and it's fairly toasty inside too...no need for jackets.

I took matt around the MCC and took him to meet with some of the people that we'd be working with. Saw Alexander Shubakov and we started talking guitar stuff. But then it was time to get back to work. He said we talk guitar stuff later.

Right before leaving work, we learned that the launch was scrubbed for 24 hours. Great. And we learned the reason why...sensors in the Shuttle's tank. We've seen this issue before...so hopefully, it won't be a long slip.

It was late when we got back from work and i still needed to work out my computer issues (which still haven't been resolved completely). Laid down just to rest before going to the store and then fell asleep. Matt woke me up and we headed over to the store. I wasn't in the buying mood, so i didn't come home with anything...but i did check out the Vodka section. I think i know what i'm coming home with.

After the grocery store trip i called the tech guys to see if they could get my computer up and running...but to no avail. I finally got off the phone around 11:30pm...i was so tired....and again, i quickly fell asleep.

Hallo from Russia

Here is a catch up log on my experiences so far. My computer issues aren't completely solved, but being resourceful, i found a temporary workaround.

HorelicaNet Journal Operations have temporarily moved to Moscow, Russia. By virtue of you reading this means that i have made it here safely (as if the pictures in the previous post weren't enough proof.) We were greeted with 2 degree Celsius temperatures (36 degree Farenheit). That's kinda warm for this time of year...no complaints here. I think this is the first time that i could see the fog of exhale when going through my nose. I've seen it before when exhaling through my mouth...however, i'm sure i will experience the coldest temperatures that i have ever experienced.

The day (Dec. 4th, Central time) started very early for me...about 5am. I thought i had everything I needed/wanted for this trip. But in my haste, i still managed to forget a few things. I forgot my belt, not my dress belt, but my all-purpose-hold-up-my-pants-belt. I guess if i have to, i'll wear my dress belt for my casual needs. I suppose there are worse things to forget? Another thing i forgot to do was to leave my cell phone in the car. I'm sure my cell phone won't work in Moscow and i didn't bring my charger, so it'll be off until i get to atlanta. It is usually best not to bring cell phones. But the good news is that my cell phone isn't GPS capable, which is considered a no-no in Russia.

How did I forget to leave the cell phone? It's been my experience that when you park a facility at the airport you always have to wait on the bus to pick you up...not so in my case...the bus was waiting on me...so i was rushed.

Checking in a the airport was a little scary (at first). They didn't have me in the system. For a brief moment, i thought i wasn't going. Turns out because i was going international (requires a visa), they have to enter things in manually. The lady finally figured it out...although she should've known. Getting through security was a non-issue. The flight from Houston to Atlanta was uneventful.

Oh how i miss flying! It's not a whole lotta fun as a passenger though. Perhaps once i pay off the upcoming new vehicle and Finding Reason becomes a bit more established, i will have the time and money to stretch my wings once again. I'm jealous josh.

The flight to moscow was loooo-eee-ooooong. Uneventful, which is good, but awfully long. Tried to sleep, but i don't think i got more than 3 hours. I'm still pretty tired.

Made it through passport control without any issues and we received all of our luggage. Met the driver and headed over to the hotel. Checked in...had issues with the money machine (the darn thing wouldn't give us any roubles...at least it gave us our money back.) So we did it the old fashioned way...went to a money exchange place.

Then it was time to try my navigation skillz. Could i find my way around moscow and find my way back again? Ok...you've seen the pictures, so you know the answer to that. Yes, i was able to find my way to the metro, buy tickets, hop on the train, switch trains and navigate my way to Red Square...without getting lost. I popped out of the ground on the wrong side of the street, but that's an easy fix.

Wandered around Red Square for a while...walked down to the Moscow River and took some more pictures. By this time it was getting dark...and only 4:30pm. Worked our way back to Red Square. The one thing i wanted to accomplish this trip was to see Red Square at night. Mark that off the list. It was really beautiful there at night.

We worked our way around to the tomb of the unknown soldier and was stopped by the militia. Matt saw the militia approach me and he tried to wander off like a tourist. Thanks for stickin' by my side! But the militia asked if he was with me so i roped Matt into the mix. Turns out the militia guys were really cool...just checked our papers and let us be. had i not been freaked out at the time (we've all heard horror stories of running in to some bad militia), i would've asked to take a picture with them. Oh well...lost opportunities.

By this time, it was starting to get really cold. So we ducked into a mall and walked around a bit. saw a bunch of shoe stores...but didn't see any converse stores. Oh well. We decided to head back to the hotel to try and meet up with some of our fellow workers. But we missed them. Matt and I walked down to the Tractor...a nice pub type restaraunt. Pork shaslik and some good hotchipore.

That about concluded our very long day. I must say, i think i was asleep within 30 seconds of my head hitting the pillow. However, i woke up about 4am local time and really couldn't get back to sleep.

Time allowing I will try to blog everyday while i'm here. And i hope to post some good pictures, although there isn't much daylight here this time of year.
Thinking of you.
Hope to see you soon...

Teaser

I'm in Russia!!

Sorry this is short, but once again, i'm having computer issues. I made it safely and am extremely tired. Going to bed soon! I'll update later...i have lots to report!

todd

Here We Go...

Ben did some rework on Blue Devils and reposted to the Finding Reason myspace site. He's been wanting to rework the solo for the longest now. I guess he finally found time to remaster that. Evidently, we've got quite an "unfinished" catalog going, perhaps 6 or 7 songs with potential to be finished in the "nearer" future.
Since we have such a block on creativeness from time to time, we are thinking of picking up the cover songs to fill in our set list. I don't know what the covers will be, but we are probably going to work on 3 covers to go with our 3 ready for prime time songs.
But Finding Reason work will have to wait till the new year...as we are busy once again getting ready to fly yet another mission.
My next post will be from a different location. I'm relocating HorelicaNet Journal operations for a few days/weeks.

See ya soon...

Quite Convinced

Ok, i'm quite convinced that sickness medications are the products of evil geniuses. They work (at least our minds are altered enough to think that) and they give you some of the weirdest dreams imaginable...or even unimanginable. And the best part of it is that you can't remember the dreams when it's all over. But really, who would want to remember a dream in which everyone walked around in pink bunny suits with the butts cut out of them...Exactly...NO ONE.
Ahhh...dreams...gotta love em. Dreaming of things that'll never happen with things you'll never own with people you'll never be with...Awesome!

Cancer Risk and Cancer Gone?

A new study came out today (or recently). It says that "working the late shift" will now be known as a potential cause of cancer. Nope, you can't make this stuff up...it's true: Late Shift Cancer Risk. or CNN's version: here. Hmmm...this should be interesting.

Cancer Gone? We hope so. A friend of mine, Lauri, had a successful surgery today to remove some tumors from her lungs. Early reports are good news. But if you'd like to send your prayers and well wishes her way, go here: Mauldin News Desk. She will appreciate it.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Lauri and Jeff! I'll make some Dirt pudding to celebrate...you know you want some...

Gettin' Better

I'm a little more than a zombie these days. I'm not 100% better...and i'm not even sure i could put a percentage on it today...but if forced to do so, i'd say i'm 60% recovered. I've been downing the orange juice like it's air, a commodity in which i cannot live without. I really enjoy the OJ.

Get ready for the next month...it's gonna be a busy, busy, month...but hopefully, good things will come...

The Perfect Storm

So...you take dreary cold rainy weather...combine with a club environment (that makes you stress your vocal chords)...combine that with dry air from your home heating system...and you've got the makings of a perfect storm...er sickness.

You see, the dreary weather already stresses your immune system...you try to keep warm and the heat dries out the air...making your throat sensitive...add in the elevated voice...and the beginnings of a sore throat.

Now, to top it off, throw in a lack of sleep and you have a grumpy Todd. I've decided i'm taking tomorrow off from work. I need time to get well. I can't really afford to take time off, but it's gotta be done.

I hope to do a lot of sleeping tomorrow. I've got the orange juice flowing and the meds to ease the irritation...i hope to be back to my old self in a few days.

Stay healthy...

Out of my Element

Tonight, 2/3 of Finding Reason went downtown to a club. I was asked by Jen (Ben's girl) if I would go out with them tonight. One of Jen's friends asked her if she knew any cute, single guys. I'm not sure i meet all of those qualifications, but i went anyway...since i was asked to go. It wasn't all that bad of an evening. We ended up at Rocbar. I must say, i like the place. As the name implies the music is Rock...and i like that. I still felt so out of my element though. I can dress the part, but i'm not sure i can pull off the part. I think if you stuck me in a booth and let me chill...i'd be alright. The DJ was pretty good tonight...i was impressed with his skills...and his yellow and blue mohawk made his gig a little more interesting. Carrying on a conversation is nearly impossible though...but somehow you pull it off.

I think thursday nights are live band nights, featuring local talent. Ben and I decided we'd like to play that venue...now if we could just get the material together.

Even though i felt out of my element...i wouldn't mind going back. I'm off to get some shut-eye...This rocker is beat down...
Rock on...

Debs Visit

Ahhh...it was good to see you again Debbie! Debbie and I go way back...almost 10 years now...or something like that. You see, Debbie was my professor in college...and has since been a good friend. She contacted me the other day saying that she was going to be in town for the weekend. It was great to see her. It was also great to see Al, her husband. He's a really cool guy. We spent the rainy day walking around the large...ok GIGANTIC Saturn V rocket at JSC. I wish she would've given me a bit more notice...then i would've been able to get her and Al visitor badges and we could've have a real tour. Next time though. Ethan is a friend of mine who i knew at A&M and i see him every now and then on site and and Freebirds.

We braved the weather and headed over to Boondoggles for lunch. Had some great conversation. Alas, time is too short. I think i need to plan a trip to the D.C. area.



Well, i think i'm off to take a short nap...nothing else to do on a rainy day...

My Treat

I treated myself to a new toy today. Following work i decided to tiptoe through the battlefields of retail scavenging through the carcasses left behind from the morning's madness. what was left would be mine. I found a replacement for my long gone pocket camera. It was kind of an early Christmas present...for i need it before Christmas.



The Canon SD870IS is my new weapon of choice. You will see me armed with with in the future. Here are the reviews from cnet and dpreview.
BTW, i didn't get the black version...i got the silver...i would've had to order the black version.

So, in theory, you should see more pictures posted here. I know...you only look at my blog for the articles anyway...

What a Day!

First of all, i welcome the cooler weather!

I was fed well today. The first feeding was at work. Several members of management delivered food to the entire flight control team. Good stuff. Peggy, the station commander, had some starbucks treats sent in a big basket...with a giant turkey balloon. I think i might be able to find some pictures of that tomorrow.

The second feeding was with some good friends. Erin and Branelle put together a very yummy feast. Thanks girls! It was much better than the first feeding...

With all the food in my belly, i'm not sure i know how i'm not face first in this keyboard...

I'm grateful...

Merry Thanksgiving

Merry Thanksgiving to all, and to all a good night!

This post is coming to you a little early...tomorrow i'll be working on console supporting the US manned space program...and following that i'll be spending some time with some good friends. I probably won't have much time to post tomorrow...

Be thankful for all that you have...Be thankful for what you don't have...
Be thankful for those that make you laugh...be thankful for those that are there when you cry...be thankful for family...be thankful friends...be thankful for all that you do...be thankful...

I'll leave you with perhaps the best short film parody that i've ever seen!!! And it goes well with my profession and the holiday... This is brilliant!!! Thanksgiving with the Kranzes. It'll take about 20 minutes to watch, but it's well worth it!

The Jokes We Play...

Yesterday i took a trip back to the bookstore...to the place i was the day before. I went back to the very location where i found the book that wanted to get...except...well...the book wasn't there. None of them were...I had to go back out into the isle to make sure i was in the right location. Sure enough...i was. So i went back and looked all around...

Turns out the bookstore employees like to relocate books every now and then. (i'm guessing here, but it seems logical). The Edgar Allen Poe book i was looking for was relocated to the top shelf, when the day before it was on the bottom shelf. It wasn't just the one book either, but the entire shelf...for a while there i thought i was losing my mind (No one better comment on that one!)

What jokes do you like to play?

Offended...I think

On my way home from work this afternoon I decided to stop by Best Buy to scope out my next digital camera. Perhaps in the near future you'll see more pictures posted here...since i haven't had a pocket digital camera in a while. To satisfy your picture craving you can visit here.

So as i'm done looking at the cameras i decide to walk around the store at a medium pace (there's an obscure reference) just moving from section to section...admiring things that i don't need, things that i want, and bypassing things i'll never use. Whilst I was strolling around, a guy approached me (he looked quite familiar to me so i ran through the catalog of people from my past in hopes of putting a name with a face). Then he asked me if i worked there. It took me a second or two to give him a confused look (that was because my brain wasn't through searching the catalog of people i know)...then i gave him that hell-no look. Then he looked around and noticed that Best Buy employees are wearing blue shirts with the Best Buy logo stitched into them. I continued on my way. By the way...i didn't know the guy...

It wasn't until i was on my way home that it struck me as to what had transpired at Best Buy. Some dude thought i worked there!!! What the hell...?? I suppose i could see how that mistake was made...i was all spiffied-up coming from console. I suppose it could've been worse.

After the digital camera scouting run, i went over to Borders to look for some new reading material. I think i found a list of books that will keep me entertained...

On to music production...I've discovered that i have a severe disability when it comes to writing music. I'm not autistic nor a savant...just dumb. I've found that writing music is hard. I did write some more tonight...but i still am having trouble putting on paper what i've done on the guitar. Maybe i should learn to read/write music? nah...too much work.

How's your thanksgiving week going so far?

New Music

Isn't it nice when you have plans, but you just don't feel like following them through? Tonight i was supposed to drive up to northwest Houston to watch LTS play...probably Ron's last performance with LTS as the drummer. But as the day crept along, i lost the desire to make the drive. Had the guys been playing a little closer to home, i definitely would have attended.

So, with me staying home for the evening, i decided i should make the best use of my time. I hit the studio. I decided to bring in my acoustic-electric from the bedroom and plug it in here in the studio. Man, i have forgotten what a lovely sound the Ovation makes when electrified...crisp, punchy, and bright. I truly love the sound of that guitar. I stumbled upon a chord progression that i liked and then i thew down some arpeggios based on the chord progressions...and i think there is something there to work with. I recorded it, but what a pain that was. It took over 40 attempts at getting it to the point that i wouldn't be embarrassed to play it for the guys. I'm not good at recording...or rather, making clean recordings. But as the hours ticked by and as my fingers started to hurt, i decided that i had enough and it was good enough...for now. It almost hurts to type...i really abused my fingers tonight. No pain, no gain...

Let's rewind a bit: I woke up this morning to very cloudy skies. No rain, yet. Saturday morning football was merely an hour away. As i headed out to the field, it started to rain a little...but people showed up...a lot of people showed up...14 in all. That made for a fun game of football. We played for nearly 3 hours. It felt really good to get out and do some exercise for a chance...

Now let's fast forward a bit: I should really get to bed...i've got another full day tomorrow...then it's back on console for Thanksgiving week...woohoo.

Isn't it Strange?

So, you are sitting there, flipping through the channels hoping to find something to keep your attention longer than that creepy burger king commercial (the burger king is creepy), when something catches your eye. That eye catching piece turns out to be a movie that you already own on DVD. But instead of getting the DVD out and watching the very same thing uninterrupted, you sit there and watch the whole thing, creepy commercials and all...well, at least i do.

Case in point, the other day i was flipping through the channels, and stumbled across The Wizard of Oz. The Wizard of Oz happens to be one of my favorite movies made prior to 1940. Ha...well, i don't know that many older movies...movies before 1970-something.

I got sucked into another movie tonight...There was some talk of going to see some live jazz tonight, but i guess those plans fell through...it's a shame too...i'm in a mellow mood. Maybe i'll throw some jazz on in the studio...

Well, i've got a busy weekend ahead of me...i think i'm going to get some sleep...while i can.

Frances Ethel Gumm

I think i have found some artwork for the studio.

Frances here will make a nice addition to my red walls.

Long Weekend...

Well, the long weekend is over. First, i'll say thanks to all the veterans out there who have fought for and helped keep our freedom. Thank you.

It's been a pretty eventful weekend. I don't remember much of friday, but i'm pretty sure i spent it alone...i think i was catching up on much needed sleep.

Saturday brought my return to the saturday morning football field. It's been months since i've been available to play football...and i made it out this week. There were only 8 of us playing, but it felt good to get back out and run around. Most of the soreness is gone now.

Saturday night was a night spent hanging out with friends. Cory's birthday is later this week, so we had an early celebration. I picked up a bottle of Crown Royal (yes, a switch from my usual Jack Daniels, but the choice was twofold: 1) i like to try different every now and then, and 2) I needed to stock some Crown since that is the drink of choice of my brother)) So, Brandon, i'm stocked up on Crown for the next time you visit.

Sunday was a day to relax...had lunch with my parents. I was somewhat like a zombie though...lack of sleep tends to do that to me.

Today was a day off from work, which was nice...but i'll have a lot of stuff to do this week, so i'll pay for it later. Tonight was the first Finding Reason practice in quite some time. The good news is that my FR skills haven't atrophied...that much. The bad news is that i want to progress on the new stuff, but i just can't seem to make it work. But hopefully we'll be able to have more regular jam sessions. Ben resurrected one of his songs from his solo project and we worked out a potential new song (well, the start of it anyway...just a riff to work off of). We don't think we have drummer anymore...not that we really had one. With Ron leaving LTS, perhaps he'll want to work with us...even just part time? ... here's to hoping...

Well, that's about all i have to offer you tonight. I hope your weekend was fruitful!?

Pix for you

Yes, it really is 4-something in the morning. I just got home from work. The good news is that i get a slightly longer weekend...the bad news is...well, i'll sleep through some of it. That's not such a bad thing is it? I didn't think so...

Here are a few pictures that i wanted to post:



Proof that i held a baby...baby Joel Green.



Amazing photos from the fly-around of the ISS




Amazing photos from the fly-around of the ISS




Seth, Lisa, and I discussing something...




The usual mission shift picture...

Real Guitars are for Old People...

A little known secret is that i enjoy South Park. Okay, so i get a little dumber each time i watch an episode, but it's soooo funny. Tonight's new episode was about the latest rage -- Guitar Hero. While i've never played Guitar Hero, i hear it's a lot of fun. One of the lines from tonight's show was the title of this post. Evidently, game controller guitars are much cooler than the real things...I guess that makes me lame and old? At any rate...it was a good episode and had me laughing...a parody of the Rock Star life...except with Guitar Hero.

It's no secret that i love Scrubs! Has to be the best show out there... Ok, the last two statements have no relevance to this post, just had to say it again.

Today i saw Melissa and Joel. He's a cutie. I even held the little tyke! And yes, there is a picture to prove it...i just don't have it right now. The one thing that really disturbed me was that my arms hurt after holding the 9.5 pound kiddo for 20 minutes. I salute all the mothers and fathers out there... I must be severely out of shape...

I did have a few pictures to share with you tonight, but i left them at work...perhaps i'll post them tomorrow.

Real guitars are awesome!

Day Off

My intent was to do a lot of sleeping (well, catch up on my sleep and get back to a normal sleep pattern.) Unfortunately, some telemarketer rudely called me at 8am, waking me from my deep sleep. I wasn't able to go back to sleep. My day was already off to a bad start. I caught up on all the shows that i missed over the last 2 weeks. I did manage to take a little nap.

I mowed the backyard...i think that was the last time i'll have to mow this season. I also played guitar tech and fixed a problem that i had with my black guitar. A little soldering fixed the problem. Now it's working like it is supposed to.
I also did a few other odds and ends around the house today too.

I think i'll do some additional cleaning tomorrow. But i'd like to focus on music. So we'll see what happens tomorrow.

Day 12 -- The Last

Today, er...yesterday (since this post is coming to you after midnight) was my last shift of the STS-120/10A mission. The orbiter won't undock from the ISS for another few hours...after that, the Station's involvment in the mated mission will be complete. The orbiter team still has another few days before they are complete. Discovery is planning to land on Wednesday.

Just a few minutes into our last shift, the entire station and shuttle flight control teams went out side to watch the mated shuttle/station fly over. it was a pretty amazing view. With the new "old" set of solar arrays unfurled, the station is quite bright. So next time you see a bright light screaming across the sky, it might be the ISS.

The shift was rather uneventful...but that's okay by me. Nearing the end of the shift was the crew farewell, it's the short period of time where one crew says goodbye to the other. Some tears were shed, many hugs were given, and many laughs shared. It was time to seal off the two vehicles from each other.

I just got home from a small celebration in the Saturn V building. That huge friggin' rocket was the perfect backdrop for a little chatting here and there. Not everyone could be there, but it was a good time. Perhaps you'll make the next one?
And with that, I've been up since 3am. So, i'm going to bed. And it very much feels like a weekend to me...so, i need to reset my internal clock...goodnight all...

Day 11 -- Cuff Links in Place

...and we're ready for the dance...Today's EVA to repair the torn solar array was completed successfully (perhaps even better than ever imagined). While the views were spectacular, today was dreadfully boring for our system. I think part of that was due to lack of sleep. Although, i didn't feel like i didn't get enough sleep. At any rate, today was the most tired that i have been the entire mission. Perhaps the body (and mind) have had enough?

How did the crew fix the solar array? Well, there were some Apollo 13 engineering of sorts...construct something to fix the issue with the available materials. Michelle's team was responsible for the developement of what has been coined, cuff links.

Well, it all worked...Once again, the engineers and flight controllers have proven that we are an elite institution. That when faced with the dreary, we rise to the challenge, we conquer the challenge, and we move on. We then prepare for the next challenge...

Well, by the time my boring shift was over, i had a huge headache. I think my boredom was a side-affect of me not feeling well...So, i came home, took a short nap and my headache went away...I get to sleep 2 hours later tonight, so i hope to be well rested for my last shift of the mission...

Day 10 -- Ride that Train...

Not much exciting happened today. The robotics team moved the MT (mobile transporter)...which is similar to a train. The MT has wheels on it and it moves back and forth on the track...where ever we need it. Today it was moved closer to the shuttle so that it could pick up the Shuttle's long arm. Once the arm was out of the bay the MT made its way outboard on the truss...which is closer to the solar array that needs to be repaired. All this motion back and forth on the track was in preparation for the EVA tomorrow morning.
Not much occured for the ADCOs...we were just looking at plans for the next few days.
I only have 2 more shifts left, assuming the EVA goes well tomorrow.

The big item for the day was that i had the motivation to get in the studio again. I had some issues get all the equipment working, but once i did, i ran through a few songs. Blue Devils comes and goes...but today was a good day for me with that one.

Additionally, i stumbled upon a progression that i found pleasing to the ear. I tried to record it, but it didn't turn out all that great. What i need is to run that progression by Ben...then he may be able to run with it. But i hope the motivation sticks around a little more...2 hours a day is not gonna get me too far.

Day 9 -- Surprise Guests

Who were the mystery surprise guests? You may have heard by now, but the surprise guests were former President George H. W. Bush and former first Lady Barbara Bush. The Bush's are big NASA and manned space flight supporters. Why the visit? George and Barbara were at JSC for the Columbia memorial and they said that they'd like to return to the control center once we returned to flight. Well, i suppose their schedules were a little swamped, because we've had 6+ missions since then. But they fulfilled their promise to return.

Their brief visit took them to the WFRC (Shuttle Flight control room) where they were able to speak to the crew and watch them perform zero-G antics. After the visit to the WFCR, they visited FCR-1 (Space Station Flight Control room). This is the room that i would normally be in, but not today. I didn't want to crowd in that room and potentially distract the controller on console (not that we were doing much at the time). I just decided to go down to where the Engineering support personnel sit and watch the events unfold on the TV screens. Several of my friends and colleagues got to see and talk to the Bush's. They even asked Melissa the name of her unborn child...(there is a funny story that goes here, but i'll let melissa tell that one).
Did I get to see President Bush and the Silver Fox? You bet! Turns out that the last stop on their visit was to the very location i had decided to camp out. We exchanged a few words with the Silver Fox as she admired the console that our engineering counterparts work at. On the way out President Bush and i gave each other the manly nod as he acknowledged my presence. It would have been rude of me to reach around the lady that was guiding him out to shake his hand...the manly nod works for me just the same.

We weren't able to do much today...since plans are still being developed. As happens so often, we are waiting on others to finish their work before we can finish our work. But we were able to develop some theories as to some data that we are seeing on the vehicle now...not a terribly exciting work day, but it seemed to fly by without warning...

Oh, and there is something so wrong feasting on lasagna (excellent lasagna Erin)at 5am or fajitas at 7am. I didn't partake in both on the same day...but given a bigger stomach, i would have. The one bad/good thing about missions is all the food...there isn't a lot of healthy items there to choose from, but it's all very tasty. I have a feeling lots of diets will go into effect following the mission.

Just a few more days left in the mission...then i can get back on a regular schedule...

OH...i was super hyper today for some reason. I had this tune in my head and i needed a guitar to see if i could work out that tune...it was the beginning of the next Finding Reason hit. Unfortunately, i think i lost it before i could get home. I did get into the studio today to do some work though. In fact, this post comes to you from the studio computer. The past few days i've been too wiped out to think about getting in the studio...but i made it happen today. Maybe tomorrow will yield similar results?

Day 8 -- Half Way Point Again?

Well, fact of the matter is that we aren't sure if we're extending any further. There is a potential for that though...depending how EVA 4 goes in 2 days. Today was team picture day, which is a little early in the mission. I think they chose today so that no one would dress up for Halloween, not that anyone would...most of us are a serious lot. I didn't even realize today was Halloween until i got to work and some one told me "happy halloween." Yes, i'm somewhat slightly dazed (although i'm washed). There's a tough reference for you!?

Today we handed over to the orbiter so that they could dump some water. So it was a pretty busy day for us. And the rest of the mission is in a state of flux right now. There are some proposed plans in the work, but we'll see what we walk into tomorrow.

A special guest will be visiting us tomorrow. I'm not sure i'll see this special guest in the flesh, but there is a small possibility. Stay tuned to tomorrow's post to find out who it is...

Day 7 -- Half Way Part Duex

Well here we are...at the half way point again. Today the mission was extended an extra day. And today we had some issues with the the solar array deployment. When the crew was deploying the second solar array wing, they noticed a tear in it. What does that mean? Well, i'm not sure right now. I know that when i left today, engineers were still looking at the issue. Some think that this may have been a pre-existing issue from when we retracted the array on the 12A.1 mission last december. Remember we had some issues with that?

Why oh Why didn't we just use nuclear power?

Sorry that my posts have been somewhat bland lately. I'm just a little too tired to put forth a decent effort.

Day 6 -- Half Way There

Today was a fairly good day. We're half way through the mission. There is talk that the mission may be extended a day. Today we handed over attitude control to the orbiter and they turned the mated stack around the other way. Now we're flying forward...usually when the orbiter is attached we fly backwards. We fly backwards to protect the orbiter's belly from micrometeorites. For today, we're flying forwards to protect the orbiter's main landing gear from thermal extremes.

The end of today's shift snuck up on us today. We weren't ready for the next team. Time flies when you are engrossed in your job. So the last few hours of the shift were a maddening whirl...

i like a maddening whirl...

Day 5 -- Direct Handover

Ugh...missions just suck the life out of you. The only thing i want to do when i get home is sleep. And we're not even half way through yet...

Anyway, today the crew went outside for another EVA. The crew removed a set of solar array wings (P6) in preparation for a move to the outboard port side of the vehicle. The P6 is in a park position until it can be relocated.

The other task we completed today was a direct handover from the orbiter to the ISS in CMG momentum management control mode. While successful, it didn't quite work out as planned. Thanks to an excellent recommendation by Christina, the team was able to successfully complete the handover without any further issues. We think we know what happened...that's always good news to figure things out.

Not much else to report...hope you are enjoying the great weather?

Day 4 -- The Lights are On

Today the crew ingressed Harmony. The lights were turned on the and hatch was opened. She's clean and tidy inside...however, that won't last too long.

The ADCOs didn't have much to do in the way of executing any tasks...however, we had plenty to deal with. Rumors started to trickle down to us and we were unhappy with those rumors. Without going into the boring details, lets just say, i have no idea what i'll be walking into tomorrow morning. I knew of at least 4 different paths we could end up on...

Today was also the last day of peace before the mission gets tough. The calm before the storm...

I'm going to bed...

Day 3 -- Harmony attached

Today, Node 2 (or Harmony) was temporarily attached to the international space station. I say temporarily because it will be relocated to a new location once Discovery leaves. Right now Discovery is attached to the port, which itself will be relocated to the end of the Node 2. Then Node 2 will be relocated to its permanent location. Harmony will increase the habitable volume of the ISS.

I'm quite tired today, so i'm turning in early today. For continuous mission updates, visit this site frequently.

Tomorrow should be a rather light day for the ADCOs...

Day 2 -- Docking

Today we had quite a smooth shift. We successfully docked Discovery to the ISS. It's always nice to perform a docking the way it was intended. When we practice docking simulations, we are bombarded with failures to prepare us for very difficult situations. without failures, docking is a piece of cake. We had a good day.

I wonder what tomorrow will bring...

Beautiful Wall Art

And here are my beauties. Displayed in the proper way when not hugging me... I told you that i had a surprise post...this is it. Not what you were expecting, huh? That's why it was a surprise... ha ha.

But really, just a few more things for the studio and she'll be done. I still have 2 other guitars floating about the house, but when i tried to hang those, they just didn't sit right...so i may have to come up with another solution for those...or i could just leave those in their stands.

I was a bit hesitant to drive dry wall anchors into my newly painted walls...for if i screwed that up, it would be a rather noticeable mess. Luckily, things worked out and i gathered the courage to drive those into the wall. The guitars are secure...away from direct sunlight, heat, and cold...they rest comfortably, and are pleasing to the eye.









Sorry the pictures turned out so crappy...i didn't have time to polish them up. So for now they'll have to do.

BTW, i typed up this post sitting on my new comfy love seat, listening to some groovy tunes in the studio. Nice and relaxing...

Day 1

Day 1, the easiest of them all...is done. Melissa and I were the first shift of this long mission. But we made it through. Today was the easiest of them all. All we did today was prepare for the next 10 days. Actually we really only prepared for a few days. The next two shifts will do the same thing. Tomorrow is the big day for us ADCOs, docking day. This is one of the days that we train heavily for, it's ADCO's day.

I'm starting to feel really tired right now...i think i could easily fall asleep. i need to hold on a few more hours. I did run a few errands before i made my way home. Stay tuned for a surprise post...it may not be today, but soon...

Weird...

It's a little weird to be going to bed at this hour. I was able to get some things done today though. Petey got a checkup (i.e. state inspection) and is good to go for another year. I also updated the iPod with the new Finding Reason logo (pretty cool to see the logo...almost like a real band logo.)

I also found some time to do some work in the studio...wow...i'm outta practice. Hopefully i'll have some additional time to spend in there...after all, i do have comfortable seating in there now.

I paid some bills...never a fun thing to do. The next few days i have a few other errands to run, and with my work hours, that shouldn't be a problem.

Here We Go!

Whether we are ready or not is of no consequence now...the game is on! Discovery and her crew is successfully and safely in orbit on the way to a rendezvous with the ISS.

Well, now i know what i'm doing over the next few weeks. Missions can be very exhausting...but somehow, once it's all over, it is a great experience. The good news is that Melissa will get to fly her mission (we hope she gets to fly all of it).

I have some things to do before i settle in to a long and arduous mission.

As before, I will probably be keeping an active journal of the days activities and accomplishments...

Waiting...

Right now i sit with my eyes struggling to stay focused on the tv. I'm awaiting the launch of Discovery. I was up at 4am trying to get some sort of sleep shifting in. If Discovery launches, then i will try to prepare mentally to the long road ahead, 12 or so days of work starting at 3:30am. Uggh. At least we'll be busy...perhaps too busy to notice that we should be asleep when we're not. Our bodies will remember though. I have to wait another 2 hours to determine what my near future holds.

On another note, Petey's repairs were a success further than i could imagine. Not only is the shifting secured, but the repair has made the shifting more precise which has had a noticable affect on performance. I can make quicker, more precise shifts, for smoother acceleration and drive. I'm pleased with my $3 fix. Petey is enjoyable to drive again, like when new...however, i'm still looking for that new car to come at the end of this year or the beginning of next year (my guess is, it'll be next year...just because there are only 4 days left in this year when the vehicle will be released for sale.

Around the Bend

Brandon and Jessica recently took a trip to Texas's Big Bend National Park. Here are a few pictures from their trip. (Brandon, i bet you are wondering how i got these pictures...hope you don't mind me posting them?)



Jessica relaxin' at the camp site.



Brandon on the top of the worl... er, Texas.





The private one-room nylon chalet.


I think if you put a saddle on this guy, you could ride him around...

Concrete is HARD...

Amid the PeTey repairs, laundry, house cleaning, flower bedding, and lunch (thanks mom and dad), there was some other repairs going on. I don't have before or after pictures because the demolition started while i was out working on Petey. The threshold to my french doors was badly rotting away. So we decided to try to fix that. Dad brought a replacement threshold, but it turns out that this was height dimension was too big. Since i don't have a lot of wood working tools (perhaps i should've asked melissa wallace?) we couldn't plane away the material to make it fit.

So, off we go to Home Depot...turns out that even though the particular threshold i have is quite common, Home Depot doesn't carry it, nor does Lowes. Since i had a nice gap where the old threshold used to be, we had to do something to prevent the weather from getting in. After comparing the old threshold to something that might work, we decided to give it a try.

Got home and started drilling the necessary holes in the concrete so that we can secure the threshold. This is where the title of this blog comes in...concrete is hard. I wasn't able to get very far (must've hit some large stones or something...). We decided to try a bigger masonry bit that i had to see if the masonry bit that i had was defective or not...Well, the bigger bit was able to chew down a little more, but not much more. I didn't have the right tools to do the job. But, thanks to Josh (it must be borrow Josh's things weekend?) we were able to get the 6 holes drilled that we needed to drill. Thanks Josh. However, it took me 3 masonry drill bits to do it...the first two melted on me...that concrete just ate up those bits. Concrete is HARD.

Well, we got the thresholds in, but we'll need to do some additional dimensional changes to make it all work smoothly. But for now it works.

Busted Knuckles

It's a good feeling when you bust up your knuckles...especially if it saves you nearly $500. Today i performed the workaround to the problem that the mechanic found regarding my shifter cable. So, Chrysler designed this POS device...in the first picture, you will see a ring around a pin...yeah, that's not supposed to be like that...i don't know what it supposed to be like. According to the mechanic there is some sort of plastic part that centers that pin in the ring. Well, of course plastic does fatigue...and break. It's not so easy to replace that "plastic" part in the ring...Chrysler doesn't make a part for that...you have to buy the entire shifter cable , which costs about $240. Add in mechanic's labor to replace the entire shifter cable system and you're lookin' at about $450-$500.



So...at first i was a little concerned. The mechanic said that the vehicle would be rendered stranded if this thing broke--which is a true statement...i can't shift gears without it. It sounded as though the part was nearly going to break...that was the concerning part.

I popped the hood and searched around and saw what the mechanic was looking at...and that is something that i noticed probably more than a year ago. At least Chrysler designed it so that the cable wouldn't easily pop off the pin.

A quick search on the internet yielded the $3 solution. I spent roughly 20 minutes on this workaround (and it probably works better than replacing the entire cable anyway). I was so excited that things were going together so smoothly, that i complete forgot to take a picture of the workaround before i replaced the air filter box. Well, i took a picture of the fix after everything was back in place...





I busted my knuckles trying to get to the other cable which is under a bracket that i decided was more trouble removing that what it was worth. At any rate, the cruiser is fixed...and i saved $497. So, i charged myself $497...hmm...i think i'll buy some winter clothes...