Astros Win

I attended my first Astros game of the '07 season tonight. Moose had an extra ticket and asked if i wanted to go. It was a great game! The Astros hadn't won in ten games...
The bats came alive in tonight's game...saw 2 triples (almost 3) by the Astros. The Astros had a combined 17 strikeouts, with Woody Williams earning 9 of those in a great 5 inning performance. Final score was 10 to 2.

I am taking a well deserved and needed day off tomorrow. I pulled in nearly 60 hours this week and am really tired. Too tired to download the pictures from the game.

Finding Reason is scheduled to do some studio work tomorrow...no, not in my studio, but at Groovy B Studio.

I must be tired, cause this post does not flow very well. Tomorrow i'll work on my studio computer for a while...maybe go to the Infiniti dealership and guitar center. Maybe mow the backyard. Maybe clean the house? I dunno. If you wanna do something, give me a call!

Another Long Day

After 10 hours on the job, 50 hours for the week, and 2 hours at Boondoggles, i'm a bit tired. After the 10 hour sim tonight, the 10A team headed over to Boondoggles for a post sim celebration. It was here where i met some of the crew for the flight: Doug "Wheels" Wheelock, Stephanie Wilson, and Paolo Nespoli. It's always good to be socializing with the people you will be working with...it's a bonding thing...

Since i've been gone all day, there was no work done on the studio computer. There wasn't much else done either. I'm glad i'm makin' some overtime this weekend. It'll help pay for studio expenses. But i could really use a break...

Can't Catch Up

Do you ever get the feeling that you are always running...can't catch up to whatever it is you are trying to chase down? You seem like you are getting closer, but then it gets a little further away. As i was running around, trying to get my computer up and running all i could think about was, i gotta get this thing workin'. Perhaps it's the fighting spirit in me that is driving me to keep at it? I take that approach with just about everything in my life.

I know my studio won't be done tomorrow, or next week, or probably not even next month...but i see the end result in my head. I just want to get there...trust me, you'll like it too.

Oh well, i guess i'll chase the things in my head in my dreams...

The Machine Breathes

So, i picked up the power supply today. Installed it, but when i plugged it in...nothing. I hate when things don't go right. After some quick troubleshooting, i discovered the issue. When i was installing some of the hard drives, i accidently knocked some connections loose. This prevented the "on" button from working properly.

So, now i plugged it back in and it starts right up. Excellent! So, i close up the box and move it into the office/studio to hook it up to the monitor...it powers up nicely and i am able to make changes to the BIOS. A few seconds into it the machine just shuts down. Just my luck. This one threw me for a loop. I couldn't figure this one out. So, off to the laptop to do some research on the internet. I love the internet! A quick search and i found a solution. It turns out that the fan over the CPU wasn't seated properly...so, i opened up the box again, and yup...the CPU fan was not secured properly. Well, after securing it, i turned the computer back on...and it worked. Another hurdle cleared.

As I progressed in the boot sequence i came to the next hurdle...software issues. I have been having issues getting Windows to boot. I'm trying to boot Windows from my old hard drive. If this persists, then i'll just do a clean install of Windows on my new hard drive. I may do that anyway and have two operating systems on the machine...one dedicated to the studio and the other dedicated to other computer tasks.

Luckily i still have the laptop to do my everyday computing needs. Once i get the computer up and running, it'll probably take me a little while to get everything configured like i want it. But that's okay...i don't need that computer just yet. I still have much work to do on the studio before it'll be ready for daily use.

I wanted to see how much i saved on building a computer piece-wise, so i built several computers with a similar setup as my new studio machine. Assuming i don't have to put any more money into my new studio system, I saved just over $250 out-right. Factor in the rebates and I saved over $350 on a comparable machine. I don't think that's too bad. In fact, that extra savings paid for my studio monitors.

I think i may have my software issues resolved. I just need to get into windows now...I think i'll fight that battle tomorrow.

Happy Memorial Day

I can't say it much better than Melissa, so i'll let her do the talking.

Memorial Day Thanks

Today felt like a Saturday to me...I just hope i remember to go to work tomorrow. ;)

In addition to a much needed haircut, i built my studio computer. I decided to go over to Frys and start from scratch and build the computer that i needed. I bought a new motherboard, CPU, hard drive, RAM and video card. It was a little more than i wanted to pay, but i think i still came out ahead. I'll get my comp-time payout next month and that'll go to studio expenses...which i believe should be covered by the bonus...no extra money out of my pocket...maybe a little...
Well, i spent a few hours putting all the components into the case. Finally got it all together, plugged it in...no dice...nothing...nada. Going back through everything and i found out that the power supply i have is not compatible with the motherboard. Figures. Good news is Frys has a power supply on sale...of course that's a little more money but it's necessary. I'll keep you informed on how well my studio computer works. The studio computer will also double as backup for the laptop and my music collection.

The final necessary piece of studio equipment is that audio interface. I think i'm going to take friday off of work and go to guitar center and see if those guys can help me make a decision on what interface i need. I think my monitors may be in by then.

Well, that's about it for tonight...hope you had a great Memorial day...have a great tomorrow.

Weekend Work

Well, i survived a 12+ hour shift today. It wasn't as bad as i thought it would be, but there was definitely a lull in my activeness. I did get some work done, but i also left some work to be done. What else am I gonna do tomorrow? Tomorrow, i hope to be a little more active...but we'll see?

It's the little things that make a large difference. I had a short conversation with one of my Russian colleagues and he wished me a good weekend when we were done talking business. It was in that moment that i was reminded that i have a very unique and great job, interacting with someone over 5000 miles away to achieve a common goal. It does make the job that much more enjoyable. Like i said, it's the little things that make a big difference.

On another note, i did spend some time looking for a computer recording interface for the studio, as well as monitor stands. No such luck though...i didn't get to do a lot of research and there are just too many interfaces to choose from. I could go with what we use at Groovy B studio, but i think i want something a little different.

After console tonight, i went to a graduation party for one of my football friends. I wish i could've stayed longer...it was turning out to be a good little get together. But, i need to get some sleep in before i have to be back on console.

I can tell it's a holiday weekend, for there haven't been too many visits to HorelicaNet today. I usually see a drop off on the weekends, but it seems to be much more sparse this weekend. Of course, i know where most of my regular visitors are. I hope you are enjoying your time away. Anyway...i hope you are all enjoying your weekend. I live vicariously through you...

Good Jam

Finding Reason finally got together for a fairly productive jam session over at Groovy B studios. It's been weeks since we've had a jam session. I think the last one was probably more than a month ago.

I learned parts of our new song. Like "Blue Devils", i didn't have anything to do with this one...now i just need to learn "Dark Road" through and through. Speaking of "Blue Devils" we played it tonight...we made it through it. It was rough, but i'm doing much, much better with it. I only messed up in a few places. But, i'll keep at it. Just gotta keep practicing.

The first piece of the studio was ordered today. I picked up some Alesis monitors. The Alesis monitors are the same brand used in Groovy B studios.

Well, i feel really good about tonight's jam session, and with that, i'm going to bed.

Since i work this weekend, you might see several posts from me (hey, maybe one on the hour every hour...for 13 hours?). Probably not, but keep on the lookout for something from me in the future...

Imagination Runs Wild

Ok, so, my imagination has been running wild lately. More often than not, this usually sets me up for disappointment. So, i'm trying not to get too excited. What is my imagination conjuring up, you ask? Many things actually, but the item of interest for this post is my "future" studio. I need to find a way to spend more time in there. I think i have the answer.

One of the ideas i've been thinking about is to repaint the room. I'm thinking a nice deep red (or some shade of red). But my sheer laziness might prevent that from happening. Plus, i'd have to paint the ceiling too...

The other idea i'd like to do is put a nice plush leather love seat in there. It'd have to be a love seat, for there isn't that much room in there. And should i have any guests in the studio, i'd want them to be comfortable. So, if you know where i can get a rather inexpensive (p)leather love seat, please let me know.

Of course, i've been scouring the internet for a good set of monitors and computer based recording devices. There are several packages out there, but i want to make sure i get quality stuff. And with memorial day sales coming up at Frys, i might look at building a computer as well.

So, that pretty much sums up my ideas for my studio. I do have a few other tricks up my sleeve, but i'll save those for a later date. I'm thinking that would make a nice cozy studio that could accommodate Finding Reason, if we aren't at Groovy B studios. Although, the primary purpose of my studio would be for me to practice my material and record any ideas that pour from my fingertips. I doubt that Finding Reason would do any real recording here, but it would be available if we needed it.

Well, that's about all for tonight...i'm going back to daydreaming...

Less Disturbing

Ok, i know that last post was a little disturbing, but i thought it was strange enough to be funny. Now on to something a little less disturbing.

I spent a few hours doing some guitar work tonight. Good news is i still feel really comfortable with Love-Hate and Delusion. I did feel a little better with Blue Devils. But i've had that feeling before. Just got to keep at it.

I will probably start to build my home studio since i've put my car purchase on hold. All i really need right now is a good set of monitors and a good guitar interface. I can build a new computer along the way. For now the laptop will work for what i need.
First things first, i need to start clearing out the office to get non-essential items out of there. That way i'll have some room to move about and set up the studio/office like i want it. Of course it'll never be like i want it in this house.

And i'm super excited...today, the first single of the new Smashing Pumpkin's album was released to iTunes. Yep, it's no secret that i'm a huge smashing pumpkins fan...you can bet that Tarantula is on the iPod. For those of you that like old style pumpkins...they're back. The first single is vintage pumpkins...i'm excited to hear the rest of the album...unfortunately it doesn't go on sale until july...until then...i shall get by with my current pumpkin's collection.

Brain Monkey

Ok...you are gonna love this one. Don't you hate it when something gets stuck in your head, be it a song, a person, or some event? No matter what you do, you can't seem to shake it...sometimes it's not a bad thing. Sometimes that thing will get stuck in your head at the beginning of the day or before you go to sleep and just drive you nuts. You try to think of other things, but it's just no use...and that's the problem...you are trying too hard. Having such an experience last night, i couldn't get something out of my head. So, i tried to think of the most ridiculous thing i could think of at the time. Perhaps i was hallucinating?



I thought, why won't that little monkey get out of his box and squeegee that part of my brain that retains that thought that is preventing me from going to sleep. Yep, for some strange reason, i pictured the little organ grinder's monkey, complete with vest and tassle hat, jumping out of a little box with a window squeegee in hand. A couple of swipes across the thought retention center and then promptly returns to his box. well, i think it worked, cause then all i could think about is what the hell is wrong with me.

I think i should have my head examined...for a little squeegee yielding monkey. I must be messed up.

So, how do you get rid of that thought that just won't go away?

Lazy Weekend

This was a very lazy weekend. Very little got done. I hope you are doing well wherever you are...and i hope your weekend wasn't as lazy as mine (unless that's the way you wanted it).

I'm Falling For...

Ha. Perhaps not the post you were expecting...

After several days of contemplating, i think i am going to wait for this vehicle to come out. Expected to debut in December. Now, of course, tomorrow i could change my mind. For now, i shall continue my savings plan and with my flight controller bonus coming in december, i might be able to put down a sizable portion on this vehicle.

Here is a fairly decent article (not much information has been released thus far) on the Infiniti EX Concept. Now, since this is a concept, not every feature will make it to the production vehicle. From the different readings on line, this vehicle is 90% production ready, which means 10% will change. I already expect that the LCD panel roof will not make it. But there are some great features to this vehicle. Size-wise, this vehicle is about 2 inches smaller in lenght, width, and heigth than the Nissan Murano (one of the other vehicles on my list).

Just to complete the post here are a host of pictures of the concept vehicle...inside and out.

I'm sure i'll keep you up to date on my new car purchase plans.

Oh So Tired

Eh...these graveyard shifts aren't that much fun. The sleep shifting is probably the hardest part...Yes, for some reason i'm still awake -- even though i'm extremely tired. I've experienced several bouts of delirium the last few days. Well, i don't have much to blog about tonight so i'll just ramble for a bit. Ok, i can't come up with anything...so i bid you goodnight. Have fun where ever you are!

The complete "How To" directory

Yeah, so it's nearly 4am. The night is slow. I have a section on my google homepage: the "how to of the day" section. You name it, and someone has put together a "how to" guide for that item. Now, use the guidance at your own risk...for some of it is quite ridiculous. But for entertainment value, the guidance is priceless. So, i decided to add the link to this page.

On another note, my internet purchase arrived today. Luckily i was home at the time of delivery. Next time you are at my place, ask me about my purchase. I can't tell you what it is here...

Nemesis Defeated

The MudDogs have finally beaten their nemesis. We played some pretty good defense today and put those trash-talkin' fools down with, what i think is their first loss (at least since i've been playing). Ahhh...it was a sweet victory. The superbowl of Gilruth flag football is next week. We play another team that beat us this season. We played poorly in that last game...so if we play like we did tonight, we should do well in the superbowl. I hope that i can play...i may have some work related things that might keep me from playing...

I hope i can make it through tonight...i think i got enough sleep today...but we'll see. The good news is i now make extra money for each shift that i work from now until October. It's going to a good christmas...

To Wait...or Not to Wait?

During one of my breaks in the early morning, i took a trip to the ISS break room. In the break room was a auto magazine...i don't remember which one. As i was flipping through it, i stumbled across an new vehicle due out in the fall. If the little bit of reading is true, then i now have to ask myself...now or later? Do i wait? This new vehicle seems pretty impressive. So what is this new vehicle? Infiniti EX Concept. There still isn't a lot of information about it yet, but perhaps i'll swing by the Infiniti dealership to get more information. But now, if i wait...i'll probably have to buy some new tires for the cruiser. So, i guess i'll contemplate the options until i make a decision. Any help here would be appreciated!

A Great Travesty/A Great Birthday

The internet was down at my house today!! Such a travesty!! I was not able to give you something to read. I'm sorry. I hope that the internet has been restored. Although, i won't have much time to even use it tomorrow (er...today) with my current schedule.

Yesterday was a wasted day for me...trying to sleep shift and not getting much done around the house...i feel like such a slacker sometimes.

I want to wish Josh a happy birthday today! A great birthday! Looking forward to the celebration tomorrow night! I hope i won't be too sleepy.

Speaking of sleepy...it's 3am, and i can feel the effects of wanting sleep. I'm a little bit silly right now...although it's not conveyed very well via the written word. I can be entertaining when i'm silly...too bad you are all asleep! Oh well, relief will be here in about 4 hours...and i'll be in bed in about 5 or 6 hours...and if the internet is working at my house, you might get another post from me later today...but don't hold your breath...unless that is something you do as a hobby...then go right ahead...told you...silly...

Welcome Home Expedition 14

Today was the official welcome home ceremony for the Expedition 14 crew (well, 3/4 of them, anyway...Suni is still circling the earth). Michael Lopez-Alegria, Mikhail "Misha" Tyurin, and Thomas Reiter were welcomed home by family, friends, and co-workers. It was somewhat surreal to be shaking hands and chattin' with members who have just returned home from months on orbit. Thomas came home in December and he looked very healthy and rehabilitated. Misha looked good and was all smiles. LA was a little under the weather but in good spirits. LA set several records while on orbit...most notably the single longest duration mission for a US astronaut (215 days).

There are several more activities scheduled with the Expedition 14 crew over the next few days...Expedition 14 plaque hanging and team photo tomorrow...and a social event at Boondoggles on wednesday.

I'm trying to stay up late to sleep shift for my upcoming graveyard shifts. I don't know how much longer i can make it...i grow tired. I didn't sleep very well last night.

So, if you don't see much of me over the next few days, it's cause i'm workin' strange hours. But i'll make an appearance here and there. Will i see you here and there?

The End

Ok, i know you are wondering how today went (the following was written while waiting for my turn...i may edit it at a later time)...wait no further:

Today is the day I will write the final words in a 12 year chapter in my life. I won't recap the last 12 years here. If you want to know about it, just ask.
I'm amazed at how quickly things can change. Eleven years of what i thought, and still believe, to be happiness...and WHAM...it hits you square in the chest. Ten months after things got weird and here i am, divorced. That still leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. I think i have seen my darkest days. i hope they don't get much worse than what i experienced...i might not be able to handle it. The wounds are still healing...i'm on the mend. Of course the scars will remain...chicks dig scars right?

There is nothing else that needs to be said. It's already been said. All interested parties know how i feel and i've said what i've need to say.

I do want to, again, thank all of those that helped me through this ordeal. Thanks to those that spent time with me, sent emails, made phone calls, and just plain thought about me (i know some of you wanted to say something, but just didn't know what to say...that's okay). I thank you just the same.

Today i am divorced, free of the chains that bind. I received the closure that i needed to move on. I don't expect things to change drastically starting tomorrow. Although, life has taught me that things can, and do, change drastically...especially when you are lulled into a sense of normalcy or complacency. So, keep on the look out...things can sneak up on you...things you aren't looking for. These things may not always be bad. Some times, the good times come out of nowhere.

So, what are my final words for this 12 year chapter? Well, my brain isn't producing quite the phropheticisms that i had hoped. so, i'm stealing a line from a movie: "One more thing, it's been emotional!"

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

I want to wish all the mothers out there a very Happy Mother's Day!
I especially want to thank my mother for being there for me over the last year. You've been instrumental in helping me through the most difficult time in my life. A simple thank you will never be enough. But, thank you for that. And thank you for the last 31 years. Hope you are having a good day... I love you.

Lift, Carry, Set. Repeat as Necessary

This weekend I helped Erin move into her new pad. I've never lived in such a nice apartment. Either the level has risen on the quality of apartments, or i just never looked at the right ones. But this pad will provide a nice home for erin. The cruiser, once again, carried a large amount of stuff. Somehow, we got all of erin's Christmas stuff in the cruiser...and then some. I'm gonna be a little sad to see the cruiser go...
We also did some painting. I do much better painting on canvas than on walls. Sorry for the mess, erin.

After the move, i came home and mowed the backyard. I had hoped to get that done and still make a trip over to Ellington field to welcome home the Expedition 14 crew. They have spent the last 3 weeks rehabilitating and debriefing in Star City, Russia. Well, by the time i got done with the yard, i checked the flight information, and, well, the plane had landed 20 minutes earlier. Must be nice to fly on the NASA gulf stream?

There was supposed to be Finding Reason practice this weekend too. I packed up my gear and headed over to Ben's house. Well, when i got there, no one was there...did i miss something? One of the members of LTS got married and the reception went long...i know that now...didn't know it then. Oh well, so, i returned to the house and unpacked my gear. No practice this night.

So, now what...I was able to meet up with erin and ann (co-worker) and we headed downtown to meet up with Ann's husband, Jesse, and Ann's brother, David. We spent the evening at the Flying Saucer. It was a good time.

So, that summed up my saturday. Today there is still some moving to be done...erin's furniture. I also need to do some laundry and other household chores. I have a rather awkward work schedule this week, pulling 3 graveyard shifts...so somewhere in the next day or so i need to start sleep shifting--basically, i need to stay up as long as i can monday night.

D-Day Set

As i suspected, nearer rather than further away. I have a court date for Monday, May 14th. It was monday, or several weeks down the road...So, of course, i chose monday. With my schedule as hectic as it is for this month, this D-day interferes with some plans that i was formulating, but i'll take it. Wish me luck...

Moon-bound?

NASA's goal is return to the moon. This goal has been around for a while now, but the propaganda is starting to heat up. Check this video out.

This is just blog-filler until i can come up with something a little more profound. But the video is cool nonetheless...

One Step Closer

I FINALLY got it! I got the signature that i needed. I am one step closer to writing the final words in my long 12 year chapter. since the 60 day "cooling off" period has already expired, i expect that a court date will be nearer rather than further away. I will drop the paper work off at the lawyer's office on my way to work today and that should be that. I attend court, sign some documents, and it's done...

...then i can open to a fresh blank page and start the first words of a new chapter...

A little more nothing

Not much more going on today...i did some online shopping.
Tomorrow (er, today, by the time you read this) should yield a little more news-worthy post. I may even get the post in before i have to go on console?? Stay tuned.

Nothing

No motivation in the morning and console the rest of the day, makes Todd a dull boy. I have not accomplished much over the past few days...I have a few post ideas coming, but i need to assemble them, and i just don't have the time right now. So, this post is about nothing...so, with that being said, what would you like to see posted here? No subject is too taboo...(well, i'll decide that).

Horelica House of Music -- Edition # 18

Yes, it's been awhile since the last installment of Horelica House of Music. A recent visit to the iTunes store helped increase the Horelica music collection. I bought the Boston iTunes Essentials album...which is a collection of the best Boston songs...not sold elsewhere in stores (on one complete album that is). The particular iTunes essentials album had songs off of three Boston albums (Boston, Third Stage, and Don't Look Back)



Oh, and who can forget Poison. Ahh...the time of the big hair bands. If you bought stock in hairspray in the 80s, you are probably comfortably retired by now...you can thank all the big hair bands out there...and this is one of the bands that helped you get there.

Happy Birthday Mom

Hope it was a good one! Hope you and Dad did something fun!
Anyway, Happy Birthday Mom!
I love you!

The Man Who Fell To Earth

I know, I should've been out enjoying myself on this 5th of May. I was invited to a couple of celebrations. I just couldn't find the motivation to get out. I did work through some Finding Reason material. I was actually on a roll with the guitar work so that was part of the lack of motivation. Later on in the evening, i decided i'd watch a movie that i was saving for the right occasion. Not sure what that occasion was, but tonight was the night. It's no secret that i'm a fan of David Bowie. I was given a box-set gift of "The Man Who Fell To Earth." It contained the book and the movie. I read the book about a year ago. I watched the movie tonight. All i can say is ... that was flippin' bizarre!!! I'll have to read the book again, but i think the movie followed it fairly well. Actually, bizarre doesn't even really begin to describe it...it is definitely out there. And the weird thing is that James Lovell makes an appearance in it. At first i thought it was the JD talking...but no, it definitely was Jim Lovell. By the way, Minute Maid Fruit Punch and JD is pretty good! Isn't it weird how alcohol is like a truth serum. Mysteries ready to be revealed...or not...

I Hate Hollywood

Ok...that may be a little harsh. I just needed a title. This morning i went to see Spider-Man 3 with Josh & Lisa and Cory & Erin. Well, for those of you who know my story and have seen the movie will recognize that there were some "uncomfortable" scenes. Those scenes were all too familiar and brought back some suppressed memories. Nothing like seeing it on a big screen. I will admit, that was a bit of a shock to the system. I definitely did not expect that...
Aside from that, the movie was still somewhat entertaining. There aren't many movies out there that i absolutely hate, so it's not unusual that i liked the movie. Topher Grace still reminds me of Eric Forman...and it's good to see that Kirsten is still a cutie.

Well, i've got some cleaning and music to work on...and somewhere out there, a margarita awaits me...

Unplanned Naps and Long Hair

I must've been tired today. I came home turned on the TV with the expectation of finding something to do...well, i laid down on my couch...and promptly fell asleep. While the nap was refreshing, i just didn't feel like doing anything after that. I guess it's good i didn't have anything planned.
I did get some guitar work in. Unfortunately, that was about it...

So, for a picture from the past...i sometimes miss my long hair. Should i bring that back?



Tomorrow will be a much busier day...i hope to see you there.

Cocoa Pebbles

The other day as i was doing my grocery shopping, i took a trip down the cereal isle. I decided to go with one of my childhood favorites (it's an adult favorite too), Cocoa Pebbles. So, now i want to know...what was/is your favorite childhood/adulthood cereal? C'mon, don't be shy...

Where is Finding Reason? Good question. We just can't get our schedules to line up. Ben and Greg have or will be out of town on the next few scheduled practices. I have some weekend work coming up. Blah... life sometimes gets in the way ... dreams on hold, life rewound. what do you say to what's unknown? if you dont' try, you'll never know. Don't you love the stream of conscious (or unconscious) thought that seeps from my mind...? So, in the meantime, FR is still looking for a drummer. We placed an ad to help with that problem. Unfortunately the responses we've received have been less than appreciated. If you don't like the music, then don't respond...no need to tell us that we suck. At any rate, we still remain hopeful...

Rock on...

The details...

So, as i previously mentioned, i got up at 4:45am for my trek to College Station. It's only a 2 hour drive to CS and factoring in potential traffic issues, i've got to be on the road by about 5:30am. And inevitably, i am always way ahead of time. If i were to leave a little later then i'd be running into the morning rush hour crowd. Well, even driving the speed limit, i still arrived early. So i decided to spin by some of my old residences...wow...i lived in some shady places. But two of the apartments i lived in were still standing and definitely showing their age.

So, it was on to campus...It's a little weird being back on campus...making the same trek from one building to another as i did time after time back in the 90s...Luckily now, i'm not worried about a test or if my homework is done properly. I definitely don't miss those days...

The Senior Critical Design Review (CDR)is always fun. Basically, the seniors present the design that they've been working on over the last 14 weeks. Persons from industry (me) then ask questions and point out things that the students may have overlooked or point out the things we liked. It's also an opportunity for the students to mingle with the people that might hire them. And it's alway nice to see some of the professors that made your college life miserable. And there is always an opportunity meet new people as different members from industry make appearances. This was my 3rd one to attend and there are some regulars too.

Since my cousin, Kristine, attends A&M, i like to take her out for dinner when i'm in town. This time she was still working when i was complete with the CDR. So, i went over to the Post Oak Maul to kill some time. I was pleasantly surprised that the mall was nearly void of people. I was able to move about without being mauled. I managed to find some things that i've been looking for too. I also found a very cool store, Earthbound Trading Company.

Finally it was time to head over to Kristine's apartment so that we could decide where to eat. I also needed to check some email...i was going through withdrawals... Kristine suggested Abuelos Mexican Restaurant. That was some excellent mexican food! However, i must admit i enjoyed the conversation much more than the food. We had an awesome conversation! We talked about this and we talked about that. Things were learned...I was so enthralled with the conversation that i let my food get cold. But, if you are ever in the area, i recommend Abuelo's. We had a newbie waiter, it was his first day. He did well and i played a few tricks on him along the way...like ordering enchiladas without tortillas. The look on his face was priceless. Anyway, he was awarded with a very nice tip. I had a great time Kristine. Hope your little situation went well...

Well, there you go...the detailed post. Stay tuned for another post later tonight...

Too Tired

I've been up since 4:45am...i don't have the energy to give you the detailed post. Here's the short version.
Went to Texas A&M for the Aero senior design CDR. Bought some stuff at the maul...and had a very enjoyable dinner with my cousin Kristine. Made the 2 hour drive home, got home about 10pm...i'm now going to bed at 11:00pm.
G'night...

Stay tuned for the detailed post...this is just filler for your enjoyment...

The second hand never stops...

I really don't have anything witty or profound to say today. i know, you'll be disappointed. Perhaps if i just ramble here for a moment i'll come up with something...

So, I feel my patience growing thin. Some days are better than others. A secondary feeling is a feeling of the inevitability of mortality. So many things to do and there is the realization that time is short. Then you start to think, how am i going to get all this done? So much to do, so many things to experience. Have you done everything you've wanted to do? I suspect not. There are things that you want to do that you didn't even know you wanted to do. It isn't until that something happens in your life when you realize how much you really want to do something. I realize i'm being vague here, but with a purpose.

I tend to connect feelings with music...go figure. With all this talk of mortality and time...i am reminded of Pink Floyd's Time. Here are the lyrics:

Ticking away the moments that make up a dull day
You fritter and waste the hours in an offhand way.
Kicking around on a piece of ground in your home town
Waiting for someone or something to show you the way.

Tired of lying in the sunshine staying home to watch the rain.
You are young and life is long and there is time to kill today.
And then one day you find ten years have got behind you.
No one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun.

So you run and you run to catch up with the sun but it's sinking
Racing around to come up behind you again.
The sun is the same in a relative way but you're older,
Shorter of breath and one day closer to death.

Every year is getting shorter never seem to find the time.
Plans that either come to naught or half a page of scribbled lines
Hanging on in quiet desperation is the English way
The time is gone, the song is over,
Thought I'd something more to say.

The simple complexity is what draws me to Pink Floyd. Words so simple, but complex. Feelings in the written form...simply amazing. I only hope to write something so profound one day...

Since we are only here for a limited time, live life happy. Do what you need to do to make it happy. Will i heed my own advice? Only time will tell...

Ok, so, enough of that. I didn't mean to depress you...sorry.

I should be asleep right now, for i have to get up extra early tomorrow. I'll be visiting Aggieland tomorrow.

I guess i did have something to say tonight...after all, the subtitle of this blog is : personal thoughts and interpretations of a strange mind.

Don't you want to get to know me better? hehe