3.22.2005

Whuhbadooh?

Not much to tell in the middle of the week - well - almost the middle of the week...

There's new fun to be had out at Homestar Runner's site...would you like a CHALLENGE?!?!?! It kind of reminds me of the old MegaMan games. Which, I think, is kind of the point.

Another quick pointer on the web - check out the website for Guy Forsyth. His music is pretty fantastic. He also has one heck of a guitarist in his band by the name of Seth Walker. These guys seem to be on the forefront of Texas Blues, and rock out Austin on a regular basis. Hopefully they straggle up here to the 'Big D' a bit more often. Zen and I went and caught a show at Deep Ellum Blues last weekend and were very satisfied with our findings. We shall definitely be seeing more shows in the future.

Oh yeah - I took the same test as Zen showed on his blog - I didn't fare as badly as my poor, heretic friend...but still. I just don't like the whole idea of being down there at all...

The Dante's Inferno Test has banished you to the Second Level of Hell!
Here is how you matched up against all the levels:
LevelScore
Purgatory (Repenting Believers)Very High
Level 1 - Limbo (Virtuous Non-Believers)Low
Level 2 (Lustful)Very High
Level 3 (Gluttonous)Low
Level 4 (Prodigal and Avaricious)Very Low
Level 5 (Wrathful and Gloomy)Low
Level 6 - The City of Dis (Heretics)Very Low
Level 7 (Violent)Moderate
Level 8- the Malebolge (Fraudulent, Malicious, Panderers)Moderate
Level 9 - Cocytus (Treacherous)Low

Take the Dante's Inferno Hell Test

3.17.2005

March Madnesses

I've been engrossed with this show, 24, for the past few days. When the show originally aired, I loved the premise of the show. It worked out well that most shows produce 24 episodes in a season, so for an hour-long show to run in relative "real time" was a nifty concept. But, after missing the first few episodes for various reasons, I figured I would be far too lost trying to figure out what was happening. It turns out that I probably would have been just fine, but I'm glad that I caught it in the end. I'm about two-thirds the way through the first season, and thoroughly enjoying it. Turns out Kiefer Sutherland is a pretty darn decent actor. I think the show is in it's fourth season by now, so I'll have some back DVD's to watch to catch up. I am looking forward to rainy weekends, now.

St. Patrick's Day is upon us again, and I'm actually going to be the responsible adult and tend to things that need to be done as opposed to postponing them for fun on the town. So, while the hordes are out painting the town green and rocking out in bacchanalian style, I will be at home working away on my computer. And feeling smugly happy about it, in my own little way. Besides, I have very little money and it's a work night. It's probably all for the best.

Also, another very happy thing, March Madness is here! I don't know why it always turns out like this, but for whatever reason, I miss most of the NCAA basketball season until about February, and then catch the championships in the different conferences, and The Big Dance. 64 teams duke-ing it out until one is crowned champion. If you need me tomorrow, I'll be at work, trying whenever I get a free moment or so to jump on to ESPN and check the latest scores. We're doing a pool there, and since I am probably the most knowledgeable and experienced with regards to NCAA basketball, I'm almost assured to finish dead last. But, the dance is fun...

3.08.2005

Does free entertainment exist in Dallas anymore?

"God, I hate being poor..."

That's one of the most idiotic statements I've ever heard myself utter, I admit. I mean, when one stops to think about it, when was the last time anyone ever heard someone expound on the happy wonders of being penniless? It's a small, masochistic group, if it does exist. I don't think there are any people who really enjoy being without money, so saying this was obviously pretty stupid of me. But, nonetheless, I caught myself saying it last week. And just because it's obvious doesn't make the phrase less pertinent in my life.

My recent bout of unemployment, and the subsequent acquisition of a low-paying temp-to-perm job has reminded me that I'm not past the days of having to watch my pennies. Somehow, after graduating college and getting involved in a long-term relationship that developed into a marriage, I figured I was past the days of eating Ramen and skipping the occasional dinner. Well, if you do happen to come over and join me for dinner, keep in mind that "picante shrimp" and "oriental" flavored noodles may be an option.

Regardless, I'm not very disappointed with this turn of events. It's actually been a fairly enlightening development in my life. I've found time to appreciate the things that I do have. Going out for dinner is a treat once again, not just "grabbing something to eat". I'm happy in my job, which is something I haven't been in a long time. I've spent some quality time with friends, when I've had the opportunity at least...and have remembered that I should book more time just to hang out, because there's lots to be done without spending money. Not every rendezvous needs to involve bee....ummm.....Get-togethers don't need to have liq....errrr.... Well, hey, we can be hang out without alcoh.....damn it, I just can't say it. I'm working on that thought process though. :P

So, skip this next part if you wish, but an editorial addendum follows:
I had a comment made in one of my posts the other night that hit home a bit. I'm sure it may have been meant to be more insulting to me than I actually took it, but that's okay. I really don't mind all that. I had commented on having a bout of blog envy of late, and some of my thoughts on the subject. Well, you can read it if you like. The anonymous poster mentioned that perhaps my dissatisfaction with life, etc., and dismal tone to my "posts" were the reason I wasn't enjoying the online success I craved. And then he said something that I wholeheartedly agree with and didn't realize:

"I wonder if your friends are offended by the comment about having no love in your life. I would be. Not one of the things you've mentioned has anything to do with being happy."

Very true, Mr. Anony Mous. And I do great disservice to my friends by not saying how much I treasure their support and love (pardon the sappiness if you can here, but it is heartfelt...). They've been the rock I've leaned on all my life, and over the last few months especially. And, while I don't agree with all of Mr. Mous' statements, I do agree that there's no reason why I shouldn't have something to offer people who take the time to read my blog. Try to share a bit more of the happiness, if you will. So, I am going to make a very conscious effort to provide stuff that, if not cheery, at least makes you feel like you've read something interesting, and not just moping. This blog doesn't exist to SOLELY entertain you good folks though. I hope that is the main product of it, but I do want to explore my own life a bit too. So, I can't promise it won't have a melancholy post here and there, but I'll do my best to provide compelling content. I guess I'll continue with the introspection...the slices of life...humorous events from my days when they happen...funny things I find online....I guess, basically anything I want. But, I'll try to warn you before the rants come, so you can scroll down the page if you want to miss them. Thanks for coming and thanks for reading...

3.07.2005

Exterminating the Ghosts in the Machine

I've been slacking at posting again - trying to keep up with the ideal of posting weekly. I'm off that pace right now. But, I guess not too badly.

My laptop got an overhaul this week. Much overdo and much needed, it was. I finally gave in and upgraded Windows XP to Service Pack 2. I held off from doing it at the initial time of release after hearing horror stories of the havoc it caused in laptops. So, I prepared for the worst - backed up everything on the laptop, crossed my fingers and gave the update. Knock on wood, there's been no adverse effects and with the flushing out of garbage I proceeded to perform afterwards, the machine is running spiffy once again. Hasn't been this fast in about 6 months. So, this Monkey is happy about being Wired once again.

I'll put my all into a better update later in the week. Until then, take a look on the left at my update of what's new in my life right now and stuff....and revisit me in a few days. Thanks!