Man Behind the Mask

Good day

2012-02-01T22:05:00.000-06:00

Full day at work, then went to GNC. Got a free water bottle and some preworkout samples (JackEd reformulated, they said, and isn't as good anymore).
Did some lifts but my shoulder is bothering me quite a bit. I did an hour session of tennis drills. During the drills we had two baskets of balls, some normal and some with lower pressure (slower). There was one normal one in the low-pressure cart and I had to keep avoiding it. Between drills, we were on one side by the back wall with the other basket on the other side against the wall. I picked the one out and lobbed it over. It bounced at least four, possibly five times before going right into the basket. I immediately raised my hand in victory and looked around to see no one else saw it. We were standing a group. Oh well, I still felt like a boss.
Then in the locker room someone's phone was playing music. Literally from when I walked in, showered, changed, and left. How do you leave the locker room with your phone playing?

Termed

2012-01-05T14:52:00.000-06:00

For how lazy the last three weeks have been, they've also been very eventful. Mid-month I was offered a new job at TCF, then I put in my two (and a half) weeks notice. Then there was a week in CA, straight to the KC weekend, vacation days, driving to WI to hang with Jess, then my last (to)day of work.

Today

2011-12-22T15:38:00.000-06:00

Hit snooze on phone repeatedly until phone gives up. Get up two hours later to send email saying I'm taking today off (I expected to go in the first half of the day). Browse interwebs and play flash games for...1.5 hours (xbox is packed). Go to YMCA for +3 hours (for workout that's labeled 75 minutes). Hot tub. Shower, get dressed, realize I have no shirt. Winter (coat) ftw.

Now to do laundry (only small load), run minor errands, and pack for flight to CA.

A New Challenger!

2011-12-12T22:58:00.000-06:00

So I played racquetball tonight and the old (skilled) man wasn't there. So I'm all like, well screw it, I'll just beat everyone then. I played three games to beat everyone there, then we played cut-throat after one guy left. Midway through winning that game, the old guy showed up to ruin everything...

Had a phone interview today with TCF, wondering if they'll offer me the job. A different recruiter set up a phone interview tomorrow with Land O Lakes. I'm just now looking at the job description again because I don't remember anything about it. The TCF is more a financial analyst type position I hear, but the LoL one looks like a regular staff accounting role. Without getting into public or cost accounting, financial analyst has more potential I think. It's easier to transition into other roles.

THIS JUST IN...

2011-12-09T17:38:00.000-06:00

From the BBC:

But it did say that after tobacco, the biggest controllable factor for cancer was for men to eat fruits and vegetables, and for women to not be overweight.

Revitalized

2011-12-08T20:36:00.000-06:00

So this week my workouts have been shorter, but more intense. I've been trying to go to sleep earlier (haven't done it, but haven't been staying up too late at least) with the plan to work out in the morning. I haven't done it yet, but the little extra sleep I think is making a difference. Wednesday, the last night of this session of volleyball, I literally had more plays than I did in the previous two months. I'm not playing in Jan-Feb because this session was so frustrating, but last night I was tearing it up. Tonight I lost racquetball, but during the second game I was absolutely exhausted. That's a good thing, because it means I'm going hard. Feels good to be athletic again. It, like me, is pretty mental.
Anyway, work is busy. For four or five months, my job hasn't changed each month. Everything is shifting. One accountant quit and went to another place, so jobs keep shifting. I want to leave too. TCF wants another phone interview so the next higher level can talk to me. Tentatively planned for Monday, hope it goes well. They'd pay more, I'd be in the Cities, and work for a big company that uses real accounting software (Oracle).
In other news...how you doin'?

Totally booked the flights before approval...

2011-12-01T09:45:00.000-06:00

From: BOSS LADY
Sent: Thursday, December 01, 2011 9:35 AM
To: Joshua Kerr
Subject: RE: Year-end travel plan

Should be fine.

JOSH'S BOSS | Corporate Director of General Accounting

MV Transportation, Inc.

--------------------------

From: Joshua Kerr
Sent: Monday, November 28, 2011 12:52 PM
To: MY BOSS
Subject: Year-end travel plan

I plan to travel to CA early and use my holidays (xmas, new year’s) during the week of inventory in order to visit family. The airfare will be quite a bit lower this way. Below is the tentative plan (flights not booked yet), let me know if this is acceptable:

Fri 12/23 – travel out
Mon 12/26 – use xmas holiday (still available, but not full work day)
Tues 12/27 – use new year holiday (still available, but not full work day)
Wed 12/28 – work remotely
Thurs 12/29 – inventory at 64
Friday 12/30 - travel back

Josh Kerr

I Suck

2011-10-30T22:56:00.000-05:00

I like the song though, but man it's true. I gotta get out of here. I don't want to do anything here and I'm more unsatisfied with going to work each day.

2011-10-11T21:31:00.000-05:00

After 18 months or so of playing racquetball I took my first game against the best player that plays at the Y. He's old but really good. Seriously, I've been playing this guy over a year and this is the first GAME (not match) I've taken from him in regular play (I've won cutthroat games).
In other news I'm in Florida and fly to Jamaica tomorrow.

...I've seen in the past few months how much I compromise. Sysematically my experiences have picked me apart, showing how I compromise in separate yet major areas. Iowa sucks. Nothing good or bad happens. It gave me a false sense of growth, but a lack of failure does not indicate the opposite...

Thank God for the Feast of Tabernacles. I need it in multiple ways. Take care all.

An open letter from the Kapten

2011-09-24T23:16:00.000-05:00

Five weeks of increasingly long hours starting at 13/day and now up to 16 to 18 with payroll, and I just want to let some of you know that things are fine and I'm doing alright, and that I hope the same is true for you (yay for run on sentences!). I would like to, and look forward to, things settling down so I can have time to catch up.
That's not likely to happen all too soon, but sent a text or post a message sometime. I want to know what's up and how you're doing even though I likely won't respond anytime soon. Take care and have a good night.

Realization

2011-09-14T22:26:00.000-05:00

The last couple weeks I've just been wanting work to settle in and slow down. Tonight I realized something: when this all slows down and I get into the regular routine with this job, it'll be the same thing. Yes there's more noise more people more buzz here, but it'll be exactly the same thing.

2011-09-10T22:18:00.000-05:00

Thursday I spent 5 hours driving across NYC and back. Friday I worked from 5 til sunset. Tomorrow I'll get up early and work more. A lot of ppl are working 90 hours a week, but I don't get overtime. I really want things to settle in and get smooth but that's still a ways off. We'll see.

Quickly

2011-08-30T12:30:00.000-05:00

BBC quote: Mercury from amalgam vaporised in crematoria is blamed for up to 16% of UK airborne mercury emissions.

Working 13 hour days 6 days a week here in NYC.
Been through an earthquake and hurricane (well, tropical storm) here in NYC.
Karaoke in Harlem is crazy here in NYC.
Was asked and said I was interested in working as an accounting manager here in NYC.
Will likely spend at least another month here in NYC.

Check off the list

2011-08-20T19:59:00.000-05:00

Penn Station (thanks for the tip, Jess)
Empire State Building (outside only...and unintentionally...almost tripped on it)
Madison Square Garden (outside only)
Times Square (daytime)
Lower half of Central Park

Sabbath services were nice too. Everyone was very friendly. I've never had to tell so many people I'm from Iowa in one day. Ever.

Explore NYC

2011-08-19T22:57:00.001-05:00

I got on the Subway around 7, and I just got back to the hotel a little before midnight. After all week, the only part of the city I had seen was Harlem. Stepped outside at 42nd street at twilight and went "whoa."

I circled around everything between 2 and 7 aves, and 40 to 48th streets. I kind of had a destination in mind, but I would get distracted by something, do a circle, then get back on track. Until Grand Central, at which point I was completely disoriented. I then headed back towards a bright building I didn't recognize ("that looks neat"), and only had a sneaking suspicion up until I saw the 42nd street station again (two hours after I had emerged from it). I decided to keep exploring despite tired knees, heading toward the Chrysler Building. Upon reaching that, I just wandered north-ish some more, then circled around again this time mostly on streets I hadn't gone down already. Upon reaching Times Square a third time, I wandered around looking for something sweet. Found it. Now it's midnight.

Obligatory Times Square Picture:

Bathroom Doorman

2011-08-18T21:48:00.000-05:00

The womens' restroom was a makeshift drug testing clinic today, so we had to alternate on the mens' restroom. The guy standing guard got distracted by the pizza delivery guys and ended up helping carry pizza to the third floor of the garage or something.  So I had to stand guard at the bathroom for like ten minutes.  I was a mix between a doorman and a traffic signal.

What's in a name?

2011-08-17T21:41:00.001-05:00

Other names included a first name of Weiner, and another surnamed Bologna.

Stats in a Skymall ad. Seem sketchy.

When in the ghetto...

2011-08-17T06:11:00.000-05:00

...do as the ghetto doers do.

Yesterday, while walking back, I stopped at a little store to get some water and fruit for the hotel. While inside there was gunfire nearby. I looked around like, "Is that...?" and I saw one kid half ducking, kids running away outside, and an old guy starting saying, "Yeah, that's what that was, that's what that was." I walked a block the other direction before going back to the hotel, following the direction that other people were...going towards.

I need to go to sleep sooner. Went to a comedy club with Jess and Max. Good times. Work now, though. Busy.

Even the slow days are busy

2011-08-12T22:00:00.000-05:00

I may need to get my bottom wisdom teeth removed. They're crowded by the gums and today I got a popcorn hull stuck back there. Two meals later after the day was done I had to do something cuz I still felt it. It was swollen slightly swollen and I couldn't see anything. I grabbed a toothpick and ran it between the tooth and the swollen gum and was revolted by how much food was wedged in there. As it got irritated and swelled, it created a bigger area for more stuff to get jammed in there. Pretty gross. So I might discuss removal whenever I get to the dentist to fix my chipped, fake front tooth (which was scheduled for next week, but now late September).

Workout:

Lift	Variation	Type	Warm-up	Reps 1st	Lbs 1st	Reps 2nd	Lbs 2nd	Reps 3rd	Lbs 3rd	Reps 4th	Lbs 4th
lat pull down		back		5	140	4	160	5	150	6	150
DB shoulder press	stand	shldr		7	40	5	45	3	45	4	45
DB single arm row		back		10	40	12	45	10	50
DB tri extention	stand	tri		10	27.5	10	30
DB lateral raise	stand	shldr		10	12.5	9	12.5
Internal rotation	dbl cable			10	10	10	20
External rotation	dbl cable			9	10	8	10
Bench press		chest		6 + 2	150	4 + 1	160	4/2/2	160/150/130

NYC

2011-08-11T21:02:00.000-05:00

Monday I fly out to NYC. I plan is to be out there about a month, so I didn't get a return flight yet. I'm still busy with regular work and supporting my new divisions.

Today's workout:

Exercise

Distance

Minutes

Seconds

Pace

Run	1.18	9	11	7.78
P90 intervals
Run	2.42	21	13	8.77

General update

2011-08-10T21:28:00.001-05:00

Work is busy. I haven't looked/applied for jobs lately just because I've been busy. I don't know how I used to play xbox. Then again, I don't know what I did for the 1.5 hours after work, either. I was on the computer, but accomplished nothing.

Sounds like there's a good chance my company will be greatly expanding in the NY area. If so, a few accountants would be out there to help with the start-up process, one of which would likely be me. It'd be cool if that happened; a chance to see just what it's like out there. I'm told it's pretty rough. If it all goes through, there would be another accounting position like the one they asked if I was interested in before, but never interviewed me for it. If I'm out there for to help start, it'll get me in front of the people that would hire that position, and also give me a chance to see if I could deal with the rough parts of NY.

Today I ran the .75 mile to the YMCA and did the following workout. It was relatively easy, but I tried some new things, so I didn't want to hurt my knees or back. The pen I brought also stopped working, so it's all from memory and excludes calf raises and a shoulder press machine since I can't remember what was done.

Breakfast Beer

2011-08-03T21:14:00.000-05:00

We're told essentially to pray and fast in secret, but of the five people that read this I'm not trying to show my self-righteousness.

Today I fasted, though I started late last night (about 9) and broke it around sunset anyway. My tradition is to break fasts with alcohol. Glad I had beer on hand from the weekend. Work was OK, but I was tired and my focus wasn't all there, but that's to be expected. Took a nap today, too.

I hardly ever fast. I really need to more often. I don't fast outside of Atonement and announced church-wide fasts, and that's not right. There's definitely a benefit to it. It's a tool for Christians, and I'm glad for it.

Also glad for my last New Belgian Trippel.

LFW

2011-07-29T19:31:00.000-05:00

Recently I started casually looking for other work opportunities, motivated about 80% because of location and 20% of my job.

I am not actively looking for other work opportunities, motivated about 50/50. If you know someone in accounting for an organization that is in/near a city, give them my resume.

True Story.

2011-07-28T17:55:00.000-05:00

Ever go to lick your fingers, and right before you get them to your lips you have the thought, "I was picking my nose earlier..."

I just did. So I rinsed off my hands instead.

2011-07-18T08:44:00.000-05:00

I'm feeling rather depressive today. Woke up early to get to the airport and have just been feeling down. Long day of travelling today and I still have lots of work to do. My left knee is feeling sore and I'm not sure why. I have no one I really feel like complaining to, so I'm putting it here I guess.

Underwear Goes Inside The Pants

2011-07-14T13:46:00.001-05:00

You can click the title.
I heard this once a few years ago, and cannot argue with some of the points.

All My Problems

2011-07-11T21:58:00.001-05:00

Sometimes I like to just dwell on all my problems. It's ridiculous sometimes how they pile on. You don't notice them so much one at a time, but when they all start coming together it really changes things. So I'll just list them, cuz that's the mood I'm in today.

Job is getting dull and a little frustrating.

Had to get my car fixed and buy new tires, so now I don't have much money.

Had to go to traffic school class to get out of a speeding ticket, then got a hotel in FL, so now I don't have any money.

Had to pay for my tux rental, so now I'm in debt.

I got my airline tickets before I knew all the timing, so now I may need to get a rental car for Darren's wedding. See above concerning money...

No matter my workout or changing what I eat, I can't get rid of my gut.

And this stupid little apartment and not-a-full-size-bed is getting uncomfortable.

And my friggin’ internet is out again! Mediacom, why does this happen every third month?!? A tech will be out here when? 10 days? Wonderful.

I could go on for literally minutes.

Currently in bizarro-land:

I have a job in my chosen career field which has given me experience, a some travel opportunities, and enough pay to sustain myself, tithes, and travel some on my own.

I have a car that runs, and now it has nice new tires.

Ticket dismissed.

Work flew me to Florida, where I drank more (good) alcohol than I drank (any/cheap alcohol) the previous two months, and also get some sun.

I have enough money (credit) to go to a friend’s wedding, because my job is flexible and I can work while travelling.

Meh, it’s not my wedding, I'll figure something out.

I am an athlete, and I feel like it again. I might not look like much, but I can destroy on the field, on a court, or in an arena. And my weight is advantageous since I’m fit enough to handle it (ask Lisa if I'm still quick). Bring it.

I have an roof over my head, a bed to sleep in, and a window AC.

I’ll post this when I go to Hy-Vee (now) to use their free internet and maybe buy some food. If I feel like it. Cuz I can.

I feel better already.

In other news, I played racquetball tonight.

I. Didn’t. Lose. I won two games against a guy that I’m about even with, then won a game of cut-throat against two guys better/vastly better than me. The first game I crushed. The second I came back from about 7 points back (win at 15), and the third game of cut-throat it was 12-6-6 before I went on a seven point run and won it on my next serve. Now it’s time for workout.

Also, it must be said: I don’t miss Xbox, and I don’t miss Halo, but I really do miss hanging out with Derek, Ben, Todd, Tyler, Marcus, and anyone else that would join in our most epic of Halo adventures (and Castle Crashers, and Peggle). It’s not about the game, it’s about the times I’ve had with good friends. Even people I haven’t seen in years, like Toddles, Anthony, and Bria. I do miss those times.

New Mix

2011-07-07T14:58:00.000-05:00

I cleared Pandora yesterday and seeded new stations, then went QuickMix All. Stations were: Oasis, Flaming Lips (added Hot Snakes and Beatsteaks for variety), MxPx, Rise Against, Bassnectar, Justice, AFI, Sia, and Deadmau5.

Today I realized that, due to song lengths, there was too much electronic, so I added Maylene and the Sons of Disaster. Couple hours later I realized I forgot to switch back to QuickMix.

New Release

2011-07-05T21:28:00.001-05:00

Man, I gotta stay out of Gainesville. I’ve had fun there, but things always go wrong.

Currently I’m sitting in Memphis, waiting for the last flight to DSM, and it keeps getting pushed back. Current estimated departure ~5pm, from the original 2:26. No free wireless.

July will be busy. I’ve got inventory stuff going on with work, and I’ve got to go to Omaha for two 4-hour driving classes to get rid of a speeding ticket from a couple weeks ago. The speed limit goes from 55 to 35 in literally 600 yards. I missed the 45 sign, and got caught. So here’s a picture:

55 MPH limit ---à 45 MPH limit ---300yds --à 35MPH limit --- 300 yds à Cop

So I have those this week I think. The weekend of 15-18^th I’ll be in VA for a wedding. The next weekend I think I’m visiting the homeland. And I’m getting my accounting support assignments changed, so that’ll be a hassle to learn about the new locations.

Once all this settles out (aka – August) I plan on getting double workouts in: morning and night.

I’m also looking for new employment opportunities.

Quotes found on BBC

2011-06-22T10:52:00.002-05:00

"It is possible to reduce not only the cost but also the timing," he said. "And by reducing the timing, we reduce the cost. This is a very good cocktail - cost and timing together."
I really hope English isn't his first language...

"In the UK Google has also agreed to delete private emails and passwords mistakenly picked up from wireless networks by its Street View cars."
Yeah, I mistakenly get private emails and passwords too...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-13853251
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-13871198

Update:

BBC picture of the day:

"LulzSec has significantly increased its activity in recent months."

I know the standard format requires a picture with a caption at this point in the article, but c'mon now...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-13878888

Cat Calls

2011-06-21T20:25:00.000-05:00

While getting cat calls from 12-year-old girls (and rednecks) is better than the scarring event that occurred a few years ago of having a small child yell "EWWWWwwww!" when I ran without a shirt, it's still not what I'm hoping for. My goal is to have men take note, women to get distracted, and children to run and hide.

Lesson of the Day: Frying

2011-06-17T21:01:00.002-05:00

Never rinse off the spatula you are using to fry food before you are done cooking. Bad things will happen.

Second lesson of the day: never fry food in the nude. Terrible things may happen.

It's one of those years

2011-06-16T17:33:00.000-05:00

Hey Dave, remember when deciding which car I should buy, we found the Caliber had a drivetrain warranty to 60k miles? Why would the drivetrain go out before $60k, right? Just a selling point.
Anyway, the suspension in my right front has been bad for a while. I found out last oil change when they inspected it. It was causing tire wear (need new tires now) and with all the travel I couldn't get it in to get fixed. Then I brought it in and they ordered the wrong parts. Now I finally got it fixed, and about $200 of the parts were covered under the drivetrain warranty. I'm currently at 59500 miles. Booya.

Still alive

2011-06-09T21:49:00.001-05:00

Work is work. I did a quick calculation today and found that if I was an hourly worker, include travel time and 1.5 overtime pay, I am the equivalent of a $13.9/hour worker.

But my job is sending me to Gainesville, so I don't complain.

Round 2

2011-05-25T20:41:00.000-05:00

So, for the second personal trip in a row, I was sent to Greensboro without going back to Iowa. Fly from PBI to RDU and drive a rental to Greensboro (Sebring convertible, the Michael Scott car...). Anyway, a few of us go out to dinner (after pre-dinner at the hotel...did you know Drury Inns offer free mini-dinner and 3 drinks per night? I didn't, til I got here). We eat, talk, have a local beer, and 1.5 hours go by. As we're all leaving I pull out my keys and...cannot...remember at all where I parked. We sat outside, and I remember walking up and seeing them, but my car isn't in sight from where I came from. I walk around and I'm pressing the lock button, and half way around the building I finally realize that my hotel is across the street.

I walked there...

Snippet

2011-04-13T18:28:00.000-05:00

A sequence of thought, which occurred early today at work, as closely as I could recreate as soon as I realized how odd my mind flows:

…sunshine, my only sunshine, something something cloudy, when skies are gray… *turn to look out the window* Hey ever see a cloudy, like overcast or really foggy day, but it’s still really bright out? Those are cool. Something something cloudy? That can’t be right. Uhh, you make me cloudy? That doesn’t make sense. Make me happy must be it, makes sense.

Impatient

2011-03-26T22:25:00.000-05:00

I don’t know what I want really. Just bored with everything. Not sure where to go, or if it has anything to do with where I am. I think it’s just me, really. I need to do something different. I need to do different things, I think.

Yeah, I think that's it.

Beauty

2011-03-23T22:50:00.002-05:00

I’ve seen both coasts: the California hills that climb from the ocean, and the smooth beaches on the Carolina Plains. I’ve soaked in many warm seaside sunsets, and have seen those same waters stirred by distant storms eerily lit under a pale full moon.

The Smoky Mountains and valleys of Ohio also offer notable views, but neither compare to the grandeur and magnitude of the Rocky Mountains. I’ve seen the sun set in Yellowstone, purple mountain’s majesty indeed. Never have I seen more stars than on a moonless night in Colorado.

Yet I’ve never seen anything as beautiful as you. Not even the first time experiencing such sights affected me the way you still do with just a glance. It can’t be explained. Its cause cannot be broken down or isolated. The same as it is not a particular patch of sand or sunlight or wave that makes these things beautiful; it is not your hair or lips or eyes. It’s just you.

It is how they were made. It’s how they were designed. It’s just what you are.

Lesson of the Week

2011-03-17T23:34:00.000-05:00

In uncertain times, look to God for guidance and inspiration. In good times, praise God with thanks. In hard times, wait on God for relief.

I've had all three this week. Today I also experienced a small, but noticeable answered prayer (the fun kind, where you get what you ask). Still patiently (sort of) waiting on two other things, much bigger things.

Work Trip

2011-02-21T21:07:00.001-06:00

Last Monday early morning I flew from Omaha to Raleigh. I was sent to help one GM, but more make a show of helping the GM. The assigned trip was to be a Monday to Thursday, but I wanted to extend it some. I've worked with these people for over and year, and have never met them. I wanted to meet as many of my divisions as possible, over 10 days.
During the 70 hours of work and travel in that week I was granted permission to fill a spot on a week-long trip to Gainesville (booya). Then I was told I should be included on a weeklong trip around Chicago to be more useful in Gainesville, but unfortunately that trip overlaps my current trip (see: today). After finally making all that work out and making plans (during this 70 hour week), I was also told I should go to CA to train the 16-35 hours/week of work that I'm going to be assigned.
Oh yeah, I'm being assigned 16 to +35 hours of work per week, on top of my full time job. I was told that...today. Anyway, I need to spend 3 days in CA training. This, unfortunately, will reduce my week in FL to two days in FL. I have a flight out to CA. I haven't found a trip home yet...
I'm just glad I packed for 10 days. Did some laundry last night.

Return of the man food

2011-02-01T21:18:00.000-06:00

I'm a fan of peanut butter banana sandwiches. Tonight I was out of bread, so I had a peanut butter banana. Yum.

To be fair I did eat soup right before. When asked what kind of soup, though, my response was, "Umm...vegetable chicken bean tomatoes? I just put in whatever I have and slow cook it."

And it tastes great, too.

Emergency reserve

2011-01-27T23:04:00.000-06:00

Today I was down to my very last clean underwear. I've even had these 3 whity-tighties from back in about HS that I didn't throw away just in case something like this ever happened. With travel on the weekends, 14 hour days, P90X, and a laundromat that closes at 9:30 (they don't have automatic locks on timers, you have to be out so they can lock it)...it's been a while since I did any laundry.

Very. Last. Pair.

But now I have plenty.

Zahmbee

2011-01-26T02:41:00.000-06:00

Same general story as yesterday, but with a different timestamp...

Today's list of events

2011-01-25T01:00:00.001-06:00

7:53 AM - arrive at work
12:16 PM - go to lunch. Free lunch for new guy. Well, for us, because of new guy.
1:06 PM - get back from lunch
8:43 PM - go home
~9 PM - P90X
10:47 PM - 12:52 AM - more work
1 AM - crash

"It's a reference to domestic abuse. Grow up, learn the lingo, then make me a sandwich."

2011-01-19T22:27:00.000-06:00

Fairly standard update. I've played a grand total of under 2 hours of xbox in the past month, and I don't really miss it. Played one game with Darren today, pretty rough. I just feel like I've been busy lately. Day 3 of P90X, and it didn't seem too bad, but I don't have good dumbbells so I can't adjust weights for different things. Kinds of ruins a shoulder and arm workout when your options are 15lb dumbbells or a resistance cord. Or both if I want to be awkward. Oh well, I'm sore so something good is happening.

Not too much else. First Spokesman's Club speech this Saturday. 6 minutes of talking about myself. Shouldn't be bad. 'Bout it, really.

A story from Iowa

2011-01-10T16:11:00.000-06:00

It's been snowing all day. It's somewhat wet and heavy snow, and is built up on all the roads. Today I went to the post office to pick up my P90X and parked on the street. When I went to leave, I was stuck on the curb since I drive a little car, the road is crowned, and the snow. While going back and forth to work my way out onto the street, some hick in a truck pulls up behind me and parks. I can't believe this. He's actually blocked off part of where I was rocking. What a douche.

So I keep at it and get farther forward, but keep having to stop so as to not frighten the other drivers (for living in the North, people here aren't very good at dealing with snow). Then another, older, hick pulls in behind me in another pickup. This time really close, I can only back up about a foot and a half. I'm literally going back and forth, wheels spinning, and he just pulls in behind me. Durr.

With the cooperation from the people in this town, I never got out into the street. I just made it forward far enough to turn right, into the parking lot.

In other news today, my hair is so long that it hits my eyeballs during physical activity, which can actually hurt. I've never experienced that before. I discovered this while winning some racquetball (booya). After racquetball I ran 3 miles. Just a couple months ago, a 3 mile run is what I would do when I didn't feel like actually working out. Tonight I feel like dying. But I did it.

Booya.

2011-01-05T22:50:00.001-06:00

I've never been a Michael Stipe fan...

2011-01-04T09:22:00.000-06:00

Well year of the St. Louis/KC circuit has passed, and I must say it was better than the last. Sure it was a great time in my first run, but that whole trip was a pretty solid alcohol-binge-fest. A very fun, lively, incredible alcohol-bing-fest.
This year was less lively in a sense but more fulfilling. Also far more exhausting. That wouldn't seem to makes sense until see analyze Figure 1.87 below.

Why is zero at the top, and the upper limit of consciousness on the bottom? I clearly wasn't thinking that far ahead...

Anyway, had a great time. I didn't really want to play basketball, but by bailing on Derek and the Kovanis team (which didn't need players) I was insta-grabbed by Ryan and the Lyon's (and Martin and James). Went 2 and 2, I sucked, I don't play basketball anymore. Since high school really.

Got to work a little before 10. Wearing this:

And that's pretty much everything. The end.

Oh, and today I decided to sweep my hair to the other side. And that I'll shave when I get my hair cut, but not before.

Makes as much sense as all the other pagan traditions

2010-12-23T14:55:00.000-06:00

Did she say a little shepherd gave Jesus a pile of of human waste? Or...maybe the poo-idol? Where did this little shepherd boy come from? That was a pretty solid WTF sentence.

I know a lot of traditions come from human traditions and thoughtless repitition, but I wouldn't be at all surprised if some directly inspired by demons. These people are such a mess.

"Take heed to yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed from before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise.’ You shall not worship the LORD your God in that way; for every abomination to the LORD which He hates they have done to their gods."

Riot

2010-12-15T12:28:00.000-06:00

LINK

First, they're retarded for rioting. They're in debt, and rioting because they have to cut back on their reckless spending.

Secondly, why are they attacking police? It's not like it's their fault.

Lastly, my favorite, is right at the one minute mark. These douches are throwing rocks and molotavs at the police, and then you see one of them on the ground surrounded by the riot police. Then the officer helps him up and puts his hand on his shoulder and walks with him. I would have been tempted to boot him.

And then the cameraman immediately pans away from this interesting, and noteworthy, interaction.

It's been a year...

2010-12-03T19:44:00.001-06:00

...and I don't know my license plate number yet.

Happy Sabbath!

Wow, I'm updating a lot these days

2010-11-15T21:40:00.000-06:00

Maybe it's the lack of Halo.

Anyway, I worked 10 hours today finishing up what I could for inventory. Then I spent another 70 minutes on the phone with my boss trying to get my entry to work, and listening to various other things. He's a talker, and a slow talker. Would have gone on longer but I had to pee something fierce, and eventually had to actually tell him this in order to end the conversation. Dude, it's after 7 pm and I'm still in the office, let's stick to the point. I won't complain too much, he's a super-nice boss. Just a talker.

Staying late prevented me from doing racquetball or the women's resistance class at the Y. I did manage to go for the 3-mile airport run, though, and actually really put some effort into it. Wonder what pace I was running. It's been a long time since I felt like force was behind me, driving me forward rather than dragging me down. Nice change. I still really need to get some sprinting type workouts in. I really need sports other than racquet and volleyball. They can be fun, but they're too small.

Uhh, what else? I'm getting my mileage paid when I go to the homeland for Thanksgiving. Gonna do a little work in Anoka. Boom, winwin.

Not too much else at this time. Just kind of feel good in general. I like this.

Also, this sport is ridiculous, and I would watch it on TV.

Definitely not the semi-annual

2010-11-13T21:32:00.000-06:00

Well I didn't get my inventory entry done on Friday like I needed to. Ran into some more issues. Also, my car died Friday night. Seems to be an electrical problem and won't start. I'll worry about that in the sunlight tomorrow. But the thing is, I'm not worried or bothered by either of them too much, so I'm definitely not suffered from the SAD-like symptoms I sometimes get.

Fortunately we had our first Spokesmens Club today after church services, so I was able to get a ride from Paul and Cathy since they were going to Omaha for that. It all works out.

Update - car battery replaced, and it starts. Check engine light now on...

What did I put in the blender?

2010-11-09T21:38:00.000-06:00

Spoon scoop of frozen pinapple-orange juice (more apple than orange according to ingredients), water, scoop of chocolate flavored whey protein, ice cubes (third or fourth smoothie attempt, finally got the ice to blend), a scoop of frozen tangy strawberry yogurt, and before putting frozen berries in I realize I'm blending chocolate with berries... so I skip the berries and put in a tbs of peanut butter (honey super chunk).

OM-NOM-NOM! IZ GUD!

iN OTHER NEWS, i HAVE THE CABLES NECESSARY, BUT NOT THE MONITOR i ORDED FROM aMAZON. eta nOV 11. aLSO, WHILST AT THE y, i WON A COPY OF hALO rEACH.

oOH, CHUNK OF ICE CUBE STILL LEFT. SMALL ENOUGH TO SWALLOW WITHOUT CHEWING. sUCCESS.

Update: Wow that was filling. The original plan was to make a make-shift red cabbage salad for the second half...but now I'm just tearing leaves (leaves?) off one at a time and eating them when I feel like it. Like...chips or something.

Semi-Annual!

2010-11-08T21:39:00.000-06:00

In the past three or so weeks I've put back on about 6 3 pounds. I just discovered this last night. I had noticed that during that time I've been constantly hungry (after a month or so of a small appetite), especially graving carbs. I've also been tired and in a somewhat more irritated mood, and suffering from postural hypotension. I wonder if it's my random, semi-annual depression that sometimes hits, but even though that in itself is mild, this is even moreso. Except today, which pretty much fit the bill. I woke up in a bad mood, and was annoyed all during the first half of the day. Usually I won't listen to music if we're talking, but today I put my earphones in with the intention of not hearing anyone. Everything annoyed me. Halfway through though, it started getting better. After work I went and did a workout class, played some racquetball (took one game from a real player, my first ever) and then walked on an inclined treadmill. Now I feel good. IDK, it happens sometimes.

Then I did laundry (which is scattered about, drying...I was too hungry to dry it at the laundromat), got groceries, and fried up some amazing potatoes/onion/carrots/red curry stuff. Man that was good. Thanks again to Dave for the seasonings. I haven't cooked anything in a few months. Glad potatoes were on sale...

2010-10-29T21:36:00.000-05:00

Well I sold Halo Reach. I used Glyde, so I still have the game until the shipper gets here. I've been playing it too much and need a break. A break I can't break. My attempt one day to not play ended with me playing just as much as any other day. Xbox was supposed to be a step down from WoW, but Halo getting in the way of other activities, which is why I got rid of WoW.

I'll buy another copy of the game in a month or two. Hopefully I'll drop a pound or two of fat in the hiatus. I know getting rid of a distraction doesn't automatically make more productive, but it's one less reason to procrastinate.

In other news:
- I was in St Louis last weekend and watched a Blues/Penguins game. Good weekend overall, lot of fun.
- No one will finance a $23k house, so no bunker-house for me.
- I'm broke anyway.

That...about sums up everything I think. Work is good. It'll start getting busy next week again.

Proverbs 20

2010-10-20T23:28:00.000-05:00

I don't read much, but here's what I found tonight in verses 22 and 24:
Do not say, "I will recompense evil." Wait for the Lord, and He will save you.
A man's steps are of the Lord; how then can a man understand his own way?

As a guy, the first one is solid advice because anytime something happens, the first reaction is to get them back. To make it even, to be fair, as if that's the right attitude. If we all got what we deserved, we'd all suffer for our mistakes.

I like verse 24 since there's a lot to think about there. It's easy to forget about God in daily life, but God doesn't forget about us. There's a lot going on in the world, and in our lives, that we don't see. We're especially taught in this part of the world that we're to make our own way, that this is the land of opportunity. Yet, to ignore the influence and direction of God in life is an error. Who knows why things turn out the way they do; why someone else gets big breaks and why we have everything so rough (because that's usually how it goes, for everyone). Anyway, just my musings.

In other news, I went to an exercise class at the YMCA tonight, and one of the ladies leading it had biceps bigger than me. Sad thing is that she didn't look manly, looked pretty good for her age really.

187

2010-10-20T16:56:00.000-05:00

lbs. 42.5. lbs of fat, for 22.8% body fat. I haven't been exercising much, just kind of eating less, and that's not even by effort or intent. I've just noticed I haven't been eating as much. That might be due to what I'm eating. Trying to avoid carb-heavy meals, and I'm not hungry as often. Huh.

2010-10-10T23:44:00.000-05:00

I have a $100 certificate from United for a round-trip flight that cost over $150. It must be booked by the end of 2010, used by the end of 2011. I don't think I'll need it.

Lesson of the Day: Stay out of Corners

2010-10-04T21:44:00.001-05:00

It's important for racquetball, lazer tag, and general safety...

FoT 2010, Panama City, FL

2010-10-01T14:09:00.000-05:00

Feast was a lotta fun this year. Had a good time with great friends, and learned a lot. I'm still in FL, flying out Sunday. Below are just things that come to mind:

- The Manhouse was nice. 11 but still enough room, right on the beach, had people over all the time.
- Went to club La Vela one night. It was fun but I think I'm done with clubs until I learn to dance.
- Seemed like the messages started off slow, but really gained momentum as we went on. Need to carry the lessons and motivation back into the real world. I need to train my mind, body, and spirit; I'm weak in all three.
- Met a few new friends. Some were people I've been around for years and just never really talked to, some I've never seen before. Glad I got to spend time with them all.
- Mirror maze was fun. Enjoyed getting the daily fastest time in the lazer-grid-thing. Lazer tag was also fun, heavily due to us abusing Tyler in a corner. No one heard his screams.
- Randomly met up with a couple women that had lost contact with the church 20-some years ago. That was interesting.
- Family Day was fun: we had a bowling/arcade/pool hall/roller skate facility to ourselves. Didn't even finish a game of bowling.
- Last night I was the most out of control before I started drinking, but only slightly. Lot of fun, good amount of awkward/innappropriate too.

Face-melting

2010-09-19T23:05:00.000-05:00

Since around 8pm yesterday, I haven't done really anything other than play Halo Reach, watch The Office, and eat some. My mind is...still dream like. So very similar to the dreams I had after 13+ hours of sleep which made me late for 1:30pm services on Sabbath. It blurs together after too much time...

I accepted that today would be useless around 5am this morning. My wrist prevents me from lifting, but I should run as an alternative.

Reach is depressing. And I'm annoyed that beating the game on the hardest difficulty doesn't have more to the ending, like every other Halo game has. That's 85% of why I played it all night. But, even on legendary difficulty, everyone dies a sad death and no additional information is given.

In other (real life) news, I leave for the Feast of Tabernacles Tuesday night. Headed to Panama City, FL.

And that's pretty much it for real life news. Rock on Iowa.

2010-09-05T22:12:00.000-05:00

I'm pretty bored with everything, again. It was nice to come to IA and calm down, relax, be in my own space again, but now I'm back to being bored. I'm tired of playing the same video games, working out and having no real change or improvements, just kind of bored of the same four things that occur in my days. Every day. I kind of want, actually I really want something intriguing or challenging but I don't really have either of those things. I guess I could try harder to accomplish goals in terms of getting in shape, but that's always so boring. What I really need are some sports, but those require people. I would really like tennis. It's outside, lot of running, and it's all bursts instead of just like jogging. Overall good stuff. Hockey would be cool too, and that'll start up again eventually, but I'm really not excited about driving an hour each way in order to play...

It just feels like if I didn't get out of bed some days....it wouldn't really matter. I'd have to catch up on a little work, but otherwise there wouldn't be a difference.

That's not very motivating.

Airline tickets

2010-08-24T22:10:00.000-05:00

I bought tickets for the Feast a while ago. Right before I bought them from Delta, I checked the other sites one more time for a better deal. Today I realized during my last check, when the price was a little lower, it was because I put the wrong date in.

Today I paid $227 to change my ticket by one day. $180 of that is in fees; Delta charges $150 and Priceline charges $30. I could not buy a one-way ticket and use the round trip return, because that's against the terms and conditions.

It's bothersome, but I'm mostly over it. I'm just glad I have the tithes to afford it, and that I can still go.

But from now on, if I'm flying to a destination that Southwest flies, that's who I'm taking. They weren't as cheap (even with free baggage), but one event like this ruins any savings by choosing the cheapest. Plus SW is just all-around the most enjoyable flying.

Another day, another lesson learned. Or three.

For those who read

2010-08-22T23:13:00.000-05:00

So on a couple occasions I've just randomly gone back and read some of my old posts. Most of the time it's because Adrian says she's reading my blog (hi Adrian). I don't like being nostalgic, but it's kind of neat seeing the things I used to think. Even though recent, still a different time.

I just watched the Book of Eli. I liked it and recommend it to anyone that hasn't seen it yet. It's a pretty good story, and even has a couple decapitations, but you'll have to watch carefully for those.

I'm pretty unsatisfied with my life. When I work a lot, I get worn down and tired. When I drink, I wake up hungover and feel stupid. When I party, well....that's actually pretty similar to video games in the sense that after a while, that gets pretty boring too. Working out falls in line with work, too; I just get tired and bored.

I was thinking while driving recently, not sure when, but I imagining a conversation in my mind (that's what heavily introverted people do). I'm not sure what I was thinking about, but in my head I introduced a sentence with "Back when I had a family..." Like I said, I don't even remember what I was thinking about, but the new thought pretty much eclipsed it anyway. "Back when I had a family."

Anyway, reading the older posts I realized that I really haven't improved myself over the past five years. I'd venture to say I'm actually probably a worse person than I was before. At least back then I tried to make it seem like I trying. Now I just accept that I'm not doing anything of value with my time. Or energy. Talents. Mind. Any of that.

So, here's to changing that, one day at a time.

Today, I sent the following text message:

2010-08-19T20:04:00.000-05:00

You have the wrong number. Stop sending me porn.

Dude tramp stamps

2010-08-14T19:52:00.000-05:00

Another bad thing about tattoos is that some become popular. Then, regardless of how soon you jumped on the bandwagon, you all look like douche bags together for years. I'm talking especially about dude's getting their name on their back; I've seen it a lot lately. Have fun telling everyone that you "got it before everyone else did." Oh well, at least your boyfriend has something to aim for.

2010-08-12T00:31:00.000-05:00

Never thought I'd want to go back to Iowa, but I want to get the hell out of here.

I have nothing to say

2010-07-30T23:00:00.000-05:00

Been in Minneapolis since the 7th, be here two more weeks. Helping a new startup. It's cool but busy. 8-5 at least, then do some of my own work at home. Last week I worked til 11pm on inventory stuff, but last week worked out OK because I didn't go in on Friday. Not planned, but I stayed out too late with Derek, Jordan, and their crew, so I...didn't feel like going to the office.

This Sunday I'll stop in since it's the first day of service. Then with month-end stuff and inventory needing to be finalized....good thing Derek's at camp, cuz I'm gonna be working a lot.

Not much else is new, I'm still sad and lonely. Boo-hoo.

Oooh, scotch. Booya.

Busy

2010-07-21T20:50:00.000-05:00

Last two nights I worked til 11 after coming home to the Lee's. Tired. My cell phone usage from May to June increased about 1000%. Werk is hard sumtiemz

But it's good I guess. Good to be in the homelands. Fun weekend with Steph/Mike. The Iowa contingent of the family was there too, but obviously didn't go to the bar with us. Sunday, I didn't get up until 3:30. Showered around 11am, but pretty much went back to the couch til Ang and Luke left.

I bought a bluetooth headset. Tired of holding my cell with my shoulder while I work on the computer.

Toy Story 3

2010-07-13T00:37:00.000-05:00

When did kids' movies get so fricking intense? And depressing? Man, I can't even go to a movie and just chill out and laugh without being pounded on for 2 hours with grief, death, and the imminent separation caused by time and space. I've got enough to be depressed about as it is, I don't need to go to a movie for it. I remember when after the movie ended, you'd be in a good mood, excitedly retelling the funniest parts to whoever was around. Now I just feel like another drink. Frickin ridiculous.
Don't get me wrong it was a cool movie, but the cool parts were far outweighed, in impact and in time usage, of just heart-punching. Over and over and over.
But hey they have more funny parts during the credits so that totally makes it cool.
Reminds me of stand-up bit about being cynical in love. The best case scenario is to find that one in a million out there somewhere, spend your lives together, only to suffer the miserable anguish of losing your other half, being lost and alone, and then slowly drifting toward your own cold, meaningless death. That's the best possible outcome. The End.
Have a good night everyone!

I thought about just ending it there, but we know better. At least I'm fiery, too bad I'm up past my bedtime. Then tomorrow I have around 10 hours in the office I'm guessing, I'll come back to the Lee's for supper, then I'll decide between catching up on more work or playing Halo with Derek. Then I'll be even more exhausted and I'll be right here again: mad, tired, and behind. This paragraph was supposed to be a counter-point...

I hate dissension, but I almost miss a little opposition. I'm tired of trying to find a middle-ground between non-directly-conflicting sides, it's tiring. I long for the childhood days of good and evil; the stark contrast (that's what's missing from kids' movies these days). It was easy then. Even if it was a lost cause, you fight because it was right. No gray, no ambiguity. Now it seems you can fight your hardest and die for what you believe, but then it can be argued by others whether or not you even had a reason to be there. What's the point in that? Why can't we just acknowledge that while there are many perspectives and outside influences in most situations...sometimes it is right to just go all out for what's right, even if you go down in a ball of fire. I just want something to fight for.

DC

2010-07-05T17:49:00.000-05:00

I actually got into the District this time, flew in to Reagan.

Highlights: Clubbing Saturday night fun, I wanted to bail on it but everyone was going, so I did too, and had a great time. Grilling and chilling Sunday. I bailed on the DC tour, too tired. I'm ok with that. It was cool to see everyone, and Rachael even showed up, which was a nice surprise. It had been a while.

The week before was long and tedious, but enjoyable. 60+ hours, don't really know how much. Fly back Wednesday.

User Error

2010-06-22T13:47:00.001-05:00

And now, in the process of backup up my laptop to the server, I deleted the foler that I put all of my working projects into. Ouch.

Why is the website down?

2010-06-22T12:37:00.000-05:00

So I get over a dozen people on a conference call and webinar (they can see my screen) to go over some new inventory procedures, and after ten minutes of getting everyone organized, seeing who's there, and getting the webinar working for them....the program I'm going to be using through an online portal goes down.

Yeah, I still went over some Excel stuff, about 1/3 of what I had to talk about, but the end of the call went something like this:
Uhh, yeah, so I'll check and see if it's working again....No, no it's not. We'll that's uhh....unfortunately that's pretty much everything I can go over right now then, let me know if you have any questions or anything.
(nothing for 10 seconds)
Alright, well uhhh....that's it then. Ummm.....thanks for your time.

RaqWTFball

2010-06-14T19:11:00.000-05:00

I just spent the last hour and a half getting my *** handed to me by an old man. Raquetball was a lot of fun though, it was new again. Only one other guy was there tonight, and this guy is good. He's there every week, but he has a tournament at the end of the week and instead of kind of playing with me like usual, he went full bore. It was neat to see how good he actually is. I was spinning and lunging and looking retarded. I pegged him in the back pretty hard once, too, right in the spine. I hate when that happens, friggin hurts.
Anyway, I think I'm over my cold. Spent all weekend (and last week) just sitting around playing video games (go to http://www.battlefieldheroes.com/, sign up, and let's play) so it was nice to be active again.

2010-06-08T23:39:00.001-05:00

193.4 lbs, 46.5 lbs fat, 24.1%

Defendor

2010-06-07T23:10:00.000-05:00

I was not expecting this at all. It was really good. Not as comedy-focused as anticipated, but I really liked it. I think it's only rated R because there's a hooker that's constantly smoking drugs. No blood, very little profanity.
Recommended.

Autumn Steagall

2010-06-07T21:14:00.000-05:00

Awesome weekend all around. Drove to teh hoemlanzd Friday, hung out with Joe and the Lee's and Mariah. Saturday (early) we drove to Baraboo for church (that drive was worse than the drive north) where a lot of the guests were already there. Hung out and such, had some crappy beer at the MooseJaw (overpriced food, and their beer was crappy) I went back and napped, which was golden.

Bowling then ensued, which was greatly enhanced with NEW GLARUS SPOTTED COW. I missed that beer. Drank the stuff by the pitcher. Good fun time. Played DDR on a broken machine, then we left and then I realized I had no wallet. It was literally under the DDR dance pad.

Since I'm super-paraphrasing and thus not making this interesting, let's do this:
- wedding was good, well put together, highly enjoyable
- drive home obviously sucked, got back at 2:30 strung out and struggled to sleep
- crabby today since I was tired, work kind of sucked on top of that
- I had a flask, a bottle of whiskey, and a bottle of brandy in my suit at the reception. Booya.

Werk n googel boms

2010-06-02T16:01:00.000-05:00

Today I heard an ad for a company that manipulates Google so that search results for you/your company have positive results, protecting your reputation. Ponder the implications of that one on your own.

Work today was stressful, since I spent the morning preparing and organizing for the web/phone conference. Hard teaching something you're still changing and learning. It ended up going pretty well though. Though not originally intended to be so, this call was essentially a practice run for me since the idea is to do the same thing for the GM's and maintenance guys of 70+ divisions. The good news is that the last report I need should be created tomorrow. Then I can write instructions on how to use that report in the whole process. Then start having these conferences all of next week. During the busy month-end time. Super cool!

The idea of giving maintenance guys so much information to read bothers me, but not sure how else to do it. Hopefully in a year, we'll have it all automated. It's a goal. Lots of other interesting work events involving executives and my boss(es), but that's not blogging material. More fun to talk about in person.

Also, seems most of the good players have left Halo 3 or something, or just never play rumble pit. Seriously.

The only weekend I don't travel, is Memorial Weekend

2010-06-01T22:44:00.000-05:00

Blehhhh.

The two weekends before it, I was in Minneapolis (and in the DC area the week between those), and next week I'm back in the homeland for a wedding.

I continue to work out without seeing any results in terms of body fat or appearance. Pretty annoying at times. But today I did eat three pastries. Then decided to remove myself from the weekly snack list at work. I will no longer be on the list to bring stuff in, and thus will be barred from consuming what is brought in. Carrots, apples, doesn't matter what else I have when donuts or danishes are just sitting nearby all day.

Not much else is new. No one is on xbox these days, so I'm kind of stuck in no-where Iowa with nothing going on and no one to talk to. Fun stuff.

I was told today that I will be training everyone on how to do inventory. People across the country, all over, mechanics, accountants, everyone that wants it. Conference call/webinar. This inventory shi.....stuff is pretty much my baby now. Problem is...we don't really have all the changes sorted out yet. Tomorrow I'm doing the first effort for training (well, it is now that I've discovered I'll be doing a bunch more for the mechanics).

I'm most concerned about how much computer and excel is involved. A lot of these guys that I'll be training aren't computer people.

But whatever, not like I haven't crashed and burned before.

Man I'm hungry for a donut.

After 7 months here

2010-05-28T21:52:00.000-05:00

I think I'm living in a pretty neat little town. Two golf courses (I don't golf), a bowling alley (I haven't been there yet), two locations of 4 tennis courts (with lights, I don't have rackets here), frisbee golf course (totally buying some discs), a YMCA (parenthesis), and ball fields all over the place. Plus there's shuffleboard at a bar nearby (been there twice, with family, played both times).

All I need is some people around to do stuff with me...

Friends, Family, Food, and Fat

2010-05-24T21:16:00.000-05:00

In order.

Last week I got flown out to the DC area for work. Been in the area twice now, still haven't been in the District. Did have a lot of fun with Kristin (Tuesday night) and the VA crew (Wed night). First time on the Metro, too, and I didn't miss my train. Like Ryan did.

Back home everyone was in town. Really cool to see the nieces and nephews, including the newest one, Uriah.

Tonight I cooked small red potatoes and an onion with random spices (including curry). Didn't really work out. Too much oil, and I didn't realize that I was out of salt. It's not bad, but it doesn't taste like fresh food. Aw well. Some mushrooms would have been really good with the spices, too.

195.8lbs total 47.9 lbs fat (24.5%) 55.1% water

It was 193.6 before supper...

Travel Plans

2010-05-03T14:43:00.000-05:00

Friday 5/14 I'll drive up to Minneapolis, chill there through weekend and work remotely on Wed
Tuesday 5/18 @ 1pm fly from MSP to IAD (land at 8:11pm). Drink?
Wed & Thursday training. Fly 5/20 out at 3pm.
Drive back Sunday 5/23

Good Hair

2010-04-29T11:52:00.000-05:00

I just watched Good Hair, Chris Rock’s documentary on the hair industry for women of African descent. I read about it while in a flight on one of the airway’s magazines way back, and was really intrigued. With my internet down, I stopped at a Red Box after the Y.

I recommend this movie. In the article I read, Chris Rock had to answer what a black man is doing making a documentary about black women’s hair, so as a white guy, obviously I’m viewing this from an outsider’s perspective. Yet, most of us have seen that human nature is human nature. Race, in my opinion, is a learned concept. I don’t like hearing about keeping things “within the race.” My knee-jerk reaction is that such ideas promote division, but honestly, even that depends on attitude. Racism, and racial distinctions, all depend on attitude, for both sides of every situation.

Fortunately, that really doesn’t come up very often. Overall, it’s really more an issue of “women” than it is of “black,” though this particular issue is legitimately of black women’s hair.

I have many thoughts of it, and the movie was enjoyable. And many questions. Like I said, I’m a white guy that grew up in the cold, white North. Not a lot of…uh…I didn’t have any black girls in high school. I didn’t know a weave can easily cost a grand, and that’s just as a start, not including maintenance (and installation?). I also didn’t realize that hair relaxer was extremely caustic, and the acid in it will dissolve an aluminum can in four hours.

But like I said, by taking a step back, it brings up many intriguing thoughts and questions regarding race, gender, beauty, politics, industry and Indian religious ceremonies. Some of which I’ve already blogged about. Not…not the ceremonies though, I haven’t written about them. That was also new to me.

Lax interwebz

2010-04-28T20:22:00.000-05:00

My leased modem from Mediacom that comes with my internets has stopped working. After going through their automated help system on the phone, they decided that the modem has stopped working, and that a tech will come out and look at it on Tuesday. He'll see if the modem has stopped working.

Valiant Return? Or second best...

2010-04-26T21:30:00.000-05:00

I’ve grown quite dissatisfied with Facebook. It has lost the main attractor, the main reason I joined it when six or so years ago. It was clean, orderly, and by being limited to students it kept out a lot of the annoying kids. It was, and is, intended to help keep in contact in a more convenient way, but it really restricts any meaningful discourse. It’s quite similar to texting in that sense. The convenience of it caused it to expand being its intended purpose, and then becomes counter-productive to keeping in touch with friends by replacing better mediums.

So, now, here we are again.

Here I at least have to take some time to put thoughts into what I post. Facebook allows me to get bored, click around a bit, then type “Hey, been a while, how’s it going?” on three or four people’s wall. That’s gay. Here I’m forced to be somewhat thoughtful or expressive, which is nice once in a while. As a highly introverted person, this allows me eloquently share my thoughts and insights. And sometimes the jokes that make me chuckle to myself, confounding those around me.

It also lets me use big words.

So expect more posts here. Feel free to leave comments. If nothing to say, just click one of the feedback things on the bottom of the post, so that I know someone was here.

196 lbs, 48.5 lbs fat, 24.7% BF, 8.7% bone density

2010-04-15T10:10:00.000-05:00

For, ya'know, comparison and progress. From memory this morning, think it's right.

Lesson of the Day

2010-04-09T21:21:00.001-05:00

Cabbage.

It's good in soup.

Clear White Skies

2010-01-26T20:13:00.000-06:00

When I left work and came over the hill at the edge of town, I noticed it right away. It was clear, and the sky sun was shining, and there was no ice on the trees. Though the trees were pretty mangled from the second, heavier round of ice that happened last week. Took out some power around the area.

So when I was jobless, I thought that the reason for not knowing what day it was, was because it didn't matter for me. Only Friday and Saturday were different, even Sunday was the same as the others. I thought once I got a job and a schedule that it wouldn't be an issue. But now I think I don't know what day it is because I don't really care. Friday I typically don't work out, cuz sunset is so early, Saturday I go to church, Sunday I'm bored all day, and all the others blur together.

Lost is on at this HyVee. Can't believe people watch this show. I've always thought it was a dumb idea, and as it went on it became more retarded, but now...I think the acting sucks too. Then again, maybe there's gotta be about a billion characters by now.

Into the White Haze

2010-01-18T20:26:00.000-06:00

At this point, seeing more than a mile will look odd. Not to mention the trees.

I’m quite familiar with snow, ice, and frost, but I’ve never seen things like this. About three weeks ago we had a lot of ice. Trees got coated, lots of branches broke, the usual, but I had never really seen pine trees get so much ice. Usually ice like this melts off fairly soon, it has to be relatively warm to get ice rather than snow anyway, but right after the ice we had really cold weather. One morning was -22. So now we’ve got ice covered, twisted, deformed trees for about a week (some of the small pine trees are pointing sideways/downwards…reminds me of starfish in a way) and then we get a little snow. This looks odd on misshapen trees. Now, for about a week and a half we’ve had dense fog. On average I’m guessing ¼ mile visibility. Today I could first distinguish telephone poles 12 from 12 seconds away at 60mph. The frost freezes on trees. First they were frosted, which looked neat on the still ice-laden and oddly shaped trees. Now they’re frost-enclosed, some have no bark visible (if they’re small, brush-like trees). I looked up close at a tree at work, and the frost has grown into crystalline thorns.

Like I said, at this point, seeing things look normal will be odd. I haven’t seen regularly shaped, brown-barked trees in the sunlight in over three weeks.

Year-end stuff is kind of wrapping up. I still have some projects to do but it’s not as deadline-driven. Last week I worked 50+ hours (after a 25 hour week). Today I bailed after 8.5 hours w/o lunch (frigging donuts).

I applied for some cash-back credit cards but they all required “excellent credit,” which according to one online representative I apparently have (if they count the business credit card with over $10k credit line…which they should since it’s in my name, but that one rejected me online instantly). Still waiting on the other two to respond. If I get one of those (and their zero-interest/fees for x amount of months) I can get another xbox and start paying people back while slowing getting rid of the rest of my old CC debt, but we’ll see.

Also, after living in my duplex apt since mid October, I finally met my neighbor that lives on the other side of house. Neither one of us felt like doing the whole knock on the door and say hi thing, so after 3 months we were both outside of the building at the same time. We said hi, introduced ourselves, and...that was about it. But that's good. Maybe later on I'll see if I can split internet/cable with him or something. I mean, there's a double-door that separates the two sides, could run a cable right through...

PEAKS n valleys

2010-01-07T14:49:00.000-06:00

First, to set the tone, we have a FAIL OF THE DAY:
I recieved this email regarding an electronic document transmission thing for work, basically so I can see (in order to help reconcile) bank statements:

Below is your CEO user id and temporary password. Please let me know if you have any questions. Also, you should receive your token key in 23 business days.

23 business days? Business days? Why not just be honest and say "Here's your ID and temp password, and the last part you need to sign in will arrive in a month."

Anyway, last week was the most fun I've had in a long time. Wed I left work a little early and drove to St Louis. Light rain, nothing froze, excellent drive, just blasted through. Hung out with the crew there, played xbox, board games, risk (some of us banded together to form a utopia, after eliminating the evil threats of the barbarian nations), and drank some. I had too much Thur night, but woke up Fri morning feeling ridiculously good, warm, and well rested. Friday we drove to KC for the weekend, but we decided to get some laser tag in before Sabbath. After searching for the entrance to SubTropolis (I kid you not) which is a "business center" where everything is underneath a large hill in bunkers (still not kidding) where we had to go through a security checkpoint (seriously, a "business center") we found the laser tag place (which wasn't part of Subtropolis, it was up in the hills). I may not be the best at Halo, or paintball even, but lazer tag is something i typically dominate. It was good.

For the rest of the weekend, great fun ensued at all times. Marcus' home made beer tasted like (which it took a while to figure out) an IPA that wasn't bitter. No one else really liked it, but I did. It was unique.

Sabbath was good, liked the AM bible study, the dance was fun, Sat night was crazy at times, Sunday I won the basketball tourney (didn't plan on playing, they wanted a sub, so I basically played one game when Justin and Simon were bleeding...3 on 4...booya), sat around, went to BW3, then drove home.

Monday was sick, left work early, laid in misery for about 24 hours, and now today is....Thursday.

Snow, didn't go to work. At the HyVee.

Thinking about buying a WiFi antenna. Was looking at making a cantenna but I don't have a soldering gun.

Out of topics...

Best time I've had easily since the Feast, best weekend event I've probably ever been to.

Avatar

2009-12-21T21:55:00.000-06:00

I thought we were past the point of movies being "good" simply because of special effects. That era, in my mind, pretty much ended with the last Star Wars movie (that opening scene? Yeah, ownage). Avatar is a decent movie, but it is longer than it is good (but it's like 160 minutes long, so...). It's neat, no real huge complaints (oh, but I'll get to one really soon), but it's fairly predictable and really not...that...exciting I guess.
Maybe it's that I play video games, and have been faily up to date on how good computer generated images have become (Modern Warfare 2, anyone?) that I'm not automatically impressed by a movie of just CGI. Don't get me wrong, the images are great, but like I said, we're past that being the only selling point (I hope this movie ends it for everyone else). I mean, other people will probably like it more than me for the reasons I've just mentioned, and you'll be amused, but it's far from great or groundbreaking.
As for that complaint...in movies, WHY DO THEY HAVE GIGANTIC, HEAVILY ARMORED BATTLE MECHS THAT A) have human-like hands that hold a gun, rather than built in guns, B) have human pilots inside (intead of remotely) that are loosely strapped in that control the movements and aiming of the mechs without any type of assistance (it's like writing in a notebook while driving through a corn field, GL), and 3) HAVE OPEN COCKPITS (Matrix 3) OR VAGUELY ARMORED COCKPITS SO THE PILOTS CAN GET WTFPWND. Seriously people, it's like having a tank with 9" layered, angled armor, and then putting the pilot on top in a glass cube. Whaddaya say we stop modeling "futuristic technology" after Japanese anime, huh?
Seriously, that part of the movie bothered me a little bit. It's just too dumb.

White Supremecy

2009-12-08T22:35:00.000-06:00

Today I left work a little before 11:30 am. It had been snowing a little all morning and there were reports that it was going to get a lot worse after noon. I could have stayed longer but whatever.
Working from home sucks. A lot. It takes forever to load, save, or navigate through everything. It seems like the connection to the work servers bogs down the computer itself, so that even starting up an application takes forever. On top of that, I don't have internet here at the apartment (where I am right now). I don't even know where the wireless signal comes from. It's not close, I'll tell you that.
By the time I finished what work I could reasonably do offline, I decided to trek to Hy-Vee for some free wifi. When I got to the car, I decided this was a bad, bad idea. It had gotten a lot worse, snow was deep, and I didn't want to get stuck somewhere in town without any shovel or gear or anything. So I went inside, put on some wool socks (thanks Dave), put shorts on under my pants (for the YMCA afterwards) and trekked to the Hy-Vee.
I did not realize how much that was going to suck. It wasn't that cold, but it was quite windy. Everything was fine except for my face and chin. Wish I bought a full insulation mask when I was at Walmart yesterday.
I bought a beer at a gas station on the way while I warmed up, then went to Hy-Vee where I did two more hours of work, or so. Not really sure. Then went to the Y. Bleh. Then walked home. Frickin cold.
As much as I complain it was still kind of fun. I could have driven, but I just didn't really need to anyway. The office is closed tomorrow anyway, and I got most of my work done before tonights deadline. Oh well.

2009-11-24T19:45:00.000-06:00

So Moe's Southwest Kitchen....or whatever...is like Chipotle, except quirky, and a little more expensive, and not satisfying.

Early tomorrow I fly back to the homeland for Thanksgiving, then I'll be back here in DC working a job I'm glad I don't do all the time. Tedious stuff.

Review: Zombieland, UP, The Proposal

2009-11-19T16:51:00.000-06:00

ZombieLand
Hilarious. Vulgar and crass, but hilarious. Dave and I laughed throughout the movie. His comment remains true: vampire movies are for girls, zombie movies are for guys. Recommend it for non-children.

UP
Mix a kids movie with a chick flick and computer animation, and you get this. Amusing, a few funny parts, but other than how depressing it is, relatively unremarkable. Recommend it if you like kids movies that don't necessarily have to be funny (Incredibles was a kids movie but was hilarious), safe to pass by.

The Proposal
Fairly funny. I guess it's a romantic comedy? Much more focused on the comedy though. Take it or leave it, good if you're bored, don't choose it over something productive.

Headcase: Unplugged

2009-11-19T16:46:00.000-06:00

Lots to talk about.

After a few weeks of building frustration with my xbox: lagging online gameplay (confirmed via MW kill cam, and that when I was host I annihilated in a FFA game), 5 minute sign-ins (should take about 20 seconds), lack of playing with friends (everyone has different games) and an overall disatifaction with video games, I finally lost my temper and crushed my xbox. Completely destroyed it. I'm more annoyed that I lost my temper than I am about the xbox, I had been considering selling it. Anyway, so now I'm w/o xbox and don't plan on getting a new one soon. I put my games up for sell and most of them are sold already, at reasonable prices. Now I have a TV w/ no reception sitting in a corner. I also called and cancelled my internets, so I'll be chilling in the HyVee with my lappy to stalk facebook.

I haven't gotten bored yet while w/o xbox, so, as I said, I don't really miss it yet. I spend slightly more time at the Y, and get movies from Red Box and play them on this laptop (review post inc). I also cooked an actual dinner: fried zuchinni, tomato, and garlic (good).

In other news, one morning I tried going to the Y before work. It was fine, came home and decided to make an omlette before work. I pulled the garbage over for the shells, cracked an egg, put it in the fry pan and threw away shell. Cracked another egg, threw the egg away, and.....frick. So I had a three egg omlette instead of four.

In other news, this morning another guy at work and I were called in by our boss(es) and were told we'd be heading to DC to help straighten out our pig, money-losing division. We fly out early this Sunday, fly back Wed (me to Minneapolis, him back to Omaha), return to DC (fly to Baltimore) early Sunday after Thanksgiving, then return Friday 12/4 (me to Omaha, him to a trip to...Atlanta?). Yeah, so today we booked flights short-notice around a holiday, when we only are together for 1 of the 4 flights, but had to get similar times to share a rental car. Exciting stuff. I have to pack for two weeks basically, since I won't be back to my apt for the whole time.

Uhh, that's pretty much it for now, at least all I can think of. Peace out.

Heartburn

2009-11-12T21:36:00.000-06:00

YMCA and xbox after work everyday is getting boring. I have mild heartburn a lot. My diet has changed so much since I'm the only one buying food. I don't eat all that often, and I drink like 4 cups of coffee everyday at work (hey, it's free). I'm hoping my neck stops bothering me too.
Bleh, all complaints aside, things are still good. Got Modern Warfare 2 for xbox, it's fun but nothing too exciting. They tried hard to do things in the story that you wouldn't expect, and they did so, but in doing so they make some things kind of stupid, and by the end you can easily predict what will happen by guessing what what they think is unexpected.
That's about it for now. Month end stuff is pretty much done at work. Still learning everything.
And that's about it. See ya later.

Y?

2009-11-05T16:22:00.000-06:00

I stopped going to the YMCA right after work. It's always too crowded then, and I don't like walking around people, waiting for machines, etc. Plus the concept of rotation is completely beyond these people. I always rotate about three different lifts until I'm done with them, then move on to three more. These people are completely oblivious to the concept, or the fact that me leaving a rag and spray right next to the machine means I'm coming back, since they've seen me moving to and from it a few times already.
So now I go later in the evening. Last night was great, as there were no little kids and there were about five different moderately good looking girls there. Nice bonus, considering they tended to not be in my way.
Today at work the crew was going to get "gourmet burgers" at one of the local restaurants for lunch. I asked if that's an every Wednesday, weekly thing. Today is Thursday. Even with work, I still don't pay attention to days. I don't remember Tuesday at all.
Payday tomorrow. It may go entirely to credit cards.

Filler

2009-11-03T18:26:00.000-06:00

Two days in a row I got caught behind this old guy with about two miles to get home. He was going under 40mph. Yesterday he was in a new car (bought from Deter), today an old truck. Seriously dude, stop going 40 on the highway.

In other news, work is good. The end.

Oh wait, went up to the homeland this weekend, which was fun. Acquired various goods and clothes that were left behind. Still no bed, and the TV I brought down blew up when I plugged it in.

The end.

Hellboy I and Hellboy II, Observe and Report

2009-10-26T21:35:00.000-05:00

Skip Hellboy I. It's got ok FX but very little amusement factor. It's also very predictable and has no real excitment. Just overall a feeling of blah. Hellboy gets smacked around, the girl can explode, and Hellboy doesn't get hurt and eventually wins. Yay.

Hellboy II, however, is good. The best part is that you don't need to see the first one to see the second (I watched the first one just in case). I'm not spoiling anything by saying that in the first one: the girl doesn't like being different, she and Hellboy have issues and makes their relationship have issues, Abe is a super-smart freak with psychic abilities, and Hellboy's father (the man who raised him) dies in the first movie. None of this spoils the first movie even, so there's no point in watching it. H2 has better action, better FX, better plot, and you actually are interested in the characters this time. Booya.

Observe and Report
Disappointing movie, not funny. The only good parts are the right-hand-man with the lisp, and also the fact that the nice-girl character is ridiculously pretty (though in movies like this you know her role as soon as you see her, since they hide her hair and try to make her look average). Other than that....meh. It's also got constant foul language (but it's not funny, like Southpark) and more nudity than you care for. And not the good nudity. The fat naked man nudity. Meh.