Yay for work!

So today I edited the first video I've edited in 10 years (I was shocked when I realized how long it had been!).

Anyway, I was just messing around with crap footage I'd haphazardly taken when we were testing out paint colors at the new office. Basically using it to familiarize myself with Windows Movie Maker, to see what its capabilities were, so I could better storyboard the real project I'm working on. Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised at the result!

It makes me even more excited to work on the "real" version with fancy things like, oh I don't know... script, rehearsals, proper lighting...

I wanted to share the link here, but since it was unpolished and basically a cut up of candid footage, I was asked not to post it as a public video. Anyone interested in seeing it, lemme know your YouTube ID and I can send you an invite. Nothing special, just a very poorly shot tour of the new office, but I find it amusing :D

I'm awake. I was too excited to sleep much, but I did get in almost 4 hours.

OMGOMGOMG! I just signed up for a tour of THE APARTMENT!

(Wolfy: DL tab, scroll down to "newsbriefs"... do it NOW)

And you get to bring a dear old friend riiiiiiight????? :) :)

I *wish* :(

Hey, I weigh only slightly more than the brick does now! You could take me in there and nobody would notice!

rofl

Too busy to get in....and I'm not sure I can be included since I'm banned from backstage right now...but I'll give it a try anyways.

Thanks for the info!

OK I got in, but the site won't let me sign up....either it's fully booked already or I have limited access on it.

Eh, been there, done that... :D


Seriously; good luck getting the chance to see it. If there was ever a Disney Geek mecca, this would be it!

It was a great adventure seeing the apartment. Have fun!


So, I'm going to be co-curating the December show at a Long Beach Gallery. Sometimes things just sort of happen to fall into place and the right time. This was one of those things. I haven't curated in a while, so it will be fun to do this again.

Holy crap, just won two tickets to Young Frankenstein at the Pantages through Magic Backstage!

Walt's apartment tour, free tickets... it's like they're unconsciously trying to keep me from quitting, LOL.

I got the go ahead last night on expanding my work schedule to 40 hours a week. :)

Congratulations!

:snap: :cheers: Yay Matt!

A week from today I will be at the Academy screening of Four Horsemen. WooHoo! It will be basically a drive by visit, but, hopefully see the mousepods at the venue.

A week from today I will be at the Academy screening of Four Horsemen. WooHoo! It will be basically a brief West Side visit, but will surely see a Snowflake at the venue!

Congrats on full time, Matt!

I won a D23 membership! :cool:

I'm totally digging my new bike, although I've yet to ride her (need a tire pump, which is coming in Friday). I also ordered a solar powered cellphone adapter, so I can use the GPS navigation app or my Last.fm app while I ride, without worry of losing battery life. :D

That was a first. Bus pulled up and both slots on the bike rack were taken. I could have waited for the next bus and still made it to work on time. But screw that.

2.8 miles later (for a total of 5 miles this morning) I was at my stop...and I beat the bus. Not the bus I chose not to wait for, but the bus I was originally planning on getting on.

I was sweatier than I care to be at work in the morning, and not equipped for a shower. But a few splashes of cold water and some time in our frigid test lab has taken care of that.

That was more than half my total ride distance, and it was no problem at all. I'm thinking next week I'll take the plunge and forgo the bus entirely.

I keep a bag at work that has a change of clothes and showering stuff in it.

I am happy to see Lashbear posting here regularly

I am happy for GC and his personal growth

Yeah, once I start doing the full bike commute in the mornings I will be doing so.

On another bike-related note, I now have a speedometer/odometer installed on my bike and that 10mph speed limit is even more absurd than I realized. My bare minimum cruising speed, where I'm at the edge of fighting for every last bit of momentum, is 14mph. My comfortable cruising speed that gives me my most efficient ride so I don't wear myself out over the 9 miles is 15mph. If I had to limit myself to 10mph, I simply wouldn't be able to make the ride, I'd wear myself out just fighting every slight incline due to lack of momentum.

What kind of bike are you riding, GD?

I stil haz job. :D

I picked up a "vintage" (read "old" - ca. 1978) Ross gran tour road bike off of Craigslist. I've put about 2 hours of work into cleaning and tuning it and it's running great. I've already shaved 5 minutes off of my ride over what I was doing on my crappy mountain bike, and I'm still too out of shape to even run in high gear yet.

Very nice! :)

Yaayyyyy!!!!! :)

I'm pretty sure a bike bell would get me punched in the face.

I like the little round thumb bells that go brrrringcbrrring.

My bike horn is a turtle that sounds exactly like a loud squeak toy when squeezed. :)

Yep, punched.

I've found a simple "Passing on your left" suffices just fine. Or, if I want just a noise, a quick flick of a brake lever does the trick.

See, the thing was built as a bike trail. I don't mean to sound snobbish, but bikers are sharing it with them, not the other way around. Not that I in any way think that people shouldn't be using it as a walking path, perfectly fine. But the reason those stupid signs and regulations are so galling is they indicate an attitude that says that bikes, on a bike path, are an imposition and that preference should be given to non-bikers.

I had a bell, and found that it provoked far worse reactions and responses than alternatives such as GD describes. I bike at Celebration every Sunday, and there are lots of joggers, strollers (in either sense of the word) and skaters. I've been known to use a quiet, Jeeves-like cough with great success. (my rest-of-the-week routes are usually empty of other citizens.)

I've now been biking steadily for about a year and a half, and I love it. I would definitely commute with my bike were it possible.

Its Summer. The weather is getting warmer.

That's nice and all, but what makes me TOTALLY SERIOUSLY HAPPY is what the pretty girls are all wearing. I just love those light summer dresses, thin blouses with shorts, etc. ::Happy contented sigh::

However...

Its Summer. The weather is getting warmer.

That's nice and all, but what makes me TOTALLY SERIOUSLY HAPPY is what the handsome guys are all wearing. I just love those shirtless guys, thin t-shirts with shorts, etc. ::Happy contented sigh::


;)

Yeah, I have to agree with that.

Although, while I appreciate the hot guys, I do prefer looking at the girls.




Do you have an "although..."?

I'll still use my squeak horn when necessary. If someone gives me dirty looks, it's their issue, not mine. People are just too damn uptight these days.

Be sorry you asked... :evil:

Gotta love them heroin addicts

I swear, the universe makes everything happen at once.

I now have 3 different companies requesting my portfolio, plus one very enthusiastic multimedia headhunter who just interviewed me over the phone and loves me. I'm to meet with her next week in person. She has a load of clients looking for someone just like me, and she loves my resume. And, she'll guarantee me hourly rates of at least $25 per hour and up, depending on the job scopes.

:eek:

Ya know... I think I might have finally crossed the Sahara.

YAY DP!!!

On the small things happy list - my toilet was leaking, and I figured my valve would be frozen (can't remember the last time I turned it off), and that I was going to have to take off the tank and replace the gasket. However, the valve shut off easily and it turns out all I had was an internal rubber hose with a small hole in it and every time we flushed it would spray a small stream of water on the tank lid and it would drip out the back. What I thought was going to be a 2 hour job was a 10 minutes job.

It's the little things.

Wow, I just inscribed a copy of my book to Kevin Brownlow. What a mind twister that is! :cool:

WOW. :snap:

...of course, he IS of the perfect demographic for your readership, isn't he? :D

Congrats! While you are at it, ask Brownlow what the deal is with his film, A Hard Act to Follow. It has never been released on DVD!

(Pic Related)

That's weird. Yeah, there should be more respect for bikes on a bike path. And why do people seem to react so badly to a bike bell? I've found the sound carries further than my voice when I need to let someone know I'm there.

I don't get it, I really don't. Why are people so upset over a bell?

How do you feel about a three horn airhorn powered by a small compressor?

Ya know, that's what I'd add if I found that people on my regular route were bothered by a stupid squeak or bell. If they're going to be so uptight, might as well give them something to actually be uptight over.

Or, I'd just make sure to hand them a coupon for Fleet as I pass. ;)

I don't really have a problem with bells or horns, I just find them pointless. They don't really provide any information of value beyond "hey, there's a bike somewhere around here" which I probably already knew. Either they do nothing or they cause the one thing that I would think you don't want caused: an unpredictable change in movement by the pedestrian.

I don't really need bikes to announce themselves any more than I need cars to honk their horns as they approach me if I'm walking on the side of the road. They just need to not hit me, and not skim past me so close that I fear a poorly times stray movement on my part would have caused them to hit me. And if that can't be done without honking me into moving out of your way then tough titty, you'll have to slow down and wait until conditions permit you to do so. To meet halfway, I promise not to walk down the street or bike path in a random zigzag full of sudden changes in speed.

Yes. That is why it's annoying.

I thought bells and horns were for kids, and maybe women in flowy dresses and floppy hats riding in slow motion on beach cruisers equipped with woven baskets on the handlebars with faux flowers attached.

For the record I've always wanted to be one of those women. :) But I can see why someone who actually commutes on a bike would be annoyed by it...and why a man who commutes on a bike would seem ridiculous making the cha-ching, cha-ching or cutesy honk honk of a bulb horn.

I struggle with that every time I come upon someone. Will it freak them out if I tweak my bell? Kids are very unpredictable. Even if they are going past you and seem okay, they can wiggle out of control. I think that is true, you gave them recognition! I try and always respond when kids say something to me, acknowledge their presence, their value. :0)

I've found that you have to use a bell. Of course, I ride the bike paths which are shared with people. The Strand, the Boardwalk, and, any bike path is always shared with walkers, skaters.

In the street, maybe not so much. I think you need a brick in that case, to get through to some of the ignorant drivers. Or rather, I wish I HAD one when some of them pull out in front of me like I'm not even there. Happens when I'm out walking, too. These moms, running late, on the route the kids walk to school on, running stop signs without looking. If me, an adult, thinks it is safe to cross, a child would most definitely and maybe not stop!!

Crazy huh? You'd think people with kids would look more for kids? I always look for bicyclists/motorcyclists/walkers/runners.

ha ha maybe I'm too distracted of a driver if I'm always looking for these people? :D

I usually just pedal as fast as I can and scream "OUT OF MY MOTHERF***ING WAY, GRANDMA!!!"

ha ha Matt! I have spewed some expletives at some stupid people who cut me off. I don't think it is very nice to crash on your bike. If someone ever makes me crash, I am taking them down with me!!

But, I do make sure I do the speed limit as well as wear a helmet.

Do you guys all wear helmets? Only once did we cruise about without them. It felt good but wearing one isn't too bad.

But in keeping with the spirit of the thread, I make sure to smile.

I still need to get mine. I finally did take her out for the first test-drive late this afternoon - just around our parking lot so I could get used to it. But, once I hit the road, I will have my helmet. :)

Well, honestly, I didn't smile, Matt.

Good habit, Teresa. We've always tried to wear them as an example to the kids. It isn't such a big deal. It may feel awkward at first, especially if you are just getting used to a new bike, spinning it around a bit.

It can suck, though, when you ride to a destination, remove your helmet and have helmet head. :0( I do carry a baseball cap for that.

Are they still called baseball caps? None of mine actually sport a team name...

Yay! I sold out of books at the Silent Film Fest! WooHoo. The best part wsa, not everyone in line who bought a copy was a person I know! ;)

Lashbear, your books will be on the way later this week!

There's a progression: if you're a good distance away from the pedestrians, and ding the bell, they probably won't freak out, and have time to see you. In the middle distance, they see you but don't have time to choose their reaction and may do unpredictable things. If you ding the bell close to them, they'll be more likely to startle.

Drivers make me crazy sometimes. People who just do not pay attention. Did you hear that Mayor Villaraigosa just got in an accident while biking and a car pulled out in front of him? Broke his elbow.

Huzzah!!!!!

I am seriously happy today, fab weekend & now I get to make a neeto dress for a deco event, life really is wonderful :)

My DH has a 2nd interview tomorrow afternoon. Come on new job!

I'm happy that my brain still lives inside my head.

I did see that the mayor broke his elbow. I sure hope that this brings more attention to bicyclists. Wasn't it up there that some police harrassed some bikers? Possibly during Critical Mass? Here {in San Diego}, I do see posts from people who relish the thought of running down the riders. Sick, isn't it?

Yay, Snowflake!!! *happy dance*

I'm hitting the waves this weekend!

Got a shiny new boogieboard! YAY!!! :)

No jellyfish?

Yeah - I am so happy for you Donna!

I found out that the stunning dress you wore to the party on Friday night is something you made yourself and in something like two days!!! Fan-freakin-tastic!!!

Not sure. Will have to check though.

abg~ those people are sick. Running people over???? Sick. It isn't funny at all on any level. I know sometimes the riders @ Critical Mass go over the line, but, you can't kill them!! Heck, they don't even kill murderers or rapists!! But a bicyclist???

Yay about your hound!! Must have peace in the home!!
:snap:

Teresa~I hope you don't come across any. We found tons over on the bayside while out biking in Coronado. Didn't go to the beachside. My friend who did said she didn't see any. If I can I am going to post my husband shots of the jellyfish we saw. We saw tons!!

Last night was fabulous, amode only more fabulous by the appearance of Mousepod, LSPE, Not Afraid and Euro. I hope you all liked the movie. It was great to see it again pn the big screen.

Better still was great to see and give each one of you a HUG. :D

The movie was great. It was even more fun to be a part of the Snowflake cheering section.

For those not in attendance: Kevin Brownlow (the greatest expert and champion of silent cinema) recommended Snowflake's book during his introduction to the film, and during the post-screening Q&A he referred to her as an expert and even went to her for clarification on an answer. We were so proud.

Brownlow's deferring to Donna for clarification was magical for us fans of Donna Hill. It made my heart swell with pride. Hey, I know that woman!!! :))

That's awesome, congrats Donna!

the evening was definitely quite a treat

So awesome! Now even more excited for the signing!

Today, I got somebody their job back.

:cheers:

Congrats Matt! Very KEWL!

Maybe get your own job back?

Excellent!

And KB, I think this job's way better for our CoasterMatt!
:)

That's some awesome karma work, Matt.


So kewl about Donna the expert. I wish I could have attended, but I'm sure I was completely unconscious - as I'm just know (and not quite) crawling out from under. I hope to be human again by the book signing in August.

Two hours until Mad Men season 4! :D

We just found out that our power will be out at work until 9:00 am. We'll have only a skeleton staff here from 7:00-9:00; the rest of us don't have to come in until 9:00. I get to sleep in!

I drove the car for the first time since having the Bypass. I'm a happy bear.

Job interview with major company tomorrow! WHEEEEEEEEE! :)

You mean this man's company?...

:p

No, but the company does sound like a crunchy fruit. ;)

Oh, and it would require relocating to the bay area.

Great! We'll come and visit ! :D

Fingers crossed. They're a client of ours. Wish I had some sway.

I love days like today. I got more accomplished than I have in any single workday in a long time. Walking out the door without worrying about tomorrow's priorities is a wonderful thing.

I laugh at you, end of fiscal year! Bring it... your ass is mine!

Our female Gecko had escaped a couple of weeks ago. We were really starting to stress as our condo is getting fumigated (tented) on August 17th.

As I got up just now (can't sleep), I heard a rustle as I walked down the hall - small rodent sized activity. I turned on the hall light and saw her scrambling down the hall. YEAH!!!!

I am VERY happy.

Now we have to figure out what to do with six Geckos, six Bearded Dragons, three Panther Chameleons, and four cats for three nights...

One would think that with all those lizards, you couldn't possibly have an insect problem, KB.;)
Very glad you found your Gecko Girl! :cheers:

Woohoo!! That'll nail all those escaped crickets and worms! :)

Just got some inside info from management's yearly review meeting where they literally rank us lowly peons by our value to the company. And you can guess from the location of this post the tone of that info. :)

Congrats GD, that's great news!

Of course it remains to be seen if that translates into any sort of compensation. Last year the company, having already cut back vacation accrual and suspending 401k matching, also kept raises to a minimum. Since, they've given us our vacation accrual back and restored 401K matching, but only partially. They have not said one way or another if raises will be affected again this year. Hopefully not. Of course, there's a chance (not holding my breath) I'll be promoted in which case I'd be getting a decent raise either way. Though I am of course just happy that I continue to be considered valuable.

I just got my evaluation from the Organizing Institute training I went to earlier this month- :D

I scored a 1-

Best possible score is 1.

So I'm pleased.

Congratulations to both Greg and Matt!

My boss just called from our accountants office in NY. He apologetically told me that he's giving me a $1/hour raise, but there'll be more at the end of the year.

Since it came completely out of the blue (and he's financing my side project), I was delighted.

VGDM

VCMM

VMPM

:snap: :cheers:

Since we're sharing, I had my midyear review with my boss yesterday. It was positive though meaningless since bonuses and raises only happen at the end of the year. And unless there's money involved I don't need to hear how my management thinks I'm doing unless there's a problem, in which case they'd be stupid to wait until a formal review to tell me.

:cheers:

Alex the Curmudgeonly rides again!

But really, great news all around, folks!

Hey, I'm honest with my bosses. First day with any new boss I tell them some version of this (exact wording changes but bluntness is the same):

"I will know how well I'm doing. I know when I'm doing my job well and when I'm not. If you think I'm not, let me know right away. If you think I am, you can blow sunshine up my ass all year and while I won't stop you I won't care. Do not nominate me for awards with prizes that are heavy hunks of plastic that'll I just throw away or free trips to corporate retreats because spending drunken time doing team building exercises with people I--at best--barely know is not a reward. So you won't hurt my feelings if you don't tell me every week how wonderfully I'm doing. I work because you pay me, so the way you tell me that I'm doing a good job is you pay me more. I won't negotiate with you for salary, I won't request raises, but if I know the opportunity was there and I didn't get one or I know I got less than average I'll assume that means I'm doing a bad job and if I don't think that's the case I'll assume you don't appreciate the good job I'm doing."

So far, it has worked out very well. I get big raises and bonuses when they're available. I have no ugly plastic awards on my desk. And I've never attended a black tie function in an exotic locale with people I don't want to be with.

I had a boss who thought the yearly reviews were crap,which they are, but he was "forced" to do them so two of mine were -

Don't **** up
You still have a job don't you?

That was it the whole review.

A side note on the return of the gecko: we (of course) put her back in the reptarium with her beau. Apparently, shortly after I put her in there, her and the boy had a VERY noisy reunion. I guess we can expect a couple more young-uns in a few weeks (we have had two clutches of two for a total of four baby geckos in the past few weeks).

The reps are all safely kept in cages, but mainly to protect them from the cats.

And on the subject of cats, with FOUR of them in our small little condo, you would think that one of them would catch the stupid annoying mouse who frequents our kitchen. But NOOOOooo; they can't be bothered with such trivialities.


effin cats...

Yeah, then we have a bunch of cricket and worm carcasses rotting away in our place.

I just got a new phone.
I like it so far.

Salem has discovered toilet paper rolls and crumpled paper make the best toys. He's adorable. I think he's an Egyptian Mau. My vet thinks he's a gray tabby. :)

I thought he was a cat.


:p

The word "unstoppable" is often a good word. But not when talking about bikes and brakes.

My 30+ year old bike had 30+ year old brakes. I imagine the brake pads had been changed at some point, but the actual center pull calipers, and the cables, were clearly "vintage".

No more! It's now fitted with a pair of brand new side pull dual pivot calipers and brand new cable. And I did it all by my self. It's actually a fairly easy operation, especially on these older bikes where the whole caliper attaches with a single bolt. I expected it to be a weekend-long project, and here I am done by lunch time.

Meanwhile I also mounted a rear cargo rack, which holds my awesome new messenger bag. I can't WAIT to bike on Monday without the 30lbs backpack hanging off my shoulders. No more backpack-shaped sweat patches on MY back!

I'd better hope that whole karma thing is full of sh*t 'cause if not I've got a whole lotta bad coming my way.

I just tore our desktop server down so I could replace a stupid 10 cent piece of plastic (total cost of the operation, $20). Somehow I did it right and put everything back together right the first time.

Bartender! :cheers:

I just came back from the Dentist and; 1 tooth reconstruction and 1 Wisdom tooth Extraction later, I can say confidently that I have found a REAL Pain-Free Dentist. I didn't even feel the Novocaine needle going in (and he didn't use numbing cream or anything!)

I am Totally Uber-Impressed with this guy.

AND..... he let me keep the wisdom tooth. You should see it - it has a hole the size of Manhattan in it ! I will take a pic later (posted in spoilers to protect the sensitive, of course...)

Just finished another painting. I was super nervous because this one was a portrait of a friend, which I'm not in the habit of doing (save for Norm's Simpson-style one, which hardly counts). But it actually came out pretty good!

I just won a pair of Disneyland park-hopper tickets through an online promo! :D

I'm winning everything lately! :D

I'm feeling very Tom Hanks in Castaway "I made FIRE!" today. I had a malware attack on my work computer and I correctly identified the source of the issue and handled it appropriately without making any n00b mistakes like falling for the fake antivirus scam (which was the attack). Even though my IT guy said the program was legit, I ended up being right that it was a scammy situation and not software to be believed. Yay me!

So what did you set on fire?

I got the first test print of my first photo book today.

I cried happy tears. :)

Had my eye on a $2/yard fabric... tonight I picked it up. Got a dress design in mind. Provided I fit it right, it'll be faaaaabulous!

My spandex order came today! Did you know they make black velvet spandex? It's going to look marvelous matched with the white 4-way stretch cotton lycra!

Has Kevy Baby hacked Moonie's account?

Um, yeah... that's really weird.

And no, it wasn't me.









This time

Nooooo!!! *$&%*!!!!

I hate Spandex World, Inc.

I specifically ordered Cotton Lycra medium weight WHITE, they sent me BLACK. What the hell I'm I supposed to do with black?

Do you have any idea what Black lycra and black spandex velvet would look like together???? Impossible I tell ya!

:mad:

Too bad, now you can never go back.

I'm scared.

I successfully made it into double digits today in my half marathon training. 10 miles this morning.

Perhaps I should explain I'm using the spandex to make a do-it-yourself movie screen to go along with my new projector. White with a black backing.

It came it a 120" width which just fits the screen size I'm making in the basement.

Congrats Steph!

I think it was more fun to imagine what you were doing with the spandex. Reality is kinda boring.

A 120" wide movie screen? boring?

We are going to have to agree to disagree on this one.

I used to do work for the government. Sounds like a cover story to me.

Congrats Steph!

Moonie, you're lying. You're making this:

What a positively shpadoinkle weekend!

Theo is one heck of a little trouper, and we got to see friends, see family, see a movie, see more family, see more friends, and still have some time at home to laugh and play together. I'm beat, but topped to the brim with hedons.

Got a call from a recruiter who loves my work, and it's a good chance that I'll have a full-time contract by week's end. YEAH!!!!!! :D :D :D :D

Nancy Sinatra on the radio, where are my go-go boots!

I have narrowly avoided wiping out 9 years worth of digital photographs (and some videos). 24,000 files. 37GB.

Despite having carefully made several backup copies and contingencies. A perfect storm of failures and still mysterious circumstances left them inaccessible.

I've felt ill the past few days thinking about the worst case scenario. Hell, even the 2nd worst case scenario (that being if the files were recoverable, but without the directory structure or date-taken info, leaving a pile of 24,000 unsorted photos) was too horrible to imagine.

Thankfully my strategy of several backups did mean that all the data was sitting there undisturbed, just inaccessible and I've now recovered the whole lot, seemingly in tact.

I would not have enjoyed seppuku.

Time to rethink the backup and recovery strategy.

On the flip side my rent has gone down again and as a thank you for my longevity (and never being late, never bouncing a check despite being unemployed most of last year) they are giving me $200 off my October rent and when I asked if they had a company they preferred to use for carpet cleaning she tossed in free carpet cleaning too. Not sure if they do carpet cleaning as a perk to living there or not, I was prepared to pay for it so I'm happy.

That is great, Marla!!

Oh, Greg, that is a helluva lot of files!! I put mine on an external hard drive, but there is no organization. I have tried to put the pics on discs along the way, but, pfft, yeah, I hope so.

What kind of computer do you have??? That is a lot of files! Glad they are safe.

Gorgeous morning, well rested legs, and a freshly tuned bike. Happy Monday everyone!

It's a system I put together myself. Sadly, I thought I designed it so disasters like this would be avoidable. But sh*t went so very wrong. Now that we're fully recovered I've significantly simplified the setup, hopefully avoiding future disasters/making recovery from future disasters less heartburn-inducing.

I'm burning all my photos to DVD and then sending them to an external hard drive. You might wanna back yours up to a hard format too, just send groups of folders to disc and label well.

It's old school, but in a pinch...

Just remember CDs and DVDs have a 5-10 year life span, so you'll need to check them out periodically and transfer them to new media to ensure their preservation

And with the rate we accumulate photos and videos, it'd be a never-ending game of catchup. We already fail to keep up with all of the organization tasks associated with the collection, adding the need to regularly burn disks won't solve a thing. Right now, all the backup happens automatically. And we're probably going to add one more layer (online backup service).

Nothing's permanent or fool proof. So I'm just using the "constantly make a zillion copies" theory, hard to blow them all away at once.

Geographic failover!

I've suggested it before but my backup method is just accepting it as God's will if I suffer a data loss and moving on from there.

Other than the selection of images that have been uploaded to Flickr for sharing I have no backup for any of the decade's worth of photos I have.

I have 3TB of storage at home. I had 2 duplicates of my photos directories, and a daily backup stored on a RAID 5 array (3 drives grouped such that if any one drive dies, all data is still in tact).

After the CPU fan broke off its bracket, the computer did several emergency shutdowns due to overheating. I got the fan repaired only to discover that somewhere along the line a system file must have been corrupted and the OS would crash within 5 minutes of booting. Eventually I had to reinstall the OS. In doing so, I deleted the partitions with the 2 redundant copies of the directory - secure knowing that I had the backup protected on the RAID 5 array.

Except that at some point during the reinstall process, the system, for reasons that make absolutely zero sense to me, decided my RAID 5 array no longer existed. Just 3 disks sitting there with no way to access the data.

Fortunately, even though I "formatted" the partitions with the data on them, it was a quick format (meaning it just deleted the small amount of information that tells the computer where on the disk all the files are, rather than deleting any data) and I never actually wrote anything to the disk after that, so the data was still there, I just needed some software that could scan the disk and recover it. But yeah, that was enough for me to no longer trust ANY entirely local backup strategy. Only a perfect sh*tstorm of fail could have wiped my data out...and it damn near happened. I'm far too attached to my photos to let that happen again.

Flcikr carries the same problem as CD/DVD, it requires actually remembering to upload stuff. Online backup services happen automatically, no extra work required. Just what I need. And at $50/yr, worth it to me.

I found it safest to backup pictures by drawing them in either crayon or marker pen and for the music, I just write out the songs on blank sheet music paper.

Videos take a little longer to back up: I have to write screen-plays for each one and cast them. Very tedious.

RESPECT MY AUTHORITAH!!


This is another cool piece of kit that comes with my job.

GUILTY! Thank you, that is all.

Thanks for the reminder GD. I've been meaning to back my stuff up. Now it's done :)

Yay, jasmine tea has been added to the flavors available at work! Not the best jasmine tea I've had, but far better than the flavorless and oddly paint-like green tea we had been provided.

Nefarious Porpoises is my new band name. I'm looking for a replacement accordian/balalaika player. Must look good in lederhosen.

Damn another great gig lost to the fact that I don't play an instrument, otherwise I so close on this one.

Well, besides the skin flute

Between last September (when my bloodwork revealed my cholesterol/triglyceride numbers were literally off the chart) and January, I'd lowered those numbers by ~40%.

This week - survey says down another ~40%.

Someone hand me a burger.

:snap:

Make it a 4x4 at In-n-Out, That'll take care of that pesky 40% reduction for ya ! :D

Western Bacon Cheeseburger at Carl's (that'd be a cheeseburger with bacon and onion rings). Ought to do the trick.

But I have a cold, so it was justifiably medicinal.

My monkey is home!

Had a rather interesting email exchange regarding the sewing vintage fashion class I wanted to take at Saddleback:

[QUOTE'"Me"]Hi (Professor B),

I fully appreciate your position regarding late adds. I apologize for the inconvenience of requesting it from you. I offer you the following explanation:

It was a late decision on my part to take the class (a late realization that it was being offered), compounded by an issue with registration where the school rather insanely opted to classify me as a non-resident for tuition purposes (I moved back to California in 2003, so such classification is patently ridiculous). I had to be sure I could resolve that issue, because at non-resident rates the class would be a no-go for me.

I have been fully occupied the last three days at an (employer required) all-day seminar up at the Anaheim convention center, leaving me no luxury of time to resolve the issue. Had I not been classified as a non-resident, I still would have arrived disruptively late that first night because of the seminar, which I imagine would have been equally displeasing.

Okay, so enough with the excuses, how about some positives?

I sew purely for the joy of it. For my own amusement I research and drool over just about any period from 1820 through 1910, with occasional forays into the early 20th century. I have spent untold hours learning about those eras on my own, on sites such as fashion-era.com. My favorite areas of study are early bustle, natural form, and late bustle. I admittedly spend more time researching historical fashion than I do sewing. However, I have been sewing since junior high (early 90's), after becoming fascinated with the costumes in Phantom of the Opera. (My unfulfilled dream project would be a recreation of Christine's "Wishing" dress.) I am currently in the middle of attempting my first *genuine* vintage bustle skirt pattern (as opposed to the more costumey ones you get from the 3 major pattern manufacturers), the Truly Victorian 1875 Parisian Trained skirt (TV216). I am now at a point where I feel I could really benefit from the expertise of someone who understands the unique concerns of constructing period garments. I can read about things like using wadding to prevent wrinkles in a bodice, but that sort of thing really requires hands-on assistance. In addition, I believe I need guidance in the construction of period undergarments, something I have not yet attempted. I am just beginning to explore specialized presser feet (such as my new favorite toy, the ruffler foot), and I feel like I'm at a point where I'm ready to take my construction to the next level.

Since I have missed your baseline quiz, I have attached examples of 4 past projects, in hopes that that will assist you with understanding where my skill level is at present.

I hope this explanation is sufficient for you to grant me an APC code. If not, I may be forced to resort to groveling...

Sincerely,
[/quote]

And the reason that this whole exchange is in this particular thread, would be her response:

My cheese is happy (and apparently also round) :D

I have an interview this Friday for a really awesome gig! :)

I've named almost EVERYTHING in the office today, including the paperclips.

This is just day 1 of 4 by myself.

Matt I feel your pain. My record in the office alone was 5 weeks. I was ecstatic to see the FedEx guy every week or so.

Did you name everything Redrum?

I have a business trip commencing the day after labor day. I will be in Des Moines, IA from Tuesday through Saturday than Minneapolis Saturday through Tuesday. Something tells me that my head will explode during that time.

I love when people take something random that technology squirts out and push it through a human filter.

CAPTCHA comics

I'm listening to entire albums in the office while getting stuff done- "Blueberry Boat" by Fiery Furnaces and "HLLLYH" by the Mae Shi are filling a good chunk of today.

I recently figured out how to get my entire music library from home to stream online. I am never without good music. :)

Just scored an interview for this afternoon!! WHEE!!!! :D

Wow! Very shortly the Rudy book is going to be submitted to the University of California Press to see if they want to pick it up. I'm not going to hold my breath since it's not what you'd call even remotely academic. I will pray real hard to the Gods of Publishing, it could well mean I'd get a check for a few thousand or more. :snap:

Good luck Disneyphile, hope it goes well

Crossing my fingers for you Snowflake!

I just spent an afternoon in the costume shop I learned to sew in, saw my first teacher after 25 years, nothing had changed at all (in a wonderful way)! :D

Just in case you are one of the twelve people on the planet who haven't heard me blather about it endlessly, I had a phone interview Tuesday for a clerkship in Gulfport, MS, and I have an interview in person coming up Monday in San Jose. I'm really hoping I get one of those. Keep your fingers crossed!

Sorry you're not interviewing in SF. Then we could lunch.

In any case, fingers crossed for you! :snap:

It's almost Haunt time! It's almost Horror Nights time! :eek:

I sufficiently suppressed my rather strong fear of heights today to fully enjoy a WICKED fun zipline tour today. Photos and video to come.

Zipping through the trees of Massachusetts, participating in the time honored bachelor party strip club tradition, a fulfilling (if slightly abbreviated) tour of the freedom trail, 2 amazing dinners (including another notch in the top chef belt), a positively jubilant and joyous wedding, all capped off by the biggest most amazing good morning hug from the littlest arms.

Totally, seriously, happy.

That was a contagiously happy post, GD. :D

Glad you had a good trip! Please share where you ate. I get to Boston from time to time and would love to have some new places to try on my list.

Look who has the top vendor listing for the upcoming PPLA event!

Woohoo!!! :D

(Yes, Dream World Gallery is the name of my arts & crafts "shoppe".)

OMG! I've been kinda bumming out that this year will mark 15 years since Oingo Boingo's Farewell concerts. I woke up this morning, checked my email - and What's This? The Mutaytor (whom I adore) is playing with Dead Man's Party (a VERY good Oingo Boingo tribute band, that has occasionally featured actual former members of OB) on Saturday, October 30 - in Santa Ana at the Galaxy Theater!!

First was at EVOO, off of Kendall Square. While I was hesitant to eat there because of the name (as well as the name of its sister restaurant "Za"), I'm glad I did. It was outstanding. If we didn't have reservations the next night elsewhere I would have gone back in a heartbeat.

The second was Rialto, owned by Jody Adams, a contestant from Top Chef Masters season 2. That's off Harvard Square, in the Charles Hotel. Also some very excellent food, although I liked my meal at EVOO a bit better. The wine pairings with the fixed price menu were excellent.

I was able to unplug from my worries for Theo and enjoy myself completely on our trip to Boston. Even though it was shorter than I'd like, it didn't feel short. It was a real vacation!

I was amused by the typo at the top of that page:

So, I'm in the air, en route to Dallas, so I can drive to Tyler for an interview tomorrow at 2:30. I'm super excited about this interview because it's for a magistrate judge with a heavy IP caseload. And IP was what I concentrated on in law school. To actually USE that would be AWESOME. I mean, to not only use my law degree, but to use the IP part of that degree? I think I might pass out from the awesome.

I got a jury duty summons, woohoo!

It sounds like GD and Cp had an amazing weekend.

CP, I'm so glad you were able to enjoy your time without having to worry about the little one, all Moms need that!

HOUSE HUNTING IS OFFICIALLY UNDERWAY!!

Promotion!

Congratulations GD!

I think I'm seriously happy. Odd...
:D

Congrats, all around!

Having a wonderful time, wish you all were here. Seriously. I'm having loads of fun, but I keep having to make new friends to talk about how much fun I'm having.

LoT should be expecting a few new members. :D

I'm totally seriously happy for the Commodore. :cheers:

Who will be attending this Tuesday's Halloween festivities! Toot!

Our newlywed friends got upgraded to the Wrather Suite last night (from a regular room - OMG luckyluckylucky), so we got to have breakfast with them this morning on the 11th floor, and have been invited to brunch at Club 33 this afternoon.

Today officially kicks ass! :D

That's awesome, but your itinerary is giving me serious deja vu. ;)

Disneyphile - it ended up that the 234.00 we paid for the Wrather Suite also included valet parking. Thanks for the doughnuts!

After you left us at the Club, we took a ride on the Lilly Belle. I didn't know Hirohito had ridden on it in the 70s, making it a Royal Coach. (The "royal" never wears off!)

All in all, a great 23-hour honeymoon.

Wait. YOU where the mysterious bride Disneyphile has been talking about? :eek:

Why that is truly Fabulous!! All my best to the both of you.

Anybody else just having an awesome day?

Here's a visual reference - I'm the dude with the guitar today.

Mahalo plenny! I couldn't be happier!

Woah!

Congrats!

WOOHOO!! Horror Nights Preview Tonight!!

Good email/phonecall this morning!! YAY!! :cheers:

OMG, I just had a can of Frank's Ginger Ale from Philly's Best. Frank's is apparently a regional Philly company (or used to be, it's now moved to Baltimore). It seeems to barely exist anymore, I'm guessing it pretty much supplies places like Philly's Best and that's it. But anyway, damned good Ginger Ale. Yum.

We love Philly's Best! I haven't tried the Frank's sodas though.

I don't really like their sandwiches all that much (they are pretty Philly-authentic...I just find authentic philly cheesesteak a little gross since, authentically, it's some pretty cheap meat with cheese-like sauce and mayo. Bleh). But I wasn't buying lunch.

I have been promised a titular promotion and a raise. I get to be a "Director". Title doesn't mean much to me, but the extra money will be nice.

mazel tov

Splendid! Congrats!

:snap: :cheers:

Congrats!

We ordered a new sofa, loveseat, and chair.



We're not getting the tables or the lamps or accessories.

Me likie :)

Where from?

Very very nice!

Nader's in Signal Hill.

JW, those are going to look awesome in your house. :)

One of my best friends from high school, who had been living in the bay area, just moved to Cypress. He, and his wife, have a son just 3 months older than Theo. While the move wasn't necessarily what they would have done if it weren't for some extenuating family circumstances, I'm selfishly thrilled that we finally have a local friend with a baby. He'll also be working within lunching distance from me. Yay!

First weekend of Haunt season was PHENOMENAL!!

Plenty of screams and laughs, blood and gore; with the hope of nearly an entire month more. :D

Cool. I know how comforting it is for parents with kids the same age. While I know that most on here have no problem hanging with Theo (personally, Susan and I love kids), but there is something about talking with friends who are living the same experience as you!

I've been enjoying your Tweets!

"Crazy For You" opened this Friday. Great responses from the audiences. Standing ovations. Lots of positive buzz. Tickets sales seem to be going ok. "Who could ask for anything more?"
:)

I'm so glad that your cast has Someone to Watch Over you. I am sure you've Got Rhythm - it's Nice Work if You Can Get It! Your audience is a lucky bunch who gets to watch Embraceable You. They've got tickets... But Not For Me. (Wish we could see you in it!)

Nice.
:D

Most of you have already heard, but starting next fall I will be clerking in, wait for it, D frickin' C. I am the bomb diggity. I am also a little trepidatious about becoming a bitter east coaster. But mostly the bomb diggity.

You're gonna love it. They're gonna love you. We'll miss you.

So where shall we have lunch?

I'm expecting to find an itinerary in my BEC welcome packet. When I first get there we'll be able to stare bitterly at my still-valid AP. Perhaps daily visits to the Dunno attraction vehicle in one of them there Smithsonians is in order.

(Seriously, I'll be working near the archives-navy memorial stop.)

Be sure to get your fill of Disneyland, Universal, Sea World, In-and-out, Sees, Jack in the box, that coffee place you all talk about who's name I forget, beaches and sun.

Cuz we ain't got none of that stuff here.

Normally I would insert some barb about being stuck with the Nats, but since my beloved boys in Blue have had an abysmal year, I can't.

:sigh:

Maddie took Duke out on trail. So proud of her. LuLu dumped her on trail and she vowed never again. But she got up there and did it. So proud of her!

I raise a glass to Maddie's foolhardy behavior. :cheers:

I spent today in the recording studio. Very soon, when you ride the train around the perimeter of a certain very well known Central Florida theme park, the voice you hear will be that of flippyshark. :D

Hooray for medical and dental insurance!! (I got the packet today- goes in effect 11/1)

The Holy Land Experience?

Hehehe - Tom said what I was thinking.

*snicker* I don't think they would have me.

Yay! Does very soon mean we'll hear it when we're there next week?

No.Way.!! :snap: :snap: :snap:

That's rad!



(Not rad enough to get me back to the Tragic Kingdom, but pretty darn rad.)

Alas, not likely to get installed that soon. Maybe by the end of October, but certainly in time for the holidays. There will be a number of iterations of the new audio over the next couple of years, as the third stop on the route is shutting down in February (for the expansion), and then there are two phases of reopening in 2012 and beyond.

:snap:

Congratulations!

Hehehehe Kevy said "Titular"

hehehehe

hehehe

hehe

Ahem.

Purchased a sofa from Pier1, to be delivered Thursday.

In related news...

I got my official "thanks for accepting the offer - looking forward to working with you" letter today. I keep rereading it. I think I'm going to have it framed.

You know what was happy? 178 posts were made since I was here last, and not a one of them in the vent thread.

That totally pisses me off.

VJWBM :D

Another meeting that ended with the company pleased, and a happily employed person.

:D

I do rock at this.

An honest to god, paid as a programmer for a living programmer likes my code! Enough to lift it and reuse it 95% in tact!

Not bad considering that's the first time I've ever delivered my code to anyone as a "product". I'm starting to think I might be able to pull this crap off.

Congratulations!

Just keep practicing. You'll be hacking code in no time.

It's here, it's here, it's here!!

Attachment 1528

And here it is in action, so to speak

Attachment 1529

Now the countdown begins to the first bunny tooth mark on the legs.

Beautiful!

You know that period of mental dissonance when you change a major piece of furniture, where every time you walk into the room your brain just screams, "SOMETHING'S DIFFERENT" until it incorporates the new item into its default image of the room? Yeah, not getting that at all with this couch. It's like it's always been here.

You could put bitter apple around those legs... might help prevent bunny marks

Bunnies aren't really phased by the taste thing the way dogs are. Scent works to some degree, like strong perfumes...but then WE have to smell it too, no thanks.

Would wrapping the legs with plastic wrap help? It does to help to keep cats from scratching.

Tin foil actually works better, but it is ugly as hell

What helps the most is acceptance.

I totally rocked my interview on Friday for a job that would literally be perfect for me - lasted 2 hours, with an immediate second interview. When the manager introduced himself to me, his face lit up and he said, "I've been looking so forward to meeting you! I love your portfolio!"

This was directly with the employer - not through an agency. I hope to hear very soon. :)

Had a great weekend at WDW for MouseAdventure. Congratulations to Prudence and the Rat for their 4th place finish!

My phone is finally getting FroYo! WOOHOO!!!!!!

Your phone is a frozen yogurt dispenser?

Yes, it's getting Golden Spoon installed.

That was my first reaction as well - I had to look it up.

Stoat has decreed that we can get a TIVO. We're ordering it tonight online. I'm so excited I could bust.

And... we don't have to subscribe to a service here in Aus - just plug & play !!!

It'll change your life

Even Theo understands the power of Tivo. He likes to give it sloppy kisses.

You're gonna wonder how you ever lived without it.

Just made Maddie an appointment with a new Endocrinologist. So far I love them. A person answered the phone on the first ring, they can see her tomorrow (they also had a Friday slot) and all their new patient forms are online so I can fill them out and not waste time when we get there.

Her current doc I spent 25 mins on hold to make her last appointment which was 3 1/2 months out, earliest I could get. It took me 6 phone calls to get a simple prescription refill. Her actual doctors are fine it's just dealing with the office staff or lack thereof that's infuriating.

We'll see how it goes tomorrow. Her current doc tends to run late for appointments, one over an hour and a half. I'm hoping we like this doc better.

EEEKKKK i am GOING to Las Vegas March 19th is the Bon Jovi show and i am on the travel package with the fan club and i get the chance for a photo op with none other than Jon Bon Jovi :) March seems so far away lol but i am so excited like it is Xmas in October. I have the BEST hubby in the whole wide world. *jumps up and down*

I have big happy, party this weekend I am muchly looking forward to, trip to Uk (first time away from North America or it's airspace) next week, life is super grand!

First date tomorrow. The first first date I've actually been excited about in a long time. Here's hoping he doesn't turn out insane (like the last one).

And...............they don't take my insurance. Crap. We're stuck with the group we're at pretty much.

:(

I'm gonna keep crossing my fingers for you, ks.

In the meanwhile, Jason is out of the hospital, and I hope he's having a good day. I can't wait for all this hospital drama to be over with. I have high hopes for November. I have to.

In an effort to not be vague - Jason has a chronic condition that puts him in a fairly serious amount of pain from time to time. Unfortunately, for the past two months we've been in and out of the hospital (because of pain, infection, etc) on an almost weekly basis.

It's nothing major, just exhausting. Well, it's major, but it's such a regularly occurring thing that it's nothing to write home about any more.

So, this tired girl doesn't mean to be causing any worry.

McRibs are back! Dear sweet mana from Heaven; how I've missed thee!

Wow. McRibs. Definitely a once in a lifetime experience for me.

The McRib itself is a very ordinary sandwich, at best.

What's fascinating is the cult of the McRib - salivating masses without any real semblance of taste who will go to some pretty wild extremes for the privilege of ingesting the questionable meat.

There's a McRib locator, McRib facebook groups, and many blog posts from cultists.

I have one McRib a year. That's enough.

Same here. And, it's funny, because I find them to be exactly the same as the "meat" in the frozen Banquet "BBQ Rib" meal. Exact texture and taste. Probably the same manufacturer. Who knows?

I've had a McRib exactly once. That was enough. Another piece of pop culture I don't understand.

Here's a visual representation of how awesome my day is...

I'd say the word "fan" is more appropriate.

McRib fans don't refuse to eat any other type of sandwich.

McRib fans don't denigrate those who dislike McRibs.

McRib fans don't insist you will never go back to anything else once you've tried a McRib.

McRib fans don't feel personally insulted if you tell them you don't like McRibs, or criticize McRibs or McDonalds.

McRibs fans don't feel they are superior or hipper than non McRibs fans.

Yes, definitely not cultists.

The Cult of McRib: How Fake Ribs Drive Real Product Buzz

The Cult of the Elusive McDonald's McRib

The cult of the McRib: Celebrating mystery meat

The Crazy Cult of the McRib

Buy a dictionary, fanboy.

I have several, thank you. And I am capable of reading them.

Cult [kuhlt]

–noun
1. a particular system of religious worship, esp. with reference to its rites and ceremonies.
2. an instance of great veneration of a person, ideal, or thing, esp. as manifested by a body of admirers: the physical fitness cult.
3. the object of such devotion.
4. a group or sect bound together by veneration of the same thing, person, ideal, etc.
5. Sociology . a group having a sacred ideology and a set of rites centering around their sacred symbols.
6. a religion or sect considered to be false, unorthodox, or extremist, with members often living outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader.
7. the members of such a religion or sect.
8. any system for treating human sickness that originated by a person usually claiming to have sole insight into the nature of disease, and that employs methods regarded as unorthodox or unscientific.
:rolleyes:

Some of those definitions are indeed apt for some of the fans referred to in the linked stories. Some people might even use hyperbole and refer to them as "mana (sic) from heaven".

Then you must have read different stories than I did.

I'm done with you. You have moved to the ranks of annoying troll. You are now on ignore. Begone, you have no powers here!

I never called you a cultist, JWBear. I was poking gentle fun at the mostly corpulent losers who have an inordinate sense of excitement over a fast-food sandwich.

Obviously I hit too close to home.

I've never had a McRib, and I don't intend to start now.


But apparently, someone can't take a McRibbing. :p

:D

McRib looks like Mc****.

Settle.

The sandwich is McRibbed for my pleasure.

:D

:snap:

I've never had a McRib but I think I'm going to try it.

Will they bring back the McDLT?

Just a reminder from the FAQs:

In my own happy news - I got re-orged again - but this time to an organization that makes sense and appreciates what I do. I'm very happy about this change

Congratulations! (and you're always appreciated here)

All I hear in my head now is this.

Ray Kroc was indeed a douchebag

Maddie's Grandma was his personal assistant for a time - she would agree with you Moonie.

I have heard that too. But he's dead now, and McRibs are too good to pass up. Nom-nom-nom....

I'm happy to learn that I can write good code after a stiff martini. I could get used to the work-from-home developer paradigm.

Stoat would agree !! - Stoat says he could do 90% of his work from home if he didn't have to manage the fvcktard Humans.

PS: He's happy that he can code while drinking martini's and therefore this belongs in this thread. :D

I always enjoyed writing best after a glass of wine or martini... Just saying.

Maybe I should try coding after a couple drinks.

I'm happy that I get to sleep in tomorrow morning.

We just hired a maid service! Woo-hoo!

I am exceedingly jealous. I had a cleaning lady once. I pine for Carmen the cleaning lady.

I miss Mora also

Of course now you'll never be able to hold political office

I'd love to have someone come in and do a deep cleaning for me. But I have a small 1bd apt and can't really get my head around having someone else do it for me. So it just never gets done.

I could never have a cleaning service. I'm one of those people who would scrub their house from top to bottom prior to their arrival. I'd probably just end up serving them a nice tea and paying them to not clean.

I have a house cleaner every 2 weeks. It is VERY worth it.

Rolled past 1,000 miles on my bike's odometer today.

I made it to work.

And you're happy about that?

Considering that Monday is the day we cut the checks and I get to put money in to replace the funds I spent over the last 72 hours, YUP! :D

Plus I really do love my workplace.

I have a cup of tea

I had a slice of cherry pie at lunch.

I'm by myself in the office, eating M&M's and typing up reports for a meeting tonight.

I don't have herpes

There was a very pleasant surprise waiting for me when I got home from work today. My copy of Armistead Maupin's new Tales of the City novel arrived! I had pre-ordered it a couple months ago, and completely forgot about it. Happy, happy!

I had a McRib again today! :D

When the day involves going somewhere that includes views like this, it was a good day.



A day that lets me take this picture is a very good day.

Where did you go, Alex? Is that Hetch Hetchy?

Yes, the bear is down on the valley floor though we did see three bears up at the reservoir too (from much farther away).

(Bacon Waffles)

Awesome pictures.

I'm still bummed it was too dark to take a picture of the bear that we walked past (it was just a few feet off the trail) last time in King's Canyon.

Great day yesterday. Had lots of fun @ H&T's reading, as did Theo. And now that T is reliably sleeping through the night, we were able to put him down to sleep, get our next door neighbor to 'babysit' (and she tried to not let us pay her anything!) and go out for dinner and a movie (Jackass 3D).

Yay!

I'm also bummed I had my point and shoot with me rather than my long lens so I didn't get anything good of the bears at Hetch Hetchy that were swimming in the lake.

I just heard from Susan that we have a baby Chameleon. It wasn't one which I had in the incubator (we lost all of those); apparently, one of the girls buried her eggs in the dirt and it hatched the old-fashioned way. It is entirely possible that more will be forthcoming.

The interesting part about this is determining who the Mom is. The first suspect is Karma as she had bred with Noyoke a while back. However, because Chameleon eggs can take anywhere from 7-12 months to hatch, it is possible that the egg(s) were from another female we had who mated with another male (both since gone).

Happy surprise none-the-less.

You should update your copy of Disney A-Z.

Otherwise you'll never learn of the existence of DCA.

I was wondering if anybody was going to notice that.

Paging Jerry Springer...

OH! I have Chameleon happiness.

I really hope that we got at least one clutch out of Noyoke before his passing - that would be really cool.

Considering we can get $100 for babies, I am really hoping there are a lot more. I'm not planning on it (we certainly not in this for the money), but one can dream.

Received my offer letter today. So, relieved I will not be pounding the pavement for a new job come January 1.

The new firm it would seem is going to be far more conservative, not only will there be rules about which soda you drink (clandestinely) but there will be an enforced dress code. 1980 here we come! :eek:

Wait - rules about soda types?? I'm curious what that's about. Are they a Pepsi product firm? Or only "traditional" sodas and no Mountain Dew Voltage? Or, if they're channeling 1980, is the female staff limited to discrete cans of Tab?

Are skirts and heels required? Big shoulder pads? I'm really curious!

I am also THRILLED that you remain employed. They acknowledge your awesomeness!

Hooray for continued employment!

Congrats Snowflake. And I'd love to see the dress code as well. I worked at an insurance company and the dress code was a book. Doc Martins were specifically outlawed in 5 different sections. We also had no paper cups which was fine unless there were guests, then it was an issue.

And really they dictate what sodas you drink? We've actually had any sodas outlawed here but it's a small office and it's to keep one of us from being so unhealthy. If you can only have TAB score it's all I drink :)

The parent firm (based in Atlanta) used to represent Coca Cola. They also represented the original Mr. Lay (of Lay's Potato Chips) which was later bought by PepsiCo. (or vice versa). So they stopped representing Coke and became a Pepsi only firm. Ergo, our Coke machines will go and the firm will "officially" not have any Coca Cola products in the office. If you drink it, you bring your own and it's not to be consumed out in a public space if there are clients about (whether or not they are THE client in question). I'm currently searching for a new addition to decorate my cube space, a vintage Pepsi ad with the Joan Crawford endorsment. It will go very well with the Metropolis lobby card presently on display (all the more relavant now).

I'll key in the dress code stuff later. Frankly, unless there is a plan to police it, I can't see how it will be enforced. Hidden cameras? Floor wardens?

In any case, hooray for keeping the job. We'll see what other interesting things develop in the new year. Change is good, but I think some of this is going to be very weird, moving backward.

I think you need one of these in your office:

Who makes Four Loko?


And many congrats on the paying gig!

Now I'm even more curious about the dress code. No thongs? No removing your shoes when you're at your desk?

In other news, I find I have less to say online lately because, frankly, I'm happier. Apparently I spend most of my online time bitching. So, I'll have to work on finding other things to say. Because I'm pretty freaking happy most of the time. It's pretty bizarre.

I'm wondering if dress code is like what we have rockin' at my 120+ y.o. company. Though it is now okay for certain departments to skirt the "rules", I can only skirt it on Fridays, and cannot skirt it as far as other departments.

Despite being in a cube, let's just say I'm all buttoned-down and suited-up most days... suited up depending on who may or may not be roaming the office hallways.

Today is lax to the extreme as just about everyone is out of the office. I am wearing corduroys :eek:

It's not explicitly written, but the peer pressure is certainly there, and the added steps are a part of my department's culture. So only enforceable in that "societal norms" sort of way.

Hmm, but you did say enforceable dress code... we have a dress code that is in writing here, but the additional steps are those taken upon by my relatively conservative department.

We have a very strict dress code here at the office: you must come dressed. I guess my co workers were none too happy with me when I kept showing up naked.

Actually, most days, I wear jeans and a casual shirt. If I know someone is coming in (interview, etc.), I will wear slacks and a dress-casual shirt.

When it rains, it pours.
Not only do I have one great guy who has his eye on me but there's now a second one. They're both nice. If it came down to it, it would be a tough choice.
<3

Two of the most luscious looking, HUGE fresh picked about an hour ago, artichokes are mine. We have a client that we did the plant patent for this variety. He goes and picks some and delivers a few boxes every year. Today was the day and artichokes, it's what's for dinner! YUM:D

I just got cast in the Orlando Shakespeare Theater winter rep season - I'll be appearing in Midsummer Night's Dream (as Egeus) and Pride and Prejudice (as Mr. Gardiner and various ensemble bits)- they'll be paying me and everything!:D

Both shows open late January and run through February and March, in case any of you are in the C. Florida area at that time.

Time to brush up my Shakespeare!

Woo hoo!
Congrats!
Break legs!
:snap:

New hair! :)

I get to sing with the Torrance Civic Chorale starting in January! Concert April 9th - mark your calendars! Lots of Cole Porter and Irving Berlin.

We got our DCL cruise docs!!! We set sail in 37 days. :D

I got another person their job back today! :D

:cheers:

Yeah!

"Best case scenario, your balls smell like balls and wine."

-CP

:D :D :D

Maddie got her braces off today. It's been three long years.

Oh man, still one of the happiest days of my life. I had them for 5+ years, it was amazing to finally be free of them.

Do they still forbid the eating of corn on the cob, ribs on the bone, et. al. while wearing braces, or has technology progressed? If so, I hope she enjoys her first meal (if her diet allows her any of the braces-forbidden foods that is)

She's off to drown herself in a vat of popcorn followed by a pound of Laffy Taffy. She had these on for three. She previously had an expander, braces and retainer for phase one. So basically she's had hardware in her mouth since first grade.

Sounds like pretty much the same plan I was on (except replace expander with neck gear). Glad to hear she's getting a proper binge!

I never envied those who had braces, head gear, retainers, etc. I'll just be ugly thankyouverymuch

Congrats to Maddie for her freedom!

Hooray for Maddie!!!! Now it's time to get drunk! ;)

TRON opens Friday. YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Though I still haven't seen the original. Booo.

When I was in jr high I wanted braces because the cool kids had them.

If we had dental insurance I probably would have gotten my wish. I'm glad I didn't.

Got to see a free surprise pre-screening of Tron Legacy tonight at DtD.

Heard about it just 10 minutes prior to the line start, and made it in time to be one of the lucky 250 people. Even Ken was able to come join me. :)

They also gave us "Flynn Lives" pins.

Anyway, to say it's incredible is a total understatement. It's beyond worthy of the big hype that Disney's been giving it. The 3D is just spectacular, the storyline is excellent, the characters are amazing, and I could go on for days. I need to see it at least 10 more times in theaters. Seriously! :snap:

Heh, Heh, Tron. Heh, Heh she said Tron.

Congratulations to Maddie! I hope she gets to enjoy all the things she's been missing, it's also great that it happened just before Christmas!

I'm sure Zach will be envious to hear, he still has awhile to go unfortunately.

I'm still waiting to hear about snowflake's new dress code.

Just got home from it. I'm embargoes from reviewing until Friday so I'll just say that my reaction diverges significantly.

Interesting! Can't wait to hear your review. :)

Got another very deserving person's job back today. That makes for a Merry Christmas indeed.

Way to go Matt!

I'm happy. I got cast in Avenue Q!
Bad Idea Bear #1 and understudy for Trekkie and Brian!

TOO COOL !!!!:snap:

Congrats GC!

Today at work we had the holiday potluck. In both previous groups they ate from the top down - important people through the line first - and despite bringing something awesome, there wasn't anything left when it was my turn to eat. So, today I only brought cranberry relish -- and there was a TON of food. I was stuffed. AWESOME!

You must spread some Mojo around before giving it to Gemini Cricket again. :D

Way to go!!!!

I'm still happy after seeing X last night. I've had X songs in my head all day long and it's been GREAT. Those guys still have it.

YAY!!! :snap:

:D

Congrats GC!!

Now I need to go look up Avenue Q because for some reason my brain is putting Muppets in it:blush:

Not Muppets, but yes, puppets.

It is puppets, which is why I've never seen it despite several opportunities to do so.

But I believe there are real people as well (and presumably real people voicing the puppets.

WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!

Grandson cuteness ahead: Orion understands that he isn't supposed to touch the Christmas tree (but he tests that out at every opportunity) but when he touched the tree with his face no one said no - a loophole! So his parents keep finding glitter in his hair from close encounters with the tree.

Cute! :D Theo is just now learning "no" and it's hard going. At least he's still easily distracted.

Guess what special drink I managed to recreate for my special evening ?

...it turned out just like the real thing, so I'm TOTALLY happy. :cool:

Yummy!

Forgive my ignorance, but what is that supposed to be?

I'd say it's a mint julep a la Disney.

Wait, I thought Scope has already perfectly recreated the taste of a Disney mint julep?

Faux julep. I'd rather have the real thing. mmm Bourbon

Actually it's a Real-Faux Julep - I had to use real Creme De Menthe because I couldn't find the flavoured syrup in Oz...

But did it cure gingivitis?

I'm gonna see Skulltape tonight!! YAY!!! :D

For the first time in over a year, and since her ear infection, Munchkin wandered into the middle of the living room. On her own accord, with no prompting or harassment.

She's been out before, but only when we force her out because we're cleaning the cage or something. Physically, she recovered as well as she'll recover (which is really quite well considering the first vet who saw her gave her almost no chance), and she's been perfectly capable of going wherever she wanted for almost a year. But she had turned into very much of a hermit, venturing no farther than just outside the enclosure.

She's still been happy to accept and return affection if we would bring ourselves into the corner with her, but for the longest time she was not seeking it or initiating it. Over the last month, something changed, she's been spending more time just outside the door of their enclosure instead of just inside, spending more time a short way out, and gesturing for our attention when we'd come by. But today, she decided to come all the way out, and wander across the room, a sight we haven't seen in a long time. SO happy to see it. She's been absolutely amazing through her entire ordeal, I'm so happy she's gotten some of her old spirit back!

I didn't know the bunny had been sick, good to know she's doing better!

One of these is on it's way - WOOHOO!

New toy - cool!

That ought to mesh nicely with your Emotiva bits.

I just got a statement that's obviously an error as it has $208K more than it should have. I'm sure they'll fix it in the morning but for now I'm RICH RICH RICH!

I think you should toast your new found temporary wealth and pretend that it's really yours. Of course you can't afford an expensive toast but maybe something around the house ;)

Go and buy some big ticket items, then sue for emotional distress when you have to return it all.

I'm just virtually spending all my virtual cash. You're all invited to come see my virtual shutters and my virtually remodeled bathrooms and kitchen. Then I'll buy a virtual round on me.

Stater Brothers has 99-cent artichokes! Big ones, too!

OK, so two new toys arrived today (I had them delivered to work): our new TiVo and a new Harmony remote. Now I am sitting at my office with a bunch of things I should be doing and all I can think about is going (with a quick stop for a network adapter) and setting up the new toys. Oy.

And now I have the punchline to an old joke in my head (Artie Chokes Three for a Dollar at the Supermarket)

The grandson turned one year old today. I'll see him at the party on Saturday - can't wait. His mom shared photos of him tonight: there was cake inside and out.:)

For the Non- FB'ers out there, My first week's weigh in at Weight Watchers yielded 3 lbs lost !!!!! Yay.

This time I will have to stick to it, and if I lose 1 Kg (2.2 lb) a week, I can be 89 Kg (196 lb) by the time we go. (and 190 lb is my ideal weight according to them)

Congrats, Lash! I'm down 7 so far. (I'm not doing WW, though, I'm working with Richard Simmons. Not the francise, the man. It's... yeah. Crazy and great.)

Congrats on the weight loss!

Yay for healthier everyone!

THE Richard Simmons? *Faints*

I adored him when I was younger. I used to do the workouts on Telly with him. AND I played his "Reach" LP workout to death. He's a great singer !

Start training on Monorail today.....extremely happy!

Though a bit nervous and scared at the same time!

WONDERFUL!!! :snap:

You go girl! I love RS. He knows his stuff. :)

Wooooo! Awesome job! Very excited for you! :D

What, is this some kind of exercise program?

Oh; WORK training. I get it...

You will have to come with me to one of my classes when you are back in the states! It will be a blast. (That goes for anyone else currently in the states, too.)

You have inspired me to take some GroupX classes at the gym.

I got to install my old receiver at my dad's place today. I hope it brings him as much happiness as it brought me.

I will miss WebOs. I will not miss the crappyness of the Palm pre's hardware.

I have an awesome new phone!!

My Pre's case was cracked, the headphone jack was jacked and I didn't have the insurance. And for reasons unknown to me or the sales guy @sprint I was eligible for the full upgrade discount despite 6 months left on my contract.

So I'm posting this from my shiny, huge new samsung Epic. It's outstanding so far.

Welcome to the world of Android. I think you'll find yourself right at home.

Yeah, we're definitely off the Palm bandwagon. Good software (though nobody's really developing for it very hard) but awful hardware. Mine has been repaired five times now (mostly for issues with the headphone jack but other things as well). Lani's on her second phone.

Lani's hairdresser got a Pre at the same time we did and went through five phones before he bitched and moaned enough that they let her pick a new phone (Evo, I think).

It's such a shame. Maybe when hp relases the webos tablet it'll gain some steam (cnet is talking it up once again) but it's a majorunderdog. Android is great, but there are a handful of thins in webos that I will miss forever.

I still miss graffiti

At work we have a standing monthly meeting for discussing platform support for mobile banking and for people to bring up anything noteworthy in the market. A standing joke at this point is for me to shout out webOS while holding up my phone, when it is asked if there are any new platforms we should support. We all laugh and move on.

I keep reading this as WebO's - like it is a now defunct cereal or child's pasta dish.

After struggling with returning to school, I've succeeded in re-acquiring one of my courses. So 1 class is not bad. Already behind a week but catching up!

Yaay, Bornieo!!!:cheers::snap:

Good luck with the leanifying Born!


Day 2 of new phone, still loving it. But really, WebOS and Android need to mate and have a baby to cross-pollinate some features between them. From WebOS: Gestures, the card view style of multitasking. From Android: Voice search, virtual keyboard with Swype (Swype is AWESOME). Get all of those features into either OS and they'd be perfect.

I received an "on the spot" award today for setting an example for your fellow employees and getting it done. It's not a huge deal in front of the company award but it's sure nice to know people really do appreciate me. Especially after the other BS about not being recognized.

And it came with a $25 gift card to Chilis/OTB/Macaroni Grill/Maggianos.

I am just happy. Does this belong here?

Yes!

Five words that spell happy:

Tax Refund Fed & State!

Fantastic! Good for you!


I think so!

Artichokes still on sale. Ate 2 for lunch today, then went to supermarket and bought more. Gonna ride this cheap produce gravy train while it's here! Oh and brussels sprouts seem to be in good shape too.

Conga-rats!

Death before brussel sprouts! I could go for the artichokes however.

You know... cooked properly, brussels sprouts can be terrific. But like cabbage, it's hell on earth if you overcook them.

As a kid, I was able to choke down Brussels Sprouts by slathering them in French Dressing - somehow that made them tolerable.

I love 'em. Never had them until I was an adult. I toss a few in the silicone microwave steamer - let them steam for two minutes. A little salt, a little mustard (horseradish mustard is even better). Yum.

I used leftover garlic-curry-mayo that I'd been dipping my artichokes in.

Hmm... can't confirm it on their website at the moment, but I'm hearing murmurings on the grapevine the Hollywood Bowl is going to have a very interesting concert in August that'll be worth going to :) FANtastic

I'm loving the cheap avocados. Avocado with lemon juice on toast is an immaculate breakfast.

that sounds like a great breakfast idea!

Damn I'm hungry

I'm happy.

I'm not.:)

If you had yummy food would you be happy just a little?

I just got the artwork in for my next tattoo- D.W. Frydendall - who did some great Haunted Mansion stuff for Slave Labor Graphics whipped this beauty up in no time at all- I LOVE IT!

Cool - can't wait to see the finished product!

This looks perfect for you!