Archive for 'The Real Me'
Busy busy - Today was just one of those days, wished a lot more had been done, wish some things had not taken up some of my time, but such is life I suppose - I have a lot on my mind, and with that sometimes my ability to reason and be rational about situations goes out the window, I sat down for a little over an hour to watch some recorded TV, let me relax a bit - but still just a temporary escape.
Some things happened good, server client paid today, so that’s a plus, no having to scrounge for funds or kill a server, got a check in the mail I wasn’t expecting… sure sure it’s for $15 but hey - that’s eat’n money 
I had hoped for another positive talk about business, but it never seemed to happen, it was one up’d by a site getting hacked that belongs to local government, and having to do some disabling of it and get it temporarily cleaned up, but even there, some more work to come.
I would ask of you all who read this to keep me in your prayers, as of late I feel like I am on the edge of a big step in life, big changes, big adjustments - some things like an apartment, job, etc. all are big parts, but I dunno, that is one thing in my mind lately I have been throwing around that whole “ah life” bit, trying to figure out what I’m here for as sometimes while I do love helping folks, I feel like a rag doll, just tossed around then left by the wayside - people who claim I am as I have said before “worth your weight in gold!” I sure sometimes that folks only say that to keep me happy and part of the team 
but its all part of this change I think, I dunno, just lately I feel different, aside from sleep deprived (that’s nothing new) I just feel like I just have to go a little further and it’ll be to a next step. I guess time will tell.
For now I will say my usual “Anywhoo…” and log off, I want to hit the bathroom, then head up the mountain, hoping to enjoy the calm, the breeze, and possibly the chance to see 2 moons in the sky during this lunar eclipse. So thanks in advance for the prayers, more later.
Well its 2:30am, I am awake. Not all that uncommon a few months ago, but lately, not so much. So whats up with me? Well since I am awake, and have a bad habit of being long winded, why not lay it out.
Work (makin a livin)
Servers lately have been good, did a round of updates last night which seemed to go smoothly, test box never had any issues, so happy there - but the company my servers sit at has been doing some “re-pricing” now granted my current servers are all price protected, however - the expansion I have had brewing is not. Several “Specials” have come and gone to get things online with the next server I wanted, and a new ultra robust backup server was halted very quickly when they increase pricing for size.
So where does that leave me? Well for now it leaves me investigating 2 options, one after talking to a nice gent on live-chat named Ruben, I am optimistic about, another option talking with Will - so-so, but his operation is closer to me, so easier to get to the servers at the end of the day, not relying on 3rd party hands to get me going - but this week is some number chrunching, we will see what happens, but I think my plan is to drum up some funds offer 20 customers who have been with me over 2 years a offer on some features they may not find anywhere else, and for a price, well that may be a little hefty at first glance, but will allow them to shape the services to come.
Health
I don’t get sick too often, but when I do, it tends to be a doosy, I of course count real sickness, not me running for 4 days straight and being completely exhausted physically and just giving into the light at the end of the tunnel - my weight is once again dripping off this summer, slower than past years, could be due to the fact I am not sweating it off in my car as I have in the past, but it also means I am not wet on my way to a meeting
I am trying to eat more fresh meals instead of fast food, which isn’t cheap, and not always “fast” but it does help me to slow down in the hustle and bustle of my day and eat, and when I MUST eat out, trying to eat a meal that is filling, not just “tasty” I just really wish Jack in the Box would bring back the Chicken Ceaser, it was simple, easy, tasty - and not horrible for ya either
Finances
Budget is leveling out, a lot of the checks I have been waiting on have come in, and of course it’s mid year, so folks who are on semi-annual hosting are paying up, but this month so far no unexpected bills, however I do have 3 new accounts @ WAMU, apparently the system only needed 1 authorization on my checking account to activate all 3 accounts, so I have 2 personal accounts 2 savings, and 1 business checking, lol - to be sorted this afternoon.
Monthly is up a bit, still no-where near what I’d like it to be, but I am working on it, I had a fellow mentioned I should get hired on @ his work, but not sure how that would pan out really, but if it did, and some ground rules were set (similar industry as what I do now), I wouldn’t mind, but I just want to setup something that I get paid fairly for my time & projects.
But it seems more and more old jobs keep cropping up, one fellow even asked me in passing this past week if I was still working for one of my old clients - not at the moment, a few old clients though have looked me up, apparently they have learned the bargain that is me 
even though for most of my older clients my new pricing is higher than before, many have decided I am well worth it, so hopefully if this trend keeps up, I can get my budget where I am hoping.
Photography
I wish I had some time behind the camera, part of me wants to escape, but I know there is a lot to be done, but my thought is within 2 weeks make it to the coast, spend a weekend at my brother’s combing the beach, maybe do some hiking in the hills to get some good nature shots, I really need a better more compact GPS, my current I got from a client as a gift for some work, is bulky, it is meant for your car, I want one that works in the car, but works in my pocket/camera bag, so I can geotag photos better.
I do have a wedding coming up, I need to follow up with the happy couple and see what they are looking for, I may need to buy a lens of they want various shots, but I think in the end, I am going to ask them for $125 and suggest they hire a photographer, as I don’t want to mess up their happy day by my inexperience in live photography at this sort of an event.
Friends & Family
I get out now and again still, as my previous posts of recent movies I have hit, but I do want to plan a gathering for friends to get together one last time before the Fosters move away but hopefully even more so before that get together with folks, hang out, shoot the breeze, catch up, eat a pizza.
Family is good, went to dinner with Beth, Michael, Mom & Dad on Friday for Dad’s birthday, and if all goes as planned, I’ll see Ron, Harm, and Charity in a few weeks - I still do want to make it up to Washington to see my grandparents, just like with many things, budget, budget, budget, so hopefully if all goes as planned I can make it up that way in the fall, and avoid getting snowed in (though snow would be nice), so would a real road trip with just me and the road for a few days.
Anywhooo
Going to go try to get my pillow to tell me nice things, have a good Monday folks. Think happy thoughts, thanks for stopping by!
Well I ordered Creative Suite CS3 Design Premium today, probably be here by Friday, didn’t do the digital download like last time, wanted a hard copy - so now I wait and work on the current project with CS2 in the mean time, so far it works, just gets slow sometimes running it in Rosetta, CS3 was slick, so hoping the migration to the CS3 suite will prove very useful, plus should allow me to work on my own photography site after I get some projects rolling and done in the coming weeks.
Today has been a mixed day of ups and downs, sore still pushing fluids and about to go take some tylenol for the first time since the pain started, part of me wonders if its Wisdom Teeth, they tend to make me hurt all over, like my body distributes the pain to make the main source no so bad, which in itself is nice, but none the less pain, so here’s to hoping that the meds help some and the water keeps me fluids up as we endure this mild weather, oh 115F I miss you!
The idea book is doing well, used it at the meeting to jot down notes, and today as I worked in Illustrator and Photoshop sketched out ideas, then worked them out in Illustrator and Photoshop - I miss design, my first loves always seem to take a backseat to work, music, art, etc. things I love to do, things I love to dive into, heck being back on Photoshop on a Mac alone felt like I was back at school, maybe it’s time to go back? Come away with at least an AA so I can claim to be a college grad
Anywhoo - more of the day beckons, been a busy one, new order, which is cool, but I have a plan rolling around in my head for people who have been with me over 2 years to join a founders club and get a fantastic deal on hosting, but a limited time, limited number of people to sign up to help balance out the budget, and really say “thanks” to folks who really helped start and get the business a float all those years ago - so we shall see! Take care all, have a wonderful Week!
So hit the 8pm showing of Pirates, the show started with 9 people in our group, some left in the middle due do fussy baby I am guessing, but I got to sit next to Angel who kept tickling me! (kids are silly) but it was a fun night, a mixed day, but the night totally washed away all the junk from the day and while I’d love to vent it all, part of it is just my own frustrations in things - and such is life I suppose.
The movie was good - some said “confusing” I thought it was a good flick overall, had some “made you think” spots, which my brain of course enjoyed - but by far is the dynamic duo of Jack (the monkey) and the parrot who’s the voice of the tongue-less pirate - classy indeed, but some interesting mix of mythology, action, hint of romance, and of course, Cap’n Jack Sparrow - but while leaving, I was asked what the next flick we were going to see - options were Transformers, Harry Potter, “???” - not sure what comes out next in time-tables, so I’ll hafta refresh my trailer watching
I will say this, it is WIDE open for a Pirates 4, but I have a funny feeling they may try to make it into a spin-off based upon a character who I will leave nameless - but we shall see I imagine.
Tomorrow is the final stage of sprinkler day I think, so I should probably head to bed here shortly - but knowing me, I’ll probably be up for a few hours thinking about sleeping as I work on a project or two thats hanging around in the back of my mind - one project is coming along nicely, and if I can get it done by Monday - I hope to reward myself with an iPod or Camera Lens (leaning towards lens really).
Anywhoo - have a good evening folks.
Today was a good day - can’t really complain. A few tasks off the ever growing to-do list, got to wander town a bit after my morning of work, even snagged my first highly recommended Moleskine notebook, got the larger one, but now I really want a pocket one for on the go, just need a good pen.
Got some DVD’s for the evening, turning in my Blockbuster online rentals, and have sat here really just unwinding and relaxing - something I really need to do more often as of late, but none the less, I did it - I just drove around today seeing people looking sad/angry/frustrated, and just kept finding myself wanting them to be happy - but occasionally saying a little prayer for them - it was a wonderful 80F outside - didn’t even need AC in the car really, just enjoy the open air.
Only “eh” to the entire day was in the ’stuff I do for my friends’ category, one of my friend’s customers emailed me about an issue that he created, granted he blamed it on my buddy and then followed up with me, and even told his boss that we screwed everything up - part of me just wanted to hit “Terminate” on all his accounts, as this is the 3rd time where it ends up being his fault, and it’s just stupid, but life goes on, I fixed his glitch, he really just needs his own server.
I really want to get out there and get a photo day in, I really want to pick up a 35mm lens or the 50-200mm lens for the camera, but at the same time I’d like to get a 80GB iPod to replace my ever-aging 40GB HP+iPod - but who knows - all of the above would be nice, but I am looking to revamp some various bits here and there, but we shall see I guess - I imagine if a few of these projects all level out, I’ll be good to go on something, but I am really leaning towards the 35mm lens - its around $200, iPod (refurb from Apple + $50 gift card I have) comes to about $249 - but if only money was pouring from my pockets
Anywhoo - A night awaits me, going to work on some little server plans, have some ideas I want to really expand upon and layout a bit more - so thus where the new notebook comes into play - really excited about expanding things - but we’ll see how it plays out here soon! Have a Good Wednesday folks, I am off to jot notes!
So the day seems to be slowly coming to a close, so let’s start back a 2 mornings ago, since there are a few things I left out which I am excited about - namely cPanel 11 - it’s the newest release of the control panel I use on my servers, and wowza, its a leap better than ever - I put the “Current” branch on my test box for a little field testing, and must say - performs nicely even over a T1 thats got high-use mid day, things like Ruby on Rails, WebDAV, new Ajaxerific user front-end, etc. going to be a awesome upgrade for customers, very excited to be testing it right now.
Fast forward back to today - had dinner with my friends, got to chit-chat and catch-up a bit, had some delicious steak - and good conversation, was nice to seem them both - as it seems anymore its harder and harder to find some time for hanging out, but today I seemed to find it in abundance, as after leaving their place at almost 11pm, I made it to the theater about an hour before Spiderman 3 started, and hung out with Jake and his friends - was a good group for watching a movie.
Now as for the movie, I am not going to say “And then Peter DIED!” (well except for that one time) - but I will say as the man next to me said “What was with all the love story!?” LoL - now don’t get me wrong, in the 2h 20m of the film there is a lot of action, some amazing special effects (ie Venom) but the storyline is about love, forgiveness, etc. not that its bad, just not quite what I was expecting - but I stayed awake thru it, so apparently it wasn’t all that bad
Coming out of the theater I saw Lilith from Fluxar along with Mark and Joseph who I knew out of their group, my group of course kept going towards the door lol - but said hello chit-chatted for a second or two, then said goodnight, and of course everyone didn’t realize we’d be getting out of a movie after 2:30am, and thus suddenly no one wanted to go hang out at Denny’s anymore but I’ll survive.
So what does today hold for me? Well I am hoping a touch of sleep - dragging a little, as I got a brief nap this afternoon before my evening began, but I could use a few hours more… so for starters a nap here shortly, then the day will happy I suppose So I wish you all a happy Friday, remember, relax, and breathe.
Or as others like to call her, Charity! My niece will be here tomorrow for a week I believe (still fuzzy on the details, been sleeping a lot, and I miss a lot of a day compared to not sleeping) - but should be fun, she will get to play Grandma’s new game on Wii (Open Season) - test drove it some tonight and it’s pretty fun, and follows the movie pretty closely - but requires a lot of interaction with the wii-mote, but it works
Today was more sleeping, anymore weekends just tend to be a real “shutdown” time for me, never was before, but the last few weekends I just have totally crashed out - which is nice, gives this ol pile of bones a chance to rest up - biggest trip today was the trip to Foodmax for supplies for the meal tomorrow for Easter, but also making sure my camera is ready as well for the kiddo coming, always fun getting her on camera when she’s here because she’s just like me - totally nuts.
I am thinking of doing something a wise man once said to do which is “break that cycle” - a few I have broken, done things lately I normally would of not, but the big one I am leaning towards is traveling a bit, finances are tight, car needs an oil change, but I really just want to get lost for a while - I have talked about it over and over again for the last few years, but never have gotten to doing it, I figure while I do want to take up my good buddy Jon up on a trip to his flat down-under, I figure first things first I have entire large continent here to explore a bit - so who knows, maybe after taxes venture towards Colorado (Aunt Margie), Washington (Aunt/Uncle/Grandparents/Cousins), Arizona (This guy I knew growing up, we shall call him Cory.), or maybe just drive and end up somewhere else. I dunno, I mean like the veggie tales song says “and I’ve never been to Boston in the fall.” which is so true.
So the fund has begun, need to probably get my car tuned up before I go, get some spare cash so I don’t live on Credit Cards, and sell my GPS and get a newer fancy one that I can easily put more maps on so I can’t truly get ‘lost’ but at least have a way out of where I am I dunno - some definite options to go on - but by the start of, or before 2008 I want to have some travel outside of California under my belt - I’d love to hit Colorado or Washington as both are beautiful areas where my relatives live, and even if my relatives could only put me up for a day, the time taking shots would be awesome not to say Arizona wouldn’t be bad either (correct me if I’m wrong Cory).
Well thats the bits in my mind which I had to get out, and it’s only 11pm, man folks are going to start to talk! but who knows, as I have found the last few years, life is a funny thing sometimes, best laid plans don’t always work out, but here’s to saving up some cash, and if the trip fails, the cash could always go towards lighting/lenses for my photography! Which too isn’t a bad idea - but for now, off to my wiki to make some notes, and then I think I am going to curl up on the couch, put in a nice quiet DVD (Snakes on a Plane - LoL) and call it an evening. Happy Easter Folks.
