New Eyes

Well, not quite new eyes, but definitely a new pair of glasses. They'll take a little getting used to, but I already think they look pretty darn good.

When Will I Return?

I'm hoping that I can schedule my time so that I'm able to get back to writing on the blog soon. I will have 8 days of vacation from work starting Friday, the 14th of March. During that time I have no excuse not to get back to writing.

Nothing huge has happened for me in the past 6 months anyway.

Seen some great movies, read some great comics and books.

My brother got married (happy now, Ry?).

Got back on the bike today for the Chili Ride (19.6 miles) in Newton. Froze my toes off...well, just the pinky toes.

Bought some sweet measuring cups - silicone and collapsable and $17.99.



See you soon.

Last Post of 2007

This will be the last post of 2007. I know I really let the blog fall apart in the end there, but...

In 2008 I have big plans for myself: Writing. Painting. Weight loss. Girlfriend(s).

It'll be a brand new year.

A new me.

I'm excited.

See you in 2008!

Why I'll Never Be A Champion

There are kids - yeah, kids - out there that make you realize that no matter how hard you try, you just never will be any good at video games. Take for instance this video of a kid simply destroying Guitar Hero III. The kid is amazing.

I did get a chance to try Guitar Hero III yesterday at my brother's. It's fun. A lot of good songs. I finally saw the 360 bundle at Best Buy that includes both the game and wireless guitar. If I hadn't already bought myself a new toy I so totally would have been rockin' a new guitar last night.

Live from My New iPod Touch

I'm writing this from my new toy, sitting down in my living room, grinning like a fool because of the awesomeness (yes, it's a word) of technology! This was my present to myself today. Now I really won't get any work done.

Behind the Times

I know that I'm letting the world know I'm a little behind the rest of you all, but I discovered Guitar Hero II for the 360 this holiday weekend.

And boy is it addictive.

Granted, I'm only playing on Easy, but I'm already 30 songs through the career mode. There are some good songs on this game. Fun songs.

My brother and Amy were over yesterday and they were hooked as well.

I think I know what one game I might put on my Christmas list this year - that is, if I can wait until Christmas: Guitar Hero III.

Part of My Mess

This is just part of the mess that is my office at the moment. I'm happy that all my boxes are unpacked - or at least looked through. What I need are a couple more bookshelves and about a day of organizing, and my office will be tamed to the point where I can begin working in it.

You can't tell under the mess, but I have a massive desk which will be wonderful to work on. I can't spend anymore time in the office this weekend, though. I've got work to do and American Ganster to see.

November the First

Wow, it's already November. Where does time go?

It doesn't seem like all that long ago I started this little blog running. And sure, I've posted less and less as time's gone by, but I still enjoy having an outlet for my thoughts. I'll keep it up as long as I can. Mabye some day I may even get back to regular updates...time will tell.

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween, all!

Here's a picture of someone's (not mine) carved pumpkin. I wish I could carve a pumpkin that well.

Alas, I'll simply have to settle for the triangle eyes, round nose, and simple toothy grin.

Oingo Boingo Avenged

It came as pleasant surprise to me while listening to Avenged Sevenfold's new self-titled CD that they heavily sampled an old Boingo song, "Nasty Habits." It was so much like Boingo that I had to check the booklet and then hop online to see what was going on.

Turns out the band was a big fan of the Boingo. So much so that they pulled together some of the former members (Marc Mann and Steve Bartek) to help out on Avenged's new album. Avenged Sevenfold's track, "A Little Piece of Heaven," best displays the influence and a nearly identical string arrangement as is in "Nasty Habits."

I love noticing things like this because I am so not musically inclined. I can't keep a beat to save my life. I'll puff up my chest the rest of the night at my musical might.

For more information on the new album, check out this short article.

Foreign Movies

I've been on a bit of a foreign movie kick. Tonight I watched The Valet, a French romantic comedy. It was quite good. Funny and charming and nice. It's fun to watch a movie that you can simply enjoy. This one was about a parking valet who is asked to live with a supermodel so that this billionaire who is cheating on his wife (with the supermodel) can continue to get away with his affair. It's a French movie, but feels somewhat American. It's like I could picture the movie being remade here, but not being done as well as it was originally. It's worth the rental.

I'd also highly recommend Cashback. This one's a British film, and a bit...sexier. It's a comedy about an art student suffering insomnia after being dumped by his girlfriend who then goes to work on the night shift at a supermarket full of crazy employees. There's some stopping of time, some romance, and a happy ending. I enjoyed this one so much I had to buy a copy of my own.

Other great foreign Netflix choices: Love Me If You Dare and The Black Book.

What A Weekend

So I ran for the first time in over a year. And it felt good. Today was my 11th straight Run for the Roses up in Ames, and I planned to walk the entire 5K because I am so out of shape. Instead, I started out running, and ended up running all but .75 miles of the 3.1 mile race. I was just in the zone, I suppose. It felt good and I'm only slightly sore now - I'm sure tomorrow will be worse.

I unpacked 15 book boxes and found that I'll need way more shelf space for my collection of comics, books, movies and music. I'll have to order a couple more bookcases and maybe even think about getting rid of some things (or consolidating my movies like I did my CDs).

I also went to 30 Days of Night for the second time. I ate ribs at Texas Roadhouse. I watched a bunch of 7th season Buffy the Vampire Slayer while doing work.

All in all it was a productive - but short - weekend. I hope to get back to updating the blog a bit more regularly. Sorry for the long break between posts. I think things are turning around to the point that I will have time to do some writing. Crossing my fingers.

Happy Birthday, Ryan

Happy Birthday, baby brother! I hope you have a great day. Stop by sometime when you are free and pick up your toy surprise (your presents...yes, plural).

Too Much Help

Don't you hate it when people try to help and all they do is make extra work for you? I mean, you are gracious and thankful for the help, but sometimes - if you don't ask for the help - there can be a real reason why the help isn't needed.

Ah, I guess I'm just complaining for complaining's sake. It's been that kind of day.

And yes, I've noticed how I'm not nearly as happy as I once was when I was unemployed. It's just a different kind of happiness now. I'm pleased as punch that I'm employed in a job I - mostly - enjoy, but the things that were keeping me happy have slipped by the wayside. I no longer have the time to relax and unwind.

And it's only Tuesday.

Partially Full

Over the weekend I managed to unpack and temporarily shelve the majority of my collected editions of comic books. These are are the trade paperbacks, graphic novels, and hardcover comics I have already read. Packed away in boxes are the remaining collections I've yet to read - maybe 2 shelves worth. Once I find them all, I'll put them in ABC order and be content.

I also managed to put up a few of my action figures and toys in the bookcase with doors. I like the Angel puppets - from the "Smile Time" episode - perched on top of the case best. You have to be wary of vampire attacks when coming up to my loft.

Serious.

You've been warned.