Nothing important here
Friday, June 27, 2008
(It makes me very sad to see that my last blog post was in March. However, Simon is also almost a month behind, so I suppose even the best of us can fail.)
What has been keeping me busy the last while?
1. School. Since I posted last, I have written nearly 15,000 words on various accounting topics, delivered over an hour of presentations on the aforementioned papers, and blistered my fellow classmates with questions based on their own papers and presentations. So, not entirely an unproductive 3 months.
2. Bought a new car. SUV. Thingy. Nissan Rogue. It's nice. Still smells good. I'm flabbergasted that we actually made a decision on this, since we've been shopping for a new couch and chair for approximately four years now. Anyways, here's a picture.
3. My Wii game collection is growing by leaps and bounds. As is my love of soccer. Both take up less time than I would like, but still enough that I don't get a ton accomplished.
4. Photography has become a passion of mine, but I definitely don't partake enough. I also want to go out right now and drop a grand on new glass for a twenty year old film camera. I don't think there's a treatment for this condition yet, except for perhaps the lotto.
5. Writing output is down - significantly. Well, creative writing is anyways. As seen above, I can still crank out words if needs be.
6. Running season is back! I'm probably up about 70K or so. Not a terrible start, but I need to work on being regular and getting out more than once or twice a week. I want to run a half marathon by this fall - only so many weeks left to train.
There's nothing quite as demeaning as itemizing your failures/accomplishments over a set period of time, particularly when you haven't accomplished much. Well, such is life. Time to get back into the swing of things. There's a fresh roll of film in my camera, a quarter finished short story on my desktop, and beer in the fridge.
~Jayson
What has been keeping me busy the last while?
1. School. Since I posted last, I have written nearly 15,000 words on various accounting topics, delivered over an hour of presentations on the aforementioned papers, and blistered my fellow classmates with questions based on their own papers and presentations. So, not entirely an unproductive 3 months.
2. Bought a new car. SUV. Thingy. Nissan Rogue. It's nice. Still smells good. I'm flabbergasted that we actually made a decision on this, since we've been shopping for a new couch and chair for approximately four years now. Anyways, here's a picture.
3. My Wii game collection is growing by leaps and bounds. As is my love of soccer. Both take up less time than I would like, but still enough that I don't get a ton accomplished.
4. Photography has become a passion of mine, but I definitely don't partake enough. I also want to go out right now and drop a grand on new glass for a twenty year old film camera. I don't think there's a treatment for this condition yet, except for perhaps the lotto.
5. Writing output is down - significantly. Well, creative writing is anyways. As seen above, I can still crank out words if needs be.
6. Running season is back! I'm probably up about 70K or so. Not a terrible start, but I need to work on being regular and getting out more than once or twice a week. I want to run a half marathon by this fall - only so many weeks left to train.
There's nothing quite as demeaning as itemizing your failures/accomplishments over a set period of time, particularly when you haven't accomplished much. Well, such is life. Time to get back into the swing of things. There's a fresh roll of film in my camera, a quarter finished short story on my desktop, and beer in the fridge.
~Jayson
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Bloody hell, another long-term update....
Sunday, December 16, 2007
A high-speed update on all things happening for me...
1. NaNoWriMo 2007 - things went well this year, for the most part. I achieved 50,000 words, but not on a single story. I was so psyched up about an idea I had for a western novel, but I was swamped under the burdeon of the details that I just don't know. Perhaps were I more steeped in the genre, things might have gone better. Anyways, I killed that story around 25K and, with a week and a half to go, finished writing a sci-fi kids adventure. That was actually oodles of fun. We'll see how it goes with finishing that story, 'cause it really speaks to the fun part of me.
2. The Golden Compass - don't bother seeing this movie, unless you are an ardent "His Dark Materials" fan, and even then, go in with a wary eye. The story ends about twenty minutes too early to complete the book, all the dialogue is used simply to move the plot forward (i.e. "I'm Lyra, who are you?" "I'm so-and-so, and this is why I'm important to the plot." "Excellent. Shall we go and advance the plot together?" "I require that you perform a task that will allow the director to employ an action scene before we can progress through this story.") There is almost zero religious implications, though - almost zero, and only the most keen eyed observer will really see the implications. They're also very inocculous.
3. Jasper - our dog has progressed quite nicely. He's mostly housetrained (still the occasional accident, but now it's more of a once a week kind of thing, rather than once a day) and I am proud to announce that he has progressed from version 1.0...
... to version 2.0...
and for those keeping track at home, the update list includes: larger size (natch), lighter colored fur, a proper big-boy haircut, and descended testicles.
4. Christmas - life is, as per usual tis time of the year, crazy. Still have some shopping to do, but I'm further ahead of the curve than normal. Most years, I'm still wrapping on Christmas Eve. This year, I should be done by the end of this week at the absolute latest.
That's about it for now. The wife has emerged from the shower, and my turn is impending.
~ Jayson
1. NaNoWriMo 2007 - things went well this year, for the most part. I achieved 50,000 words, but not on a single story. I was so psyched up about an idea I had for a western novel, but I was swamped under the burdeon of the details that I just don't know. Perhaps were I more steeped in the genre, things might have gone better. Anyways, I killed that story around 25K and, with a week and a half to go, finished writing a sci-fi kids adventure. That was actually oodles of fun. We'll see how it goes with finishing that story, 'cause it really speaks to the fun part of me.
2. The Golden Compass - don't bother seeing this movie, unless you are an ardent "His Dark Materials" fan, and even then, go in with a wary eye. The story ends about twenty minutes too early to complete the book, all the dialogue is used simply to move the plot forward (i.e. "I'm Lyra, who are you?" "I'm so-and-so, and this is why I'm important to the plot." "Excellent. Shall we go and advance the plot together?" "I require that you perform a task that will allow the director to employ an action scene before we can progress through this story.") There is almost zero religious implications, though - almost zero, and only the most keen eyed observer will really see the implications. They're also very inocculous.
3. Jasper - our dog has progressed quite nicely. He's mostly housetrained (still the occasional accident, but now it's more of a once a week kind of thing, rather than once a day) and I am proud to announce that he has progressed from version 1.0...
... to version 2.0...
and for those keeping track at home, the update list includes: larger size (natch), lighter colored fur, a proper big-boy haircut, and descended testicles.
4. Christmas - life is, as per usual tis time of the year, crazy. Still have some shopping to do, but I'm further ahead of the curve than normal. Most years, I'm still wrapping on Christmas Eve. This year, I should be done by the end of this week at the absolute latest.
That's about it for now. The wife has emerged from the shower, and my turn is impending.
~ Jayson
It's entirely possible that you missed it
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
I don't know a single other person who watches Mad Men.
It's a shame, really. I know people who watch Dancing with the Stars, people who watch Heroes, people who watch naught but CSI til they're blue in the face. It would be nice to meet someone (or a few someones) who actually took a chance on what ended up being one of the most powerful, mysterious, funny, and fulfilling shows on television.
A quick primer for those who are still in the dark. Mad Men is a show produced by AMC - channel 39 for Shaw Cable subscribers - and created and written by Matthew Weiner who was a writer and executive producer for the Sopranos. It follows the lives of the employees of an advertising firm, with particular focus on the mysterious Head of Creative, Don Draper; his new secretary, Pegggy Olsen, and an aggressive young executive, Pete Campbell. Their story's are all told with a slow, patient pace, allowing each character to exist and develop in it's own space. The story lines vary between multiple and single episode arcs, and the whole series takes place in a pitch perfect 1960, starting in the Spring and finally ending, 13 episodes later, in November.
That brief synopsis doesn't really do Mad Men justice, though. The acting is beyond superb, each actor finding quiet notes to illuminate their characters, each interacting with one another in such brilliant and subtle ways that you can't help but be drawn into these people. Don Draper in particular, and his wife Betty, have a wicked dynamic going on - he has a secret past we only begin to see glimpses of as the season goes on, and compensates for his past by having affairs and drinking himself into oblivion occasionally. How Betty deals with Don, her own personal issues, and their budding family, is every bit as nerve wracking and entertaining as anything else on television right now. I'm also completely in love with January Jones right about now.
Thank God it was picked up for another season, starting Summer 2008. That only leaves a year to get caught up on Season one. Get to it.
~ Jayson
It's a shame, really. I know people who watch Dancing with the Stars, people who watch Heroes, people who watch naught but CSI til they're blue in the face. It would be nice to meet someone (or a few someones) who actually took a chance on what ended up being one of the most powerful, mysterious, funny, and fulfilling shows on television.
A quick primer for those who are still in the dark. Mad Men is a show produced by AMC - channel 39 for Shaw Cable subscribers - and created and written by Matthew Weiner who was a writer and executive producer for the Sopranos. It follows the lives of the employees of an advertising firm, with particular focus on the mysterious Head of Creative, Don Draper; his new secretary, Pegggy Olsen, and an aggressive young executive, Pete Campbell. Their story's are all told with a slow, patient pace, allowing each character to exist and develop in it's own space. The story lines vary between multiple and single episode arcs, and the whole series takes place in a pitch perfect 1960, starting in the Spring and finally ending, 13 episodes later, in November.
That brief synopsis doesn't really do Mad Men justice, though. The acting is beyond superb, each actor finding quiet notes to illuminate their characters, each interacting with one another in such brilliant and subtle ways that you can't help but be drawn into these people. Don Draper in particular, and his wife Betty, have a wicked dynamic going on - he has a secret past we only begin to see glimpses of as the season goes on, and compensates for his past by having affairs and drinking himself into oblivion occasionally. How Betty deals with Don, her own personal issues, and their budding family, is every bit as nerve wracking and entertaining as anything else on television right now. I'm also completely in love with January Jones right about now.
Thank God it was picked up for another season, starting Summer 2008. That only leaves a year to get caught up on Season one. Get to it.
~ Jayson
So, I guess I'll do a survey...
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
I'm not much of a survey/mass forward kinda guy (you'll never receive one from me, unless its devastatingly funny) but on my friends blog, she put one up and made the point of asking me to do it even though I don't have a Livejournal, so I thought I'd be gracious and play along.
Thanks for the invite, Laina.
1.Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 18, and find line 4.
-"... seventh-century monasteries, you know." Elizabeth Kostova's The Historian
2.Stretch your left arm out as far as you can. What do you reach?
-A copy of my most recent short story (almost ready to submit) and Laina's MS for VJ&TL
3. What is the last thing you watched on TV?
-CTV Newsnet this morning before work.
4. Without looking, guess what time it is:
-9:30PM
5. Now look at the clock. What is the actual time?
-9:34PM
6. With the exception of the computer, what can you hear?
-Michael Buble playing on the stereo downstairs.
7. When did you last step outside? What were you doing?
-About 9PM. I was watering the front flower bed.
8. Before you started this survey, what did you look at?
-If I Ever Lose My Mouth.....
9. What are you wearing?
-Running clothes : blue technical shirt, MEC shorts
10. Did you dream last night?
-Not that I can remember, but you never know.
11. When did you last laugh?
-When I got home from work today. Our neighbors son kept agreeing with me when I called him a kleptomaniac. Jim's almost 3, so I'll cut him a little slack.
12. What are on the walls you are in?
-3 Pictures of me in my high school football equipment, and 2 framed Norman Rockwell prints.
13. Seen anything weird lately?
-Just myself in the mirror.
14. What do you think of this quiz?
-Meh. Not as bad as all that, and good filler for the blog.
15. What is the last film you saw?
-Spiderman 3 at WEM Silver City. Don't waste your money. Seriously. They couldn't have screwed it up more if they had put a dance number in the middle of it.
16. If you became a multi-millionaire overnight, what would you buy?
-First thing would be a new TV/home theater setup. Then a new Macbook Pro. Then a car.
17. Tell me something about you that I don't know.
-Genetically, I have a decent chance of having kids with 12 fingers.
18. If you could change one thing about the world, regardless of guilt or politics, what would you do?
-I would want to change everyone's focus from the wrong issues (perceived slights, politicking, greed, anger, retribution) and remind them about the really important stuff: equality, opportunity, human compassion, the environment, etc.
19. Do you like to dance?
-Heck yes. Mr. Bojangles don't got nuthin' on me.
20. George Bush:
-The President of the United States of America. Whatever else you might think of him, it's the truth.
21. Imagine your first child is a girl, what do you call her?
-Jade.
22. Imagine your first child is a boy, what do you call him?
-Finn.
23. Would you ever consider living abroad?
-Yes, if the circumstances were right. I'm not quite so young any more, so mobility is getting more and more limited.
24. What do you want God to say to you when you reach the pearly gates?
-Good work, my son. Let's go get ourselves a beer.
~ Jayson
Thanks for the invite, Laina.
1.Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 18, and find line 4.
-"... seventh-century monasteries, you know." Elizabeth Kostova's The Historian
2.Stretch your left arm out as far as you can. What do you reach?
-A copy of my most recent short story (almost ready to submit) and Laina's MS for VJ&TL
3. What is the last thing you watched on TV?
-CTV Newsnet this morning before work.
4. Without looking, guess what time it is:
-9:30PM
5. Now look at the clock. What is the actual time?
-9:34PM
6. With the exception of the computer, what can you hear?
-Michael Buble playing on the stereo downstairs.
7. When did you last step outside? What were you doing?
-About 9PM. I was watering the front flower bed.
8. Before you started this survey, what did you look at?
-If I Ever Lose My Mouth.....
9. What are you wearing?
-Running clothes : blue technical shirt, MEC shorts
10. Did you dream last night?
-Not that I can remember, but you never know.
11. When did you last laugh?
-When I got home from work today. Our neighbors son kept agreeing with me when I called him a kleptomaniac. Jim's almost 3, so I'll cut him a little slack.
12. What are on the walls you are in?
-3 Pictures of me in my high school football equipment, and 2 framed Norman Rockwell prints.
13. Seen anything weird lately?
-Just myself in the mirror.
14. What do you think of this quiz?
-Meh. Not as bad as all that, and good filler for the blog.
15. What is the last film you saw?
-Spiderman 3 at WEM Silver City. Don't waste your money. Seriously. They couldn't have screwed it up more if they had put a dance number in the middle of it.
16. If you became a multi-millionaire overnight, what would you buy?
-First thing would be a new TV/home theater setup. Then a new Macbook Pro. Then a car.
17. Tell me something about you that I don't know.
-Genetically, I have a decent chance of having kids with 12 fingers.
18. If you could change one thing about the world, regardless of guilt or politics, what would you do?
-I would want to change everyone's focus from the wrong issues (perceived slights, politicking, greed, anger, retribution) and remind them about the really important stuff: equality, opportunity, human compassion, the environment, etc.
19. Do you like to dance?
-Heck yes. Mr. Bojangles don't got nuthin' on me.
20. George Bush:
-The President of the United States of America. Whatever else you might think of him, it's the truth.
21. Imagine your first child is a girl, what do you call her?
-Jade.
22. Imagine your first child is a boy, what do you call him?
-Finn.
23. Would you ever consider living abroad?
-Yes, if the circumstances were right. I'm not quite so young any more, so mobility is getting more and more limited.
24. What do you want God to say to you when you reach the pearly gates?
-Good work, my son. Let's go get ourselves a beer.
~ Jayson
And a new day has dawned
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Of course, it actually DID rain today, but such is life - actually there was a tornado touchdown not far from here, but I haven't heard of anything atrociously bad happening, probably just some trees tossed about and maybe some crop damage. Somewhere out there Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt are wiping their brows, having averted another disaster.
A friend recounted his recent escapades at a stag, at which geekery abounded and there was karaoke present. This reminded me that I've never, not once, actually participated in karaoke. Not drunk and embarrassing myself, not on a dare, not even in a large group as occasionally occur with big songs when everyone is well lubricated but still shy. Never. For one, I don't get drunk all that often, and go to the bar/pub even less. For two, I can't sing (which I don't suppose is a prerequisite, though). Every so often I hear about people going and having a hell of a good time (as Simon appears to have had) and it appeals to me in a "it can't really be that bad, could it?" way. I guess I'll just have to give it a shot some day.
Some day far far in the future, though. Like, Captain Picard far in the future.
~ Jayson
A friend recounted his recent escapades at a stag, at which geekery abounded and there was karaoke present. This reminded me that I've never, not once, actually participated in karaoke. Not drunk and embarrassing myself, not on a dare, not even in a large group as occasionally occur with big songs when everyone is well lubricated but still shy. Never. For one, I don't get drunk all that often, and go to the bar/pub even less. For two, I can't sing (which I don't suppose is a prerequisite, though). Every so often I hear about people going and having a hell of a good time (as Simon appears to have had) and it appeals to me in a "it can't really be that bad, could it?" way. I guess I'll just have to give it a shot some day.
Some day far far in the future, though. Like, Captain Picard far in the future.
~ Jayson