Inside The Perimeter

Few should argue that these are tough times. I have it good, although am completely aware that the are no guarantees in life. I talk about a lot of goals within this blog, but it’s my new unwritten goal to work harder, but not necessarily longer, to which the title refers. I’ve also talked about re-tooling my skill set, I am working harder than I have since college to do so.

So Much To Do
Busy much? Here’s my current hit list.

• Work matters
• Black Sheep stats (why did I think I had already updated these?) [figured out why and am done!]
• Super Bowl Party preparations
• Download Apple’s Developer Tools (because I accidentally killed off the download after two hours when there were only three minutes remaining in the download)
• Pick photo to have printed, submit print job, contact event organizers
• Keep reading Ruby on Rails book

I know there is more that belongs on that list, but I can’t think of anything else at the moment.

I Missed The Majors Last Night, I Shall Not Miss The Minors Tomorrow
The New York Islanders played in town last night. I didn’t get to go.
Tomorrow night some team plays the Gwinnett Gladiators. I will be there.

ITP Flickr Pic
I copied over thirty shots from my camera to my computer last night. The shots were from a failed studio set and from the Fucked Up show. This was the only one I kept.

What is the significance of the Deuce of Clubs and the Eleven ball? Nothing other than I picked up both from my front yard one morning. East Atlanta living never gets mundane.

It’s The End Of The Month As We Know It
January is/was a big ball of FAIL. It wasn’t because I didn’t try, but rather because I got sidetracked and somewhat lazy.

The dining room is about 90% complete. The major failure is that the two cracks on the wall have yet to get repaired. On the positive side the bookcase and sideboard have been culled, the table cleaned, the furniture and floor have been cleaned. February’s room(s) will be my bedroom (and maybe my bathroom).

My book learning started really strong. I’ve completed the easiest of the three books identified (see the bottom of this post), but the other two are far from completion. To my credit I did read Christine Kane’s eBook “The Complete Guide to Vision Boards” which is spurring me on to create one of my own.

Running. Didn’t happen.
Riding. Didn’t happen.

Top Chef: The Meek Shall Never Inherit The Kitchen
Hell’s Kitchen is back!!! Sure it’s “more over-the-top,” “more outrageous,” than ever but I’m happy it’s back.

The series starts by showing a fast-paced set of highlights from season’s past. Remember these people? Some yes, some no. I assume I’ll get to revisit some of the people highlighted in an upcoming “Hell’s Kitchen’s All-Star Competition” later in the season.

We are “introduced” to the new competitors through the “Cook Your Signature Dish for Gordo” competition. Surprisingly Ramsey actually liked some of them. The biggest surprise of the night was when the old lady (41) stated that she taught cooking classes for something that worked out to be about $100/hr. Clearly she is working smarter, not harder or longer.

In typical Hell’s Kitchen fashion opening night was a fiasco, Ramsey yelled at everyone, “customers” got upset and left, and in the end Gordo ordered them to “Shut it down” (although not using that signature phrase). While there were many people from which to choose it was arrogant Seth and limp-wristed Wil who were called out. As is always the case when arrogance fights meekness, arrogance won out. Wil was the first to depart.

Episode #1 down, I’ve already identified a few people I will be happy to see receive the Wrath of Ramsey.

Stats & Goals
Daily
Current Mood – indecisive
Current Music – listening to CBC Radio 3’s podcast (because I need to make sure I know a few Canadian artists when I go to Winnipeg)
Website Of The Day – If you are a Twitterholic like me perhaps you need Filttr to help filter some of the noise.
Mode Of Transportation To Work – my car
Exercise (b)Log – stair climbing, six flights of stairs

Monthly
Foot Mileage – 3 miles
Wheel Mileage – 0 miles
Consecutive Days Of Bed-Making (Longest Streak) – 30 (30)
Vegetarian Days – 5
Carnivorous Days – 24
Marta Rides – 0

January Goals
- Complete all necessary work on the dining room (not going to lie, I picked an easy room first)
- Lose no fewer than two pounds
- Run no fewer than 50 miles
- Completely read Softbox Lighting Techniques for Professional Photographers, Conceptual Blockbusting: A Guide to Better Ideas, and How to Be Happy, Dammit: A Cynic’s Guide to Spiritual Happiness

2009 Goals
- Reduce my weight to 190 pounds (today’s weight was 199.5 pounds)
- Completely read the book 1001 Paintings You Must See Before You Die
- Earn at least $150 through photography sales in order to cover the cost for the renewal of the Jalapeño Beach SmugMug account I opened the other day.
- Save $500 for the sole purpose of donating to charitable organizations of my choice
- Attend at least one professional photography workshop

The Unmeasurable
- Continue backing up all data, including the off-site storage
- Become a proficient programmer in Objective-C (iPhone development) and Ruby on Rails (Black Sheep web page concept)
- Do not create a solution for something which is not a problem

Cheers,
Paulie [eatl/ga]

I did it! I booked a flight from Atlanta, Georgia to Winnipeg, Manitoba via Chicago, Illinois (and back). Why? Why not!?!?! I figured that I best book the $226 flight while I could, and was at least partially right as some of the departure times were no longer available at the cheaper rate.

I’ll be going in late June, most likely attending the Canada Nash Hash, celebrating Canada Day in Canada (whatever that means), and returning on the day before our nation’s birthday. I am so excited about this. I now have five months to plan the rest of the trip.

Just look at this place…

…it’s made for me (at least in the Summer)! In fact the 101 is called “Perimeter Highway.” Brilliant! Perhaps I’ll even venture outside the perimeter Manitoba-style.

Remind you of any place?

Getting Fat For Safety
My original plan for dinner last night was to pick something up from the Perimeter Mall food court after finishing some business at the Apple store. I was then reminded through numerous Twitter tweets that last night was the “Dine Out for Safety” event initiated by Atlantans Together Against Crime.

Most people seemed to be talking about heading to restaurants near The Standard Bar the original scene of the crime. In my infinite wisdom I decided to head in the other direction and have dinner at Universal Joint. Unfortunately for me the day’s rain and chilly weather kept people off the U-Joint’s patio and the place was packed when I arrived. I am not the most patient person and since I had a full slate of activities which needed to be completed, I left.

My next idea was to eat closer to home. With news that The Glenwood’s non-smoking section was now open I decided to give it a shot. I was not the only one with this plan either. Once again my plan was stymied and I decided to head home instead.

Oh well, I guess I get an ‘A’ for effort.

ITP Flickr Pic
This statue resides inside Oakland Cemetery.

I keep taking photos of it because I’ve yet to get one that I love.

Recent Wisdom
While cleaning up my car yesterday I realized that I had three fortune cookie fortunes in my car.

“An unexpected event will soon bring you fortune.” (Look out Canada!)
“A movie would be a great way to relax this weekend.” (Christ, that MPAA has seeped into all facets of brainwashing)
“An important word of advice may come from a child.” (Looks like I received the wrong cookie that day.)

As an aside, has anyone every heard of anyone winning lottery money based on the numbers printed on the backs of fortune cookies? I think for shits and giggles I am going to try this weekend with the numbers provided to me.

Top Chef : Look Who’s Watching
After my frustration with trying to locate dinner I looked upon
SPOILER ALERT!
The night started out (for me) watching last week’s “Restaurant Wars” episode. I had already been exposed to the winner and loser, but wanted to see the events which caused each.

For the current week’s episode we were pretending it was the Thursday before the Super Bowl.

This week’s [SPONSOR NAME] QuickFire Challenge was all about the oats. In a homage to Super Bowl betting each cheftestant picked a square to determine what they’d be pairing with their [SPONSOR NAME] Oats product. All in all the concoctions created looked edible, and in the end Stefan won a-gain. Instead of winning immunity Stefan won an “advantage” for the Elimination Challenge. But what would that challenge be?

Bring on the Past Season Top Chef Cheftestant “All Stars.” I immediately called Bullshit because not only were these not the best cheftestants from the previous four seasons I couldn’t even identify one or two of them! Each season five cheftestant went head-to-head with a previous season cheftestant cooking food loosely based on cities which have NFL teams. Stefan’s “advantage” was to pick his opponent as well as the city’s food. The scoring for the night’s event was also football-related — the standard judges’ vote was a touchdown (worth seven points), while the unknown judges’ vote was a field goal (worth three points). The season five cheftestants won in the end, but Stefan, Fabio, and Jeff were not individually victorious; uh oh I guess we knew who would be on the judges’ chopping block!

At Judges’ Table Carla, Jamie, Hosea, and Leah were brought in for a end zone victory dance. Much to my surprise Beeker, I mean Carla, won. And holy shit, she won two tickets for the actual Super Bowl! That’s a shitload better than Rocco DeSpirito’s crappy-ass cookbook.

Bring in the big losers for the night, Stefan, Fabio, and Jeff. It’s then I realized that one of these three would be booted — before Carla? before Leah? Wow! Fabio has one of the most heated cheftestant v. celebritard judge exchanges ever shown on Top Chef. I was certain hissa goosa wassa cooked. But no! Pretty Boy Jeff gets to go back to Dildo Beach and return to the land of the retired New Yorker.

If You Are A Hell’s Kitchen Fan
Tonight is the return of Hell’s Kitchen. W00t!

Stats & Goals
Daily
Current Mood – nervous
Current Music – Sirius/XM Channel 26, playing Moldy Peaches — “Anyone Else But You”
Website Of The Day – Recently I’ve been watching a lot of the short videos being put out by ZapRoot. Their environmental message is not for everyone, but I like it.
Mode Of Transportation To Work – my car
Exercise (b)Log – stair climbing, six flights of stairs

Monthly
Foot Mileage – 3 miles
Wheel Mileage – 0 miles
Consecutive Days Of Bed-Making (Longest Streak) – 29 (29)
Vegetarian Days – 5
Carnivorous Days – 23
Marta Rides – 0

January Goals
- Complete all necessary work on the dining room (not going to lie, I picked an easy room first)
- Lose no fewer than two pounds
- Run no fewer than 50 miles
- Completely read Softbox Lighting Techniques for Professional Photographers, Conceptual Blockbusting: A Guide to Better Ideas, and How to Be Happy, Dammit: A Cynic’s Guide to Spiritual Happiness

2009 Goals
- Reduce my weight to 190 pounds (today’s weight was 199.5 pounds)
- Completely read the book 1001 Paintings You Must See Before You Die
- Earn at least $150 through photography sales in order to cover the cost for the renewal of the Jalapeño Beach SmugMug account I opened the other day.
- Save $500 for the sole purpose of donating to charitable organizations of my choice
- Attend at least one professional photography workshop

The Unmeasurable
- Continue backing up all data, including the off-site storage
- Become a proficient programmer in Objective-C (iPhone development) and Ruby on Rails (Black Sheep web page concept)
- Do not create a solution for something which is not a problem

Cheers,
Paulie [eatl/ga]

I’m thinking of going there.

Who Knows Anything About Winnipeg?
Other than the fact that it is in the province of Manitoba which sits directly North of Minnesota?

If I act quickly, hell if you act quickly, a round-trip flight from Atlanta to Winnipeg (with an inevitable layover in Chicago) can be had from United for $226. No shit.

I keep juggling my 2009 photography vacation plans and this just may be the (round) ticket. My only problem is that I really don’t know much about Winnipeg and am not sure how photogenic that part Canada is.

Anyone have information they are willing to share? Oh, I’d be considering going May/June so there might not be snow on the ground then.

Loaded And Locked
Yesterday I was unable to get the Jackmobile loaded up with goodies destined for Goodwill. In part I was hampered by an overflowing hamper-load of laundry including the coverings for my basement sofa.

Today is very different. Even though the weather forecast for later is sketchy (80% chance of rain), I’ll be driving over to Goodwill to dump off the first “good riddance” load of 2009. Damn it feels great to start purging stuff from my house.

ITP Flickr Pic
I often wonder why people bring fake flowers for grave sites.

They do make for easy photography however. It just may be my drugs, but the longer I stare at this the more 3D it becomes.

Thank You Necessity For Being The Mother Of Invention
Because I had loaded the Jackmobile full of crap I essentially sentenced myself to a night at home. Normally this wouldn’t be too bad, but my cupboards are nearly barren, and I am trying not to dirty many dishes.

With a boatload of white rice in the house I decided that steamed rice would be the main entree for the evening. But what is more bland than white rice? “Rice cakes.” Okay, good point.

Rummaging through my cupboards wasn’t providing much . I then stumbled upon a packet of A Taste of Thai Peanut Sauce Mix and decided to experiment.

Ingredients

• 1 heaping cup of uncooked white rice
• 2.5 cups of water
• 1 packet of A Taste of Thai Peanut Sauce Mix
• a pinch of kosher salt

Directions

1. Place rice, salt, and peanut sauce mix into a large pan
2. Pour water over rice and peanut sauce mix, stir to dissolve mix
3. Heat over medium heat until water begins to boil
4. Reduce heat to low, cover pot, cooked lidded for 16 minutes
5. Turn heat off, without removing lid let pot stand for 10 minutes
6. Take off lid and fluff rice with a fork
7. Eat!

I had no idea if this experiment was going to work out. But Holy Jeebus did this make some delicious peanut-flavored rice! Before eating I stirred in some red curry paste to incorporate a little extra flavor.

No photos were taken of the dish because
a) It was just rice after all
b) I ate the rice out of a disposable paper bowl — not very photogenic

I Will Not Miss Top Chef! I Will Not Miss Top Chef!
I have been stewing about the fact that I missed last week’s “Restaurant Wars” episode of Top Chef. All week I’ve been checking the legal online sources — Hulu, DishONLINE, Joost, as well as Bravo’s — to no avail. Damn I’ve been frustrated. Tonight is an All-New episode of Top Chef and I refuse to miss it.

I Am Chopping Chopped From My Viewing Schedule
Last night I attempted to enjoy Food Network’s “Chopped.” Chopped is the hour-long (tv time) cooking competition during which four “chefs” vie for $10,000. I’ve seen two full episodes and fallen asleep during one. I am not enthralled and in an economy in which my free time is extremely limited have decided to repurpose that hour of my life.

Stats & Goals
Daily
Current Mood – good, oddly so because I am not losing weight, haven’t exercised in weeks, and have fallen way behind in my self-imposed training
Current Music – listening to the “This Week In Photography” podcast
Website Of The Day – Today I might look at CastTV to see if they have last week’s Top Chef.
Mode Of Transportation To Work – my car
Exercise (b)Log – notta effen thing

Monthly
Foot Mileage – 3 miles
Wheel Mileage – 0 miles
Consecutive Days Of Bed-Making (Longest Streak) – 28 (28)
Vegetarian Days – 5
Carnivorous Days – 22
Marta Rides – 0

January Goals
- Complete all necessary work on the dining room (not going to lie, I picked an easy room first)
- Lose no fewer than two pounds
- Run no fewer than 50 miles

- Completely read Softbox Lighting Techniques for Professional Photographers, Conceptual Blockbusting: A Guide to Better Ideas, and How to Be Happy, Dammit: A Cynic’s Guide to Spiritual Happiness

2009 Goals
- Reduce my weight to 190 pounds (today’s weight was 199.5 pounds)
- Completely read the book 1001 Paintings You Must See Before You Die
- Earn at least $150 through photography sales in order to cover the cost for the renewal of the Jalapeño Beach SmugMug account I opened the other day.
- Save $500 for the sole purpose of donating to charitable organizations of my choice
- Attend at least one professional photography workshop

The Unmeasurable
- Continue backing up all data, including the off-site storage
- Become a proficient programmer in Objective-C (iPhone development) and Ruby on Rails (Black Sheep web page concept)
- Do not create a solution for something which is not a problem

Cheers,
Paulie [eatl/ga]

Today’s title is my homage to Barb.

I’m Trying To Get More Phoney
If you read my life’s tea leaves you understand that while 2009 is the “Year of the Ox” for the Chinese, for me it will be the “Year of Getting Back Into Programming.”

In addition to learning Ruby on Rails, I have become the long and painful process of becoming an iPhone developer. I have no idea what I will develop for the iPhone, but I do know from history that when I identify a hot topic I should follow up on it instead of waiting and doing nothing (see also “The Internet”).

If you have an idea for an application or experience with iPhone development and have input, please drop me a comment or email.

ITP Flickr Pic
This photo was taken at the start of January’s TweetUp meeting at El Taco.

The blurred image in the background is the lovely @spikethecat.

Pub Love
Last night’s dinner was consumed at Atlanta’s Midway Pub. I was on a “vegetarian” day and considered a plateful of veggie hot dogs as a fine way to end the day. While I was right about that I was also reminded how much I would have liked fewer hot dogs and some sort of side item for my $7, as well as how much I hated the odor of cigarette smoke.

What would it take for the City of Atlanta to follow in the footsteps of New York, San Francisco, hell even Decatur, and ban smoking from bars and restaurants?

I know, I’m a completely whining dickhead. I want my self-destructive bar-life to be smoke-free. I really could care less whether or not you want to smoke. Go ahead smoke! I just don’t want your smoking to leave a lingering odor on me. Should I be allowed to go around a room and spit mists of beer on people? If not, why not?

Here’s To Poor Plumbing!
No, not fixed yet. However, my City of Atlanta water/sewer bill was only $19 for last month! This is a low bill for me especially considering I am still showering and using the toilet on a daily basis.

Tonight I’ll be at the laundromat laundering my clothes, as well as all of the coverings for my basement sofa. Since there will be no Super Bowl party at my house on Sunday I see no reason not to clean it all today.

I Voted For Him And I Think This Is HILARIOUS
Two words:

1. Chia
2. Obama

It can be purchased from Chia

Stats & Goals
Daily
Current Mood – in the fog
Current Music – listening to last week’s “This American Life” podcast
Website Of The Day – I would have named the site RouxTube (RooTube) but I suppose RouxBe (Ruby) is just as good for a cool recipe/cooking website.
Mode Of Transportation To Work – my car
Exercise (b)Log – stair climbing, six flights of stairs (not much, but at least it’s something)

Monthly
Foot Mileage – 3 miles
Wheel Mileage – 0 miles
Consecutive Days Of Bed-Making (Longest Streak) – 27 (27)
Vegetarian Days – 5
Carnivorous Days – 21
Marta Rides – 0

January Goals
- Complete all necessary work on the dining room (not going to lie, I picked an easy room first)
- Lose no fewer than two pounds
- Run no fewer than 50 miles
- Completely read Softbox Lighting Techniques for Professional Photographers, Conceptual Blockbusting: A Guide to Better Ideas, and How to Be Happy, Dammit: A Cynic’s Guide to Spiritual Happiness

2009 Goals
- Reduce my weight to 190 pounds (today’s weight was 199.5 pounds)
- Completely read the book 1001 Paintings You Must See Before You Die
- Earn at least $150 through photography sales in order to cover the cost for the renewal of the Jalapeño Beach SmugMug account I opened the other day.
- Save $500 for the sole purpose of donating to charitable organizations of my choice
- Attend at least one professional photography workshop

The Unmeasurable
- Continue backing up all data, including the off-site storage
- Become a proficient programmer in Objective-C (iPhone development) and Ruby on Rails (Black Sheep web page concept)
- Do not create a solution for something which is not a problem

Cheers,
Paulie [eatl/ga]

Hey there… I’m back. Sorry about Friday.

I am that 200lb gorilla in more ways that you would ever care to know. But as of this moment I have vowed to invest mentally, physically, and financially in my future. After all, it’s my future I should direct where it goes, right?

No Sooner Than I Had Subscribed And I Was Unsubscribed
About six weeks ago I ordered Yuban coffee from Amazon. In fact I ordered six bags of coffee and began a coffee “subscription” during which I would receive six more bags in six months. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that my subscription would probably provide me with more coffee than I could/should consume and considered canceling my subscription.

On Saturday my decision was made for me as I received an email from Amazon telling me that my subscription had been canceled because Yuban coffee was no longer available through Amazon’s subscription services. I guess that procrastination can pay off sometimes.

IT Flickr Feed
Before heading to last week’s Studio Lighting Workshop (which apparently went in one ear and out the other) I had dinner with friends at Six Feet Under

It’s now safe to say that we’ve had a chilly January in Atlanta. I only wish that I had thought to take this shot from a dozen more angles.

Yesterday’s Main Course Was FAIL With A Side Of FAIL
Wow, where to begin. I started Sunday with a completely positive attitude. I was up early, made myself a pot of delicious coffee, and put on some somber music to provide that special Sunday morning feeling.

And then the bottom dropped out.

Around 11am I decided that it was time to shower and consider going outside. The plan was lunch somewhere and a return home for productive behavior. This plan existed until my mortal enemy the mirror attacked. For the same reason I spun into depression in Nashville last year I did yesterday.

After consolation from friends I ate some grits (strike going out to eat) and then decided it was time to step up to the plate and finally do some studio photography — after all I had just sat through a class the other night! My first attempts were thwarted by an incompatibility with some new equipment that I had purchased recently. Fear not, I still had my old rigs. Well, shot after shot baffled me. Underexposed. Change settings. Underexposed. Change settings. Okay shot. Take another with same settings. Underexposed.

“Oh it’s going to be one of those days.”

I decided to take a break. I went upstairs to check Twitter and Facebook, and WHAM! My iMac, which had been performing a data backup for four hours, froze solid. A reboot, which of course negated the backup, was in order. I started everything again, lo and behold it froze again. I have never had this system go south like this and am still puzzled why it did not once, but twice.

Enough was enough. All plans at being “productive” were put on hold, it was then about 3pm, and I was headed to The Midway for food and a beer. Except The Midway was having an event, so I wound up at Holy Taco instead.

I Didn’t Get Fucked Up At The Fucked Up Show
Perhaps the only bright spot yesterday was heading to The EARL to see the band Fucked Up perform. I was supposed to meet up with someone at the show, but that person never contacted me and I couldn’t find her at the show. I’m not surprise that I couldn’t find her, as the show was much better attended than I had anticipated; having only a 50mm lens on my camera proved fairly useless.

Fucked Up is a Canadian (Toronto, to be exact) punk/speed metal/hard core band. You’d might not know this — especially with dress-wearing, librarian-appearing, bespectacled young woman driving the bass lines — but there is no doubt when the vocalist “Pink Eyes” starts bellowing lyrics.

I timed my arrival to The EARL perfectly. I arrived around 10:30pm, wandered through the remains of the The EARL’s third annual luau party (should have attended), and into the backroom where I was obviously not the normal Fucked Up demographic, but was there just about as the band was to take the stage. I’ve been to enough of these types of shows to know to ignore where the mosh pit would erupt, and I was spot on. The band belted out an approximately forty-five minute set (by my estimation) and I departed; it was a “school night” after all.

Tomorrow The Jackmobile Will Look Like The Clampett’s Car
If you are old enough to remember The Beverly Hillbillies then you’ll get that reference.

In addition to loading up laundry for another laundromatathon, tonight I’ll be loading the Jackmobile with a bunch of stuff (read “irrelevant junk”) destined for Goodwill. It’s only part of the booty which will eventually get extracted from my abode, but it will be a refreshing feeling to get rid of some of my stuff.

But If I Going To Pay Sales Tax, I Might As Well Buy It Locally
Almost placed an order today, but balked at the sales tax enforced by a company not located in Georgia. What I was going to order is irrelevant, and since I was on the fence about buying from this company I decided against placing the order. Pisser.

Stats & Goals
Daily
Current Mood – pensive
Current Music – listening to the latest Coverville podcast
Website Of The Day – I haven’t been to New Orleans in years. I refuse to go back fo Mardi Gras (it’s no longer of interest to me) but I may return for the Louisiana Road Food Festival happening on April 4-5.
Mode Of Transportation To Work – my car
Exercise (b)Log – nothing. BOO! HISS!
Monday Morning Weigh-In – yep, 200 pounds

Monthly
Foot Mileage – 3 miles
Wheel Mileage – 0 miles
Consecutive Days Of Bed-Making (Longest Streak) – 26 (26)
Vegetarian Days – 4
Carnivorous Days – 21
Marta Rides – 0

January Goals
- Complete all necessary work on the dining room (not going to lie, I picked an easy room first)
- Lose no fewer than two pounds
- Run no fewer than 50 miles
- Completely read Softbox Lighting Techniques for Professional Photographers, Conceptual Blockbusting: A Guide to Better Ideas, and How to Be Happy, Dammit: A Cynic’s Guide to Spiritual Happiness

2009 Goals
- Reduce my weight to 190 pounds (today’s weight was 199.5 pounds)
- Completely read the book 1001 Paintings You Must See Before You Die
- Earn at least $150 through photography sales in order to cover the cost for the renewal of the Jalapeño Beach SmugMug account I opened the other day.
- Save $500 for the sole purpose of donating to charitable organizations of my choice
- Attend at least one professional photography workshop

The Unmeasurable
- Continue backing up all data, including the off-site storage
- Become a proficient programmer in Objective-C (iPhone development) and Ruby on Rails (Black Sheep web page concept)
- Do not create a solution for something which is not a problem

Cheers,
Paulie [eatl/ga]

It’s not even 8am and I am swamped! Missing work yesterday didn’t help. So for now I am going to make this a placeholder and hope to put up a real post this afternoon.

If you need a morning dose of Paulie, then check out the Atlanta Metblogs post about hashing that I wrote yesterday. Hashers will chuckle at how nice I made it sound, non-hashers will learn a little about our Secret Society.

Stats & Goals
Daily
Current Mood – scared
Current Music – listening to the MacCast podcast
Website Of The Day –
Mode Of Transportation To Work – my car
Exercise (b)Log – nothing, although I walked around Oakland Cemetery yesterday

Monthly
Foot Mileage – 3 miles
Wheel Mileage – 0 miles
Consecutive Days Of Bed-Making (Longest Streak) – 23 (23)
Vegetarian Days – 4
Carnivorous Days – 18
Marta Rides – 0

January Goals
- Complete all necessary work on the dining room (not going to lie, I picked an easy room first)
- Lose no fewer than two pounds
- Run no fewer than 50 miles
- Completely read Softbox Lighting Techniques for Professional Photographers, Conceptual Blockbusting: A Guide to Better Ideas, and How to Be Happy, Dammit: A Cynic’s Guide to Spiritual Happiness

2009 Goals
- Reduce my weight to 190 pounds (today’s weight was 199.5 pounds)
- Completely read the book 1001 Paintings You Must See Before You Die
- Earn at least $150 through photography sales in order to cover the cost for the renewal of the Jalapeño Beach SmugMug account I opened the other day.
- Save $500 for the sole purpose of donating to charitable organizations of my choice
- Attend at least one professional photography workshop

The Unmeasurable
- Continue backing up all data, including the off-site storage
- Become a proficient programmer in Objective-C (iPhone development) and Ruby on Rails (Black Sheep web page concept)
- Do not create a solution for something which is not a problem

Cheers,
Paulie [eatl/ga]

One of the Twitterers is headed to Australia for a few weeks; that’s the only excuse we needed to meet up at the Graveyard Tavern. I am paying for it today. I think I now understand why Rogue calls that beer “Dead Guy.”

I’m feeling a bit rundown today so I will be making this short. Feel free to talk amongst yourselves.

ITP Flickr Pic
One more from that Sunday stroll through Little 5 Points.

I’ll be shooting today so I should have new material.

Lights, Camera, Action!
Tonight I will be attending a studio lighting workshop. I am really looking forward to it because it should kick me in the ass hard enough to get me shooting again.

Top Chef : Whoops, I Did It Again
I missed it. I miss having a DVR. I wonder if it’s available online?

Huh, Bravo needs to learn a thing or two about spoilers. Within five seconds I found out who was booted and who won last night. I didn’t want to know, I was looking to see if they show the episodes online.

Stats & Goals
Daily
Current Mood – sluggish
Current Music – listening to the “Mac Geek Gab” podcast
Website Of The Day – If you like music, especially free, streamed music then you will like NPR’s First Listen
Mode Of Transportation To Work – none, I’ve taken the day off
Exercise (b)Log – stair climbing, 6 flights

Monthly
Foot Mileage – 3 miles
Wheel Mileage – 0 miles
Consecutive Days Of Bed-Making (Longest Streak) – 22 (22)
Vegetarian Days – 4
Carnivorous Days – 17
Marta Rides – 0

January Goals
- Complete all necessary work on the dining room (not going to lie, I picked an easy room first)
- Lose no fewer than two pounds
- Run no fewer than 50 miles
- Completely read Softbox Lighting Techniques for Professional Photographers, Conceptual Blockbusting: A Guide to Better Ideas, and How to Be Happy, Dammit: A Cynic’s Guide to Spiritual Happiness

2009 Goals
- Reduce my weight to 190 pounds (today’s weight was 199.5 pounds)
- Completely read the book 1001 Paintings You Must See Before You Die
- Earn at least $150 through photography sales in order to cover the cost for the renewal of the Jalapeño Beach SmugMug account I opened the other day.
- Save $500 for the sole purpose of donating to charitable organizations of my choice
- Attend at least one professional photography workshop

The Unmeasurable
- Continue backing up all data, including the off-site storage
- Become a proficient programmer in Objective-C (iPhone development) and Ruby on Rails (Black Sheep web page concept)
- Do not create a solution for something which is not a problem

Cheers,
Paulie [eatl/ga]

No, not with women (okay I need that help).
No, not mental (okay I do need that help too, but that’s not the point today).

I have committed to submitting a photo for a silent auction being put on by Atlanta Photography Exhibit on February 18th. My problem is I don’t know which photo I should print and donate? My idea of what constitutes a “good” photo has often not gelled with everyone elses’. If you have some time during the next few days would you please check out my Flickr Photostream and make some suggestions? And if you really love the photo chosen then you should show up to the event on February 18th and bid on it.

Thanks.

Much Like The President My “First 100 Days” Begins With A Hiccup
Unlike the President I have no one to blame but myself.

The first day of exercise started well. Instead of taking the elevator to the sixth floor I climbed the stairs. My plan was to leave work, head to the laundromat to do wash, and the head home and exercise while I had my clothes in the dryer. That plan ended with a single text message.

“Come over now for Barack party”

I accepted immediately. I should have thought about this for a second… The person sending the message is an ardent Obama supporter, and I should have realized that this would mean that I would be joining the party many drinks behind everyone else. After having a fun time, consumed a couple of beers and some tacquitos, I sneaked (still want to use “snuck”) out and headed home. I still believe I made the right decision, unfortunately I made this decision too late to make it to the laundromat.

As per yesterday’s bedding ruling: I gave myself credit because I put on the “second” flannel sheet set since my “first” set is still in the laundry bag.

ITP Flickr Pic
Another from my cheap Diana+ camera.

I think I’ve become addicted. Yesterday I ordered a $28 “toy” Holga film camera. I guess I’ll have to change the name of my project to “Holga/Diana+ v. D300″ or “Holga v. Diana+ v. D300″.

I’m Thinking Of Making My Next Windows Machine A Mac
The Windows laptop that I purchased four years ago is started to disintegrate. I wouldn’t mind keeping it for a iTunes client and when I have the occasional need to edit Word or Excel docs.

However :

• A few years ago the DVD drive stopped working consistently, and a replacement drive costs around $100.
• The battery is long since shot holding a charge for mere minutes, and a replacement battery is around $75.
• The connector for the power supply has become flaky and often stops recognizing the power supply for no reason. When this occurs the machine shuts down almost immediately.

I’m considering making my Macbook also a Windows machine through the use of either Parallels or VMWare Fusion. Do you use either? If so, what version of Windows are running inside the virtual machine.

Another alternative is rebooting my Mac into a Windows machine via Boot Camp (I have Leopard installed), but that seems less desirable to me.

It’s A Mad Men ITP
After getting home last night I decided to watch a few more episodes of Mad Men from season one. I’m still trying to plow through the entire first season before I start taking in season two. “Season two? I though you lost those with the DVR?” Yep. “Is it out in DVD?” Nope. “Then how?” I just ordered the entire second season for $23 from iTunes. Of course that was over eleven hours ago my slow download speeds have not allowed me to download all of the episodes. (note to self: next home must be in the middle of fucking fast internet land)

The plan was watch Mad Men until 10pm when I would make another attempt to enjoy Food Network’s Chopped. If this is any indication of my interest in the show I fell asleep five minutes into the show.

Stats & Goals
Daily
Current Mood – relaxed and anxious to program
Current Music – listening to Leo Laporte’s “The Tech Guy” podcast
Website Of The Day – One last political jab : Is George W. Bush Still President?
Mode Of Transportation To Work – my car
Exercise (b)Log – climbing six flights of stairs

Monthly
Foot Mileage – 3 miles
Wheel Mileage – 0 miles
Consecutive Days Of Bed-Making (Longest Streak) – 21 (21)
Vegetarian Days – 4
Carnivorous Days – 16
Marta Rides – 0

January Goals
- Complete all necessary work on the dining room (not going to lie, I picked an easy room first)
- Lose no fewer than two pounds
- Run no fewer than 50 miles
- Completely read Softbox Lighting Techniques for Professional Photographers, Conceptual Blockbusting: A Guide to Better Ideas, and How to Be Happy, Dammit: A Cynic’s Guide to Spiritual Happiness

2009 Goals
- Reduce my weight to 190 pounds (today’s weight was 199.5 pounds)
- Completely read the book 1001 Paintings You Must See Before You Die
- Earn at least $150 through photography sales in order to cover the cost for the renewal of the Jalapeño Beach SmugMug account I opened the other day.
- Save $500 for the sole purpose of donating to charitable organizations of my choice
- Attend at least one professional photography workshop

The Unmeasurable
- Continue backing up all data, including the off-site storage
- Become a proficient programmer in Objective-C (iPhone development) and Ruby on Rails (Black Sheep web page concept)
- Do not create a solution for something which is not a problem

Cheers,
Paulie [eatl/ga]

Well, well, well.
The day has finally arrived.
Today is an historic day.
Today I return to the world of the exercising.
What, something else is going on today?

IKEA : Round Two — This May Have Been The Last Time
If you remember recently I hated on IKEA. I felt justified as it was a royal pain to get to, the layout is mega confusing, and I was unable to purchase some of the items which drew me to the store.

With rare exception I rarely give up after the first try. Since I was “in the neighborhood” I decided to give IKEA another shot. And besides, after my last trip I decided that their $0.50 shopping bags would make great laundry bags. (I was right.)

My trip to IKEA was not quite as painful as last time, even though there were many more people shopping in the store this time around. However, knowing how to get in and out of Atlantic Station, as well as IKEA itself, and the lighter holiday traffic made things bearable. I wound up buying ten candles (reduced to $0.49 each, three little wooden mannequins to add to my collection, and another IKEA shopping bag for laundry today.

ITP Flickr Pic(s)
The reason I was “in the neighborhood” for IKEA was that I stopped and picked up my developed 120 film E-6 Labs. I’ve started another new art project called “Diana+ v. D300.”

(D300, affixed with a 50mm prime lens shoot oat ISO400)

(Diana+, loaded with black and white ASA400 film)

For my shots I attempted to compose each shot the same. I think this is going to be a fun project.

I Need A Judge’s Ruling
While updating my stats this morning I encountered a dilemma. This morning I packed my laundry and included my bed linens. Unlike in washings past where I went, washed, and returned home immediately I have left my bed barren of linens for blogging time. Do I give myself credit for making my bed even though technically I did not?

Stats & Goals
Daily
Current Mood – changeable
Current Music – listening to some Noise Pop podcast from last year
Website Of The Day – Now this is Change I can endorse! (be forewarned, they make lingerie)
Mode Of Transportation To Work – my car (no change there)
Exercise (b)Log – nothing (no change there)

Monthly
Foot Mileage – 3 miles
Wheel Mileage – 0 miles
Consecutive Days Of Bed-Making (Longest Streak) – 20* (20*)
Vegetarian Days – 4
Carnivorous Days – 15
Marta Rides – 0

January Goals
- Complete all necessary work on the dining room (not going to lie, I picked an easy room first)
- Lose no fewer than two pounds
- Run no fewer than 50 miles
- Completely read Softbox Lighting Techniques for Professional Photographers, Conceptual Blockbusting: A Guide to Better Ideas, and How to Be Happy, Dammit: A Cynic’s Guide to Spiritual Happiness

2009 Goals
- Reduce my weight to 190 pounds (today’s weight was 199.5 pounds)
- Completely read the book 1001 Paintings You Must See Before You Die
- Earn at least $150 through photography sales in order to cover the cost for the renewal of the Jalapeño Beach SmugMug account I opened the other day.
- Save $500 for the sole purpose of donating to charitable organizations of my choice
- Attend at least one professional photography workshop

The Unmeasurable
- Continue backing up all data, including the off-site storage
- Become a proficient programmer in Objective-C (iPhone development) and Ruby on Rails (Black Sheep web page concept)
- Do not create a solution for something which is not a problem

Cheers,
Paulie [eatl/ga]

The Arizona Cardinals are headed to the Super Bowl. This will certainly go down in history as the most monumental event of the week of January 18, 2009; nothing else could be so historical.

An Eight Year Reign Of Terror Is Over
Want to go to a Super Bowl party this year? Please don’t come to my house, you will be disappointed.

I am sorry to announce that my Super Bowl party has been canceled. If you’re an ITP-reader you know why — my plumbing. No, I’ve not had a plumber out to the house yet. Yes, I still could host a party, however I am choosing to take a break.

He Who Travels Far And Wide Doesn’t Always Succeed
On Saturday I decided to go out and do a little shooting. My goal was to find free-standing hearths, and specifically the one which stands in Oconee National Forest.

I started my trip out I-20 with a vague notion of which exit on which I should exit. Having Jill the GPS and my iPhone with me, what could possibly go wrong? I came close. One thing I found out, as if I didn’t know, AT&T’s cell service is not all-covering. As I drove around it became abundantly clear that I was never going to find this free-standing hearth. Dangen! I did manage to find a covered bridge (not very photogenic in Winter) but nothing else.

One the way home I accidentally tempted fate as well. It was mid-afternoon and I had a slight hunger. As I drove along I came upon a Dairy Queen, my mind thought of getting a Blizzard. I went inside and ordered a Blizzard and upon returning to my car realized that I had a mental disconnect. I had order a Turtle and Oreo Blizzard, which if you think about it contains pecans. Remember back a few weeks ago when I had a nasty allergic reaction to a pecan snack. Dangen! I cautiously ate the dessert to see if there would be ramifications. At first I thought something bad was happening so I stopped eating. Every few minutes I’d eat a little more. I’m not declaring that I am not allergic to pecans, but I am still alive.

ITP Flickr Pic
Another shot from my Little Five stroll. You now know why there was nothing new to show today.

I will be headed to E-6 Labs to pick up my 120 film today. Fingers crossed.

Sometimes When You Are A Loser, You Are Also A Winner
The Gods seemed to be smiling upon us yesterday — something had to go wrong. I arrived at the Black Sheep hash any paid my $7 like every one else. I should have known I was in for trouble when a third hare was identified.

The pack took off like a thundering herd. The first check was “solved” immediately, I followed. Confusion ensued but people kept going, and though I hadn’t seen a mark since the first check, I followed. Frustration ensued and when I found the second check, which had not been kicked, I went searching for trail. After running around I found trail, only it was the trail we were supposed to follow from the first check. Undaunted, I followed.

When I arrived back at the second check there was no one to be found, and the check had still had not been kicked. Dangen! Along came Supersuck who had also gone out alone seeking trail and the two of us trudged through woods until we once again found trail.

The two of us followed trail and came across a check which had been turned into an arrow which pointed us straight ahead. Hurrah! Unfortunately it was pointed 90˚ in the wrong direction and we were forced to spend more time looking for trail.

We now feared that we would most certainly be DFL and there would be no beer at the end left for us. Supersuck and I continued along until we came upon a check had been turned into an arrow which pointed us down a creek. Hurrah! Unfortunately it was pointed 90˚ in the wrong direction and we were forced to spend more time looking for trail.

After wandering around in the woods Supersuck and I ran to the nearest road where for the second time we came upon Wet Dreams and Hired Snatch. All of a sudden Supersuck identified the area as a recent hash ending and the four of us recognized Surly Temple’s pickup truck. We had stumbled upon the end. Hurrah! Fortunately the beer was already there so we sat and consumed until the pack arrived some forty-five minutes later.

Stats & Goals
Daily
Current Mood – okay
Current Music – listening to the “Sound Opinions” podcast
Website Of The Day – Want to join a community of folks who review beers? 97 Bottles is trying to start such a community.
Mode Of Transportation To Work – my car
Exercise (b)Log – hashing, probably no more than 1 mile
Monday Morning Weigh-In – skipped

Monthly
Foot Mileage – 3 miles
Wheel Mileage – 0 miles
Consecutive Days Of Bed-Making (Longest Streak) – 19 (19)
Vegetarian Days – 4
Carnivorous Days – 14
Marta Rides – 0

January Goals
- Complete all necessary work on the dining room (not going to lie, I picked an easy room first)
- Lose no fewer than two pounds
- Run no fewer than 50 miles
- Completely read Softbox Lighting Techniques for Professional Photographers, Conceptual Blockbusting: A Guide to Better Ideas, and How to Be Happy, Dammit: A Cynic’s Guide to Spiritual Happiness

2009 Goals
- Reduce my weight to 190 pounds (today’s weight was 199.5 pounds)
- Completely read the book 1001 Paintings You Must See Before You Die
- Earn at least $150 through photography sales in order to cover the cost for the renewal of the Jalapeño Beach SmugMug account I opened the other day.
- Save $500 for the sole purpose of donating to charitable organizations of my choice
- Attend at least one professional photography workshop

The Unmeasurable
- Continue backing up all data, including the off-site storage
- Become a proficient programmer in Objective-C (iPhone development) and Ruby on Rails (Black Sheep web page concept)
- Do not create a solution for something which is not a problem

Cheers,
Paulie [eatl/ga]