I am actually rathered shocked that noone has beat me to the punch on this one, but I thought it went along well with Chris question about what Messenger program do you prefer. Granted you all might be waiting on the actual ability to test it out. I actually had free time to do some reading of all the things going on in the tech world and sign up for a bunch of newsletters and updates. Maybe I am finally becoming a true computer geek and keeping up with the latest technologies.
You can check out an article for
MSN Web Messenger at Windows & .Net Magazine. Apparently, the MSN site was getting too many hits because it no longer works. Its a great concept. The only thing is that corporate America not only blocks messenger services but they also track everything you are doing on the web. Also, my last job not only stopped messenger services but they also blocked a lot of websites as well. So I am not sure how much this really helps except the fact that you will be able to get on temporarily at least.
Also for those interested, the SQL 2005 Beta 2 has been released to select individuals. More on that later.
Thursday, July 29, 2004
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
I'm Kermit! Which Muppet character are you?
This was a forward, results will be in the comments:
Ever wondered which Muppet character you are most like? Well, a team of researchers got together and analyzed the personalities of Sesame Street characters, and put the information gathered into this quiz.
Answer each question with the answer that best describes you and then add up the points that correspond with your answer. Then send this to all your friends, including the person who sent it to you with your Muppet character in the subject line.
Get a pen and paper because you'll want to keep track of the question number and your answer. You'll need both to unlock the secret code at the end.
1) What describes your perfect date?
a) candlelight dinner for two, b) amusement park, c) rollerblading in the park, d) rock concert, or e) see a movie
2) What is your favorite type of music?
a) rock and roll b) alternative c) soft rock d) classical e) popular
3) What is your favorite type of movie?
a) comedy b) horror c) musical d) romance e) documentary
4) Which of the following jobs would you chose if you were given only these choices?
a) waiter/waitress b) sports player c)teacher d) policeman e) bartender
5) Which would you rather do if you had an hour to waste?
a) work out b) read c) watch TV d) listen to the radio e) sleep
6) Of the following colors, which do you like the best?
a) yellow b) white c) sky blue d) teal e) red
7) Which one of the following would you like to eat right now?
a)ice cream b) pizza c) sushi d) pasta e) salad
8) What is your favorite holiday?
a) Halloween b) Christmas c) New Year's d) Valentine's Day e) Thanksgiving
9) If you could go to any of the following places, which would it be?
a) Paris b) Spain c) Las Vegas d)Hawaii e) Hollywood
10) Of the following, who would you rather spend time with?
a) someone who is smart b) someone with good looks c) someone who is a party animal d) someone who has fun all the time e) someone who is very emotional
Ever wondered which Muppet character you are most like? Well, a team of researchers got together and analyzed the personalities of Sesame Street characters, and put the information gathered into this quiz.
Answer each question with the answer that best describes you and then add up the points that correspond with your answer. Then send this to all your friends, including the person who sent it to you with your Muppet character in the subject line.
Get a pen and paper because you'll want to keep track of the question number and your answer. You'll need both to unlock the secret code at the end.
1) What describes your perfect date?
a) candlelight dinner for two, b) amusement park, c) rollerblading in the park, d) rock concert, or e) see a movie
2) What is your favorite type of music?
a) rock and roll b) alternative c) soft rock d) classical e) popular
3) What is your favorite type of movie?
a) comedy b) horror c) musical d) romance e) documentary
4) Which of the following jobs would you chose if you were given only these choices?
a) waiter/waitress b) sports player c)teacher d) policeman e) bartender
5) Which would you rather do if you had an hour to waste?
a) work out b) read c) watch TV d) listen to the radio e) sleep
6) Of the following colors, which do you like the best?
a) yellow b) white c) sky blue d) teal e) red
7) Which one of the following would you like to eat right now?
a)ice cream b) pizza c) sushi d) pasta e) salad
8) What is your favorite holiday?
a) Halloween b) Christmas c) New Year's d) Valentine's Day e) Thanksgiving
9) If you could go to any of the following places, which would it be?
a) Paris b) Spain c) Las Vegas d)Hawaii e) Hollywood
10) Of the following, who would you rather spend time with?
a) someone who is smart b) someone with good looks c) someone who is a party animal d) someone who has fun all the time e) someone who is very emotional
Going into Hiding
Okay if you dont hear from me in awhile at least no new posts, it is because I have several things that I should have already had done and dont. So I am going to force myself in the few hours that I am actually home to work on them. So I apologize now if I fall off the face of the earth for a few days or weeks. I cant believe its time for school to start again. Eeeek I am so not ready. So Ill catch you again when I am more prepared :-)
Autocross Points Event #3
This past Sunday was the CKR SCCA Autocross (Solo II) Points Event #3 for the season. For those who don't know, I do participate in my 2003 V6 Automatic Honda Accord Sedan :-) Yes it is a big car especially when the other cars in my class are Mini Cooper S's. Though I am not doing too bad, I actually received numerous comments on my ability from more experienced soloist this past weekend. I finished 2nd in my class which is G-Stock Ladies. If you combine us with the guys (G-Stock), I finished 6 out of 9. And I did beat the guy who drives an '05 Honda Accord Coupe Manual, which was very exciting.
My new helmet was wondermous along with my new magnetic numbers and class leaders for the car. :-)
The course was at EKU and was a very tight more technical course. Its a smaller parking lot so its not as fast because the turns are much more sharper. My best time was 35.815 with the fastest time of the day a 29.183 for a C-Modified car. Once you pax all the scores to even out the classes, I finished 53 out of 72.
Next event is August 1 at EKU. Anyone who wants to come watch or actually run let me know and I can give you more details.
My new helmet was wondermous along with my new magnetic numbers and class leaders for the car. :-)
The course was at EKU and was a very tight more technical course. Its a smaller parking lot so its not as fast because the turns are much more sharper. My best time was 35.815 with the fastest time of the day a 29.183 for a C-Modified car. Once you pax all the scores to even out the classes, I finished 53 out of 72.
Next event is August 1 at EKU. Anyone who wants to come watch or actually run let me know and I can give you more details.
Monday, July 19, 2004
8th Grade Math Exam from Illinois
Test your math skills with this 8th Grade Math Exam which is given to Illinois Students.
Magna Cum Laude! You clearly have a handle on what the Illinois State Board of Education thinks an 8th-grader should know. You got 10/10 correct.
[Addition] I actually remembered most of the logic behind it which was impressive. But does it count that I was lazy and used a calculator instead of doing it by hand. Or did you all use a calculator as well?
Magna Cum Laude! You clearly have a handle on what the Illinois State Board of Education thinks an 8th-grader should know. You got 10/10 correct.
[Addition] I actually remembered most of the logic behind it which was impressive. But does it count that I was lazy and used a calculator instead of doing it by hand. Or did you all use a calculator as well?
Thursday, July 15, 2004
Go St. Louis Cardinals!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cardinals defeated the Cincinnati Reds tonight 7-2 at Cincinnati.
So I found out this morning that the Cards where in town and for those who read Chris's page, you know that is my favorite team. So I was really excited and really wanted to go to a game this weekend. Unfortunately, the only free night I sort of had was tomorrow night. My next problem was thinking of friends that were not already busy to my knowledge, who had money, and liked baseball. My list was extremely small okay, I could only think of two people. The first person was unable to go because he has to go to a wedding which is understandable. The second person, Chris, was not answering though he did call me back on his cell phone. He too already has plans for tomorrow night but his are not so excusable, except for the fact that a friend invited him and there are only 2 tickets. But he is going to the game tomorrow night and on top of that he was at the game tonight. I am rather jeolous. Oh well maybe next time, except the other times St Louis is in town its during the week. I might just have to suck it up and go.
R and L will be happy because I can help them move if they are really moving. Though I would rather sleep :-) Mentioning of sleep I should go to bed now.
So I found out this morning that the Cards where in town and for those who read Chris's page, you know that is my favorite team. So I was really excited and really wanted to go to a game this weekend. Unfortunately, the only free night I sort of had was tomorrow night. My next problem was thinking of friends that were not already busy to my knowledge, who had money, and liked baseball. My list was extremely small okay, I could only think of two people. The first person was unable to go because he has to go to a wedding which is understandable. The second person, Chris, was not answering though he did call me back on his cell phone. He too already has plans for tomorrow night but his are not so excusable, except for the fact that a friend invited him and there are only 2 tickets. But he is going to the game tomorrow night and on top of that he was at the game tonight. I am rather jeolous. Oh well maybe next time, except the other times St Louis is in town its during the week. I might just have to suck it up and go.
R and L will be happy because I can help them move if they are really moving. Though I would rather sleep :-) Mentioning of sleep I should go to bed now.
Out of Tiredness
Okay I really should have been in bed hours ago but instead I am blogging. It has been a very very long week for me. It all started Tuesday night. As the storms rolled in and everyone ran for cover, I sat at my cubicle at work working. We had a large deploy that was basically a lot of database backups and restoring to different environments. Some databases were quite large and took a long time to backup and restore. Finally at 2:30 am Wed morning, I headed to my friends R, L, and C to get a few hours of sleep.
On my way to their apartment, i saw a magnificent lightning show. It was quite impressive. I almost felt like I was in Kansas or somewhere else in the plains because you could see these large lightning bolts in the distance though not always so distant. They were going straight to the ground and lighting up the whole entire sky which was good since half of Louisville was without power. As I got to the apt, it started pouring down rain. Being as tired as I was I gave on finding my bag with my clothes in it and just ran for the apt. There I crashed on the couch for about 4 hrs before getting up and returning to work.
At least we didnt, break too many things and there was not much screaming because nothing was working. It was apparently a major change of structure. Im glad it wasnt horrible because I was flying solo until after 11 am.
On my way to their apartment, i saw a magnificent lightning show. It was quite impressive. I almost felt like I was in Kansas or somewhere else in the plains because you could see these large lightning bolts in the distance though not always so distant. They were going straight to the ground and lighting up the whole entire sky which was good since half of Louisville was without power. As I got to the apt, it started pouring down rain. Being as tired as I was I gave on finding my bag with my clothes in it and just ran for the apt. There I crashed on the couch for about 4 hrs before getting up and returning to work.
At least we didnt, break too many things and there was not much screaming because nothing was working. It was apparently a major change of structure. Im glad it wasnt horrible because I was flying solo until after 11 am.
Saturday, July 10, 2004
I am Still Alive
Yes Everyone I am still around as you probably notice with me commenting on some others pages. Its been a crazy week and next week sounds like its going to be even crazy. Please pray for me Tuesday night as I will be working all night til the depths of the darkness. Not really sure how late thats going to be but it sounds to be interesting and crazy.
Updates:
My helmet is in...Yippeee. Just in time for the next Autocross which is July 18 at EKU (Basketball Stadium). If anyone is interested in coming out, things start around 11 and last til about 4. Hard to say when I will actually run until that morning.
Called about the recall on the transmission. They dont have the parts in yet. Probably be mid July when I can take it in to get checked out. Hopefully nothing breaks too bad btwn now and then.
By the way, all my friends dont try to call me before 9 during the week on my cell because my minutes are already almost all gone for this month which isnt over til July 26. And I went over last month 80 minutes so no more going over. At least Ill try not too.
Okay I am sure there is more but I need to head out and back to the 'Ville for a Bridal Shower.
Updates:
My helmet is in...Yippeee. Just in time for the next Autocross which is July 18 at EKU (Basketball Stadium). If anyone is interested in coming out, things start around 11 and last til about 4. Hard to say when I will actually run until that morning.
Called about the recall on the transmission. They dont have the parts in yet. Probably be mid July when I can take it in to get checked out. Hopefully nothing breaks too bad btwn now and then.
By the way, all my friends dont try to call me before 9 during the week on my cell because my minutes are already almost all gone for this month which isnt over til July 26. And I went over last month 80 minutes so no more going over. At least Ill try not too.
Okay I am sure there is more but I need to head out and back to the 'Ville for a Bridal Shower.
Monday, July 05, 2004
Louisville Bound
Well tomorrow starts a new day of a new journey in my life. Its been a long anticipated journey into new waters, though unexpectedly into new horizons. The new waters bring new challenges, people, and experiences. I ask God to guide me tomorrow as I journey up to Louisville that all the paperwork is correct and that the transition into new employment goes smoothly. (Definitely cant afford not having a job after this weekend :-) )
Amazingly I am a very very calm person at 10 pm. My outfit is picked out. My lunch is half packed. There is gas in the car (Wipes the sweat from the brow: Had a moment of doubt). I believe I am set.
Dear friends who have put up with me the last multitude of years, know that I do fully appreciate each and everyone of you. I hope that our future mtgs and gatherings will be much more upbeat and joyful. Rather than some of those dreary days after hrs and hrs of work. I know that since I received word of a new job, I have been much more upbeat person.
I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off of my shoulders and there is excitement again in my life. I can actually feel the kindness and love in the air again. I can taste the joy and happiness. I see a great change in my disposition, especially now that it is really over. Though I would say not til tomorrow, when I start my new job, will I really feel the full weight lifted and the joy of a new job. Even if it is going to take me away from where I call home today.
Well guys. This may be the last you get for a few days. Then again maybe not. We will see how life and traveling goes. It is time for bed so that I can arise fully refreshed in the morning.
Amazingly I am a very very calm person at 10 pm. My outfit is picked out. My lunch is half packed. There is gas in the car (Wipes the sweat from the brow: Had a moment of doubt). I believe I am set.
Dear friends who have put up with me the last multitude of years, know that I do fully appreciate each and everyone of you. I hope that our future mtgs and gatherings will be much more upbeat and joyful. Rather than some of those dreary days after hrs and hrs of work. I know that since I received word of a new job, I have been much more upbeat person.
I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off of my shoulders and there is excitement again in my life. I can actually feel the kindness and love in the air again. I can taste the joy and happiness. I see a great change in my disposition, especially now that it is really over. Though I would say not til tomorrow, when I start my new job, will I really feel the full weight lifted and the joy of a new job. Even if it is going to take me away from where I call home today.
Well guys. This may be the last you get for a few days. Then again maybe not. We will see how life and traveling goes. It is time for bed so that I can arise fully refreshed in the morning.
Updating Mozilla Web Browser!
All ye computer people out there. Has anyone ever updated their web browser from Mozilla Firebird to the Firefox? Seems like its a bit risky but at the same time, the Firebird is currently giving me some issues. I guess the main thing I dont want to loose is all of my bookmarks. So if anyone knows an easy way to install the new Firefox without loosing my bookmarks, please let me know.
Saturday, July 03, 2004
Autocross Helmet
I have finally took the plunge and order my own helmet for AutoCross. It is a HJC CS5 - Flat Black Helmet.
Description:
Comfort, convenience and value describe the CL-5 open-face helmet. ~ Lightweight injection-molded thermoplastic alloy shell ~ Adjustable forehead vent allow flow-through ventilation ~ Plush brushed nylon interior for a comfortable fit ~ 3-snap smoke bubble visor ~ Sewn-in crown pad ~ Nylon strap-retention band neatly secures chin strap ~ Snell 2000/ DOT approved
Hopefully it will make it in before the next Autocross on 7/18. Also hopefully, my transmission will not fail before then. If your interested in coming out, let me know and I will tell you when and where.
Description:
Comfort, convenience and value describe the CL-5 open-face helmet. ~ Lightweight injection-molded thermoplastic alloy shell ~ Adjustable forehead vent allow flow-through ventilation ~ Plush brushed nylon interior for a comfortable fit ~ 3-snap smoke bubble visor ~ Sewn-in crown pad ~ Nylon strap-retention band neatly secures chin strap ~ Snell 2000/ DOT approved
Hopefully it will make it in before the next Autocross on 7/18. Also hopefully, my transmission will not fail before then. If your interested in coming out, let me know and I will tell you when and where.
Friday, July 02, 2004
My Luck with Cars!
My luck or lack of luck with cars continues. I first had two Taurus SHOs (93 and 98 models). Both cars had issues with the window mechanisms.
'93 Taurus SHO
- AC went out.
- Driving the BG to West. Ky, the computer chip overheated and the car refused to start back up.
- The ignition switch had to be replaced.
'98 Taurus SHO
- Some mechanism which kept the car from actually starting unless it was jumped.
- Brake Issues
- Cylinders Stuck Open (Okay I know there is another term I am looking for here but my brain is dead. I will fix as soon as I remember.)
- Faulty Wiring-resulting in the heat not working
- Dead Battery (probably from all the jumping)
So the winter of 2002, I decided that I wanted to get a new car that would be more reliable. I looked and looked and looked. It came down to two cars: 2003 Mazda 6 or 2003 V-6 Honda Accord. I went with the Honda because of the reliability feature over the Mazda. Maybe I made a mistake because I have had several issues with it as well.
- Brake Issues (Resulting in new brake pads just a bit over a year.)
- Radio cover falling off.
- Now there is a major recall on the transmission in the V-6 Accords along with several other Honda cars.
I just cant buy a break. Excluding things that are breaking on the car. 5 months after having the car, it received chips in the hood from hail. And then this spring, I had a flat tire. Though it is my first flat tire and there was no other damage, which is always good.
'93 Taurus SHO
- AC went out.
- Driving the BG to West. Ky, the computer chip overheated and the car refused to start back up.
- The ignition switch had to be replaced.
'98 Taurus SHO
- Some mechanism which kept the car from actually starting unless it was jumped.
- Brake Issues
- Cylinders Stuck Open (Okay I know there is another term I am looking for here but my brain is dead. I will fix as soon as I remember.)
- Faulty Wiring-resulting in the heat not working
- Dead Battery (probably from all the jumping)
So the winter of 2002, I decided that I wanted to get a new car that would be more reliable. I looked and looked and looked. It came down to two cars: 2003 Mazda 6 or 2003 V-6 Honda Accord. I went with the Honda because of the reliability feature over the Mazda. Maybe I made a mistake because I have had several issues with it as well.
- Brake Issues (Resulting in new brake pads just a bit over a year.)
- Radio cover falling off.
- Now there is a major recall on the transmission in the V-6 Accords along with several other Honda cars.
I just cant buy a break. Excluding things that are breaking on the car. 5 months after having the car, it received chips in the hood from hail. And then this spring, I had a flat tire. Though it is my first flat tire and there was no other damage, which is always good.
Freedom!
On this Fourth of July weekend, we remember our Freedom in this country. Thanks to all of those who have helped us maintain our freedoms.
Ironically, this weekend means more than just my country's freedom. Today marks the end of a nearly 4 year journey, which took a lot of my freedom away. Dear Friends who have listened to me gripe, stress, cry, and scream. Thanks for being such good supportive friends. There were good times, do not get me wrong, but times were tough a lot as well.
It was relieving to hand over my badge and fob and walk out those doors. It was weird to be walking out of what has been my life since graduating from college. But at the same time it was very liberating. There will be people that I will miss. Granted most of those people have moved on as well.
I also worked way too hard the last two days of my job. Not really sure the purpose of giving two weeks notice because nobody decides that they want to talk to you until the last two days. And at that they wait until the last minutes of those two days to talk. I finally shut everything down and escaped while the ADSM was answering a phone call. Otherwise, who knows I might still be there attempting to explain something that he just cant comprehend.
Thank you Jesus for my Freedom! I plan to enjoy these few days of freedom before starting my new job on Tuesday.
Ironically, this weekend means more than just my country's freedom. Today marks the end of a nearly 4 year journey, which took a lot of my freedom away. Dear Friends who have listened to me gripe, stress, cry, and scream. Thanks for being such good supportive friends. There were good times, do not get me wrong, but times were tough a lot as well.
It was relieving to hand over my badge and fob and walk out those doors. It was weird to be walking out of what has been my life since graduating from college. But at the same time it was very liberating. There will be people that I will miss. Granted most of those people have moved on as well.
I also worked way too hard the last two days of my job. Not really sure the purpose of giving two weeks notice because nobody decides that they want to talk to you until the last two days. And at that they wait until the last minutes of those two days to talk. I finally shut everything down and escaped while the ADSM was answering a phone call. Otherwise, who knows I might still be there attempting to explain something that he just cant comprehend.
Thank you Jesus for my Freedom! I plan to enjoy these few days of freedom before starting my new job on Tuesday.
Thursday, July 01, 2004
Dont Ask!
First of all, I am really going to have to start jotting down my blog ideas when they come to me. Because when I actually get around to writing in my blog, I have no clue what I was going to write about. Three or four things have come to mind in the last few days but currently I dont remember but one of them and its not really pertinent anymore.
Second of all, why the heck cant I sleep. Its after 1 in the morning and I was up til 12:30 last night. My eyes are ready to shut but my brain does not want to shut down. And my allergies are killing me. Remembered a post idea. :-) Jotting it down before I fall asleep.
Thirdly, two more days of work and I am free :-) Thanks to all of my friends who have supported me throughout the last few years. I know some of you have had to endure a lot. I really do appreciate it. Now you dont have to worry about me as much. I will hopefully get part of my sanity back as long as I survive these last two days.
Always three points to a sermon so maybe I should quit here :-) Then again,
Fourth, I am glad that some of you dont have constant free time to update and comment on blogs. Though I was disappointed on Monday, when I had nothing to keep up with because everyone was gone and nothing was happening. The one day that I am free and able to keep up and actually do a lot of thinking and nothing was happening. Glad to see that you all do have lives and/or jobs to work at.
Okay, my eyes are really shutting now. Maybe I will make it to sleep this time.
Second of all, why the heck cant I sleep. Its after 1 in the morning and I was up til 12:30 last night. My eyes are ready to shut but my brain does not want to shut down. And my allergies are killing me. Remembered a post idea. :-) Jotting it down before I fall asleep.
Thirdly, two more days of work and I am free :-) Thanks to all of my friends who have supported me throughout the last few years. I know some of you have had to endure a lot. I really do appreciate it. Now you dont have to worry about me as much. I will hopefully get part of my sanity back as long as I survive these last two days.
Always three points to a sermon so maybe I should quit here :-) Then again,
Fourth, I am glad that some of you dont have constant free time to update and comment on blogs. Though I was disappointed on Monday, when I had nothing to keep up with because everyone was gone and nothing was happening. The one day that I am free and able to keep up and actually do a lot of thinking and nothing was happening. Glad to see that you all do have lives and/or jobs to work at.
Okay, my eyes are really shutting now. Maybe I will make it to sleep this time.
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