|
|
Tuesday, August 07, 2001
Changes Happen
Now it's been forever since I have touched this site. I've pondered a few new layouts in the back of my mind, and a few rough HTMLs, but nothing on the live site. Although, with the recent changes in my life, I feel that there is definitely a need to redesign this site again. Once I find the right layout, and the proper pictures this site will be completely revamped. Maybe some good surprises in store for a few people too.
posted by Barrett at 3:58:06 PM link
Wednesday, March 28, 2001
Lack of Creativity
Well, as you now know from the previous blog - I've been pondering some possible layouts for this site. Unfortunately between working on other sites and their layouts, I haven't been able to create the look and feel I want for this site. I'm sure that in time I'll figure it out. Then again, maybe not. I've pondered turning this into a flash based site to show as a portfolio for future job interviews. However, I haven't had the time to even start looking into this. Especially since Dee got me on another addiction. Bowling.
Now bowling has been a fun thing for me in the past. Now mind you, I never once claimed to be good at the game. I used to get together with friends and throw them balls down the lane, while perfecting my shots with the help of alcohol. Aiming JuiceTM definitely has it's benefits. Even if it doesn't improve your game, you feel like less of an idiot when you hit a gutter.
I have to admit though, I think this time of going for the pins might be my break through. I've been scoring fairly decently from time to time. Of course there's still those crappy games and nasty frames from time to time. I think that'll be ending in the future though. I feel my biggest problem is that the balls available at the alley are all right handed. I'm a left handed bowler, and that spin just doesn't work out.
posted by Barrett at 2:40:16 PM link
Wednesday, March 21, 2001
Bwahahahahahaha
Tis I, Miss Biznitch from True Bitch. I have hijacked Barrett's blog momentarily.. I just wanted to leave a small message for Barrett... BLOG DAMMIT!!! Some of us would like to see what you have to say, even if we're a little bias in our choice of blogs to read. I know you've been kicking around redesign ideas.. maybe it's time to spit something out and redesign this thing again! Anyways this is short and sweet.. BLOG MEESTER!!!!
*SMEWCH*
~~~Miss Biznitch
posted by Barrett at 3:33:32 PM link
Monday, March 05, 2001
Holy Hell! You're still here?
It's been a long time since I've updated this site. I've been rather busy lately and getting tied up in way too much to keep up with blogging. Between work, raising kids, and entertaining everyone, I haven't had time for keeping this site up to date. I can tell you though, that a lot has happened since my disappearance.
Brendan is heading towards his 1 year birthday. How time flies. He's not to the walking stage yet, but he's definitely pushing it. Anything he can get a hold of, means he can pull himself to his feet. From there it's creeping to the end, and then back the other way. Along with that, he's learning some excellent facial expressions and has a great little attitude. One things for sure, he's got my temper. Little man gets all sorts of pissy when something isn't making him happy.
As for Zachary, things are changing in his world too. He's been trying to get used to sharing his toys, and playing with Brendan. He's also progressing with the vocabulary thing too. At times he'll pop of with the most random, yet SO grown up comments. The only thing you can do is wonder where the hell it came from. Among other things, he had his first turn at bowling last night. Dee, Zach, and myself went to throw the ball for a few hours. It was great watching him run up, grab a six-pounder, and run for the foul line. He'd get there, throw the ball down....and wait till it made it's way down the lane. Then after knocking over the pins (whether it be one or eight) his little arms reached for the sky and his eyes lit up as he yelled, "yes! I did it!."
As for Dee, things aren't going too bad. Atleast I'm hoping not. She's had her moments of grumpiness (which women don't?) and she's had her adventures too. Dee used to bowl leagues, and has really been missing it. We've gone twice now in the week or so, and she has enjoyed it. She's also been missing home a bit too lately. Not always a good thing, but it's expected.
Among other things, I've been helping a friend out with a website. It's got some good stuff on it. In fact, at this point in time you can vote on your favorite Actors and Actresses. The winners of this contest will receive actual tangible awards. So go, vote - you know you want to.
posted by Barrett at 3:31:30 PM link
Wednesday, January 10, 2001
Let the Temptations begin...
Tonight is the premier of Fox's new reality-based show. This series will place couples on an island, only to be tempted in cheating on their significant others. The previews that have been playing repeatedly have definitely caught the attention of myself and my significant other. We held a few discussions about this and we both feel that it's about time someone got the balls to pull off a show like this.
However, on the other hand I really don't understand some people. There's been a lot of controversy over this show and it hasn't even aired yet. Go figure. Here in the "Land of the Free", people constantly have to decide what we should or shouldn't watch. Ever notice how other countries don't seem to experience this? Hell, look at Britian. Nudity is nothing over there. Even though this may be so, flash a little nipple on a public station in the US and see who comes out bitching. Pretty silly actually.
Then earlier, I heard the best one so far. Apparently, people are now convinced that this show is completely based on breaking up couples and leaving the kids to suffer. Both, myself and my girlfriend, got a major kick out of that. Each person that is participating in this show, has gone through numerous interviews and should, by now, fully understand the consequences. Along with this, the couples are automatically disqualified and removed from participating if they have children. Therefore, Fox has not only researched the possible issues, but have also covered their own asses. For the people that wanna bitch....change the fucking channel. For the rest of ya, enjoy!
I know where I'll be, on the couch with my woman, watching Temptation Island.
posted by Barrett at 8:31:43 PM link
Thursday, October 26, 2000
Brilliant Words of Pain, Love, and the Unknown
Earlier, I blogged. I blogged about how other pages seemed to be so self-centered along with a few other things. However, I have to bring something up. This evening, I sat down at my keyboard and came across something that really touched me. Touched me, in a non-personal..yet so personal way.
A fellow blogger, one that I had not before crossed paths with, has come to a difficult time in his life. Zeldman, recently lost his Mother. I cannot directly relate to this, but reading his page definitely made me feel atleast a little of the pain that he is feeling. It made me think of the time that I visited a hospital during the beginning of this year. My Grandfather had passed away, and I remember watching my Mother hold his hand so tightly. Tears running over her cheeks, as she repeatedly told him how much she loved him. I wasn't there when my Grandfather passed. We arrived a few minutes after it was over. Although, I still remember the feeling of the room. There was a coldness about, and strangly there even a hint of warmth. I can't really explain it, and I don't know if anyone can. However, I feel that Zeldman came pretty damn close.
I wanted to send an email, where I could personally offer my condolences, but I couldn't find a link. So I am posting this here. Zeldman. I feel for your loses, and I hope that time sees you through this. I also want to Thank You. The feeling that I received from reading your writing truly made me remember the loss of my Grandfather. (Grandmother too, but my Grandfather was more recent). Even though it's a hard time in life, and in ways something you don't want to remember - I never want to forget that feeling. It's that feeling that holds them close to your heart, where they live forever.
posted by Barrett at 11:52:14 PM link
Battles of the Common Cold
Well, here I am today, back at work. I've spent the last two days at home, doing nearly nothing. I managed to catch myself a cold, and had to take some time of work to battle it out. I'm doing better today, but still not where I should be. It could have been worse though, it could have been that damned flu.
Among other things, not too much really happening around here. Still doing my rounds on the job search. Spoken with a few good people, and am watching the horizon. I'm not in a complete hurry to go anywhere yet. I currently have a good stable job, but if I see the right opportunity open up, I may have to take it.
Came to a silly realization today. Blogging isn't the same that it used to be. When I first started doing this, it was everything my page needed. An easy way to update and maintain a page. It kept me coming back for more, and there was this whole little community that evolved around it. There were other sites to comment on, or to follow up with. However, my life has become more and more cluttered with things that I need to do, offline and elsewhere. Things that involve the family, immediate or not. Along with that, I've spent less time online. This means, less time to surf other blogs, to follow up on how people are doing - let alone what they are doing. In some ways I feel bad for this, and in other ways, I suppose it doesn't really matter. There are still a few sites that I manage to read up on. Just not as many as I used to.
In some ways this is my fault. At the same time, it's based on a lot of other things too. For instance, job searches and interviews and all that comes with them take time. Having a four year old to chase around is more important that wondering what someone on the other side of the planet is complaining about. Spending time with the youngest boy and watching him smile at me, is more entertaining than than searching the net for one small paragraph that was worth reading.
Now, I'm not saying that my page is something to brag about, or that it's better or worse than anyone else's page. My blogs are merely my thoughts, just as another's blog is their thought. However, I'm realizing that blogging seems to be an socially acceptable way to be self-centered. On the other hand, some people have done exceptionally wonderful things with their blogs. I thank the people that have managed to do that. In all honesty, it's been a while since I've read his page. In fact, I'm going to go read up on that now. I hope his little girl is doing good!
posted by Barrett at 3:38:44 PM link
Saturday, October 21, 2000
Sorrows of a Feathered Friend
I finally managed to free up the needed time to work on my parents' computer. Worked out well actually. They need to have the hard drive replaced and it's going to take a week to get the replacement drive, after turning this one in for warranty replacement. They left Thursday morning to visit a relative in Northern Washington, so they won't be suffering much from down time. We all know how important our email access is, right?
In the middle of reconfiguring their old hard drive to work with the new system, I grabbed the four-year old and headed out the back door. It was time for a smoke, and a small break from OS reconfigurations. It was raining outside. Raining hard. While standing under the covered portion of their back deck, I noticed a bird hanging out. At first it appeared as though he was trying to avoid the rain and waiting for that chance to make a break for it. I pointed the bird out to Zach, and he watched in awe. Shortly after that I noticed that the bird wasn't moving much, other than flinching when the splatter of a rain drop managed to hit him. I walked over to him and knelt down. The bird didn't run, hop or even flap his wings. He obviously wasn't feeling good. I picked him up, and headed for the covered area.
Now, Zach has never been this close to a bird, and he thought it was the coolest thing. I took the bird inside, to a warmer dryer area. He sat on the computer desk while I finished a few more things. Offered him some bread, but honestly I believe he was more interested in some sleep. I called Dee, and let her know that I was bringing home a little fella in need of some warmth.
I packed Zach up in the car, grabbed the bird and headed home. He rode in my lap the whole way. Startled him around a few corners, but he did just fine. We made a little nest for him on our back patio with a little bread and some fresh water. Showed Zach that the bird was resting and it was time for him to take his nap as well.
Unfortunately, at this point I have to say that before Zachary woke up, our new found friend passed away. It was his time, and Dee and I both realize that. We told Zachary that he started feeling better, and that he flew away to head South for the cold season. As much as Zachary needs to learn about death, this just didn't feel like the right time. He's seen Death earlier this year, and he wasn't quite ready for it then either. I am glad though, that the little bird passed away in the warmth and comfort of a little shelter, instead of a patio deck...cold and wet.
posted by Barrett at 10:48:58 PM link
Friday, October 06, 2000
The Break of the Weekend
Friday, finally! This week has definitely been a long one. Although, today ended out pretty well. We had a practice evacuation at work. That's something that they haven't done in a long time. In fact it had been so long that I nearly forgot how loud the alarms are.
In between our morning meeting, running tickets and our evacuation I managed to complete one more IBM certification. This was the IBM Mobile Systems certification. Monday I should be able to complete the Netfinity Servers exam, and then I'll be done with this set. After that it'll be moving forward, and that means time to study HP printers.
The things to look forward to...
posted by Barrett at 11:08:11 PM link
Wednesday, October 04, 2000
The progression continues...
Today worked out to be a fairly slow day on the floor. This definitely worked out for the best. After checking our ticket load, I headed over to the JF campus and turned in my paperwork reflecting the passing of my A+. I also received the information I needed to open an account with IBM. After completing their signup information, I took and passed the IBM Warranty Basics exam. I have three more IBM certifications to complete, and then it's on to my HP certifications.
As for other happenings in the home life, there are a few updates. Dee moved Brendans' crib into Zacharys' room today. We also managed some furniture rearranging over the weekend, and completed one more computer for the house. This computer will ultimately end up being for Zachary. There's still some adjustments that need to be done here on the server, and a few software tweaks on the new machine, but it should be up and running this weekend. After that Zachary will be able to type up a storm on mIRC.
posted by Barrett at 6:57:02 PM link
Saturday, September 30, 2000
Progession to Marketability
Today started out early for a Saturday. I was scheduled to take my A+ certification at 8:30 AM. I drug my ass out of bed at 7 AM, hopped into the car and headed down Hall Blvd. I made it to the testing center at 8:15 AM and checked in. The test started at the planned time. Nearing 8:50 AM, the 'printing test screen' appeared, and I headed into the main office room. I passed both parts, and to my surprise it wasn't as bad as expected. Completed, and off of my shoulders. Today could just become a very good one at that.
posted by Barrett at 9:44:50 AM link
Sunday, September 24, 2000
Happenings of the Weekend
Well during this past week I managed to finish my new book. For a review, I have to give it atleast a "B". There are a few things that the author could have elaborated on a bit more. However, the book was informative and will make a great on-hand reference. All in all, I do recommend this book to anyone that is looking for some quick tips and information on Flash 4.
In time I will be adding more to this site, including some additions to the work section. Hopefully, I'll be able to get some flash things that I have done, uploaded and linked to. Bear with me on this, as it may be a little while. I want to get enough material built up to complete atleast a page.
Among other things, this weekend has been fairly relaxed. Dee and I managed to get some time away from the kids yesterday. Our original plan was to use the cam-corder and get some shots of Portland and the surrounding area. Unfortunately, we discovered some bad news. The battery for the camera is rather worthless, and holds a charge for no more than five minutes. Knowing that we weren't going to be able to film anything worthwhile, we hit the streets of Downtown. During this short walk, we hit Rock Bottom Brewery. They served up a Cryin' Coyote beer for me and a Blue Hawaiian for Dee. They also brought us a more-than-generous platter of Sesame Calamari. Definitely a delicious assortment of Octopus and Squid. Just the right amount of spice too. If you're ever in Portland, Oregon, you have to hit this place.
Anyways, it's time to figure out dinner for the evening. We managed to pawn Zachary, the three year old, off on the grandparents. Ahhh, some peace and quiet.
posted by Barrett at 11:52:13 AM link
|
