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suenos
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 1 April 2009 04:23 am |
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OMG you're twittering (or is it tweeting?)....does that mean I can stalk, opps, I mean "follow" you on twitter? Have you played with follwing anyone interesting and/or famous? anyhooooo, just stopped by to wave at ya!
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jackbenimble
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 1 April 2009 12:21 pm |
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Hey Suenos! What's it like to be the blushing bride again:)
Nope, not twittering (tweeting sound good). It would read like this - going to work - coming back from work - doing homework or working at home - sleeping - repeat).
My daughter does it, but I strongly advised her to make her posts private and to make sure that her name isn't connected.
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CrimsonAnimus
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 1 April 2009 03:11 pm |
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That's a good idea, Jack. You can never be too careful.
I have this one IM buddy who lives in the same city as I do, who used to constantly pester me for my phone number and home address. It's really too risky a chance for someone you don't really know, or for that matter, can even confirm that they are who they say they are. I could very well be an 80-year old rock and roll granny on the run from the Mafia (but I'm not). 
I like how you are always involved in some kind of project. Gives me the urge to do so, too. I've thought about taking up writing again.
It makes it so much easier when the people you work with know what they're doing, eh? I can't count the times that I've had to go back behind somebody and fix their messes, or just redo the project altogether. Usually, it leads me to a preference to work alone. Good for you, bud - I'm sure he'll learn from you, too.
Nice looking, actually.
Well, that's always a plus, isn't it? 
Congrats on the laptop! I'm envious. This laptop is good, but A.) It's not mine, and B.) I really want a desktop. Even though this is a home laptop, I still feel a bit guilty putting games on it, but alas, I have, anyway. 
1 in 6 couples meet online? Really? That's fascinating, and surprising. I wonder where that statistic comes from. Online meeting can be just as fruitful as anywhere else, but it definitely has its downfalls.
Your story about the animals reminds me of that time I went walking to my sister's workplace and back, in the middle of the night. Part of the road led through a wooded area with no lights at all, and I heard what I thought was animal noises. It was very creepy, and me, in my craziness, brought no flashlight, nor anything to defend myself. That was the last time I did something like that.
But...I can understand your desire to want to brave the wild. Sometimes, I get the urge to go somewhere very secluded, where I can just be in touch with nature, and leave the computer, my job, and all of it for a time. I've always wanted to go mountain climbing, or even do something less "wild", like go skiing, or kayaking, or rafting, or skydiving (OK, maybe not THAT wild). 
I read a book once that attempted to explain the essence of males, and how it is embedded down in us to crave the wild, the unknown, and that while morality, family, etc. are important, they are not enough to truly fulfill us. Interesting concepts, which I somewhat agree with.
In any case, just wanted to drop in and say hi, and ended up saying much more, as is typical, seeing as how when I get started I just can't stop, no matter how much I try, for it is truly a futile effort, you know what I'm saying? 
Oh, and how's your C++ going?
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jackbenimble
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 12 April 2009 03:42 pm |
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Good news. I finished my taxes yesterday - on time, second year in a row without filing for an extension. I love Taxact. It's all online, it only costs like, 16 bucks a year. And, I walked my daughter through her taxes, too. Two-for-one.
Hey, Nick! The C++ is going great, thanks for asking. I finished my fourth of 6 C++ assignments, passed it in Friday. The TA is timing this one. He says he can get his to run in under 5 seconds. It's one of those things where if you don't use the right data structures, the program runs forever. I learned a long time ago that you need to get you're data structures right, so I had no problem, mine runs in under 6 seconds. I don't know how he gets it lower than that.
I went to the local college pub with C, the piano player the other night. He's toned his act down, which is good. I just stuck around for a beer, there wasn't much going on. M has been calling me like a stalker recently. He just loves to talk. I kind of hinted around that he's been calling to much, I think he'll get the hint.
I'm getting through a cold I got from work, I had lost my voice in the last couple of days. But I feel better today. I'm a bit nervous because I need to do an extended demo/presentation tomorrow for a couple of big-deal reps from a mega-huge company who we've been trying to do business for a long time. To be honest, I don't care in one way, because no matter what I do, I don't get a raise or an increase in perks. Still, I don't like to embarrass myself. I've done enough of these things that by now I'm not too nervous. The reason she picks me is that I'm technical and can program, but I can communicate effectively. It's not that easy to find a mix like that.
Easter Sunday, going over Mum's house. I don't want to stay took long because I would like to get a jump on this one aspect of the project that's we haven't decided on yet.
My weight is back up to 170. I can't jog because of the cold. Work has been pretty heavy duty recently, for like a month and 1/2. I asked the owner for a comp-day, and she shot it down. She says I'm taking to much time to do stuff. Huh? When I have three or four projects I'm unofficially or officially responsible for, and I'm working 60 hours to make them happen right, hitting deadlines, doing top-notch work, and that's the appreciation you get, it really makes you think about leaving.
Four more months. We'll be out of the recession by then, and I'll be finished with this project. Maybe I'll look then. My last course is the end of this year, so maybe January is a better time. I want to do what MM is doing - looking overseas. The problem is, I'm married and likely to stay that way. Oh, well, I'll continue to procrastinate on that front. One thing at a time. Just win, baby, just win.
Last edited on 12 April 2009 03:44 pm by jackbenimble
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jackbenimble
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 14 April 2009 03:25 am |
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So, the demo went...ok. I didn't screw up, at least. They were a bit underwhelmed by the presentation on security, but at least they liked the video. For some reason V starting piping up and #%@&!ting the customer. Sheesh, tell me sweet little lies. I don't know why he does that. Anyway.
I've inherited O's buggy, untested, complicated code after E gave it a game try. We're getting close to deadline, and I have to clean up the mess by the end of the week. It would've been a lot less painful if I'd just done it myself in the first place.
I'm Eating cheeze-its. Bad.
Otoh, Easter was good. It wasn't boring, my youngest brother showed and he's always good for some laughs. Everyone was surprised I had a place up near work, I guess I hadn't mentioned it before. It was worth a few laughs.
I've officially decided - I like jazz better than blues. I can't believe it, I've always loved the blues. Still do. But jazz is cooler.
M got mad at me and hung up when I started telling him to stop calling me so so early/late. I mean, what is this, high school? Sheesh. Anyway, I gave him a call back and emailed him and stuff and it's all patched up. Ahh, he's al right. Just has to give up his stalker tendencies.
Good night, sleep tight.Last edited on 14 April 2009 03:26 am by jackbenimble
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CrimsonAnimus
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 14 April 2009 03:36 am |
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Jack, you seem to me like someone who is easy to talk to. Still, calling repeated (EDIT: repeatedly) at all hours is a bit over the top. Maybe he's just really lonely.
I'm not calling you old, truly, but I do find it easier to talk to people older than me, rather than around my own age group. People in their 30's and beyond typically have much more interesting things to discuss - just my experience.
Cheez-its, eh? I have a pic for you:
This is a model of a Cheez-it. Next time you eat it, remember that it could be watching you...
Last edited on 14 April 2009 03:27 pm by CrimsonAnimus
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jackbenimble
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 14 April 2009 05:58 am |
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| lol :}
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mollymoo24
Distinguished Member
| Joined: | 30 December 2007 |
| Location: | Chicago, USA |
| Posts: | 6301 |
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Posted: 14 April 2009 11:43 am |
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OMG Nick that picture is so funny. 
Hi Jack,
It has been a while and I am certainly glad to see your several recent posts. It sounds like you are pretty much running the routine these days although nice to hear that you got out with the piano player for a beer at least.
Baseball season is here and while I am supposedly a Red Sox convert I actually got excited about the Cubs home opener yesterday. Maybe I've got a soft spot for them that I thought was completely lost to the ravages of time and bitter disappointments.
We all need to jog more that is for sure.
About the overseas thing, haven't done anything serious with that in the past few months but thanks for reminding me. Time is simply flying by and pretty soon it will be time for me to start getting serious. But not yet.
Take care !
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zenobia
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 14 April 2009 09:53 pm |
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aw jack, no doubt you are a dream to talk to. well, to type to.... :)
and that cheezit guy is the cutest thing ever. i love how he is looking up like that.
and yes, i think jazz is cooler than the blues, but undoubtedly, they are both great forms of music. "cool" is a more appropriate term for jazz, for sure.
take care Jack!
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jackbenimble
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 15 April 2009 04:37 am |
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That picture is really funny, huh? thanks for brightening up my day, Nick.
MM, Zen, thanks for stopping by. It's always fun to see y'all around these parts. MM - face it - you are a Cubbie's fan at heart. They are way cooler than the red sox at this point. They ARE the Red Sox that I grew up with - the ones that will rip your heart out. I'm so glad that monkey is off our collective backs. It's so much easier to be a red sox fan now. But, now you Cubbies fans have officially received that torch of angst that was ours for so long. Enjoy the attention :)
Zen, you're so sweet. I always get a lift from your encouraging words.
It's hard for me to put in words what there is about jazz that grabs me so much. Urbane, cool, dispassionate. The music takes a life of its own. It doesn't push itself on you, it draws you to it, doesn't matter if you come or not, it's really about the music. It's cat-like. I can listen to it and do homework. It suits my lifestyle right now.
I figured out that I'm going to have to go into a mode of hyper-activity for about the next month.
I have this:
Trip to headquarters - April 20 to 21
C++ 5th assignment due May 1 - status - not started
C++ Final assignment due May 17 - status - not started
Security
Optional Project - May 8 - status - not started
Take Home Final - May 8 - 15 - status - not started
Third Interim Status Report - May 9
- status - not started
Submit petition to get C++ elective accepted into the Software Engineering elective - status - not started
June, July, August
Learn how to do math proofs, computer theory
1 week vacation at the cape with bro & family
Fall Computer Theory
Spring Software Engineering Capstone and Graduate
Summer 2010 3-week to Japan. Go there and live.
Hello, insomnia, how do you do.
Sleep tight. Sleep right, yo.
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suenos
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 15 April 2009 05:05 am |
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Hiya Jack!
You like jazz more than blues? Oh well, now I must cross you off my list of "desirable men on the internet I want to meet in the next 2 weeks before I become an old married lady" list . Darn, and you were at the top of the list!
Ha! Just kidding.....about having a list...if I did have one you would be at the top though....but not kidding about the jazz - sorry but yuk..but give me some Bessie Smith and a side of Lady Day and I'm in heaven.
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jackbenimble
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 15 April 2009 01:35 pm |
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Suenos :))
How's the blushing bride? (I just love that image :) I'm all about Bessie and Lady Day. There are some great links for both of them on You Tube. Btw, they are considered jazz singers, are they not? So much for not liking jazz ;) I hope to get back to you before you make the leap. Maybe I can talk you out of it (just kidding). I guess it depends on your partner, and it sounds like you've found a good man. Hard to find. How does that joke go, again? Never mind.
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jackbenimble
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 20 April 2009 04:56 am |
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I just checked around the site. You guys are very inspirational. Tough acts to follow. Still, I'm grabbing some time to catch up CPH. Partially because I finally had a good day today.
Recently, wheels had been falling off the wagon a bit. E.g. Friday I temporarily lost my wallet (with all my moving around), but because I'm traveling Monday (today) I had to get it replaced in case I didn't find it. It took 5 hours because they only issue it same-day if you have a flight. So I had to go home, book a flight, then go back and get the the license. Except, I had to travel to another site in Boston to get that, and pay for parking. Then, the piece de resistance, I got a ticket for changing lanes on the way home. !#$!@#@#. Of course, the wallet turned up shortly thereafter. !$#!$##$@!$#!@.
Saturday, I spent multiple hours on 1 wierd linkage error in my homework, and had gotten nowhere by midnight.
Finally, I had a key inspiration after a good nights sleep and got the bulk of the program done by about 4 pm today. I then cleaned up bit, went jogging, packed for my trip, got some documentation ready, and filled out my daughter financial aid and submitted it.
I decided, after the wallet fiasco, that my new motto would be "be prepared", like in the boy scouts.
Suenos's post gave me something to think about. I have some inner demons to conquer, too. If she can, why not me?
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CrimsonAnimus
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 20 April 2009 05:50 am |
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Geez, Jack, what a fiasco. Glad it's sorted out now. I don't normally curse, but I'm sure I would have been saying a few #$@$#@$ as well.
Everybody has inner demons to conquer, Jack. Acknowledging them puts you halfway to overcoming them. Some things we dislike about ourselves we will never be able to change - they are just a part of who we are. Often, though, we can lessen their intensity. I firmly believe that people can change, but I also believe that the deepest cores of our beings are unchangeable.
OK, enough of that. If I go any deeper, I'm going to have to pull out the fishin' pole. 
...it sounds like you've found a good man. Hard to find. How does that joke go, again?
Is this the one you're talking about?
A woman was walking along the shores of the beach when she stumbled upon a an old looking lamp bottle. The woman picked up the bottle, rubbed some of the sand off it and out of the blue a genie appeared!
The stunned woman asked the genie if this meant that she got three wishes.
"Three wishes is only a fable," responded the genie. "You only get one wish. So what do you wish for?"
The woman did not hesitate.
"I want peace in the Middle East," she responded. "See this map? I want these countries to stop fighting with each other and I want all the Arabs to love the Jews and Americans and vice-versa. It will bring about world peace and harmony."
The genie looked at the map and exclaimed, "Lady, be reasonable. These countries have been at war for thousands of years. I'm out of shape after being in a bottle for five hundred years. I'm good but not that good! I don't think it can be done. Make another wish and please be reasonable."
The woman thought for a minute.
"Well, I've never been able to find the right man," she said. "You know, one that's considerate and fun, likes to cook and help with the house cleaning, loves kids and is great in bed, gets along with my family, doesn't watch sports all the time, and is faithful. That is what I wish for ... a good man."
The genie let out a deep sigh and said, "Let me see that darn map again..."
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jackbenimble
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 25 April 2009 01:34 pm |
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Lol, good one Nick. I heard a different version of it a while back. Them's the best ones.
A quick update after seeing Suenos off to her nupital ceremony:
The trip to headquarters went well. I went to with E, the new pm, and she is great. R was great, too, but E and I are more complimentary. She's a little lower profile than he was so there's more of a back and forth. She actually conducted the demo so I could do most of the presenting. It worked well and they are looking to incorporate our piece into their overall software. Plus the trip was by train both ways and with only the morning meeting we were back by 7. Nice, easy trip, almost like vacation.
J is going great guns on the security project. I love this kid - he's very quick, he's dedicated, principled and kind of cool. He's got a bright future if he wants it.
S, the high-profile consultant, has delivered a key piece that we needed. I'll test it out next week.
I'm doing a couple of phone-screens next week. What I look for is a pleasant, easy to get-along-with personality, low profile, low-maintenance, good listener, humble but competitive, and very good at their job. Like me :)
The company is growing. We hired a couple more new engineers last week. We're still under 15 people, but it's up from the 2 we were at a few years ago.
Went to class last night and I again hit the college pub with C. Beers are cheap there, like, 3 bucks or so. It's a bargain. It's run by the students.
I figured out, I don't want to necessarily pick up girls - that would foul my life up - but I like their company, their prettiness, their sexiness. I like them *around*. The problem with C is he is so insistent on fog-horning his own opinions around that he drives them off, if there are any around. Example, last night I was talking to one of the two females in the class of 30, a woman from India. She turned out to be quite pleasant and is almost done with her degree. We were having a nice chat when C came along, and the next thing you know we're both listening to him piping off. After a while she said goodbye and was gone.
If C wasn't the way he is, maybe we could've maybe joked around with her a bit more and even invited her along to join us for a drink. Unlikely, but, it could've happened. Instead, another night of banging 'em down with the guys. Sheesh. It's not like a couple of old(er) guys like us are going to make new friends among the undergrads - we have to bring our own girls. Then, maybe that could branch off. Otherwise, it ain't going to happen. C doesn't see any of this. Maybe that's why he can't get a date.
We did end up meeting another guy from class. He's a true hacker who actually has a criminal record because he got caught doing some serious s**t in high school. He's kind of like a a magician or a hypnotist in appearance, slight in build, mustachioed. Definitely fits the mold. He's interesting enough but at some point the conversation diverged and he got onto this kind of bizarre tangent. He was joking, but I wasn't into it. Anyway, I had hit my 2-beer max (I drink slow) and headed out.
M is on vacation, mercifully, so is not harassing me by phone this week. It's a nice break. I don't know what's gotten into him. I hope he lets up soon, or I'm going to stop picking up.
I'm still under the gun, but my last C++ assignment is done, a week early. Now there's just the final project, which I'll work on today and tomorrow.
For the security class, I'm going to work on the extra credit this week and have it done by Friday, I hope. Then I'll study all weekend for the take-home final, which start the week after.
I'm getting along OK with the wifey these days. It'll never be perfect - we are fundamentally incompatible on several levels - but I think spending 3 nights per week away helps. It actually keeps us out of each other's hair somewhat.
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mollymoo24
Distinguished Member
| Joined: | 30 December 2007 |
| Location: | Chicago, USA |
| Posts: | 6301 |
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Posted: 29 April 2009 03:40 am |
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| Hi Jack, well I think you are just being honest with your comments about liking having women around. It probably fulfills a need that is not being met on the home front. Which, it appears that you have come to some terms with. Its not an easy choice and the options are not particularly great. Time apart does help and often, absence makes the heart grow fonder.
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CrimsonAnimus
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 29 April 2009 03:59 am |
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I agree, and I hope you find happiness, Jack - in your career, your love life, and all the rest. You deserve it!
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zenobia
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 29 April 2009 06:40 am |
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I figured out, I don't want to necessarily pick up girls - that would foul my life up - but I like their company, their prettiness, their sexiness. I like them *around*.
i appreciate how your mind works.
ok, dig it.
so i guess i'm kind of a flirt. it's not that i want to go to bed with the guy, i just like it when interesting/neat/fun guys are around. i appreciate their company, their attention... it's not like it really means anything, it just is what it is. i like them "around".
and i think it's neat that you are the same way with chicks. it is what it is and it's not what it's not.
some people don't get that...
i'm happy you get that.... a kindered spirit ...
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CrimsonAnimus
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 4 May 2009 05:45 pm |
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Hey, Jack, it's been a while since you updated us. How are things going? Have you had any interesting ladies *around*, lately?
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KristaK
New Member
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Posted: 4 May 2009 08:05 pm |
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Go Jack!
I hope you lose what you need
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mollymoo24
Distinguished Member
| Joined: | 30 December 2007 |
| Location: | Chicago, USA |
| Posts: | 6301 |
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Posted: 16 May 2009 02:28 pm |
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| Jack, it sure would be nice to hear from YOU again, my absent friend. What's going on? How is school, work, homelife? Jogging? The weather is good, so I am hoping you've been able to hit the pavement now and again.
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jackbenimble
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 16 May 2009 04:25 pm |
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Hey MM, you want to hear from me? Just check your blog!
I just finished my last assignment for the semester. I've been going pretty much flat-out between work and school since the end of Jan. I calculated I was spending approximately 55 hours a week on work, and that doesn't count the C++ course and the Security course. Guitar was totally pushed out of the picture. No Japanese. Exercise was limited to the all too occasion 45 minute jog. Pretty much the dull boy.
Today, I've got to go pick up my daughter so in about 15 minutes, that's 6 hours gone. That's why I wanted to get the assignment done - I worked from 2-5 this morning, submitted it, and went back to sleep. This morning I got a haircut and mowed the lawn, desperately needed since I'm away next weekend for the holiday.
I met a lady down the courts who's really good. She owns a local restaurant and has 4 boys, the last couple till in college. I practiced my net game with her my serve. She couldn't get my serve back, but should could win points on accuracy and power with ground strokes. She's amazingly good for someone her age.
Nick, the only female around besides my wife right now is the landlord's cat, who sleeps with me when she's in the mood. Although I did make friends with this women from my C++ class, who turned out to be be funny and smart, no really, both of those. Married, not beautiful but she was a lot of fun. I ended up teasing her a lot and she had good comebacks.
At work, J is going great guns as usual. Serious, responsible, hard-working, principled and bright - he was a math major. He has a bright future and I'm sure he'll do well.
We had a telecon with S, the genius consultant, and J, our resident genius on machine learning among other things, to discuss a new proposal. S had a good idea which we're going to pursue. He's scary smart, and has actually authored (with others) a widely used protocol. Luckily, he's witty and can communicate with normal humans like myself. I think he will be good for the business. So, the boss will be happy. Although I wonder why I care, I mean, it's the same money for me and benefits.
When I get back tonight, I'm gonna play some guitar again. I also want to look at the materials for a machine learning course offered next spring. It might be useful.Last edited on 16 May 2009 04:27 pm by jackbenimble
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jackbenimble
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 17 May 2009 02:59 pm |
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Hmmm....well, even with the semester done, things keep on rocking. Yesterday we moved my daughter's stuff back home, and the whole thing took like 8 hours. What was interesting, seeing my daughter again, is how we are so much on the same wavelength, in terms of joking around and stuff. For example, when I cracked a joke, instead of censuring me as my wife typically does, she'll give me a high five. Now that's what I'm talking about. Some positive energy.
But I get on my wife's nerves with all that - she's just not attuned to it, and gets annoyed. I'm always trying to find reasons to laugh about her retorts and put-downs. It's kind of like laugh instead of cry.
Spending all that time in the car with her was about as much as either one of us could take. The only reason we're still married is, 1, I totally can't afford to get divorced, because of the alimony (she doesn't work so would get a major share - one of the huge injustices of the universe), and 2) there is the fact that she is still pretty good looking after all these years and 3) of course it's nice to have all the housework and cooking taken care of and 4) she's gotten pretty thrifty in the past couple of years, having abandoned her earlier spendthrift ways. But it's not the ideal situation, as you might well imagine.
Today we're going to a thing with my family which I can't skip, and will take till about, say 5 or 6 pm. The Celtics play a 7th game tonight, I want to watch some of it - I've missed too many of the games this year, really just seen a couple of fourth quarters.
But then it is pack and back to "the room" tomorrow. Then, we're going away for Memorial day weekend, so that will be ok, but I'd almost rather just vegetate.
The thing that gets me the most is my lack of control over my schedule. It's kind of like being a quasi-slave. Yeah, I make a good wage, but at a small company, I get 23 days total off, including sick time, holidays and vacation. This after 6.5 years at the same company. The boss / owner doesn't believe in comp days. So, I'm feeling resentful, BUT the actual job is interesting and fun, and the people are good.
The IT field is not what it used to be. Yes, you can make a good living, but it's a lot of hours. There's always this threat of outsourcing. The technology moves quickly, and you feel pressure to keep up.
I feel I need to figure a way out of this rat-race. If my wife could get a job with a health plan, then I could go back consulting and take the occasional break. That would be cool. But she totally will not do it. Why should she? She's got a pretty good deal going, no kids at home, do the occasional music job, take voice lessons, look after the garden. Why would she take a nasty thing like a real job? I make enough.
Basically, I'm looking for some occasional down-time. All the deadlines at work depress me. And resolving the whole marriage problem, that would be good. I've got a weeks vacation coming up in August, at last.
Some good news - my daughter got to be an RA. This means she a) gets paid by the school and b) gets her room paid for. It's was extremely competitive, but she nailed the interview. So that will help pay the college tuition.
I never dreamed I'd be so locked in. My daughter's college, alimony and courts and judges and the horrific American legal system if I get divorced, a demanding job with little time off, and no end in sight. I've got to get some relief. How about a Excedrin?
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mollymoo24
Distinguished Member
| Joined: | 30 December 2007 |
| Location: | Chicago, USA |
| Posts: | 6301 |
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Posted: 18 May 2009 04:19 am |
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Jack, I feel for you bud. There certainly aren't any easy answers.
You got any particular plans for that August vacation, or just decompressing and doing things like sitting around drinking Mai Tai's? I want to get a vacation scheduled as well, it really gives one something to look forward too.
I love hearing about your daughter. She sounds like a very neat young lady.
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jackbenimble
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 19 May 2009 10:05 am |
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Hey. MollyMoo,
Thanks for the sympathy. It's nice to get it somewhere besides the dictionary. Or as George Costanza would say, pity is an underrated emotion.
Well, I floated the subject of my wife getting a job, with predictable consequences. She wept and cried, slept in my daughter's bedroom, wouldn't give me the kiss when I went off to my "room", and I got the answering machine when I called home last night. She did say she would think about it, but there's been things she's been thinking about since we got married. But, what would happen if I was disabled? Or dead? She would go and find a job and make money.
If she gets a job, then at least she can be self-sufficient. That will actually be good for her, mentally. It's get her out of the house more, and she'll be less reliant on me, which she resents. Maybe it will even improve our relationship. But don't bet on that one.
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CrimsonAnimus
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 19 May 2009 09:36 pm |
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Hi, Jack!
Sorry about the situation with your wife - I won't claim to understand, but you have my sympathy, too.
You've very right about the IT jobs - it's an interesting field, but it's also a very unstable one. More and more, companies are looking to cut costs, and this often involves replacing people with machines - even the people who are experts with those machines! It bears to note, however, that machines still lack the capability to truly empathize, which is still an important quality...at least until Big Brother comes along and zaps our emotions into oblivion.
I hope it all works out for you, bud.
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jackbenimble
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 20 May 2009 01:38 am |
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CrimsonAnimus wrote:
at least until Big Brother comes along and zaps our emotions into oblivion.
Oh, good one, Nick! You just made my day. I love ya, man.
Yeah, the IT field pretty screwed up. My boss was putting pressure on one the new hires today, basically to do two jobs at once, but he didn't even respond. Just kept working away. Good for him. I'm shocked she wasn't putting the pressure on me, which she usually manages to do. Well, we're ahead of schedule on the security project, so that maybe helps, I dunno. I also am heading up a proposal effort which involves interpreting the input of a several people who are orders of magnitude smarter than me. That's ok, that means a lot of the work is getting done for me instead of by me. I'm good with that.
I want to write about food. I was up to 172 tonight. My last year's resolve to keep away from sweets has evaporated, and recently I've been getting into those kind of blueberry bars, not candy, more like "health" bars but they are anything but that as far as I can tell. Here's my new promise - no sweets! Fight the powers that be! You can do it!
At least I went jogging tonight. During the week, I'm living in this rural small town which isn't near anything except a bunch of forest. So, when people see you, they nod and wave. I guess it makes sense because there are so few people around, everybody knows everyone else. It's kind of cool, in a certain way. But the main thing is it has such a small town feel, it feels kind of *normal*, is if, this is the way things *ought to be*. I reminds me of my early childhood, when we lived in a nice, small town with lots and lots of woods a place to play. For some reason, we moved to the city and all the cool spots were replaced by cement, expressways, and small yards. Kids should grow up near the woods. It's a natural thing.
Anyway, so I called the wife, and she picked up. We had a chat. Basically, things are back on track, a little bit bruised feelings on both sides. Maybe it's good to think about life without your spouse for a day. For both sides.
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mollymoo24
Distinguished Member
| Joined: | 30 December 2007 |
| Location: | Chicago, USA |
| Posts: | 6301 |
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Posted: 20 May 2009 02:49 am |
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I love your bit about the small town feel and growing up near the woods. I grew up in a similar community and feel the same way. At the time I know I took it for granted, but as with so many things, with age comes wisdom.
Good to hear things are better with the wife.
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jackbenimble
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 27 May 2009 04:18 am |
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Ok, so, back from Memorial Day weekend. Went to the vineyard, as usual. Played tennis 3 times. Did ok, played with my brother. He's getting better, he can play pretty well now. He *still* can't beat me, but it's getting closer all the time. It's fun.
Had another spat with the wife, on the way back. I bit my tongue, but we kind of had it out last night. I dunno. It could be worse, I guess. It could be better. She doesn't think there is really such a thing as a happy marriage. I guess if you have that kind of attitude...
I'm about to get *hammered* at work. I'm supposed to write a proposal, but the more I look into it, the more mathy it gets. Every paper I look at, it's equations. Owwwwch. I'm so in over my head. I hope these experts we're bringing in can help me out.
I was thinking about going for the math option, still, at school. Then I read about this "turtle" award - the one with the longest span from the time they start, until the time they end. My problem is, I took my first course in 2003, then skipped a couple of years, because I never planned to go for a masters. But then I changed my mind and really started in 2005.
I've doubled up on courses in the last couple of semesters, so I can graduate in 2009, if I don't go for the math option. But, if I take the math course I really want to take, the way it works out, I won't graduate to spring 2011 - turtle territory.
So, I'm not going to take any chances, probably. I'll graduate this fall, *then* take the math course, as an extra. The name of the concentration won't be the same, but the content will effectively be the same if I take the math course, afterwards, except for one project management course which I don't need.
C called me today, while I was jogging. He's alright. He really wanted to tell me how he did on the test in this computer security class we are taking, he got a 97. Pretty good, but I threw him a bit when I told him I got the same score. Actually, I think he probably should've gotten more at least, but they kind of screwed him on the question they marked wrong. It should have gotten at least 1/2 credit.
Anyway, so, we're going out for a beer or two on Friday. I'm hoping M and B come - I emailed them both. At least C and I will be there. Celebrate the end of the semester, all that. Look at the coeds. That's all right. Last edited on 27 May 2009 11:13 am by jackbenimble
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suenos
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 28 May 2009 04:37 am |
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Hey Jack! I don't know what to say about the "no happy marriages" bit - I can actually understand it 'cause I haven't see a whole lot (maybe two in my entire lifetime?) myself...but thinking about it, I've know a LOT of happy relationships - maybe people just stop working on the "happy" part when they get married because they change/lower their expectations of the relationship when they get married? Heck, I don't know -
at any rate, glad your class went well (but then you're a smart guy so no surprise there) and that you're still kicking some butt playing tennis. Are you still playing the guitar?
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suenos
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 28 May 2009 04:38 am |
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Hey Jack! I don't know what to say about the "no happy marriages" bit - I can actually understand it 'cause I haven't see a whole lot (maybe two in my entire lifetime?) myself...but thinking about it, I've know a LOT of happy relationships - maybe people just stop working on the "happy" part when they get married because they change/lower their expectations of the relationship when they get married? Heck, I don't know -
at any rate, glad your class went well (but then you're a smart guy so no surprise there) and that you're still kicking some butt playing tennis. Are you still playing the guitar?
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zenobia
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 28 May 2009 06:34 am |
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congrats on doing well in school. lol- you are brilliant though- we all new you'd ace it :)
I was thinking about what you said your wife said- "there's no such thing as a happy marriage". if she sub'ed the word "happy" with "perfect", then i would agree. happy? well, not happy 100% of the time. and really, it's all about what you put into it.
as far as the "turtle" award- my husband started college in 1991. he got his BA in 2006 and he won't finish his Masters till about 2011. yeah. you are deffinately not a turtle, comparatively speaking
seriously, i think you should take what you want to take. it's your education- get the most out of it. who's to judge you on how long it took? it's really irrelevant. would you want to regret NOT doing something if you could make the choice to do it?
but i now see that you plan on taking it after graduation. ok, a decent comprimise, i suppose
and yes, you are a dirty old man all in good fun, jack
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jackbenimble
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 29 May 2009 12:24 am |
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Suenos, Zen,
What a pleasure to log in and see two awesome, kick-#%@&! babes checking in with me. It's been a long 3 days up here with only the crazy cat and the crazier landlord for company.
Suenos, unfortunately the guitar keeps getting squeezed out. I brought it up last week, but forgot it this week. The good news is I got semi-sorta competent at it last fall when I discovered lessons on You Tube and managed to finally learn how to keep the rythmn and sing along. But to get good enough to really plan in front of people, it seems to take the kind of time that I can't give to it. Work is just too time-consuming. Sadness.
Zen, you nailed it. I'm a card-carrying member of the dirty-old man club. But, I'll tell you what - I have a *lot* of company. Probably 90% of guys my age fall into that category, except maybe some are less obvious about it.
Btw, M, who is actually really good ballroom dancer, emailed me that he was going to a dance at a church, why don't we go there instead of the pub? So, now this sounds interesting except I can't dance. He says they give lessons, and B, who *might* show can dance too. So, who knows? C won't be up for it, I would guess - he is at least 50 pounds overweight. We'll probably end up at the pub. It's kind of up in the air.
So, J lent me this book called "Collective Intelligence". It describes Machine Learning without all the math. Uses a computer language called Python instead of all the greek symbols. Plus graphs to explain it. *Great stuff*. I'm going to read it over the weekend.
Zen, you might be interested to know that I really got into this song, "Old Man" by Neil Young. I've heard many, many years and never realized how good it was. Theres some videos on you tube of him playing it, in London. He was a really beautiful guy at the time, so young, so channeled.
I've been listening to this station in Boston, WBOS, which is really pretty good. They keep the commercials to a minimum. The music is 80s, 90s, 2k - not classic rock, but there's some of that too. For example, they play a lot of Perl Jam, who I really like a lot, just from the music. You might here some Jet, some Black Crowes. I keep it going all evening.
Ok, I better post. The crazy cat just walked on the keyboard and I nearly lost my post. The landlord told me it was a feral cat, i.e. born in the wild. I believe him because it likes to bite and scratch a little bit, but I'm assured that means he likes you. I guess.
Anyway - back home tomorrow. Busy weekend coming up.
ciou,
JackLast edited on 29 May 2009 12:30 am by jackbenimble
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mollymoo24
Distinguished Member
| Joined: | 30 December 2007 |
| Location: | Chicago, USA |
| Posts: | 6301 |
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Posted: 29 May 2009 03:37 am |
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Heya Jack. I relate to what you said about the guitar continuing to get squeeze out. I have guitar and piano lessons, along with yoga, on my list of ambitions, but somehow the rest of life seems to always come first. Well, you certainly have a lot on our plate, and reading "Collective Intelligence" over the weekend sounds like a decent tradeoff.
I interviewed a candidate today who left off his resume his early years, in which he was in the Air Force caring for cryptography equipment. I grinned from ear to ear, couldn't help myself, and said something to the effect that he probably hadn't interviewed with too many people who actually know what an Enigma machine is. If my brain was as mathematically and computer gifted as you, I would take up a second career as a cryptanalyst. I love that stuff.
Have a great weekend. Try to sneak in a run - even a short one - okay? Mol.
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jackbenimble
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 30 May 2009 12:00 pm |
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MM,
I'm impressed you like cryptography. Although, I think that a lot of people would know something about the Enigima machine - it was key to winning WWII, was it not?
Let me quickly dispel any misconceptions about being mathematically gifted - au contraire, I got a D in my high-school algebra class. Although, obviously, I would do better in such a course now (the curriculum in the early 70s had been gutted by 60-s inspired reforms and there was nothing resembling actual learning going in that class). But still - a D is not an A.
Actually, I too have guitar and yoga on my agenda. Along with learning Japanese fluently and starting my own business and becoming rich.
I think all these goals weigh you down and take away your energy. My latest theory is it's all about simplifying. Like, I recently gained another 3 pounds and was up to 173. So, I finally decided, ok, forget about *everything* else, and focus on taking care of my body and conditioning. I feel peace with this goal, because I know I can do it if I focus on it. This gave me enough energy to jog 3 days in a row, including 3.5 miles up and back to the cross-route yesterday. Plus, since I went out last night and skipped dinner, I will be down to around 169/l70 by today (my scale at home is broken, so I can't know for sure).
"Collective Intelligence" may have to take a back seat this weekend. We just got the paper for the next proposal from the security consultant, and I need to review it and see what I can do with it, and get it into proposable format. I want to go into Monday ready to move on this thing, because we need to iterate over it a couple of times and are also bringing in an Machine Learning expert to look over it. The deadline is June 17, and that's not enough time to really pull it all together without risking a screw up. I really need to work on it this weekend. Plus, we have the interim report due on the other project next week. Plus I have to review V's proposal, which has two non-native English speakers working on it and will need my edits, that also due the 17th. So, I need to get this out of the way over the weekend.
I'll be playing tennis tomorrow with I guy I took up with last year over the internet. I'll see if he's improved, but my serve has really come up from last year. I can sometimes get an ace or two, more on a good day. Thanks, arm surgery!
I hung out with C last night. Since he wasn't drinking / high, he wasn't obnoxious as he tends to get. The student bar was closed, so no beers, which was a *good thing* since I'm on a diet and cheap. We actually could hang out for quite a while at a starbucks, just watching the babes and talking about life. C managed to start up a conversation with the waitress, who is into massage. She's really sincere about and wants to help people. She talked for quite a while and was passionate about it. I held off on making sexy comments about it and so did C, to his credit. We had a nice convo and I learned you can get a student massage for $45 buck - still way to steep, but good to know.
We also had a chance to talk to two babes who liked his neighbors dog, but C for some odd reason introduced himself almost immediately. Not the way to go. You have to engage them in some kind of joking conversation, first. A good wingman is an incredible gift. C does not fit the bill - he's 50 lbs overweight for one thing.
His new band is doing ok, thought. That had a gig a couple of weeks ago, and have been invited back. I happened to mention how much my duaghter was into music, and how she could sing like a bell (she really can). He said his group was looking for a female lead singer, maybe she could try out. I think it would be cool, but I doubt it would work for the following reasons:
1) She is young, they are old.
2) They sing classic rock, my daughter is into all the music from the 90's on, plus the beatles.
3) My duaghter might not have a big enough voice.
She is pretty enough to front a band. It would be kind of a cool experience for her.
Btw, she got a job offer from her English dept. in the mail. Along with the RA job, she now has two *easy* jobs lined up for the fall. Mommy and Daddy are *very* happy with her.
Anyway. my goals for today:
See if I can rope my brother into tennis
Dentist at 1
Buy a working scale
Buy a new lamp at staples like the one I got for work. Maybe two - they are *great* for reading.
Do some work on the proposal. Sigh.
Tomorrow:
Tennis at 7:30 am (ouch)
Help my sister in her yard, eat with them.
Do some work on the proposal. Ouch.
King's of Leon - use somebody = good tune
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jackbenimble
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 31 May 2009 10:19 am |
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So, good day yesterday, kind of. I got my brother to play Tennis and we were in the middle of a good set when these two old guys came in and asked us to play doubles. I knew one of them from this Sunday morning doubles group, and he's kind of annoying - has a wierd game, makes a lot of mistakes. But I took him as a partner, and we lost, like 6 - 4.
Went to the dentist at 1 and this Thursday, I'm going to get the implant and shell out (gulp) $770.00. So, then next I went to play some ball off the wall. I saw a guy practicing his serve, seemed good enough so, we played. He didn't turn out to be very good, I beat him, 6-0, 6-1.
Then I came home and weighed myself. I was down to 168, it was nice to see something less than 170 on the scale. The I promptly ate like a block an 1/2 of cheddear cheese *and* dinner *and* a chocolate drink and was back up to 173 by the the time the carnage was over. Back to 171, this morning, though.
I finally decided to look into getting financially independent. A ran across a blog by Mark Cuban. He basically says, you have to go 24 x 7 x 365. You have to be the one who knows your subject matter the best in the room. You have read and become an expert in your subject. He says most people don't do that. I will got to the library and read 3 hours a day, just looking for info that can make him money.
He also says, stay away from venture capitalists and the stock market. Put your money into CD's. Use your customer's money to expand. And spend as little as you can. Sacrifice. Drink water instead of coffee (don't know about that one). But think about *not* spending money, and ways to do it.
It's a good plan. Yeah, he's a billionaire and held all sorts of jobs and has better stories than me. But, I only want to be a millionaire. By fall, I will have a degree, and the Capstone for my concentration, Information Management Systems, isn't that hard, I've heard.
So, now's the time. I'm reducing my goals to two things - keeping my body in shape, and becoming financially independent. I might strum a little guitar, goof around with Japanese. But, I've got my goal. Financial independence.
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jackbenimble
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 2 June 2009 03:09 am |
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We went to see the new Star Trek movie last night - my wife, myself and my daughter. Outstanding. Really great flick. Couldn't recommend it more highly.
So, we had the meeting with the two genius consultants today. It worked out well. The expert on AI had some very good, realistic recommendations. It's amazing what a subject matter expert can do for you. We have two serious, high level consultants helping out now on this current proposal. They are working on short money, too, hoping for a payoff down the line. I have to hand to my boss, she really knows how work these guys. S is one of the geniuses. He has a sense of humor, I want to make sure he gets all the creative input into the he wants.
The company's growing. At one point, in 2004/2005, it was down to just me and the owner. Now, we're up to like 10 engineers, plus the owner, plus a couple of admin people. Two or three consultants. Not through roof kind of growth - but growing. Even though I'm not sharing particularly in the success financially, I am getting a good wage. Plus, there's kind of a reflected pride in that. Also, there's a kind of status I get with being by far the longest standing employee. I mean, plus I did have a fair amount to do with the growth we're experiencing, by definition.
I stayed late at work tonight to finish up some documentation that had really to get done asap. It was a bit of a grind, but I'm glad it's out of the way. I could've shortchanged it, because, nobody is really going to look at it. But, you never know. Quality is key. People eventually notice.
Today is my wedding anniversary...I got married in 1991. That's 19 years of...wedded bliss :))
Seriously, it could be worse. I call her when I'm away, we talk a little bit. Living partially apart sort of helps. At least she's good-looking. That helps, it really does.
I'm listening to a song, "I can see through you" by staind. Good tune. good guitar, vocals.
Hmm...looks like the landlord's daughter might be moving in to one of the adjacent rooms. I was sitting in my car outside the house (the one I room at during the week), just listening to some tunes, when this big ol' pickup rolls in behind me. I get out, and two nutty looking guys - we're talking serious banjo territory here - jump out and ask me about her, saying something like she's back in town they want to see her, like an old emotional friend thing, or something. Then she comes out from the backyard - she's got tatoos all over her arms, she's short, somewhat overweight. She was nice enough to ask if they were in my way. Her dad's alright, she probably is too. Her dad tells me she might be staying here. Whatever, I'm only here 3 nights a week.
I'll go jogging tomorrow morning. We had some *great* weather over the weekend. I played tennis 4 times, twice Saturday, twice Sunday.
And weightwise, I lost like, 2 or three pounds. I'm at 170 or so now, down from 173. Just those two or three pound make a huge difference. Yay for me!
Another good tune - "Black" by Perl Jam. Perl Jam rocks. Eddy Vedder has just this really evocative voice that connects.
I googled about this station, WBOS, that I've been listening to quite a bit recently. It doesn't play very many commercials, no DJ's, just a *lot* of music. It turns out, there is this new, more accurate way of rating stations, and they figured out from that that people *change the channel during commercials*. No duh, really? I could have told them that and saved them about 7 gazillion dollars in research expense.
Anyway, so now they are starting to go with music only formats. For example, this station, WBOS, is pretty much music only. It's really great, to just sit there, and listen to all the music, without any commercials constantly coming on. They play pretty good music, too. U2, Perl Jam, Offspring, staind, Incubus, Lincoln park, Greenday, Oasis, Kings of Leon, Red Hot Chile Peppers, some reggae, some rap, some pop. I'm not so heavily into the heavy-duty rock/guitar from the 60's / 70's as I used to be, just because I've heard those songs so many times. I'm taking advantage of this situation to update the mental soundtrack a little bit.
Death, bring thy fire. We stand unbent to thy fearsome rush. May the winds of the gods issue from the unrelenting darkness and lend the wings of courage to our ragged spirits.
Whoah. I've been writing for a while. Maybe time to hit the sack. Chowders!Last edited on 2 June 2009 03:17 am by jackbenimble
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jackbenimble
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 4 June 2009 12:45 am |
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Not a whole lot going on here.
On the plus side, I jogged 3.5 miles yesterday morning, along the river.
On the down side, I bought and ate a bag of "party snacks" after lunch for the second day in a row.
I was weighed in at 170/171 this morning. I'll jog again tomorrow a.m.
I'll leave work at around 4 tomorrow, dentist a 6.
A new guy started today. I hired him, sort of. He's a little bit fruitier than I thought when he interviewed. A sci fi guy, apparently - he put a Piers Anthony book on his shelf. That's ok. He got right to work.
There's also an intern. Seems like a nice kid. Engineering major at Rutgers.
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mollymoo24
Distinguished Member
| Joined: | 30 December 2007 |
| Location: | Chicago, USA |
| Posts: | 6301 |
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Posted: 15 June 2009 04:34 am |
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| Heya Jack. What's up bud?
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jackbenimble
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 16 June 2009 01:25 am |
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Hey Mol, wassupp! I just read your journal. You are one faithful blogger!
Not too much this end. I just finished this proposal that took soooo long and was sooo much work. I didn't even have the basic ideas for it - that was from the two geniuses. And it was *still* a lot of work.
Anyway, so B called me last night - first time in a while. I love the guy, but he basically only calls when he's troubled about something. This time it was about his girlfriend. She really twisting his arm about getting a deeper commitment, and he's ready to break things off. I told him, just give her the terms you can live with. Then, break it off if she doesn't let up. But, it's not that easy to find a reasonable girlfriend when you're in your 50s - at least I don't think so - any age for that matter.
Had a decent weekend with the wife. She'll never be the submissive type (ideally masochistic :) ; our politics don't agree, really; she's got a quick fuse; she's too much of a perfectionist. I could keep going. But, I will say one thing, she's keeping herself in shape, and she looks pretty good. I dunno. It's like my job - it could be worse.
M emailed me about a dance in Cambridge last Friday, but, I'm married and stuff.
The problem with blogging is it takes a lot of time.
Oh, yeah, so I weighed myself this morning as was 168.5. What am I now - let me check - about 170 - after dinner - not bad. I'd like to get to 165.
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suenos
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 24 June 2009 01:40 pm |
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Hiya Jack!
Hey, don't know if you meant that last entry to be funny or not but it was better than a stand up routine. What's the saying about the relationship between comedy and tragedy? There is one....just can't remember it!
Dude, about your friend and his girlfriend...honestly if he's in his 50's then she's what? at least in her late 40's. Seriously, if I was in my late 40's, and was dating some guy in his 50's I'd probably be twisting his arm for a "deeper commitment" too, nah, on second thought, the only twist he'd see would be my cute back end as I walked away and left him alone to enjoy his prolonged adolescence.....I mean, at that age, what "perfection" are guys waiting for? Beyonce? Lady Gaga? One of the Fanta chicks? Hellooooo, do ya really wanna be "that guy" (come on, you know the one)....
Ha! I suspect your wfe and I share the "non submissive" gene!
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jackbenimble
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 24 June 2009 11:02 pm |
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Hey, there, Chica! How's married life :)
Hey, don't know if you meant that last entry to be funny or not but it was better than a stand up routine. What's the saying about the relationship between comedy and tragedy? There is one....just can't remember it!
Dude, about your friend and his girlfriend...honestly if he's in his 50's then she's what? at least in her late 40's. Seriously, if I was in my late 40's, and was dating some guy in his 50's I'd probably be twisting his arm for a "deeper commitment" too, nah, on second thought, the only twist he'd see would be my cute back end as I walked away and left him alone to enjoy his prolonged adolescence.....I mean, at that age, what "perfection" are guys waiting for? Beyonce? Lady Gaga? One of the Fanta chicks? Hellooooo, do ya really wanna be "that guy" (come on, you know the one)....
Hmmm...on re-reading, I see what you mean. I left out some cogent facts, though. She's been divorced twice, she doesn't want to marry, she wants to move in with him. He's got girls at home and doesn't want to set what he thinks of as a bad example. They are older - one's in 7th grade, the other in high school, and one already out of college just living at home. But he's adamant about it.
Ha! I suspect your wfe and I share the "non submissive" gene!
Right...underneath it all, she is a fighter. That's great if you're attorney, but for a wife? I dunno. Still, we are definitely getting along better recently. I think it has to do with my living away three nights a week. She can put up with me and my ways more easily if I'm not around as much. The worse thing I could possibly do is take a tele-commuting job, I think.
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jackbenimble
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 25 June 2009 05:34 am |
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Major insomnia going on. I'm not even thinking about sleeping. I came to work late and worked late, so the brain is still in gear. This morning, I went into town with my wife to fight a bogus moving violation ticket, and we won. She went through her story very nicely. In Mass. if you get a moving violation, it goes on your insurance record, so you have to pay beaucoup $$$ for 7 years. And they are ticketing like crazy these days to make up for the lost revenue from the recession. Can anyone spell "broken system"?
I just got back an extra credit paper I did from last semester. I got an A on the course, so it turned out it didn't make any difference. But, they liked it anyway. The average mark is 3 or 4, but I got a 12. It would have raised me more than a full grade level.
I found out they give awards for highest and second highest GPA at my school. I checked them out, and basically, you will get one of them if your GPA is 4.0 or 3.97. So, I have a 3.97+, so I have a shot - especially if I don't take that math course I've been thinking about. If I don't do that, then I just have one course left, the capstone, this fall.
I've been starting to look at Japanese again. I love Japan, and all things Japanese. I hope to return there, someday. Unfortunately, my family is against. Basically, my daughter and my wife like it right here in America. Suenos was talking about job offers. I had a heckuva good one - chance to work right in Tokyo, for a French company. Turned it down, too. Why? Cause I'm CRAZY!
Maybe we can compromise on Europe. Copenhagen? Nahhh - too cold.
This weekend, I can't forget, I have to play tennis with A. 7:30, Saturday. M. has suddenly stopped calling all the time. I'm letting it wait. He was practically harassing me for a while.
I played my brother in tennis last Sat. He's really gotten better over the winter. He's can put away overheads and everything, which I can't do. He still can't quite beat me though - not quite. I won 6-4 6-3. He's beat me a couple of sets this year already, though.
Other than that, not too much. My daughter is camping, dropped her off at the station. She is really funny. I kid you not. Very pretty too. Did I mention she's an RA? Pays for 1/4 of her college expenses, plus a stipend. We're very happy about that. Doesn't look like she's going to get a job this summer, though. Hmmm....Last edited on 25 June 2009 05:36 am by jackbenimble
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jackbenimble
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 23 August 2009 10:34 am |
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Wow...it's been a while since I posted. June 20th. I checked around - Mol is journaling faithfully as always - Suenos the occasional check-in post...haven't heard from Zen or Nick for a while, hopefully they'll be back!
So, I need to get back into the weight loss routine. I'm up to 172.5. I haven't been jogging this summer...my knees and joints have been protesting, and just tennis isn't enough. So, what I've decided to do is cut out the sweets. If I just stick with that for a while, it should lose me a few pounds.
For excercise - that's going to be the tricky part. I'm going to have to figure that out. Jogging doesn't work anymore; tennis is too expensive in the winter. I may need to actually have some *self-discipline*. Not my strong point.Last edited on 23 August 2009 10:36 am by jackbenimble
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jackbenimble
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 23 August 2009 10:48 am |
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Just back from vacation down the cape. Fantastic weather! So pleasant and peaceful down there. Last year I did a bunch of jogging, but since joggings out, it was more hanging the beach and reading. A read a few books, including a very competent fantasy novel which had been written by a friend of my daughters, possibly self-published - Mustang Press or something like that. I also read "Cotton Song", an engrossing story about a prison-farm in the deep south during WW II and politics of race. What else? Oh, yeah, a book called "Nevermore", I think. A pretty funny novel about a scary London underworld of fantasy, magic and adventure.
Unfortunately, I had to go off for a two-day business trip on Tuesday/Wednesday, smack dab in the middle of vacation. It was totally unavoidable. At least the demo went well. It made the remaining days all that much sweeter.
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jackbenimble
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 23 August 2009 10:54 am |
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| Back to school time - maybe. To complete my master's, I'll be having to to take a course in the fall or winter which is basically about putting together a computer system for a large enterprise. The problem is, it start a week from tomorrow...a bit too soon for my taste. Last year, it would have been a couple or 3 weeks later - just right, but they've changed the schedule this year. Hmmm....I'm thinking I might as well get it over with. Normally, I'd just take it, but I really want to get the A, because is I pull it out, I might be able to get some type of award for having one of the highest GPA's in the class - which would be a good line on the resume. I could prepare for it the whole fall. But I'm thinking just do it, and be a free man in January. Last edited on 23 August 2009 10:56 am by jackbenimble
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jackbenimble
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 23 August 2009 11:34 am |
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Here's a good story. I took a class in guitar this summer - a group thing, adult education, "Advanced Beginner" level. A lot of it has to do with keeping time to sheet music, and playing it in tandem with the rest of the students (4 or 5 others). If you lose the count, you're basically screwed, so you really have to be on top of the timing...
I like the class, still have a couple left. One cool thing is it is right downtown in the city, so I get a chance to see the city on a weekday night. Wow. So many people, tourists, I go through two parks on the way to class - it's beautiful.
So, on the way to class a couple of weeks ago, I had a few spare minutes and had paused to listen to one of the street musicians - a flamenco style guitarist. A guy came up and asked him to play happy birthday for his kid (it turned out they were a family from the middle east traveling and relaxing in the park). The musician said, no, but he pointed to me (I had my guitar for class), and said ask him. I explained that I was just a student, but the middle-eastern guy asked me to play a little bit anyway.
So, I played a few chords of Happy Birthday, which I guess was good enough, because he asked me to go to where his family was, and play it for his kid. So, I did. Then - he asked me to play some more "happy" music. Luckily, I had some songs with me, so I pulled them out and started playing them. So (here's the best part), after I finished playing one of the songs - "Let it Be" maybe - the middle-eastern guy suddenly hands me a twenty dollar bill! This seemed overly-generous (I really wasn't expecting anything - I'm not that good), but he insisted. So I accepted the money, played a few more tunes, and then headed off to class. Nice, huh? p.s. I taped the bill to my wall and am thinking about having it framed :)Last edited on 23 August 2009 11:36 am by jackbenimble
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mollymoo24
Distinguished Member
| Joined: | 30 December 2007 |
| Location: | Chicago, USA |
| Posts: | 6301 |
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Posted: 26 August 2009 04:27 am |
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Oh, Jack, I love that story about the guitar playing for those folks and the $20. That's the really neat stuff in life. :) I got the old 6-string out over the weekend and played a bit and it reminded me that I'd like to take lessons. I want to learn how to play Indigo Girls "Closer to Fine" which I don't think will be difficult. Now that I know that my residence will remain in Chicago next year, I can start looking into lessons more seriously. There is a music store where I can take lessons a couple of blocks away, but something about the 'group' learning you described appeals to me right now.
It is good to see you again and glad you posted quite a bit about what you have been up to. It doesn't surprise me that you have one of the top GPA's in your class or that you got a 12 on your extra credit paper. Not at all.
As far as the exercise, yeah, that's sure the easier way to lose weight and keep it off rather than trying to limit your diet. Hopefully you can find something which works for you.
I suppose your daughter has just gone back to school for the fall semester. Are you still living part time in an apartment during school?
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jackbenimble
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 28 August 2009 03:56 pm |
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| MM - thanks for stopping by! Yup, still got the bachelor pad going on. It saves a lot of time. There are two other boarder's - the landlord's daughter and an Italian woman (in the owner's word's) who just moved in. The daughter is very sweet - she calls me "honey" even though I must be at least twenty years older than her. I haven't me the other one yet.
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jackbenimble
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 28 August 2009 04:14 pm |
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Good news from work - about that security project that I've spent so much time on, which I originally proposed last year. This is the one I took two days "off" from my vacation to make a demo. Well - we've been invited to submit a proposal for "Phase II". If we get it, it means two years of funding worth 3/4 a million bucks. I believe getting invited is the biggest hurdle. Still nothing can be taken for granted - the proposal has to be compelling. Assuming it goes through, that means I have been a key part of growing the company - again. This can only be good.
Having said that, we have a great team. J is the primary developer, learns fast and debugs faster, Our consultant S, is a guy who as ridiculously bright and is steeped in knowledge of networks, protocols and internet standards. He fielded most of the questions during the demo and was frankly spectacular. I try not to compare myself to others - it can be tough on the ego - but I would particularly like to have his skill of answering highly technical questions with such confidence and alacrity. It would be worth a *lot*. I will make it a goal to improve myself in this area.
Anyway, this is good. Plus I expect a Phase I acceptance to come through in October, although in the case I co-wrote it and it was effectively the idea of the consultant. Still, that would be another good thing in terms of arguing for a long overdue raise, more vacation time, or both.Last edited on 28 August 2009 05:29 pm by jackbenimble
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