June 2005 - Posts
Wierd thing happened to me today. I was at Circuit City looking for a hard drive, and I decided to pick up the latest DMB album, Stand Up. When I got back to work, I popped it in, and my computer tried to run the software on the CD. It hung my laptop up so bad I had to hard boot. I thought it was wierd, so I went googling trying to figure out what was up. It turns out they have content protection software that tries to install itself on your machine, and then a device driver basically makes it hard for your computer to read the song data as data -- prevents you from ripping the CD. That's all fine and dandy -- except for the crashing my OS part. Needless to say, I figured out how to disable the autorun so I could actually listen to the CD without screwing up everything else I am trying to work on. (I'm not going to post here how to get around the protection, but it can be done if you are so inclined).
Halfway through the week, and I am further behind than when it started. I love that (not).
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Currently, I am wrasslin' with a couple of rather pesky issues that could seriously derail rollout of my release if I can't get resoution. At this point in time, I am getting some help from the folks at Microsoft since both issues appear to be related to changes or incompatibilities between the .NET 1.1 framework and the .NET 2.0 Framework. So far, I haven't had much luck getting them a repro case, even though for one of them I can repro the problem without any of our software in the mix at all. The second case is much scarier since it involves a custom OLE DB provider we have, and with 1.1 it appears to work, but with 2.0, it flat out fails. Fortunately, on that one, I got a message today saying that there are changes to the handling of an area that I have isolated the behavior to, and they want to get my software there so they can debug from the framework side. That bears promise, at least.
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On other fronts, last night, Jodi and I were able to hang out for a few hours and chat, and that was nice. Seems like it doesn't happen often enough. She mentioned that her parents are getting sued by the couple who bought their old house in Traverse City. Apparently these people don't understand how home-ownership works. They had an inspector out, and did all of the usual stuff, and purchased the house just like normal.
Now, more than a year later, they started a remodel and discover that there is historic damage around the chimney from a chimney fire at some point far in the past. As a result, they are suing, and want to level the house and rebuild. Apparently they are deluded enough to think that Jodi's parents' are expected to pay for all of that. I'm no real estate lawyer, but I find it hard to believe that they have a case at all. They would have to show that Jodi's parents' fraudulently withheld information about known damage to the house. As far as Jodi knows, there was no chimney fire in the house as long as she was alive. I would think this has to get dismissed, and possibly charged as a nuisance lawsuit.
Jodi said that they are claiming Jodi's parents' have been driving by all the time -- ever since they started the remodel -- because 'they knew we would find out that they lied.' Oddly enough, Jodi's parents live in Florida in the winter -- they just came back 3 weeks ago. Something there leads me to think... PSYCHOS!
This is one of those times I really wish I were a lawyer. It would be fun to just absolutely blow holes all over the place in these peoples' stories and claims. What a bunch of shit. And, of course, Jodi's all worked up about it, because her parents are getting a little older, and they are retired, and really they shouldn't have to deal with this bullshit. I agree with her, but unless they really did lie, I don't see how it is possible for the case to stand up, and honestly, it sounds like gold-digging to me. This may be my ego talking, but I think I would be really tempted to countersue for harassment and legal fees.
At the same time -- I wonder, is there a statute of limitations on this kind of stuff? I could sue the #$%^ing pants off the guy we bought our house from. Every single electrical connection I have examined (and subsequently replaced) in our house is a fire waiting to happen. My garage lights were wired with 6-foot lamp extension cords for crying out loud! I've found more open connections in receptacle boxes than you can imagine. Unfortunately for me, the evidence is all gone, as are about 1/4 of the interior surfaces, at this point. I guess I just assumed caveat emptor was the rule of the land, but then, I am not usually one to try to blame someone else for my mistakes. (Frighteningly, my inspector didn't find much to be concerned with when he went through our house. Crazy.)
Marisa sent an email to a bunch of us just now, with a reference to this link. Check it out. No obligation, just 30 seconds to watch a video, then decide if you want to do anything...
http://www.sun.com/one/
The companion site is:
http://www.one.org/
It's worth a couple of seconds of your time. I'd be willing to be that if you're reading this blog right now, you -- like me -- really have no fucking clue what it is like to live in poverty. If I'm wrong, then you understand that doing something about it is a good thing. If I'm right, then maybe you should help out, and pray with all your soul that you never know first hand what it is like.
Again this weekend, I took half of Friday off so we could head to Grand Rapids, this time for Geoff and Heather's wedding. We got in around 3, and settled in. I played some guitar for a bit, and the kids romped, as they are prone to do. Val and Joe and the cousins (Marisa, Adrie and Andrew) arrived sometime after six, and we all hung out while Mom finished up her seafood stew -- which was delicious, by the way. I had a cigar and chatted a bit with uncle Joe, since I don't get to see him so much anymore. I called it an early evening, as I had consumed several (okay, like 6) Two-Hearted ales, and I can't handle drinking beer like I once could.
Saturday morning, Caleb was up at 5:30, and I got up with Joshua around 8. We loaded up the kids and headed for Grand Haven to see Rob and Karrie. They have a cute house right in Grand Haven -- perfect spot. Rob mentioned that it rules in summer, but winters can be a little harsh -- I can understand that! Robbie and Ryan (their two boys) and Joshua and Caleb hit it off pretty well right off the bat. After the kids all met, we loaded up and went to the state park to hang out at the beach for a bit. I swear that is the best non-ocean beach in the world. There was a sand-sculpture competition going on (Karrie was actually one of the judges) so we walked down the beach and checked out the sand-castles. We had to head out around 11:30 to make it back in time to get ready for the wedding, so our day was rather unfortunately short, but it was really cool to see Rob and Karrie, and I am pretty sure the kids all had fun.
For the wedding, we got the kids all done up and got ready ourselves, and it was hot. Even in the air conditioning at my parents house, I was slightly uncomfortable when I was all dressed. The wedding was outside at a golf club not too far away, but the air conditioning on the Saturn doesn't work anymore, so we were all a little too warm even before we got there. Caleb was cranky right off the bat and even Joshua's little brow was beading with sweat by the time we sat down in the sun. I think it took approximately 45 seconds for my shirt to be basically soaked, and I know I wasn't the only one. But -- at least it didn't rain. The ceremony was very nice. Heather looked fabulous, and the ceremony was brief, but pleasant (heat notwithstanding). Unfortunately, it is difficult to explain to little kids that they have to just stick it out, so Caleb was just downright ornery by the time it was over. So, we kind of skeedaddled out of there. When we got home, we peeled out of the dress clothes and let the kids relax for a while. I stole a quick nap, since I think I got a bit drained sitting in the sun (I'm telling you, it was crazy hot), and Jodi got me up when the babysitter arrived.
The reception was back at the golf club, but inside this time (yes!). It was still warm inside, but much more tolerable. After dinner, my Mom, Joe, and Andrew all headed home because Andrew was acting pretty dehydrated -- he had been an usher for the wedding and stood outside in the sun for a bit too long, apparently. We hung out and chatted with some aunts and cousins that I don't see often enough, and watched as little Elizabeth danced the night away. The crazy sisters (Val, Jaci, and Angie) got a bunch of cousins on the floor dancing (Jodi represented me :) and I think every fairly enjoyed themselves. I think we left around 11:15 -- Elizabeth was still rocking out...
Yesterday, we got up and said our goodbyes, having to skip a party at Aunt Jaci's to get on the road, and headed home. The drive seemed incredibly long because it was again insanely hot. I set up the kiddie pool when we got home, and Jodi and I sat with our feet in it while the boys ran around naked. I was tempted to sit in the darn thing last night, because the temps never really got down much.
Today, it almost feels good to be in the office because the air is on. It is a roaster again out there...
Nothing Earth shattering, exactly, but tonight I finally shot 9 holes that seemed like I was hitting the ball with at least a modicum of aptitude. In other words, I didn't suck. For once. One double bogey, the rest were bogeys and pars, 7 over for a 43. Considering that this is the first time I've broken 50 this year (I know -- I suck), I am reasonably happy. Yay my golf game. I am sure I will be humbled the next time I swing a club.
Well, what a fun weekend. Unfortunately today was back to reality, but, we'll get to that in a moment. Go here for the recap of the weekend.
Last night, we went to Mac's for a little Father's Day din-din, and then to Target so I could exchange the stool the family got me for Father's Day. They had gotten a tall bar-stool, but it was a little too tall, so we exchanged it for a good old 24" round-top stool. Now I have a comfy place to sit while I practice. Cool.
Tried to watch the Pistons, but I made it about 4 minutes in. Jodi lay down on the couch with me and I was out like a light. She went to bed at halftime, and I foolishly decided I wanted to 'stay up' and watch the rest of the game. I woke up at about 12:45, and had to rewind the DVR to see what happened. Ouch. Kinda glad I was asleep. I think the Pistons are done.
Today, well, back to reality. 3 hour staff meeting this afternoon topped it off. Ouch. Oh well, before I left I think I was mostly caught up, and I think I got my boss all the information she needed for the big meeting with her boss tomorrow. That one's probably not going to be much fun, as I think we're going to need to slip our schedule a bit. At least for once its not on my team's shoulders (although somehow I know we're going to end up taking some heat, we always do).
Tomorrow, I've got another long day ahead, as I start with meetings at 8 and 10, and then a long one starting at 1:30. Pretty hard to get a lot done on days like that. Oh well.
I'm off to get into some play clothes, go for a run, and play some guitar. Enough work BS.
Well, all of our regressions passed in the overnight testing, so I am taking today off to go and get ready for the big Stickerblister show tonight at 6th Street Hall. It should be a blowout. I am pretty excited, as a bunch of the boys are going to be there (and a couple of the girls too!) from school. I am going to see if I can fit my guitars in the car and maybe Matt, and Rob and I can play a little bit at some point. I am pretty dreadful compared to those guys, but I like learning, and Rob had me playing a few songs back in the day at 308 Charles. Maybe we'll burn something in the yard and get loaded on Busch Light, just to complete the circle. Of course, we'd still be missing a couple of minor details:
- Eric Chorley sitting on the couch inside watching Star Trek
- Vinnie showing up with something stolen from downtown East Lansing
- Blake drifting through and trying to get a game of hackey sack going
- Zieter and his burnout housemates watching a movie at 120 dB two houses down
- 3-man coming home from Rick's so loaded that he could barely walk, then making the booty call.
- Nej and Resin coming by to see if anyone wanted to 'party' or for a trim (a girl who let me cut her hair -- and I didn't make her cry!)
Good times. Fun times.
I think I may have to find a 40oz. and dig out my copy of Shogun (I read it that summer laying in the hammock on the porch in the evenings -- I couldn't go to the bar with everyone else) and sit on a couch somewhere outside while Matt and Rob play guitar. Yeah...
Parents, get your children guitars. They will thank you when they get to college and they can entertain their friends and potential dates with their playing and singing. It worked for Rob and, in theory, me since Jodi claims that she fell in love with me because of Matt and I rocking out with our #1 hits: El Camino, Aunt Mary, and Dawg. Additionally, when they are 30+ years old, they can form rock bands and play at smoky bars and all their friends will have an excuse to get together! Yay Matt!
I am sitting here going back and forth between playing guitar, watching the Pistons/Spurs NBA Finals, and checking my email. Our offshoring group is going to start running regression tests on the latest build of our product in about an hour and a half (hopefully sooner) and I am hoping that the tests show no regressions, so I can safely authorize the release of the build to our Early Adopter customers. Testing has already been underway, but we have had problems that have made it impossible for me to see the regression test results for the whole week. Scary. If the tests pass, I will be taking tomorrow off so I can go to Grand Rapids and see Matt's band, and a bunch of my college friends. Right now, it looks like I probably won't hear from them until around midnight, so there is lots of time to goof around with the guitar and watch the game.
In other news, Joshua is finally starting to get interested in potty training (thank goodness) and he is doing really well. Tonight after bath time, he told me he wanted to go on the potty, so I put him on it, and he went right away. That's pretty good progress for about a week of work.
25 pounds lost. Still 37 to go, but -- hey, this is progress.
Finally, we are getting a little rain. Boy does the yard need it. And I am sure the trees will have a better chance of not falling on my house if they aren't all dried out from a drought.
Yesterday was a quiet day, but Joshua and I had a little fun. I took him with me to Lowe's and Target, and we got some new plastic (to cover the opening to the front) and a kiddie pool. Most importantly, Joshua got a baseball glove. He's pretty stoked about that. He loves it so much he slept with it. That kid is adorable.
Other than re-plasticing the front, and filling a kiddie pool, we went to bw-3, and I did some more mudding. Most of the corners are getting close to done now, pretty soon I will be able to do a consistency pass at all of the surfaces and start getting ready for primer. It seems like it has been months (oh wait, it has).
This whole week it has been in the 80's and 90's and pretty much every day there has been a chance of thunderstorms, as it is often the case in the early summer in Michigan. Oddly, though, we keep getting missed by the weather. My lawn is completely brown already, and we have to water our planted gardens all the time just to keep the plants from croaking. C'mon rain!
I've been practicing the guitar a lot the last few days. I'm not sure if I am actually getting any better, but I am certainly getting more comfortable with the fingerings. I need to do a better job of learning the notes that go along with the fingerings so that I have a better chance of being able to sight read. I never expect to need to do that, but it is a skill that would be nice (I never quite got there with the saxophone, but I was close). I am getting to the point where I can mostly play the basics of "Harvest Moon" by Neil Young, and I am learning "Tangerine" by Led Zeppelin. I've found lots of other songs I'd like to learn, but they're all pretty hard ("Daughters" by John Mayer, "Bubble Toes" by Jack Johnson, for instance). I think I need to find a good beginner song book that I can learn some stuff that I can play so that I have stuff I can strum when I am just goofing off. I don't mind praticing scales and chord progressions a lot, but sometimes it would be fun to just play something (and the one song I can play reasonably well gets old after a time or two through it). If there is anyone reading this sucky blog who has good suggestions for songs a beginner can master (even with a little work required), please post a comment or send me an email. I'd prefer stuff that I can play on the acoustic, but I've got the electric back up and playing again, too. (I need a good overdrive pedal so I can get a nice crunchy sound with that...)
Anyway, today it is supposed to rain all day (maybe it will finally come) so I think I will plan on working up front, and probably playing guitar. We'll see if Jodi has any other grand ideas.
I hate this point in the day on Fridays. It is 4:45, and I just know I am going to get a report of something serious before I can leave, and it makes me nuts. It pretty much is guaranteed, and it still gets me all fired up every time it happens. Cliche? I would agree, but it is uncanny how often it happens. I think I might hide under my desk for a while.
Well, I have been a bit delinquent in posting so here's a post.
Tonight I had golf league, and I played crappy yet again. 4 super nice putts (all from outside 25 feet) but none fell (all within 15 inches). Several beautiful drives, but none were followed with reasonable approaches. One beautiful chip, but a crummy putt to follow. 2 pars in reg, but no birds. Kind of a bummer night. I decided to come home instead of going for a beer.
Then things got better. When I lit my cigar to sit outside and read, my neighbor Katie came over and invited me to their place to hang out. Mitch stayed up with us and we hung out until about 1:30 chatting -- talking about music and their wedding. I really dig hanging out with them, and I find them to be more than just personable -- I really like their company. We took a littl etour of their house and I understand why they bought it -- the woodwork inside is beautiful. I feel almost foolish now for trying so hard to make our house into something it isn't. Then again, the grass is always greener, and I love our house. Anyway, I really had fun tonight, and I hope that after their wedding, we can have many more fun times.
By the way, I have to remember to leave July 9th open...
Down 22 pounds so far -- 40 to go. Progress...
Well, unfortunately, this morning, Jodi isn't feeling well, so I am trying to work from home. I am sitting at our kitchen table, Joshua at my left snorting like a maniac pig, and Caleb at my right slurping down fruit punch/juice and laughing at Joshua's antics. Just another day in a house with kids.
Over the weekend Dad, Dave, and I had pretty reasonable luck on the lake, but not as good as we would have liked. We got 7 on Saturday and 3 yesterday, with LOTS of little ones returned to the lake to get bigger. Beautiful weather, though, and it was great just to get back out on the water. We had to trek out well into Ohio waters to get 'em, but it was still fun.
I'm off to find something amusing for these kids to do.