all shook up
go figure. i am in texas for a month and i miss my first earthquake. not that i’m complaining either.
just sitting here thinking back
My high school reunion is only a couple of years away. This reminds me that I started high school 12 years ago. And I started junior high 14 years ago. And elementary… an eternity ago.
I don’t remember much about my first day of elementary school. I do, however, remember going to class with my mother. We all had to stand in a very long line with other classmates and their mothers and I guess we were giving some papers to the teacher as well as meeting her. I’m sure I was probably scared a little since it was all new to me, but I quickly adapted.
Junior high was different, however, because I had only moved to Houston a year before. In fact, it wasn’t junior high, it was called intermediate school and it started in 7th grade and ended after 8th. Still, I do not remember actually starting intermediate school on the very first day. Probably because there was so much to take in. I had to learn how to get from one class to another whereas elementary was mostly sitting in just one or two classes all day long with the same people. What I should recall pretty easily is my first day of sixth grade, because we had just moved to town that previous summer. Sitting here thinking about it continues to draw me a blank.
High school was once again more complicated. I had been on a scout jamboree to Washington DC and Virginia for a couple of weeks and I was pretty much the only one late to summer band camp for marching practice that August. But it was another big change from intermediate to high school. Bigger building, more kids, everyone’s older than me.
Sometimes these memories seem only months or years back. But, I realize that time is fading a lot of these memories away. New experiences, new first days on the job, new interactions with people, they all continue to fill my mind leaving many other memories out in the dust.
It’s this thought that makes me realize that I need to try and make the most of every day. To actively make memories.
When I was at a band competition my freshman year, we were competing to go to state at the semi-regional finals. We did really well, everyone was pumped, and we were all just sitting in the stands waiting for the results. I was not really hanging out with too many people, so I went down to the bottom of the stands and looked around. Curious, I walked up the stairs towards the announcer’s box to see what was going on. Just a few people chatting with each other. I then remember looking back at my classmates all just playing around, chatting with each other and enjoying themselves as well all nervously waited the results.
Minutes later, the voice of the announcer began. One by one, the top bands were named, cheers, and then repeated each time. I had a feeling about our chance, and I actively stood there watching all of my classmates as they announced our name in first place. What a feeling to know that we were going to state; but what made me feel even better was everyone else cheering and hugging each other. Watching the celebration from the outside brought me so much pleasure. Sorta like I had a hand in the decision and could see how everyone else felt. I’ve always been different like that, stepping in the background to see the reactions. But it’s these memories that stick with me many years after they happen.
Take time out of your day, think about something that makes you happy, and remember that you’re alive. Our experiences and memories are all we have in the end.
living the lives
One week and counting. This has been a lot of fun being back in Houston for so long. Seeing people, doing lots of great things. It’s non-stop. But, I’m a little ready for my own personal computer and getting back to some kind of normalcy for what I’m used to. Besides, I have so many different articles that I need to read, and right now just don’t have much time to sit down and read them, so my daily blog browsing is way backed up. Going out of town for over a week can do that to you.
I feel like sometimes I’m living two different lives. I have one in Houston and a really different one in LA. In fact, I could probably claim living in Denver for two years was my third life. Each have their good and bad sides, and I’d love to at one time down the road return to each as a different person. But at present, I feel like the most potential for me being happy is to live the life I’ve started in LA. There’s a lot of really crazy potential just waiting to be pushed out of me, and I hope I can find outlets to release this ambition. I always seem to continue to struggle with this on a monthly basis, but I know that in the meantime I’m having a ball.
Time for breakfast.
the drawn curtains
I’m about to enter a period of just over a week without any access to the Internet. Yikes! Thus, no activity here in Micah land.
Thought of the day:
While back in Houston, I work for a clinic with many different people. It’s nice to have this constant interaction with others and it usually helps keep my day more enjoyable. I get to walk around the building chatting with and poking fun with others while I’m doing my job and that helps the variation part of this job, which is great. I might not talk to everyone everyday, nor might I see everyone everyday, but I do always look forward to chatting with everyone when I get the chance.
The line of work that I have wanted to enter, specifically music editing, is one such that I wouldn’t get much human interaction most of my working day. I’ll be behind a console listening to music, editing music and film, and doing a lot of rather boring technical stuff (I’m more desiring it from a creative aspect). The other line of work that I’ve recently been doing, web design, requires much of the same. I’m sitting in front of a computer all day, designing and editing and coding. Again, a lot of boring technical stuff. If only I could figure out a way to combine both of these areas. Or think of something completely different that I would enjoy.
the big easy
I’ve lived in Southeast Texas on and off for almost 20 years. Only once in that that time span have I been to New Orleans, and that was probably around 13 or 14 years ago. I have such vague memories of the actual city, of just a few places that we went to see or the things we did. So, New Orleans was just a distant memory somewhere in the back of my mind. This weekend updated whatever little memory I had.
summaries
10 hours, 12 hour, 14 hour days. This is the norm right now and won’t let up either. I leave for New Orleans on Saturday morning and will be gone through the weekend. I have so much to do in the meantime and am having fun with all of this business, but do look forward to more downtime!
In the meantime, I’ll write summaries.
- I keep reading more about jobs, the 401k system, making money, and I just wish I already had money.. Blah. How to beat the system…
- I’ve seen some local friends and will be seeing a bunch more soon. I really enjoy spending time catching up with everyone.
- Going to New Orleans for the first time in like 12 years this weekend.
- Have been constantly checking e-mail and blogs… i’m so addicted.
- I bought two tickets to a Freaks and Geeks fest on Sat, June 4, but it’s being held in Austin that day. Anyone wanna drive me? I bought two tickets in case!
- I love having my personal computer files with me. External hard drive cases rock!
- Have seen only half the season finales that I want to watch… need to make time for the rest.
- Why does everyone hate Star Wars? Sure, it could have had better storylines, better leads and transitions, but for what GL left us in Ep. 2, I think generally it was done well. And the special effects were amazing. Can’t wait to go back to LA so that I can see it at the Arclight Cinema!
- I wonder what’s gonna happen to that job I interviewed for? Although I want it, I also don’t want it.
- This summer might turn out to be reeeeeally fun if I don’t end up getting that job and earn a crapload of money between now and the time I leave for LA. Why? Because of San Francisco and Hawaii… ;-)li>
- Note to self: eat more Tex Mex before you leave Texas.
- Note to self: eat more Blue Bell, period.
- I’ve already spent too much money since I landed here… My 20GB iPod should be here soon.
- I need to learn to the play the guitar better.
- Lists are cool
- Sometimes, I realize how nice it is to be single and not attached
- I went to a Photoshop seminar on Tuesday… Oh how I wish I had a DSLR
- I enjoy the Doves new album
- My new design has been collecting a little dust. I hope I’m able to make some time soon to spruce it up. Lots of new things, more integration, etc.
in and outs of basketball
This is one of the most detailed articles/blogs about the business of basketball. Billionaire Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban goes wide open with his disappointment in losing the 2005 playoffs and about how his team was assembled. I’ve kept up with basketball off and on for many years, some years more than others, but I know that this is the most detail I’ve ever read about a personal team’s formation. It’s interesting how closely related the pleasure and business of basketball can be.
non-stop
It’s been non-stop since I got off the plane. And I’m not complaining! Lots of work, lots of good food. It’s weird. I may have five whole weeks to do everything, but I already feel like I’m in way over my head! I know I’ll be able to see and do everything at least once, but even still, I feel like I need more time! But, this just means I’ll have plenty to look forward to when I take my next trip back.
Speaking of which, I made a phone call for the job that I interviewed for last week. Turns out there’s still a decent chance that I could land the job, obviously after a second interview and a few more questions. They are still interviewing, but the HR person told me to contact them when I get back if I’m still interesting, which I let her know that I am. I wonder what will happen in the next month?
On my first night of socialing with friends, I went to finally see the concert I’ve been dying to see since I found out about the band. Eisley has been around for a few years, but finally released their first full-length album this past February. Needless to say, I’m a big fan. I even bought their CD, and that says a LOT. Great show, a little shy on stage and in person, but it leaves plenty goodness to be desired. They are doing a solo concert series starting in June after 20 day break. I wish I could go to their future concerts but they will already have left LA when I get back! darn.
Friends in Houston and Texas, if you read this and haven’t heard from me yet and will be in the Houston area between now the middle of June, call me or e-mail me. I don’t wanna neglect seeing and spending time with anyone. My schedule is pretty full through the next week, but as anyone who really knows me knows, my plans could change in an instant. The more spontaneous you are, the more likely I will be to change my plans for you (does that border on really fun or sorta sad?… haha).
the facts of downloading
Note: This article is incomplete and will be updated as needed.
Do you download music online? So do I. In case the RIAA or MPAA have scared you away from downloading any kind of music or movies, I’m going to reassure you that it’s still as possible to do it as it’s ever been. There are, however, still threats out there that might cause you grief and worry, the foremost being the threat of being sued by the Nazis at the RIAA or MPAA.
I am going to give you some facts about downloading so that you know where you stand:
First, almost all of the people sued were using Kazaa or another related software to download AND upload their music. Bittorrent users are just now starting to become a more major target as well. But, the Nazis aren’t going after people who download music. They are suing people who upload and share their collection with others. Turn off the ability to share/upload your music, the Nazis at the RIAA and MPAA will almost definitely leave you alone.
Second, there are millions of people downloading all the time. You’re literally one in a million and the RIAA is verrrrrrry unlikely to find you. It IS possible, but not too likely that you’ll be sued. Besides, they are mostly targeting students at universities.
Third, you might hear talk about how many people have settled the crazy lawsuits for thousands of dollars. But, as stated in a recent article, only a very small percentage of people have actually chosen to settle with them. Of MOST of the people who were sued, their lawsuits have been dismissed.
For those of you who want some more legitmate underground ways of downloading, you might be intersted to check out sources such as EasyNews. There is a lot of good info about how to run a Usenet application on your computer, but this is basically a Newsgroup that you and millions of other people subscribe to and upload and download just about ANYTHING that you want. It’s $10 a month and it’s been recommended to me by many different people.
So should you still download more music or movies or televisions shows now? That’s your decision. I just wanted to share a few facts.
week in review
I’ve had plenty to write, no patience to sit down, and very little time. So, here’s a week in review.
- Monday: work as usual
- Tuesday: more work
- Wednesday: job interview. Yes, I had a job interview. I won’t name any names nor give much detail. I will say this. It’s for a full-time job with a big corporation. Yes, you heard right! I’m a little apprehensive. Part of me really wants the job if the conditions are right, such as salary (I might not have asked for enough! D’oh!), but I had a great time meeting the potential boss and hope to keep in touch with at least that person. I then met a friend for lunch. As always, good times ensued.
- Thursday: Drove to Monterey for the weekend. Watched Equilibrium. Good movie, slow start, nice finish. Very Matrix-esque.
- Friday: Went to Chinatown, San Francisco! Love that city. Way too much walking, but I found my favorite gummy candy!
- Saturday: Saw Unleashed. Go see it. I highly recommend it! Also watched a few other movies.
And now I drive home. I can’t believe that I’m already back in Houston in a few days. Seems like yesterday. Still, I can’t believe I’m going to be gone for 5 weeks. Feels like too long. And might put my chances for the new job in jeoprady, which kinda sucks.