The good news is that I finally have a job. It has taken over 6 months, longer than any gap in employment I have ever had. I was able to traverse it with Julia's support and the support of friends and family. Skip and Mom, as well as Julia's parents were absolutely vital toward accomplishing this as well. I've done a lot of neat things in this time, but the emotional and financial drain has made a vast scaling back of my goals in an unprecedented fashion. Many will be reduced by 50% to reflect these dire circumstances. I will include more details in future weekly posts.
Goals 2013
Physical
Primary: Get to 250lbs by July 20th. - Shifting to End of year. Can do. Will do.
-Weight fluctuating between 265 and 270. Set goal for end of year at 260 with further reduction next year.
Secondary: Go to 60 Yoga Classes. - At 11. I have started the habit and can make 60 by the end of the year though.
Reset goal level to 25, which puts me at 50% performance thus far.
Mental
Primary: Read the following 6 books:
Philosophy in the Tragic Age of the Greeks by Friedrich Nietzsche
Religion within the Limits of Reason Alone by Immanuel Kant
Early Mormonism and the Magic World View D. Michael Quinn
The Complete Works of Shakespeare by William Shakespeare
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
The Water of Life - Michael Mead
Reducing this to 3 books. I have already read Nitzche, Kant and Early Mormanism so technically this is done. I've also read 1/2 the water of life. I'm going to read One Hundred Years of solitude and post shakespear to next year.
Secondary: Learn 48 French phrases.
Maintaining this goal in its entirety. Will begin in earnest later this month.
Emotional
Primary: Abstain from Paranoia.B+
Secondary: Continue optimism.B+
No need for reduced scope.
Spiritual
Primary: Write one poem a month in soul forging. B
Reducing, and I will count at the end of the year. 6.
Social
Primary: Take Julia dancing 12 times in 2013. B
Reducing to 6. So far we have done 2.
Secondary: Hang out with friends at least once a week. A
Made impossible to complete due to circumstances.
First Life: Retired.
Second Life
Primary Goal: Finish Forever West by the end of the year. B+
First draft completed.
Secondary Goal: Write Tossing Grenades at Windmills in National Novel Writing Month. N/A
Doing Nanowrmo....unsure if it will be Tossing.
Third Life
Primary
Goal: Operation RUR schedued for production in an actual physical
location charging money for admittance at least once by the end of 2013.
N/A
This was changed to Lunacy. Not in my hands.
Changed to another play and dependent on others,
but for efforts to launch..."A". Also replaced by "Join and Participate
in Working Title in July 2013."
Failure but excused due to events.
Secondary Goal: Film Project Chaylite in 2013 or another short film.
Scuttled due to lack of interest w. partner. A on my part.
Fourth Life
Primary Goal: Initiate Project Horribly Inappropriate and remake yearly investment budget in RAA.
Completed.
Secondary Goal: Project Red Attack Tagging viable for its intended goal.
Parameters: Website, trial with 5-6, hire 1-2 agents.
Current B
Fifth Life
Primary Goal: Project Chysalis II.
A.
Secondary Goal: Decide and Enact the Year of the Kane Eagle.
Completed. A.
Sixth Life
Primary Goal: Write in Eagle as Phoenix Once a Week.
C-, changing this goal to once a month. Missed Sept. Reducing more. Try to finish up to 50% of constitution by the end of the year.
Secondary Goal: Operation Evict Reed.
N/A. I've looked but no outlet visible. Will keep looking.
Incidentals
Earn my PMP.
**Investigated. Defaulting until 2014 due to advice. Starting document recreation in 2 weeks.
Write the script for Earth and Sea and Star and Sky.
**Not done but doable.
Write the League of Christmas Darkness Dodecaology.
**Way behind on this. Goal is 6 out of 12 by the end of the year.
Reach the half way mark in the Egress fund.
Briefly reached. Unemployment killed. Now N/A
Somehow make the Mosaic Inglemia campaign idea work.
Done. A
Julia's Goals
1. Get straight A's in her classes toward her MLA degree.
2. Lose 10lbs by July 20, 2013.
3. Stay physically afterwards and maintain that.
4. Obtain a full time job.
**These are Julia's to comment on but she looks like she's doing kickass on them to me....
Marriage Goals
1. Remain patient and communicative in our relationship.
2. Datenight at least once a week.
3. Successfully complete and ENJOY the wedding.
4. Decide Starter City.
**1
and 2 are "A-" since there is always room for improvement. 3 is done. 4 is we have a transition city, and a target city, and a secondary city so I'm calling this completed.
Life Goals - "At some point"
1. See the Louvre.
**2015.
2. Travel around the world on a one way trip. Japan, Australia, India, Egypt, London, Italy and Hawaii.
** Goal to see all by 2018. Egypt pending political situation.
3. Learn a martial art.
**Done
5. Assemble a band for a tour based on music written by me.
6. Start a successful business.
Started
in 2011. "Success" is determined in this case by an operating profit of
400% invested capital or $10000. 2011-2015. Otherwise 'failure' and
goal removed from dock.
**I'm trying a lot here, but the results aren't being kind. But I still have 2 more years.
**Red Anvil Tagging has a great deal of potential given invested capital. This could prove an exception since it is a separate business than Red Anvil Creative.
7. Learn a musical instrument.
Slated 2015
8. Sculpt something memorable.
9. Create or help create a graphic novel.
**Completed. [And also permanently dead :( ]
10. Own a plane, sailboat, taught or ultralight and learn to pilot/sail it.
11. Write seven novels.
**5 of 7 done. 5th and 6th slated for 2013
13. Go on a cruise.
2015-2016.
14. Organize a convention on SOMETHING.
16. Build a house (not necessarily my own.)
17. Own my own home (all own, no mortgage)
Slated 2018-2019.
18. Have a room with a secret passage
Slated 2018-2019.
23. Be in a flash mob dance number.
2014
26. Live the fifth life (who knows what that is)
Doing.
27. Ditto the sixth.
Doing.
28. Ditto the seventh.
Doing.
47. Finish 7 films. (3 out of 7 completed).
2015.
48. Enter a remote controlled airplane tournament and place in the upper half.
49. Enter a competitive Kite contest (the kind with the razors on the wings.)
50. Blow something up with Dynamite. (Legally)
51. Join the Masons.
2014. Maybe.
52. Hypnotize someone.
Done.
53. Firewalk.
54. Visit the Library of Congress
2014.
55. Complete 7 Projects of Significance. [1 of 7 done.]
Project Chrysalis and Chrysalis II are go. Working on Chrysalis III.
If
the right door opens....(ie interesting goals that either depend on
another person or a significant amount of wealth that may never happen
but that I want to write down)
29. Marry the Right Person. [2013]
Done! :D
30. Establish a business empire dedicated to a not for profit foundation.
31. Visit (but do not live in) Space.
32. Buy my own island.
35. Create a functional and profitable news network that actually produces what is independent.
36. Create an institution to focus on pure research.
38. "" Neurological regeneration.
39. Paid Angel agents to quietly and anonymously do good.
40.
Create a series of libraries (10) dedicate to principles original to
libraries. Secular sanctuaries and temples to knowledge.
43. Breed dogs to live twice as long
**Strangely
some people are surprisingly responsive to this. This might move to
more realistic within 3-4 years when/if I own a house.
44. Create 3 patents.
45. Own and that is entirely self-sufficient w. energy, food and other items.
46. Become a Father.
Bucket List (the Bucket in the Bucket….IE, I no longer care about this but might change my mind.)
4. Competitively enter a fencing competition.
Friday, October 4, 2013
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Small Victories, Dire Peril on Dangle Thread and Big Dreams
Tonight I got a much needed victory in the form of a very successful night of "Finding Joe" with the Mythic Imagination Institute where Robert Walter, president of the Joseph Campbell Foundation, gave a presentation. There is some background here, and I'll present it in chronological order; two converging 'story lines' as it were.
The first began in 2009, where I went to a movie called Mythic Journeys. I'd been aware of Mythic Journeys in 2004 and 2006, and heard great things about it, but couldn't afford to go. (I also couldn't volunteer and that's another story entirely). But I was good friends with some people who helped organize it, Andrew Greenberg and Bill Bridges, so I went to check it out. You can see the trailer here, but it's a pretty cool movie with puppetry, and the voices of Tim Curry and Mark Hamill, as well as a wide range of impressive speakers.
It was neat stuff. Especially this stuff called "Applied Mythology" which seemed to me to answer some very important questions I'd been asking myself about society and how to avoid some rather dark paths I see ahead as a science fiction writer. Once the movie was done, they had some awesome discussions...and then proceeded to ask for donations. I didn't have money at the time to donate, but I did have my tech writing skills. I'd grown rather distasteful of tech writing, and wanted to do some good with it, so grant writing was something I was considering. I offered my skills.
I got to know Honora and Dahlan Foah and got to help them with a grant that led to a rather amazing concert. But the success path on the grant was...indirect. My initial attempts didn't actually help them directly, though the text did lead to some portions of a grant they got later that did. I kept working with them in other ways, mainly showing up and offering ideas.
To be honest, for a long time, I felt a bit like a third wheel because all I did was offer ideas. There are some rather heavy hitters on the Mythic Leadership Council...and I wasn't. There were successes and failures, but to be honest, there were more failures than successes. Over time, I made some more concrete contributions, including more grants, Search Engine Tagging, and research. But...it kind of wasn't going anywhere for me. To me, at least, despite all the effort, and the occasional success, all of this time wasn't helping what I originally wanted to help them with...
Until tonight. Tonight I will count this as a personal tangible victory. Not because I did it alone (I certainly didn't), and not because I really was even the major contributor. I only did one really important thing...
I believed. I believed in this project, and I believed in Mythic, and I believed in the people doing it...and finally, FINALLY it really feels like it is turning around.
And the timing could not be better.
The second story in this is what happened after the wedding. I meant to, and haven't gotten to, posting about the fantastic honeymoon Julia and I had. Here's the thumbnail. It was paradise. It was perfect. It was awesome. It was romantic, and honestly it is our dream to not only revisit, but someday hopefully go back there and live.
But then we got back. I'm unemployed. We're living with our parents. Both my parents (both sets actually) as well as Julia's parents have been incredibly supportive and generous. We've needed it. This gap has been a long time...the longest...and my well stocked financial reserves have been depleted. Julia's job is a great opportunity but is really an extended internship and not enough for us to live on. I've had 19 interviews in 6 months and it is starting to wear on us both.
Restrictions and preferences I originally had at the start of my process..."permanent jobs only" "project management jobs only" "this rate only" have gone by the wayside. I'm open to doing tech writing again because it will pay the bills. That didn't help. I've done different versions of my resume. I've expanded the search nationally and even removed all geographic restrictions. That hasn't helped. I've actually made two trips recently out of state in the last two weeks; once to Miami and once to South Carolina. The first didn't pay for the trip and the second did. (Lesson learned...if an out of state company won't pay for my interview face to face, they're not really interested.) There have been many many excellent jobs, many recruiters working closely with me to help me get these wonderful opportunities, and each time they've said essentially, 'we like him, but the other person had more experience.'
Desperate times call for desperate measures. I've dug up 10 years worth of creative material and put it on Amazon...it hasn't sold. I've tried side careers in consulting and voice over work...both of which might work eventually, but which will take time. I've come up with all kinds of schemes for getting cash...and really, so far, nothing has really panned out.
But despite the difficulty, Julia and I have helped each other pull through. When I've been low, she's held me up. When she's had a difficult time, I've sung, "the Sun will Come Out Tomorrow" until she smiled. Then I kept singing it and she eventually had to punch my shoulder but was still smiling. ;) But after South Carolina....a permanent technical writing job that I was rather confident I would get...an interview I did very well in...I lost to someone with more instructional design experience. This time...this time we were both down. Neither of us could pull each other up because there was no more energy left.
It was too much. Decisions had to be made, and some lifestyle choices and arrangements have been altered. More will be altered. It also means expanding my job search. It's not just Plan A,B,C and D anymore...it's plan F-Z. In fact, I'm looking at jobs that will just pay the bills. I still am. But I was wondering if there was any point to it. If the deck really was rigged against me.
And then tonight happened.
"Finding Joe" is basically about finding your dream and going after it. I've always done that. But the thing I realized tonight, the thing that changed the equation for me, is that I'm good at helping OTHER people do that too. Why?
Because I believe in you. You see, I know what its like for people not to take you seriously, to NOT believe in you. I'm blessed with many wonderfully supportive family members and friends. But I've also had people not take me seriously. My million projects aren't going anywhere. They're stuck in the mud. Just like my work with Mythic was for a long long time...until tonight.
I've set up my consultancy. You can see the website here. [Look for some changes soon.] What's going to change...one of the things I'm going to specialize in though, is something that I have wanted to do for a long time, is help others make their dreams a reality. And I'm going to be paid to do it, by playing the long game. Granted, it will take time. There will be pitfalls, but after tonight...tonight? Tonight I saw that I can do it. Tonight I saw that believing in something makes it happen...and that it can be made reality. By helping others, my own dreams can be made reality too.
So life begins anew. And I start to build my dream by helping others build theirs.
[Having said that, to pay the bills in the meantime, if you know a guy who knows a guy, email or call or message me...I'm pretty damn flexible at this point. ;) ]
The first began in 2009, where I went to a movie called Mythic Journeys. I'd been aware of Mythic Journeys in 2004 and 2006, and heard great things about it, but couldn't afford to go. (I also couldn't volunteer and that's another story entirely). But I was good friends with some people who helped organize it, Andrew Greenberg and Bill Bridges, so I went to check it out. You can see the trailer here, but it's a pretty cool movie with puppetry, and the voices of Tim Curry and Mark Hamill, as well as a wide range of impressive speakers.
It was neat stuff. Especially this stuff called "Applied Mythology" which seemed to me to answer some very important questions I'd been asking myself about society and how to avoid some rather dark paths I see ahead as a science fiction writer. Once the movie was done, they had some awesome discussions...and then proceeded to ask for donations. I didn't have money at the time to donate, but I did have my tech writing skills. I'd grown rather distasteful of tech writing, and wanted to do some good with it, so grant writing was something I was considering. I offered my skills.
I got to know Honora and Dahlan Foah and got to help them with a grant that led to a rather amazing concert. But the success path on the grant was...indirect. My initial attempts didn't actually help them directly, though the text did lead to some portions of a grant they got later that did. I kept working with them in other ways, mainly showing up and offering ideas.
To be honest, for a long time, I felt a bit like a third wheel because all I did was offer ideas. There are some rather heavy hitters on the Mythic Leadership Council...and I wasn't. There were successes and failures, but to be honest, there were more failures than successes. Over time, I made some more concrete contributions, including more grants, Search Engine Tagging, and research. But...it kind of wasn't going anywhere for me. To me, at least, despite all the effort, and the occasional success, all of this time wasn't helping what I originally wanted to help them with...
Until tonight. Tonight I will count this as a personal tangible victory. Not because I did it alone (I certainly didn't), and not because I really was even the major contributor. I only did one really important thing...
I believed. I believed in this project, and I believed in Mythic, and I believed in the people doing it...and finally, FINALLY it really feels like it is turning around.
And the timing could not be better.
The second story in this is what happened after the wedding. I meant to, and haven't gotten to, posting about the fantastic honeymoon Julia and I had. Here's the thumbnail. It was paradise. It was perfect. It was awesome. It was romantic, and honestly it is our dream to not only revisit, but someday hopefully go back there and live.
But then we got back. I'm unemployed. We're living with our parents. Both my parents (both sets actually) as well as Julia's parents have been incredibly supportive and generous. We've needed it. This gap has been a long time...the longest...and my well stocked financial reserves have been depleted. Julia's job is a great opportunity but is really an extended internship and not enough for us to live on. I've had 19 interviews in 6 months and it is starting to wear on us both.
Restrictions and preferences I originally had at the start of my process..."permanent jobs only" "project management jobs only" "this rate only" have gone by the wayside. I'm open to doing tech writing again because it will pay the bills. That didn't help. I've done different versions of my resume. I've expanded the search nationally and even removed all geographic restrictions. That hasn't helped. I've actually made two trips recently out of state in the last two weeks; once to Miami and once to South Carolina. The first didn't pay for the trip and the second did. (Lesson learned...if an out of state company won't pay for my interview face to face, they're not really interested.) There have been many many excellent jobs, many recruiters working closely with me to help me get these wonderful opportunities, and each time they've said essentially, 'we like him, but the other person had more experience.'
Desperate times call for desperate measures. I've dug up 10 years worth of creative material and put it on Amazon...it hasn't sold. I've tried side careers in consulting and voice over work...both of which might work eventually, but which will take time. I've come up with all kinds of schemes for getting cash...and really, so far, nothing has really panned out.
But despite the difficulty, Julia and I have helped each other pull through. When I've been low, she's held me up. When she's had a difficult time, I've sung, "the Sun will Come Out Tomorrow" until she smiled. Then I kept singing it and she eventually had to punch my shoulder but was still smiling. ;) But after South Carolina....a permanent technical writing job that I was rather confident I would get...an interview I did very well in...I lost to someone with more instructional design experience. This time...this time we were both down. Neither of us could pull each other up because there was no more energy left.
It was too much. Decisions had to be made, and some lifestyle choices and arrangements have been altered. More will be altered. It also means expanding my job search. It's not just Plan A,B,C and D anymore...it's plan F-Z. In fact, I'm looking at jobs that will just pay the bills. I still am. But I was wondering if there was any point to it. If the deck really was rigged against me.
And then tonight happened.
"Finding Joe" is basically about finding your dream and going after it. I've always done that. But the thing I realized tonight, the thing that changed the equation for me, is that I'm good at helping OTHER people do that too. Why?
Because I believe in you. You see, I know what its like for people not to take you seriously, to NOT believe in you. I'm blessed with many wonderfully supportive family members and friends. But I've also had people not take me seriously. My million projects aren't going anywhere. They're stuck in the mud. Just like my work with Mythic was for a long long time...until tonight.
I've set up my consultancy. You can see the website here. [Look for some changes soon.] What's going to change...one of the things I'm going to specialize in though, is something that I have wanted to do for a long time, is help others make their dreams a reality. And I'm going to be paid to do it, by playing the long game. Granted, it will take time. There will be pitfalls, but after tonight...tonight? Tonight I saw that I can do it. Tonight I saw that believing in something makes it happen...and that it can be made reality. By helping others, my own dreams can be made reality too.
So life begins anew. And I start to build my dream by helping others build theirs.
[Having said that, to pay the bills in the meantime, if you know a guy who knows a guy, email or call or message me...I'm pretty damn flexible at this point. ;) ]
Sunday, August 4, 2013
A Perfect Day With Chaos - July 20th
The day of the wedding was many things. It was wonderful. It was chaotic. It was fun. But ultimately since it made us both happy, it was perfect.
It started out early. On Julia's side of things, it was fun that Kelly and Jayme brought snacks. They also brought coffee. Julia got her hair done and also ate yogurt parfait they brought because otherwise she wouldn't have had time to eat. It was also nice to get pedicures and manicures done before. On my side there was an early morning start. Putting on the extremely nice but expensive tux. I rode with Mom, Grandma and Skip to Julia's house. There was some confusion as to who was going to get there how, but it ultimately ended up there in there in the end but it worked well.
Upon arrival at Julia's house, it was obvious that they had done a fantastic job of decoration. There were flowers everywhere, and the front room had been rearranged into a perfect little chapel complete with a space for the wedding party. There were excellent refreshments and slowly people started to trickle in. From my side my friends Wayne and Helen, Andrew and Mel, Bill and Dawn came. Family also arrived from Dad and Vivian, Greg, Rachelle, Melanie, Benjamin, Samantha, Joshua, Christy, John, Randy, Jamie, Skyler, Mallory, Lydia, Julie, Todd and Elissa. On Julia's side there was, of course her immediate family, Alan, Diane and Phillip. Other members of Julia's family included Frank and Susan. Julia's friends included Kelly, Jon, Barbara, Jayme, Patrick, Ariel, James and Rachel. Her Parents friends included Elynne, Evan, Eric, John, Karen, Laura and Brian.
Berny was our Chaplin and helped finalize some last minute preparations I had forgotten regarding the vows. I used my smart phone and we printed out a small piece of paper for Julia. Randy and Jayme (Julia's friend as compared to his wife) agreed to be witnesses. The music was prepped and queued...all it needed was the starting signal. Which I had forgotten to plan. :D
So after about 65 seconds of confusion, things finally started. Berny was waiting at the alter. I walked up with Greg. Then Kelly came. Then Julia and her father. Then we started the ceremony. It was perfect. The sun was shining. Everyone was happy. Berny delivered an excellent consecration. We exchanged rings. The bands were gorgeous gifts from Mom and Skip. And then we were married and kissed on another.
After the wedding was a fun blur. We talked to everyone. We said goodbye to everyone. We ate. We laughed. Many spontaneous photos were taken. And then, just like that, people slowly began to peter off. There was a complete lack of uncomfortable drama, shouting or ill feelings. Just how we wanted it.
We all went to the family lunch afterwards, with my family and Julia's party to Pastis. We had an excellent selection of food and all talked with each other. At our table, me, Julia, Alan, Diane, Kelly, Jon and Barbara. We had many excellent conversations. The cake prepared by the waiters was fantastic. Kelly gave an excellent toast. Greg's toast was short and to the point, and after everyone else was leaving. "You are and shall ever be my best friend." The Star Trek reference was truly appropriate. It was raining outside as we left, and I got the car and picked Julia up.
We went back to her house, got the luggage for her honeymoon while she opened our presents and spent time with her family and friends. I took the luggage to the Ellis hotel and checked it in while making some last minute instructions on the preparation of the reception.
It started to rain heavily, but it didn't matter. I arrived in the pavilion at Glen Lake park and had several friends there. David and Edgar, friends of my parents, had arrived and gifted us with an immaculate steam punk groom's cake that had taken two days to prepare. All the decorations they put up were fantastic. I should have brought more lanterns but Skip said it was fine. Skip was playing bartender and Mom was spending time with her scions. Dad and Vivian were there, along with all of my family, Wayne and Helen and Andrew and Mel and Clint and Stephanie who had all helped decorate. A short time later, Julia and her friends and their families arrived. It was fun. We talked. We drank. We had a good time. A friend of Mom and Skip's did some fantastic catering.
Then there was the pinata. The nieces and nephews each took turns whacking it. Many mighty blows were struck. The rules were turn once for every year you had of age. Two rounds and while they got close it didn't quite burst. So I took a turn. After turning around 41 times. So...I fell to the ground and frightened everyone, but still hit the thing, smashing it to bits. There was much rejoicing and obtaining of loot.
So to wrap up the shared festivities we went to a bar called Church. Wayne and Helen took us in Wayne's car. It was where I celebrated my last freedom day celebration with the same bunch. They have fantastic sangria. Randy and Jamie arrived shortly thereafter. It was a wonderful discussion of all kinds of subjects including global politics, philosophy, business, religion and the nature of man. It was also just plain fun.
And then Julia and I went to the hotel. And...none of your business...;)
It started out early. On Julia's side of things, it was fun that Kelly and Jayme brought snacks. They also brought coffee. Julia got her hair done and also ate yogurt parfait they brought because otherwise she wouldn't have had time to eat. It was also nice to get pedicures and manicures done before. On my side there was an early morning start. Putting on the extremely nice but expensive tux. I rode with Mom, Grandma and Skip to Julia's house. There was some confusion as to who was going to get there how, but it ultimately ended up there in there in the end but it worked well.
Upon arrival at Julia's house, it was obvious that they had done a fantastic job of decoration. There were flowers everywhere, and the front room had been rearranged into a perfect little chapel complete with a space for the wedding party. There were excellent refreshments and slowly people started to trickle in. From my side my friends Wayne and Helen, Andrew and Mel, Bill and Dawn came. Family also arrived from Dad and Vivian, Greg, Rachelle, Melanie, Benjamin, Samantha, Joshua, Christy, John, Randy, Jamie, Skyler, Mallory, Lydia, Julie, Todd and Elissa. On Julia's side there was, of course her immediate family, Alan, Diane and Phillip. Other members of Julia's family included Frank and Susan. Julia's friends included Kelly, Jon, Barbara, Jayme, Patrick, Ariel, James and Rachel. Her Parents friends included Elynne, Evan, Eric, John, Karen, Laura and Brian.
Berny was our Chaplin and helped finalize some last minute preparations I had forgotten regarding the vows. I used my smart phone and we printed out a small piece of paper for Julia. Randy and Jayme (Julia's friend as compared to his wife) agreed to be witnesses. The music was prepped and queued...all it needed was the starting signal. Which I had forgotten to plan. :D
So after about 65 seconds of confusion, things finally started. Berny was waiting at the alter. I walked up with Greg. Then Kelly came. Then Julia and her father. Then we started the ceremony. It was perfect. The sun was shining. Everyone was happy. Berny delivered an excellent consecration. We exchanged rings. The bands were gorgeous gifts from Mom and Skip. And then we were married and kissed on another.
After the wedding was a fun blur. We talked to everyone. We said goodbye to everyone. We ate. We laughed. Many spontaneous photos were taken. And then, just like that, people slowly began to peter off. There was a complete lack of uncomfortable drama, shouting or ill feelings. Just how we wanted it.
We all went to the family lunch afterwards, with my family and Julia's party to Pastis. We had an excellent selection of food and all talked with each other. At our table, me, Julia, Alan, Diane, Kelly, Jon and Barbara. We had many excellent conversations. The cake prepared by the waiters was fantastic. Kelly gave an excellent toast. Greg's toast was short and to the point, and after everyone else was leaving. "You are and shall ever be my best friend." The Star Trek reference was truly appropriate. It was raining outside as we left, and I got the car and picked Julia up.
We went back to her house, got the luggage for her honeymoon while she opened our presents and spent time with her family and friends. I took the luggage to the Ellis hotel and checked it in while making some last minute instructions on the preparation of the reception.
It started to rain heavily, but it didn't matter. I arrived in the pavilion at Glen Lake park and had several friends there. David and Edgar, friends of my parents, had arrived and gifted us with an immaculate steam punk groom's cake that had taken two days to prepare. All the decorations they put up were fantastic. I should have brought more lanterns but Skip said it was fine. Skip was playing bartender and Mom was spending time with her scions. Dad and Vivian were there, along with all of my family, Wayne and Helen and Andrew and Mel and Clint and Stephanie who had all helped decorate. A short time later, Julia and her friends and their families arrived. It was fun. We talked. We drank. We had a good time. A friend of Mom and Skip's did some fantastic catering.
Then there was the pinata. The nieces and nephews each took turns whacking it. Many mighty blows were struck. The rules were turn once for every year you had of age. Two rounds and while they got close it didn't quite burst. So I took a turn. After turning around 41 times. So...I fell to the ground and frightened everyone, but still hit the thing, smashing it to bits. There was much rejoicing and obtaining of loot.
So to wrap up the shared festivities we went to a bar called Church. Wayne and Helen took us in Wayne's car. It was where I celebrated my last freedom day celebration with the same bunch. They have fantastic sangria. Randy and Jamie arrived shortly thereafter. It was a wonderful discussion of all kinds of subjects including global politics, philosophy, business, religion and the nature of man. It was also just plain fun.
And then Julia and I went to the hotel. And...none of your business...;)
Monday, July 1, 2013
[2013] Mid Year Goal Check
Goals 2013
Physical
Primary: Get to 250lbs by July 20th. - D - At 265. Shifting to End of year. Can do. Will do.
Secondary: Go to 60 Yoga Classes. - C-. At 11. I have started the habit and can make 60 by the end of the year though.
Mental
Primary: Read the following 6 books:
Philosophy in the Tragic Age of the Greeks by Friedrich Nietzsche
Religion within the Limits of Reason Alone by Immanuel Kant
Early Mormonism and the Magic World View D. Michael Quinn
The Complete Works of Shakespeare by William Shakespeare
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
The Water of Life - Michael Mead
[2 of 6 down. B]
Secondary: Learn 48 French phrases.
[Chosen. Reviewed. Mispronouncing.] B-
Emotional
Primary: Abstain from Paranoia. A-
Secondary: Continue optimism. A-
Spiritual
Primary: Write one poem a month in soul forging. B
Social
Primary: Take Julia dancing 12 times in 2013. B
Secondary: Hang out with friends at least once a week. A
First Life: Retired.
Second Life
Primary Goal: Finish Forever West by the end of the year. B+
On track...but in need of more editing.
Secondary Goal: Write Tossing Grenades at Windmills in National Novel Writing Month. N/A
Third Life
Primary Goal: Operation RUR schedued for production in an actual physical location charging money for admittance at least once by the end of 2013. N/A
Changed to another play and dependent on others, but for efforts to launch..."A". Also replaced by "Join and Participate in Working Title in July 2013."
Secondary Goal: Film Project Chaylite in 2013 or another short film.
Looks unlikely, but B for effort.
Fourth Life
Primary Goal: Initiate Project Horribly Inappropriate and remake yearly investment budget in RAA.
A and...planning for A.
Secondary Goal: Project Red Attack Tagging viable for its intended goal.
A
Fifth Life
Primary Goal: Project Chysalis II.
A.
Secondary Goal: Decide and Enact the Year of the Kane Eagle.
B+
Sixth Life
Primary Goal: Write in Eagle as Phoenix Once a Week.
C-, changing this goal to once a month.
Secondary Goal: Operation Evict Reed.
N/A. I've looked but no outlet visible. Will keep looking.
Incidentals
Earn my PMP.
**Investigated. Need 3 more months experience. B+
Write the script for Earth and Sea and Star and Sky.
**On track.
Write the League of Christmas Darkness Dodecaology.
**4 of 12 done. B-
Reach the half way mark in the Egress fund.
Briefly reached. Unemployment killed. A+
Somehow make the Mosaic Inglemia campaign idea work.
A-
Julia's Goals
1. Get straight A's in her classes toward her MLA degree.
2. Lose 10lbs by July 20, 2013.
3. Stay physically afterwards and maintain that.
4. Obtain a full time job.
**These are Julia's to comment on but she looks like she's doing kickass on them to me....
Marriage Goals
1. Remain patient and communicative in our relationship.
2. Datenight at least once a week.
3. Successfully complete and ENJOY the wedding.
4. Decide Starter City.
**1 and 2 are "A-" since there is always room for improvement. 3 is on trackish. 4 is...well, not Portland. Added California to the mix. This goal is very dependent on a job which I do not yet have.
Life Goals - "At some point"
1. See the Louvre.
**2015-2016.
2. Travel around the world on a one way trip. Japan, Australia, India, Egypt, London, Italy and Hawaii.
** Goal to see all by 2018. Egypt pending political situation.
3. Learn a martial art.
**Done
5. Assemble a band for a tour based on music written by me.
6. Start a successful business.
Started in 2011. "Success" is determined in this case by an operating profit of 400% invested capital or $10000. 2011-2015. Otherwise 'failure' and goal removed from dock.
**Red Anvil Tagging has a great deal of potential given invested capital.
7. Learn a musical instrument.
Slated 2014
8. Sculpt something memorable.
9. Create or help create a graphic novel.
**Completed. [And also permanently dead :( ]
10. Own a plane, sailboat, taught or ultralight and learn to pilot/sail it.
11. Write seven novels.
**4 of 7 done. 5th and 6th slated for 2013
13. Go on a cruise.
2014.
14. Organize a convention on SOMETHING.
16. Build a house (not necessarily my own.)
17. Own my own home (all own, no mortgage)
Slated 2018-2019.
18. Have a room with a secret passage
Slated 2018-2019.
23. Be in a flash mob dance number.
Do in 2013 unless an opportunity comes before hand.
26. Live the fifth life (who knows what that is)
Doing.
27. Ditto the sixth.
Doing.
28. Ditto the seventh.
**Kept in reserve until 2027.
47. Finish 7 films. (3 out of 7 completed).
2015.
48. Enter a remote controlled airplane tournament and place in the upper half.
49. Enter a competitive Kite contest (the kind with the razors on the wings.)
50. Blow something up with Dynamite. (Legally)
51. Join the Masons.
2014. Maybe.
52. Hypnotize someone.
2013-2014.
53. Firewalk.
54. Visit the Library of Congress
55. Complete 7 Projects of Significance. [0 of 7 done.] First slated for 2013.
If the right door opens....(ie interesting goals that either depend on another person or a significant amount of wealth that may never happen but that I want to write down)
29. Marry the Right Person. [2013]
30. Establish a business empire dedicated to a not for profit foundation.
31. Visit (but do not live in) Space.
32. Buy my own island.
35. Create a functional and profitable news network that actually produces what is independent.
36. Create an institution to focus on pure research.
38. "" Neurological regeneration.
39. Paid Angel agents to quietly and anonymously do good.
40. Create a series of libraries (10) dedicate to principles original to libraries. Secular sanctuaries and temples to knowledge.
43. Breed dogs to live twice as long
**Strangely some people are surprisingly responsive to this. This might move to more realistic within 3-4 years when/if I own a house.
44. Create 3 patents.
45. Own and that is entirely self-sufficient w. energy, food and other items.
46. Become a Father.
Bucket List (the Bucket in the Bucket….IE, I no longer care about this but might change my mind.)
4. Competitively enter a fencing competition.
Physical
Primary: Get to 250lbs by July 20th. - D - At 265. Shifting to End of year. Can do. Will do.
Secondary: Go to 60 Yoga Classes. - C-. At 11. I have started the habit and can make 60 by the end of the year though.
Mental
Primary: Read the following 6 books:
Philosophy in the Tragic Age of the Greeks by Friedrich Nietzsche
Religion within the Limits of Reason Alone by Immanuel Kant
Early Mormonism and the Magic World View D. Michael Quinn
The Complete Works of Shakespeare by William Shakespeare
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
The Water of Life - Michael Mead
[2 of 6 down. B]
Secondary: Learn 48 French phrases.
[Chosen. Reviewed. Mispronouncing.] B-
Emotional
Primary: Abstain from Paranoia. A-
Secondary: Continue optimism. A-
Spiritual
Primary: Write one poem a month in soul forging. B
Social
Primary: Take Julia dancing 12 times in 2013. B
Secondary: Hang out with friends at least once a week. A
First Life: Retired.
Second Life
Primary Goal: Finish Forever West by the end of the year. B+
On track...but in need of more editing.
Secondary Goal: Write Tossing Grenades at Windmills in National Novel Writing Month. N/A
Third Life
Primary Goal: Operation RUR schedued for production in an actual physical location charging money for admittance at least once by the end of 2013. N/A
Changed to another play and dependent on others, but for efforts to launch..."A". Also replaced by "Join and Participate in Working Title in July 2013."
Secondary Goal: Film Project Chaylite in 2013 or another short film.
Looks unlikely, but B for effort.
Fourth Life
Primary Goal: Initiate Project Horribly Inappropriate and remake yearly investment budget in RAA.
A and...planning for A.
Secondary Goal: Project Red Attack Tagging viable for its intended goal.
A
Fifth Life
Primary Goal: Project Chysalis II.
A.
Secondary Goal: Decide and Enact the Year of the Kane Eagle.
B+
Sixth Life
Primary Goal: Write in Eagle as Phoenix Once a Week.
C-, changing this goal to once a month.
Secondary Goal: Operation Evict Reed.
N/A. I've looked but no outlet visible. Will keep looking.
Incidentals
Earn my PMP.
**Investigated. Need 3 more months experience. B+
Write the script for Earth and Sea and Star and Sky.
**On track.
Write the League of Christmas Darkness Dodecaology.
**4 of 12 done. B-
Reach the half way mark in the Egress fund.
Briefly reached. Unemployment killed. A+
Somehow make the Mosaic Inglemia campaign idea work.
A-
Julia's Goals
1. Get straight A's in her classes toward her MLA degree.
2. Lose 10lbs by July 20, 2013.
3. Stay physically afterwards and maintain that.
4. Obtain a full time job.
**These are Julia's to comment on but she looks like she's doing kickass on them to me....
Marriage Goals
1. Remain patient and communicative in our relationship.
2. Datenight at least once a week.
3. Successfully complete and ENJOY the wedding.
4. Decide Starter City.
**1 and 2 are "A-" since there is always room for improvement. 3 is on trackish. 4 is...well, not Portland. Added California to the mix. This goal is very dependent on a job which I do not yet have.
Life Goals - "At some point"
1. See the Louvre.
**2015-2016.
2. Travel around the world on a one way trip. Japan, Australia, India, Egypt, London, Italy and Hawaii.
** Goal to see all by 2018. Egypt pending political situation.
3. Learn a martial art.
**Done
5. Assemble a band for a tour based on music written by me.
6. Start a successful business.
Started in 2011. "Success" is determined in this case by an operating profit of 400% invested capital or $10000. 2011-2015. Otherwise 'failure' and goal removed from dock.
**Red Anvil Tagging has a great deal of potential given invested capital.
7. Learn a musical instrument.
Slated 2014
8. Sculpt something memorable.
9. Create or help create a graphic novel.
**Completed. [And also permanently dead :( ]
10. Own a plane, sailboat, taught or ultralight and learn to pilot/sail it.
11. Write seven novels.
**4 of 7 done. 5th and 6th slated for 2013
13. Go on a cruise.
2014.
14. Organize a convention on SOMETHING.
16. Build a house (not necessarily my own.)
17. Own my own home (all own, no mortgage)
Slated 2018-2019.
18. Have a room with a secret passage
Slated 2018-2019.
23. Be in a flash mob dance number.
Do in 2013 unless an opportunity comes before hand.
26. Live the fifth life (who knows what that is)
Doing.
27. Ditto the sixth.
Doing.
28. Ditto the seventh.
**Kept in reserve until 2027.
47. Finish 7 films. (3 out of 7 completed).
2015.
48. Enter a remote controlled airplane tournament and place in the upper half.
49. Enter a competitive Kite contest (the kind with the razors on the wings.)
50. Blow something up with Dynamite. (Legally)
51. Join the Masons.
2014. Maybe.
52. Hypnotize someone.
2013-2014.
53. Firewalk.
54. Visit the Library of Congress
55. Complete 7 Projects of Significance. [0 of 7 done.] First slated for 2013.
If the right door opens....(ie interesting goals that either depend on another person or a significant amount of wealth that may never happen but that I want to write down)
29. Marry the Right Person. [2013]
30. Establish a business empire dedicated to a not for profit foundation.
31. Visit (but do not live in) Space.
32. Buy my own island.
35. Create a functional and profitable news network that actually produces what is independent.
36. Create an institution to focus on pure research.
38. "" Neurological regeneration.
39. Paid Angel agents to quietly and anonymously do good.
40. Create a series of libraries (10) dedicate to principles original to libraries. Secular sanctuaries and temples to knowledge.
43. Breed dogs to live twice as long
**Strangely some people are surprisingly responsive to this. This might move to more realistic within 3-4 years when/if I own a house.
44. Create 3 patents.
45. Own and that is entirely self-sufficient w. energy, food and other items.
46. Become a Father.
Bucket List (the Bucket in the Bucket….IE, I no longer care about this but might change my mind.)
4. Competitively enter a fencing competition.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Trip to Jeckyl Island
So I suppose the most significant news at the moment was my loss of my contract at Coca-Cola. Fortunately, I had already paid for the hotel that I planned to take Julia for her birthday. We went back to the site of our first romantic weekend getaway, Jeckyl Island. We left on Friday and got back on Sunday.
On Friday, I picked Julia up at her house around 6pm. She had made me a nice sandwich and we went straight away. Traffic was insane in Atlanta itself due to the Final 4 of March Madness. Wahoo, poorly paid collegiate athletes being exploited for a multibillion dollar corporate empire! Yeehaw!
I had recently purchased a bluetooth enabled speaker which was cheaper than spending the money to fix my CD player. It worked great and the two of us listened to Pandora most of the way down, but there were frequent breaks because we listened to the Google Navigator app which told us to take a short cut in the middle of nowhere. If you are going to Jeckyl island, unless you really LIKE traveling the back ways of Georgia, stay to the high ways. Not only was it dark and not particularly pretty but there is no internet connection there whatsoever (at least wireless for MetroPCS) but there were also at least a DOZEN speed traps as the state highway went right through town with several rapid drops in speed designed to catch the unaware in hopes of generating local revenue. The view of the stars, of course, was fantastic, but you can't appreciate that too much when you are driving.
We arrived at Midnight and there was a mixup of rooms. They...(and I don't know what crack they were on) had originally given us two rooms on Friday night and none on Saturday. Moreover, they were full up on spring breakers and wedding guests. Fortunately, our concierge was able to get us a nice room. In fact, that was the ONLY error the entire time, and as per our last stay, the Ocean Side Hotel did a fantastic job and was a wonderful stay. The larger rooms are spaceous, have a beach view and also have a Jacuzzi. It is an excellent weekend getaway.
Saturday we took an initial long walk on the beach back and forth for about an hour and a half. After lunch, which was moderately OK, we went out and hung out on the beach on some chairs Julia's parents had leant us. It was quite nice. There was a steep cool wind which got slightly chilly but I interceded my chair between Julia and the wind, acting as a lee. Got a tiny bit of writing done but it became increasingly apparent that salt and sand are bad for computers so I took it inside and instead read on my kindle. Julia read several magazines and mainly enjoyed the view. The beach and the sea naturally recharge her, and she's had a hell of a past few months, so I can understand the need to get away from it all.
We had dinner at Latitude 31 by the harbor. It was OK. Julia liked their food. I discovered a lovely cocktail called a Strawberry Kiss which I need to learn to make/order, but my food was the daily special. Mental note: Do not order the special when they are expecting a large dinner party [like over half the restaraunt from one of the weddings.] It was, to say the least...bland. It wasn't BAD per se, but very pedestrian. But the setting was gorgeous and we even saw a dolphin out in the water.
Saturday night we watched two episodes of Angel on Netflix. The streaming was problematic due to spring breakers using all the bandwidth but I had forgotten how much I enjoyed the show, and Julia loved it too. Looks like we have found a new show to watch together. We've watched the first three seasons of Buffy so far.
Sunday we came back. Pandora worked the whole way. The scenery was nice and the traffic was minimal. In short, it was better all around. We got back to Julia's house around 5:30pm, and relaxed on the patio for about 30 minutes. It was nice talking with her family. Then we had a delightful meal (much better cooked than Lat 31 :p :) ) of Chicken Catchetori. Then we had cake and sang her Happy Birthday.
All in all a great weekend!
On Friday, I picked Julia up at her house around 6pm. She had made me a nice sandwich and we went straight away. Traffic was insane in Atlanta itself due to the Final 4 of March Madness. Wahoo, poorly paid collegiate athletes being exploited for a multibillion dollar corporate empire! Yeehaw!
I had recently purchased a bluetooth enabled speaker which was cheaper than spending the money to fix my CD player. It worked great and the two of us listened to Pandora most of the way down, but there were frequent breaks because we listened to the Google Navigator app which told us to take a short cut in the middle of nowhere. If you are going to Jeckyl island, unless you really LIKE traveling the back ways of Georgia, stay to the high ways. Not only was it dark and not particularly pretty but there is no internet connection there whatsoever (at least wireless for MetroPCS) but there were also at least a DOZEN speed traps as the state highway went right through town with several rapid drops in speed designed to catch the unaware in hopes of generating local revenue. The view of the stars, of course, was fantastic, but you can't appreciate that too much when you are driving.
We arrived at Midnight and there was a mixup of rooms. They...(and I don't know what crack they were on) had originally given us two rooms on Friday night and none on Saturday. Moreover, they were full up on spring breakers and wedding guests. Fortunately, our concierge was able to get us a nice room. In fact, that was the ONLY error the entire time, and as per our last stay, the Ocean Side Hotel did a fantastic job and was a wonderful stay. The larger rooms are spaceous, have a beach view and also have a Jacuzzi. It is an excellent weekend getaway.
Saturday we took an initial long walk on the beach back and forth for about an hour and a half. After lunch, which was moderately OK, we went out and hung out on the beach on some chairs Julia's parents had leant us. It was quite nice. There was a steep cool wind which got slightly chilly but I interceded my chair between Julia and the wind, acting as a lee. Got a tiny bit of writing done but it became increasingly apparent that salt and sand are bad for computers so I took it inside and instead read on my kindle. Julia read several magazines and mainly enjoyed the view. The beach and the sea naturally recharge her, and she's had a hell of a past few months, so I can understand the need to get away from it all.
We had dinner at Latitude 31 by the harbor. It was OK. Julia liked their food. I discovered a lovely cocktail called a Strawberry Kiss which I need to learn to make/order, but my food was the daily special. Mental note: Do not order the special when they are expecting a large dinner party [like over half the restaraunt from one of the weddings.] It was, to say the least...bland. It wasn't BAD per se, but very pedestrian. But the setting was gorgeous and we even saw a dolphin out in the water.
Saturday night we watched two episodes of Angel on Netflix. The streaming was problematic due to spring breakers using all the bandwidth but I had forgotten how much I enjoyed the show, and Julia loved it too. Looks like we have found a new show to watch together. We've watched the first three seasons of Buffy so far.
Sunday we came back. Pandora worked the whole way. The scenery was nice and the traffic was minimal. In short, it was better all around. We got back to Julia's house around 5:30pm, and relaxed on the patio for about 30 minutes. It was nice talking with her family. Then we had a delightful meal (much better cooked than Lat 31 :p :) ) of Chicken Catchetori. Then we had cake and sang her Happy Birthday.
All in all a great weekend!
Friday, March 29, 2013
Quarter Year Goal Check 2013
Goals 2013
Quarter Year Goal Grade Check
Physical
Primary: Get to 250lbs by July 20th. - B-
Serious dieting has started, but it took me two months to get around to it. Prognosis high.
Secondary: Go to 60 Yoga Classes. C-
I've been making efforts on this but my first actual yoga class of the year was this week. Passable only because of likely success in the near future. There won't be a second muligan on this one.
Mental
Primary: Read the following 6 books: [Quarterly] - A- On track but haven't started book #2 on this or chosen the mystery book. Need to write a review for Magical World View.
Secondary: Learn 48 French phrases. [Monthly] A - Fun and doubling as voice over practice.
Emotional
Primary: Abstain from Paranoia. [Quarterly.] A+ - DAMN this one is hard, but I'm making a serious effort into it.
Secondary: Continue optimism. [Quarterly.] A- - Nothing new but no ground lost either.
Spiritual
Primary: Write one poem a month in soul forging. [Monthly] - A - Done.
Social
Primary: Take Julia dancing 12 times in 2013. [Monthly] - F - None done but easily changable. optimistic to pass.
Secondary: Hang out with friends at least once a week. [Weekly.] - A+. Done and I have gone out of my way to do so and strengthen rather than maintain friendships.
First Life: Retired.
Second Life
Primary Goal: Finish Forever West by the end of the year. [Quarterly] - A- ....Not much done but what is done so far is good.
Secondary Goal: Write Tossing Grenades at Windmills in National Novel Writing Month. [Quarterly] - N/A....but looking forward to it.
Third Life
Primary Goal: Operation RUR schedued for production in an actual physical location charging money for admitance at least once by the end of 2013. - Swapped for Lunacy. On track. A
Secondary Goal: Film Project Chaylite in 2013 or another short film. - Grade: ?????? Chaylite is...unknown. And my film equipment is damaged but I may yet put something together re: Pullman archives or a cell phone camera...ew but...I take this seriously. B+ for effort. ESSS could replace.
Fourth Life
Primary Goal: Initiate Project Horribly Inappropriate and remake yearly investment budget in RAA. [Monthly] -A. On track.
Secondary Goal: Project Red Attack Tagging viable for its intended goal. A-....no charter, no cards but on track and Project ATLAwesome seems set to replace the need for it.
Fifth Life
Primary Goal: Project Chysalis II. [Monthly] - A-....but this could go down fast...not from lack of effort that's for damn sure.
Secondary Goal: Decide and Enact the Year of the Kane Eagle. [Monthly] A (Only A instead of A+ because of invitations)
Sixth Life
Primary Goal: Write in Eagle as Phoenix Once a Week. [Monthly] - A+ (Missed only once)
Secondary Goal: Operation Evict Reed. - F. But...no one seems to care. May need to replace. Must decide by July.
Incidentals
Earn my PMP. [Quarterly] - Complications. N/A but slated for end of year for sure.
Write the script for Earth and Sea and Star and Sky. [Quarterly] - Slated for later this year. On track.
Write the League of Christmas Darkness Dodecaology. [Monthly] - B+ - 2 out of 12 done.
Reach the half way mark in the Egress fund. [Quarterly] - A+ - On track. Ish.
Somehow make the Mosaic Inglemia campaign idea work. [Quarterly] - A+ On track.
Julia's Goals
1. Get straight A's in her classes toward her MLA degree. [By Semester] - Not grading.
2. Lose 10lbs by July 20, 2013. [Quarterly] - Not grading.
3. Stay physically afterwards and maintain that. [Quartly] - Not Grading.
4. Obtain a full time job. [Monthly] - Not grading.
That's her place to grade them but I sure gauge A by my book in effort and observation!
Marriage Goals
1. Remain patient and communicative in our relationship. [Biannually] - A for my part.
2. Datenight at least once a week. [Monthly] A+
3. Successfully complete and ENJOY the wedding. [Once] -On track.
4. Decide Starter City. [Quarterly] 1 out of 3 examined and rejected. May replace with other candidates...by the end of the year...may not happen but target is still on track.
11. Write seven novels.
**4 of 7 done. 5th slated for 2013 A- On track
23. Be in a flash mob dance number.
Do in 2013 unless an opportunity comes before hand.
C...but might try this later in the year.
47. Finish 7 films. (3 out of 7 completed).
2013. Bish so far.
52. Hypnotize someone.
2013-2014. On track n/a
55. Complete 7 Projects of Significance. [0 of 7 done.] First slated for 2013.
A+ with ATLAwesomeness...
29. Marry the Right Person. [2013]
A+ so far.
Overall Grade so far: B+...which will go down a lot of physical goals not achieved and/or maintained.
Quarter Year Goal Grade Check
Physical
Primary: Get to 250lbs by July 20th. - B-
Serious dieting has started, but it took me two months to get around to it. Prognosis high.
Secondary: Go to 60 Yoga Classes. C-
I've been making efforts on this but my first actual yoga class of the year was this week. Passable only because of likely success in the near future. There won't be a second muligan on this one.
Mental
Primary: Read the following 6 books: [Quarterly] - A- On track but haven't started book #2 on this or chosen the mystery book. Need to write a review for Magical World View.
Secondary: Learn 48 French phrases. [Monthly] A - Fun and doubling as voice over practice.
Emotional
Primary: Abstain from Paranoia. [Quarterly.] A+ - DAMN this one is hard, but I'm making a serious effort into it.
Secondary: Continue optimism. [Quarterly.] A- - Nothing new but no ground lost either.
Spiritual
Primary: Write one poem a month in soul forging. [Monthly] - A - Done.
Social
Primary: Take Julia dancing 12 times in 2013. [Monthly] - F - None done but easily changable. optimistic to pass.
Secondary: Hang out with friends at least once a week. [Weekly.] - A+. Done and I have gone out of my way to do so and strengthen rather than maintain friendships.
First Life: Retired.
Second Life
Primary Goal: Finish Forever West by the end of the year. [Quarterly] - A- ....Not much done but what is done so far is good.
Secondary Goal: Write Tossing Grenades at Windmills in National Novel Writing Month. [Quarterly] - N/A....but looking forward to it.
Third Life
Primary Goal: Operation RUR schedued for production in an actual physical location charging money for admitance at least once by the end of 2013. - Swapped for Lunacy. On track. A
Secondary Goal: Film Project Chaylite in 2013 or another short film. - Grade: ?????? Chaylite is...unknown. And my film equipment is damaged but I may yet put something together re: Pullman archives or a cell phone camera...ew but...I take this seriously. B+ for effort. ESSS could replace.
Fourth Life
Primary Goal: Initiate Project Horribly Inappropriate and remake yearly investment budget in RAA. [Monthly] -A. On track.
Secondary Goal: Project Red Attack Tagging viable for its intended goal. A-....no charter, no cards but on track and Project ATLAwesome seems set to replace the need for it.
Fifth Life
Primary Goal: Project Chysalis II. [Monthly] - A-....but this could go down fast...not from lack of effort that's for damn sure.
Secondary Goal: Decide and Enact the Year of the Kane Eagle. [Monthly] A (Only A instead of A+ because of invitations)
Sixth Life
Primary Goal: Write in Eagle as Phoenix Once a Week. [Monthly] - A+ (Missed only once)
Secondary Goal: Operation Evict Reed. - F. But...no one seems to care. May need to replace. Must decide by July.
Incidentals
Earn my PMP. [Quarterly] - Complications. N/A but slated for end of year for sure.
Write the script for Earth and Sea and Star and Sky. [Quarterly] - Slated for later this year. On track.
Write the League of Christmas Darkness Dodecaology. [Monthly] - B+ - 2 out of 12 done.
Reach the half way mark in the Egress fund. [Quarterly] - A+ - On track. Ish.
Somehow make the Mosaic Inglemia campaign idea work. [Quarterly] - A+ On track.
Julia's Goals
1. Get straight A's in her classes toward her MLA degree. [By Semester] - Not grading.
2. Lose 10lbs by July 20, 2013. [Quarterly] - Not grading.
3. Stay physically afterwards and maintain that. [Quartly] - Not Grading.
4. Obtain a full time job. [Monthly] - Not grading.
That's her place to grade them but I sure gauge A by my book in effort and observation!
Marriage Goals
1. Remain patient and communicative in our relationship. [Biannually] - A for my part.
2. Datenight at least once a week. [Monthly] A+
3. Successfully complete and ENJOY the wedding. [Once] -On track.
4. Decide Starter City. [Quarterly] 1 out of 3 examined and rejected. May replace with other candidates...by the end of the year...may not happen but target is still on track.
11. Write seven novels.
**4 of 7 done. 5th slated for 2013 A- On track
23. Be in a flash mob dance number.
Do in 2013 unless an opportunity comes before hand.
C...but might try this later in the year.
47. Finish 7 films. (3 out of 7 completed).
2013. Bish so far.
52. Hypnotize someone.
2013-2014. On track n/a
55. Complete 7 Projects of Significance. [0 of 7 done.] First slated for 2013.
A+ with ATLAwesomeness...
29. Marry the Right Person. [2013]
A+ so far.
Overall Grade so far: B+...which will go down a lot of physical goals not achieved and/or maintained.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Portland, Oregon
Friday was a bit rough quite frankly. My idea of traveling insanely early in the morning to get there early meant that both of us were rather tired. The hour layover in Denver wasn't so bad, from the air anyway. When we finally got to Portland (which has a fantastic airport by the way) our first visit was with a cab driver who was a rather nice fellow but ....well...either daft or deliberately daft. We gave him an address and then, 40 minutes later, we arrived at the wrong spot and he said, "ooooooooooh. I thought you meant Southwest because you said downtown. There are four sections of the city." Yeah. After a week there, NOT asking that is....not that bright. He wasn't a native english speaker but he knew about quadrants and just assumed. And in the process got an extra 30 bucks. The return trip was half the price of the trip in. Having said that our first impression of the Lion and the Rose was that it was gorgeous. It is also very homey. If you are going to stay in Portland, I can't recommend it enough. It is *THE* best Bed and Breakfast we have been too so far.
Saturday was 'sun storm' day as the locals referred to it; bright sun, warm temperatures etc. Once we had done a bit of school work, we headed out to see the sites. The public transportation system there is *AWESOME* and that's generally awesome, not just kind of awesome as anything compared to Atlanta or or worse Houston is just anemic. We went to a weekend market with all kinds of fabulous performers. Then we walked along the river front park. We ended up eating at a seafood place near the inn. Wandering around downtown, I showed Julia Powell's books and she was very pleased. We found the ballet section and her eyes were wide as saucers as she found two books she had wanted to own since she was a little girl and had serially checked out from the library. That alone made the trip worth it. Also made a minor stop in a russian art store and got her a tiny ballerina ornament. It was quite nice.
Sunday was a bit more relaxed. Breakfast was FANTASTIC, and we got into a fascinating discussion with a couple from Washington state and another from Ohio. Some political things were brought up, but I somewhat politely side stepped the land mines and we focused more on international politics. The elder gentleman from Ohio had spent some time in Saudi Arabia and, though not a co-reality inhabitant, still had some rather interesting insights into their culture, to the point that I want to learn more about it. Afterwards, I read and Julia got a bit more school work done and then we headed out. A second trip to Powell's got me the mother load of sci fi hardbacks, including the missing Dresden files volumes as well as the first six Xanth books (the ones I consider worth reading at this point.) We ate at a wonderful Itallian place. Strangely, *ALL* of the coffee joints were closed as of 8pm on Sunday night so we ended up having to go to Applebee's, where the bartender was kind of nice.
Monday we slept in. Late. Very late. It was awesome. Then we went downtown. We went to a Chinese garden in the entertainment district called the Lan Su garden, which is an authentic chinese garden that was build by their sister city in China with over 65 chinese artisians. We had tea in the tea house. Afterwords, we went to Voodoo Donuts which as fantastic donuts...and fantastic decoration. There was a line out the door in the middle of the afternoon! That night, we ate at a very nice restraurant called Veritable Quandry which had fantastic food. We both had the Steelhead (fish) and enjoyed every minute of it.
Tuesday, we made a final trip to Powell's books and retrieved a few more books. By the time we returned, we had doubled the weight of our bags. Afterwards, we saw Argo at Living Room theater and enjoyed it quite a bit. It makes our own "fork and screen" or "movie taverns" pale in comparison, and had a real kitchen with real food and alcholic beverages. Good movie, good food, fun date.
Wednesday we deliberately took rather light. We walked all over the historic district and saw several fantastic houses. We watched several episodes of Dr. Who. We read. I got some writing done. We relaxed and enjoyed our inn. We also ate at McManniman's brew pub which had fanastic food and beer.
Thursday we came home. The flight was even crazier...hey...5AM SEEMED like a good idea at the time...I mean its 8AM our time, right? We got back, exhausted and had a brief meal at Raging Burrito before walking back to our cars. A fantastic trip all around.
Saturday was 'sun storm' day as the locals referred to it; bright sun, warm temperatures etc. Once we had done a bit of school work, we headed out to see the sites. The public transportation system there is *AWESOME* and that's generally awesome, not just kind of awesome as anything compared to Atlanta or or worse Houston is just anemic. We went to a weekend market with all kinds of fabulous performers. Then we walked along the river front park. We ended up eating at a seafood place near the inn. Wandering around downtown, I showed Julia Powell's books and she was very pleased. We found the ballet section and her eyes were wide as saucers as she found two books she had wanted to own since she was a little girl and had serially checked out from the library. That alone made the trip worth it. Also made a minor stop in a russian art store and got her a tiny ballerina ornament. It was quite nice.
Sunday was a bit more relaxed. Breakfast was FANTASTIC, and we got into a fascinating discussion with a couple from Washington state and another from Ohio. Some political things were brought up, but I somewhat politely side stepped the land mines and we focused more on international politics. The elder gentleman from Ohio had spent some time in Saudi Arabia and, though not a co-reality inhabitant, still had some rather interesting insights into their culture, to the point that I want to learn more about it. Afterwards, I read and Julia got a bit more school work done and then we headed out. A second trip to Powell's got me the mother load of sci fi hardbacks, including the missing Dresden files volumes as well as the first six Xanth books (the ones I consider worth reading at this point.) We ate at a wonderful Itallian place. Strangely, *ALL* of the coffee joints were closed as of 8pm on Sunday night so we ended up having to go to Applebee's, where the bartender was kind of nice.
Monday we slept in. Late. Very late. It was awesome. Then we went downtown. We went to a Chinese garden in the entertainment district called the Lan Su garden, which is an authentic chinese garden that was build by their sister city in China with over 65 chinese artisians. We had tea in the tea house. Afterwords, we went to Voodoo Donuts which as fantastic donuts...and fantastic decoration. There was a line out the door in the middle of the afternoon! That night, we ate at a very nice restraurant called Veritable Quandry which had fantastic food. We both had the Steelhead (fish) and enjoyed every minute of it.
Tuesday, we made a final trip to Powell's books and retrieved a few more books. By the time we returned, we had doubled the weight of our bags. Afterwards, we saw Argo at Living Room theater and enjoyed it quite a bit. It makes our own "fork and screen" or "movie taverns" pale in comparison, and had a real kitchen with real food and alcholic beverages. Good movie, good food, fun date.
Wednesday we deliberately took rather light. We walked all over the historic district and saw several fantastic houses. We watched several episodes of Dr. Who. We read. I got some writing done. We relaxed and enjoyed our inn. We also ate at McManniman's brew pub which had fanastic food and beer.
Thursday we came home. The flight was even crazier...hey...5AM SEEMED like a good idea at the time...I mean its 8AM our time, right? We got back, exhausted and had a brief meal at Raging Burrito before walking back to our cars. A fantastic trip all around.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Anarchcon 2013
This last weekend was very busy and very fun. Friday and Saturday night Julia and I went to Anarchrocon, which is a local celebration of the past and all things Steampunk. We got Julia a corset and she seems to like it a lot...except for the slight problem with you know...breathing. However after talking with my friend Ace it seems there are some tricks to wearing one, so it might not have been a waste of money after all. More importantly, we finally found Julia a 'tiny hat' which I have been looking for her for the better part of a year. She likes the one we finally found. It is bright red with little red wire things on it. Hopefully we can put up a picture of it on facebook at some point in the immediate future. We got to see some awesome music and concerts, though the best was by an artist named Edwina who is only 16 but sounds like she has a lifetime worth of pain and skill in her voice. That girl is going places, but she was performing in the front hall and no one could hear her unless paying attention. She was also pointed out to us by Ace. One of the more interesting panels involved Dracula which was in part moderated by Anya. Anya also took a look at Billy's First Bolt Gun and offered some excellent advice on tweaking the ending...but it looks to see the light of day some time in the near future. The Costumes, as always, were awesome. Since Anachrocon was our second date, I think Julia and I agree that it has largely become 'our' con. :D
Wedding preparations are going well. We have officially set the date on July 20th, and formal documentation should be sent shortly. Honeymoon plans are in the islands of the West and should be quite awesome. We're greatly looking forward to it. :D My projects are going well, but nothing earth shattering. Julia has now obtained the dress, though she has thus far resisted all the good natured efforts I've made to trick her into letting me see it.
Earlier in the month we went to Dracula the Ballet. It was gorgeous! I am only a nominal ballet fan, but I will readily acknowledge talent when I see it, and they had it in spaces. We both had a great time and I'm glad we got the season tickets to the ballet. We got a very good deal on it, and a few monthly payments last fall are reaping their dividends now.
Wedding preparations are going well. We have officially set the date on July 20th, and formal documentation should be sent shortly. Honeymoon plans are in the islands of the West and should be quite awesome. We're greatly looking forward to it. :D My projects are going well, but nothing earth shattering. Julia has now obtained the dress, though she has thus far resisted all the good natured efforts I've made to trick her into letting me see it.
Earlier in the month we went to Dracula the Ballet. It was gorgeous! I am only a nominal ballet fan, but I will readily acknowledge talent when I see it, and they had it in spaces. We both had a great time and I'm glad we got the season tickets to the ballet. We got a very good deal on it, and a few monthly payments last fall are reaping their dividends now.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Return To The Booth Museum
I last went here when I was desperately seeking distraction and an attempt to find inspiration of some kind, and completely got it in the form of a gift wrapped bundle of awesomeness that is the current format for my fifth novel Forever West. So when I rather ...ditzily...forgot to get the hotel rooms in advance for Miami and they were going to cost us something like $700 for the entire weekend trip we took, we had to cancel, but I had promised Julia a weekend trip. So I remembered that we had talked about going to the Booth museum for quite some time. Julia had been before, but not for 8 years.
We got a room for a very cheap price at a nice little 'microtel' not more than 10 minutes from the Booth museum. It was very new, and immaculate but it reminded us a bit of a dorm room. We spent some of that weekend doing homework (Julia) and working on the Fulton County Arts grant for Mythic (Myself). However we also went to the Booth Museum. It is a world class museum and both of have seen some rather impressive ones. The art was fantastic and it was definitely excellent creative fuel for the second half of the novel that I'm starting again in March. In addition to the traditional western art that you might expect, they also had modern art and an extensive collection of art from the 'mythic' west including posters from a number of movies. The sculptures were easily one of the most impressive elements.
Later that night, we found out some friends of ours not only worked in Cartersville, but lived there too. Holly and Adam were sick but Terrence took us out to a lovely dinner at the Appalacean Grill. It was a fascinating conversation and many topics were covered including dating, politics, economics, entertainment and literature. We had to skip the Telles Museum because we stayed up late watching the last two episodes of Homeland Season 1 (which is fantastic.)
On the way back we picked up a bottle of wine for Julia's family's super bowl party. It was called "Sebastini" and therefore we had to get it. (Julia's dog is called Sebastian.) I also picked up a pair of sunglasses and acted like a warped combination of Rebel Without A Clue and Wolfman Jack. I left the tags on and kept talking about how all the cool kids wore sunglasses like that. Julia put up with this for about 20 minutes and then patiently took glasses off, and without a word, removed the tag. After laughing for 3 minutes solid, I smiled put the glasses in the glove compartment and we resumed our trip.
Good trip :D
Thursday, January 31, 2013
First Month of the Year of the Kane Eagle
It's been a busy month.
Last week Julia and I went to visit the family in Houston. It was a long drive there, and leaving at midnight probably wasn't the brightest of ideas. Julia fortunately had a plane ticket back, but it took me over SIXTEEN HOURS to get back thanks to traffic...the longest it has ever taken me on the trip to houston. I think it will be flying from now on despite the cost. Friday night we went to Christy and Jon's reception. Nice to meet him and for Julia to be able to meet most of the family. The meal was fantastic too. Most of Saturday we spent with Randy's family and Mom watching movies which was quite fun. We all got to know each other.
Earlier this month, on the final day it was open, Julia's parents took us to the Botanical Gardens. It was a veritable wonderland of various lights wrapped around plants. It's hard to describe if you're not there, but some of the more interesting things included coreographed giant pearl lights that turned different colors based on the music and the tone of the music that was playing, as well as a brilliant green 'laser show' inside of the hot house which was mostly dark and quite surreal, as well as lofty trees with blooming 'light flowers' on them. Afterwards, we went to Antico pizza which has all of its ingredients flown in from italy and was FANTASTIC.
We've taken it easy a lot of the month due to my two week forced vacation; so we've been watching movies a lot including the rather incredible series 'Homeland' which is quite good. Febuary should be a bit more interesting. Wedding plans are progressing well and we hope to send out invitations on the second week of Febuary.
Monday, January 7, 2013
Goals 2013
Goals 2013
Tracking Goal: Track status of all goals on a weekly, monthly or quartly basis in Evernote.
Physical
Primary: Get to 250lbs by July 20th. [Weekly]
Secondary: Go to 60 Yoga Classes. [Weekly]
Mental
Primary: Read the following 6 books: [Quarterly]
Philosophy in the Tragic Age of the Greeks by Friedrich Nietzsche
Religion within the Limits of Reason Alone by Immanuel Kant
Early Mormonism and the Magic World View D. Michael Quinn
The Complete Works of Shakespeare by William Shakespeare
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
[Not yet determined. Will decide by July 2013]
Secondary: Learn 48 French phrases. [Monthly]
Emotional
Primary: Abstain from Paranoia. [Quarterly.]
Secondary: Continue optimism. [Quarterly.]
Spiritual
Primary: Write one poem a month in soul forging. [Monthly]
Social
Primary: Take Julia dancing 12 times in 2013. [Monthly]
Secondary: Hang out with friends at least once a week. [Weekly.]
First Life: Retired.
Second Life
Primary Goal: Finish Forever West by the end of the year. [Quarterly]
Secondary Goal: Write Tossing Grenades at Windmills in National Novel Writing Month. [Quarterly]
Third Life
Primary Goal: Operation RUR schedued for production in an actual physical location charging money for admitance at least once by the end of 2013.
Secondary Goal: Film Project Chaylite in 2013 or another short film.
Fourth Life
Primary Goal: Initiate Project Horribly Inappropriate and remake yearly investment budget in RAA. [Monthly]
Secondary Goal: Project Red Attack Tagging viable for its intended goal.
Fifth Life
Primary Goal: Project Chysalis II. [Monthly]
Secondary Goal: Decide and Enact the Year of the Kane Eagle. [Monthly]
Sixth Life
Primary Goal: Write in Eagle as Phoenix Once a Week. [Monthly]
Secondary Goal: Operation Evict Reed.
Incidentals
Earn my PMP. [Quarterly]
Write the script for Earth and Sea and Star and Sky. [Quarterly]
Write the League of Christmas Darkness Dodecaology. [Monthly]
Reach the half way mark in the Egress fund. [Quarterly]
Somehow make the Mosaic Inglemia campaign idea work. [Quarterly]
Julia's Goals
1. Get straight A's in her classes toward her MLA degree. [By Semester]
2. Lose 10lbs by July 20, 2013. [Quarterly]
3. Stay physically afterwards and maintain that. [Quartly]
4. Obtain a full time job. [Monthly]
Marriage Goals
1. Remain patient and communicative in our relationship. [Biannually]
2. Datenight at least once a week. [Monthly]
3. Successfully complete and ENJOY the wedding. [Once]
4. Decide Starter City. [Quarterly]
Life Goals - "At some point"
1. See the Louvre.
**2015-2016.
2. Travel around the world on a one way trip. Japan, Australia, India, Egypt, London, Italy and Hawaii.
** Goal to see all by 2017. Egypt pending political situation.
3. Learn a martial art.
**Done
5. Assemble a band for a tour based on music written by me.
6. Start a successful business.
Started in 2011. "Success" is determined in this case by an operating profit of 400% invested capital or $10000. 2011-2015. Otherwise 'failure' and goal removed from dock.
7. Learn a musical instrument.
Slated 2014
8. Sculpt something memorable.
9. Create or help create a graphic novel.
**Completed. [And also permanently dead :( ]
10. Own a plane, sailboat, taught or ultralight and learn to pilot/sail it.
11. Write seven novels.
**4 of 7 done. 5th slated for 2013
13. Go on a cruise.
2014.
14. Organize a convention on SOMETHING. [Small chance of 2014]
16. Build a house (not necessarily my own.)
17. Own my own home (all own, no mortgage)
Slated 2017-2018.
18. Have a room with a secret passage
Slated 2017-2018.
23. Be in a flash mob dance number.
Do in 2013 unless an opportunity comes before hand.
26. Live the fifth life (who knows what that is)
Doing.
27. Ditto the sixth.
Started 2012. Likely perpetual but since goals must be achievable, transform this to a tangible in 2012 Mid goal check.
28. Ditto the seventh.
**Kept in reserve until 2027.
47. Finish 7 films. (3 out of 7 completed).
2013.
48. Enter a remote controlled airplane tournament and place in the upper half.
49. Enter a competitive Kite contest (the kind with the razors on the wings.)
50. Blow something up with Dynamite. (Legally)
51. Join the Masons.
2014. Maybe.
52. Hypnotize someone.
2013-2014.
53. Firewalk.
54. Visit the Library of Congess
55. Complete 7 Projects of Significance. [0 of 7 done.] First slated for 2013.
If the right door opens....(ie interesting goals that either depend on another person or a significant amount of wealth that may never happen but that I want to write down)
29. Marry the Right Person. [2013]
30. Establish a business empire dedicated to a not for profit foundation.
31. Visit (but do not live in) Space.
32. Buy my own island.
35. Create a functional and profitable news network that actually produces what is independent.
36. Create an institution to focus on pure research.
38. "" Neurological regeneration.
39. Paid Angel agents to quietly and anonymously do good.
40. Create a series of libraries (10) dedicate to principles original to libraries. Secular sanctuaries and temples to knowledge.
43. Breed dogs to live twice as long
**Strangely some people are surprisingly responsive to this. This might move to more realistic within 3-4 years when/if I own a house.
44. Create 3 patents.
45. Own and that is entirely self-sufficient w. energy, food and other items.
46. Become a Father.
Bucket List (the Bucket in the Bucket….IE, I no longer care about this but might change my mind.)
4. Competitively enter a fencing competition.
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