The Year That Was

It was a strange and beautiful year.

Rather than reflect on the year that was, I look to the future with hope and excitement. Anxious? sure. In fact, I find myself waiting for things to fall into place more than I'd like. There is a very fine line between letting things "just happen" and just being lazy, between being "in control" and worrying about things that are beyond control.

I'm so thankful for each and every day that quietly pass by. New Year's tends to be bittersweet for me. I look back and forward at the same time, try desperately to hold on and let go of things simultaneously. The bottom line is I still feel that my best days are ahead of me, and that's a great feeling to have on New Year's or any day in between.

5 & 14 Days

Just wrapping up a five-day vacation and it has been fantastic. Highlights include the Titantic exhibit at the Science Museum, burgers at the St. Clair Broiler, ugly xmas sweater pub crawl and staying warm and cozy with Angie instead of having to work outside. I also spent some downtime finishing up my xmas shopping (on a budget).
I'm really looking forward to making some lefse, eating holiday treats and enjoying xmas and even more time-off. I'm anxious to see exactly how long I'll have to work on xmas eve, hoping it will be an almost day-off, but we'll see. As of writing, the countdown is at 14 working days until I'm eligible for transfer.
 Recently watched Terminator Salvation and Public Enemies. Wasn't really blown away by either, considering I was pretty excited about seeing them. I've also noticed I haven't been in a hurry to send my Netflix back and get more movies as of late. I guess that makes sense, though, I mean it's hockey season and I've got a full DVR and an Xbox to play. :)

And Then There Was Snow

Yikes. Tomorrow is going to be blizzard conditions, including 20mph wind gusts and lots of the white stuff. I'm a little anxious to see what my workload looks like, considering it could take me over an hour on the road just to get to my first job. Anyway, the truth is, it really doesn't matter that much. I only have to deal with it for 2 days, then I'm off work until next Wednesday.
Finished Batman Arkham Asylum the other night. Great game, mostly. I had to take issue with the somewhat repetitive missions and boredom that ensued with the fighting mechanics towards the end. Not to mention the ridiculously annoying boss battle with Poison Ivy. Quibbles aside, It was a satisfying Batman experience.
Oh, and if you hadn't noticed, I redesigned the blog graphics yet again. I've been playing a lot of Borderlands lately and felt the need to change things up.

Novemberless Snow

Today is the very last day of November, and, as of writing, we have yet to have any snowfall. This is a good thing. Only 20 more working days before I'm eligible for transfer at Comcast. This is also a good thing. It doesn't quite feel like the holidays yet without said snowfall. Sure, the stores are packed with shoppers and I have no money, but a feeling of xmas spirit that does not bring.
While I'm not looking forward to snow, obviously, I am looking forward to quite a few things in December. The Titanic exhibit at the Science Museum, Ugly Xmas Sweater Pub Crawl, and having many a day off. (Oh, and xmas).

Listening: Bat For Lashes "Two Suns"
Playing: Borderlands, Batman: Arkham Asylum

Thanksgiving Time. Again?

Honestly, I feel like It was just Thanksgiving not that long ago. But, Nonetheless, It's that time of year to reflect and ponder all the things I'm thankful for, which is quite a bit.
Family, friends, health, having a job... of course. More specifically? I'm thankful for just being able to make it through this year in one piece. Considering I started 2009 single, unemployed and otherwise without much to look forward to, I'd say I've come a long way. I can't help but feel I'm on the cusp of something fantastic, at least in regards to my personal life. It's only a matter of time before a decision is made on my mortgage situation, and I've only got a handful of days left in the field before I'm eligible to transfer jobs at Comcast. Thanks for that, especially.

New Stuff, New Moon

It's a great time for entertainment.

What's On TV?
I've been really enjoying the new season(s) of The Office, Mythbusters, The Good Wife, V and Survivor. I don't know if I could ever give up my DVR, it's truly fantastic. I especially love being able to condense Wild/Vikings games down by fast forwarding comercials and intermissions. Good times.

What's In The Xbox?
Lot's of stuff. Most recently, Left 4 Dead 2. Really looking forward to finishing Batman before I forget how to play, and the games wishlist just keeps getting longer and longer: Borderlands, Assasin's Creed 2, Dragon Age, Brutal Legend.

What about Movies?
Watched I Love You, Man the other day. Funny, a little predictable. Completely stoked to see New Moon tomorrow night after work, then it's time to pick up a copy of Eclipse and get reading.

What about, um... Me?
I'm doing okay. I'm moving forward on my mortgage counseling with Wells Fargo, baby steps. My job is wearing me down and stressing me out on a daily basis. 25 more working days and counting until I'm eligible to transfer to another position.
Anyway, I just lost interest in my own blog post; I can only imagine what you must be thinking.

Listening: David Gray "Draw The Line", Paramore "Brand New Eyes"

Getting Crazy With The Craig's List

Meager income, poor economic conditions and my current minimalistic needs have lead me to my first Craig's List experience today. It's amazingly easy to sell stuff, as long as the people actually show up. First come, first serve is the only way to keep your items moving out the door. Otherwise, prepare for a never-ending parade of "please hold it" or "can you meet me" until you go crazy. In other news, I did apply to a few jobs in the classified section, worth a shot, right?

Currently recovering from a energy zapping mini-cold. Phelm and soreness abound. Besides the fire sale today, I plan on watching Drag Me To Hell and playing a little Xbox. Thanks to Jeremy, I'm now addicted to Borderlands and also have a copy of Batman Arkham Asylum to play. Now that's gaming on budget. Zero budget.

Listening: Flyleaf "Memento Mori"
Reading: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

Collide "These Eyes Before" Unboxing

Just for fun, thought I'd give the unboxing treatment to the new Collide disc. As you'll see from the photos, It's nothing short of amazing how much they truly care about the music and their fans.

(click photos to enlarge)

What Am I ...

Doing?

I'm finally getting around to posting a blog entry, for starters. Rather than even attempt to fill in the blanks, I'll simply state that I'm feeling inspired and I felt like bringing the blog back from the dead.


Planning?
Transferring out of the field and into a office job at Comcast. As I write, I have exactly 34 working days left before I can make that happen.


Thinking?
I'm a little sad that Halloween has come and gone, however, this holiday season looks like it could be something very special.
The Wild might finally be on a roll. - two wins in-a-row now. What's next? 


Wishing?
I find a solution to my townhome; whether that be moving, swapping or whatever. It's a dismal situation throwing so much money away each month paying the mortgage. 


Watching?
Definitely not a lot of movies. However, will be going to see New Moon in a couple weeks. Otherwise, I'm semi-interested in a few new shows (V, Flash Forward, The Good Wife). The Office and Mythbusters are still getting the most plays, as usual.


Hearing?
Absolutely love the new Paramore. Also really digging new David Gray. Currently absorbing Bat For Lashes and new discs by Collide, Flyleaf and Breaking Benjamin. It's a great time for new music.


Playing?
Just finished Assassin's Creed. I was pleasantly surprised by how fun it was. My next few weeks (months) will be devoted to many multiplayer hours of Left 4 Dead 2.