05/07/01 - I found another very good site with tests. Visit www.emode.com sometime and we can compare test results. I'll tell you that my IQ test result was below my normal average.
My friend complained that these colors hurt her eyes after reading for a while, then when I asked for a suggestion for a new color scheme she said these were good representative colors of me, so I guess I won't change it. Funny though, because one of the tests at Emode said brown was my color. Oh well.
For those of you wondering, yes I am still considering a tattoo, but it will probably be a while before I go through with it. I figure I'll need a big motivator to make me just stop thinking so much and do it. Maybe when I get my black belt in a couple years. As far as the piercing goes, it's very doubtfull. Yes Sara, this was practically a carbon-copy of our conversation, but I have more to say.
Dating's not all it's cracked up to be. I've been on my share of dates recently, not looking for a wife or a one-night stand, but something in between. I'm finding that I can't even find someone to meet the most basic of my criteria: friendship. I'm not getting a big head and I'm the last person to expect my picture on the front of People as the most eligible bachelor in the US, but it's not uncommon for women to like me. I have a lot of female friends. Always have. I listen to them, and 80% of them claim to be looking for the same thing. In my freshman year of college I set out to transform myself into that textbook Mr. Right. So here I am, not there yet but getting closer every day. And what I'm going to do is give you a little advice as to what your dream guy's dream girl is.

1) First of all, stop reading so much and get out and exercise. Find a sport you like and participate as often as possible. Videos games are not sports! And if you must read so much just make sure it's not those trashy "romance" (soft porn) novels and go for something more educational and classical.



2) You hate when he plays mind games with you, right? So don't play them with him! You know you do it.



3) You want the guy to go slow, so you need to slow your role too. That means don't try to kiss him before the date even begins, and also don't talk like you're in love when you barely know each other.



4) If he's not complimenting you 24/7 maybe there's a reason. You're human, and therefore not perfect and not deserving of such treatment. Stop fishing. Have a little confidence within.



5) Sometimes guys are genuinely nice people and it doesn't mean they're after something from you, or in love with you. Get over yourself.



6) Stalkers are scary. This isn't an Alicia Silverstone movie, and you're probably not going to get your man that way. Back off. Absence makes the heart grown fonder. But remember, no games.



7) Broaden your horizons. That man you want isn't looking for a giddy school girl. Try to gossip a little less, worry a little less about fashion and makeup, and a little more about where the heck your life is headed and how you plan on getting there. A real man is secure enough in himself not to worry about whether or not his partner is better at something, so get out there and be all that you can be outside of the army. If you're attracted to intelligence, he will be too. If you're attracted to artistic ability and knowledge, he will be too. You get the picture. If nothing else at least this man will respect you more. And to me that's what this is about. You can't be with someone you don't respect. Well, you can be, but that would make you a slut now, wouldn't it? Hey, I've been there. There's nothing wrong with being a slut until you realize that's what you are and you don't change.



8) This is the 21st century. We're so far past burning bras most of you probably don't even know the story behind it. First of all, follow my earlier advice and educate yourself about that, and second, balance things out with your date. Don't go on about yourself without letting him talk, and vice versa. Chivalry is great, I'm into it, so if he wants to open the door and give you his jacket when it's cold let him, but don't play the damsel in distress. Does that make any sense? I know I sound like I'm contradicting myelf, so if you have problems with that talk to me and we'll arrange a private consultation. :)


Please remember that these are only a few of my tips for beginning dating with that Mr. Right. Check back later for my tips on sustaining a relationship with him. Oh, and remember, I'm only messing around. While there is some truth to this, I'm just having fun.

05/01/01 - Tonight was my first time back in Taekwon-do class since camp. It was awesome. I was able to stretch farther than before, my kicks were more crisp, I had better balance, and I was able to be pickier with my sparing sets than the rest of the class because I had more knowledge. When I got home I went right to the garage and continued the workout on my punching bag.

04/29/01 - I got back from the martial arts camp this afternoon, extremely stiff. It wasn't quite what I expected, but I'm coming out of it with a lot of new knowledge. Most of the workouts weren't even very strenuous. Not until this morning, that is. At 7:00 we began with basic stretches and warm-ups. That quickly changed into probably 200 pushups and 300 squats. Add to that some wind sprints, and various kicks up and the down the field and it's a tough workout. I really had fun though and will most likely go to the next camp this November, as long as I can fit it into my schedule and afford it.

04/25/01 - Okay, I'm trying to get squared away for this camp thing. I had to buy a couple small things to pack with me and also put in an order for my sparring gear, but that won't come in for a couple weeks, so it doesn't help me as far as camp goes. My right arm is still very tender from softball. I'm using every trick in the book to get it healed before Friday, but I'm starting to worry. My ankle may end up being a bigger problem though. I overheard someone say there was a lot of running involved. Normally that would be cool, but I have a feeling it's trail running, and on a bad ankle is out of the question. The instructors are treating me a little different now, which is cool. I think I'm the lowest level belt signed up from our school. Maybe they're treating me a little different for that, and also because it's another sign of how serious I am about Taekwon-do. All of you know just from my constant references in every single entry.

04/23/01 - I got together with some people from work yesterday and played softball. It was pretty fun, but it was basically just batting practice since there were only 5 of us. It looks like it's going to be a regular event, though I think we'll be getting more participation soon.
I registered for the Taekwon-do camp this weekend. I'm pretty excited. Well, as excited as I will allow myself to get right now.
I'd say I might have mono, but I haven't kissed anyone recently, so I guess I'm just down. But things always get better. It'll just take some time.

04/17/01 - I finally got the replacement power source for my computer. It only took about 3 minutes to install, so now I'm back in the saddle again.
I may have to miss taekwon-do class tonight, and for a really dumb reason. I washed my uniform and forgot to dry it earlier, so now I have about 45 minutes till I need to leave, and it might still be wet. Trust me. This dryer takes a long time. Espcecially since I can't put it on high heat, 'cause that would shrink it and make me look like an even bigger goof. 04/17/01 (part2) - I should have known better. My uniform dried in time and I just made it to class on time tonight. I still shouldn't have evenb bothered going though. I tried to be a tough guy. I've been sick the last two days and even stayed home from work yesterday. But I thought I could handle it tonight. Obviously I couldn't though. The instructor even came over to me during some pushups and asked if I was alright. I ended up walking out of class about 5 minutes later because I just couldn't handle it. Hey, I'm not a wimp. That's one of the few things about myself I am sure of. I run 5ks with ease. I bench press 250 pounds and squat 400. I just happen to have a weak immune system damn it! This bites.

04/15/01 - It's Easter. For those of you who celebrate it, Happy Easter! For those of you who don't, like myself, I hope you enjoy your ordinary day.

04/13/01 - Now I am extremely pissed. Twice I have attempted to update this page, and twice my computer has shit on me. You see, the power source inside the system is faulty. I already called tech support and they're sending me another one, but until it gets here I'm a bit stuck.
Now I am writing this all down on paper first so I don't risk losing it for the third time.
Today is Friday the 13th. It hasn't been anything special, though I did finally eat a calzone. It was my first since I moved to texas last spring. For those of you who don't know what a calzone is, yeah, whatever. Unfortunately this calzone wasn't that great. It was good, but not great.
I might be going to a Taekwon-do camp in 2 weeks. It depends on if I can get the money, and if I register in time. There are only 50 spots for 5 schools in 4 states. I'd really like to go because it will give me a chance to get to know the instructors and other students better, along with the chance to skip a belt level. I've done my math and if I do all of the camps they offer and advance a level each time while passing my tests every 2 months then I could be a black belt by August next year. Pretty cool, huh? Yeah, that's that's gonna happen! Hah! I'll be lucky to make it in less than 3 years (if at all).

04/11/01 - I got my official acceptance letter from UNT today. Now I'm into the College of Music and the University itself. Reading through all of the information made me feel like a freshman again. I'll have to go to orientation and everything. Not only that, but I have to prove my residence. Next month I will have been a Texas resident 1 year. I still have a Florida driver's license. I guess I need to go get a Texas one. I was supposed to do it within my first 30 days. Oops. Taekwon-do went really well last night. I was match up with an advanced green belt for the drills and stretching. It was cool.

04/08/01 - Yesterday was a fairly busy one for me. It started out with my taekwon-do belt test in the morning, which I passed. So now I'm a yellow belt. Woopty-do. After that I went into Dallas to meet up with a couple of friends and watch one of them perform in a choir competition thingy. I wasn't quite as enthusiastic as the rest of the gang, but it wasn't bad. The rest of the day was spent racing around the metroplex looking for something to do, and in the and finding nothing, really. Much of the time I was left listening to music I didn't know, and the people who I was with singing along, usually so loud that I had no chance to filter out the recording. But all in all it was fun. It just made me realize that I don't do well with groups. I'm great one on one, but throw me into a group and I'm a bump on a log.

04/05/01 - I've been a little busy, therefore no updates. My taekwond-o test is this weekend. They already ordered my yellow belt, so it's pretty much guranteed I'll pass.
I'm also going out with some friends this weekend. I guess they're going to show me around Dallas since I've only been there 3 or 4 times. If I hav time I'm also going to try to run by a barbecue some friends at work are having since it's finally warm outside now.
I can't think of anything else that's newsworthy.

03/30/01 - Good news on the testing. It turns out I don't need 20 classes to test -- only 14, so I'm all set now. I got my last 3 stripes last night.
I took a personality test at http://www.thespark.com/person/. You can see my results by clicking on the link on the top part of my front page. It's that thing that says something about "Experimenter". I'd say most of what it says about me is true. Everything except that the stuff about cheating, actually. I've been cheated on and I could never do it to someone. Take the test for yourself and see what kind of crap it says about you. The friend who told me about it is as much against drugs as I am, and it said there's probably nothing in the world she hasn't smoked. Oh well.
I'm getting tired of washing this uniform 3 times a week. I don't know how in the world it's supposed to hold up for years. Every class is a major workout and I sweat like crazy. I have no choice but to wash it every time. Actually that's not true. I could just smell like I crawled out of a sewer. Yeah, I thought that would be gross too.

03/30/01 (part 2) - I'm going to attempt to go through all of my old compositions and finish some up, then post them on my page. I started with one I wrote about 2 years ago originally for piano and voice, but I hated the lyrics and meaning of the song, so I changed it to solo piano and renamed the piece. I figured it was too good to throw out.

03/29/01 - I tried to update this yesterday, but Geocities was throwing a tantrum. I finally got my computer and monitor both working properly. I've had them for a month now and this is the first time I've been able to use them together.
Tonight I start my run of insanity in taekwon-do. I have to attend 7 classes in the next 8 days. I'm definitely gonna be aching. When I started I couldn't even hold up for 3 classes a week.
If there was such a thing as a curse then I'd say I'm cursed. but there isn't, so I ain't. :P

03/27/01 - There's a possibility that I won't get to test in taekwon-do next week. Someone said you have to attend 20 classes before the test, and I've made 13 so far. I was planning on going to 5 more before the test. There are 3 more available times, but they're all at noon during the week, so I have to see about getting time off for that. I know it sounds dumb to take time off work for taekwon-do classes, but if I don't make this test I'll be a white belt for 2 more months, and I really don't want that.
Despite still being incredibly sore and stiff from the football game, I nearly made a complete front split tonight in class. The instructor's eyes nearly popped out. Not because it was a remarkable feat on it's own, but compared to how low I can usually go it was pretty damn awesome. I almost didn't even go to class because I was having trouble lifting my legs high enough to climb stairs. Heh. I guess I managed just fine.
I'm still in search of a car. Mine is starting to scare me and my sister's mechanic fiance doesn't think it will last much longer. But I'm not even broke. I'm worse than broke. I should have some money coming soon from an old aquaintance who owes me, and I think I can work a few jobs on the side, and maybe get some OT at work, but I have to get my credit cards payed down before I can get any financing. It's either that or pay in cash, and I don't want a car that I can afford without fincancing. It's not because I'm snotty. This is the third car I've had. It's an '87 Chevy Celebrity. A few of you have seen and ridden in it. You know it's crap. Before that I had a '78 Ford Fairmont. And before that was an '85 Pontiac Grand Prix. I want something nice for a change. So if anyone out there wants to commission me to write a piece or pieces of music (and pay me money! :), please let me know.

03/25/01 - Today was the football game. The opening kickoff went right to me. I took it, ran down the sideline, and then was gang tackled by a few guys. I thought it was two hand touch. I'll have to thank everyone for filling me in ahead of time. It ended well. I mean, the match up was the 5 oldest guys vs. the 6 youngest guys. I was actually on the old team. We finished with a tie score, so I'm sure there'll be a rematch sometime. But there's no way I'm playing tackle again. I was fine up until about 30 minutes ago. Now one shin and both wrists are killing me. Between the blocking and catching myself as I fell I got a little banged up.
No one is online. My mailbox is empty. My hits are way down. Where the heck is everyone? It's 8:39 and I'm thinking about going to bed.
03/22/01 - I can't do it. I just can't post news up here every single day. Not because I don't have time to get online, but because there just isn't that much news in my life.
I feel quite sick at this moment. I ate an enormous dinner, which I haven't done in a very long time, then I followed that up with a cardiovascular intensive taekwon-do class. And the moment I got home my mom insists that I help her with some quilting crap she's doing. Hey, I'm glad she has a hobby, but she really needs to keep it to herself. Especially when I feel like emptying the contents of my stomach on the kitchen floor. An old high school friend informally invited me to her wedding back in Florida. I'd really like to go. I just hope I can get the time off work and afford the trip. It'll be a good excuse to see family and stuff.
Today doesn't feel like Thursday. All day long I thought it was Wednesday, but I knew I had class tonight, and yet at the same time it felt like it should be Friday because I've been so tired. I'd say I had mono, but I haven't kissed anyone in a very very long time. Not that I'm complaining. I'd much rather kiss no one than the wrong one.
I haven't received any email today. :( Where are you people? There are two newer friends espcially I was thinking about because I haven't heard from either of you in a while. Amber? Jennifer? Where you be?

03/19/01 - I need a new car. Mine is so pathetic. Yes, it gets me wear I need to go without too much trouble, but it's so pathetic.
My lips are chapped. It really doesn't feel good. Especially not when I try to practice thr trumpet. I'm still ripping out Gs on my range studies, but my endurance is down.
My computer is screwed up right now. There's some sort of problem with the CMOS, and I don't know how to fix it. The tech support is ridiculous and apparently just doesn't want to answer my phone calls. I got a busy signal today, then called back 2 minutes later and it just kept ringing. I tried for a while but eventually gave up. For now I'm using the backup computer. It's quite a bit slower, but it gets the job done.
This week is "stripe week" in my taekwon-do class. That means we work on fundamentals and those who achieve a certain level get a stripe on their belt to signify that level. Right now I already have my stripe for kicks. I still need one for stances, and I think the third one is for patterns. That should be simple enough. Then we test in 2 weeks and I'll move up to the next belt.

03/17/01 - Just when I was about to update this thing last night a friend popped online and we started talking, so you'll have to forgive me for that.
I have no major injuries to report from last night's class. Just some missing skin on one of my knuckles, which means I was hitting the bag with the correct part of my fist, but off center of the bag. Anyway, I'm actually ok.
I finally got a haircut today. It's the same basic style I've had for the past 8 years, but it works so I'm sticking with it.
03/15/01 - I spoke with the UNT composition department head today and he said I need to meet with him privately sometime so he can evaluate me and decide whether or not to let me study composition. I don't understand why all of the information I got before told me to submit my work with my application if they're going to call me in anyway. I don't think anyone even looked at it!
Tonight I'm going back to taekwon-do. Let's hope I don't hurt myself again. I'm really getting tired of that. At least I'm learning something. I don't think I mentioned it, but last class we got to break boards. They're actually just plastic, and they snap together, but supposedly they are a good simulation of breaking wood. Anyway, I got to break one that siumlates 2.5 boards. That's 1 7/8" thick. Not bad, I guess. I mean, it was a sidekick. I figure if my legs aren't that strong by now then I have a problem.
Who here thinks I should play in a tackle football game with a bunch of guys from work, without any pads? That sounds awfully dumb to me. At first I was all for it when it was going to be flag football. I'm athletic, not dumb. Speaking of which, I found some great IQ tests online. I score 133 on this test and 162 on this test. There are several more at www.queendom.com. No IQ test is 100% accurate, so the best thing to do is take several and average those scores. In the past mine have ranged anywhere from 115-168, so my actually IQ is probably somewhere in the middle. Don't take an IQ test to try to boost your self-esteem. And don't do it to boast. I'm only posting my scores because people often ask me and I'm just tyring to beat them to it. Just make sure you're taking the tests for the right reasons. And if you don't want to do it, it wouldn't hurt to check that site anyway. They have some other tests that are just for fun.

03/14/01 - Another injury! Woo-hoo!!!!!! Actually it's the same injury I had before with my shoulder. I just aggrivated it last night when they made us do 50 pushups on our knuckles where we had to push up fast enough to make our hands fly off of the mat, then go back down a half inch off the ground and hold for 3 seconds before lifting back up. Do that 50 times and tell me something wouldn't hurt. Oddly enough, though, I didn't even break a sweat last night. I was paired up with a whiney know-it-all (knows nothing) kid who apparently wanted to share stories of his friend who got a finger ripped off more than he wanted to learn taekwon-do. He also needs to cut his toe nails. I'm sorry, but if you're going somewhere where you know that you'll be barefoot and walking around a bunch of people you should take care of your feet. Besides, if you're like him and you keep kicking the pads with your toes instead of the top of your foot or heel, depending on the kick, those suckers will snap of and then you'll be dripping blood everywhere. Yes, that happened last night.
I had a request today to update this news section more often. So I will put forth that effort, but I warn you now that it will most likely result in shorter entries and even less exciting news. I figure "less exciting" sounds better than "more boring". But I mean the same thing.
Those of you who talk to me online or like calling me late at night should also consider yourselves forewarned that I am going to start a new schedule at work which requires me to get up a few hours earlier than before, so I'm setting my bedtime at 10:00. I'll still be on ICQ (92277102), Yahoo! Messenger (ydnandrew), and AOL IM (chainsaw7878) sometime after work and before bed, though, so look for me and we'll talk. I don't know what I'm going to do about talking to you people when school starts. But I'm sure we'll figure something out.
03/14/01 (part 2) - I just got my acceptance letter from the University of North Texas school of music. It's clear that I'm into the school, but the letter doesn't say anything about the composition department. I emailed the department head and hopefully will hear back from him in the next day or two. I'm not worried though. It's just nice to know for sure so I can put it all behind me.

03/12/01 - It's interesting to see how many of you actually read through all of this garbage that I call a life. But if it interests you then more power to ya!
It looks like I'll be playing football with a group of guys from work in a couple weeks. That should be fun, (or funny) since I haven't played in a few years.
I just borrowed a digital camera from work today, so those of you who have requested more recent pictures of me can be expecting those as early as tomorrow night.

03/10/01 - I haven't been feeling too good this past week. Don't worry, I don't have a cold or anything, and I haven't suffered any serious injuries from Taekwondo. I know I'm a baby, but really, I'm fine with that. I've just been down, and thinking about some things. I find it a little odd that in this time of difficulty I've managed to write 2 decent pieces of music. I haven't done that in 2 years.
I just "won" another MIDITRAX contest. It's really no big deal though. I think everyone who enters wins . . . seriously. There were over 25 winners this month alone. Click on the banner on the front page of this site if you want to look and listen for yourself. And send that hoser a nasty email too for spelling my last name wrong. There are 2 T's!!!!!!
Those of you who know me are probably aware that my social life is nearly non-existant, so these past few weeks I've been making an effort to meet more people and get out and do things. It's going well so far, but I can't shake this weird feeling. Oh well. If I'm accepted to UNT I won't have much time for a life once classes start, so if I still feel weird it won't matter.

03/05/01 - Now I'm seriously ticked because the company who made my video card 1) overcharged my by \$50 on my credit card, 2) only keeps their service line open from 9-4, M-W, and 3) doesn't even have a toll free number. This is bull crap. Last night was really cool for me though. I stayed up till 6:00 in the morning talking to my best friend Erica on the phone. It's been a long time since I've had an 8 hour phone conversation. The weird thing was that when we finally got off the phone neither of us were that tired. That's just cuz she's so cool though. She kept us both interested.
I'm probably going to lose my mind in the next 6 weeks waiting to find out if I made it into the UNT school of music. Unfortunately demographics play a role in deciding who is accepted. So even if I was one of the top applicants I still might not get in because oh my race, gender, or geographical location. Doesn't that bite the weenie?

03/03/01 - First off I'll just apologize for not updating in a week, even though I know only one person out there checks this site on a regular basis, and she's already updated on most things anyway.
First off, I finally got my new computer in. This sucker's fast! I'm having minor problems with the floppy drive, Windows98, my speakers and mouse (in DOS mode). There is also a major problem with the monitor, but hopefully that will be worked out soon.
Taekwon-do is still going well. We were going through a Jiu Jitsu takedown Thursday which may be why my right shoulder blade is hurting now. But the good news is that my butt and legs aren't getting sore anymore.
Today was my trumpet audition for UNT. The profs told me right on the spot that I was admissable for trumpet as a composition major. What that means is that as long as I get into the university (it's a sure thing) and as long as those 4 scores I submitted impress the composition faculty enough (quite probable) then I'm in baby!

02/25/01 - The wedding was yesterday. Everything went very well. Several people from work were there and they acted as if they didn't know I played the trumpet, even though I've told them before, and most of them have even seen me perform. Oh well. They're mostly self-centered idiots anyway.
No one has signed my guestbook in a couple of weeks. I don't get it. I know people are visiting. At least a few hits a day. If you care enough to read this make sure you sign my guestbook.
I'm going out to play tennis with a guy from work in a couple hours. It's about time I found someone!

02/21/01 - I think I'm gonna start running to and from my taekwon-do classes. It will save a lot of work out time. It's not even 3 miles each way, so I should be able to swing it. I walked one way and ran back tonight, and it was just about 40 minutes. Why the hell am I telling you people this? Because I'm bored!!!

02/19/01 - And I'm still debating as to whether or not I should post my vocal music. There are 2 specifically I am thinking about. I had them up a month ago, but only for a day or two. I just don't think it will be worth the bother, because in order for you to listen to them and read the lyrics you'd have to download another program. Oh well. Maybe I will. Maybe I won't.

02/17/01 - I mailed out my application and 4 compositions (Within, A Child's Dream, Shine On My Path, and Summit) to UNT. My audition is in 2 weeks. Then I'll just have to sit around and wait. If I don't get in it won't be the end of the world. It's just a school. There are thousands of those.
My legs are still hurting from my second Taekwon-do class. I didn't attend a third class this week. I'll just have to make it up later when my body catches up to this stuff. Is it bad if my back hurts when I breathe?

02/13/01 - I had my first Taekwon-do class tonight. It was pretty damn cool! Of course, my legs and butt are really sore from the stretching and kicking, but this is gonna be awesome -- three classes a week for three months, to start.
My new computer (1ghz) and monitor (20"!!!) are on their way now. Yes, I bought them both online. I highly recommend www.cyberpowerpc.com for custom built computers and href="http://www.www.egghead.com">www.egghead.com for refurbished monitors with good warranties. I'm tired now and still haven't eaten dinner. I don't know that I will, but I really need to rest now.

02/10/01 - Well, my vacation is over. And I got almost nothing accomplished. Oh well. I should have expected this. I spent most of the time talking to one friend.
I did get to see a play last night. It was interesting. But I didn't go to the race this morning. I felt like complete crap when I woke up. I'm just not a morning runner. So I ran my own 2 mile race in the afternoon. I surprised myself at 14:35. I could have easily done that 3 years ago, but I was expecting more like 17 or 18 minutes this time since I've been lazy for so long.
Anyway, I have noticed vast improvements in my triceps. I read an article that said the triceps make up 2/3 of the muscle in your upper arms. Now after about 2 weeks of stressing them they've already bulged a bit.
But that's just something that makes me happy. I'm sure no one else gives a shit what my muscles look like. It's all superficial crap anyway, right?

02/04/01 - I'm on my third day of vacation now. Things are rolling along. I'm just about done with all of the application crap so the rest of my vacation can be spent with more enjoyable things, like golf, writing music, and skydiving.
I actually wrote a poem the other day and thought about posting it on this web site. But I don't think it's a good idea. Then I will start writing more poetry, and I'll like it less. So unless you're a close friend I'm sorry, but you'll never read my stuff.

01/31/01 - I finally got my application for the UNT school of music today. I'm currently attempting to find former professors to fill out the recommendation forms. My first three choices are my former trumpet instructor, primary composition professor, and the TA who taught me through all of my theory classes. I'll need every bit of help I can get. This school is internationally recognized.
This is also the first night of my vacation. I plan to spend this weekend and all of next week on Norse mythology research, sketching, and the beginning writings of my next major work "Ragnarok", the end of the world according to Norse legend. This composition will be unlike anything I have yet attempted. I will be doing it without any use of the computer and will attempt to map out as much as possible before writing a single note. And since I won't use MIDI I doubt I will be posting it on this site until it is performed (which it may never be).
And a word of advice for the other musicians out there: never volunteer to perform at a friend's wedding.
01/31/01 part 2) - (Good news! It looks like I'll be switching positions at work again. I talked to a couple of my bosses and told them that I'm very bored with repairing furniture and I wanted more of a thinking job. They offered to pay for me to learn CAD. So in a couple months I should be doing that, but probably while still doing some emergency repairs part-time.

01/29/01 - I finally took some pictures of the counter I made at work. It's nothing fancy, but it does get quite a few compliments.
Counter--1st pic
Counter--2nd pic
Counter--3rd pic
In other news, my fingers are covered in black paint. I don't know how much longer I can stand this stupid job. One day it's fine, even fun, and the next day I feel like I never want to look at another piece of sandpaper or aeresol can ever again. But by August it should be a part-time thing. That, I can probably live with.
Listen to me bitch. I sound so awful. But it's all good because I know you love me.

01/26/01 - I may go skydiving tomorrow. It all depends on whether or not I can get in. I have to call. Wish me luck and stuff.

01/25/01 - Boring but still good. I think I'm getting dumber. No, really dumb! I stick commas, and sometimes even apostrophes, where they don't belong and I don't realize it till a minute or two later. I have to ask people how to spell words I used to use all the time. I've been out of school for nearly two years now and it feels more like ten. I can't wait till I go back.
Ooh, but I came up with a fun little project to keep me busy for a while -- my next big piece. I'm going to spend some time at the public library (as soon as I find out where the heck it is) and research Norse Mythology. It will be a multi-movement piece, probably for a full orchestra. But I won't be sure until I read up on that stuff.
01/25/01 (part2) - I found a site with info on races in north Texas! I even registered for a 2 mile race in Dallas on Februarty 10th, so wish me luck. I know, it's a really short and probably lame race, but I wanted to start with something really easy to make sure it's fun. Hopefully I can find a race every 2 weeks.

01/23/01 - Not a whole lot happened to me today. Actually, not much has happened in a few days. I can't wait till it gets a little warmer so I can finally get back out to the driving range. And I'm still looking for a tennis partner if anyone's interested.

01/20/01 - I need to enter a race. I haven't actually ran one since that 5k I did on Thanksgiving, 1997! You'd think in an area as big as Dallas I should be able to find several, but I can't. If anyone out there knows of some short races around Plano let me know.

01/19/01 - Nothing broke. I did start seeing spots though. And all day today my legs have been more sore than I can ever remember.
Today I also discovered Taco Bueno. Gimme a break! We didn't have them in Florida. I know I've been here for 8 months and there's a Bueno less than a mile from my house! What's your point? Anyway, for fast food that stuff is pretty damn good. It kicks Taco Hell's booty any day. How sad is this that I can think of no better news for my web site than to discuss Mexican fast food chains?

01/18/01 - I'm no closer to deciding about the tattoo and ear piercing than I was 3 years ago. I got one reply from this web site but it was from my ex, and I can't take her advice. On some other news, I completed the counter I was building at work. I might post a picture of it so all of my non-existant visitors can see what I made.
My life is shit -- shit that's almost gold. Figure that one out. It's 11:19pm right now. My plan is to go outside and run until something breaks. I don't know what will go first. I'll let you know on my next update!

01/15/01 - I want to get a tattoo. I have decided that if I go through with it I want it between my shoulder blades. I'm thinking something black. Maybe with some red in it. From the pictures I have looked at tribal art would be best. I want your opinions though. I have some links below to some pictures I found on the net. I don't want any of these exact tattoos. It's just a place to start. Tell me what you think. Do you have any pictures that you think would look good?
I'm also considering piercing my ear. Good or bad idea?

Tattoo pics:
Tattoo #1
Tattoo #2
Tattoo #3
Tattoo #4
Tattoo #5
Tattoo #6