New Goal: Pool Shark

I've decided that I need to learn pool. Well, not just learn pool, really. I want to become a shark.

Those who know me know that I usually don't just learn something new. I want to be good at it...really good. That applies to pool as well. Last week I came into the office on a day off and practiced shooting on the pool table for about 6 hours. Yes, I was sore the next day. But, in a game I shot a masse around one ball, into another, which in turn tapped my real target and knocked it to the edge. Unfortunately, it didn't go in, but I was quite happy with "almost." It's a great game.

Eventually, I'd like to be able to do the tricks in this video, though I think that may be a loooong time away.

Application to the Evil League of Evil

I just picked up Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog.  One of the extras is a set of video applications for the Evil League of Evil (ELE).  My favorite is the one by The Reverend.  I think this should be my application.

Radar Detectors in Illinois

I've always believed that radar detectors are illegal in Illinois. The article "Illinois Car Insurance: Radar Detector Law & Legalities" says otherwise.

Under federal law, the use of radar and lidar detectors is illegal in all commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds (see http://www.ncsl.org/programs/transportation/radar.htm). For all other purposes, radar and lidar detectors are legal in Illinois.

Whoda thunk it? That settles it. I'm getting one so I can make it to the parents faster.http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=10594074&postID=4719299981442534941#

Weekend #2

Last week, I started my new weekend hours at work. On Saturdays, I now go in at 7pm and get out at 6:30am Sunday morning. I go home, play with the cat, go to bed and get hopefully 8 hours of sleep, get up, and get back in the office at 6pm for another over-nighter.

Last week went relatively well. I didn't get a lot of sleep before the Saturday-Sunday shift, so I was tired. When I got home, Annabell went ape-shit. She was way too excited to see me. I spent some time with here, but after a while it was bedtime. She disagreed. I don't think I've ever seen her go berserk like that. She ran all around the apartment, clawed on nearly everything cloth to get my attention, and even jumped on the bed and ran in a circle. It's generally good to feel loved, but not so much when I'm trying to go to bed so I can get up for work. Eventually, she calmed down.

Early afternoon the Sunday lawn mowing started. I'm pretty sure I heard 2 lawn mowers and a weed whacker going at once. That really wasn't too bad though. I was able to get back to sleep relatively quickly.

Overall, I enjoy working nights. It's so quiet and peaceful. When I worked nights in the past, I was alone. Now, I have a workmate. It's nice having someone else there.

I got more sleep last night and I'm more prepared for tonight. It may take a couple of weeks for my body to fall into a rhythm. I hope Annabell adjusts as easily as I will.

It Was Just a Little Thing

Last night I went to Mary’s Place and listened to a cool Reggae/Ska band. I almost didn’t go in. I’m not one for going into a bar when I don’t know anyone inside. But as I got ready to leave, my friend Nukem arrived. I changed my mind and went in. It was a great time. I’m glad his arrival prompted me to stay.

The coolest thing, though, happened today. Nukem gave me a call to make sure I made it home safely. I’m not used to that. Normally, in my little world, it’s me looking out after others. It was really nice to be on the receiving end. In the grand scheme of things, this really was just a little thing. I thanked my friend, but I don’t think he’s figured out what that little gesture meant to me. It really made my day.

The End of EVE

Yeah, I know, I just posted an entry. This one is different. It's about one of my pasttimes.

I enjoyed playing EVE Online for quite some time. But now, I think it's time to draw it to a close. I just have too much to do. It's also getting a bit boring. I don't think I'll pick up on another MMO for a long time, if ever. I've come to believe that I'm more inclined toward games that have an end. Yes, it's fun to "advance." And it's more fun to finish and start over.

I Double Dog Down Dare You

The TV rocks! No longer do I have to get up every 2 minutes to jiggle the wire, in hopes of getting a picture or making the squealing noise go away. Now, I turn it on and leave it alone. What a concept!

I can now start working out with my Yoga & Pilates DVD. I had already started with the basic situps, pushups, and weights. I won't stop with that. The basic working out gives me a different feel from yoga-pilates. I can't say I like one more than the other. Either way, I get that kinda fun, tender muscle feel. (*poke* *ow*, *poke* *ow*)

Since the weather has become warmer, I'm also trying to spend time outside in the sun. Mainly, I grab a book and blanket and sit in the backyard. Whenever my friend/landlord, Nukem, comes over to work on things, I see if there's anything I can do to help. Just standing in the sun is boring. Reading in the sun is better. But actually doing somethin in the sun is the best.

Recently, I've needed such things as the sun and exercise (especially the sun) to help me get out of this depressed funk. Yeah, depressed. It has been a long time since I've been in a relationship, and I'm feeling quite lonely. I haven't dated in what feels like ages. I need to get out there where everybody else is. Until that happens, I'll keep working on the buffitude.

Presbytery of San Francisco says Princeton Theological Seminary = FAIL!

I hadn't heard Adam Walker-Cleaveland's story until yesterday while reading Tony Jones' Beliefnet blog. The short version is that he has jumped through all the hoops required for ordination into the PC(USA). Part of that is the completion of an M.Div., which he got at Princeton Theological Seminary, a Presbyterian seminary. He transferred his membership from his old presbytery to the Presbytery of San Francisco. Additional time in process was expected for them to have a chance to get to know him.

But surprise! The Presbytery of San Francisco has decided that Adam Walker-Cleveland needs to take another 7 courses to fulfill their expectations! In other words, they have effectively declared the education that candidates receive at Princeton Theological Seminary to be insufficient. I don't know whether they would admit to that last statement, but that's what it comes down to: he met Princeton's requirements for an M.Div. degree, and the Committee on Preparation for Ministry said it was not enough for them.

Hard to believe.

Either there's something else going on or the Committee on Prep for SF is dominated by stupidity.

Yet, this is exactly the kind of thing that reminds me of one of my convictions: the current ordination process in the PC(USA) turns the corporate discernment process into a joke.

(Edited to change pic and add Tony Jone's reference.)