I. Love. This.
I've fantasized about self-driving cars for years! What if it becomes a reality, like in The Minority Report? I'm tickled that someone started to design and dream..
Now, the Xbox is creating something called Project Natal that takes what the Wii has done with sensors, but gets rid of the remote. With Project Natal your body is the remote, and it employs facial and voice recognition.
After seeing and reading about Xbox's development, it makes you relatize that these self-driving cars aren't that science fiction-y. If a video game sensor can identify where you are in a room, and detect your motion in order to translate it onto a screen, why can't a car utilize similar technology.
I probably sound ridiculous and make little sense. But, hey, I'm amped at the possibility!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
House Hunting
House hunting is really sad when you're poor.
Monday, Mike and I went to go look at houses for the first time, and I was tickled pink. Nervous, but excited. But once we got through two houses and realized what we could afford, I became really depressed, dudes.
It's not to say that these houses are complete dumps or anything, it's just that they aren't what I expected. I sound like a brat, but it has been truly difficult to pretend that the house we're viewing isn't a hideous shade of brown, or the kitchen counter is less then perfect. I need to make sure I focus on the "bones" of the house - furnace, air conditioning, roof, basement - because all the cosmetic stuff can be changed. So far that has been hard for me, but I'm sure it will get easier.
Mike has been the bastion of optimism, and I'm been the abyss of pessimism. I think it is starting to take a toll on him. I really need to buck up.
We're going again tonight. We plan to see 6 houses, most of them are in a lower price bracket, and are foreclosed. Maybe we'll get lucky?
Monday, Mike and I went to go look at houses for the first time, and I was tickled pink. Nervous, but excited. But once we got through two houses and realized what we could afford, I became really depressed, dudes.
It's not to say that these houses are complete dumps or anything, it's just that they aren't what I expected. I sound like a brat, but it has been truly difficult to pretend that the house we're viewing isn't a hideous shade of brown, or the kitchen counter is less then perfect. I need to make sure I focus on the "bones" of the house - furnace, air conditioning, roof, basement - because all the cosmetic stuff can be changed. So far that has been hard for me, but I'm sure it will get easier.
Mike has been the bastion of optimism, and I'm been the abyss of pessimism. I think it is starting to take a toll on him. I really need to buck up.
We're going again tonight. We plan to see 6 houses, most of them are in a lower price bracket, and are foreclosed. Maybe we'll get lucky?
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Home, Soon Home!
This is the house I love at the moment. Mike loves the clubhouse.
I haven't seen it in real life. And I have no idea how big it is. But from the pictures...it's adorable, and I would like to own it.
I keep dreaming about it while i make my 101 Things in 1001 Days list. Imagining where I would plant my vegetable garden, or where I would put my herb garden. Or where would be a good place to install a fire pit in the backyard.
We've made the last payment on our credit card, and now we're just waiting for the payment to actually go through. After that! We're going to get pre-approved for our loan.
We're just starting, but it's exciting!
I haven't seen it in real life. And I have no idea how big it is. But from the pictures...it's adorable, and I would like to own it.
I keep dreaming about it while i make my 101 Things in 1001 Days list. Imagining where I would plant my vegetable garden, or where I would put my herb garden. Or where would be a good place to install a fire pit in the backyard.
We've made the last payment on our credit card, and now we're just waiting for the payment to actually go through. After that! We're going to get pre-approved for our loan.
We're just starting, but it's exciting!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
I'm Back
Hello!
I've been super absent for a while...but I am back now, and married to boot.
Got married on May 30, then went right into the honeymoon right afterward for a week.
We're still working on getting back into the swing of things...but for now, here's a couple pictures.
(we got a new camera, which has magically made me a wonderful photographer!)
This wasn't taken by me, but by one of my bridesmaids. This is me and my sister/maid of honor. She's pretty great. We're pals.
We went to Galena, IL, and found these mysterious waterfalls on our last day there. We were pleasantly surprised, and completely amazed that we hadn't found them sooner, and that they existed, randomly, in the middle of nowhere.
"We" went golfing. Mike golfed, and I read a book and occasionally drove the golf cart. It was gloriously relaxing, and the course was completely empty.
We both got tattoos while we were there. Mine says "always" in my own handwriting, and has a line that wraps all the way around my forearm. I love it. It looks like a dainty, loose bracelet. At first I was panicked that AI had actually gotten a tattoo on a very visible part of my arm, but so far, no one has noticed it on their own. I am very pleased
Mike got two. A black fish to go with his red one, and "Nolite te bastardes carborundorum", which means "Don't let the bastards grind you down" in broken, bastardized latin. It is a quote from A Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. He wants to eventually turn these tattoos into a sleeve.
We're still getting back into the swing of things almost two weeks later. It's surreal to have to come back to this unsatisfying life (wake up - commute - work - commute - sleep). But we're completely and wholeheartedly optimistic about changing our circumstances, and making something great for ourselves. We totally believe we are capable...if only we could find the motivation...
I've been super absent for a while...but I am back now, and married to boot.
Got married on May 30, then went right into the honeymoon right afterward for a week.
We're still working on getting back into the swing of things...but for now, here's a couple pictures.
(we got a new camera, which has magically made me a wonderful photographer!)
This wasn't taken by me, but by one of my bridesmaids. This is me and my sister/maid of honor. She's pretty great. We're pals.
We went to Galena, IL, and found these mysterious waterfalls on our last day there. We were pleasantly surprised, and completely amazed that we hadn't found them sooner, and that they existed, randomly, in the middle of nowhere.
"We" went golfing. Mike golfed, and I read a book and occasionally drove the golf cart. It was gloriously relaxing, and the course was completely empty.
We both got tattoos while we were there. Mine says "always" in my own handwriting, and has a line that wraps all the way around my forearm. I love it. It looks like a dainty, loose bracelet. At first I was panicked that AI had actually gotten a tattoo on a very visible part of my arm, but so far, no one has noticed it on their own. I am very pleased
Mike got two. A black fish to go with his red one, and "Nolite te bastardes carborundorum", which means "Don't let the bastards grind you down" in broken, bastardized latin. It is a quote from A Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. He wants to eventually turn these tattoos into a sleeve.
We're still getting back into the swing of things almost two weeks later. It's surreal to have to come back to this unsatisfying life (wake up - commute - work - commute - sleep). But we're completely and wholeheartedly optimistic about changing our circumstances, and making something great for ourselves. We totally believe we are capable...if only we could find the motivation...
Friday, May 22, 2009
A few things
1) Mike and I DID make it to 6 Flags yesterday...a week and a day late. But we made it. I also discovered that roller coasters aren't as fun as they used to be. And Mike and I are terrible at doing things that involve walking.
2) I've had butterflies/anxiety/an upset stomach for going on three days now. There's drama between Mike's family, My family, and Mike's bro's girlfriend (who also happens to by my sisters best friend and roommate). I'm not going to get into the details here, but Mike and I are stuck in the middle of it. Maybe I'll write a private post about this later. Because I need to sort it out somewhere. It's SO messy. And I need to have an awkward phone convo or two to kind of smooth things over. At least until the wedding is over.
This drama started a couple of weekends ago, and won't end. A week before the wedding, and I'm starting to lose my shit. The thought of having everyone in one room for the rehearsal dinner is giving me panic attacks.
3) My bachelorette party is this weekend. And while I AM excited and it's going to be amazingly fun,, I'm losing my shit about the impending hangover. If I haven't written it here, I am basically allergic to alcohol (though it has never been confirmed by a Dr.). I had two beers last night (I'm training for the b-party) and I woke up with a headache. The last time I got drunk - I had 5 beers - I puked for 6 hours. I don't drink regularly because of this. The hangover isn't worth it. The thought of the headache, the shaking, and the puking has turned me into a ball of anxiety.
4) I get into work and there's a note from my coworker (I was out yesterday) that my boss was ticked that I didn't send something out. However, I didn't send it out because I've been the only person in the office all week, and I needed a sales manager's signature. The soonest I could have been sent was Thursday, and I thought that went without saying. So, now I have to deal with my boss' wrath. And I promise my reasoning won't be good enough.
OMFG, I am so anxious. I can't get over it. I'm freaking out. Like shaking. Almost in tears.
1) Mike and I DID make it to 6 Flags yesterday...a week and a day late. But we made it. I also discovered that roller coasters aren't as fun as they used to be. And Mike and I are terrible at doing things that involve walking.
2) I've had butterflies/anxiety/an upset stomach for going on three days now. There's drama between Mike's family, My family, and Mike's bro's girlfriend (who also happens to by my sisters best friend and roommate). I'm not going to get into the details here, but Mike and I are stuck in the middle of it. Maybe I'll write a private post about this later. Because I need to sort it out somewhere. It's SO messy. And I need to have an awkward phone convo or two to kind of smooth things over. At least until the wedding is over.
This drama started a couple of weekends ago, and won't end. A week before the wedding, and I'm starting to lose my shit. The thought of having everyone in one room for the rehearsal dinner is giving me panic attacks.
3) My bachelorette party is this weekend. And while I AM excited and it's going to be amazingly fun,, I'm losing my shit about the impending hangover. If I haven't written it here, I am basically allergic to alcohol (though it has never been confirmed by a Dr.). I had two beers last night (I'm training for the b-party) and I woke up with a headache. The last time I got drunk - I had 5 beers - I puked for 6 hours. I don't drink regularly because of this. The hangover isn't worth it. The thought of the headache, the shaking, and the puking has turned me into a ball of anxiety.
4) I get into work and there's a note from my coworker (I was out yesterday) that my boss was ticked that I didn't send something out. However, I didn't send it out because I've been the only person in the office all week, and I needed a sales manager's signature. The soonest I could have been sent was Thursday, and I thought that went without saying. So, now I have to deal with my boss' wrath. And I promise my reasoning won't be good enough.
OMFG, I am so anxious. I can't get over it. I'm freaking out. Like shaking. Almost in tears.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
No storms!
Tomorrow Mike and I are going to get our marriage license, and then...go to 6 Flags!! Because nothing screams "upcoming nuptials" quite like Raging Bull.
Unfortunately, we are supposed to have hardcore storms after 3pm, with thunder and lightning galore. The weather has been unpredictable lately, and the weather-people have been consistently off...so I'm hoping for another mistaken forecast. Do me a favor and cross your fingers too. I need a lot of luck
Additionally, my dress is done, and my mom is picking it up today. The bridesmaids and groomsmen gifts are thisclose to being done. Shoes are in the closet, perfume is in the box. Practice hair and makeup appointments have been made, so have their wedding day counterparts. Falling in to place.
Though I am very tired of being asked "HOW MANY MORE DAYS!?!" I mean it's cool and all, but blah.
I really have nothing to report, except wedding stuff (because 2.5ish weeks is a short period of time in which to cram a lot of overdue preparation). I'm better under pressure, but this will consume me until it is all over.
We paid off all our bills this month (with savings money...) so that we don't have to worry about them until after the honeymoon. We'll be able to repay the savings money soon, I hope. It is a HUGE weight off my shoulders to not have to think about whether we will be short on bill money because we're paying the florist.
I have a REALLY good feeling that after the wedding, things are going to improve SO much. Mike and I can work on getting our life back on track, finding a place to live, searching for dream careers. I can cultivate hobbies, and bring an end to my endless commute.
I'm optimistic, friends!
Unfortunately, we are supposed to have hardcore storms after 3pm, with thunder and lightning galore. The weather has been unpredictable lately, and the weather-people have been consistently off...so I'm hoping for another mistaken forecast. Do me a favor and cross your fingers too. I need a lot of luck
Additionally, my dress is done, and my mom is picking it up today. The bridesmaids and groomsmen gifts are thisclose to being done. Shoes are in the closet, perfume is in the box. Practice hair and makeup appointments have been made, so have their wedding day counterparts. Falling in to place.
Though I am very tired of being asked "HOW MANY MORE DAYS!?!" I mean it's cool and all, but blah.
I really have nothing to report, except wedding stuff (because 2.5ish weeks is a short period of time in which to cram a lot of overdue preparation). I'm better under pressure, but this will consume me until it is all over.
We paid off all our bills this month (with savings money...) so that we don't have to worry about them until after the honeymoon. We'll be able to repay the savings money soon, I hope. It is a HUGE weight off my shoulders to not have to think about whether we will be short on bill money because we're paying the florist.
I have a REALLY good feeling that after the wedding, things are going to improve SO much. Mike and I can work on getting our life back on track, finding a place to live, searching for dream careers. I can cultivate hobbies, and bring an end to my endless commute.
I'm optimistic, friends!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Wedding Panic
Wow.
It has completely and utterly dawned on me how MUCH I still have to do for the wedding (not to mention the other celebrations, birthdays, social gatherings that still go on). I had a mini panic attack this morning while I tried to get organized and ended up with 4 pages worth of various lists.
It goes without saying that I am running. Out. Of. Time.
I'm pretty terrified.
And just the other day, I was all "WOW! I'm starting to feel all calm and serene!" I was reading regularly, and I've started running again (Granted, I've only gone three times, but I bounce back into it quickly). Both of these things give me life.
But NOW! Now, I'm all a tizzy. Running around. Making lists, but not knowing where to start. Making more lists because the one I already made is disorganized (I've already made 2 versions of the same list today). Crap.
I think the most frustrating thing about the wedding is that almost ALL of my vendors are very...lax? The florist provided us with little suggestion/enthusiasm/guidance, but she is VERY nice. The pastor is all "whatever you want to do", which is great, but I would appreciate a hint or tip. The DJ seems irritated whenever I email him. The only person who WAS all over us with recommendations and assistance was the Venue Manager, but she got fired, so now we have a different lady who is still trying to learn the ropes - so she has no feedback to provide. It's very frustrating. Especially, because I'm very ambivalent about most of this, and I could be easily influenced. It would have been helpful to have been influenced, actually. I need some answers!
My mom suggested I start a wedding blog that kind of helps provide those answers. I wouldn't even know where to begin!
I digress.
I'm working on taking a half-ish day (I leave at 1pm) so that I can accomplish some of the errands I have, and start to check things off my list, and get them out of my life. Unfortunately, I don't have many days off to spare.
OH YEAH, and part of my panic comes from the fact that I CANNOT find my USB jump drive. It has EVERYTHING on it. My guest list (though, I have that saved multiple places) pictures of hairstyles, and almost ALL my wedding-planning materials. I thought it was at work, but it's not here. I haven't searched at home for it yet...but I'm nervous that I won't be able to find it.
Sigh. It'll get done. It always does.
It has completely and utterly dawned on me how MUCH I still have to do for the wedding (not to mention the other celebrations, birthdays, social gatherings that still go on). I had a mini panic attack this morning while I tried to get organized and ended up with 4 pages worth of various lists.
It goes without saying that I am running. Out. Of. Time.
I'm pretty terrified.
And just the other day, I was all "WOW! I'm starting to feel all calm and serene!" I was reading regularly, and I've started running again (Granted, I've only gone three times, but I bounce back into it quickly). Both of these things give me life.
But NOW! Now, I'm all a tizzy. Running around. Making lists, but not knowing where to start. Making more lists because the one I already made is disorganized (I've already made 2 versions of the same list today). Crap.
I think the most frustrating thing about the wedding is that almost ALL of my vendors are very...lax? The florist provided us with little suggestion/enthusiasm/guidance, but she is VERY nice. The pastor is all "whatever you want to do", which is great, but I would appreciate a hint or tip. The DJ seems irritated whenever I email him. The only person who WAS all over us with recommendations and assistance was the Venue Manager, but she got fired, so now we have a different lady who is still trying to learn the ropes - so she has no feedback to provide. It's very frustrating. Especially, because I'm very ambivalent about most of this, and I could be easily influenced. It would have been helpful to have been influenced, actually. I need some answers!
My mom suggested I start a wedding blog that kind of helps provide those answers. I wouldn't even know where to begin!
I digress.
I'm working on taking a half-ish day (I leave at 1pm) so that I can accomplish some of the errands I have, and start to check things off my list, and get them out of my life. Unfortunately, I don't have many days off to spare.
OH YEAH, and part of my panic comes from the fact that I CANNOT find my USB jump drive. It has EVERYTHING on it. My guest list (though, I have that saved multiple places) pictures of hairstyles, and almost ALL my wedding-planning materials. I thought it was at work, but it's not here. I haven't searched at home for it yet...but I'm nervous that I won't be able to find it.
Sigh. It'll get done. It always does.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
