Category: Illinois

Wow, talk about abandoned…

March 15th, 2009 · · Family, Illinois, Mount Vernon, Technology No comments - Tags: , , , , , , ,

I started this thing with the best of intentions, but it’s more or less a graveyard for my Twitter summaries now. Once my last semester is over, I still have hope to get going again. Of course, doesn’t everyone say that right before the blog dies?

Still, things are extremely hectic in our lives right now. Barely paying bills, Em working overnights and going to school, me writing for the paper and still with EDG and school full time. I know it just sounds like whining, but it’s not.

I’m enjoying my school time and work, just would be nice to have some more hours in the day. I remember making fun of old people when they said that. Here I am saying it and meaning it. How times change.

When did this whole responsible, grown up, busy flip come about? Somewhere between marriage, kids, and home ownership I think.

On the plus side of things, I found someone who seems to be successful in the geek world online (that’s a string of words, huh?) from up in Centralia. Go check her out at Blondish.net for more information. She seems really laid back and nice.

Another go-round

February 27th, 2009 · · Illinois, Mount Vernon, Technology No comments - Tags: , , , , , ,

Had a chat this morning about another possible position. To be honest, this was probably the most nerve-wracking one to date. Partially because I know one employee, and am acquainted with one of the interviewers from my time with First Cellular.

The actual interview was formal, but laid back. There were a lot of questions and explaining of the position, but it was more conversational than the usual strict question and answer session. Overall the position sounds like hard work and some learning, but nothing that I shouldn’t pick up very quickly. My current diet of many different jobs should have me ready to roll with the many different facets of the position.

Working at this position sounds like it satisfies my desires: stay local, make a decent wage, and enjoy where I work. I know those are simple goals, however they are really what my dream job consists of in my mind. Raise my family, pay my bills, and enjoy life. I don’t think that’s too much to ask for from my time on earth.

I guess we will see how things go, but I’m extremely nervous and hopeful that this position is offered to me.

Can you make money writing?

February 6th, 2009 · · Illinois, Mount Vernon, Technology One comment - Tags: , , , , , ,

I’m pretty curious about this concept. Writing has always been something I enjoyed since grade school, but I have never actually thought that it was a probable career.

While I admire writers, my understanding is that most scrape through life and a very few ‘hit it big’ and make enough money to write as their profession. At least this is what I have been told by those local reporters I know working for our newspapers.

As a child, I admired writers’ ability to craft a story or article in such a way as it was engaging and/or entertaining. Don’t get me wrong, I wanted to be a policeman as a child, but even back then my thoughts would drift to writing from time to time.

Recently, I have started a general computer help column for the Register-News called ‘Ask A Geek‘, and have put myself out there by submitting to WorksWithU.com about Ubuntu Linux. I’m not expecting a lot, and doing both just to add to my life experience, but there is the nagging thought of ‘Can I make a living at this?’

My heart hopes so, but my brain is not letting me quit the 9-5, buy a pipe, and wear a robe all day. I suppose only time will tell.

Premiere this Friday perhaps

January 27th, 2009 · · Entertainment, Illinois, Mount Vernon, Technology One comment - Tags: , , , , , , , ,

I just received word from Jeremy that my first bit of writing for our local newspaper will probably be appearing this Friday. Yay, I’ll be somewhat legitimate.

My first bite will only be a short piece about who I am and some background information. Nothing too fancy, but it will let people know who I am and perhaps help them relate to me.

From there, we will see how evolution takes the writing and me through its life-cycle. Maybe it will move to a Q&A style, perhaps it will be me posting things I like, and perhaps it will just fizzle out into nothing.

Jeremy is going to put my work in the online area of the R-N I suppose. Guess print is too expensive for an un-proven bit of work such as myself.

If you don’t mind, go check my corner out and see what you think. If nothing else, the hits should show interest. 🙂

My ‘bucket’ list – aka What I want to do list

January 24th, 2009 · · Family, Illinois, Mount Vernon No comments - Tags: , , , , , ,

Now that I’ve finally seen the movie (see previous post), I have decided to make my own list. Because I can, that’s why.

  • Spend a week on white sand doing nothing
  • Watch Cardinal’s batting practice from the lower level and get an autograph or two
  • Visit California, Ireland, and Germany (Mexico is optional)
  • Raise my children well
  • Play with my grandchildren
  • Learn to swim
  • Leave a mark somewhere
  • Own a Pink’ suit (no, not the color)
  • Take a cruise
  • Pay an outrageous price for a meal
  • Watch a sunrise and sunset over the ocean – 2011 with Em and the kids in Florida
  • Visit New York, NY
  • Play
  • Complete a college degree – Completed 2009 and 2013
  • Save a life