So, I’ve finally launched an updated version of this blog today. I made the switch from Drupal to WordPress, using a modified third-party theme for now. I’ll probably stick with this theme and just keep iterating on it, making it more and more custom over time. There’s still some work to do on the posts, … [Read more…]
I just realized I hadn’t posted my newest track (almost three weeks ago now) here, so here it is: This track was an attempt to break out of the usual linear, loopy techno-style arrangement, and use more of a traditional verse/chorus structure. I still kept some of that gradual building of elements, so I’ve ended … [Read more…]
I’ve been thinking more about the right brain/creative energies topic I wrote about last week, digging a bit deeper that I had before. I’m realizing there’s more to keeping those energies flowing than just “meditate more.” Or maybe there’s less to it? As I said before, the key is to keep the brain exercised and … [Read more…]
I haven’t written about Buddhism or meditation in quite a while here. For that matter, I haven’t been writing much of anything here lately. There’s a reason for that-it’s because I haven’t been practicing at all. I’ve completely fallen off that wagon. I haven’t meditated in over a year, I don’t read any books about … [Read more…]
I could try and explain the allure I’ve found in climbing, but I’d ultimately fall short of expressing it as well as this photo does. Setting aside all the unquantifiables that come from the experience, there it is in vivid color. Just glance at it and appreciate it on the surface, or dig deeper into … [Read more…]
Okay, those were most certainly snow flakes I saw in the air today. I have to admit, I’m rather looking forward to winter this year. I’ve always been more of a cold weather person, what with growing up in Cleveland and all, but I seem to prefer it more and more as the years go … [Read more…]
It took longer than anticipated while they debated over how much vacation time I’d get and whether or not my job title would have the “senior” appelation added to it, but I finally got my official offer letter week before last. (Yeah, I’m way behind on this whole blogging thing. *laugh*) The salary was lower … [Read more…]
I'm told I will be receiving an official offer letter from the company I'm contracting with tomorrow. I told them up front I'd only be willing to consider an offer if it was competitive with my current hourly rate, so here's hoping they don't low ball me. I went this route with this same company … [Read more…]
There was this girl I went to high school with. Beautiful. Popular. The world was her oyster. Shortly after graduation, she became a Playboy playmate of the month. Had it all going for her. Fast forward 20 years. She's a drunk junkie, living in a trailer park. Arrested twice this year. DUI. Drug Possession. Theft. … [Read more…]
It’s time to let this one go. I’ve been sitting on it since some time in January, feeling it to be to imperfect and trying too hard to “get it right”. The theme for this one was feeling disconnected from the universe, floating around out in the void alone and removed. At this point, I’ve … [Read more…]
Back in Cleveland. Not sure how I feel about that. Good to be home, I guess. But another couple days away would have been nice. Amazingly, the drive home managed to be worse than the drive out. First, I apparently missed a turn somewhere in New Hampshire and ended up off course. I found my … [Read more…]
Time for the pictures, as promised! Again, it's easier to see what's going on if you click them and view the full size versions. The first photo is of me practicing self-arrest by sliding down one of the ski trails. Self-arrest is basically learning how to stop yourself from sliding with the ice axe, should … [Read more…]
Well, let's get the bad news out of the way right off the bat. I didn't make the summit. No summit for me. Frankly, I'm okay with it. I know my limits, I know what I need to work on from here before I come back, and I learned a lot. So why didn't I … [Read more…]
Okay, these first two are of the lower incline ice we started off on. Went up and down this one several times. The pictures aren't the clearest, but it should give you an idea. Keep in mind that I was standing at the base of it looking up, so it's a sharper incline than it … [Read more…]
Yesterday there was a blizzard, today it’s raining. It’s like Cleveland, that. First lesson? A foot of fresh, thickly packed snow makes things really difficult. Hiking, climbing, all of it. Heh, like I needed the extra challenge. *laugh* Today was spent on one of the smaller climbing areas, learning to do everything. Well, not everything, … [Read more…]