“it’s just a bunch of nonsense.”

“actually, i used the alphabet to test a table in the code,”  i said, using my hands to model a structure in the air.  “and this is what came out.”

“so?” = she did not approve.

me: “i think it looks cool.”

she: “why?”

“umm.. i dunno, good question…”

“it’s nonsense.” it was final.

To make the below video of the nearly 400 pics that I shot (which was not nearly enough – - I just didn’t want to look like a tourist the whole time), I used some Linux/FOSS tools. The learning curve was steep (as in, it is difficult to climb), but once you learn the methods you’ve got pretty good control. At any rate, this is my first video slideshow, and it gives me some good ideas for things to shoot in the future.

Paris and Barca in 399 pics from williamfromtexas on Vimeo.

September 3
Me: Oh my gosh, where did August go? Wasn’t my birthday like a couple weeks ago?
Fa: Oops! I still feel bad I missed that party.. Did you get my postcard?? We’ll have to get together soon

November 9
So: I went camping this weekend! Did you meet the British when you were here? They’re friends from Re.
La: Aww. I wish I could go camping! Too busy, no time. So, are you coming to see me or what?! =)

January 28
Ti: Hey! I’m coming, I just bought my tickets!
Do: But.. I moved!

I have to accept that today isn’t like the last three days. Free of commitments, outside all day long in the fog, rain and blistering cold, I didn’t ‘belong’ to anyone over the weekend.

To enable the those days I agreed that I would spend today indoors. And today is the most beautiful day I’ve seen outside the window in a very long time.

Unlike my typical day, I woke with a bed-fellow, which I deduce is a cousin of the Russian influenza. Just like a Russian who invites them self over, it hasn’t been so terrible, though I do feel an invasion of my private space. Predictably (and typical for such house-guests), it cooks but never cleans. In my case my lungs have been boiled and everything else is a mess.

So, first thing this morning I created baby-step goals for myself:

5 Lists to Create While Sick

1. List Things That I Dislike About Being Sick
2. Bathroom-Related Products I Should Buy
3. Organizing Shoes: 25 Steps
4. People With Birthdays in January, and How to Say “Sorry I Forgot”
5. 10 Methods to Intellectually Stimulate the Cat

While only satisfactorily crossing one of them off of my list, I count the creation of the list as a personal accomplishment in itself.

” It’s f- f- f- f- f- f- fantastic. ” – Mao Zedong

” That caffeine stuff? Don’t touch it myself. I have some friends who drink regularly, and that’s ok, but it weirds me out when they give it to their kids. ” – El Cid

” A consumer product from HELL. ” – Brigham Young

Me: Hey, there’s no more dark roast biological Indonesian coffee left. No more light roast either.

Roommate: So what? Use the fairtrade eco-label North African stuff.

Me: Nah, man, I don’t like that one, and I already had the Lugano ristresso Persian blend this morning. Can you run to the store and get some for me?

Him: What? Are you kidding me? Go yourself.

Me: Aww, I’m just reeeeeeally busy, you know? And I need some coffee to help me concentrate. Come on.. !

Him: No way! What you’re asking is impossible. And just so you know, I had a cup of the last batch of coffee, and it was delicious.

Me: (sad puppy face)

This was easier than I thought it'd be.

the internet has shown that small portable electronic devices (such as smart phones or netbooks) that can interact with what we know as the internet have an important role to play. a digital picture is instantly shareable on the web with family and friends, so film will eventually be replaced. this is not to mention the ongoing costs of film processing. i predict, therefore, that in 2010 digital cameras will become extremely popular.