seconDBrown

http://al.chemy.org

September 30th, 2009 | Tags: links | Category: Uncategorized | Leave a comment

“You can achieve anything you want in life if you have the courage to dream it, the intelligence to make a realistic plan, and the will to see that plan through to the end”

Sidney A. Friedman
Entrpreneur, Speaker and Author

“Nurture your mind with great thoughts, for you will never go any higher than you think.”

September 21st, 2009 | Tags: qotd | Category: Uncategorized | Leave a comment

As time goes on a person may develop numerous relationships. A relationship can be that of family, friends or a courtship >> life partner. Beyond those, and before those, there is a relationship with God, our creator. Many people come and go during our time due to a wide array of circumstances but, God remains. In my case, I am one who has constantly forgotten to place God first when there are others in my life. However, after my relationships with some people mature and I find myself not satisfied with what they have come to be, I often question myself as to how I ended up in this situation and with this or that person. I now see that in each of those relarionships, I had neglected to build upon God’s concerns instead of my (our) own desires.

I am now in the situation where I desire to start a family. This is something that I hadn’t given much practical thought to in the past. I had considered who I would call friend since these people are bound to impact my children, if I have any. I have also started considering which of my attributes are worthy of being passed on to a new generation. This is necessary I believe. If I run off and have kids so that I can play dress up and have video games be their parent, what goal am I meeting?

I am writing this because I have recently become interested in a lady who is God fearing. I don’t meet this type often. I also notice that I had placed a level of importance on her that would not have been possible if I had properly tended to my relationship with God. At some point I noticed myself being uncomfortable because my relationship with God had become like a thin thread used to anchor a large ship.

I find reason to be free now. I have also been in a bit of denial lately. When asked why did you stop drinking and smoking, I often reply for health reasons or because I want to experience life as a sober man. These things are true but, it wasn’t until my relationship with God began being fostered that I cared much about my health. I need to be more vocal about that aspect.

The next matter is my friends. They can say whatever they want about whatever topic and things are fine, for them; I have to sit and smile. When I was courageous enough to mention God I was quickly dismissed. This is only the case with most of them, not all. Some people would quickly open their ear or mouth to meaningful discussion. At those times I was appreciative; though I now see that those people were actually friendly. I suppose that these events are required for me to experience in order for me to get my mind right.

The primary reason that I didn’t want to let go of my friends is that I know them and to some degree understand them. Getting to know new people is a bit of a challenge and requires more patience than I felt like dealing with. Best options are best options and they can’t be properly substituted for other options.

I was raised in a series of Christian environments (churches, schools, summer camps) but, I am only recently beginning to find understanding of Christian values.

August 17th, 2009 | Tags: decisions, friends, God, growth, people, relationships | Category: Real Life | Leave a comment

Originally, I planned on using wordpress for my class. This proved to be a menacing effort as getting students to comprehend a new platform isn’t the easiest problem to conquer. I teach an upper-divisional tech class but, the students in my program seem to be far from technically proficient. I am sure that they could argue that I am not the best teacher; perhaps one day I will be at least a good one.

I have students in my advanced tech class that are afraid of tech. I recently came to realize that they aren’t geeks, they just want a decent paycheck. I need to be more patient. I have noticed that I am more patient with my tutees than I am with my students. Patience is a virtue, yet so hard to master.

August 16th, 2009 | Tags: CMS, teaching, web apps | Category: The Mad Professor | Leave a comment

My heart has been captured and is now in an agonizingly amourous state. I said that I would take my time but, since learning that she is interested, my patience has drifted. My once solid Muse-like state has turned to the aftermath of a slug having come in contact with salt. I don’t want to move too fast because I worry that we could fail to view each honestly. I feel like there is a cavity in my chest when she’s gone. This is not yet reasonable. Then again, I am not a Vulcan nor am I of the bend toward logic that they possess; though I imagine that now that would be less painful.

I need to get a grip. I was fine before she knew that I was interested. What’s changed now? Regardless of my feelings, I am going to need to regain my focus soon since class starts soon.

August 16th, 2009 | Tags: heartbeat | Category: myself | Leave a comment

Date: 2009 June 5

Primary location: Baltimore, MD, USA

Activities: Up in the middle of the night due to 6 hour time difference

Food: n/a

Traveler blues: I miss Hawaii

0314 EDT:
My last day in Hawaii was rather busy. I woke up late due to me going to a club in Waikiki (just as hood as any club in Baltimore). I’m not a big club person. I had to pack my bags early since I had to check out by noon and planned on heading to North Shore with Samantha. I had no idea that I’d accumulated so much stuff (resulting in my luggage weighing 16 pounds over the limit and a $50 charge). By the time I finished packing, getting my bags downstairs and storing them, I’d found out that we were to be joined by Maki and some other guy (Zeus). I paid $5 to store my luggage (2 items) while visiting North Shore.

Zeus wasn’t ready when we were so we went ahead to Ala Moana (transfer point) to get some grub. Since it was before 10am when we arrived some of the restaurants were still getting reading for business. I ended up getting a Açaí Jamba Bowl from Jamba Juice. I believe that Maki had a bacon and egg crossaint and Sammy had a slice of pizza (veggie) from Sbarro. We had to wait a bit more for Zeus to arrive so Maki ran off to buy a bikini. Sam and I pretended to not be sleepy. :p After Maki returned we waited outside for approximately 20 minutes before Zeus arrived and another 15 for The Bus afterwards. The bus ride to North Shore is roughly 1.5 hours from Ala Moana. It has to get on the freeway and there are a few long stretches without stops. Oahu is larger than I realized.

When we arrived we were in a tourist area. You know how I feel about such places. However, the place was a decent photo spot. Zeus ran off to get a bite. Sam, Maki and I wandered around town. There is a long stretch from where the bus drops you off to the beach. Beyond the tourist zoo, along that stretch is like a large spread out farmer’s market with shops and other businesses in between. The area is rich in clothing and accessory shops as well as food and art, ala farmer’s market. We had an extended stay at the art gallery (WOW). I wanted to purchase soo many pieces but, small prints started at $25. There were no less than 6 that I intended to bring  home with me before I took a sober look at my finances. All of you art lovers will have to wait.

We eventually came across a shaved ice shop. Again, delicious. I had a Blue Hawaii which is composed of Pinapple, Coconut and Vanilla mixed together. We had a good time here but, unfortunately due to Sam needing to get back to hang with one of her friends and my flight we didn’t make it to the beach. This is likely to be a good thing since Sam was painfully sunburned and my shoulders were nearly mush from surfing. Maki more or less lives in Hawaii and Zeus will be there until sometime tomorrow (Friday there) not to mention that this is his fourth trip in the past few years. He works at a rock gym and planned to do a bit of climbing while there. Jeff would kill me if I climbed with someone else, lol; I’ve only been out once. Actually climbing should work the muscle groups that I need to use for paddling while surfing so this is looking a little more promising. I’m not so bent on surfing North Shore but, I do intend to give the waves a better effort.

This was a good trip and I can’t wait to return. I’d say that I’m glad to be back but, there is no real benefit in lying.

Side note: the weather here (Baltimore) is insane. Since I’ve been in town (not a full week yet) once again I’ve dealt with extreme heat and awkward cool periods. The heat pulls nearly all of the energy out of my body whereas the cool times are manageable but not predictable so my clothing is normally not suitable. The one thing that I can say that I’ve enjoyed since I’ve returned is that there was a thunder storm (good sleeping). Apparently we have had them for two nights in a row; I slept through the first night. The second occured just after I’d fallen asleep so I hadn’t had the opportunity to depart from earth .

June 5th, 2009 | Tags: art, expenses, Hawaii, North Shore, reflection, Traveling, Trips, Vacation | Category: Hawaii | Leave a comment

May 28th, 2009 | Tags: dissertations, ELT, Hawaii, JET, M.S., surfing, Traveling, Trips, UH, UV, Vacation | Category: Hawaii | Comments (3)

Date: 2009 May 27

Primary location: Waikiki

Activities: Sleep, research (wiki data)

Food:

• PB&J
• Dole fruit cups (Sale: 2 for $4 @ Safeway)
• Japanese rice and veggies from a food vendor in Ala Moana ($5.75)

1244 HST:
I considered going to a Ph.D. dissertation defense today at 10a.m. I didn’t get moving quick enough to catch The Bus. Tomorrow is a M.S. dissertation defense which I will need to get to at 9a.m. I was supposed to goto Diamond Head today but, I’m not sure that tat will happen due to the rain. I’d also like company but, I can’t find the lass that I was going to venture with me. She’s on the females only side so I can’t knock on the door or anything.

I’m actually rather sleepy today. I stayed up last night poking around with the wiki. I have all of the basic program info for ICS entered. I now need to store info about the individual classes and work out a desired course or potential courses for myself. I will also need to perform both tasks for LIS and then figure out how I will marry the couple. I can see now that I’m leaving my bragscape.

Diamond Head is open until 6pm. If I don’t go today I’ll aim for dawn tomorrow. I CAN DO IT! << tis sad, the need.

I’ve been watching Monkey Magic all week and I’m nearly done; I’m on episode 12 of 13. I wonder if Chali has finished it.

RETROSPECTIVE (2009 May 28 1130 HST):
Samantha and I climbed Diamond Head after walking the 2.3 miles there. We each had a 20oz. thirst quencher which was nearly depleted by the time we reached the entrance to the hike. When you get there you have to hike 0.6 miles to the peak. It starts with a paved path. Next is a broken cement/gravel/dirt path. Then there is a set of steep steps. The steps lead to an inclined tunnel. The tunnel leads to another (steep) set of stairs which leads to a short tunnel. The short tunnel ends at a spiral staircase which leads what appears to have been a bunker. You have to climb through a raise, narrow opening to reach the outside of the bunker and you then continue along a path which leads to yet another set of stairs which finally result being near the top of the mountain. There was a group of two couples at the peak when we got there (they actually passed us on the way) who took our picture. You can check facebook for the photo.

My waistline has shrunken. We did a good bit of sweating; all of the text on my Ravens t-shirt was soaked. Needless to say, by the time we reached the top we were both speaking affectionately of our friend, the nap. We decided that it would be best if we caught the bus back to the hostel. Our stomachs started grumbling so I mentioned that we could get food near Ala Moana. After getting changed we headed out.

On the bus we discussed iPod libraries and our choices of music, even to the point of swapping iPods to check things out. She has a decent library so I’m going to need to scope it out again before I head out tomorrow.

When we arrived at Ala Moana we hunted around for food. Originally Samantha had a craving for pasta; I can always manage pasta provided that it fits my diet… it didn’t. We went in our own directions then met at a Japanese place that sold Teriyaki and Garlic/Ginger rice and noodle dishes. I ordered Veggies with Garlic/Ginger and Sam ordered Beef Teriyaki. <the food was smashed> I then took her to Shirokiya because they had stuff that I thought she’d be into based on our discussions. Unfortunately the store closed 6 minutes after we arrived. I bought a L’Arc-en-Ciel CD based on her recommendation (also good price) from BOOKOFF.

We then walked to Don Quijote because she mentioned that she wanted some Furikake (振り掛 / け/ふりか). We bought shaved ice before going into the market. It was her first time having anything like it.  I bought some stuff to do my maintenance since my hair has me looking like a caveman.

We had to fight ourselves to stay awake on the bus on the way to the hostel. When we got back we hopped online to handle updates; I fell asleep while at the table. Sam woke me up and sent me to bed. <I felt like a kid>

May 27th, 2009 | Tags: Ala Moana, Diamond Head, dissertations, Hawaii, hiking, music, research, The Bus, Traveling, Trips, tunes, Vacation, wiki | Category: Hawaii | Comments (3)

Date: 2009 May 26

Primary location: 

Activities: Zoo, ICS advisor

Food:

• PB&J
• Ocean salad
• Garden burger from Coconut Cafe

Traveler blues: More potheads

0927 HST:
I woke up at 8:30 today, the latest I’ve awaken since coming here. I am going downstairs to get the standard issue (PB&J) then head to campus. That campus is light years beyond mine. Actually, I need to see if there is a Starbucks in the campus’ area so I can start the wiki.

1003 HST:
Looks like I’m going to the zoo today. I have about an hour to get ready.

0153 HST:
I went with two of the ladies in my hostel; one Japanese the other Chinese by way of the Phillipines. Both are 映える (はえる) and more importantly they are decent — that’s sort of hard to find in Waikiki. The zoo is literally two blocks from where I’m staying. <try inserting a map> I enjoyed the trip to the zoo but… I forgot to take water with me so I had a dehydration moment. Also, the battery in my camera ran out of juice;  I guess that I have been taking a lot of pictures. I dumped about 470 pics on the way to the zoo to make room and thought that my battery was sufficiently charged. I did manage to take a few pics before it kicked out on me. 

One of the ladies lost her flip flop and had to sneak down below the bridge to get it. Photos are on the way.

I guess I’ll have to charge nightly. I’m also going to need to find some way to regulate publishing my shots. I haven’t been doing any modifications (tuning)  but, I need to be more selective of which I send to the server to save space and time.

I am going to head back to UH now. I wanted to update my Symantec first since it hasn’t updated since April 4th. It seems that I don’t use this machine online very often. Laters!

1730 HST:
I’m just getting back from meeting with the ICS advisor and poking around campus to get other information; I think that he is a really cool person. He discussed the program with me and gave me some pointers for this step of my life. I still need to update the wiki. That would have potential made the discussion more beneficial.

I plan to attend a discussion tonight  on campus at 7:30pm that is open to the public. The title is “What’s New On the Moon” and it is given by Dr. Paul Lucey. See http://www.higp.hawaii.edu/prpdc/ for details.

I’m off to see my wiki. The wonderful wiki of mine. Good evening.

1806 HST:
I finally caught a few mosquito bites. That’s somewhat impressive that it took nearly a week before the first occurance. This is actually the first through fourth occurances, all at the same time.

RETROSPECTIVE (2009 May 27 1224 HST):
I didn’t make it to the talk. I started nodding off after getting a bite to eat. I’m heading over to campus tomorrow to hear a M.S. dissertation defense.

May 26th, 2009 | Tags: Hawaii, mingling, Traveling, Trips, Vacation, zoo | Category: Hawaii | Comments (6)