Hello again, and happy holidays.
After a time of inactivity, I decided that it was best to regroup, plow through the projects I had at work and at home, and come back to this blog fresh. None of the old content is here – it’s still archived away, but not imported across. I also was tired of the old layout, that was a little too busy for my taste. So, welcome to the new coffee corner – a new layout and now powered by WordPress. (Mad props to Matt for taking half an idea in my head and making it into an XHTML-compliant template.) This is still an evolving design, so comments or suggestions are always welcome. The link list, as well, is far from complete – let me know if I’ve missed anybody, as I’ll be revamping the list.
So, just what has been going on? I’ve been busy with a few projects at work, including some R&D prototyping work that’s kept me busy but lower stress. Thanksgiving was a blast – Mom and Dad came to visit, and we had a big dinner with Christine, Jason, her parents, and my parents. Everybody met everybody and all had a good time. December has been such a blur of trying to keep up with work, setting up and refining my PVR (personal video recorder) setup at home, odds and ends of half-finished projects, and getting ready for the holidays. I’m not going home for the first time – I decided that I’d traveled enough during the year, saw Mom and Dad at Thanksgiving, and have earned a rest at home.
With the holidays upon us, I’m also beginning to think about goals for next year. I’ve not yet had real targets set for a year before now, but they’re beginning to take shape for me. For example, I’d like to be in a house by the end of the year. My apartment was once a great location – nice layout and five minutes from work. Now, it’s forty-five minutes from work, forty minutes from Christine’s, and the net result is that I’m rarely there and don’t keep up with it as much. I may as well be putting money towards equity as well. All this means I need to put together a plan and go through with it. I’d also like to spend more time working on my cooking this year, and focusing on ways to really improve on it. I love to spend time in the kitchen, don’t make enough time for it, and when you get right down to it, there are plenty of ways to learn more. I’ve taken to reading cookbooks cover to cover in the past (Nigel Slater’s Appetite is an awesome example), and can continue to do so – I just need to practice what I learn. (Put the two of those together, and you could have some really great dinner parties at the new house. See how it all fits together?)
With a week and change left to go, I’d have to say that 2003 was … interesting. Just like that, pause and all. It wasn’t a bad year, but it wasn’t a great one either. I’m hoping for an upswing in 2004, and I have a sense that I can make that happen.
What are your goals for 2004?
16 Comments
Welcome back! I now have a chance in the blog deadpool!
Beautiful! (Of course I’m biased.) I have some more ideas for stuff and if we meet up tomorrow (KK at 10?) we can chat about them. If I ever get to sleep, that is.
So glad to see you back! How the hell are ya? Now don’t go being a stranger y’hear!
Really? Just … ok? I’m not sure if I should be offended or not.
And just my two cents – don’t wait a year to get in to a house. The interest rate isn’t going to stay low that long. Plus you will end up looking at WAY too many houses and analyze to death which one you should get – and by then it will be gone!
I can’t believe you decided to finally post and didn’t mention it. Just when I thought all hope was lost…
Huzzah!
And on the house thing…. Make the move ASAP. Remember you can make something that’s almost perfect into something perfect on your own, so don’t lolligag waiting for the perfect thing to come along.
if you buy a house, i’ll be so jealous! i spent most of a couple weekends ago looking at new houses in the Shadow Creek Ranch area in Pearland. if i had the money, i’d move now. the house i’m living in now is really showing its age. and yeah, don’t waste your money living in a apartment for the same amount you’d be spending on a house… besides – the house will be YOURS. you’ll just have to start mowing the lawn and doing the maintenance yourself.
Welcome back!!! It was great chatting with you at lunch.
I want a house too! I have the nightmare neighbors from hell! All my clothes smell like cigarettes and I don’t even smoke (unless there’s a beer in my hand and I’m at a bar). I dont’ get any sleep cuz they’re always slamming doors. Chris can’t drive his car sometimes cuz they are blocking the driveway and won’t answer the door. They are just plain rude. Anyways, GLAD TO SEE YOU BACK!
Welcome back. Nice place you got here. Very clean looking.
You still need to send me a coffee cup so I can make you a favicon.
So glad to see you back!
Oh, and of course to see you at lunch today.
Isn’t WP just the best?! I’m glad you finally came over to the simple side.
A house. I would love a house. I hope you get into one this year. I have to say I would be jealous as well.
My goals for 2004 involve moving out of the state I’m in, getting my kid into a better high school, meeting at least 5 new people and having a lot more fun.
Sooooo glad to have you back!
Welcome back … lookin’ great!
The house thing? We just did it. My advice: Start drinkin’ now … saves time later. *slightly manic grin*
Ill drink a cup of coffee to you.
Yay! My blog daddy is back! I had given up hope, and only checked today out of curiosity, expecting nothing.
Good luck with those goals this year. As someone who 18 months ago bought an apartment, and now hosts great dinner parties, I can’t tell you how much fun it is.
Oh, and I’m not in your links list.
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