Here’s some MMO love for you guys. I used to play Age of Conan. It’s a wonderfully beautiful game, and fun to boot. I stopped because, well, I’m kinda broke, and I could find nobody to play with. Well, my buddy code has been activated. The buddy code will give you a free trial of the software for 14 days, I think. Anyway, I don’t need it, obviously, but I would be more than happy to give it to someone. So, if you know someone, or you yourself want this code, just shoot me a message and I’ll send it out to ya.

Today was the first day of my C# class. C# is a .NET programming language, and something I’ve been concentrating on lately. As much as I tout the virtues of Open Source, the easy money is in .NET, and I see no reason to close those doors. Besides, I really like what I am finding in .NET (imagine that).

The class is going well. There are only four students! So, we get to really shape the class direction which is nice. I was worried this would be way above my head since it was an “Advanced C#” class, but so far it’s right on target. Not far above my head, and I’m not bored out of my mind either. I tell ya, one major perk for Corporate America is the training you often get to participate in.

In other news, my back feels like it’s broken! It’s probably because I’m an out of shape fat ass, but nonetheless the pain is wicking my sanity away at a nice steady pace. During a training week! YAY! So, we’ll see how it goes. So far, I’m still in good spirits. How did my back break, you ask? Well, it’s “about that time”. My back gets thrown out about once or five times a year. Usually right in sync with me being out of shape. So, time to get back in shape — not pear shape.

Lastly, I sold my iPod and just wiped that wicked iTunes off my computer. OMG that felt so good. iTunes was programmed by the devil! I swear, it’s like Apple purposely makes their software suck ass on Windows machines. I can hear you Apple fanboys, “so get a MAC!” Yeah, no thanks. I don’t want to pay twice the worthy rate for a computer. Windows suits me fine, thanks. Perhaps Apple should think about making iTunes not suck on Windows since most of the iPod owners are Windows users!!! Yeah, stick that in your pipe, and smoke it, you Apple Hippy Freaks. :D hahahah Kidding of course, you know I love you all!!

I was never privy to the old Adam West Batman stuff. A bit before my time. I had no idea it was so entertaining! thanks to my son for insisting we get it from the library, I’ve now discovered the craziness that is Batman. If you had no idea how silly Batman is check this clip out:

Ok, Brenda! I’m downloading it now! :) I speak of course about the Sauerbraten Game Engine. Brenda has recommended this twice, and the first time I just let it slip into the comment void. I’m downloading it now. What did it for me this time was the map in the picture. That’s FACES!!! You old school Unrealers out there know what I’m talking about. HOURS of fun on that map. So, I will have to check it out. If you miss old school Quake, Unreal, or have a machine that can’t run Crysis (I so have to get that game), then give this one a shot. Or give it a shot even if you don’t meet those criteria. It’s free for shit sake!

Last weekend Heidi, Rhys and I went to the 17th Street Market here in town. I can’t believe I have lived in this stupid town for so damn many years and have never patronized this place. It is PERFECT. It has all the Asian food that I desire (I bought my self a new wok pan while I was there — but that is another story), fresh produce (yes, I eat plants), and fresh meat (GOD, I love fresh meat)!

On top of those things, it has a nice gift selection. You know the kind of touristy bullshit that us Americans fall for all the time. I almost bought myself yet another set of chopsticks. As much as I make fun of it, there were some very nice things there. Did I mention I bought a new wok pan? :-D

Lastly, it has a music shop too… You know, you can buy CD’s, musical insturments, and even see performances. All of this wonderful crap in the industrial district of our little shit hole of a town.

So, while we were there, we saw The Can Crushers. Rhys absolutely loved them! At first I thought it was your typical hippie street performance art, but soon found myself getting into it (damn my drumming roots). We didn’t purchase a CD, but we will be, and in the meantime I thought I’d give the guys a free plug on the ol’ website here. Pretty cool stuff, guys!

Well, gang I did it! One hundred days with not even ONE cigarette! I think I’ve done it this time. The cravings are far and few between and when I smell a cigarette it makes my stomach turn. That’s not to say I don’t get cravings anymore at all. They come, and sometimes the are strong. Especially when I am around my smoking friends. I can only take about 2 or 3 hours before the cravings start really getting to me. So, for any of my friends who might think me a bit anti-social lately, do you smoke? I miss you guys, but it’s necessary for my success at this. My friends rock, and I’m sure some of them understand completely, some of them understand but want to punch me in the throat, and some of them are probably reading this right now thinking, ‘!!! That’s who’s been missing the last 100 days!” LOL

So, what’s next? Well, the next piece of getting into shape would be diet. So, while maintaining success with the non-smoking thing, I will be trying to garner success in the diet arena. This means smaller portions (especially when eating out), better quality food, and smarter ingredients. I mean, smarter like better choices — not smarter like dogs versus cows…

Here’s to another 100 days of no smoking. I’d like to do the cliche bullshit where I tell you guys how stupid it is, and how you should quit, and how you life would be so much better, blah blah blah. But, I know better. I’ve been on both sides of the fence, and while I feel 150% convinced that it’s better on this side of the fence, I know how nice it is to walk on the other side as well. :) Smoke one for me, and if you decide to join us on this side of the fence, I’ll welcome you just the same. :)