Wow, Another Overdue Update
Hello Everyone!
It's been a while (yet again) since I've written an update.
I put a Cold Air Intake on Kat about a week ago, it's been a blast. It's made the exhaust tone deeper and I've noticed the throttle is more responsive.
I took some pictures while i was installing it, I'll get them up after I finish one detail. There is connection for the Mass Air Flow meter that goes through a coupler. I was in a hurry, I had a little over an hour and a half between school and work. In my rush I didn't realize how easily I could have removed the cable from the coupler. So it's sitting next to my intake at the moment.
Some other interesting things, my gas mileage seems to have gotten a bit worse, which doesn't make much sense. More than likely it's because I've been getting on the loud pedal more. It's the price I pay I guess 
The one complaint I have about it is that now I want to make Kat faster. I've already priced out a Flowmaster Cat-Back, it's going to be about $500 plus the cost of having it installed (yeah I'm going to be lazy/I want to make sure it gets installed right). So that'll uncork it at both ends. I don't know how much power it will add all together. But from what I remember watching HorsepowerTV on Spike, it seems like that'll give an increase of probably 10 horsepower. Not to mention it should make the power curve a smoother.
As well, when I stay off of the pedal it'll actually increase the gas mileage.
After that I'm thinking a new throttle body and a coil pack upgrade.
That's probably thinking too far ahead, but I think it'll be fun. I just have to keep some goals in mind for Kat. I'm not drag racing every weekend after all, as much fun as that would be 
Lets see, been working on mom's site. Tutufun.net is pretty much completely up and going. Just waiting on my sister to take some pictures of my nieces in the outfits.
On a side note, I setup PayPal Instant Payment Notification. It was really easy. I have to wonder yet again: HOW THE HELL DO PEOPLE SCREW THIS UP? In the case of Zen Cart there's a spiffy little guide that's been linked to by PayPal. All you have to do is follow the instructions.
Yeah, I went to work and I was in a bad mood. I'm tired of dealing with lazy clients and yes they are simply lazy. Anyone who doesn't know what Google is and how to do a simple search needs to pull themselves out from under the rock they've been hiding under the last ten years. Of course these people are also the ones that haven't upgraded from Internet Explorer 6 and then wonder why Comodo SSL certificates don't show up as valid.
There have been so many instances I would love clients exactly how stupid and lazy they are. Particularly Resellers that don't know anything about how simple things like file permissions and DNS zone files/caching work.
The really sad part is that they're the ones who are generally the most pompous about problems. People that expect us to develop their site for them and fix every little problem they create for themselves. Then when we tell them it's out of the scope of technical support they get bent out of shape. I guess they don't realize that most web designers get paid $40+ an hour. Hmm 6$ a month vs. $40 and hour.
Just a thought if anyone ever needs Tech Support.
Oh lets see what else? As a leadership team we've started a 12 week challenge. It should be fun. A we complete daily goals we get so many points. At the end of the 12 weeks, we're going to use the points to build banana splits.
OH YEAH!
I also got a new desk and a new chair! It's been nice having a comfortable chair that I can lean back in. My new desk also sets the monitor at a better height. So it sits right below my line of sight where it's supposed to. It's making computer work a lot nicer to do
Looking at the the kittens, they're getting huge! I found some pictures from about three months ago when we got them. They're a little over five months old now. Cobra's coat is nice and shiny, Glacious is looking as well fed as ever. They're both hyper at night, I heard them running all over the apartment last night while I was trying to get some sleep.
Alright well, I guess I should go get some sleep so I can get up and do laundry in the morning.
Everyone have a good one!
The Secret of Tech Support
Technical Support seems to be regarded as somewhat of a black art, we're revered as all knowing wizards. If we know something it's treated as if it's something magical. If we don't know something we're treated like morons.
I found this handy dandy chart that explains Tech Support logic and how we find our answers to problems. Please see below and use the information wisely.
The Value of Expert Knowledge
My mom is starting a business and wants an e-commerce site put up. Simple enough I ordered a business package then waited for the order to be approved. Once it was I got into the account and assigned a dedicated IP address and changed the name servers on her domain to point to the new name servers. Then I downloaded Zen Cart and installed it, while doing that I also configured Spam Assassin, a couple of advanced rules for SA, an SPF record for the domain, and setup an e-mail account for her. I did it all on my lunch break.
I was realizing after I finished, that had if it been someone else it would have probably taken them a full day worth of waiting around with replies back and forth about what they wanted. I did all of it in about an hour.
Kind of crazy to think about. Then again I've been doing hosting support for a year now.
So here's to expert knowledge on a subject!
Now I get to learn how to skin Zen Cart. It really looks like you can make a killing if you know what you're doing (which really doesn't take much to get to that point).
A New Year, a New Setup
I've been looking at running multiple blogs through one WordPress install. I'm not sure if this will do the trick or not, but here goes nothing
I'll have to setup the plugins I had installed before.
Wish me luck and everyone have a happy new year!
2010 a Year of Rediscovery
So far 2010 is shaping up to be an interesting year.
As I've mentioned before I've had somewhat of a fog that's been in my way. I've lacked direction and I've been dealing with a bit of pain and suffering because of it lately.
There was a bit of wisdom I found about suffering and how it means that a part of you is being purified. I have also been developing a better awareness of both the separation and the connection between mind body and spirit. Something that I am unable to put into words. But it is bringing a feeling of peace and understanding to what I've been experiencing.
Earlier this evening I was studying for a Computerized Placement Test that I'm planning on taking this coming week before school starts. It was while I was studying that I realized if I was really motivated to move forward with my Math education I'd already have done the review and not be cramming for the test right before it.
I've mentioned it before, I'm not sure about going for a degree in Computer Science.
I had the thought of not worrying about the CPT and continuing to work through my algebra books and then taking it during the summer. If I decide that Computer Science is something I do in fact want to pursue then I can take more math classes over the summer. For the upcoming semester I think I'm going to take an art class and a writing class.
It hit me earlier while I was thinking about Math that I don't really spend any time programming. When i do program, it seems more of a chore than anything. I do however write on a regular basis and spend time thinking about how I can write better. Not to mention I do enjoy it.
Why should I be afraid to take a chance?
A couple of days ago I read a story about an inspired idea and what following those ideas lead to. I realized this in fact is an inspired idea, what really tipped it off was the clarity, peace, and I also felt exhilarated by it. So I'm going to follow it and see what happens. Really the worst that could happen is that I'll figure out that I really want to program and I'll have been set back by a semester.
Just relax and let success flow my way.
Today, my girlfriend asked me what kind of lifestyle I want to live. It got me thinking, I want to have the freedom to take days off when I want them, I want a comfortable home with some creativity thrown into the design, I want a family, and I want a wife that I can't imagine living without.
Everyone make it a great one!
A Clean Sweep
As mentioned a few times prior, I've been having a rough go of things as of late.
After another night of pretty restful sleep I woke up feeling pretty good, I took a shower and shaved. Then grabbed my laundry hamper and headed for the laundry mat.
I really like going there to do laundry. It's actually very convenient. I just show up with my laundry and soap, I'll usually grab a Subway sandwich after I pull some cash out of my bank account for quarters. Then I head in and get to work.
The thing I really enjoy about doing laundry at the mat is that I'm not limited to one washer and dryer. I've gone in before with all my bedding, towels, clothes, and Karate Uniforms (at this point I have 6). I've ended up using eight washers at a time, one of which was a double load. Then once everything is washed, I just throw it in a bunch of dryers. When it's all said and I done I can have all my laundry done in about an hour and a half.
When I got home after my adventure at The Mat, I hung up my clothes and put them away (something I don't do a lot of times.) I looked around my room and realized how nice it was to things in better order than they were. (Last night I cleaned up the various stacks of books I'd been reading through lately, and been thinking about how to better utilize the space in my closets. Yes, I have a lot of crap.)
I've started thinking about what other things I've cleaned out over the past week, my roommate and I finally finished unpacking crap that's been sitting in our kitchen for about two and a half months now. As well I finished a half-dozen things on my car that were half done for a while.
While I've been reflecting over this a thought came to mind. "Every mess in your life is an obstacle to success." That was a quote in a newsletter I receive during the week called: Insight of the day.
As I've been cleaning things in my life up, I've felt more energy being freed up to give me a much needed boost. As well I realized that I can still be creative and come up with things while I'm cleaning. The inspiration for this post came while I was putting my previously mentioned laundry away.
An interesting side effect is that I can feel some uneasiness internally dissipating. As a result I've felt less energy being wasted, as such I'm feeling better than I was yesterday.
So with that in mind, what messes in you life can you take some time to clean up and make yourself feel better overall?
Hitting Bottom
I've always heard the term "hitting bottom." In the ways I've heard it used, it's always when someone has had something something happen that has made them re-think they way they are living.
I'm not sure if I've hit bottom yet, maybe that means I haven't. All I can say is I have zero energy to waste on frivolous things right now. I have felt so completely drained physically, mentally and emotionally. It's amazing I have never been out of energy like this before. I have always wondered how hard I can push myself, and I think I have found it. Although my spirit still seems to be intact, so maybe not. I can feel it moving and writhing, wanting to get out to do something about my present circumstance. But I'm so drained I don't know where to focus the vapors that are left in my reserves.
But writing this feels good.
As much as I don't want to focus on how I feel right now, I feel like I need to express it. Hopefully that will help me let it go. As I'm writing this a thought keeps coming to mind: "Only a drowning man can see Jesus." These words were spoken by Geoff Thompson in one of his podcasts. At the time I didn't fully understand what he meant.
Although now I have a much better perspective. I can see light at the end of this dark and tiring tunnel. I know I can make it there, simply because life will go on. If I collapse, the worst that will happen is that I wake up a couple of days later (I think. I haven't gotten that far yet.) I hope it doesn't get that far, but I slept for nine hours last night, when I woke up this morning my eyes were still bloodshot and I still haven't had much energy, then I came home and was pulled to my bed my some invisible force and fell asleep for another 45 minutes.
So really, when I believe so much in: "The power of positive thinking." Why am I feeling this way? Well I'm learning to accept that not everyday will feel wonderful, but I can still make the best of it. As I've been going through this ordeal, I've been thinking about how my previous decisions have gotten me into this situation. The biggest mistake I've made is to overestimate my abilities at getting things done. As well I've also been learning to overcome my perfectionist habits and just be happy with what I can do/have done, instead of focusing on what I didn't do."
I've been learning to give into to life and take a break. (Thanks for covering for me tonight Stacey!)
I've also been learning the value of having a clear idea of where you're going. I've been running at 100 MPH, but I don't think there's been much of a direction to it. So that's changing as well. I'm going to try some other science classes next semester, specifically a psychology class. I've been thinking it might be a good field for me and I guess I won't know until I try. I'm still not sure what to do about my work situation, I'm grateful that I have a job. But when I ask for what I need to do my job better and I don't get it, it's kind of hard to stay motivated to do a good job. There are lots of jobs on the Utah job board, but nothing that I qualify for or can work into my schedule.
I need another way.
Money comes easily and frequently!
Okay Muse, I know you're out there. I'm doing my part, so a little help would be most appreciated!
Food, Friends, and Random Anime
Just a quick post tonight (I really should be sleeping right now, hell I should be doing math, but oh well.)
I woke up this morning with a serious case of the Mondays, even though it was Tuesday (now technically Wednesday). Monday night I was tired of my car acting like a beast so I opted to do some maintenance on it. Just swap the spark plugs out with some fresh ones. Well that ended up turning into having to warranty out my spark plug wires and while I was there I picked up some replacement heater host for a six inch section that Mazda in all of their infinite wisdom decided to bridge to pieces of metal pipe with. (why they chose this route I'll never know. Of course there have been a lot of those moments with this car over the past year.) So a quick run to AutoZone and I had my new parts.
I replaced the spark plug wires easily enough, the heater hose on the other hand was a different story. I ended up giving up that night, although it was while I was laying in bed thinking about the problem that I remembered the water outlet housing which this thing connected to. So I figured it would probably be easier to disconnect the half-dozen sensors and pull the air box and upper radiator hose to get to the housing and take it off then to keep trying what I was. But it would have to wait until morning.
I woke up and dragged myself out of bed and then took a shower which felt nice, then had some breakfast and read my newspaper that finally started arriving. (it took two phone calls and coming into the office at the paper for them to figure out that they had put my address in with a 4 instead of a 9!) After eating, I decided that I still didn't have the energy/ambition to fix that thing and I was already going to miss my math class so I just crawled back into bed for an hour and a half.
I finally got going on everything about Noon, it only ended up taking about and hour and a half to take everything apart and put it back together. (Yes I've done this all before, a few times at this point.) Well I did about half a dozen things I'd been meaning to do while I was under there. But of course something had to impede my progress. I was tightening the negative battery terminal back on and the bolt snapped out of terminal. I mean of all things, literally the last thing I had to do and it broke!
Oh well another quick run to the Zone, no big deal. On the way there I was thinking about my friend's birthday party which is on Halloween. Literally while I'm thinking about him I look up and he's walking toward me. He showed me his new apartment, which is about a block away from mine. So that's a win right there Chilled with him for about an hour and a half, then went to the Zone and back to my place. Put the new battery terminal on and fired up the Mazda. Worked like champ, at least for the first few start ups. Now it's going back to the same old routine, I really wish I could figure out why it runs so rich. Well really I shouldn't complain it's running a lot better than it has been. There's another win.
From there I grabbed my Karate gear and headed over to teach. It was a pretty fun night. I let Karl warm all the classes he was involved with up, so I could take breaks One thing I am noticing lately, I've been learning to correct my balance a lot better, and thus I can relax more. I really need to be careful, I think when I demonstrate things from time to time, I may be getting close to hurting my students. I don't mean to, I'm not putting much effort into the strikes, just good body mechanics. As well I did discover the importance of backup mass with a kick today. More specifically a front kick, just relaxed my leg and didn't extend my hip. The kick is fast and seems to have some good penetration, something I need to keep playing with. So there's yet another win for the day.
When that was all said and done, I ended up going up to the university to chill with all the Japan nerds. (Yes, that includes me) We ended up watching a bunch of random anime, Code Geas is an awesome show, going to have to find the whole series. There was also a bunch of straight up comedies and one the bordered on softcore porn. But whatever it was good to get out of the house and see some friends that are not involved in Martial Arts. And yet another win for the day.
Now I'm finishing my blog post for the day. Nice and authentic, personal, and I hope a little entertaining. It was at least for me So this and a good night's sleep will be my last wins for the day.
Later!