tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-230601592012-02-13T00:28:12.296-06:00It's kinda fitting I'm walking away with my wife in this photo, since I've walked away from this blog. After almost 20 years, The Journal of Onestar is no more. I'll leave these posts here for awhile. Oh, and to my stalkers, thanks for visiting. See you around sometime...Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.comBlogger3621100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-31275168282701231532011-04-16T12:30:00.022-05:002011-04-16T12:30:00.465-05:00

This will be, most likely, the final entry in The Journal of Onestar. When these words appear, gentle reader, Julie and I will be taking our vows to become Husband and Wife. Three years and three days after we met online, we're getting married. And yes, I'm typing this in advance. I may be good, but there's no way I can blog and say "I Do" at the same time, and even if I could, I doubt it'd

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-51775938132604867882011-03-28T18:42:00.001-05:002011-03-28T18:44:30.969-05:00

Here's the question of the day, and if you see this, please comment. Why did you visit this page? I had someone in Lafayette, Colorado Google "Journal of Onestar", and it led them here. So I'm wondering...why did you visit here? What are you looking for? Did you come across this randomly? Were you looking for someone you once knew? Oh, I have a pretty good idea who that was in

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-21601519105883552512011-02-20T16:55:00.000-06:002011-02-20T16:55:11.870-06:00

It's 55 days to go. Let's see... Invitations have all been mailed. If you're a stalker and haven't received one, I'm sorry. I've gotta do a pre-filing form for my bankruptcy. Looked at a few placed online, and requested information for one, but they never responded. Back to the list. It's a very daunting task, having to file for bankruptcy. Never wanted to do it, but I sorta have no

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-47830704676194094682011-01-16T00:00:00.002-06:002011-01-16T00:00:06.168-06:00

It's now three months until the wedding. I realize it's been awhile, so to go along with yet another new header, I figure I'd offer an update. Plans are in place 100%. Invitations are printed and should start going out shortly. I've been fitted for my tux and Julie's been over to be measured for her dress, which she's making probably as I type this. All that remains are the small details (

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-10520200367096355392011-01-01T11:59:00.002-06:002011-01-01T11:59:40.049-06:00

Yes, I'm experimenting with new headers. Right now, I'm using this: This might stay or it might go. I dunno right now...

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-69860565152857957312010-12-31T05:19:00.001-06:002010-12-31T05:19:42.398-06:00

Reprinted (mostly) from my Storm Artists page. I have a plan It's taken longer than I expected, but my plan has been fulfilled. The first two examples of it have been uploaded (smaller versions will appear here). About a month or so ago, I got my hands on a 35mm film camera.  Now, my friends tell me I'm a photographer, although I've always been more comfortable with the term picture-taker.  I

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-62093743009042332072010-12-25T00:48:00.000-06:002010-12-25T00:48:21.269-06:00

From the middle of Illinois, looking out my window at the snow covered ground, here's wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas. Peace on Earth.  Good will to all. Here's to a wonderful 2011.

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-663706824656616602010-12-12T19:48:00.002-06:002010-12-12T19:48:51.942-06:00

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-48162330214169571042010-12-06T20:09:00.000-06:002010-12-06T20:09:55.625-06:00

Julie has chided me for not posting anything. Really, I've had nothing to say as of late. Not that anyone other than my love visits this site. Some old friends pop by on (rare) occasions to see if I've posted anything new. Hell, even my stalkers don't come around anymore! I could tell you how my job's going. It's good. I get to geek, which I always love to do. The college's upgrading to

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-79873252138398418162010-11-08T12:42:00.000-06:002010-11-08T12:42:07.645-06:00

No, I'm not on the road. 205 is my office number here at NIU. I'm not saying which building I'm in, simply because I don't want the hoard of groupies storming down my door while I'm trying to work. Okay, here's a concept that boggles my mind: I can go home for lunch. In my 23+ years of working, I have never been close enough to my home to do that. Yet, here, I'm barely a five minute drive

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-58594391623943983762010-10-28T20:41:00.000-05:002010-10-28T20:41:08.594-05:00

I find it funny that, at roughly 8:30 at night on a Thursday, everyone else in the house is asleep but me. Mind you, shortly after I finish this, I'll be going to bed as well. I'll be getting up early tomorrow morning...really early. So I'm back to working full time. After two and a half years, it's strange and comforting at the same time. Knowing I have a job and a place I have to go to

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-8928043128939089472010-10-13T12:23:00.001-05:002010-10-13T14:25:12.452-05:00

I'm sitting in a Caribou Coffee in DeKalb, Illinois. No exotic locale, no far-away place, just a few miles from home. I've been back home for a few weeks now.  It's been wonderful, waking up every morning next to Julie, in the same bed, not having to make travel plans or hear about things that happen over the phone.  I'm there in the morning when Hailey heads to school and Travis goes to work.

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-31815008729763131102010-10-07T05:03:00.000-05:002010-10-07T05:03:24.209-05:00

Take a look at this picture. What do you see? That's the view from behind.  If you go around to the front... ...you see he's wrestling a lion.  Not what you thought, is it? Pervert.  ;) Took those pics at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-30351181170932258782010-09-29T12:00:00.000-05:002010-09-29T12:00:03.265-05:00

And so my Phoenix excursion comes to a close. This past week was all right. Thursday and Friday were work days. After work, I went out to have dinner and do a little shopping, but nothing worth blogging. I will say this much, however: It looks to me that there are more Jack-in-the-Box restaurants here than McDonalds. This is not necessarily a bad thing, since their menu is more diversified

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-12386829261321648602010-09-26T14:46:00.000-05:002010-09-26T14:46:11.376-05:00

I love the meme. It's fun, simple and somewhat addictive. Downside is that most of them are designed for teenagers/college students/etc. It's been a long time (25 years) since I graduated high school, so a lot of those questions just don't apply. A quick Google search later... 50 questions for the people who are a little older... 1. What bill do you hate paying the most? Well, the credit

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-61681584900703315532010-09-22T22:31:00.001-05:002010-09-22T22:32:50.798-05:00

I've been in Phoenix for a week as of tonight. What do I have to show for it? Well... Friday after work was finished for the day, before headed over to the hotel work put me up in for the weekend, I walked about two blocks back to the Arizona Science Museum. One thing I noted was that I didn't see too many people walking downtown. This is quite a different experience for me. Despite my...

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-66744015680400806292010-09-19T10:18:00.002-05:002010-09-19T10:18:38.402-05:00

Please excuse me while I pull out the small soapbox. I'll try to be brief. Those of you who know me, know I don't drink alcohol. When I turn 43 in all of about 10 days, I can honestly say I have never had a beer, and I can count on one hand the number of times I've had wine, and still have a couple fingers left over It's a lifestyle choice I made years ago. I saw the destructive results of

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-80648345575363464352010-09-16T21:23:00.000-05:002010-09-16T21:23:11.777-05:00

For those curious, the title of this series is taken from one of my favourite Willie Nelson songs. Now then... First, if you weren't aware, Phoenix, Arizona is in the middle of the desert. This means that it is hot. Wait. That deserves emphasis. It is HOT! I cannot emphasize this point enough. Today, the high temperature reached 106. It's not supposed to dip below triple digits until

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-371021890829330982010-09-15T10:02:00.002-05:002010-09-15T22:07:07.709-05:00

I'm in the last two weeks of my 42nd year on this planet. Once again, sitting in an airport, I'm waiting to fly to Phoenix. For the next two weeks, I'll be there, working, living, and adventuring. I'll be away from Julie, but the hope is that my time will go quickly. Her sister lives out there. An old friend from my DeviantArt days lives out there. My cousin is a five hour drive away.

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-67137886165942434502010-09-04T19:29:00.000-05:002010-09-04T19:29:24.711-05:00

If you don't know what TW3 means, see the end of this post. I'm sitting in the Reno/Tahoe airport, waiting for the first leg of my trip back home. I'm headed to Denver, where I get a two-hour layover before headed back to O'Hare. Thankfully, I'll be behind security, so anyone whom I might've pissed off in the Denver area over the years will be unable to reach me. It's been an interesting week

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-51041947402749473252010-08-30T21:36:00.000-05:002010-08-30T21:36:22.838-05:00

It's Monday night, August 30. 7:15PM, Pacific Daylight Time. Yeah, I wrote Pacific time. It's because I'm out West in Las Vegas. Save the "oohs" and "ahhs". All things being equal, I'd rather be back in DeKalb. Now before you go and call whatever psychological counselor you believe I may need, hear me out. I think I may have a problem. I think I have a gambling addiction. I spent $50 in

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-3002825099275077682010-08-06T07:06:00.001-05:002010-08-06T07:07:27.301-05:00

You've probably heard of the comic book character Spider-Man. One of his super-powers is "Spider Sense", a precognitive sensation which warns him of impending danger. I doubt that real spiders have this ability. If they did, they wouldn't be squashed quite so easily. It's my firm belief that we all have some form of "spider sense", warning us when there's a problem, we're in danger, or we've

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-2451913927563891902010-08-04T09:40:00.001-05:002010-08-04T09:43:34.187-05:00

It's Wednesday morning, and I'm sitting in a Starbucks in Kokomo, Indiana. Been thinking a lot lately about this job, the one that takes me so far from home. When I was growing up, I always thought it would be cool to have a job where I'd be spending night after night in a hotel. Mind you, I thought it'd be working for some travel agency as a secret reviewer or some such, visiting hotels

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-28040186211289652812010-07-23T10:00:00.002-05:002010-07-23T10:14:01.523-05:00

They say a picture's worth a thousand words. We'll see how many I can get into this post.The above picture you see if Julie's Gallbladder...and the lone stone that was inside.The surgery went well. She was in the OR Monday for about a half hour, in recovery for another 45 minutes before she was wheeled back to the room where Jess, Curtis and I were waiting. Jess had to leave after a few

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-48175771783257153992010-07-22T22:18:00.001-05:002010-07-22T22:20:00.161-05:00

One thing I've wanted to do for some time is get a picture of lightning.Until now, it's been as elusive as...well...lightning itself.Tonight, there was a storm north of DeKalb. I thought I'd get the camera and tripod out and try (again).Most of the pictures were, eh. This one, however...this was the winner.It's a little bright (I was playing with the settings), but it came out, and that's all

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-31631894133989092372010-07-13T20:32:00.002-05:002010-07-13T20:47:00.305-05:00

This post does not contain any Neil Diamond lyrics.The extended weekend in Pittsburgh was great. We all had a good time (as evident by the video in my last post). We got back home late Sunday night, and it wasn't long before Julie and I went to bed.Sometime around 2 in the morning, I noticed Julie wasn't in bed. I saw a light upstairs, and figured she had trouble sleeping. I didn't want to

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-57484183244646536242010-07-11T09:23:00.002-05:002010-07-11T09:27:15.620-05:00

There's a story behind this little piece of insanity...While Julie, Hailey and I were in Pittsburgh, Jessica texted us that we had a game weekend...a scavenger hunt! We had to go around and find things (get a bottle of water from the river, a stranger's autograph, a photo with a stranger, etc.). One of the things was to order a pizza with a smiley face on it.Now, my buddy Tim makes the most

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-73237405821286332392010-07-09T18:10:00.001-05:002010-07-09T18:10:00.190-05:00

By the time you're reading this, Julie, Hailey and I will be in Pittsburgh.We were supposed to go to the race this year, but we couldn't afford the tickets. I realize it's gonna be a small consolation, but I surprised her Wednesday afternoon with packed bags (with Hailey's help) and a loaded car to make the eight-and-a-half hour drive.Also, I didn't tell my buddy Tim that we were coming either.

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-43730113825228034702010-07-01T22:38:00.002-05:002010-07-01T23:02:41.822-05:00

It's about 20 to 11 as I start to type this. I'm tired yet not ready to fall asleep tired yet, so I figured it's the perfect time to blog.Random thoughts from a non-linear mind.* The bridesmaid dresses are picked out. Julie and the girls went down this week and got 'em. They're Victorian Lilac in color, which will look lovely. This Monday, Jess, the boys and I are going to Men's Warehouse to

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-26774526395973354762010-06-24T20:44:00.000-05:002010-06-24T20:28:32.887-05:00

I feel bad.I'm in St. Louis. Have been all week. Of course, I'm here when it's hot and humid, but from what I'm hearing, that's a typical Summer here. Heat, I can deal with a little. Humidity, on the other hand, drains the very life from me.But I digress. The humidity's not why I feel bad.Y'see, for years, I was used to doing everything. If something had to be done, there was no one else

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-11890275178625616212010-06-24T07:47:00.000-05:002010-06-24T07:47:13.168-05:00

Something to post, since I've nothing to add at the moment.One of my favourite songs. Everything But the Girl's Missing. Enjoy.

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-18410802622696005892010-06-01T10:23:00.004-05:002010-06-01T22:33:44.611-05:00

It's the first day of June. I hope your Memorial Day went well. Because of the holiday, I've got the week off, and I figure now's a good a time as any to post a wedding update.Julie figures we're about 60% to 65% prepared for the wedding. The last time I posted an update, this is what we had accomplished:We've ordered our wedding rings. We've decided on what the invitations will look

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-12037670418240506362010-05-18T22:16:00.003-05:002010-05-18T22:28:16.563-05:00

It's about 10 at night. I'm sitting at a desk in my hotel room in Champaign, Illinois.No, Julie hasn't kicked me out.I haven't said this to too many people yet, but I got a job about a month ago. It's a short term contract gig, which is the reason for my silence. I dunno about you, but I've gotten tired of hearing me say "I'm working" or, "I'm out of work". I figure...it's only until August.

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-28501175269442476952010-04-26T21:47:00.002-05:002010-04-26T22:15:44.380-05:00

Here's a little fact that may surprise some of you: I love to walk.Now, I'm not a small guy. I admit, I'm carrying maybe one or two more pounds than I should, and while it's not something I do on a daily basis, I do love to walk.It's the simplest thing one can do, I believe. Just put one foot in front of the other and off you go.Back in Pittsburgh, I walked everywhere. Down at the other end of

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-55388137089169740952010-04-11T09:10:00.003-05:002010-04-11T11:37:23.133-05:00

Hm. Another month gone by and no posts from me. It's not like I haven't had things to write about, it's just that I haven't really had the time to sit down and put fingers to keyboard.Where to begin...Julie and I took a romantic weekend away last month to, of all places, Cincinnati. Believe it or not, you can use the words "Cincinnati" and "romantic" in the same sentence. She had a weekend off

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-77791067935330808512010-03-03T07:52:00.003-06:002010-03-03T08:18:16.915-06:00

There's a scene in the movie Gran Tourino (an excellent movie, one of Clint Eastwood's best) where the lead character goes into the barber shop to get an old fashioned shave.As I was standing in my bathroom this morning, shaving (as I have to do every other day, lest I not get kissed by my beautiful fiancée-type person) with the worn-out-and-in-desperate-need-of-replacing disposable, I was

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-28942749012986739282010-02-25T22:49:00.003-06:002010-03-03T08:21:28.249-06:00

Some long time readers may remember an entry I wrote about a year ago (hyperlinked for those of you with short attention spans) where I spoke of a list I have on a white board in my home.The list is simple with four things: 1. Sell the house 2. Get out of debt 3. Find a job 4. Marry JulieI was able to cross #3 off for a little while last year. I did have a job, but it ended back in

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-74604446886702468992010-02-06T06:21:00.003-06:002010-03-03T08:21:41.394-06:00

Today, I was supposed to be in Pittsburgh, to be there for my best friend and stand by his side when he gets married.Mother Nature, however, decided it was not meant to be. Let me back it up a bit.It was shortly after I met Julie that I showed Tim the Social Me app on Facebook. Tim has two kids and was looking for "adult conversation"...get yer minds out of the gutter, ya pervs, I mean something

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-42509637473816328762010-01-18T23:12:00.002-06:002010-01-18T23:27:09.468-06:00

So Julie and the girls went dress shopping today.They started the day by going to a local "formal wear" shop that had some dresses, but from what I understand, the selection was, shall we say, limited. Most of the gowns were "as-is", with only a handful of custom order gowns available.Unsatisfied, they decided to go to David's Bridal to see what they can see. Mind you, I didn't tag along. I

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-82400475824526808022010-01-16T14:04:00.004-06:002010-01-16T19:40:42.307-06:00

So it's 2010. If I haven't wished you a Happy New Year yet, well, I'm only about 16 days late at this point. Given my track record with procrastination, I figure I'm in good shape.I'd noted in my last blog post that my production here has really dropped off as of late, for various reasons. I haven't felt like bitching about the inability to sell an old house, the fact that my job is going to

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-39254618242624305252009-12-24T18:58:00.002-06:002009-12-24T19:00:20.947-06:00

Wow.My blog production is really down. I've only written about half of what I did last year.I could sit here and wonder why...or I could just sit and look into the eyes of the woman I love, the one who has changed my life.It's Christmas. Just thought I'd pop in and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.Go enjoy your life. I am.

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-18787156469939700412009-11-29T06:45:00.001-06:002009-11-29T06:45:00.292-06:00

I moved to DeKalb.Tim and I had spent the day before packing the truck, my brothers nowhere to be found. We'd had dinner at Vincent's Pizza Park, then back to his place for a few hours sleep before driving overnight to my new home.It'd been a month since I'd seen Julie, and I missed her so much. When we got off 88, we stopped at the store where she worked and she was so happy to see me. We got

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-34079026534506320702009-11-01T20:35:00.002-06:002009-11-01T20:55:53.509-06:00

...I'm sitting in Julie's living room, writing a blog entry.Hailey's upstairs, gone to bed early. She's got to get up early tomorrow to get ready for school (it takes her longer nowadays, since she's gotta look good for her new boyfriend).Julie's downstairs, also in bed, more than likely asleep (unless the phone rings again). She's got to get up early to go to work at 8 tomorrow morning.No one

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-89029315131950044392009-10-24T15:58:00.003-05:002009-10-24T16:16:54.276-05:00

Wow.It's been a long time since I've posted something, it seems. It's amazing what life and love can do to a bitter, somewhat-older man.Case in point: I had my 42nd birthday a few weeks back. Years past, I'd blog that I was dreading my birthday, or that I didn't want any fuss made over it, just acknowledge it and move on.This year, no rants or raves. In fact, it was the best birthday I've had

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-78943608672469983512009-09-25T05:49:00.004-05:002009-09-25T06:05:43.483-05:00

There is something magical about night driving, especially in the hours before dawn.The world isn't awake, and for the most part, not ready to awaken. Everyone is still wrapped in the safe slumber of Morpheus' arms. Few brave souls are out, either their day just starting or finally ending.You can look around a little when you drive at night. Fewer cars on the street means you can get a quick

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-32277332674778594602009-09-16T13:50:00.005-05:002009-09-16T16:06:08.080-05:00

Wednesday afternoon, September 16th.I've got a day off, and a desire to blog.There's been a couple...funny...events to happen the last few days that, while (at least one is) embarrassing, they do deserve being posted to preserve for posterity...if you'll pardon the alliteration.To wit:Sunday afternoon, Julie, Cory, Jackie (Cory's girlfriend) and I were out for a late Summer's drive. We were

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-80566226686226223722009-09-06T22:23:00.002-05:002009-09-06T22:41:37.563-05:00

Sunday night, September 6th. 10:23 PM.It's been awhile since I've blogged, hasn't it? I'm surprised anyone actually visits this page anymore (aside from the usual crew of stalkers, and you know who you are).I guess I should play "catch-up", shouldn't I? Let you know how things are going, what's going on, things like that. Where to begin...I'm working now. Yeah, after being unemployed, it

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-43216284931201157342009-08-12T19:53:00.002-05:002009-08-12T20:04:17.824-05:00

Wednesday evening, August 12th, 2009. 8PM. I'm sitting in my hotel room at the Baymont in Bloomington, Illinois. If the title of this post didn't give it away, after over a year unemployed, I have a new job.I'm working as a contractor upgrading computers for a major insurance company. I'll be a road warrior, traveling around Northern Illinois, but it's a job.My new employer (it's rather nice

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-87488240995113690222009-08-06T12:40:00.003-05:002009-08-06T13:03:46.655-05:00

First, let me start this post by saying that the love of my life is not retarded.Having said that, I invite you to watch this video from Youtube:Here's the story: Julie calls me this morning and speaks at about 10,000 words per second. I didn't understand her, and being the loving and dutiful boyfriend/fiancee person that I am, I say "hun?".She proceeds to tell me that there's a mouse in the

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-73376156348974372422009-08-02T12:57:00.002-05:002009-08-02T13:14:05.051-05:00

Due to popular request, the plans to cancel July have been postponed.Okay, so you might've noticed my Facebook status from the other day was "just tried bing cherry iced tea. It's damn good!".Before you go out to your local grocer to find this particular beverage, let me warn you: You ain't gonna find it, at least not easily.A few months back, Julie and I took a trip to St. Charles, Illinois.

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-85897842232323945882009-08-01T20:38:00.003-05:002009-08-01T21:04:46.759-05:00

I've decided I don't like July.When my buddy Sterling assumes his rightful place as Overlord of this world, but before he gives me my own country to rule under his wise, benevolent yet vengeful fist (although I may no longer request Canada...I may ask for something a bit more tropical for my ladylove), I'm going to ask he abolishes the month of July from his calendar.July has nothing good going

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-40209978229835132772009-07-16T11:25:00.000-05:002009-07-16T11:25:00.473-05:00

Note: After my last depressing post, I went in and checked my archives. I'd started writing this back on July 7th, but never finished it.It's also my 300th post, believe it or not.To spare you from seeing the last post, I've uploaded it and changed the date so this will be first.Last weekend, America had another birthday.Julie and I talked about what to do on the 4th, and she was torn between

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-2947604659387849482009-07-16T10:30:00.003-05:002009-07-16T10:48:53.481-05:00

James Ross Clemens, a cousin of mine was seriously ill two to three weeks ago in London but is well now. The report of my illness grew out of his illness, and the report of my death was an exaggerationMark Twain (Samuel Langhorne Clemens), in a telegram sent from London to The New York Journal on 2 June 1897, after his obituary was published.The above paragraph is from the book Immortal Words:

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-8503069224656364362009-06-21T00:01:00.002-05:002009-06-21T00:18:26.103-05:00

In an alternate reality, I spent another quiet, dull, boring evening at home, surfing the web and flipping channels on the television.You're familiar with the concept of alternate realities, aren't you? It's simple. Picture yourself standing on a corner, and you have to choose to go either left or right. You choose to go left, and your life goes that direction. Yet, some believe that in

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-52701215747994075882009-06-16T23:00:00.003-05:002009-06-16T23:12:13.280-05:00

Here's something that may (or may not) surprise you. Sometime on Monday, I had my 10,000th visitor to this blog.Wow. 10,000 hits. My ramblings have caused over 10,000 visits.That should do something for my ego, but I'm not sure what.It's a little after 11 here. On the east coast, it's already Wednesday. That's one of the things that has really fascinated me since I moved to DeKalb last

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-6407600497231286092009-06-12T16:47:00.003-05:002009-06-12T17:15:10.395-05:00

There's a game tonight. As I type this, in about two and a half hours, Game 7 of the Stanley Cup playoffs will be held in Detroit, between the Red Wings and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Being a native Pittsburgher, and a fan of the aforementioned flightless water foul, I'll be rooting for "my" team to win. I've even put on my Pens jersey in support, although I am well aware it'll have no bearing

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-64178385463743557032009-06-08T10:05:00.002-05:002009-06-08T10:36:33.523-05:00

Another weekend over, another week started.This past weekend was a little hectic. Jessica, Julie's oldest daughter, graduated from high school. Saturday was the graduation ceremony, held at NIU's Convocation Center. It was nice, simple, and not as long as we expected. Someone said it'd be four hours, but we got out in around 2. Still, I had my Walkman, just in case. ;) I'm very proud of

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-23490211977199550962009-06-03T08:17:00.003-05:002009-06-03T09:11:17.925-05:00

I'm done with terrestrial radio.Oh, if I'm in the car, and I left my satellite radio at home, and Julie doesn't feel like listening to my mix CDs, I suppose I'll put it on, but otherwise, forget it. The archaic amplitude modulation and frequency modulation bands are a thing of my past, and that's a shame. I grew up with the radio, and supported it long after so many other people switched to

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-60518478421998255872009-05-18T20:26:00.003-05:002009-05-18T20:50:35.196-05:00

It seems like it's been forever since I've written anything here. Not that my life is all that interesting to begin with, but I suppose I should update this thing more than once every few months.And no, that's not (much) of a jab at Julie, even though she hasn't updated her blog since March. In all fairness, she has been busy, between working, fawning over the grandbaby, going to bingo,

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-8158535185654228132009-05-04T23:00:00.003-05:002009-05-04T23:06:31.517-05:00

Julie told me she's been coming to my blog, but all she sees is my uber-geeky "clicking" post.I really have no new updates, but just so she doesn't have to drown in the geek equivalent of testosterone, I'm posting something new.Something new. Or better yet, someone new. Curtis.I love this photo...one of my best, in my not-so-humble opinion.Okay, that's it. I'm goin' to bed. G'nite, kids...

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-71552566727359568072009-04-29T21:33:00.002-05:002009-04-29T22:06:27.735-05:00

...it ain't good.A brief explanation first: I have four computers. My main system (Prime), a five-year old custom built (by me) desktop; Onestar-Mobile, the new laptop I'm typing this on; a three-year old laptop I use for "experiments" (new operating systems, software I have to test, etc), and a workhorse desktop system I keep offline.I can just see Julie's eyes rolling as she reads this. Yes,

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-31012455331668766342009-04-25T17:18:00.001-05:002009-04-25T22:34:11.649-05:00

What a difference a year makes.One year ago today, I'd lost my job. Got a phone call from the HR department saying that I was fired.I got that call while I was eating lunch at a rest stop in Indiana. I was making my first trip out to visit Julie, someone I'd just met a few weeks earlier online.I was nervous that trip, well, about as nervous as I get. The trip was worth it, though, when I

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-30194677185317518122009-04-17T11:39:00.003-05:002009-04-17T11:45:01.080-05:00

Okay, I've gotta pimp an old friend here.My buddy Adam writes an amazing blog/column/whatever for the Lehigh Valley (PA) Live newspaper. Remember newspapers? Ink printed on this thing called "paper". I know, nostalgia will be my downfall.I highly recommend checking out this week's "rant", on technology and concert going.I've known Adam since my college days, and he is still my favourite writer

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-15255109704833608362009-04-16T08:58:00.001-05:002009-04-16T08:58:00.563-05:00

Here's a bit of trivia you might not know about me: I hate eggs.Now, if they're in something, where I don't have to see, smell or taste them, I'm fine with it. In cakes, cookies, desserts of many kinds, I don't mind in the least. French Toast? Love it!But by themselves?They make me wanna gag. Julie once asked me what I hate about them, and it's simple: The taste, the after taste, the texture

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-60576189386347579812009-04-13T10:13:00.001-05:002009-04-13T10:17:47.037-05:00

It was one year ago today.A quiet Sunday afternoon.Playing around on Facebook.Clicking on pictures in Social Me.When I clicked "flirt".Had to go out, to see My Kid in the nursing home.Got back later that night, and her pictures popped up again.She was very pretty, so I clicked "flirt" again.I was a bit surprised when she wrote back and asked if I was actually going to stick around this time.I

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-75593231387869784762009-04-05T09:22:00.003-05:002009-04-05T20:15:59.031-05:00

It's a quiet Sunday morning over at my place. I've been up for about an hour and a half now. Already showered, shaved and did all the other stuff people do in their bathrooms. Did a little websurfing, trying to decide whether I feel like making pancakes or just a bowl of cereal.Julie's still asleep over at her place. She was so tired last night, I came back home to let her sleep. She was

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-33383302510108059182009-03-26T22:00:00.000-05:002009-03-26T22:00:00.577-05:00

The Free Dictionary lists the definition of accomplishment as The act of accomplishing or the state of being accomplished; completion.Something completed successfully; an achievement.An acquired skill or expertise: a singer known for his accomplishment in vocal technique.Social poise and grace.In my home, I have a small white board with four things I need to accomplish:Sell the houseGet out of

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-31828190158633199412009-03-23T14:15:00.003-05:002009-03-23T22:45:22.000-05:00

What a week it's been.If you haven't read Julie's blog, you haven't noticed the big news.Curtis Justin Bradly was born last Tuesday at 10:54PM. He weighed in at 7lbs, 6oz, and was 20.5 inches long.Mother and child are both doing fine.Some have noted that, for a life to enter this world, one has to leave. It's rather fitting that his great-great-grandmother was buried on the day Jessica got the

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-18239656353181568752009-03-15T18:00:00.000-05:002009-03-15T18:00:34.883-05:00

Julie has been incredibly patient, waiting for me to come back home.As you read this...I'm back there in the arms of my love.I am home.

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-70883326213482266072009-03-13T14:58:00.003-05:002009-03-13T19:59:12.648-05:00

It's over.Mum was laid to rest shortly before Noon today. Despite being a little chilly, it was a beautiful day. Clear skies, slight breeze, sunny. If it were warmer, some would say it was perfect, but I thought it was just fine the way it was.The day started out with us arriving at the funeral home around 8:30. I don't know if they were expecting more than just family to show, but that's all

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-5532198874116080662009-03-12T21:06:00.002-05:002009-03-12T21:32:09.184-05:00

10PM, Thursday, March 12th.This would've been Mum's 84th birthday.Everyone else has gone to bed. I'm going soon, even though I'll wake up a little after 1 when Julie calls me after getting off of work. I didn't get the chance to call or talk to her before she left to work the 6 to Midnight shift tonight, and I feel bad about that, but it was in the middle of visitation, and there were so many

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-9988376253678584172009-03-11T06:51:00.001-05:002009-03-11T06:53:57.800-05:00

(Originally printed in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)Mary E. (Schwamberg) Schetley SCHETLEY MARY E. (SCHWAMBERG)Age 83, on Monday, March 9, 2009, of Swissvale, wife of the late Albert J. Schetley; loving mother of Daniel (Grace), Thomas (Carol), Steven (Isabelle), and Eric and fiance Julie; grandmother of Thomas, Daniel, Louis, and Dillon; sister of the late Charles Schwamberg and the late

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-87702091894273776272009-03-10T19:43:00.003-05:002009-03-10T19:58:29.382-05:00

Today was all about making arrangements and cleaning out.My brothers and I met at the funeral home at Noon today to work out the details of Mum's viewing. I'll post the link to the obituary tomorrow, but the bottom line is that the viewing is Thursday and the funeral mass is Friday.There was no drama. There were no controversies. There was one point where I basically told them "it was going to

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-16524833570016741862009-03-09T22:51:00.003-05:002009-03-09T23:07:47.395-05:00

I originally wasn't going to blog tonight.But Mum died shortly before 8PM this evening.I went out to see her earlier today. She was still in the hospital, resting, curled on her side a little. I think the nurses must've rolled her, so she wouldn't get any bedsores. I didn't say anything to her when I was there...it was just a visit to stop in and check on her before going out to the nursing

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-45538564875009314582009-03-08T07:59:00.003-05:002009-03-08T17:39:06.863-05:00

This was written at different times Sunday.My first full day back in Pittsburgh started with three different events:* Six in the morning, two alarms started going off in the bedrooms upstairs. I think Tim and the kids just didn't bother to turn them off, which is fine, but they were loud enough to wake me downstairs. I stumbled upstairs, found the offending machines, and turned them off.* About

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-81166279322490519082009-03-07T22:42:00.002-06:002009-03-07T22:50:10.805-06:00

It's almost Midnight as I start to type this. I'm at Tim's place (after setting off his home security alarm) and I'm almost ready to call it a night. It's been a long day.Left DeKalb around 9 this morning and drove through some very nasty thunderstorms. The rain was coming down so hard and heavy that, at times, I could only see at best 100 feet in front of me.Of course, that didn't stop most

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-25363680905449687392009-03-06T20:45:00.002-06:002009-03-06T21:05:42.771-06:00

It was 2 in the morning when the phone rang. I thought it was Julie calling me, saying that Jessica had gone into labor. When I saw it was the nursing home on the Caller ID...I knew it was bad.The nurse told me that Mum was aspirating again. They had to drain a lot of liquid from her lungs, and they wanted to know whether to just give her morphine to make her comfortable, or to send her to the

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-38251240116971161652009-03-02T15:58:00.002-06:002009-03-02T16:40:56.416-06:00

I called the nursing home today. The Kid is doing a bit better.They think it was one of her medicines that was making her lethargic, and either acid reflux or the stuff from the tube feeding was backing up into her lungs.They discontinued the medication and haven't had to flush her lungs out since Sunday morning. She was responsive and a little better.Sigh...

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-48077187246867666302009-03-01T11:43:00.003-06:002009-03-01T11:51:40.729-06:00

Friday night was game night over here at my place. Julie, most of the kids, and some good friends were over for a couple games. Things like spoons, Taboo, Pit...stuff like that. We had a great time, but we didn't end up going to bed until about 2 in the morning.About 8:30, barely six and a half hours and nowhere near enough sleep, my phone started to ring. Julie said it was likely Kathy (her

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-40988459167346399782009-02-26T19:10:00.002-06:002009-02-26T19:13:12.824-06:00

My love. She is so beautiful.I am so thankful for her. Her love, I know, keeps me going and keeps me sane.That's all. I just wanted to show off this nice picture of her, and say "I love you, Julie".

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-56209902845537054252009-02-25T14:19:00.004-06:002009-02-25T14:52:16.588-06:00

It's been awhile since I've talked about My Kid. Figure an update is in order.Two weeks ago, I got a call from the hospital, wanting some information. I told Julie that it might have to do with the new year, and they're just wanting to make sure her insurance is still up-to-date.If only it were that.When I called, they told me they had my brother on the other line, and they were getting what

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-90955507204202061992009-02-24T11:40:00.002-06:002009-02-24T11:52:32.579-06:00

There's been a meme that's been floating around Facebook the past few days about the ten most influential records in your life. Denise and Rene did it, and both of them "tagged" me to get my list.If only it were that simple.See, for me, it's been hard to find 10 albums. Now 10 songs, that's MUCH easier. I rarely buy whole albums, preferring to stick with "greatest hits" compilations. That way

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-87085800382440103372009-02-15T19:12:00.004-06:002009-02-15T19:27:22.750-06:00

Warning! This entry is rather graphic and not for the faint of heart, stomach or constitution.There was a time I liked to eat.Actually, that time was just a few days ago.Nowadays, eating isn't something I've done much of these past few days.Tuesday night, I couldn't sleep. I laid in bed, half-awake, half-asleep, listening to ping-pong sized bubbles tell me I've been poisoned and I needed to get

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-14370178011477599072009-02-08T18:57:00.002-06:002009-02-08T19:16:34.902-06:00

For some reason, I'm compelled to tell you, gentle reader, that I'm writing this over at Julie's place, using her laptop. Doesn't matter much...but it makes me think I'm some sort of correspondent reporting from another country or something.My love is sitting across from me, picking at tags. She bought a Chinese Take-Out style carton filled with little word tags the other day, and she's going

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-65705763655600959312009-02-02T21:28:00.002-06:002009-02-02T21:44:19.348-06:00

Hm. It's February already.Time flies, as they say.I'm sitting in my home office, listening to John Mayer live in concert and sipping chai in-between moments of fingers typing on a keyboard. It's about 12 degrees outside, but the wind makes it feel much colder...at least, it felt colder than that when I walked home from Julie's a bit ago.Hence the chai and the nice, heavy bathrobe I've got

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-74045432251621378492009-01-18T23:12:00.002-06:002009-01-18T23:25:24.515-06:00

The Pittsburgh Steelers won the AFC Championship tonight, meaning they're going to the Super Bowl.This is about the only time you'll see these words from me, but...Thank God I don't live in Pittsburgh anymore.Why, you ask? It's simple. For the next two weeks, that's all they're gonna talk about. The Steelers. Going to the Super Bowl. It's an obsession, and an unhealthy one at that.It's worse

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-16454120024102241022009-01-17T17:18:00.003-06:002009-01-17T17:39:52.725-06:00

I have this really excellent album by Colin Hay called Man @ Work. If that seems like an interesting title, it's because, if you weren't sure, Colin Hay was/is the lead singer of Men At Work, and this album, released in 2003, features acoustic revisitations of some of Men At Work's biggest hits, along with some of his solo tunes.The music is simply beautiful. Acoustic, solo variations of

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-80757354585391377362009-01-11T18:12:00.002-06:002009-01-11T18:23:10.251-06:00

Yeah, still nothing new, but this was too funny not to share.For those of us here in the 'states, you've no doubt heard about the upcoming clusterfuck when television stations are going to convert from analog to digital.Seriously, it's gonna be bad for some people. For folks out there who have cable or satellite, it's not gonna be an issue, since their provider will switch them over with no

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-34037833373153281412009-01-03T12:16:00.002-06:002009-01-03T12:23:13.601-06:00

Happy 2009!Okay, okay, okay. I know some of you have been waiting (im)patiently for an update of some sort, and I've been very quiet.I was at a group interview session this past Monday with a major Cable company (no names, but take three guesses, and the first two don't count) which lasted about half a day. Initially, they said there were some 170 applicants for the IP Support position. There

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-27997463654737839762008-12-25T21:26:00.000-06:002008-12-25T21:27:31.652-06:00

I was offline most of today, so I couldn't say this until now.Merry Christmas, my friends.I hope today was a good one for you.

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-6616096534528799562008-12-23T18:16:00.003-06:002008-12-23T18:55:20.592-06:00

I borrowed this from my dear friend Charlotte's Facebook page.Decided this was better in the blog here than over there... Did you get a boyfriend or girlfriend?I got all I could ever wish for in the woman I love.Did you make a new friend?One or two... ;)Did you get into a physical fight with anyone?I'm a lover, not a fighter.Did you go to a funeral or wedding?Both, actually.Get so drunk that you

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-45228633192316272952008-12-21T17:08:00.002-06:002008-12-21T17:26:25.759-06:00

Baby, it's fucking cold outside.The high today in DeKalb is -4. That's MINUS FOUR DEGREES, and I don't mean Celsius. Oh, and lest I forget, there's a Blizzard Warning, a Wind Chill Warning, and a Winter Weather Advisory. They're saying the wind chills, later tonight, will make it feel like 20 to 30 degrees below zero.So we sent out for pizza delivery.I can attest that it's cold out there today

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-10026879231544543672008-12-18T08:07:00.004-06:002008-12-18T08:16:40.836-06:00

I'm a little nervous this morning. I've got a job interview in a little over an hour from now. First one of these I've had in a few months, and to say I'm anxious might be an understatement. Best part is, it's to be a part-time school bus driver. It's work, and after being off the clock for so long, I'm looking for any honest work. The fact that I have never driven anything larger than a van

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-66508175156763391122008-12-15T08:49:00.003-06:002008-12-15T14:07:31.540-06:00

Thanks to Tim for sending me this pic.There was an open house back in Da Burgh yesterday. I haven't heard from the Realtor yet to see how it went.I've finally got Internet access here at my place. Took awhile, three phone calls to The Evil Empire, a new DSL modem (old faithful didn't survive the trip, apparently) that some twit at Bestus Buys didn't say they have in stock, but I found right

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-36583681077573278952008-12-08T21:20:00.003-06:002008-12-09T21:20:19.762-06:00

Presenting the virtual tour of my new home.A Flickr slideshow with photos from my new place.Check it out.My favourite part has to be the garage. I've never had a garage before!I'm so fascinated with it, I shot this...Updated with correct video.

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-29676435193149115702008-12-07T16:32:00.000-06:002008-12-07T16:33:51.764-06:00

It's listed.

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-4326415878722156582008-12-04T13:59:00.005-06:002008-12-05T22:23:57.923-06:00

It's been (almost) a week since I've moved to DeKalb. Yeah, it's a little strange, and there have been some weird moments...like looking up from my dining room table and seeing my furniture in a different house...but all in all this first week has been a good one.Last week was a whirlwind. I can't thank my best friend Tim enough for the support and the help. Without him, I doubt I'd have made

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-85966603189279653402008-12-02T10:08:00.002-06:002008-12-02T10:10:41.657-06:00

Hi, kids.I'm moved into my new place, although it's not totally unpacked yet. No internet there...I'm over at Julie's place with my laptop surfing the web.Today, I'm headed off to change my driver's license and see about getting a job. Few places around here, but it's something, while I wait for the house to sell. I'll write more soon, promise.

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-65768955757712501162008-11-29T05:00:00.000-06:002008-11-29T05:00:02.952-06:00

Over the past few weeks, I've been making a list of things I will miss about Pittsburgh. Decided it'd be funny to post this when I'm halfway between Pittsburgh and DeKalb. I like that about Blogger...you can write something in advance and tell it not to post until three weeks later.Mind you, nothing here compares to the thing I'm gaining by moving...Julie's love. Quaker Steak and LubePrimanti

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060159.post-53000239543015020722008-11-26T20:59:00.002-06:002008-11-26T21:06:04.298-06:00

I can see more than half of my dining room table.All things considered, this is a rather impressive feat, since the dining room table became the staging area for my move a few short weeks ago. I've had it piled with papers, boxes, junk, tape, shit, my laptop and almost everything else. I had a small space at the one end, just large enough for a placemat, so I could have a place to eat.Now,

Eric S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08858961030946638687noreply@blogger.com3