Saturday: Slept in, after some disturbing dreams. MB and I got up and made some breakfast, pancakes, a few scrambled eggs, soy sausage and tea (and coffee). Allergies. After clean-up, down basement for morning practices. Some yoga. Sweeping and mopping, cleaning up after the bit of flooding that occurred down there a week or so ago. When I surfaced, it was 3 PM.
After deliberations, guitar practice for a while. Around 5:20, MB and I walked up Walnut and to Union Square. Lovely day out. A guy hit us up to sponsor him on his AIDs walk. He was friendly, but a little sketchy. I gave him $20. We saw a bit of a 'hip hop' performance in Union, then went into the Reliable Market (Asian). We bought some bean treats and Edamame. Walking back eating our delectable bean treats. Back home, and made some grilled cheese sandwiches and the Edamame. A nice lunch/dinner on the back porch. After clean-up, more guitar.
Worked on the KKC photo gallery. It's very close to being done... Helped MB do some audio edits, cutting an 11 minute piece down to 5 minutes. Email. MB came down and modeled her new BD costume for me... SNL (a Cameron Diaz rerun. I think Green Day was lip-syncing. How not punk.)
Saturday, July 30, 2005
huge ant
Friday: Up around 8:30. Spent some time answering an email. Difficult to know what words of encouragement might actually do some good, and which would just be more annoying. A sitting of sorts. Down basement briefly, then on my way.
Another perfect day out. Stopped at the library and picked up a couple of manuscripts (Bartok) I had on reserve. Now if I could just read music fluently, I'd be all set. Drove to work across town, and it seemed a lot quicker than the highway route... though certainly more lumbering.
Had a pizza breakfast before going in the building. Not quite as productive day in the office as I'd hoped. I looked into, and fixed a bug, and gave Dnl a little bit of a scolding, but in a fairly nice way. Sometimes people need a scolding, and I'm not one to deny them the right to it. Fixed a couple of bugs in my new code... but had a bit recompile that sidelined me for a good spell. Wendy called a couple of times with comments about the photo gallery. I kvetched some about the horrible server-side software we're using. MB added some good entries to our new shared calendar. Headed home a bit after 9, again driving across town.
Down basement for practices. Midway through this huge ant crawled right in front of me. I gave it a ride outside. The concern that it was a termite of some sort lingered for the rest of the session. Leaving the basement, I found the same huge ant, trying to find its way back in. I gave it a free ride farther down the street... but felt a little bad. I was probably stranding it to die trying to find its way home.
Drove over to the video store and rented "House of 1000 Corpses" and bought a couple of DVDs and the video of Airplane. Back home, watched the horror film while playing IBE. Strangely appropriate. Then a little other practice. My wrist was feeling nicely loose tonight. MB is dancing at the Kasbah, and should be home around 1.
Another perfect day out. Stopped at the library and picked up a couple of manuscripts (Bartok) I had on reserve. Now if I could just read music fluently, I'd be all set. Drove to work across town, and it seemed a lot quicker than the highway route... though certainly more lumbering.
Had a pizza breakfast before going in the building. Not quite as productive day in the office as I'd hoped. I looked into, and fixed a bug, and gave Dnl a little bit of a scolding, but in a fairly nice way. Sometimes people need a scolding, and I'm not one to deny them the right to it. Fixed a couple of bugs in my new code... but had a bit recompile that sidelined me for a good spell. Wendy called a couple of times with comments about the photo gallery. I kvetched some about the horrible server-side software we're using. MB added some good entries to our new shared calendar. Headed home a bit after 9, again driving across town.
Down basement for practices. Midway through this huge ant crawled right in front of me. I gave it a ride outside. The concern that it was a termite of some sort lingered for the rest of the session. Leaving the basement, I found the same huge ant, trying to find its way back in. I gave it a free ride farther down the street... but felt a little bad. I was probably stranding it to die trying to find its way home.
Drove over to the video store and rented "House of 1000 Corpses" and bought a couple of DVDs and the video of Airplane. Back home, watched the horror film while playing IBE. Strangely appropriate. Then a little other practice. My wrist was feeling nicely loose tonight. MB is dancing at the Kasbah, and should be home around 1.
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Raspberry Tartlets in 12/8
Thursday: Up around 8:30. Checked email, and had a response from a woman at a retreat center I had contacted about a possible course in November. This set off a chain reaction of emailing which consumed most of my morning. A sitting also. A shower. Fed cats. Mopped the floor in the dining room. Learned a lot about pricing venues for courses. Headed down basement around noon for my practices. Packed a breakfast, packed my car up with my electric rig, and headed off.
Lovely day out... Mild, sunny and clear. Figured out an illusive bug in my new code that had been puzzling me for a couple of days. A utility function I was using was not thread-safe in an unexpected way. Fixed a couple of other issues, and, things are really beginning to work well now. More emails about the course location. Not looking good at this point. Walked out and picked up a copy of the Somerville Journal for MB (our friend Sty is mentioned in an article). Left at about 7:40.
On time for my practice session with Shawn, but he was held up a little. When he arrived we loaded my gear down to the rehearsal room, then went to get a coffee drink at Starbucks. I gave him a little preview of the new piece I wanted us to work on, as we sat and nibbled Raspberry Tartlets (one of which was free, thanks to the kindness of the young Starbucks employee at the cash register). A very good session, getting a rough pass through the new piece (a bit of GC rep) and also revisiting some of our other material. Shawn gave me a cucumber.
Back home, boiled ravioli and sauteed the zucchini that Shawn gave me last week, while talking to MB. (Hmmm... zucchini last week, a cucumber this week. If he gives me a banana next week I'll be worried.) The Harley riding, gun toting, Bush voter at MB's work sent her a comic likening Ted Kennedy to Saddam Hussein. MB was not amused. She quipped that it would have been funnier if you replaced Ted with Karl Rove. Our Harley riding, gun toting, Bush voter didn't know who Karl Rove was, so the point was lost on him. Ah me. Also some rather hysterical gyrations from her friend Jth. She went upstairs and I ate. After clean-up, some more email. Soon bed?
Lovely day out... Mild, sunny and clear. Figured out an illusive bug in my new code that had been puzzling me for a couple of days. A utility function I was using was not thread-safe in an unexpected way. Fixed a couple of other issues, and, things are really beginning to work well now. More emails about the course location. Not looking good at this point. Walked out and picked up a copy of the Somerville Journal for MB (our friend Sty is mentioned in an article). Left at about 7:40.
On time for my practice session with Shawn, but he was held up a little. When he arrived we loaded my gear down to the rehearsal room, then went to get a coffee drink at Starbucks. I gave him a little preview of the new piece I wanted us to work on, as we sat and nibbled Raspberry Tartlets (one of which was free, thanks to the kindness of the young Starbucks employee at the cash register). A very good session, getting a rough pass through the new piece (a bit of GC rep) and also revisiting some of our other material. Shawn gave me a cucumber.
Back home, boiled ravioli and sauteed the zucchini that Shawn gave me last week, while talking to MB. (Hmmm... zucchini last week, a cucumber this week. If he gives me a banana next week I'll be worried.) The Harley riding, gun toting, Bush voter at MB's work sent her a comic likening Ted Kennedy to Saddam Hussein. MB was not amused. She quipped that it would have been funnier if you replaced Ted with Karl Rove. Our Harley riding, gun toting, Bush voter didn't know who Karl Rove was, so the point was lost on him. Ah me. Also some rather hysterical gyrations from her friend Jth. She went upstairs and I ate. After clean-up, some more email. Soon bed?
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
calendar
Wednesday: Up around 8:30, but managed to hang about in a fog until about 9:30. Shower, fed cats, packed up video camera, then down basement for morning practices. Cut the hedge next to the driveway, and cleaned up. Packed a breakfast.
Headed to work. Beastly hot out. Dropped off the video camera at KKC. Tsunma-la wasn't available, but saw Ed and Hln. She gave me some fruit which she had prepared for Geshela. Yum! Ed was doing some painting in the kitchen.
A good day at work, fixing a few more bugs in my new code. Things are starting to work quite well. Ate at my desk. Set up an online calendar for MB and me. Talked to Victor, then did a little research on possible venues for the NST weekend. Tried to talk to the vet, but he wasn't in. Left about 6:35.
Stopped to put up the canopy, as a few drops fell. KKC, and 70 Topics. Dense. Material, and myself, I would say. It's difficult for me to absorb information, and take notes at the same time, especially when there are new terms that are mentioned only once or twice. Decided not to ask any questions today, although there were a few choice ones I had in mind. After class, rolled up katas. Talked to Dlrs. Had a little disagreement with Tsunma-la about the video camera. The problem is neither of us really know how it works. Talked to Wnd and Sn. Headed home a bit after 10.
Back home, MB was out a the Middle East. I took out the garbage, cleaned up some flowers, cleaned out the cat box, and all that. Did some emailing. MB returned. Ate a veggie burger with her in the kitchen, talking about our days, and travel plans. Some more email. Brief guitar practice.
Headed to work. Beastly hot out. Dropped off the video camera at KKC. Tsunma-la wasn't available, but saw Ed and Hln. She gave me some fruit which she had prepared for Geshela. Yum! Ed was doing some painting in the kitchen.
A good day at work, fixing a few more bugs in my new code. Things are starting to work quite well. Ate at my desk. Set up an online calendar for MB and me. Talked to Victor, then did a little research on possible venues for the NST weekend. Tried to talk to the vet, but he wasn't in. Left about 6:35.
Stopped to put up the canopy, as a few drops fell. KKC, and 70 Topics. Dense. Material, and myself, I would say. It's difficult for me to absorb information, and take notes at the same time, especially when there are new terms that are mentioned only once or twice. Decided not to ask any questions today, although there were a few choice ones I had in mind. After class, rolled up katas. Talked to Dlrs. Had a little disagreement with Tsunma-la about the video camera. The problem is neither of us really know how it works. Talked to Wnd and Sn. Headed home a bit after 10.
Back home, MB was out a the Middle East. I took out the garbage, cleaned up some flowers, cleaned out the cat box, and all that. Did some emailing. MB returned. Ate a veggie burger with her in the kitchen, talking about our days, and travel plans. Some more email. Brief guitar practice.
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
a later day
Tuesday: Up around 8;30 as MB headed out to work. Feeling energetic. Tended the KKC movie transfer (which had stalled). Web. KKC photo gallery. The morning flew away. Sitting of sorts. Shower, breakfast. Even though it was quite late already, I decided it was better to get my practices in at this point, rather than waiting for evening again. So down basement. Installed the end peg on an acoustic guitar I'm about to sell. It turned out that the peg I had was too large, so I had to drill the hole out slightly.
Finally headed in to work. Fixed a couple of bugs in my new code. Ate my lunch. It was a short day. I would have liked to have stayed longer, but, yoga takes priority. Mk made a sideways comment to me about B being out of the office this week.
Quite hot out today, but clear skies. At KKC, I was the first person there other than Wendy, even though I was a few minutes late. We joked about skipping class and getting some tea, but a couple other people showed up, so class went on as planned. Quite good. Feeling more progress in my body, especially in the lower back. After class I emptied water bowls, while Wendy showed the other folks some of the loot she brought back from India to sell in the bookstore. I bought some beads.
Back home, I said hello to MB, who was doing MB things. I set a video tape transferring, then ate a veggie burger listening to NPR. Guitar for a bit (IBE) and set another tape spooling into the computer. Soon bed.
Finally headed in to work. Fixed a couple of bugs in my new code. Ate my lunch. It was a short day. I would have liked to have stayed longer, but, yoga takes priority. Mk made a sideways comment to me about B being out of the office this week.
Quite hot out today, but clear skies. At KKC, I was the first person there other than Wendy, even though I was a few minutes late. We joked about skipping class and getting some tea, but a couple other people showed up, so class went on as planned. Quite good. Feeling more progress in my body, especially in the lower back. After class I emptied water bowls, while Wendy showed the other folks some of the loot she brought back from India to sell in the bookstore. I bought some beads.
Back home, I said hello to MB, who was doing MB things. I set a video tape transferring, then ate a veggie burger listening to NPR. Guitar for a bit (IBE) and set another tape spooling into the computer. Soon bed.
Monday, July 25, 2005
a late day
Monday: Up late again last night, and so, slept in a bit this morning. Then somehow what little time I had left in the AM, flew away, leaving me wondering how it had gotten to be the afternoon. I know that some of what I did consisted of doing some emailing, including communicating with the guys that wrote the buggy image gallery software I was attempting to work with yesterday, musing on the NEGC's new name, how to make the audio louder at KKC for people who are hard of hearing, Tvs about possibly buying a guitar I'm selling, and so on. Sitting, that I was intending to be brief, but stretched on. Abbreviated morning practices. Shower. Added some yogurt to a container of peaches that MB had sliced up for me, thereby packing a breakfast. Called the vet, but he wasn't in. Down basement briefly.
Stopped by KKC, and filled water bowls. Had to empty them first. Hot out, and threatening rain. I heard people moving about the house at KKC, but didn't see anyone. Headed on my way, making another stop at Micro Center, to buy a Firewire cable to connect a video camera to my laptop. Finally in to work. B is out this week. Spent all day working out bugs in the, now rather large, batch of code I've written over the last few weeks. Never heard from the vet. Talked briefly with Dv about some trivial UI issues. Read an article about a study which seems to indicate that cats have no ability to taste sweetness. Read another article saying that many Iraqis feel that their country is already involved in civil war. Also, how the Iraqi military and police forces are being infiltrated by insurgents. And its just getting worse. Listened to the terminal Chauncy CD. Very good... up there with Radiohead. And, to a Soundscapes disc (Live in Argentina). Good stuff. Got an email with a tone that was rather more harsh than it needed to be. But I was at fault, and so I apologized, without making excuses. Put something in place to avoid a recurrance. Worked until a bit after 9 PM,
Back home, and made a burrito while hanging out with MB. Ate, and talked about our days. Set up the laptop and the video camera and set a transfer going (Choden Rinpoche from last November.) Played guitar, trying out a thinner pick. Don't like the tone so much, but I can see how with some work it would help me to play faster. Worked on IBE bass-line, which I haven't looked at since 2003. Baby-sitting the movie transfer... Now down basement for practices.
Stopped by KKC, and filled water bowls. Had to empty them first. Hot out, and threatening rain. I heard people moving about the house at KKC, but didn't see anyone. Headed on my way, making another stop at Micro Center, to buy a Firewire cable to connect a video camera to my laptop. Finally in to work. B is out this week. Spent all day working out bugs in the, now rather large, batch of code I've written over the last few weeks. Never heard from the vet. Talked briefly with Dv about some trivial UI issues. Read an article about a study which seems to indicate that cats have no ability to taste sweetness. Read another article saying that many Iraqis feel that their country is already involved in civil war. Also, how the Iraqi military and police forces are being infiltrated by insurgents. And its just getting worse. Listened to the terminal Chauncy CD. Very good... up there with Radiohead. And, to a Soundscapes disc (Live in Argentina). Good stuff. Got an email with a tone that was rather more harsh than it needed to be. But I was at fault, and so I apologized, without making excuses. Put something in place to avoid a recurrance. Worked until a bit after 9 PM,
Back home, and made a burrito while hanging out with MB. Ate, and talked about our days. Set up the laptop and the video camera and set a transfer going (Choden Rinpoche from last November.) Played guitar, trying out a thinner pick. Don't like the tone so much, but I can see how with some work it would help me to play faster. Worked on IBE bass-line, which I haven't looked at since 2003. Baby-sitting the movie transfer... Now down basement for practices.
KKC image gallery/Shawn gives a lap-dance.
Sunday: Was up late last night, so slept in, eventually hauling myself out of bed around 11:15. MB was busy upstairs. Made some eggs and tea. MB headed off to run some errands, and possibly hook up with her BD instructor.
I spent much of the day working on an image gallery for KKC. This was a job I'd been putting off. Very time consuming. Lovely day out. Didn't see much of it.
MB returned home. I brought a couple of guitars up from the basement, and spent some time cleaning one of them up, preparing it for sale. (PRS Custom 22, bird inlays).
Around 6:50 PM, Terry called to say he would not make the mini-circle meeting this evening. Martin arrived at 7. I went down basement for daily practices. Martin and MB worked until about 8:30.
At 9, I headed out to a party marking my friend Shawn's birthday. MB stopped in later, and then left before I did. She had a BD gig at the Middle East. She gave S and C a book and a package of photos from our wedding. A fun time, talking about guitars, among other things. One fellow had worked for Ken Parker's guitar shop, and we shared our admiration for the Fly model. Christine and I talked about her upcoming tour with Ziaf. Talked about 'how old you feel.' Tiramisu and lemon sorbet. Prince's Erotic City boomed from the stereo. Shawn, wearing a dress, gave a woman a lap-dance. Left around 12:20.
Back home, and some emailing. MB returned from her BD gig, feeling a little out of sorts. She realized it had to do with an invitation she had received, but not responded to. Strange how something like that can color your experience.
I spent much of the day working on an image gallery for KKC. This was a job I'd been putting off. Very time consuming. Lovely day out. Didn't see much of it.
MB returned home. I brought a couple of guitars up from the basement, and spent some time cleaning one of them up, preparing it for sale. (PRS Custom 22, bird inlays).
Around 6:50 PM, Terry called to say he would not make the mini-circle meeting this evening. Martin arrived at 7. I went down basement for daily practices. Martin and MB worked until about 8:30.
At 9, I headed out to a party marking my friend Shawn's birthday. MB stopped in later, and then left before I did. She had a BD gig at the Middle East. She gave S and C a book and a package of photos from our wedding. A fun time, talking about guitars, among other things. One fellow had worked for Ken Parker's guitar shop, and we shared our admiration for the Fly model. Christine and I talked about her upcoming tour with Ziaf. Talked about 'how old you feel.' Tiramisu and lemon sorbet. Prince's Erotic City boomed from the stereo. Shawn, wearing a dress, gave a woman a lap-dance. Left around 12:20.
Back home, and some emailing. MB returned from her BD gig, feeling a little out of sorts. She realized it had to do with an invitation she had received, but not responded to. Strange how something like that can color your experience.
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Ruby & Bill's 13th Annual Backyard Party
Saturday: Up around 8. Checked out the PA in the basement, then loaded it into MB's car. Drove her to Union Square (lovely weather out), and got it set up under her tent. At 9 she began dancing. I stayed around for a bit, listening to the gentle Middle-Eastern music fill the space, and watching her gracefully move. Also wandered about looking at all the vegetables, arts and crafts that were on offer at the Farmer's Market.
Back home, upstairs for morning practices. At 11, back to Union Square to pick up MB. We packed the car. I bought a pie, and she bought some earrings. I treated her to breakfast at a little run-down diner called the Sunrise Cafe. Dingy interior, but the food was fine. Talked to the owner a bit. They have sold the place, pending the town's approval. A sewage leak has shut down Revere beach.
Back home, and not much time. Put away the PA. Some email. Warmed up on guitar for a bit. Printed out directions, packed guitars and gear in the car, then MB and I headed out. Drove to Roslindale to a party, at which the NEGC had been invited to play.
Victor arrived a bit late (dealing with family stuff), but we managed to go on pretty much right at 3, nonetheless. Alex did not show. Didn't really get a sound check. The opening circulation and Eye of the Needle had the "we're not all here yet" quality to them, but then we settled into it. I had an interesting experience during Thrak... it was the first time that I was really able to listen to the 5s while playing the 7s, and understand how they fit together in the moment. Bicycling was on the slow side, but not bad for a quartet (Victor and me on bass, Terry on lead, David mid.) The audience was supportive, and we had many kind comments afterwards. Two more gigs offered to the NEGC. (or the GCNE, depending on which side of the circle you ask.) After striking our stuff, we had a brief circle in the back behind the garage. MB and I stuck around and enjoyed the day, listening to a variety of acts, mostly in the singer songwriter vein. One man sang a song about a girl who was "a nose picker"... Would have been a perfect compliment to the Ringworm song. Bird Mancini was great... Ruby and Billy are both quite good entertainers. My cohort Dr. X (aka Tim Cassey) showed up. Good to see him. Seeing a dozen or so OST guitarists play gave me a new appreciation for just how different the NST/GC sound is. MB took a walk around the block, and ate various goodies. After saying our goodbyes, we left around 7.
Back home, a decadent evening with MB, camped out in the living room. We ordered out for pizza, and watched "My Dinner with Andre." A truly brilliant film... I hadn't seen it in years, but watching it again made me realize how many of its themes have been bubbling around in my mind in the in-between. One of the threads is "Strange Coincidences"... which is indeed strange, because, I've recently been having coincidences with the though of how to design an "intentional community"... which is itself another thread in the film. If you ask a question, the universe will answer you. Sometimes. Thus far, I am not hallucinating people with animal faces. But, I may go to Findhorn.
Back home, upstairs for morning practices. At 11, back to Union Square to pick up MB. We packed the car. I bought a pie, and she bought some earrings. I treated her to breakfast at a little run-down diner called the Sunrise Cafe. Dingy interior, but the food was fine. Talked to the owner a bit. They have sold the place, pending the town's approval. A sewage leak has shut down Revere beach.
Back home, and not much time. Put away the PA. Some email. Warmed up on guitar for a bit. Printed out directions, packed guitars and gear in the car, then MB and I headed out. Drove to Roslindale to a party, at which the NEGC had been invited to play.
Victor arrived a bit late (dealing with family stuff), but we managed to go on pretty much right at 3, nonetheless. Alex did not show. Didn't really get a sound check. The opening circulation and Eye of the Needle had the "we're not all here yet" quality to them, but then we settled into it. I had an interesting experience during Thrak... it was the first time that I was really able to listen to the 5s while playing the 7s, and understand how they fit together in the moment. Bicycling was on the slow side, but not bad for a quartet (Victor and me on bass, Terry on lead, David mid.) The audience was supportive, and we had many kind comments afterwards. Two more gigs offered to the NEGC. (or the GCNE, depending on which side of the circle you ask.) After striking our stuff, we had a brief circle in the back behind the garage. MB and I stuck around and enjoyed the day, listening to a variety of acts, mostly in the singer songwriter vein. One man sang a song about a girl who was "a nose picker"... Would have been a perfect compliment to the Ringworm song. Bird Mancini was great... Ruby and Billy are both quite good entertainers. My cohort Dr. X (aka Tim Cassey) showed up. Good to see him. Seeing a dozen or so OST guitarists play gave me a new appreciation for just how different the NST/GC sound is. MB took a walk around the block, and ate various goodies. After saying our goodbyes, we left around 7.
Back home, a decadent evening with MB, camped out in the living room. We ordered out for pizza, and watched "My Dinner with Andre." A truly brilliant film... I hadn't seen it in years, but watching it again made me realize how many of its themes have been bubbling around in my mind in the in-between. One of the threads is "Strange Coincidences"... which is indeed strange, because, I've recently been having coincidences with the though of how to design an "intentional community"... which is itself another thread in the film. If you ask a question, the universe will answer you. Sometimes. Thus far, I am not hallucinating people with animal faces. But, I may go to Findhorn.
Friday, July 22, 2005
indian with wnd
Friday: Up after a good sleep, around 8:30. Web, shower. MB's friend J from OCBC stopped in, and I headed down basement for morning practices. Afterwards, packed a breakfast (MB had already packed a lunch for me), tidied up the house a bit (M was coming to clean), and then set out.
Nice weather... At work, bug chasing in my new code. Some of it quite tricky. Someone that used to work for us came and said hello to B. Left work a bit early to go spend some time with Wnd. (MB was away for the evening, visiting her friend J down in RI.)
Made good time. We hung out a bit, then ordered food from a local Indian restaurant. Tasty. We watched TiVo, then had some tea, and watched more TV. I think we were procrastinating working on Tibetan...
On the drive home, lightening in the sky, and a little rain. Home around 11. Got ready for bed. Changed strings on my and MB's guitars. Fed the cats. Received a little certificate for a correspondence course I took a while back. I got an A. MB returned. Wrote an email to a dear friend of mine, who now lives in Switzerland... Soon bed.
Nice weather... At work, bug chasing in my new code. Some of it quite tricky. Someone that used to work for us came and said hello to B. Left work a bit early to go spend some time with Wnd. (MB was away for the evening, visiting her friend J down in RI.)
Made good time. We hung out a bit, then ordered food from a local Indian restaurant. Tasty. We watched TiVo, then had some tea, and watched more TV. I think we were procrastinating working on Tibetan...
On the drive home, lightening in the sky, and a little rain. Home around 11. Got ready for bed. Changed strings on my and MB's guitars. Fed the cats. Received a little certificate for a correspondence course I took a while back. I got an A. MB returned. Wrote an email to a dear friend of mine, who now lives in Switzerland... Soon bed.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
bad cheese is good
Thursday: Up a little after 8, as MB headed out. Feeling sluggish. Web, shower, fed cats. Down basement. Mild and sunny out today. Another long session today. Breakfast, and packed a lunch. MB said the cheese was spoiled, but it seemed OK to me. Packed the car with my electric rig, and headed to work. Psychic debris from yesterdays conversation still floating about.
A productive day at work, debugging more of the new system I've put in place. More to go, but good progress. B seemed in a good mood, as an old colleague is visiting tomorrow, and he's on vacation for a week. Gave Alx an old build of the app so he could debug something. Lunch at my desk. Headed out about 7:20.
Drove to Micro Center, and bought a hard drive and some blank DVDs. Along Memorial Drive, to Rt 2, and into Arlington for my rehearsal with Shawn. Good work, running though our current roster of 4 pieces a few times, then doing some looping. These pieces are almost seeming easy now, which is pretty amazing considering that only a few weeks ago we were struggling to get through them.
Gave Shawn a ride back to his place. He loaned me a couple of Soundscape disks, and gave me a zucchini and an onion out of the garden. I also bought a copy of the terminal Chauncy CD... looks great. Haven't listened to it yet. Stopped and got some milk and cheese at a little convenience store.
Back home, MB had left some books on top of her car. Unloaded my stuff. Said hello. We chatted as I put things away in the kitchen. She had attended a neighborhood meeting. A park nearby is used for the vending of illicit narcotics. A kid was beaten up and left for dead in our neighbor's front lawn. I ate some leftover Chinese food, listening to the BBC try to make sense of the failed repeat bombings on London.
A productive day at work, debugging more of the new system I've put in place. More to go, but good progress. B seemed in a good mood, as an old colleague is visiting tomorrow, and he's on vacation for a week. Gave Alx an old build of the app so he could debug something. Lunch at my desk. Headed out about 7:20.
Drove to Micro Center, and bought a hard drive and some blank DVDs. Along Memorial Drive, to Rt 2, and into Arlington for my rehearsal with Shawn. Good work, running though our current roster of 4 pieces a few times, then doing some looping. These pieces are almost seeming easy now, which is pretty amazing considering that only a few weeks ago we were struggling to get through them.
Gave Shawn a ride back to his place. He loaned me a couple of Soundscape disks, and gave me a zucchini and an onion out of the garden. I also bought a copy of the terminal Chauncy CD... looks great. Haven't listened to it yet. Stopped and got some milk and cheese at a little convenience store.
Back home, MB had left some books on top of her car. Unloaded my stuff. Said hello. We chatted as I put things away in the kitchen. She had attended a neighborhood meeting. A park nearby is used for the vending of illicit narcotics. A kid was beaten up and left for dead in our neighbor's front lawn. I ate some leftover Chinese food, listening to the BBC try to make sense of the failed repeat bombings on London.
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Scotty beamed up
Wednesday: Up around 8:40, as MB headed out. Brief web, then shower. Fed cats. Down-basement for practice around 9:30. Had an extra long sitting today, feeling the need to reconnect with my body after a heavy sleep last night. Breakfast. Guitar. Checked email, and sent some flowers to my honey.
Warm and muggy today. In at work, still feeling annoyed from yesterday's meeting. Pointed out another flaw in the current design. My comment was not well received, which intensified my bad mood, and led to a tense interaction with B. Working on debugging my code of the last several days. Lunch at my desk. Headed out around 6:30.
KKC, and 70 topics. Feeling sleepy. Had forgotten my notebook, so took notes on some KKC stationary. "Path of seeing." Asked a question about 'who controls the mind' which led to a humorous exchange where Geshela said "well, if nobody asked a question, then I don't have to answer it!" Talked with Wnd and Shn for a bit. Wnd and I went out and got some sandwiches at the little soda shop in Medford. We talked about my career musings, and she actually had some good advice.
Back home, MB still out doing some BD stuff. A used copy of "Witness" (the JGB biography) that I ordered arrived today, which fed into my thoughts about career. I took out the garbage, fed the cats and unloaded the dishwasher. Some web-surfing, now this. MB called on her way home. Bed soon.
Warm and muggy today. In at work, still feeling annoyed from yesterday's meeting. Pointed out another flaw in the current design. My comment was not well received, which intensified my bad mood, and led to a tense interaction with B. Working on debugging my code of the last several days. Lunch at my desk. Headed out around 6:30.
KKC, and 70 topics. Feeling sleepy. Had forgotten my notebook, so took notes on some KKC stationary. "Path of seeing." Asked a question about 'who controls the mind' which led to a humorous exchange where Geshela said "well, if nobody asked a question, then I don't have to answer it!" Talked with Wnd and Shn for a bit. Wnd and I went out and got some sandwiches at the little soda shop in Medford. We talked about my career musings, and she actually had some good advice.
Back home, MB still out doing some BD stuff. A used copy of "Witness" (the JGB biography) that I ordered arrived today, which fed into my thoughts about career. I took out the garbage, fed the cats and unloaded the dishwasher. Some web-surfing, now this. MB called on her way home. Bed soon.
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Gus and Leo weigh the same
Tuesday: Up around 8:15, MB heading out. Bleary, sitting in front of the computer for a bit, then shower, before heading out with the cats around 9.
New doctor at the vet today. Gus has lost a little weight, and Leo gained some, so that now they weigh the same. Blood work results will be in on Thursday. Stopped at the library on the way home (cats in the trunk) and told them I didn't need a book I had put on reserve. Back home, and morning practices. Cleaned out the tank of the toilet in the basement. The slow-release cleaner had turned into a toxic slurry. Then installed a new cleaning thing that should avoid this problem, and a new rubber flap.
In to work. Quite hot out today. Wrote a couple of functions before getting my whole set of changes linking. Found a few problems straight away, and worked on those, cleaning up some code in the process. Lunch at my desk. Had a meeting in the later part of the day, describing how to use a bunch of code I had writtenfor a previous release for a new feature in the works. Dnl managed to annoy me. Headed out at 6:30.
KKC, and the first yoga session with Wendy since she returned from India. Some stories. Strong work, but I was quite sleepy in the meditation portion at the end. Stayed around folding some katas.
Back home, and ate a left-over veggie burger, listening to NPR and analysis of the new supreme court nominee. Hanging with MB. She headed down to the basement to do some exercise. Now, I'm going to play guitar.
New doctor at the vet today. Gus has lost a little weight, and Leo gained some, so that now they weigh the same. Blood work results will be in on Thursday. Stopped at the library on the way home (cats in the trunk) and told them I didn't need a book I had put on reserve. Back home, and morning practices. Cleaned out the tank of the toilet in the basement. The slow-release cleaner had turned into a toxic slurry. Then installed a new cleaning thing that should avoid this problem, and a new rubber flap.
In to work. Quite hot out today. Wrote a couple of functions before getting my whole set of changes linking. Found a few problems straight away, and worked on those, cleaning up some code in the process. Lunch at my desk. Had a meeting in the later part of the day, describing how to use a bunch of code I had writtenfor a previous release for a new feature in the works. Dnl managed to annoy me. Headed out at 6:30.
KKC, and the first yoga session with Wendy since she returned from India. Some stories. Strong work, but I was quite sleepy in the meditation portion at the end. Stayed around folding some katas.
Back home, and ate a left-over veggie burger, listening to NPR and analysis of the new supreme court nominee. Hanging with MB. She headed down to the basement to do some exercise. Now, I'm going to play guitar.
flap
Monday: Woke as MB headed out, around 8:30. Not a disciplined morning... lazing around and web. Well, I suppose it was a 'morning off.' Shower. Breakfast. A brief sitting. Then, after some more web browsing, just as a downpour began, I headed over to KKC. Stopped at the gas station on the way and filled up. Hln and Geshela were eating lunch when I arrived. Swept the floor, rolled some katas, and filled water bowls. Very humid and warm in the teaching room. A drop of sweat fell from my brow into one of the bowls, and I had to redo it.
Stopped back home briefly. Tidying up in my car a little, and took out the trash from the garage. Then, headed to work.
A fairly focused day at the office, filling in some gaps of my connecting one subsystem to another. Listening to some pod-casts (though I don't have a pod.) Didn't really talk to anyone, or venture out at all. Headed home around 8:30.
Stopped at the Home Depot and bought a 'toilet flap' (the thing that is lifted when you push the flush handle). Last night I found the john in the basement was running constantly, and investigation showed that the flap was all curled up, and no longer formed a good seal. Probably a result of the chlorine tablet I put in the tank a while back. Big line at the self-checkout area. Suddenly it struck me how involved in their stuff everyone was.
Back home, and hanging out with MB. She said the mirror in the studio helped with her class tonight, though people said it made them look fat. I made some beans, and added the leftover grilled veggies from the weekend. Put together some lunches. Decided I would need some coffee to complete the night, so boiled water. MB and I played guitar for a bit, working on Moving Force and Askesis. After a cupa joe, and a goodnight, I headed down to the basement to complete my morning practices... which should perhaps be referred to as daily practices, since they often don't actually get done until evening.
Stopped back home briefly. Tidying up in my car a little, and took out the trash from the garage. Then, headed to work.
A fairly focused day at the office, filling in some gaps of my connecting one subsystem to another. Listening to some pod-casts (though I don't have a pod.) Didn't really talk to anyone, or venture out at all. Headed home around 8:30.
Stopped at the Home Depot and bought a 'toilet flap' (the thing that is lifted when you push the flush handle). Last night I found the john in the basement was running constantly, and investigation showed that the flap was all curled up, and no longer formed a good seal. Probably a result of the chlorine tablet I put in the tank a while back. Big line at the self-checkout area. Suddenly it struck me how involved in their stuff everyone was.
Back home, and hanging out with MB. She said the mirror in the studio helped with her class tonight, though people said it made them look fat. I made some beans, and added the leftover grilled veggies from the weekend. Put together some lunches. Decided I would need some coffee to complete the night, so boiled water. MB and I played guitar for a bit, working on Moving Force and Askesis. After a cupa joe, and a goodnight, I headed down to the basement to complete my morning practices... which should perhaps be referred to as daily practices, since they often don't actually get done until evening.
Sunday, July 17, 2005
third life mirror
Sunday: Up around 9. Nice to have a little sleep in. Slowly out of bed & shower. Brief sitting. MB had made me a breakfast smoothy, which I took with me on my way to KKC, along with a soda.
Good session today. Geshela's first since being back from India. Discussing the personal object of negation. Two categories of relatedness: Cause and effect, and identical nature. I posited a third drawn from computer science: context, and entity (like hardware and software)... but perhaps this is a subtle form of cause and effect. Ed pointed out later to me that this gets into the distinction between causes and conditions. Talking to Wendy about her trip to India. She told a funny story about going swimming with some monks. Took a walk around the block with Wnd.
On my way back, stopped at Home Depot to pick up mounting brackets for MB's mirror. Headed down basement, and put in about an hour on morning practices. At 2:30, I emerged & ate a quick snack. Then MB and I drove to Union Square, and walked to Third Life Studio. S showed up shortly thereafter. She gave us some input, and within an hour or so, we had mounted a 4 X 6 mirror on the wall. (This is the space MB gives BD lessons in, and a mirror is going to be helpful for her.) The space is great. We discussed the possibility of the NEGC performing there. It would work quite nicely, me-thinks.
After wrapping up, MB and I walked to a nearby Thai restaurant, but it was closed. So, down the street to New Asia. Not the cleanest restaurant on the planet, but the food is still pretty good. They have an interesting soy-based 'meat like' substance that they use in their dishes that they call "Temples." Good with black bean sauce. An Asian shoot-em-up movie played on the TV while we ate. Thankfully the sound was down. It was MB's treat, since I helped with the mirror. Thanks MB!
Back home, both of us feeling a little full and sleepy. Hanging out in the living room for a bit. Then, some Askesis. MB didn't cry, so we got to go to the local chain donut shop for coffee and jelly holes. We talked about weeds, and what makes someone 'foxy.'
I played guitar for about an hour, recording 12 variations of the standard II-V-I progression, as a prelude to working on my improvisational vocabulary. Did a little improvising also. Around 7:50, MB and I headed on out.
We arrived at the dojo in South Boston about 5 minutes early. It seemed we were the first there, so we hung out on the sidewalk waiting. Martin, David and Terry arrived in short order. At about 8:20 Victor came out from inside. He had been there the whole time and the doors had been open, but we hadn't tried them. Down in our space, there was a new face: Josh from Chicago. Knows Collin L. Some circulation, then working on our repertoire: Eye of the Needle, Asturias, Third Relation, Growing Circle, (shifted the circle around a little), Thrak, Bartok, Moving Force, Calliope, Bicycling. I'm to learn beat two of the JSB high line for next week. Some talk about logistics for next weeks 'party gig.' After the end of the session, a brief bit of work on Askesis. And bawdy jokes.
Back home. MB packed lunches for us. I ate an exploded PB and J. Cleaning up the kitchen. Now, to complete my practices.
Good session today. Geshela's first since being back from India. Discussing the personal object of negation. Two categories of relatedness: Cause and effect, and identical nature. I posited a third drawn from computer science: context, and entity (like hardware and software)... but perhaps this is a subtle form of cause and effect. Ed pointed out later to me that this gets into the distinction between causes and conditions. Talking to Wendy about her trip to India. She told a funny story about going swimming with some monks. Took a walk around the block with Wnd.
On my way back, stopped at Home Depot to pick up mounting brackets for MB's mirror. Headed down basement, and put in about an hour on morning practices. At 2:30, I emerged & ate a quick snack. Then MB and I drove to Union Square, and walked to Third Life Studio. S showed up shortly thereafter. She gave us some input, and within an hour or so, we had mounted a 4 X 6 mirror on the wall. (This is the space MB gives BD lessons in, and a mirror is going to be helpful for her.) The space is great. We discussed the possibility of the NEGC performing there. It would work quite nicely, me-thinks.
After wrapping up, MB and I walked to a nearby Thai restaurant, but it was closed. So, down the street to New Asia. Not the cleanest restaurant on the planet, but the food is still pretty good. They have an interesting soy-based 'meat like' substance that they use in their dishes that they call "Temples." Good with black bean sauce. An Asian shoot-em-up movie played on the TV while we ate. Thankfully the sound was down. It was MB's treat, since I helped with the mirror. Thanks MB!
Back home, both of us feeling a little full and sleepy. Hanging out in the living room for a bit. Then, some Askesis. MB didn't cry, so we got to go to the local chain donut shop for coffee and jelly holes. We talked about weeds, and what makes someone 'foxy.'
I played guitar for about an hour, recording 12 variations of the standard II-V-I progression, as a prelude to working on my improvisational vocabulary. Did a little improvising also. Around 7:50, MB and I headed on out.
We arrived at the dojo in South Boston about 5 minutes early. It seemed we were the first there, so we hung out on the sidewalk waiting. Martin, David and Terry arrived in short order. At about 8:20 Victor came out from inside. He had been there the whole time and the doors had been open, but we hadn't tried them. Down in our space, there was a new face: Josh from Chicago. Knows Collin L. Some circulation, then working on our repertoire: Eye of the Needle, Asturias, Third Relation, Growing Circle, (shifted the circle around a little), Thrak, Bartok, Moving Force, Calliope, Bicycling. I'm to learn beat two of the JSB high line for next week. Some talk about logistics for next weeks 'party gig.' After the end of the session, a brief bit of work on Askesis. And bawdy jokes.
Back home. MB packed lunches for us. I ate an exploded PB and J. Cleaning up the kitchen. Now, to complete my practices.
ward maps
Saturday: Up with MB around 10, and a lazy morning. She headed out around 11:30. Shower. Yoga in the basement, and sitting. Afterwards, vacuumed the couches and around on the first floor.
Drove into Davis Square for the second day of Art Beat. Found a parking spot just as I was getting to where the streets were blocked off. Arrived just as MB and Bnie's performance began. MB had a few minor snags, but the audience seemed to enjoy it just fine. Afterwards, I spent a little time wandering through the arts and crafts booths that lined the streets. Found a very interesting one selling reproductions of old ward maps. Here's my neighborhood, circa 1900. Just behind where we live, used to stand a pickle factory. Talked to the couple that runs the business. Bought a map. MB and I wandered around some. She found the place where she was to report for duty for the Art Beat volunteering. They told her to come back in a bit. We got some pizza at "Mike's." The staff their always seems miserable and distracted. But the pizza is OK. We sat outside and ate. MB brought up a time we had eaten pizza in Rome, which I had forgotten about. I said farewell, and headed home.
I stopped in at KKC to say hello to Wnd, who was working in the library. She had just gotten going, so I didn't stay long. Tsunmala gave me a package from Ngawan, posted from India. A beginner book for Tibetans learning English. But useful the other way also. Back home, some email, lolling about, then transplanted morning practices. MB phoned in to give me an update. And later to say she was walking home. I headed back to KKC to have a proper visit with Wnd. We had a nice walk around the block, stopping at a shop for sodas. On my way home, stopped at the grocery store, and picked up goodies for this evening, and the rest of the week.
At home, fired up the charcoal grill, prepared the veggies, and refilled the tiki torches. MB was feeling understandable drained from her time in the sun, but, soldiered on helped get things ready. The fire was a lot less hot tonight than last time I barbecued, so the veggies took longer. MB brought the cats out and gave them bran baths. We ate on the patio, enjoying the night. Note: beets take a long time to grill. After clean-up, I played some guitar. MB came downstairs, and we had a late-night snack of ice-cream and improvised hot fudge.
Drove into Davis Square for the second day of Art Beat. Found a parking spot just as I was getting to where the streets were blocked off. Arrived just as MB and Bnie's performance began. MB had a few minor snags, but the audience seemed to enjoy it just fine. Afterwards, I spent a little time wandering through the arts and crafts booths that lined the streets. Found a very interesting one selling reproductions of old ward maps. Here's my neighborhood, circa 1900. Just behind where we live, used to stand a pickle factory. Talked to the couple that runs the business. Bought a map. MB and I wandered around some. She found the place where she was to report for duty for the Art Beat volunteering. They told her to come back in a bit. We got some pizza at "Mike's." The staff their always seems miserable and distracted. But the pizza is OK. We sat outside and ate. MB brought up a time we had eaten pizza in Rome, which I had forgotten about. I said farewell, and headed home.
I stopped in at KKC to say hello to Wnd, who was working in the library. She had just gotten going, so I didn't stay long. Tsunmala gave me a package from Ngawan, posted from India. A beginner book for Tibetans learning English. But useful the other way also. Back home, some email, lolling about, then transplanted morning practices. MB phoned in to give me an update. And later to say she was walking home. I headed back to KKC to have a proper visit with Wnd. We had a nice walk around the block, stopping at a shop for sodas. On my way home, stopped at the grocery store, and picked up goodies for this evening, and the rest of the week.
At home, fired up the charcoal grill, prepared the veggies, and refilled the tiki torches. MB was feeling understandable drained from her time in the sun, but, soldiered on helped get things ready. The fire was a lot less hot tonight than last time I barbecued, so the veggies took longer. MB brought the cats out and gave them bran baths. We ate on the patio, enjoying the night. Note: beets take a long time to grill. After clean-up, I played some guitar. MB came downstairs, and we had a late-night snack of ice-cream and improvised hot fudge.
Friday, July 15, 2005
art beat dog tags
Friday: Up at 6 AM. Shower. Down basement for morning practices. More yoga again today. Good stuff. MB was just leaving as I came up. Gave her a startle as I walked towards her car to say goodbye. Threw street clothes on and headed out.
Drove into Boston to my dentist's. Parked, and realized I had given away all the change in my car the day before. Walked down the street to the tea shop, and waited until someone made a purchase so they could open the drawer and give me some change. Coins in the meter. Got to the office about 20 minutes late. I had my teeth cleaned, and then headed on to work. Lovely out.
Stopped at my desk and checked email. Walked out and got an egg bagel. The ladies making the bagels were incredibly inefficient and mixed up. One of them, as she was preparing the food, kept making a little twitch, that looked like disgust, with her mouth. Some people should simply not be in food service. I think this woman would do well in a shoe store, and she'd probably make more money also. Some consulting with Dv and B about how to split up a project that has grown too large. A brief conversation with Dk where I described myself as a hired gun. Walked out and bought an energy drink. Was going to get pizza from the nearby place, but when I entered the shop, they were cooking so much bacon that I had to turn around a leave. Went to Pinocchio's instead. A young man in a suit was trying to sell office supplies to the owner of the restaurant. Ate back at my desk. I left work around 5:35.
Back home just long enough to pick up MB. We drove over to Union square, taking a funny route across the top of the Somerville hill. Went to the little studio where she gives dance lessons, and looked at what it would take to hang a large mirror that she had recently been gifted. Then on to Davis Square. We reported to a table by the main stage, and were set up to sell "dog tags." The arts and performance festival is free, but people can contribute by buying the tags, which sell fro $3 each. We wandered around asking people if they'd like to buy one. Some people said yes, some said no. There were slow moving dancers performing, wearing flowing robes and covered in ash-colored body paint. Lots of good people-watching. A gangly woman talked to MB in an animated fashion about dance. One pair of little twin girls in tie-dyed dresses, imitated each other and the dancers. One caught my eye and became self conscious. I danced around like a goof and nodded enthusiastically trying to put her back at ease. I could tell by her smile that she understood I was saying that it was OK to move her body and appear a little silly. Knowing how small occurrences can effect children, this was perhaps the best thing I did all day. After we turned our stuff back in (MB sold more tags than me, no surprise.) we got some Indian food with our vouchers, and sat on the grass eating. A very pleasant evening.
Back home, sorted through mail. Sat with MB for a little while on the couch. Played guitar for a bit. Very sleepy now, so soon bed.
Drove into Boston to my dentist's. Parked, and realized I had given away all the change in my car the day before. Walked down the street to the tea shop, and waited until someone made a purchase so they could open the drawer and give me some change. Coins in the meter. Got to the office about 20 minutes late. I had my teeth cleaned, and then headed on to work. Lovely out.
Stopped at my desk and checked email. Walked out and got an egg bagel. The ladies making the bagels were incredibly inefficient and mixed up. One of them, as she was preparing the food, kept making a little twitch, that looked like disgust, with her mouth. Some people should simply not be in food service. I think this woman would do well in a shoe store, and she'd probably make more money also. Some consulting with Dv and B about how to split up a project that has grown too large. A brief conversation with Dk where I described myself as a hired gun. Walked out and bought an energy drink. Was going to get pizza from the nearby place, but when I entered the shop, they were cooking so much bacon that I had to turn around a leave. Went to Pinocchio's instead. A young man in a suit was trying to sell office supplies to the owner of the restaurant. Ate back at my desk. I left work around 5:35.
Back home just long enough to pick up MB. We drove over to Union square, taking a funny route across the top of the Somerville hill. Went to the little studio where she gives dance lessons, and looked at what it would take to hang a large mirror that she had recently been gifted. Then on to Davis Square. We reported to a table by the main stage, and were set up to sell "dog tags." The arts and performance festival is free, but people can contribute by buying the tags, which sell fro $3 each. We wandered around asking people if they'd like to buy one. Some people said yes, some said no. There were slow moving dancers performing, wearing flowing robes and covered in ash-colored body paint. Lots of good people-watching. A gangly woman talked to MB in an animated fashion about dance. One pair of little twin girls in tie-dyed dresses, imitated each other and the dancers. One caught my eye and became self conscious. I danced around like a goof and nodded enthusiastically trying to put her back at ease. I could tell by her smile that she understood I was saying that it was OK to move her body and appear a little silly. Knowing how small occurrences can effect children, this was perhaps the best thing I did all day. After we turned our stuff back in (MB sold more tags than me, no surprise.) we got some Indian food with our vouchers, and sat on the grass eating. A very pleasant evening.
Back home, sorted through mail. Sat with MB for a little while on the couch. Played guitar for a bit. Very sleepy now, so soon bed.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
a walk through the square
Thursday: Up around 7:45, as MB was get ready to head out. Web. Shower. Down basement for morning practices. Long today, throwing in a longer than usual sitting, and some yoga. Talked to Shawn, and determined that we were not going to be rehearsing this evening. Fixed the gutter on the garage, reinforcing its mounting with some coat-hanger. Packed breakfast and lunch for myself (bagel, yogurt, cheese and avocado roll-up). Guitar, working on some of Jun's arpeggio exercises, and Askesis, among others.
In to work. Quite a nice day out. One of a string. Began the task of hooking my new subsystem into the program at large. This is difficult, and not particularly creative. Hard for me to concentrate on. Took a break to walk out and pick up the Phoenix. Took another break for lunch. Took a final break in the evening to walk around H Sq... the ever-changing, but always familiar cavalcade of people, street performers, musicians, beggars, artists, police and nut-jobs. (Believe me, I call them nut-jobs with great affection.) An old stand-by was in the square today, a disheveled man, obviously living out of the large backpack he always has strapped on, who carries a large day-glo sign explaining the benefits of taking Jesus Christ as your personal savior. Down by the river, all the joggers, jogging. Everyone is either talking on a cellphone or listening to an iPod. I could sing aloud, and no one would hear. Some people seem lonely. I noticed the texture of the cement under my hands as I stood on the footbridge over the Charles. Some consulting with B and Dv about internationalization. Worked late, heading home around 10.
Back at the ranch, no MB (still at a BD gig). I played guitar for about an hour. More arpeggios, Askesis, Moving Force, and other stuff. MB should be home soon. I have to go to the dentist early tomorrow, so, I'd like to get some sleep.
In to work. Quite a nice day out. One of a string. Began the task of hooking my new subsystem into the program at large. This is difficult, and not particularly creative. Hard for me to concentrate on. Took a break to walk out and pick up the Phoenix. Took another break for lunch. Took a final break in the evening to walk around H Sq... the ever-changing, but always familiar cavalcade of people, street performers, musicians, beggars, artists, police and nut-jobs. (Believe me, I call them nut-jobs with great affection.) An old stand-by was in the square today, a disheveled man, obviously living out of the large backpack he always has strapped on, who carries a large day-glo sign explaining the benefits of taking Jesus Christ as your personal savior. Down by the river, all the joggers, jogging. Everyone is either talking on a cellphone or listening to an iPod. I could sing aloud, and no one would hear. Some people seem lonely. I noticed the texture of the cement under my hands as I stood on the footbridge over the Charles. Some consulting with B and Dv about internationalization. Worked late, heading home around 10.
Back at the ranch, no MB (still at a BD gig). I played guitar for about an hour. More arpeggios, Askesis, Moving Force, and other stuff. MB should be home soon. I have to go to the dentist early tomorrow, so, I'd like to get some sleep.
WWWaste
Wednesday: Up around 8:30 as MB headed out. Email and web browsing. Fed cats. Shower. Down basement for morning practices. Some guitar. Tidying. Time could have been used more efficiently this morning.
In to work, eating a power-bar and listening to NPR on the way. A treat. Lovely weather again. Another day of mostly design, researching the complexities of an important, but poorly designed (or rather not designed but "emergent") subsystem. Some talk with Dnl and Alx about possible new features, and a bug that seems like it should happen, but does not. Left a little after 6:30.
Stopped and picked up someone to give them a ride to KKC. Their health is not good, so even though they are close, they choose not to walk. An interesting class with Geshe Ngawang. He seemed to decide at some point that the real material he was supposed to be covering was too advanced for us, so he switched to Q&A.
After class, helped carry a bookcase down to the basement. Jf was convinced it wouldn't fit, but it just squeaked through. Gave Hd a ride home. Took a walk around with Wnd.
Back home, hanging out with MB. I ate a microwaved frozen burrito and some chips. We talked about politics and world situations. A cup of tea. Some guitar. Not having much patience for reading music at this point.
In to work, eating a power-bar and listening to NPR on the way. A treat. Lovely weather again. Another day of mostly design, researching the complexities of an important, but poorly designed (or rather not designed but "emergent") subsystem. Some talk with Dnl and Alx about possible new features, and a bug that seems like it should happen, but does not. Left a little after 6:30.
Stopped and picked up someone to give them a ride to KKC. Their health is not good, so even though they are close, they choose not to walk. An interesting class with Geshe Ngawang. He seemed to decide at some point that the real material he was supposed to be covering was too advanced for us, so he switched to Q&A.
After class, helped carry a bookcase down to the basement. Jf was convinced it wouldn't fit, but it just squeaked through. Gave Hd a ride home. Took a walk around with Wnd.
Back home, hanging out with MB. I ate a microwaved frozen burrito and some chips. We talked about politics and world situations. A cup of tea. Some guitar. Not having much patience for reading music at this point.
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
what does "reproduced" mean?
Tuesday: Up around 8:00, as MB headed out. Sleepy, but energized. Web, then shower. Down basement for morning practices, which seemed to go fairly quickly today. A little guitar, then on my way.
Stopped at the library, returning a couple CDs, and renewing a score. Then to the vets for cat-food, and to make an appointment for the little guys. Lovely day out.
In at work. Looking at hooking up my coding of the last couple days. Winding up doing mostly research. Had a bit of an argument with Dnl about the new bug database, but it all got resolved. Had some pizza for breakfast, and the sandwich MB packed for me for lunch/dinner. Headed out at 6:30.
KKC, and yoga, the last to tape for now, since Wendy begins teaching next week. A good session. Sleepy at the end, but in a sort of positive way. Helped empty water bowls. Talked to Hln about saffron.
Back home, MB was still out doing a belly-gram. But she soon returned. Hanging out chatting. Sorting mail. Some more guitar. Soon bed.
Stopped at the library, returning a couple CDs, and renewing a score. Then to the vets for cat-food, and to make an appointment for the little guys. Lovely day out.
In at work. Looking at hooking up my coding of the last couple days. Winding up doing mostly research. Had a bit of an argument with Dnl about the new bug database, but it all got resolved. Had some pizza for breakfast, and the sandwich MB packed for me for lunch/dinner. Headed out at 6:30.
KKC, and yoga, the last to tape for now, since Wendy begins teaching next week. A good session. Sleepy at the end, but in a sort of positive way. Helped empty water bowls. Talked to Hln about saffron.
Back home, MB was still out doing a belly-gram. But she soon returned. Hanging out chatting. Sorting mail. Some more guitar. Soon bed.
stabbed repeatedly by clowns
Monday: Up around 8:30 as MB headed off. Web. Shower. Down basement for abbreviated morning practices. Completed the calking of the eastern side of the house (and the job as a whole). Drove over to KKC, dropping off a DVD on the way.
Hln was there cooking lunch when I arrived. She sang me a little song she wrote about keeping a good attitude while working. It's nice to meet someone who sings silly songs about the house the same way I do. Swept in the teaching room, then filled water bowls. The bowls were in a little bit of a state of disarray, which made things take a little bit longer than usual. Boiled water for saffron tea, but wound up just using the existing pot that had already been brewed. Hln and I headed for Logan around 12:40.
Found the KKC people at terminal E. Enjoyable talking to Tsunmala and others. Tsunmala was an executive with an investment company before she was ordained, and a force to be reckoned with, but all accounts. Fun people watching. Lots of kids with lots of curly hair. One in particular seemed in awe of Tsunmala and her saffron robes. Eventually (around 1:40) Geshela, Wendy and Nick appeared through the gate. Greetings. Nick seemed a little sad, perhaps having to do with the occurrences that transpired as they left. I slipped away, and headed for work, taking the Ted Williams to i-90.
A productive day at the office, working on some low level buffer handling routines. I almost always use a divide and conquer approach to coding, but, at some point, the rubber meets the road, and you have to actually write some code that Does Something. Alx and B talked about the new bug tracking DB. Dv pointed out a bug in a published API that I'm responsible for. Worked late. I was the last one out the door, heading home around 10 PM.
Back home, some time with MB, giving her a foot massage. She sat down on Leo the cat, but he escaped apparently unscathed. She told me about a whacky sci-fi book for 6th grade girls she just read. Guitar practice, working on the right hand, and refreshing my memory of Askesis (or as I like to call it "stabbed repeatedly by clowns, wielding sharp knives, reflected in the fun house mirror, while tripping on laughing gas.") Down basement, and the completion of morning practices. Email. Bed soonish.
Hln was there cooking lunch when I arrived. She sang me a little song she wrote about keeping a good attitude while working. It's nice to meet someone who sings silly songs about the house the same way I do. Swept in the teaching room, then filled water bowls. The bowls were in a little bit of a state of disarray, which made things take a little bit longer than usual. Boiled water for saffron tea, but wound up just using the existing pot that had already been brewed. Hln and I headed for Logan around 12:40.
Found the KKC people at terminal E. Enjoyable talking to Tsunmala and others. Tsunmala was an executive with an investment company before she was ordained, and a force to be reckoned with, but all accounts. Fun people watching. Lots of kids with lots of curly hair. One in particular seemed in awe of Tsunmala and her saffron robes. Eventually (around 1:40) Geshela, Wendy and Nick appeared through the gate. Greetings. Nick seemed a little sad, perhaps having to do with the occurrences that transpired as they left. I slipped away, and headed for work, taking the Ted Williams to i-90.
A productive day at the office, working on some low level buffer handling routines. I almost always use a divide and conquer approach to coding, but, at some point, the rubber meets the road, and you have to actually write some code that Does Something. Alx and B talked about the new bug tracking DB. Dv pointed out a bug in a published API that I'm responsible for. Worked late. I was the last one out the door, heading home around 10 PM.
Back home, some time with MB, giving her a foot massage. She sat down on Leo the cat, but he escaped apparently unscathed. She told me about a whacky sci-fi book for 6th grade girls she just read. Guitar practice, working on the right hand, and refreshing my memory of Askesis (or as I like to call it "stabbed repeatedly by clowns, wielding sharp knives, reflected in the fun house mirror, while tripping on laughing gas.") Down basement, and the completion of morning practices. Email. Bed soonish.
Sunday, July 10, 2005
Trixie's Star
Sunday: Not exactly sure what time MB and I got up... I think it was around 8:30. My mom was up, letting the dogs out. MB and I had some cereal, then she headed off to pick up her cousin and friends in P-Town. My mom went back to bed, and I spent some quiet time doing morning practices.
I spent the later part of the morning, and early afternoon with mom. We talked about some serious stuff, involving my role as health-care proxy for her. Otherwise, I played some guitar, we made a salad together, and more light-hearted chatting. Talked a bit about the ambiguity of chords, and made a connection to quantum mechanics, and the loss of certainty.
MB and co returned around 2:30. Time was tight, because they needed to leave for the seal tour at 3. We ate a quick lunch of salad, bread and pie. Mom, MB's cousin, and her friends headed off. MB and I cleaned up, then packed the car and headed out ourselves.
Steamy ride back to Boston, listening to Helium ("Dirt of Luck"... and old favorite) with the windows rolled down. MB dozed. Back home, unpacking, and enjoying the AC. Email. Snacks. I went down basement and worked on some transplanted morning practices. Cleaned out my car's cup holder. Headed off to guitar circle.
We arrived before Victor. I walked across the street just as he was crossing in the other direction. Got some cash. The guy in front of my at the ATM was showing his toddler how to use the machine. "Push his button, and it gives you the money!" Got an energy drink at the CVS.
A good circle tonight. David, Victor, Glenn, MB and Terry. Circulation games. Eye of the Needle (which we played quite well). A brief look at Askesis. Third Relation. Thrak. Growing Circle. (Victor suggested my count-in be more staccato. I tried to do that, but the result was so absurd that people thought I was mocking Victor somehow.) Moving Force. I felt I had a minor breakthrough with my right hand playing MF tonight. I was using so little force to hold my pick in place that it almost flew out of my hand. Some discussion about upcoming gigs, and the course that we're organizing.
Back home, a little more food (MB's sorrel soup, chunk of roll). More email. Now, some concluding morning practices, then bed.
I spent the later part of the morning, and early afternoon with mom. We talked about some serious stuff, involving my role as health-care proxy for her. Otherwise, I played some guitar, we made a salad together, and more light-hearted chatting. Talked a bit about the ambiguity of chords, and made a connection to quantum mechanics, and the loss of certainty.
MB and co returned around 2:30. Time was tight, because they needed to leave for the seal tour at 3. We ate a quick lunch of salad, bread and pie. Mom, MB's cousin, and her friends headed off. MB and I cleaned up, then packed the car and headed out ourselves.
Steamy ride back to Boston, listening to Helium ("Dirt of Luck"... and old favorite) with the windows rolled down. MB dozed. Back home, unpacking, and enjoying the AC. Email. Snacks. I went down basement and worked on some transplanted morning practices. Cleaned out my car's cup holder. Headed off to guitar circle.
We arrived before Victor. I walked across the street just as he was crossing in the other direction. Got some cash. The guy in front of my at the ATM was showing his toddler how to use the machine. "Push his button, and it gives you the money!" Got an energy drink at the CVS.
A good circle tonight. David, Victor, Glenn, MB and Terry. Circulation games. Eye of the Needle (which we played quite well). A brief look at Askesis. Third Relation. Thrak. Growing Circle. (Victor suggested my count-in be more staccato. I tried to do that, but the result was so absurd that people thought I was mocking Victor somehow.) Moving Force. I felt I had a minor breakthrough with my right hand playing MF tonight. I was using so little force to hold my pick in place that it almost flew out of my hand. Some discussion about upcoming gigs, and the course that we're organizing.
Back home, a little more food (MB's sorrel soup, chunk of roll). More email. Now, some concluding morning practices, then bed.
Saturday, July 09, 2005
cape on the market
Saturday: Woke around 8:30, web, brushed teeth, back to bed for a while. Shower. MB and I had breakfast together. I made some french toast and soy sausages while she showered, then she made an apple crisp. A good conversation. Down basement for morning practices. Back upstairs, put away laundry, packed, played guitar for a bit, picked out some CDs for the drive, then out on the road, taking MB's car.
Hit some traffic south of Boston, and a bit more on Route 3. Siouxsie, Wire, Ooojami. We pulled off looking for a place to buy a soda, but wound up at the bridge anyway. Went to a fast food place, and ordered apple pie, yogurt and soda. Arrived at my mom's house a little before 5.
She's just put the house on the market. A neighbor, who is also going to act as her attorney in the sale of the house, stopped in, and they went through a few details. Its a bit sad seeing this place go on the block, but, it's the right thing for my mom, and I think the right time as well. We talked about a friend of hers, who turns out to be a Bush supporter. I tried to communicate something about not letting what people say get to you, and failed miserably. We took a walk out. I talked for awhile about some ideas about Science and "The Truth," springing from an interview I'd heard with Karen Armstrong a few years back.
Here's a thought experiment: Name something that exists in the world, that can be completely and accurately described in language.
I can't come up with anything. Language, science and rational thought, are by their nature dealing with abstraction and generality, not with the specific, and so, it is clear that none of these things will ever lead one to what is real. That's not to say that they aren't, when used properly, enormously useful... but, you shouldn't use binoculars to listen to the radio.
A lovely walk along the beach. We spotted very much poison ivy, which grows in quite a wide variety of forms. Sassafras, honeysuckle, clover. Back at my mom's house, she cooked some green beans, and made us omelettes. While she cooked, MB and I gave my mom a little concert, playing Eye of the Needle, Asturias, an excerpt from JSB Invention 10, the Bartok piece (Microcosmos), and Moving Force. I began playing one of my compositions, but it was requested that I set the table. Martin Medeski and Wood accompanied our dining. Some lime pie for dessert. We watched "Life is Sweet," a lovely little film, though my mom didn't seem to like it as much as I had hoped she would. MB and I watched some folks reminisce about the history of Jazz on PBS, and do some playing as well. A crazy old cat, in a captain's hat, sang scat. How 'bout dat? Bed soon.
Hit some traffic south of Boston, and a bit more on Route 3. Siouxsie, Wire, Ooojami. We pulled off looking for a place to buy a soda, but wound up at the bridge anyway. Went to a fast food place, and ordered apple pie, yogurt and soda. Arrived at my mom's house a little before 5.
She's just put the house on the market. A neighbor, who is also going to act as her attorney in the sale of the house, stopped in, and they went through a few details. Its a bit sad seeing this place go on the block, but, it's the right thing for my mom, and I think the right time as well. We talked about a friend of hers, who turns out to be a Bush supporter. I tried to communicate something about not letting what people say get to you, and failed miserably. We took a walk out. I talked for awhile about some ideas about Science and "The Truth," springing from an interview I'd heard with Karen Armstrong a few years back.
Here's a thought experiment: Name something that exists in the world, that can be completely and accurately described in language.
I can't come up with anything. Language, science and rational thought, are by their nature dealing with abstraction and generality, not with the specific, and so, it is clear that none of these things will ever lead one to what is real. That's not to say that they aren't, when used properly, enormously useful... but, you shouldn't use binoculars to listen to the radio.
A lovely walk along the beach. We spotted very much poison ivy, which grows in quite a wide variety of forms. Sassafras, honeysuckle, clover. Back at my mom's house, she cooked some green beans, and made us omelettes. While she cooked, MB and I gave my mom a little concert, playing Eye of the Needle, Asturias, an excerpt from JSB Invention 10, the Bartok piece (Microcosmos), and Moving Force. I began playing one of my compositions, but it was requested that I set the table. Martin Medeski and Wood accompanied our dining. Some lime pie for dessert. We watched "Life is Sweet," a lovely little film, though my mom didn't seem to like it as much as I had hoped she would. MB and I watched some folks reminisce about the history of Jazz on PBS, and do some playing as well. A crazy old cat, in a captain's hat, sang scat. How 'bout dat? Bed soon.
new crowns
Friday: Up around 8:30 as MB headed out feeling groggy. Web. Sitting. Shower. Laundry. On the road by 9:45.
Into Boston, and found parking. Sat in the dentist chair for quite some time. Was chatted up by various members of the staff. Friendly folks. Eventually Dr. Hart came and replaced my two front crowns. As I was sitting with my mouth wedged open, he inexplicably launched into an involved monologue about midgets, and their professions. Turns out he has a friend that is both a midget, and also a darn fine dentist. They were very generous, and did not charge me for the replacement of the crowns.
Stopped on my way back to the car to pick up a bagel, and a cup of tea. Suddenly the day seemed to be brightening. The people behind the counters smiled. And, although I had run out of time on the meter, my car was not ticketed. Still raining.
In to work. Some discussion about a new bug tracking system we are switching to. Fairly productive day, making some design decisions in the module I'm working on, and getting down to brass tacks. Lunch at my desk. No word from MB's cousin, so we planned a night in. Left work around 7:30.
Quite wet out on the roads, so decided to cut across town, rather than taking the highway. Back home, MB was watching a movie. I said hello and headed down basement for transplanted morning practices. Also did some cleaning. Emerged around 9:30. Guitar. MB and I hung out a while, then, I watched the season 1 finale of The Wire, on DVD.
Into Boston, and found parking. Sat in the dentist chair for quite some time. Was chatted up by various members of the staff. Friendly folks. Eventually Dr. Hart came and replaced my two front crowns. As I was sitting with my mouth wedged open, he inexplicably launched into an involved monologue about midgets, and their professions. Turns out he has a friend that is both a midget, and also a darn fine dentist. They were very generous, and did not charge me for the replacement of the crowns.
Stopped on my way back to the car to pick up a bagel, and a cup of tea. Suddenly the day seemed to be brightening. The people behind the counters smiled. And, although I had run out of time on the meter, my car was not ticketed. Still raining.
In to work. Some discussion about a new bug tracking system we are switching to. Fairly productive day, making some design decisions in the module I'm working on, and getting down to brass tacks. Lunch at my desk. No word from MB's cousin, so we planned a night in. Left work around 7:30.
Quite wet out on the roads, so decided to cut across town, rather than taking the highway. Back home, MB was watching a movie. I said hello and headed down basement for transplanted morning practices. Also did some cleaning. Emerged around 9:30. Guitar. MB and I hung out a while, then, I watched the season 1 finale of The Wire, on DVD.
Thursday, July 07, 2005
cousin and friends
Thursday: Woke around 8:30 as MB headed out. A little web, then shower. Down basement and morning practices. Sorted through a pile of receipts and statements. Breakfast. Terrible news out of London. Guitar, looking at one of Jun's exercises, and right hand work (some progress). Looked at my DAT deck, which was making unhealthy sounds. Tried to lubricate it, but made matters worse. Decided it would be a hard-drive recording session (was to go to Lowell with MB and friends and record the band at the Athenian Corner.)
Drive to work was uneventful. Some consulting with Dnl, research, design, and a little coding. We did manage to ship today. Amazing how instantaneous it is now, versus a few years back. Call from MB letting me know that plans had changed. This was unfortunate, since I had canceled my rehearsal with Shawn to be with them.
A little before 7, I walked down to the T stop, and met MB. Her friends (a cousin and comrades) were going to be late. I suffered a moment of self righteous indignation, which quickly passed. They arrived before too long, and we decided to go to John Harvard's for dinner (they didn't seem like the most culinarily adventurous bunch.) Enjoyable conversation, though I was monitoring myself, least I offend their Southern/Christen sensibilities. We all took a walk around H Sq, and down by the Charles. MB wasn't wearing the best shoes for the venture, but she managed. Photos. I left them off where we began, and pointed them in the direction of a tea house.
Back to the office for a little while, and some coding. Having a hard time concentrating. Back home, some guitar. MB returned having seen the friends off. Put out garbage. A cup of tea.
Drive to work was uneventful. Some consulting with Dnl, research, design, and a little coding. We did manage to ship today. Amazing how instantaneous it is now, versus a few years back. Call from MB letting me know that plans had changed. This was unfortunate, since I had canceled my rehearsal with Shawn to be with them.
A little before 7, I walked down to the T stop, and met MB. Her friends (a cousin and comrades) were going to be late. I suffered a moment of self righteous indignation, which quickly passed. They arrived before too long, and we decided to go to John Harvard's for dinner (they didn't seem like the most culinarily adventurous bunch.) Enjoyable conversation, though I was monitoring myself, least I offend their Southern/Christen sensibilities. We all took a walk around H Sq, and down by the Charles. MB wasn't wearing the best shoes for the venture, but she managed. Photos. I left them off where we began, and pointed them in the direction of a tea house.
Back to the office for a little while, and some coding. Having a hard time concentrating. Back home, some guitar. MB returned having seen the friends off. Put out garbage. A cup of tea.
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
a bigger puddle on the floor
Wednesday: Up around 8:40 as MB headed out. Web waster, and shower. A bit of guitar. Down basement. Rained out last night, apparently quite hard, so a little water on the floor in the basement. Cleaned up a bit. Morning practices. Back upstairs, and put the kettle on. Paid bills. Had some breakfast, and a cup of tea. Rain had picked up again. Headed out, stopping to drop bill payments into the mailbox. Noticed one of my tires looked a little low. Stopped at the gas station and gave it some air, getting pretty wet in the process.
Raining quite hard. Slow going on the Storrow exit ramp, and Storrow itself was crawling. I ditched, and headed across the Longfellow to Mem drive. Hit a couple of mammoth puddles, and an electrical system warning light on my dash, came on. Made it to work OK.
Researched a bug, and determined that it should go in the next version. Updated my files to the new release branch, and made the fix. The rest of the day was design work, some research. Talked to Alx about where things are headed. We should be shipping tomorrow. Headed out around 6:15. Car started fine, and the warning light went out.
Walked down to the florists, and picked up a couple dozen roses. Then drove heading for KKC. Storrow looked terrible, so back on Mem drive. Later heard on the radio that Storrow was closed due to flooding. At KKC, put the flowers in a vase, and set them up by the alter. Today is HHDL's 70th birthday! Chanting and cookies. I was very sleepy. Afterwards, hanging out, talking to Wnd, eating our spoils. Took a drive out with her, and stopped our haunt in Medford for grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup.
Back home. An interesting book on Bartok's music, suggested to me by Jun, arrived in the mail today. Hung out with MB. A bit of guitar, mostly right hand work. Soon bed.
Raining quite hard. Slow going on the Storrow exit ramp, and Storrow itself was crawling. I ditched, and headed across the Longfellow to Mem drive. Hit a couple of mammoth puddles, and an electrical system warning light on my dash, came on. Made it to work OK.
Researched a bug, and determined that it should go in the next version. Updated my files to the new release branch, and made the fix. The rest of the day was design work, some research. Talked to Alx about where things are headed. We should be shipping tomorrow. Headed out around 6:15. Car started fine, and the warning light went out.
Walked down to the florists, and picked up a couple dozen roses. Then drove heading for KKC. Storrow looked terrible, so back on Mem drive. Later heard on the radio that Storrow was closed due to flooding. At KKC, put the flowers in a vase, and set them up by the alter. Today is HHDL's 70th birthday! Chanting and cookies. I was very sleepy. Afterwards, hanging out, talking to Wnd, eating our spoils. Took a drive out with her, and stopped our haunt in Medford for grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup.
Back home. An interesting book on Bartok's music, suggested to me by Jun, arrived in the mail today. Hung out with MB. A bit of guitar, mostly right hand work. Soon bed.
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
puddle on the floor
Tuesday: Woke around 8:30 as MB headed off to a lesson with Victor. Lazed in bed for a bit, up and web (again a time waster), then shower. Down basement for morning practices. Upstairs, and put together a breakfast, and augmented the lunch MB had made for me last week. Cleaned out my electric razor. MB returned right around the time I was leaving. She found what looked to be some cat urine on the floor near the cat box. Hopefully this is not the beginning of a trend... but the cats are something like 15 now.
Another lovely day out. Fixed one small thing for the upcoming release, but otherwise, it was design, and some coding. Feeling sleepy and not as engaged as I would have liked to been. Ate my food as a sort of continual snacking throughout the day. Headed out around 6:30.
KKC. Yoga, without Wendy or Wnd (one in India, the other taking swimming lessons). I was feeling lazy, and so, it was a fairly difficult session for me. A tendon in my right leg continues to feel weakened. Remained relatively alert during the end portion. Helped Sn empty water bowls and put the room back in order. We chatted. Home by 9:30.
When I got in, MB was making sorrel soup. She told me some very funny stories about her BD gig at the old-folks home. We snacked on some bread and hummus, and cleaned up the kitchen. Email. Working on the KKC website.
Another lovely day out. Fixed one small thing for the upcoming release, but otherwise, it was design, and some coding. Feeling sleepy and not as engaged as I would have liked to been. Ate my food as a sort of continual snacking throughout the day. Headed out around 6:30.
KKC. Yoga, without Wendy or Wnd (one in India, the other taking swimming lessons). I was feeling lazy, and so, it was a fairly difficult session for me. A tendon in my right leg continues to feel weakened. Remained relatively alert during the end portion. Helped Sn empty water bowls and put the room back in order. We chatted. Home by 9:30.
When I got in, MB was making sorrel soup. She told me some very funny stories about her BD gig at the old-folks home. We snacked on some bread and hummus, and cleaned up the kitchen. Email. Working on the KKC website.
Monday, July 04, 2005
rooftop view
Monday: Up around 9:30, as MB headed out to do some personal dance practice at Third Life. Shower. Breakfast. Down basement for morning practices. I was wrapping up just as MB returned.
I gave Leo the cat some outdoor time in the backyard, letting him lead me around as he sniffed at things. We got up on the roof of the shed, and I cleaned out the gutter, while he surveyed the neighborhood. MB and I had some lunch (grilled cheese and fruit salad).
After cleanup, I headed out, returning milk to Stop and Shop (the cap didn't fit correctly and it had spilled on its way to our house). Back home to drop off the milk. Went to Home Depot and bought some flashing and caulk. Over to KKC to say hello to Wnd and fill water bowls. There was a lot of clean-up to do in the teaching room (old flowers, floor sweeping). Said hello to Hln, Jf and Tsun-mala as well. Hln is living at the center now. I put on some monk chants (throat singing) on the tape deck to listen as I did my work. Hln made us all some tea. Wnd and I went and sat in the backyard, sipping tea and eating bread, and talking about home repairs and the real estate market. Headed out around 5 PM. Stopped at the grocery store again, and picked up a few things for our little cookout.
Back home, got the charcoal going, put away my new underwear, and reorganized my sock drawer. MB practiced guitar. Cut vegetables and marinated with teriyaki sauce. Put them on the grill and made a salad, while also tending the veggies. Some got a little overdone as a result of my multi-tasking, but not bad. MB came down and helped set the table, make drinks and put out other goodies. I grilled the tempeh 'ribs' and then, we had a lovely little 4th of July feast. Part 2: ice cream and tea.
I talked MB into going to see the fireworks. We drove over to our secret fireworks watching location (roof of a parking garage). The main event didn't begin for quite awhile, but we had a nice time seeing fireworks at a far distance in the neighboring communities, and some at not enough distance, being fired off by kids who were also on the roof. Turned on the radio. The network cheese-balls were giving their commentary. We were a little cold. Eventually the event began. I don't think I had ever listened to the 'soundtrack' to the fireworks before, but the synchronization with the music was quite good. Beautiful ephemeral fire-flowers. Zipped out as easily as we had zipped in, only hitting a little traffic on our way home.
Helped burn a CD for MB. Some final things of the day. And soon bed.
At one point today, a flash of sun, and a realization that there are many places in the world that are bright and pure.
I gave Leo the cat some outdoor time in the backyard, letting him lead me around as he sniffed at things. We got up on the roof of the shed, and I cleaned out the gutter, while he surveyed the neighborhood. MB and I had some lunch (grilled cheese and fruit salad).
After cleanup, I headed out, returning milk to Stop and Shop (the cap didn't fit correctly and it had spilled on its way to our house). Back home to drop off the milk. Went to Home Depot and bought some flashing and caulk. Over to KKC to say hello to Wnd and fill water bowls. There was a lot of clean-up to do in the teaching room (old flowers, floor sweeping). Said hello to Hln, Jf and Tsun-mala as well. Hln is living at the center now. I put on some monk chants (throat singing) on the tape deck to listen as I did my work. Hln made us all some tea. Wnd and I went and sat in the backyard, sipping tea and eating bread, and talking about home repairs and the real estate market. Headed out around 5 PM. Stopped at the grocery store again, and picked up a few things for our little cookout.
Back home, got the charcoal going, put away my new underwear, and reorganized my sock drawer. MB practiced guitar. Cut vegetables and marinated with teriyaki sauce. Put them on the grill and made a salad, while also tending the veggies. Some got a little overdone as a result of my multi-tasking, but not bad. MB came down and helped set the table, make drinks and put out other goodies. I grilled the tempeh 'ribs' and then, we had a lovely little 4th of July feast. Part 2: ice cream and tea.
I talked MB into going to see the fireworks. We drove over to our secret fireworks watching location (roof of a parking garage). The main event didn't begin for quite awhile, but we had a nice time seeing fireworks at a far distance in the neighboring communities, and some at not enough distance, being fired off by kids who were also on the roof. Turned on the radio. The network cheese-balls were giving their commentary. We were a little cold. Eventually the event began. I don't think I had ever listened to the 'soundtrack' to the fireworks before, but the synchronization with the music was quite good. Beautiful ephemeral fire-flowers. Zipped out as easily as we had zipped in, only hitting a little traffic on our way home.
Helped burn a CD for MB. Some final things of the day. And soon bed.
At one point today, a flash of sun, and a realization that there are many places in the world that are bright and pure.
time warp
Sunday: Had a sleep in, until around 10:30, waking up with my arms slung around Leo the cat. MB and I had a nice breakfast together (eggs, soy sausage), then she went out to buy some gardening supplies. I headed down basement. Web surfing. Morning practices. I must have entered some sort of time warp, because when I resurfaced, it was 4 PM.
I took a shower, and helped MB burn a CD for her BD performance this evening. Out back, and cut the grass, listening to a 4th of July party going on in the yard behind ours. Up on a ladder, and calking, completing most of the job. Ran out of calk right near the end. Also patched a hole in the roof over the side bay window, and put some masonry calk around the hole where flue for the new furnace protrudes.
Cleaning my hands after all this caulking was quite a job in and of itself. Then, MB and I ate a snack: spanakopita and olive bread. Soon, it was time to leave for guitar circle. I headed out, and MB stayed, getting ready for her gig. Stopped at the video store and returned one of the VHS tapes we'd bought. Strangely, I got back more in credit than I paid for it, despite my clearly stating what I thought I should get back for it.
Guitar Circle tonight: Just Victor, myself and David K. In the winter we make excuses for light attendance saying "It's the winter"... In the summer we make excuses for light attendance saying "It's the summer." We worked on some of the 28 Bars exercise. I asked some questions about the right hand. Victor led us in a discussion of the necessity of non-existence, and its knowledge of itself. For me, this is a little like, having spent a long while studying Ostriches in English, to suddenly be trying to have a conversation about Penguins in Portuguese.
Back home, emptied the dishwasher, made a small salad and a veggie burger, and watched an episode of "The Wire." MB came home around 12:45. Soon bed.
I took a shower, and helped MB burn a CD for her BD performance this evening. Out back, and cut the grass, listening to a 4th of July party going on in the yard behind ours. Up on a ladder, and calking, completing most of the job. Ran out of calk right near the end. Also patched a hole in the roof over the side bay window, and put some masonry calk around the hole where flue for the new furnace protrudes.
Cleaning my hands after all this caulking was quite a job in and of itself. Then, MB and I ate a snack: spanakopita and olive bread. Soon, it was time to leave for guitar circle. I headed out, and MB stayed, getting ready for her gig. Stopped at the video store and returned one of the VHS tapes we'd bought. Strangely, I got back more in credit than I paid for it, despite my clearly stating what I thought I should get back for it.
Guitar Circle tonight: Just Victor, myself and David K. In the winter we make excuses for light attendance saying "It's the winter"... In the summer we make excuses for light attendance saying "It's the summer." We worked on some of the 28 Bars exercise. I asked some questions about the right hand. Victor led us in a discussion of the necessity of non-existence, and its knowledge of itself. For me, this is a little like, having spent a long while studying Ostriches in English, to suddenly be trying to have a conversation about Penguins in Portuguese.
Back home, emptied the dishwasher, made a small salad and a veggie burger, and watched an episode of "The Wire." MB came home around 12:45. Soon bed.
Sunday, July 03, 2005
while others have none
Saturday: Up around 8:30. MB took a shower. Brief sitting. Shower. We ate breakfast together (cereal), then walked to Union Square. Bought vegetables at the Farmer's Market (and a small pie), then walked back up and over the hill on Walnut Street, looking at houses and so on.
Sat cooling off for a bit, emailing, and drinking iced tea, then down basement for morning practices. Back upstairs, some snacks, and then headed over to KKC. Stopped for gas, and bought an energy drink. At KKC said hello to Wnd and Psl. We chatted for a bit, and ate some of the spelt bread I had brought as a gift for Wnd. Talked about music software, and library management. On the way home, stopped at Home Depot, and bought a dowel rod. Looked at the stuff I need for refinishing the fence, but decided not to buy yet.
Back home, the new CMJ cd was playing in the kitchen, but MB was nowhere to be found. She came down a little later. We ate some of the spanakopita she made and agreed that we would go shopping around 7. She was quite proud of the fact that she broke apart an old wooden lattice with an ax. She also neatened up the yard and the roses in front of the house.
Cleaned out and straightened my little music hutch in the dining room. This took quite a bit longer than I had thought it would. Added to the shopping list. Played guitar. MB and I had some hot caffeinated beverages and ate pie.
We drove over to Target and did some undergarment shopping. Took a look at the electronics section and determined that there's still no way I can justify buying a flat screen TV. Aesthetically, they're quite appealing compared to the CRT box we have now. But these are bourgeoisie thoughts. Live 8 concerts played around the world today, reminding us that there are many people living in brutal poverty. Next, to the grocery store for bit a shopping trip. Was feeling tired, but keep putting out positive thoughts. Keeping everybody happy sometimes takes effort. People watching: MB pointed out a woman with an amazingly packaged bubble butt. A gay couple and their child. They seemed a little uncomfortable that I was enjoying looking at their kid, probably thinking I was being judgmental, or something. There's often not much you can say to smooth over undisclosed misunderstandings. Stopped at the video store and rented a couple of DVDs. Also picked up some film classics on VHS, which they were selling at 4 for $10.
Back home around 10:30, decided it was a little too late to cook out. Put away groceries, and reheated my noodle dish from a couple nights back. Ate watching "The Life Aquatic." Very fun and quirky film from the director of "Rushmore" and "The Royal Tenenbaums." Cleaning up. End of the day stuff.
Sat cooling off for a bit, emailing, and drinking iced tea, then down basement for morning practices. Back upstairs, some snacks, and then headed over to KKC. Stopped for gas, and bought an energy drink. At KKC said hello to Wnd and Psl. We chatted for a bit, and ate some of the spelt bread I had brought as a gift for Wnd. Talked about music software, and library management. On the way home, stopped at Home Depot, and bought a dowel rod. Looked at the stuff I need for refinishing the fence, but decided not to buy yet.
Back home, the new CMJ cd was playing in the kitchen, but MB was nowhere to be found. She came down a little later. We ate some of the spanakopita she made and agreed that we would go shopping around 7. She was quite proud of the fact that she broke apart an old wooden lattice with an ax. She also neatened up the yard and the roses in front of the house.
Cleaned out and straightened my little music hutch in the dining room. This took quite a bit longer than I had thought it would. Added to the shopping list. Played guitar. MB and I had some hot caffeinated beverages and ate pie.
We drove over to Target and did some undergarment shopping. Took a look at the electronics section and determined that there's still no way I can justify buying a flat screen TV. Aesthetically, they're quite appealing compared to the CRT box we have now. But these are bourgeoisie thoughts. Live 8 concerts played around the world today, reminding us that there are many people living in brutal poverty. Next, to the grocery store for bit a shopping trip. Was feeling tired, but keep putting out positive thoughts. Keeping everybody happy sometimes takes effort. People watching: MB pointed out a woman with an amazingly packaged bubble butt. A gay couple and their child. They seemed a little uncomfortable that I was enjoying looking at their kid, probably thinking I was being judgmental, or something. There's often not much you can say to smooth over undisclosed misunderstandings. Stopped at the video store and rented a couple of DVDs. Also picked up some film classics on VHS, which they were selling at 4 for $10.
Back home around 10:30, decided it was a little too late to cook out. Put away groceries, and reheated my noodle dish from a couple nights back. Ate watching "The Life Aquatic." Very fun and quirky film from the director of "Rushmore" and "The Royal Tenenbaums." Cleaning up. End of the day stuff.
Friday, July 01, 2005
Ugliest Dog
Friday: Up around 8:30, a little later than I had planned (perhaps MB shut off the alarm before it woke me, or perhaps I did... Both have happened before.) MB headed out. Spent a little time responding to an email about a potential future collaboration. Shower. Down basement, and just a brief sitting and bare-bones morning practice. On my way, at 10:45.
Arrived at Jun's a few minutes late. He was playing a lovely piece, which he later told me was Bach. I stood and listened to until he reached the end. An interesting session today. We talked about meditation, and Jun tried to show me how to balance an egg on its end, and gave me some insight into his piano technique. We looked a bit at Messiaen's "Quartet for the End of Time," and some jazz theory. He set me up with some stuff to work on while he is gone for the next month.
Had my traditional after-Jun, energy drink and pizza, then headed to work. Spent a long time looking into a bug in my new code, which was ultimately remedied by adding two characters: '++'. Also consulted with Alx about a bug which he thought he had solved (pointed out a flaw in his fix: cached data might be discontiguous), with Dnl about a bug he was having (resetting the state of one object, without resetting the state of another object it depended upon), and with B and Cs about some menu bugs I had previously fixed. In email, MB and I laughed at the 'ugliest dogs' contest. Took a walk out, deposited a check, got another caffeinated beverage, and just enjoyed myself walking in the sunshine around Harvard Square. Design work to round out the day. Worked late, heading home around 10.
Back home, MB was still out. Brushed the cat's teeth. Down basement for transplanted morning practices. MB returned when I was about half way in. I came upstairs to say hi. We talked about plans for the weekend and beyond. Ate some free ice-cream she'd been given. Decided not to get a movie. Back down basement for the completion of my morning practices. Soon bed.
Arrived at Jun's a few minutes late. He was playing a lovely piece, which he later told me was Bach. I stood and listened to until he reached the end. An interesting session today. We talked about meditation, and Jun tried to show me how to balance an egg on its end, and gave me some insight into his piano technique. We looked a bit at Messiaen's "Quartet for the End of Time," and some jazz theory. He set me up with some stuff to work on while he is gone for the next month.
Had my traditional after-Jun, energy drink and pizza, then headed to work. Spent a long time looking into a bug in my new code, which was ultimately remedied by adding two characters: '++'. Also consulted with Alx about a bug which he thought he had solved (pointed out a flaw in his fix: cached data might be discontiguous), with Dnl about a bug he was having (resetting the state of one object, without resetting the state of another object it depended upon), and with B and Cs about some menu bugs I had previously fixed. In email, MB and I laughed at the 'ugliest dogs' contest. Took a walk out, deposited a check, got another caffeinated beverage, and just enjoyed myself walking in the sunshine around Harvard Square. Design work to round out the day. Worked late, heading home around 10.
Back home, MB was still out. Brushed the cat's teeth. Down basement for transplanted morning practices. MB returned when I was about half way in. I came upstairs to say hi. We talked about plans for the weekend and beyond. Ate some free ice-cream she'd been given. Decided not to get a movie. Back down basement for the completion of my morning practices. Soon bed.
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