The life and times of...

10:45PM - cool new adidas ad

Here is the new ad by Spike Jonze for Adidas.

10:16PM - Friends

My friend from college just had her baby. From the looks of it she had the baby at home with the help of her midwives. It is actually pretty scary to see friends have babies. It seems such a long way off for me. Another friend of mine is expecting a baby in a few months.

This week I found out that a girl that I went to middle school with is now going to school at UCSB. She is getting her PhD in the same building that I do all my work in. Small world I guess.

10:34PM - Back to School

I just got back to school from Winter Break. I thought it wasn't supposed to rain in southern California. It has been raining hard here for three days straight. I know that isn't much but we are not really equipped to handle this much water. The gutters are mini streams and the creek by my house is now a rushing river. Maybe I'm exaggerating, but it has been raining a lot. I haven't seen this much rain for an extended period of time anywhere I have lived. It sounds like a lot of places on the planet are having problems with rain lately, so I shouldn't really complain.

I had a wonderful Christmas. The best part about it was seeing my nephew Duncan open his gifts. He loved everything he got. He seemed to get joy out of just ripping the paper of each new toy he received.

Current mood: lazy

Current music: "Shut Up" by Black Eyed Peas - Musicmatch Jukebox

12:19AM - I'm back!

So, I'm back at school which means I'm back on the web log. I had a fun summer up in Sacramento. While the job I had lined up fell through because of my citizenship status, everything else went swimmingly. I started playing more tennis mostly with my friend Katie. Other fun activities included seeing my cousin Amy for three weeks, a trip to Tahoe, and seeing my first Giants game at SBC Park (formerly Pac Bell Park). I'm trying to decide how many classes to take this quarter. I could load up now and not have to take much in the next two quarters, or i can scale back slightly and even it out a little. THe problem is that a lot of the courses in my plan of study are offered this quarter. If I spread out the classes I will have to change what I want to take. I guess time will tell. It always does. Stay tuned for more detailed updates as the quarter continues.

3:36PM - Weddings and Musings

First of all, congratulations to koliver and hotdogbao. They got engaged a couple of weeks ago. Also, I get to be in the wedding. I am honored to be a groomsman. I am also going to a wedding in a few weeks. My good friend Jessica is getting married in D.C. on June 12th. I am flying from SB on the 11th. Unfortunately, the wedding is on the same day as the memorial service being held in Philly for Nad.

Since I haven't written in a while you might think that I have a lot to say. You would be wrong if you thought that. The quarter is winding down as summer quickly approaches. I will be glad to be done with my first year of my Master's. I could really use a break from doing school work. I am a little behind in my work, but I will catch up by the end of this week. I have no choice. If I don't, the professors will take me behind the building and shoot me. No, not really. But since the year is ending soon, I will have to get everything in soon.

I just bought In America on DVD. It has to be one of my favorite movies at this point in my life. It is both happy and sad at the same time.

2:15AM - Earth's a quakin'

I was just trying to get to sleep (not an easy thing for me to do lately), when I was shaken (and stirred) by my first real earthquake. It was kind of creepy. It was a 4.6 located about 15 miles from where I live. Now I will try to sleep again.

2:14PM - Tough Week

So far, this week has been a little tough for me. Yesterday, I had a test in my Fate and Transport of Pollutants class. I'm not sure how well I did, but at least it is over. To add to the test we have a homework and two lab reports due for the same class. Talk about over loading work in one week. That is just the work for one class. I also have a GIS assignment due on friday, and a stats homework due on Thursday. We also have a stats test over to do at home over the weekend.

I still have this stupid cough as well. Last night was the worst. I could not sleep because of my cough. I think that was the worst night's sleep I've gotten in a long time. I decided to take the day off from school. Maybe if I take it easy for a little bit I can recover.

My cat, Bambina, was put to sleep yesterday too. She had kidney failure and would have needed dialysis to live. I have had her for sixteeen years. She out lived all the other cats we had when I was growing up. I am going to miss her a lot. I know she is just a cat but she has been a part of my life for so long. I can't believe she is dead. This year sucks.

On a lighter note, the Kings won yesterday. They are playing the Twolves in the second round of the playoffs. I am trying not to get my hopes up but it looks like they are playing pretty well. They won last night even with Peja shooting terribly. Hopefully they can keep it up.

Current mood: sad

12:49AM - Sleepless in Santa Barbara

So, what do you do when you can't go to sleep? I was just laying in my bed trying to go to sleep, but alas I am still wide awake. It doesn't help that I can't stop coughing and I am incredibly warm. Maybe I should try to do some work. That would probably put me right to sleep. Reading always has that effect. Isn't it funny that something that is supposed to be stimulating your mind ends up shutting it down?

What did I do this weekend? At the end of each weekend I have the same thought, and I can never seem to remember what I've done. I guess that means I didn't do anything that exciting. I played Volleyball for about four hours on Saturday. That was fun, but the rest of the weekend was kind of non-descript. I should have done more homework than I did. I got some stuff done but not nearly enough. This week should be tough for me. I have a lot of crap due. Hopefully, I'll get it all done on time and well. I can always get the work done, it's just a matter of how well I want to do it. Isn't that always the case? Not only do I have homework assignments, I have two exams this week. Now I really want to go to sleep. If I'm a zombie during the day, I won't be ready for everything.

I guess I'll try to get some sleep now. Probably won't work though. I know I asked this question a while age, but does anyone have a good cough remedy that actually works?

Current mood: annoyed

Current music: "A Few Questions" by Clay Walker

12:55PM

I had a great weekend. While I didn't get much work done, I managed to do a lot. Or at least I think I did a lot. My brother and his family came down to SB for a wedding. As a bonus, Amber drove down with them. So, I got to spend some time with all of them. Duncan, my nephew is very cute. However, I'm glad he isn't mine. He is pure energy. Then, when he finally crashes he is very much like what you would think a typical two-year-old would be like.

They all came down on Thursday. Thursday night Amber and I went to Trader Joe's and the movie store. We had a low-key evening. We tried to watch "What about Bob?" but we were both tired. Friday, we all went to the beach in the morning, then I had a field trip. We were studying the effects of cattle grazing on Oaks and grasslands. I don't think I got much out of the actual trip. Later that evening, Amber and I went to of New Mexican Restaurant for dinner. I have had better but it was still fun. Saturday we went to a farmer's market and Urban Outfitters. They have cool stuff, but it's expensive.

The coolest part of the weekend, besides Amber coming down, was on Sunday. We went to an Earth Day celebration downtown. We walked around a little, looking at all the cool exhibits. At about 12:30, we had to go get some food and watch the Kings beat Dallas. That would have made it a good day, but there is more. Amber and went back to the festival. There were some bands playing, no body famous but fun nonetheless. We were about to leave when Amber wanted to get a massage. While she was getting the rub down, I went over to listen to the music. I noticed that the band was playing a Jack Johnson song, so I went a little closer. In fact, it was Jack. He played about five songs as far as I could tell. A free JJ concert. Awesome. The story doesn't stop there though. After Jack was done playing, Amber and I decided it was time to leave. AS we were leaving we saw Jack standing near the stage. We said hello and I took a picture of him and Amber together. Fun!

Amber left on Monday, by train. I think it took her about 14 hours to get home. Ouch.

To top everything off, the Kings won game two last night. What a good weekend.

Current mood: chipper

Current music: "Bandages" by Hot Hot Heat

12:12AM - Another Weekend

It was my housemate's birthday on Friday. We went up to SLO for the night on Friday. Unfortunately, I drank too much. Well, it wasn't that I drank that much, but I did not react well with whatever it was I drank. And I only had crappy light beer. Maybe I just can't drink Bud light. Other than feeling ill this morning, we had fun. I had never been to SLO. I thought it was a little bit bigger than it actually is. It is a cute little town.

We drove back to SB this afternoon. I had to take a nap when I got home. Even now I am still not feelig quite right.

I went to see Hellboy tonight. It was entertaining. The main reason I saw it is that my housemate's friend worked on the film. He even had a screen credit.

I'm going to catch up on some more sleep, so I can watch the Kings-Lakers game tomorrow. I am confident the Kings will turn things around tomorrow.

4:02PM - Back from break

So, I'm back from what seemed like the shortest spring break ever. I know they have all been the same length for me, but for some reason it seemed really short. I guess that's what happens when you are having fun. I went up to Sacramento. I had fun hanging out with Amber most of the time. We went to the Kings-Rockets game on the first Sunday. Later in the week we saw a great movie, Eternal Sunshine of the spotless mind. I would highly recommend this movie to everyone. It is definitely not your typical Jim Carrey movie. Finally, Amber and I went to SF to see koliver and hotdogbao. We had fun walking around the city and later on finishing the Simpsons Puzzle that Kevin had at his house.

I finally had to drive home. It is defintiely not a fun drive, especially alone. Come to think of it, I have only the done the drive with someone else in the car once. I have had all of my classes already. They seem good to me. I think it might be a lot of work but I should be able to handle it. This quarter I am taking Ecology, Statistics, Geographical Information Systems, and Fate and Transport of Poluutants. I might drop one class depending on how much work I have to do on my group project. I will find out soon. As the quarter will be going full tilt by next week.

Unfortunately, I think I have been mathematically eliminated from winning any money from the NCAA basketball pool I entered. The best I can do is get fourth place. It was a valient effort. I think this year was the best that I have ever done. If only I had gone with some of my initial picks. I would have done great.

My roomates are back from break too with one exception, Danny. He is still in Brazil. Knowing him he won't come back for weeks. Everyone had a great time on their respective vacations. Taylor even got to swim with dolphins. That's what you get for going to Hawaii.

Current mood: hopeful

7:32PM - blah, blah, blah, Environmental Lah

I just took an eight hour test. I woke up this morning at 8, picked up the final at 8:45, and didn't finish until 4:30. Whata way to spend a day. I didn't take much of a break either. Now I have to sit and do nothing for a while. My brain is tired. I should probably study for my chemistry test on Wednesday.

All in favor of doing work say "aye", I guess everyone wants me to relax. MAybe someone can tell me how to get rid of my cough. It seems to be getting worse.

4:03PM - MATlab is sooooooo much fun!

Taylor and I have been working tirelessly on our modeling project. I know what your thinking, but even though we are so good looking it isn't that type of modeling. We have been working on a computer program that will model the amount of water that can be diverted from Mono Lake. I know there has already been a legal decision about the matter, but we thought that in the future California will need every drop of water it can get. It has been relatively rewarding but I will be glad to be done. How many sentences in a row can I write with a but clause? HA! We are just finishing up the powerpoint slides so we can practice the presentation we have to give tomorrow.

It has been beautifull in SB the past few days. Monday was arecord high for that day, 92 degrees. That is a whopping 10 degrees more than the previous high. Taylor and I are working on our laptops outside in the backyard. How freeeaaaking cool is that?

I tried to go for a run earlier today. Can you say depressing? I am out of shape and my ankle didn't like running either. It was good to get a little sweat going though.

Here are some pictures of our last basketball game of the quarter courtesy of Larry. Notice the monster rebound me and my belly get in one of the pictures. Also notice the major goal-tending my roommate Danny doesn't get called for in another picture. It was a fun game. Unfortunately, the outcome was not favorable for us first years. Do I smell a rematch?

Current mood: calm

Current music: "The Horizon Has Been Defeated" by Jack Johnson

11:11PM - I hate sneezing!

I have been sneezing and coughing all day today. All I have to say is, Ahhhhh! My sweater is now nothing more than a glorified tissue. I've been working all day on various homework that is due next week. I've trying to figure out onje problem for about two hours. Again, Ahhhhh!

I spoke with kelbyliv yesterday. I was good to talk. She started her weblog because I told her about mine.

Tomorrow is the last game of my im basketball season. It should be fun, as it is the first year Brennies vs. the second year Brennies. We may even have a few fans. Hopefully I can shake this cold long enough to be effective in the game. Wish us luck!

6:50PM - End of the week

I know for people in the real world there is still one more day in the work week. However, I do not live in the real world. I had class today, but none tomorrow. Well, it looks like the next year of my life has been decided (kind of). I found out today which project I will be on for the next year. I will be working on a solar energy feasibilty study. I think it is based in Davis, which is good in itself, seeing that I am from Sacramento. For those of you that don't know, Davis is about 20 minutes from downtown Sac. What I am really excited about is the fact that my group consists of great people. Scott, Joe and Cindy. It should be fun.

I am going to a UCSB basketball game tonight. It should be interesting. I have no idea if they are any good or not. Also the Kings are playing the Sixers rigth now. It looks lke the Kings will come out on top. They are up by 12 with 6 minutes to go. Go Kings!

Current mood: mellow, thoughtful

Current music: "I Against I feat. Massive Atta" by Mos Def

7:44PM - new method

I'm just trying out a new way to post on this thing. Hopefully it will work.

Chris Webber is coming back tomorrow for the Kings. Hopefully they will keep rolling along.

Current mood: drained

Current music: "Civil War" by Guns N' Roses

3:45PM - Pondering the next year of my life

In the next hour or so I have to make a decision that affects the next year of my life. We start our group projects next quarter, but we have to submit a ballot declaring our preferences as to which project we want to work on. Hmmmm... What to do? It seems like such a short time to decide what to do.

Potential projects topics are on Solar Energy, water management, hybrid vehicles and pollution monitoring. There are more but those are the ones I am interested in. I guess I will have to choose...  Maybe I should stop procrastinating and think about what I'm doing.

This past weekend, I had class on Saturday. After, I went to the beach to play volleyball with some of my classmates. I don't know why but I felt guilty for having fun. I know I shouldn't, but every so often I would find myself getting sad because I was having fun. It isn't right that I am around to enjoy the beach when Nad isn't.

Off to decide my not so distant future...

Current mood: blah

Current music: Hot Hot Heat- Bandages

12:44PM - more thoughts

I have now had a few days to let the news of Nad's death sink in a little bit. Even now, though, I everything seems so unreal. I'm still in a haze. Today is my first day back at school. I'm having some trouble focusing on classes but I'm trying. Everyone says it will get easier but that is really not any consolation.

I talked to Michelle again last night. She went to a dinner for Nad's friends at the Penn club in New York City. While she did not know most of the people there, she said that everyone had similar stories to relate about Nad. I guess he was always himself with everyone he knew. I put out the idea that we should all write our stories down and make a little memorial journal for all of his friends and his family. It sounds like people were into this idea. Michelle also pointed out that we should all try to remember what Nad would say if he were here in our shoes. This helps a little. Nad would want us to remember the good times and not dwell on this tragedy. He would also be the first to admit that he messed up. Who among us has not made a mistake? No one.  

Current mood: sad

6:49PM - Worst Weekend of my life

The world lost one of its truly great people this past weekend. My friend Nadir, or as he introduced himself "Nad", was killed in a car accident. I don't think there is anyone that Nad came in contact with that didn't like him. He was one of the only people I know who could truly bridge the divide between distinctly different groups of people. He always had such energy and light. He could bring out the warmth in anyone he talked to. I feel extremely lucky to have met him one of the first days we were at Penn. From that first moment I think we could sense that we would be friends. I hope that his family and friends know how special Nad was to everyone in his life.

I flew up to SF right away to be with koliver . I don't know what I would have done if I hadn't been able to see Kevin. There is still a lot of pain but at least we could console each other. I also talked to Michelle and Dave. This sort of thing makes me want to tell all my friends how much I appreciate them. Sometimes I think we all take our friends for granted. Call a friend you haven't talked to in a while. Call your friends back when they call you. These things are important. Tell your friends that you love having them in your life.

Current mood: melancholy

12:49PM - It's Raining!

Well, I never thought I'd see the day. It is raining here in Santa Barbara. I know, it had to happen sometime. I think today was the first time there has been an extended period of heavy rain. It looks like it has stopped now but it is supposed rain more this weekend.

I was a little nervous this morning when I woke up. I had to give a short talk in class today about the long term effects if the Exxon Valdez oil spill. It went relatively well. I am definitely glad I'm done with it though. Now I have to worry about doing my Matlab assignment. It is due tomorrow and I haven't started it yet. Ahhhhhh!

In the world of sports, I read this morning that Allen Iverson might get traded from the Sixers. Also Rashed Wallace is rumored to be moving again. It is kind of exciting to see what might happen with the trade deadline less than 24 hours away.

Also in the news today, Howard Dean announced he was no longer running for the democratic presidential nomination.

Check out what this guy can do with sand. It's amazing. This is some good performance art.