Everybody online ... let's see what we can see

We are wireless, baby. It's sweet! It pretty much took me 8 hours from the beginnig of moving the modem, router, computer and stuff, to being able to relax and say, we are good. Yvonne and I spent an accumulative of about 2-3 hours with Time Warner Cable because apparently they need to flip a switch for three components on one account. They have great customer service .... NAWT!

But we also had a tech come out and install a second cable box (hence, three components), and that guy was cool. We was a contractor, which might explain it?

I still need to work out the incognato domain kinks, but weekend timing doesn't help. The worst part is my email is offline, unless someone happens to remember my yahoo email address (in Chicago).

This is how I feel now that I have a W-Fi network secured (thanks Warlord!), my computer moved, Yvonne's NEW computer online and looking good and a cable box in the gym.

Hosed by my host, upgrades all around

The last year or so, I've noticed my server not being that great. Emails would not send, the site would go down a lot, etc. I've submitted tickets to the tech support and get an auto response 3 days later. I call the number and no one answers. I do an Ask.com search and find many customer service complaints and accusations of fraud.

A while back, my domain needed renewal and they never told me. It just went offline. I had to figure out. Easy to do, but a reminder would be nice.

So, I was just waiting for their reminder to renew the hosting, then I'd switch. I thought since this reminder meant they wanted money, I would get it. I never got that reminder either. Instead, I found my site offline this morning, my email account inactive and I'm locked out of the server's control panel unless I pay $95 for another year. Fat f*cking chance Infinology. You suck.

I've had this server since I started the site back in 2004, so I think it's time for an upgrade.

This morning I went about finding a way to switch servers, which I think I've done. I am going to switch to an Austin company suggested by my buddy Old Skool. He gave me a preview of the services and the control panel and it looks great. At this point, I've made the order and I'm just waiting on a confirmation. Then, I'll migrate stuff to the new host. I think I'll also take this opportunity to change my email addy to reduce spam.

I'm pretty happy about the change, I'm just impatient. I know this will take a few days.

On a cooler note, Yvonne bought herself a new computer. I'm going to set up the house on Wi-Fi this weekend and move my computer into the living room (family computer). Then the Xbox will most likely move in there too, freeing up this bedroom to begin it's new life as the guest bedroom, workout room and alternate TV room. Her new laptop will be able to work online anywhere in the house, including the back patio. This is key, since our only current method at home is this desktop I own (5 years old, but still kicking ass). Not great for freelancing.

I'm considering turning her old comp into an digital jukebox of sorts, instead of moth balling it. But, the truth of the matter is it can't handle anything beyond Windows 98, so it's very limited in regards to software. That thing is fricking 7 years old. Good for her making it last so long.

Quick update

Things have been pretty busy around here. Yvonne just recovered (mostly) from a week and a half cold. I've been busy at work and it seems things just keep popping up that we have to do.

But, I think it's OK. We start our new baby parent class on Monday. This weekend, we might finish the bedroom, but Mom's John has the same head cold mentioned above, so he might need more time.

A lightning storm is coming, so I'm signing off and shutting down.

I guess it's true about being green

I just found this funny as a NIN, Johnny Cash and old skool muppet fan. It's a little on the graphic side--but with puppets. Consider yourself warned.


I like the spiders in the vomit---Great detail.

I'm a Pagan, who knew?

I wasn't raised in a strict religious atmosphere. We dabbled at a Unitarian church for a while, but that was about it.

Bankston sent this out. According to this test, I'm:

1. Neo-Pagan (100%)
2. Unitarian Universalism (92%)
3. New Age (91%)
4. Mahayana Buddhism (86%)
5. Theravada Buddhism (84%)
6. Liberal Quakers (79%)
7. Secular Humanism (69%)
8. Taoism (63%)
9. Mainline to Liberal Christian Protestants (61%)
10. Sikhism (60%)
11. Scientology (58%)
12. Hinduism (55%)
13. New Thought (54%)
14. Jainism (52%)
15. Reform Judaism (52%)
16. Orthodox Quaker (50%)
17. Bahá'í Faith (44%)
18. Christian Science (Church of Christ, Scientist) (43%)
19. Nontheist (38%)
20. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) (25%)
21. Orthodox Judaism (25%)
22. Seventh Day Adventist (20%)
23. Mainline to Conservative Christian/Protestant (19%)
24. Eastern Orthodox (16%)
25. Islam (16%)
26. Roman Catholic (16%)
27. Jehovah's Witness (12%)

I like that Buddhism is in the top 5. I think I lean mostly in that direction in my mind.

Knocked down already

It's official. The Bard bowled a 237 (no asterisk). He beat my (no asterisk) score by 3 points. My new goal is to reach 250. But it's all up to the spirits in the wind, since it's not a matter of practice.

Meanwhile, I just cracked 1,000 achievement points on my XBox Live account. And I am still thinking Guitar Hero, bebe.

On the bebe front, we recently had a nice baby shower and were given more presents than I expected. I was a little surprised, but in a good way. I'm very grateful. My current favorite is a talking octopus that says colors and plays music. The bebe's room is on hold while we host some family this week. But, I'm thinking one or two more sessions ought to do it.

Name discussion seems to linger, circle, think about landing, then decide on another branch. I added Deanna to the list (at right) because it was the only sci-fi female name that I liked. Deanna Dutchover Stull. Eh.

It's also time to mow the yard this weekend for the first time. The yard is less important to me, but I also don't want to let it go bad.

Let's go bowling dude

So my little brother and the Warlord have Wiis. I've played a few times and right now, bowling tops my list. I like it so much, I almost want a Wii in addition to the Xbox 360.

Why do you ask?

Because last night I bowled a 242. An all-time record for everyone I know who plays it. It beats the highest score of everyone who OWNS a Wii I know. But, the Boneshakers call it a 242* and say it doesn't count. So, for them, I lean back on my second highest score 234 (no asterisk). That one still tops the charts.

Bowling. Who knew? Meanwhile, Guitar Hero comes out in April and that's going to RAWK!


*I was sober.

What do you think the message in the bottle says?

Mom and John came over yesterday and made a lot of progress. I had some furniture moving projects, so it was mostly them.

They are coming back today and I'll help out a lot more. Enjoy the photos.

Eye lashes

"By this week, your baby weighs a little over 2 pounds and measures about 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can open her eyes — which now sport lashes — and she'll turn her head toward a continuous, bright light from the outside. Her fat layers are beginning to form, too, as she gets ready for life outside the womb."