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25 Random Things about N8

I posted this on Facebook and realized it makes a good blog entry. Sorry for those who've seen it before.

1.) I've played a few musical instruments: Alto and tenor saxophone, piano, guitar (still learning, but took classical in college)
2.) I try to use the Force when looking for a parking spot in a busy lot; also when finding a place for the first time.
3.) I like to make sound effects for things like car doors opening (think hydraulic noises) and tickling Zoe (chk chk chk)
4.) To relax in bed and fall asleep, I design my ultimate space craft. It's sort of a manta ray shape with a glass top and retracting cover. my quarters are on the bottom near my shuttle bay. there is a water fall in the forest (glass top). And you thought you were a geek.
5.) I do not like black liquorish, Sam I am. I will not eat black liquorish, Sam I am. 
6.) I don't mind movie and television show spoilers and often seek them out. I feel it's like watching the show twice and retaining more detail.
7.) My first computer was an Apple ][ Plus. My family went to the Apple store (Midway Rd. and LBJ in Dallas at the time) to undergo computer training. While there, a local television news program shot a segment about personal home computers becoming a trend and we were all on TV.
8.) I marched the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland with the Tenor Saxophone.
9.) I and every male on my father's side of the family is an Eagle Scout.
10.) I'm pretty good at training dog obedience. Always could be better of course, but pretty good. At least with Sophie and Walker.
11.) I often find myself planning ahead tactically for the zombie outbreak.
12.) My first "grown up" job was writing the police blotter and obituaries while shooting photography for a small town newspaper. I was no Clark Kent. There is a history of newspaper work in the family on my mother's side.
13.) My first job ever (not including mowing lawns) was "Courtesy Clerk" at Tom Thumb. Would you like help with that to your car? Wet cleanup on Isle 4.
14.) I drink my coffee black. I think adding anything is frivolous because coffee is so good alone, but I don't judge. 
15.) My motto is Zen like a motherfucker. It's hard, but I try to stick to it.
16.) I was born in Davis, California. Other cities I've lived in: San Diego (4 years), Dallas (17 years accumulative, ugh), Miami (4 years), Houston (6 months), El Campo (1 year), Austin (3-4 years accumulative, here to stay!), Chicago (3 years)
17.) My full name is Nathaniel Donald Stull. Donald was my grandfather's name. I was almost named Alexander--LEX! These days, I mostly go by Nate. In comics, there is Nate Grey (X-Man) and Nathaniel Essex (Sinister).
18.) I am a textbook case for the Zodiac sign Libra.
19.) I find Superman to be a tragic character. It's sad, really. Poor guy.
20.) Sometimes, I talk to myself. So what.
21.) For me, one path that leads to the Dark Side is Monopoly.
22.) I prefer thin crust pizza. And when ordering Chinese, I usually get Sesame Chicken. Is that two?
23.) I was hired for a job to replace my wife, who took a transfer/promotion.
24.) I only listen to NPR or XM Radio. But my brother Travis just gave me an eight disk set of CDs with some awesome music. To the point that I might let go of XM.
25.) Some say I'm intuitive. I think it's mostly observation.

Book of Changes

Today marks a new president in the White House; the second president I've voted for to make the move (my first election to vote was 1992). Barack is the first of many things and I look forward to seeing what else he does first in his time.

A few random thoughts:

• I watched the inauguration in the work cafeteria on the big screen. The A/C was on, even though it was about 50 degrees outside. I ate chili.
  
• Our work network servers have been spotty at best due to the high volume of streaming video emplyees are apparently running today.
• With all this refreshing hope, I hope The People don't expect miracles. Even his economic plan won't see a huge impact for a year or so.
• I hope we really do harness our leadership in science and technology.
• I'm not too upset to take the 10 % pay cut announced last week at work because I believe.

Fuzzy Thoughts

Today, we are going to Cicada Oaks to see my brother and his family. We're going to celebrate a birthday for one of the girls. And, we get to see our dog, Walker. He's been out there since we moved to Austin and I really miss him--or any fuzzy animal for that matter. We plan to rent a house or duplex after the lease is up on this apartment. That will help us take Walker back. And depending on all that, there is beagle mix discussion for our future.

I also need to take him to a vet here in Austin, which i think I'll do next week. He's due for some shots.

Side Note: I don't miss Roscoe as much as the dog, but that's probably because I've always been a dog person. Yvonne and I aren't really interested in another cat ever. Roscoe sort of traumatized us and we haven't healed, lol.

Side Note II: I just scanned my files for photos of Walker and don't have any up to date! Will be fixed today.

Want

2008 in Review

I don't think I could have said it better myself. Thanks to Crystal Eye for the linky.

2009 New Year Resolutions

1. Workout more/Lose weight/Eat better
   
2. Teach Zoe more words
3. Keep the marriage strong
   
4. Keep a roof over our heads and a pantry full of "grain" (i.e. succeed at work during this economy)
   
5. Pay off more debt
6. Improve my poker skillz. Try to compete.
   
7. Read more (I have books, just not the time to read figured out)
   
8. Find a place to live with a yard/second bedroom and get Walker back
   
9. Learn more than two guitar chords
   
10. Maintain a steady stream of Xbox Live achievement points