mikekn

Does anyone out there know of a simple, preferably web-based, database front end? We've got two choices on a project at work - either code up a custom interface for the client or find an off the shelf product that can do the job. Unfortunately most of what I've found are too feature rich and complex for what we need (simple form based data entry and a good query interface).

I can't tell if I've actually been busy these last few months or not. Can't really remember much of it, and the calendar only gives me a few clues.

I've started making mead with complexated - we made our third batch last night in honor of the Mead Moon on Wednesday. We also racked a heather honey mead I have that didn't really work out. It has a bitter taste to it that I don't think I can do anything about/with. Still need to research it though.

Gaming is happening, two D&D games and regular Philly Gamers meetings. I've got no free Saturdays this month or next, so no Game Day anytime soon. (Technically, this Saturday was recently freed - skipping an SCA event - but I need to get stuff done around the house).

Got the new 4th ed D&D books. Only read a little of them so far, it's definitely different. Not sure about good or bad yet, but we'll give it a try at some point.

My next SCA event is Bhakail's Investiture (6/28 - history display and games), then Great Northeastern War (7/11-7/13 - history display). EK War Camp is likely, but camping vs day tripping is still up in the air. After that we're on to Pennsic.

Just got the last of what I was owed from my previous job (yay). Took 'em a while but I figured they would be good for it eventually.

Zwahlen's has Blueberry ice cream today and tomorrow. I wonder if it will make a good milkshake...

Finally bought a GSP the other day. Still haven't really tried it out (though I watched it track my progress to work this morning).

I need a nap. Or lunch. Or both.

Heh - I always seem to be trying to catch up. Must be my jet-setter lifestyle...

( Read more or less )

Ok, done catching up here - time to go catch up elsewhere.

Got back from lunch in Ambler - the second time I've gone up there for lunch this week. No, the food isn't worth the trip, but the conversations are.

Plus the car ride gives me time to listen to my CDs

In the CD changer:
1 Opheliac EP - Emilie Autumn
2 Frustration Plantation - Rasputina
3 The Presidents of the United States of America II
4 Far From Home - The Bowmans
5 Get Y'er Hands Off 'Me Booty - Folk Underground
6 Albuminium Blue - Funks Grove

ETA: Corrected the spelling :)

I'm behind on just about everything, so I'll just sneak in an ( update here. )

Wow, that went quickly.

( The week... )

I'd love to be able to say I've been super busy and just haven't had time to update, but it wouldn't be true.

Over the past few months I've gone from having a 40 hr/week job to two 20 hr/week jobs to one 20 hr/week job and now have a 30 hr/week job that will last at least through April (at which point they will either get a grant or not).  Lots of potential consulting jobs, but that won't help me until they turn into real consulting jobs (something I have no input or control over).  If I had the energy and could afford to make a change, this would be a great time to strike out and do something complete different - but I don't really see it happening.

Been doing some work in NYC.  This usually involves a three hour commute each way; very different from my usual 5-10 minute commute.  In spite of being in the city, I don't really have the time to do or see anything.  Plus I'd probably piss some folks off if I went to a show without them. 

World of Warcraft - escapism with a social aspect.  Very handy that.  I can avoid stuff, while still feeling like I'm interacting with folks.  (Ok, it's also very fun and relaxing.  Very easy to just hop on, kill some time and hop off again)

Spamalot in two and a half weeks!  Yay!  Got word from beckishadow that the London Sweeney Todd show will  be coming to Broadway.  Yay!

Still want to see "Constantine" and maybe "Robots".  Must see "Sin City" when it comes out.

I've been really bad about getting to the gym.  Since after work I'm either tired or have something else I need to do, I think I'm going to try going in the mornings before work.  If that doesn't work out, I'll probably cancel the membership. 

Currently in the CD changer:
1. I'll hold you're hand while they drag the river.
2. What's that you say?
3. Ancients of MuMu.
4. Smoke billows, ashes blow around.
5. Yo ho, yo ho, down to the devil ya go.
6. On the way to that slobberin', hoverin' jerk.  (Thanks kathy_the_geek!  Love it!)
(where # = line # of track # of disk #)

More when I get around to it...

The good news: My sister's school did not go on strike.  They just signed a five year contract.

The bad news: My friend Mike's father passed away and we're going to attend the service next Saturday, so no game tournament this year.  Until recently we've not gotten to see Mike and his family very often, but they been joining us for brunch recently when they can.  His father has been sick for a while now, so it wasn't a surprise, but that doesn't lessen the loss. 

The mixed news: Half my job is finally picking up again - I've got billable hours!  The other half is slowing down - to the point where they will probably be letting go the new software guy (who they just hired a few months ago).

( Been doing... )

( Plan to do... )

Ok, last week was a short week, but this one feels short for some reason.

( Been doing... )

( Got planned... )

It's been a busy week so far.  Hopefully it will slow down a bit now...

Sunday we did the brunch thing at Kildare's, but skipped the movie since no one else was interested in going.  We had a good crowd again this week.  Joy & Mike and the kids, The Lovely Gail, Mathilde and hughcasey & Deni.  I had my usual Big Irish breakfast, minus the extra puddings this time and apple juice (ok, Strongbow cider).

Monday I drove to Long Island (New Hyde Park for folks who know the area).  Spent all day training them on their new ultrasound system (after we got around the fact that the manufacture forgot to include their non-standard power cable).  Went to the mall for dinner - I wasn't in the mood for experimenting with local restaurants - and then stayed over at the lovely Floral Park Motor Lodge... 

Next day, more training, this time on the data capture system.  We discovered a few problems that we'll need to work on, but over all the trip went well.

On my way home however, I got rear ended in stop and go traffic on the Belt Parkway.  Only my bumper seems to be damaged, and I was sore for a day or so.  Now I need to get my bumper repaired.  The folks who hit me would prefer to do this with out involving the insurance companies - which is fine with me - but I took down all their insurance info just in case.  I'm hoping to get a quote or two today, but I don't know how likely that is yet. 

We leave for Pennsic tomorrow, and I'm only now getting a chance to start to pack...

( But before that )

The new software person started yesterday.  Nice guy, seems to know his stuff, but we seem to have trouble communicating (lots of corrections and misunderstandings).  I suspect it will take a bit of time for us both to figure out what works best. 

Got home and was paying the bills when *pop* out drops one of my fillings.  So now I've got a big gapping hole in one of my teeth.  We'd been in the process of switching dentists so I had to speed that along and got an appointment for Thursday before shire meeting.

Went to fencing for the first time in months - I'm very out of practice (not that I was that good before) and still very out of shape.  Need to keep going to the gym.  I've been able to make it at least three times a week so far, but Pennsic will stop that for a bit.  Our marshal gave violet_amy and I some fencing homework for Pennsic - namely to fight some pick up bouts during the week.  With my current schedule, I don't see it happening but I'll bring my stuff along anyway.  I'm going to leave my archery stuff at home - I'm so out of practice there that it's not worth it.

( For the rest of the week )