Carpool!

Well today was day #2 of carpooling with Nick and Mike from the Melt Shop. Let me tell you that it rocks that they offered to let me car pool with them. We all live pretty close and with the way gas is it really helps the ol’ pocket book. But beyond that Nick and Mike are hella fun to be around. Nick can crack a “yo mama” joke faster than anyone I’ve ever met. Mike likes to rock the nostalgia; TMNT, 80’s and 90’s music, and he finishes the GI Joe slogan every time I start it.

It’s also a lot of fun because they read my blog. Mike has been asking me questions about this entry or that or even side thoughts he has, and he’s always trying to help me out. I like engaging him in conversation. Nick has a family and my insights into married life are continually growing whether I want them to or not. you can tell these guys get along well at work by the way they can cut up with each other after hours.

Here’s to many more car rides together guys!

I never bought into the astrological signs before

But after reading this “How To Spot a Leo” it is me dead on. Even the negative stuff that I try to cover up and hide, I have to make a conscious effort to not let those qualities show through. Makes a guy think. But then I also have to step back and realize that I just got lumped in with 1/12 of the world’s population. I hop I’m not the same as that many other people.

I am not a still sleeper

Last night I did a time lapse camera study of myself sleeping. It took pictures every six minutes. Judging from these pictures I change sleep positions every twenty minutes or so. Always on my side or back, never my stomach. I do however keep myself pretty well contained to my side of the bed. No arms and limbs flailing. On the down side I definitely steal the covers this way. All good to know I guess.

Three Pronged Attack!

So having done some more reading, there are three places that continue to be suggested as places to meet women that seem to be inline with 1) myself and my personality, and 2) the type of women I want to meet. They are:

• Volunteering
• Go back to school
• Weddings

Volunteering: I need to find a good project that lets me participate either in the evenings or on the weekends. I want to steer clear of things like nursing homes and women’s shelters because those places bum me out. I’d go for a habitat for humanity deal, but I don’t know how many women would be out there for doing construction, ya know.

Go back to school: Well we all know I’m not big on the idea of going back for more academic education, but there are ways around this. I’ve signed myself up to be the coach at a commuter college just outside of Cinci and while I was there this week to meet the guy in charge of student activities I saw a lot of good candidates. The problem here is that I’ll have to be wary of high school girls who are too smart for their school and are taking college level classes there.

Weddings: I’m going to two in the next two months! One is even right here in Kentucky so that means an increased chance of meeting a quasi-local woman!

I’m expecting someone to turn up by the end of October. Check back in two months for a full report!

I’m a Gmailer

Because of the recently released GTalk (Beta) I dug up my Google Mail account. I decided to give it a whirl since my current web mail, Neomail, sucks dog balls. GMail rocks. It imports my CSV contact list and all the extras from Outlook. It has a nice desktop mail notifier you can download. It even auto fills in the names and addresses of people as you go to type their name in the To: box. I’ve never seen a web email client do that. It has also filtered out 100% of my spam from the last two days. It’s fast to load and keeps me logged in when I want it to. I’ve got invites if you want one.

P.S. my email address will stay the same, will@read.name, because I know how to bastardize the internets.

Purdue Alumni Roundup

Today I sent out the first of several rounds of emails to Purdue Fencing Alumni. The initial list is twenty seven. It’s a lot more than the “two” that Scott O’Neal gave me (but to his credit I did not have those addresses). The sad part is that I mostly only have addresses of people from my class. What I really want to happen is the old people show up and I get to hear all the stories of yore.

Right now to get people interested I’m planning to set up an alumni banquet, potentially around Purdue’s Homecoming. There would also be a tournament for those alumni who still fence. The idea would be that we’d charge a fee for this event and the proceeds go to the PFC as a fund raiser. Why am I doing this? Because I said I’d do it when I was president. I tried when I was just the adviser. I will succeed as an alumni myself. I am a man who finishes things, of that you can be certain.

The roommate saga part II

—Last Week’s Conversation

(18:51:23) margret_powel01: hello
(18:54:57) readwl: hi, I’ve got to step away for 2 minutes, I’ll be right back
(18:55:06) margret_powel01: ok
(18:57:32) readwl: alright, sorry about that. I’m back
(18:57:56) margret_powel01: ok
(18:58:27) readwl: so when will you move in?
(18:59:16) margret_powel01: soonest
(18:59:26) margret_powel01: like middle of next month
(18:59:31) margret_powel01: is that ok
(18:59:52) readwl: that’s fine
(19:00:10) readwl: how much did you want me to hold from the check that’s being sent?
(19:00:56) margret_powel01: the amount you requested
(19:01:05) margret_powel01: for a month reant right
(19:01:49) readwl: ok that’s what I figured, it was just such a big check I wasn’t sure what amount. thank you for clearing that up
(19:02:49) margret_powel01: ok
(19:03:07) margret_powel01: so when it get to you u let me know ok
(19:03:27) readwl: I certainly will
(19:03:58) margret_powel01: ok
(19:04:12) margret_powel01: i really need the balance to come over k
(19:04:29) readwl: I understand
(19:04:36) margret_powel01: ok
(19:04:49) margret_powel01: what bank do you bank with
(19:05:13) readwl: I use Fifth Third
(19:05:39) readwl: they treat me well and they’ve got branches all over the US
(19:05:54) margret_powel01: sorry wellsfargo
(19:05:57) margret_powel01: or what
(19:06:52) readwl: yeah, Fifth Third, it’s like Wellsfargo, only I haven’t seen any Wellsfargos in the Cincinnati area
(19:07:29) margret_powel01: as in do they act like wellsfargo
(19:08:00) readwl: yes, as far as i know they offer very sinilar services
(19:08:07) readwl: *similar services
(19:08:22) margret_powel01: ok
(19:08:30) margret_powel01: so u married
(19:08:54) readwl: no, I’m single currently
(19:08:58) readwl: you?
(19:10:19) margret_powel01: ok
(19:11:47) readwl: are you married?
(19:11:56) margret_powel01: no
(19:14:13) readwl: will you need any help moving in?
(19:14:30) margret_powel01: really
(19:14:33) margret_powel01: of course
(19:15:01) readwl: ok, once you know when you’re moving I can call up some friends
(19:15:14) readwl: you don’t know anyone in the area do you?
(19:15:58) margret_powel01: no i dont
(19:16:44) readwl: I’ll do my best to show you around and introduce you to the people I know. I’m still pretty new here myself
(19:17:04) margret_powel01: cool
(19:19:00) readwl: so why are you coming to the states to model?
(19:19:20) margret_powel01: through my agent
(19:20:02) readwl: is it something you asked to do?
(19:20:16) margret_powel01: nope thats what am good at
(19:21:53) readwl: cool
(19:22:17) margret_powel01: so u work
(19:23:58) readwl: yeah. I am a computer programmer for a steel mill
(19:24:19) margret_powel01: cool
(19:24:22) margret_powel01: thats nice
(19:24:28) margret_powel01: am sure u make so much
(19:25:59) readwl: I do alright. but then I also own a fencing club that uses a good amount of my free money
(19:26:33) margret_powel01: ok
(19:26:36) margret_powel01: thats cool
(19:26:43) margret_powel01: love to stay with you
(19:26:51) margret_powel01: sent you my pixs before
(19:38:05) margret_powel01: well today’s my birthday
(19:38:14) margret_powel01: sorry i did not tell u since
(19:38:17) readwl: oh really? Happy Birthday!
(19:38:21) margret_powel01: thanks
(19:38:32) readwl: are you 26 or 27 now?
(19:38:45) margret_powel01: now 26
(19:39:15) readwl: mine was the 24th of july, just turned 24 myself
(19:39:26) margret_powel01: cool
(19:41:03) margret_powel01: so what u doing now
(19:41:06) margret_powel01: ???
(19:42:04) readwl: coloring and shading a drawing of myself
(19:42:20) margret_powel01: ok
(19:43:04) readwl: I comissioned an artist to draw myself and some of my friends
(19:43:15) readwl: eventually when I’m finished I’ll do something with it
(19:43:25) margret_powel01: ok
(19:43:44) margret_powel01: who do you stay with?
(19:44:35) readwl: I live alone. Which is why I wanted a room mate, the apartment is kind of boring being her by myself when friends aren’t over
(19:44:51) margret_powel01: ok
(19:45:00) margret_powel01: so am i getting it
(19:45:16) readwl: are you getting what?
(19:45:30) margret_powel01: the room
(19:45:38) readwl: oh! yes! of course
(19:46:07) readwl: sorry, I just assumed you knew that.
(19:46:49) readwl: yes the room is yours
(19:47:05) margret_powel01: ok
(19:47:09) margret_powel01: thanks for that
(19:47:59) readwl: I apologize, I figured that since you were having money sent to me that you knew you were getting the room
(19:49:00) margret_powel01: ok
(19:49:25) readwl: I feel terrible. I hope I didn’t cause too much confusion
(19:50:40) margret_powel01: no at all dont fell terrible
(19:51:06) readwl: alright
(19:51:17) readwl: so what are you doing right now?
(19:51:28) margret_powel01: chating with you
(19:53:17) readwl: true. anything else going on?
(19:53:52) margret_powel01: not really
(19:55:33) readwl: what time is it there? I was wondering why I hadn’t seen you online yet and realized that it was probably due to the difference in time
(19:56:32) margret_powel01: yes
(19:56:42) margret_powel01: 2;00am
(19:57:04) readwl: wow, yeah, 6 hour difference
(19:57:11) margret_powel01: yes
(19:58:24) margret_powel01: so wat do i get for my birthday
(19:58:27) margret_powel01: from u
(19:59:02) readwl: hmm, I’ll have to think about it. is there anything you want in particular?
(19:59:31) margret_powel01: having a party today
(19:59:52) margret_powel01: wish i could get some money for some drinks and other stuff
(19:59:59) margret_powel01: anything u feel like
(20:00:03) margret_powel01: u know
(20:00:05) margret_powel01: ur wish
(20:00:09) readwl: *sigh* I don’t think I could arrange a party on such short notice
(20:00:22) readwl: not one so far away anyway
(20:00:45) margret_powel01: i will do that
(20:00:51) margret_powel01: just a support
(20:01:09) readwl: are you still in Africa, or are you back home?
(20:01:25) margret_powel01: africa
(20:01:34) readwl: are there places to go where you are?
(20:01:41) readwl: like bars
(20:01:42) margret_powel01: yes
(20:01:49) margret_powel01: off course
(20:02:36) readwl: wait, so it’s 2am, is your birthday on the 18th or the 17th?
(20:03:53) readwl: no, 18th or 19th
(20:03:56) readwl: ?
(20:04:07) margret_powel01: 18th
(20:04:48) readwl: well why not go out? I’m sure you could find a guy or two who’d be willing to buy you a drink, especially on your birthday
(20:04:56) readwl: I know I certainly would
(20:05:49) margret_powel01: what ever
(20:06:01) margret_powel01: dont bother ok
(20:06:09) margret_powel01: just asked you
(20:06:53) readwl: when you get here I’ll gladly take you out. I just said I couldn’t do much about today
(20:07:17) margret_powel01: no dont worry ok
(20:08:10) readwl: eh, it’s in my nature to care. eveyone should have a good time on her birthday. lord knows it only comes around but once a year
(20:08:31) margret_powel01: yeah for real
(20:10:17) margret_powel01: talk to you later ok
(20:10:24) margret_powel01: gat to sleep ok
(20:10:40) readwl: alright, I hope you find something fun to do!
(20:10:44) readwl: g’night
(20:11:05) margret_powel01: I-)
(20:11:31) margret_powel01 logged out.
(20:11:34) margret_powel01 has become idle.

— Today’s Conversation

(18:13:14) margret_powel01: hello will
(18:13:22) margret_powel01: how you doing?
(18:13:34) : Buzz!!
(18:13:35) readwl: good
(18:13:41) readwl: buzz?
(18:13:53) margret_powel01: sorry you get the check on thursday
(18:13:55) margret_powel01: ok
(18:14:09) margret_powel01: please look out for it
(18:14:48) readwl: actually I’ve rented the room to someone else. I’ll just forward the whole check onto you. I’m really sorry
(18:15:02) margret_powel01: why
(18:15:11) margret_powel01: thats not fair
(18:15:19) margret_powel01: you promised me
(18:16:54) readwl: it’s my friend’s brother. he really needed a place to stay and I owed him a big favor
(18:17:22) margret_powel01:
(18:17:28) margret_powel01: pretty bad
(18:17:34) margret_powel01: so what do i do
(18:17:57) margret_powel01: see its one of my mom’s client that payed for it
(18:18:10) readwl: I’m sure a model like you will have no problem finding a room mate.
(18:18:15) margret_powel01: he was oweing her thats why
(18:18:22) margret_powel01: see it’s not easy
(18:18:41) margret_powel01: see i really need the maoney to come over
(18:19:27) readwl: I’m really sorry Margret. I’d much rather have a model at my place than some guy
(18:19:35) readwl: but that’s the way it is
(18:19:51) margret_powel01: see ok you do me a favour
(18:20:07) margret_powel01: can you please help me cash it out and send it to me
(18:20:15) margret_powel01: i will really appreciate it
(18:20:49) readwl: I’ll just send it to you as is and you can work it out
(18:21:19) margret_powel01: as in
(18:21:28) margret_powel01: will you help me out
(18:21:35) margret_powel01: with the check
(18:22:09) readwl: I’ll forward on the check when it comes in the mail but I don’t see why I would cash it
(18:22:31) margret_powel01: i get you
(18:22:58) margret_powel01: but the fact is my mom’s client is the one that payed it out
(18:23:14) margret_powel01: and he has just payed her out
(18:23:20) readwl: then you’ll have to ask the client to pay you directly, sorry
(18:23:39) margret_powel01: so are you going to return the check
(18:24:34) readwl: yeah
(18:25:01) margret_powel01: ok
(18:27:06) readwl: again I’m sorry. when you get to the states look me up ok? I’ll still take you out for drinks
(18:27:25) margret_powel01: hmmmm
(18:27:38) margret_powel01: i dont have money for my flight
(18:27:57) margret_powel01: till i get the payment from the client
(18:28:53) readwl: you’ll get it I’m sure
(18:29:11) margret_powel01: i really relied on u
(18:30:18) margret_powel01: well
(18:30:30) margret_powel01: just let me know when it gets to u
(18:30:57) readwl: ok

Survey Results

I won’t say that the Survey On Women was a total waste, but a lot of people responded to me with “well you already know the answers to the questions for me and my sig other”. And they’re not wrong. I’m not disappointed that these people didn’t respond. Instead what I realized was that I wanted to learn more about the type of person I want to date, and the truth is that I don’t really know anyone who fits in that category, otherwise I’d be spending my energy building a relationship with that person, rather than posting surveys on the internet.

It does however seem that it is more frequent that she is in a group when she meets a guy. It’s split about 50-50 on if the guy is in a group or not. I think that it’s easier to approach a woman in a group rather than one who is alone, especially if you strike out with your first target, there’s always the hope that one of her friends might take interest. I also think the group thing for her makes it easier to tell if she’s with a guy or not. In the case of the woman standing alone, you have no idea if her bf is off getting drinks or in the bathroom or non-existent.

New Project

Since I have so much free time (note the sarcastic tone), I decided to pick up an old project. A while back I commissioned an artist to do some line art of me and some other characters. My plan was to then color them in and use them in a new web site for all to enjoy. So I’ve taken the first step and tried my hand at digital coloring and shading. It took a while, as I expected it would, but I’m fairly pleased with the result. Feed back is welcome on my handy work. I think I’ll be investing in a graphic table before I try to finish the others.

Where I’ll Be When I’m Not At Work

After reading this month’s issue of Wired Magazine’s article on emachineshop.com I’m in love. This place is better than a girlfriend (well… not in certain ways… but then again…). You download their software that is similar to a CAD system, draw up your object, select your materials and tooling method, and then it tells you if it is possible and how much it’ll cost to make. This is exactly the type of service I’ve been looking for to put my fencing equipment ideas into action. *drools*