Janicek.com

Today has been an absolute shitty one so far. It all started at approximately 10:30 last night when I hit a deer on the way home from John & Christine’s. I’m getting to where I really don’t like deer. Much like what happened to John and me almost a year ago, a deer darted out from the bushes as I was driving down Slaughter Ln (aptly named street, huh?) towards the house at 50 mph. I saw the deer start running accross the street and I slammed on my breaks. It had been raining earlier that evening so my car slid right into the deer – dead on. It was an adolescent deer. I don’t know how fast I was going on impact, but the deer flipped end over end over end over end for about 30-40 feet. It then started to flop around very freakishly.

Elise is in the Jeep behind me, wondering what the hell I’m doing as she didn’t see the deer come out.

I was temporarily mesmerized by the whole ordeal. Then I thought “Shit – now I’m going to have to run over this effing deer a couple times to put it out of its misery. The damn thing finished its conniption and ran off.

So now the grill on my cool Toyota pickup is broken in two places and I have a huge deer-shaped dent in my bumper. Luckily the deer only caused cosmetic damage.

So I went to bed mad last night.

I woke up in a bad mood. It’s cold (to me – a mild cold front blew in this morning). I hate cold weather. My iPod is still screwed up. Everything at work has gone all shitty.

Today sucks.

My iPod ain’t workin’. When I try to start it, it hangs on the Apple logo. I reset it, it does the same thing. When it does start up and I play a song, it stops working at the end of a song. I make a few attempts at restarting it – see above… lather, rinse, repeat.

I’ll call Apple tomorrow and even though I’ll have to go through a troubleshooting walkthrough, I’ll have a new iPod shipped. That’ll be nice seeing how I had this iPod for a month or so before the 4th Generation iSkins were released (my iPod got nice and scratched up in that month).

More often than not, I’m associated with worldy scholars and philosophers. I have developed software to help locate unmapped stars in the universe. I compiled complex formulas to help in finding a cure for adolescent hypertension. I’ve sat on boards and contributed to numerous discussions regarding architectural developments to renovate a series of museums in Indonesia and Lubbock.

I’ve accomplished many things in my life so far. I’m also lucky because I still consider myself young. Part of being young entails not only being studious and well known in the world of academia, but also maintaining my cool. That can be pretty hard for your humble narrator.

Part of being cool is driving a 1993 Toyota pickup truck that weighs approximately 164 lbs. dry. In this truck I have a tape deck and a couple 6′ x 9’s tucked in the back that can hammer out some mad Phil Collins tunes.

I was driving home from Tae Kwon Do tonight (keep in mind, I’m a brilliant genious mastermind renowned scholar). I had, what we call in the halls of the university and the realm of advanced thought, a breath inhibiting booger. I’m a scholar so I know that everyone has had at least one of those boogers that keeps you from breathing correctly from one nostril.

After hypothesizing for a moment, I did what not only the layperson would do, but also us geniuses – I dug into my nasal orifice to remove said booger. Keep in mind that I was still quite sweaty from TKD class. Now that Fall has set in, it was also dark outside. I knew said booger had been removed because I could breathe equally through both nostrils. You know that feeling – pure relief.

A minute or so later, my eye started itching. Keep in mind, I am very, very, very smart. I am respected. I am consulted, on a regular basis by doctors, physicians, Ph.D.’s M.D.’s, doctors and those who practice medicine.

I went to scratch my itch and stuck that booger right in my eye. That hurt.

Link of the day

I setup an 802.11g wireless network at my parents’ house over the weekend. I did this so I could get online with my iBook. After I logged into my Mom’s router, I got to thinking: “I wonder how secure my wireless network is at home”.

We got home this evening and I tried logging into my router. I couldn’t. I forgot my password. After many tries, I was able to login. By default, my wireless network wasn’t password protected. Luckily I hadn’t shared any drives on my XP machine prior to last Thursday. That computer was off over the weekend which would have left any prying parties access to my network for approximately 24 hours. Since no drives had been shared since I bought the router in November, I’m not worried that any neighbors had gained access to my network last Friday. I have 2 other wireless networks that are available (if I had their passwords)…

So now everything is all safe and secure.

At Mom and Dads… I hooked up Mom’s D-Link 802.11G wireless router – the iBook picked up the signal without me having to do anything. Connecting the router to Mom’s DSL modem was the hard part. Once I was connected, I handed the iBook to Mom – dumb move… now I’m going to have to buy her one for the next holiday/birthday.

I just bought shares in Sirius because I heard this live on the radio on the way to work this morning. I’ve never really been a Stern fan, but I know in the past 20 years he’s had his way with the airwaves and has made a killing. Now he’s aiming at satellite because the FCC has turned him into a puppet in recent years.

I probably won’t ever buy into satellite but feel confident in this investment gamble.

I logged into my work computer via GoToMyPC.com and uploaded files for a sales presentation slotted for 8 a.m. tomorrow morning. I ‘worked’ and puchased shares all from the comfort of my couch (while watching the Godfather on SpikeTV). My wife got me a pretty cool anniversary present. And, I don’t have to worry about this stuff anymore (hopefully).

This past weekend consisted of me working and looking for a wireless mouse for the iBook. I drove back to Austin from work on Saturday and immediately went to CompUSA. I bought a Targus Bluetooth mouse that I found out only works on Windows. On Sunday I went back to CompUSA, returned the bluetooth mouse and settled on a Kensington Pocket Mouse Pro (that I’m still not happy with).

Elise worked all weekend.

Monday came too soon. John and Christine came over Monday night – I fried chicken legs and thighs. John gave me software for the iBook.

Hmmmm… what else… As I type this, I’m sitting in bed watching Conan on NBC, waiting for Good Charlotte to play.

I should’ve bought a laptop a long time ago.

This sucks. It’s Saturday. I’m at work (alone) and have a lot of work yet to do. It’s rainy and gloomy outside.

Last night’s dinner at Hudson’s was excellent. We arrived at the restaurant at 8 p.m. We were greeted by the host who immediately apologized for the cancellation of my cooking class and was quick to escort us to our table on the patio.

We both ordered a glass of wine and opted for the Diamond Back Rattlesnake Cakes
in a Pistachio Nut crust coiled atop a spicy Chipotle Cream per the recommendation of John and Christine.

For dinner, I had the Hudson’s Famous Mixed Grill: Axis Venison and Rabbit Tenders, Pecan Smoke Haus Quail in a Lime Cilantro Ginger Glaze with Chuy’s spicy Game Sausage and Achiote marinated Buffalo all served with a trio of Hudson’s Signature Sauces. I really wanted to try this entree the last time we ate at Hudson’s, but the price tag was a little high for me. This meal was comped, so I figured “What the hell?”

Elise had the Venison chops layered with fresh Maine Lobster served atop Guava Sour Cherry Sauce. This is a slight variation of an older menu item that consisted of a venison tenderloin with the same sauce and sides. Elise was quick to point out that this meal was a lot less gamey and much tastier than the game that I cook. I cried. I stormed out into traffic and threw my hands to the sky and asked the heavens: “Why?!?!?!?”

Since our meal was comped, we received ‘comped’ service – which is sub-par. We had no complaints though. We received ~$120 worth of food for free. (I’m regretting having not ordered the fois gras)

After dinner, Elise went to the restroom. While she gone, I witnessed an explosion 200 yards from where I was sitting. I giant ball of electric blue set off low in the sky. A transformer box on a telephone pole blew on HWY 620 just north of the restaurant. The lights went out all around. I got up from our table and went into the restaurant to find Elise. She came out of the restroom shortly after. We made small talk with a couple old ladies that were sitting in the foyer.

We went home. Before actually getting home, Elise remembered that she left her doggy bag at the restaurant. Ordinarily I would have hauled ass back to the restaurant, but we didn’t – we were both tired.

Work was rough today. I’m playing manager 90% of the time and the other 10% is dedicated to production. I need that ratio to be an even split. I’m so behind at work. So behind that I’m going to have to spend most of the weekend there.

In other news:

John landed a new job. Congrats, bro!

I’m really enjoying my new iBook. I sit on my ass all night on the couch and send e-mails/surf. I recently received a gift card from CompUSA, so I took that in after work and bought a Targus BlackTop notebook case.

For many years now it has been a dream of mine to be a chef/restaurant owner. If that dream were to ever come true, I would follow closely in the footsteps of Hudson’s on the Bend. Not only is the food excellent, but the service is as well.

Elise bought me a gift certificate for a cooking class at chef Jeff Blanks’ house. I decided to attend the class that was to be held tonight from 6 – 9 p.m. The menu is as follows:

Iced Passion Fruit and Berry Soup Topped with Jumbo Lump Blue Crab

Quail Diablo in a Hoisin Ginger Glaze

Grilled Wild King Salmon in an Herbed Sweet Corn Broth

Cinco Leche Cake Topped with a Kahlua Mousse

Not only were we going to be able to watch Jeff prepare this four course meal, the class was also going to eat everything that was prepared.

I have been looking forward to this day for a very long time. This morning I called Hudson’s on the Bend to confirm the class tonight. I left the office for lunch and when I returned, I had a sticky note on my desk that read: “Sara from Hudson’s called. Class has been cancelled. Call her!”

I was pretty upset. I was already upset from earlier because I thought no one was going to return my phone call. I was about ready to boycott HOTB. I called Sara. She apologized and told me she thought she had called me to let me know the class had been cancelled weeks ago. I assured her that I didn’t receive a phone call.

To make me happy, Sara comped dinner for Elise and me at Hudson’s on the Bend tonight. Talk about good PR!

This morning I was thinking I might never eat at HOTB again if my message wasn’t returned. Now, after having been taken care of, I’ll be more than happy to give them my money and recommend the restaurant to any and everybody.

Good job Hudson’s!!!

This past week was very stressful for me. My boss went to Nebraska last week and our numbers aren’t where they need to be. That’s a huge weight on my shoulders. Minus gorey details, work is stressful.

I came home from work on Friday night and relaxed. Saturday was going to be a big day. I took a melatonin on Friday night so I could sleep. On Saturday I fought in my first tournament in 10 years – and only my second tournament since earning my black belt. I took an 8 year hiatus while in college and a few years after graduating.

There were only three of us in the first degree black belt mens division. I won the buy. I got to fight for first. Unfortunately, I had to fight guy that outweighed me by almost 100 lbs. and was 3 inches taller than me. I went in knowing that I just wanted to have fun. But I also went in knowing that I hate losing. Tae Kwon Do is one of those things I take pride in calling my own. When I spar, it’s do or die. And I did. I won first. Talk about a cool way to make a come back! Granted, I only had to fight once but I’ve got the bruises to prove we both beat each other to death.

I’ve always been seen as a ‘head hunter’. In TKD you can kick your opponent from the belt to the top of the head. You can only punch to the front of the mid section. My opponent scored a couple points by punching me. I was having a hard time landing kicks to the head (hence the head hunter reference) so I had to resort to utlizing my arms, which I very rarely do. I did land a good turning kick to his head and a couple punches to the body which gave me a 3 to 1.5 point victory.

It was an awesome experience. I harnessed adrenaline that I hadn’t felt in a very, very long time.

I drove to John and Christine’s after the tournament. John nuked a bowl of ravioli for me and we stayed up late just hanging out. John also gave me 256 MB of RAM for my new iBook.

On Sunday Elise and I picked up some stuff for the cats at Petsmart and scoped out the warehouse sale at Four Hands. We drove over to John and Christine’s where John and I did some prep work on the wall in the living room to hang curtains. Elise and I went to the grocery store and bought a ton of baby back ribs. We went home and I started cooking. John and Christine drove over later and we had ribs, corn on the cob and pinto beans. Jim and Tammy came over to tell me they were going to order sod on Monday morning and asked if I wanted to order any. I ordered a palate that will cover some 400 sq. ft. of bare spots that I have in the back yard and on the sides of the house.

Monday was hell. Work killed me. Luckily I had something to look forward to. On Saturday John and I bought tickets to see Social Distortion at the Austin Music Hall on Monday night. We had an absolute blast. We had been hesitant about buying the tickets but decided that this was a must see show! I’m glad we went, even though we were both not ready for Tuesday morning. I feel sorry for John, he had to wake up a 3-something in the morning to fly to New York. Oh well… it was worth it.

In other news – I’m really enjoying my iBook. It’s taking some time to get used to it. So far I’ve been using it for surfing and checking e-mail. I get frustrated when I want to do something new and have to figure it out (which is usually some mundane task). Plus it’s convenient to sit on the couch with a computer and watch the Food Network at the same time!