The move is drawing to it’s inevitable conclusion, with both moments of triumph (I unpacked the kitchen and my office) and defeat(I haven’t unpacked much else, and I don’t have a washer).  But all said, a fine move.  My roommate is Otis, who pays his rent in kisses and nuzzles; my house is situated in a nice quiet part of Riverside*.&nbsp Such as it is, I am lord over my domain; and it is good.  Haven’t had too much of a chance to hang out, the burden of a move and associated costs plus a new project at work has kept me homebound and dull.  Though, I expect payday to bring an atypical amount of mischief with it.  I hope to wipe out the last of the moving/purchasing that the new digs have required (did I mention I needed a washer?) this weekend.  The folks have offered to send a little cash my way, which has been nice of them.  Moving seems to get more expensive everytime I do it.

I’ve rediscoved the joys of pipe smoking again, something that I’ve been off-again on-again with for some years (though it has remained something of “trademark", if you will).  I do forget how relaxing and enjoyable of a pursuit it is.  I had quit the last time because of headaches caused by clenching the pipe to hard with my teeth; but there really is nothing more satisfying then to sit at the computer writing, reading, or whatever while puffing merrily away at a pipe.  It has all the qualities of a Chris Brodt hobby/infatuation:

• It is something an old man would do
• It requires study, practice, patience and effort; wheras, it’s modern replacement requires a fraction of or none at all (look up double-edged safety razors for another example)
• I could fill at least 15 minutes expositing the finer points and vaguries of it over it’s ‘modern’ competitors

Which I guess seems strange for someone who is in the business of technology and such.  Well, if contradictions are a measure of character then I come through in spades.  But now to more pressing topics: a trip back to the motherland.  I’m thinking the 31st through the 4th or 5th.  I was thinking maybe a little sooner, but one of my team leads will be on vaction for the next two weeks so I figured the timing wouldn’t be that great.  I expect each and every one of you (and you know who you are) to drop any plans you have for that time and spend it with me.  I promise you won’t regret it

*Otis is a dog, in case you were wondering