mindful iterations

Really. I'm still here.  I've been trying to lead more of a 'balanced' life as of late, spending a little less time on the computer, a little more time with my partner, and some more time with myself, taking that much needed downtime.

As much as I love technology and computing, I don't want to reach the point of diminishing returns.  So, I've been focusing on some of my other hobbies, such as writing, playing the guitar, and reacquainting myself with one of my first loves - the violin.

I'm going to set myself a goal of at least 2 posts per week.  I think that's a decent amount - not enough to overwhelm myself or my loyal subscribers (yay, loyal subscribers!) but just enough for me to not feel like I've abandoned this blog.

Ah, balance.  Really - that's what it's all about. 

Really.  I haven't gone away.  I promise.

So, here's a quick rundown on things:

Ruby on Rails

Lately I've been doing the majority of my programming in Ruby and Rails.  Things are becoming second nature for me and slowly but surely I'm getting self-confidence when it comes to "am I doing this right?"  That's a great feeling to have.

I was discussing it with someone lately who was telling me that all I really need is the self-confidence.  That's great to hear from an observer.  

Linux

I've been trying to get a Linux install up and running on my P3-500 toybox.  Unfortunately the CD-Rom drive is fubarred, so I've been taking the CD drive out of my main PC and putting it into the other system in order to get things working on it.  I installed OpenSuse and immediately felt dirty.  I need this as a Windows replacement box, so I wanted something relatively 'user-friendly'. I'm downloading Mint right now and we'll see how that works out.

Life in General

While spring is officially here, when I look out my window and see several feet of snow still on the ground, and when I walk outside into 7 degree weather first thing in the morning, I can't help but wonder if spring will ever really get here.  I'm looking forward to the Summer - except for the bees, wasps, hornets, and other immensely frightening creatures.  I can't wait to be back in shorts and t-shirts and flip flops.  I love my Tevas.

Anyway, I hope to update more in the next couple of days or over the weekend.  I'm posting this from Safari in Windows and every few moments I get the notification that a script is slow.  So, enough is enough.  It's harshing my mellow. 

Yet another weekend comes to a close.  All in all, the weekend was good.  On the technology side of things, I was able to get my posts imported from my old blogging system.  Granted, there were many hoops to jump through. 

In the world of sports, it wasn't such a good weekend.  U of M lost, as did the Lions.  While they are still 6-3 and maintain their winning record, they did not look good today.  I'm not overly impressed with John Kitna.  He doesn't have enough consistency for me to consider him a great quarterback.  As for U of M, both Chad Henne and Mike Hart are hurt.  They make up a huge part of the team.  The Detroit Redwings also lost tonight.  So, this weekend in sports wasn't exactly a pick-me-up.

This week should prove to be busy.  Haircuts tomorrow night, a social function Tuesday night.  Thursday will be filled with exercise.  Life is extremely busy.  I can't believe that it's almost Thanksgiving and M's birthday.  With all the business of life, it's important to remember to savor the quiet times and make time for oneself.  

I hope this week goes well for all three of my devoted readers. :)  (If there are that many).