updating + time

I've been just really up to no good lately. I've gotten lazy and after I get to the hotel at the various places that I go, I'm just tired. I'll try to better again in July and keep it more up to-date. I'm not sure if you have been following along but I'm activated the "twitter" feature and usually you can find the latest short ramblings to the right of the main title of the blog. It's meant to be short and sometimes I'm just that lazy to type anything out so I just use my phone. It's actually really nice.

I've also update my pilotcrossings profile with my full July schedule. (it's easy to look at my schedule as long as you sign up for it. It's free for everyone and its actually really cool. I'm blocked to fly approximately 96.06 hours!!! It's going to be a crazy month but I guess that I should get with the program and accumulate more hours rather than sitting on my ass. I get to fly to Freeport, Bahamas next month but its not an overnight. It should prove though to be a lot of fun. I can't wait. I'm doing the same trip for 3 weeks in July and I'm also planning to go to Anchorage to visit one of my buddies from CAPT. Should be fun and I hope that the loads work out!

My friend Bobby is finishing up his Doctor of Osteopathy degree and studying for his boards on July 22nd. I was able to catch up with him and he even showed me a thing or two. It's awesome how I'm at the age where my friends are now professionals. I still have a way to go till I get upgraded, but maybe once I'm there, I'll feel like I'm somewhat on par.

I haven't gone shopping in a while but there were some awesome sales at Ruehl, Abercrombie and Hollister so I had to buy a few shirts. I've been watching movies like crazy lately with Adelle. We were able to catch up with some of the latest and greatest such as Spiderman 3 on IMAX, Shrek 3, Pirates of the Carribean part 3, Oceans 13 (wow that's a lot of sequels eh?), and Knocked Up. The most fun was probably the last one but they were all somewhat entertaining. The most disappointing of the batch was probably Shrek the Third. They should stop probably with this one.

The iPhone is coming out and I'm not as excited for it as much as I am for the new Sprint Mogul phone. It can do just about everything but just has a smaller screen and runs Windows Mobile 6. There are a lot of limitation with the iPhone but I'm sure that when Apple can release different models on other carriers, I'll start to garner a little more interest on it. I'm probably going to call Sprint though and see what kind of deal I can get by staying with them. If not, then hey, I'll go grab the iPhone!

Padres are doing alright and we were first for a while, but once again, the hard division that we are in is just getting the best of us. I hope that it ends well though which I'm sure it will!

I'm checking out the Otterbox right now and am tempted to grab it for my iPod video. I'm into swimming more so right now as it is less intense than running on my joints. I just feel like doing it with some tunes in my ear. We'll see how the headphone set works with it too! I'll do a review or something of the set once I get them. Alright, that's enough right now. I'll post more later. CYA!

I was home this past weekday to celebrate my mom and girlfriend's birthday. I didn't get to do anything with my mom, but Adelle and I went to Sea World and just hung out. It was good times!

waiting...

So, I still can't seem to get the twitter flash widget to appear on my blog homepage on Firefox or Internet Explorer, but it seems to work on Safari. It's a little annoying really and I'm just thinking about simplifying the entire page because of this. So, I'm just waiting to get a couple hours of "time off" before I start on this journey. It's going to be a little difficult really being that its all setup and stuff. I'm just on happy with it.

Did you see that dunk last night by Mr. Davis?! Man, he just slammed that one in. It was like I was watching a replay from NBA Jam or something. Amazing. Also in sports news, 10Ks by Padres pitcher Jake Peavy!!! Tremendous job in setting the record for 4 games in a row with double digit strikeouts.

I'm waiting for a package that should come in today from a friend and we'll see what it contains when I get it. It'll be hopefully awesome.

I'm also waiting to see if I get a line next month. I'm not necessarily going to be expecting it, but we'll see what I get. I noticed that I moved down 3 spots on the CRJ FO list for ATL from #361 to 364 out of 435. My chances of getting a line are a little slim, but who knows.

The Office was definitely awesome but that's all I have to say. I'll end it with a quote: "may God guide you in your quest."

breakfast: spinach, albacore tuna, two slices of bread.

links...

Well, my friend Jojo finally just sent me some of the links that he religiously checkout every time he opens up a web browser and I found an awesome picture of a pretty nice looking athlete. You have to check it out at http://withleather.com/post.phtml?pk=2811. I have to say that I'm pretty impressed and don't feel guilty to think that she's hot because she just turned 18! But man...I'm sure that after a few more records in college, she'll definitely be attracting some seniors when she steps on campus. Anyways...

Flying my trip today was pretty fun. I have to admit that I'm feeling really good about flying here at ASA lately because I've been blessed with having some awesome Captains while some of my other colleagues aren't that lucky. I was able to execute a night visual approach with a little more confidence but I was still a little behind (or at least I thought I was) in spotting where the runway was. That led me to keep the automation on a little bit longer until I was aware of my situation but everything turned out well. My speed on was target and my two landings today were great. I feel like I've gotten over the hump or plateau that I had a couple of weeks ago where things weren't going well. It's all good now though and I'm happy. I find that I'm heading in to Cincinnati more often these days and it's funny that there are quite a few ASA pilots hanging around the terminal. It seems like we are all getting more than 1 hour layovers and have time to get something to eat which is awesome. We all happen to congregate around the Subway / McDonalds tables. Look me up if I'm in CVG when you are!

I'm starting to feel like I'm saving more money by bringing my lunches and I've been into the commuting the day of my trip. So far so good from San Diego as I'm not getting too tired and I'm loving the fact that I'm able to see my friends and girlfriend on a more regular basis. I haven't been able to see my folks that often though as I'm only there for a very short period anyways. I'm hoping to be home this weekend for Mother's Day and the Padres game.

I was able to see the Padres beat the Braves in ATL which was awesome. They lost tonight though. Oh well...tomorrow should be awesome with Maddux vs. Smoltz. I'm happy for Nicolas Sarkozy in France. That should be awesome esp. with the fact that he wants to change the French and American relationship a little towards a more positive one. I'm also starting to exercise on a more regular basis and my diet is getting better. Things are good and so with that, I'm going to sleep now!

Commuting back and forth...

It's nice to be able and come back to San Diego when I'm done with a 4 day trip. The only downside was that during this last commute I didn't have my Bose Headphones to drown out the engine noise. It really does make a difference in terms of fatigue and restlessness. I able to get some sleep though and it helped out. I came home to Lisa's place, hung out for a bit and then we headed out to get some awesome sushi at Niban! I love that place. I wish that Atlanta had some affordable food like that. I was able to save quite a bit though not eating out while on this trip and just eat out of my lunch pail. I of course packed quite a bit and couldn't help but eat a lot of it during the first day of my trip. I was just non stop.

I got to swim one night and then the next day, I ran 2 miles and biked another. It was definitely a good workout. I'm starting to feel a little lose around my waist again and it's definitely going to help me stay away from the freshman pilot 20. I'm not sure if I mentioned this before but I flew with a Captain that started out at ASA weighing in at 180 and 6 years later, he's weighing in at a heavy set 230. That's just not healthy. The time that we have in between flight to eat fast food really just ruins out diet and intake but we have to do what we can to keep healthy. I don't think that it's that cool seeing a really heavyset Captain let himself get away with it. The industry has definitely turned us into a group of people like that, but I'm not going to let it get to me.

I'm going to try to watch the Chargers Mini-Camp practice at 4-6 today. I didn't make the early one though because I just didn't want to get up. Hopefully I get to see some drills run. I got the new jersey last week and I'm just excited to wear it! I've been reading a lot more Charger news lately which is really getting me excited about this season. I hope that it ends with a Ring! The new jerseys rock by the way especially when put together with the white helmets! I'll be going back to ATL tomorrow and should be back at the Loxford Lounge for a bit. See you guys there!

and I'm back...

Hawaii was an awesome trip. I have to say that I did just about everything that I did when I went there in 1996 with my high school band. It was nice reliving the experience but I have to say that I was a bit disappointed in how "modern" and "mainland" Waikiki has turned out. We got to our hotel rather late in the night, but when we arrived, it seemed as if I was just back in Fashion Valley Mall. There's new construction everywhere, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Coach and just about every other high end retail store on the main street that parallels the beach. It's isn't what it use to be but of course nothing is, yes I know. Next time I head in that direction, I definitely want to check out a volcano and head to the big island or Maui. I heard that it's nice to really venture out and get away from it all.

I just got back from a Nap to Florence, South Carolina. It was a nice trip but drama with the van driver was quite interesting. Let's just say that we might not be using their services again because of how awkward or threatened we felt. Just plain rude. I am reserve again next month holding a Nap line. I'm on reserve in other words from 1900-0000. It's kind of nice that way because I get to "commute" in the same day from San Diego.

I'm trying to decide whether or not I want to play Pokemon DS. It would be easier if I had the books that I've been meaning to read here with me in ATL, but they are all still in Florida. We'll see in the next few weeks. Chargers are making some good draft picks. A little interesting in the WR choice, but I'm sure that AJ know more than I do. The Padres are doing alright. Trevor Hoffman blew a big game, but I'm sure that it'll all start to click again.

I got my tax return of $600.00, but of course that basically funded this Hawaii trip. I'm still in debt and I just have one more month until my loan repayments start kicking in. I'm a little scared, but I'm sure that I should be able to work it out. I haven't gotten a chance to fly out of LAX yet as all my other 6 roommates have including a couple of other friends that I went through training with. It's kind of ridiculous how I can't get it even though I'm there. It's a little disappointing but what can you do. Here are some of the details. I'm in San Diego calling scheduling that I'm available to fly out LAX. They instead tell me that there are no trips available, have one of my friends deadhead out to LAX, take a trip the next day and I have to fly back to ATL to do a trip there. Even when I call and tell them both our employee numbers and ask for a trade, it doesn't happen. It's a little frustrating, but like I said earlier, what can you do?

I'm just excited that I actually got what I requested which was the Nap reserve in May. I am now #362 out of 510 which is pretty neat. I hope that I'm able to get a line next month, but it's all good. Alright, well, I'm finally going to get some rest. C'ya!!!

don't forget to check out trelijah under the links for some more updated pix and just random notes. I'm thinking of just combining the two blogs already. We'll see. I'm also thinking of just using WordPress, but I don't want to bother yet. We'll see. I just want to do everything and can't make up my mind.

1st Trip out of I.O.E

Well, today marked the end of the first trip out of training. I flew a total of 4 legs on this two day trip, 3 yesterday and 1 back to Atlanta today. Definitely a good trip being that each leg was just about 2 hours long. Within those two hours, I got a chance to continue learning more about the plane and various techniques that the Captain has learned throughout his career in the CRJ 200. I consider myself very luck to get a Captain on my first trip that was really cool.

The overnight in Islip, NY was pretty cool, but once again, I didn't get a chance to venture out only because we arrived late, and I just wanted all the sleep I could get. The Radisson has some great contract with SleepNumber and I had a chance to sleep on one. It was great, but I have to admit that it still felt like my current air mattress from Wal-Mart. It wasn't that bad really, but it's just an air mattress that can inflate and deflate with you on top of it. One of the guys in the house just got a "tempurpedic" from Wal-Mart and it definitely feels quite comfortable. His bed was $280 and mine was only $59 or something like that. Huge difference, but like my roommate said, "It's a lot cheaper than back surgery." I might turn in this air mattress maybe 1) if i can find the receipt 2) if i really want to spend that kind of money. I don't even have a frame to put it on top of either. I'll see what's up sooner or later.

I got to go home to San Diego again and spend sometime with friends and family. I'm starting to actually commute if you will and hopefully I'll get the chance to go back home sooner than later. I'm looking at a flight for Wednesday right after I get off of my flight from Providence, RI but I've never traveled in uniform and I'm a little hesitant. I still have to check out my schedule too for the upcoming reserve line that I have for April to even make sure that this trip would be worth while. I'm going to use this trip as a last one for a while until I get the reserve thing figured out and to spend more time here in ATL finding a part time job. I need to definitely do something else to cover my ass.

The Luggage Works Pilot Bag that I ordered a while back finally came in. It was a pretty penny and it has already scratched me a little bit with its metal frame, but I'm definitely impressed with its build. I'm just glad that I don't have to carry my flight case in one hand and drag my suitcase in the other.

To answer all those questions about pay, etc and stuff, here's a print shot of an awesome website called AirlinePilotCentral on ASA's Pay Rates. It might look like a lot, but remember that here at ASA, we are contractually held to only 97.5 hours a month while the government allows 121 Carrier Pilots to 100 hours a month. The hourly rate is the pay we get when the plane is moving, so once again, we don't get paid while we are on the ground. We do get a per diem if we are on shift for that time which is $1.50 an hour. But hope that this little spreadsheet enlightens you all. Here's also a government description of our occupation: Airline and Commercial Pilots. It's probably the best description out there except for a few details left out.

Got to get some rest for another 1 legger tomorrow and 3 the next day!

The Chargers new uniforms kick ass and they are opening up against the Chicago Bears! That's going to be just pure awesomeness!

update: I know this is an old post but link to the bls was broken. I recently redirected it their updated site and also received a link to https://peoplemanagingpeople.com/topics/occupational-outlook-handbook Cheers in that new career!

finally some time...

I'm blogging from a hotel room in Montreal now only because I've been in the middle of moving to a new 5 bedroom house loaded w/ 8 guys. I took the master bedroom with 2 other doods and it should hold up pretty good for a good crash pad. I've already completed 2 days of IOE and today was actually my third full day. It was blocked for almost a full 8 hours. I had to wake up extra early today because I forgot to pick up my dry cleaning last night (my fault) and in order to pick them up, drop my car off at Flight Safety for a car wash tomorrow and then take the shuttle from the Red Roof Inn to the airport just added up to about 2 extra hours. I got to the airport still with about 30 minutes to spare before I had to check it so it all worked out just right.

IOE is going well. I'm just demanding a lot from myself which is getting the best of me. To my surprise, an FAA Check Airman rode with use today to GTR and back and that just heightened my nervousness. It really wasn't that bad after it was all said and done but man, I have to say that it was a little nerve racking. The current captain that I have is awesome too. He's really good at explaining and teaching me things. I know that tomorrow will go well. I just hope that Thursday and Friday will also be awesome!

I'm about to head out by myself and just explore a little. I'm also going to try to wake up early and do some good morning exploring. Not sure exactly what to do yet, but I've got some ideas. Enjoy some pictures at http://www.elijahnicolas.com/cphoto

The Chargers have a trailer like commercial on their website for the new uniform. I can't wait for one! I'm trying to get some Atlanta Thrasher tickets against the San Jose Sharks. Should be a good game.

Chargers new Uniform!!!

It's time to get some new jerseys for the San Diego Chargers of 2007!!! Check them out! I think that the powder blue outline on the bolt is sick! I can't wait till they are officially unveiled this upcoming Wednesday! Saty tuned!

Oh yeah, I really love flying! I just finished my first two days of IOE and the overnight was cool, and New York flying was awesome around the Long Island Sound...I'll post more later on once I finish moving to the Loxford Lounge!

to enjoy good food...

Once again I was able to enjoy the awesomeness of what is Sam Woo BBQ at Ranch 99 in Clairemont Mesa. Spicy Salted Pork Chop, Garlic Baby Bok Choy, House Special Chow Mein, and Walnut Shrimp...that is the meal that just works every single time. Especially when you eat it with some good friends. It definitely sucked that is was raining here in San Diego this trip around, but it really wasn't that bad at all.

Adelle and I watched a movie today called "Because I Said So." It was good entertainment. We then went to Barnes and Nobles for some good studying time. I read what was required to get ready or my next 3-4 Sim Sessions which brings me to the end of training. I can't say that I'm totally ready as I have a lot more to study before my oral exam. I hate how I have to read things over and over again. It takes a while for me to remember things and to actually store them in my mind which stinks, but I'll get it sooner or later. I'm definitely going to use tomorrow's plane ride to study. I just hope that I'm able to get on one of the morning flights back to Atlanta.

I'm not sure if you guys noticed or anything that but I've added a link to my friend Eric Christiansen's Blog as well as another feature that contains some news articles that I've elected to "share." I've been using Google Reader for quite a while now and I'm loving it. It seems to lessen the time that I spend reading different websites individually and just condenses everything into one continuous read. It's nice and I've never been into RSS Feeds until Google finally updated their version. I was using Mozilla's Thunderbird for a bit, but this is nice. Now, I just need a page with all my bookmarks so that I can retrieve them wherever I am.

In other news, the Chargers seem to be stacking up on coaches with the hiring of Norv Turner, who in turn named long-time NFL assistant Ted Cottrell the team’s defensive coordinator. We also picked up Ron Rivera from the Chicago Bears to be our Linebacker coach. It's going to be interesting to see what kind of new plays this new all star staff will come up with. I'm still a little disappointed on the decision that the Chargers made, but we have to look forward from here. Who are we going to pick up in the 1st round?

of expansion

So, since my waist has been expanding this last few weeks since I started studying and working here, I've gotten rather depressed about it. I'm trying to cut out on the fast food dieting and trying to run a lot more. I've worked out 5 days straight which I haven't done for quite a while and still going strong. I'm noticing that my knees aren't that great anymore because they are starting to hurt a little bit, but I'm just proud that I'm going strong. My diet is a little better these days too with some Canned Tuna and just whatever else. I upgraded from the Chunk Light to the Chunk White Albacore Tuna and man, even though it is about three times the price (.54 cents to 1.37), it's damn worth it. You can't smell it and is just tastes awesome! I really like the fish section that they have. You can get them in pouches and cans, ready to eat, etc, its just so cool! I'm on a fish loving diet right now. I did crave some crazy McDonald's today but I avoided that catastrophe. Anyways...

On expansion terms, I finally just added a little item on my sidebar which links you to some of the items that I've read and think might interest you. I've been using Google Reader which I love. I never thought that I would start using RSS readers again, but it helps so much because I don't have to navigate all my various webpages. I'm leaving out a few here and there and sometimes it takes a little more time to scroll through some items that I wouldn't really read either, but I'm loving it so far. You have to sign up if you haven't already. I also use their mobile function which loads great on my treo 650 and it loads fast too!

The Chargers have always been a growing team and since the departure of the defensive and offensive coordinators, Mr. Marty Schottenheimer was fired today! It's just crazy! I don't know what's going to happen. That's really all I have to say about that.

Seattle here I come!!! Delta just announced that they are going to continue the awesomeness that which expansion in LAX. I'm excited because this just means that I will have less likely of a chance of being on reserve. Delta is going to be using ASA for these flights and it would be awesome if they bring the 700 there, because then maybe, just maybe I'll be able to bid equipment! I'm sure that Seattle is going to be a popular flight right? Check this out below!

 Delta's schedule between Los Angeles and Los Mochis*,effective June 2:--------------------------------------------------------------------Flight   Departs         Arrives         Frequency      Operated by--------------------------------------------------------------------4855     Los Angeles at  Los Mochis at   Wed., Sat      Atlantic         11:15 a.m.      2:35 p.m.                   Southeast                                                      Airlines--------------------------------------------------------------------4420     Los Mochis at   Los Angeles at  Wed., Sat.     Atlantic         3:15 p.m.       4:27 p.m.                   Southeast                                                      Airlines--------------------------------------------------------------------

Delta's schedule between Los Angeles and Seattle, effective June 7:--------------------------------------------------------------------Flight   Departs         Arrives         Frequency      Operated by--------------------------------------------------------------------4778     Los Angeles at  Seattle at      Daily          Atlantic         6:05 p.m.       8:27 p.m.                   Southeast                                                      Airlines--------------------------------------------------------------------4761**   Seattle at      Los Angeles at  Daily          Atlantic         7:15 a.m.       9:45 a.m.                   Southeast                                                      Airlines

CPT2

It's crazy how much you can actually get accomplished and learn in just one sitting. I definitely was once again not on top of things, but I got them down to a comfortable degree. I'm going to sleep just saying it over and over again and play the scenarios in my head non stop, but as I do that, I have a lot more to go over and learn too! It's definitely all piling up and I could sure use a day to just learn it all. I have CPTs until Saturday and then that night, I'm going to decompress a little bit but then hit it hard on Sunday and Monday. These sessions are going by rather quickly and its just unbelievable.

The Chargers just lost their defensive coordinator to the Dallas Cowboys. I know that Wade Phillips will be an awesome head coach. It's going to be interesting on who we start hiring to fill in all the shoes that are vacating the Chargers Coaching Staff. Supposedly they are also working on a new logo? More on that later if I ever find more out about it.

I worked out again today and was a little better on the diet. I didn't have the two pulled pork sandwiches which was a good thing. Instead, I finished a large can of pears (the ones with water and Splenda which has a lot less sugar and fat for ya), a slice of bread with peanut butter and little amount of jelly, a slice of bread with some turkey and hot sauce and called it lunch! I had a banana this morning with a peanut butter powerbar and just like 5 24oz bottles of water. If you have to guess what I had for dinner again, just click here. I'm going to see how long this can last. I really want some pho and I just might go get it tomorrow. We'll see who's up for it!

...living without roommates

This past 3 weeks have gone by rather quickly and I have to admit that living by myself in a hotel room once again has yet to spike the "awesome" meter. As I tell everyone else, it's only cool when you're 18, single and wouldn't mind inviting people upstairs every now and then. Living the true penthouse life-style. Well, that couldn't be done here either at the oh so luxurious Red Roof Inn, Atlanta North. It's quite enjoyable when you hear little scratching between the walls then upon breakfast, your peers tell you that what you hear is the sound of mice. That's a spike in the sarcastic "awesome" meter.

Again, back to the subject, I've since lived in a place where there was always social interaction with at least someone else. From 2005 up until living in the hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Luxembourg and now, it's just not fun. Even though there are more than 16 of us floating around the floors and halls of this hotel, not to mention the other 30 or so new employees, it just doesn't have the common room effect where you could just lie down on a coach, talk random stuff and "hang out." It almost is a production every time you want to get people together. Don't get me wrong, we're all here for one thing and that is training, but still, a living room can bring the needed ingredient for sanity...at least on my end.

I was able to get a lot of studying done tonight and am surprised by the amount of notecards that I have learned. It's definitely one of the best strategies to get to know simple facts quickly. Now if I could only get the memory action items down pack, I think that I would be 50% ready for the test on Friday. We'll see how my studying goes for tomorrow.

Let's see here is my dining menu for today:

• Breakfast - One Jimmy Dean's Ham Cheese Sandwich (where after I microwaved the thing, all the cheese melted onto the plate so I had to improvise and just eat an American Kraft singles square along side it), one glass of orange juice, bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal and a Banana.
• Lunch - amazing leftovers from Smokey Bones which included half of my leftover Pulled Pork Sandwich, 1 potato skin loaded with cheddar cheese and bacon, and 1 chicken strip.
• Dinner - Canned Italian Ravioli, Deli Meat Sandwich with melted cheese and some carrots with dip.

All of this was within the confines of my awesome hotel room. I have to say that I'm very happy that I was able to save up a little money today. I even went back to Best Buy to exchange my camera, bought some batteries, and still spent less because I brought the $30 worth of coupons. Good deal! After that, Eric, Justin and I went to Barnes and Nobles and I didn't buy a thing! Yeah! That's what I'm talking about.

Now, if I could only find some time to actually configure my Linksys Router to the DD-WRT firmware, I could share my internet connection and save more money! Loving it! I didn't get to work out today, but at least I ate well and am drinking way too much water. I'm doing just about 750 mL every hour or two which definitely is just awesome!

sports news: Bill Parcells retired today so does that mean that the Chargers are going to lose another one of their staffing coaches, Wade Phillips? It's going to be a tough year next year. We're already lined up to play both SuperBowl contenders. How exciting!

of studying...

I need to study A LOT!!! I mean, like this past weekend, I only put in a couple of hours rather than the multiple hours I should have put in. I'm going to be hurting this week if I don't dedicate more time towards this. Don't count on multiple updates till the end of this week.

This past weekend was pretty chill. I got to go out back to the Lotus Lounge with Matty P and Kurt. That was a lot of fun and it just got me a little more points with the "scene" around here. I met an awesome bartender named Tim and the GM once again. It's a pretty chill place. The Raspberry Mojitos are awesome too.

Saturday was a late start with me just laying in bed recovering. I hadn't drink that much in a while but I definitely enjoyed myself. I just did some errands on Saturday. Best Buy, Barnes and Nobles, Sports Authority where I bought a kick ass water bottle. Since then, I've been drinking non stop! It's just so good. As long as I get the 64 ounces (~2 liters) or so it's all good for me. They say about 3 liters is the ideal if you are working out and are trying to diet a bit and that's exactly what I'm trying to do. I bought a pair of "diet" pants. I still wear a 32x32 but this one brand just doesn't want to work with me. That's my goal for the next 30 days. I'm also going to be doing some running every other night for 15 minutes. Hopefully that'll help a little. I also got some Nike Dry-Fit shirts on sale from Sports Authority but they were L and apparently that was gigantic so I exchanged them for Mediums. I haven't tried them yet, but I'm sure they'll fit too. I returned the shorts and saved some money. =)

I bought a new webcam because the last one I sold while I was in Luxembourg to a colleague. I bought the Logitech Quickcam Communicate STX for $57.99 because the next step, the 5000, was $89.99. I just happen to go back today and saw that the 5000 was on sale for $59.99, so I'll have to pick that one up instead. The only difference is that it has RightLight 2 Technology which probably won't be that much of a difference, but what the heck. I'm still debating on how to solve my external hard drive issue. We'll see soon.

I had Smokey Bones today which was a truly amazing experience. The prices weren't that high and the amount was a generous portion. I'm ready to have some left overs tomorrow for lunch. I'm going to try to not eat out at all this entire week. We'll see how long that goes with PB&J, Turkey, Ham Sandwichs, some carrots and whatever else. I still have some Cup-O-Noodle and some Ravioli things. I think that I'll do just fine.

Condolences to the family of the pilot who passed away on takeoff of the Continental Flight. I'm glad that everything turned out safely for the rest of the passengers.

Bears freaking just took that game away! I can't believe that the Chargers are losing Cam Cameron to the Dolphins. Hopefully he won't take that many people with him! He was a damn good offensive coordinator but he definitely deserves his chance. He would have taken over for Marty next year! I wonder why he didn't leave?! And we're losing our Tight End coach too! It's just all over the place for the coaching staff next season. Who knows, Carroll might end up down here! That would be pretty cool!