I've been drafted into YanYan's final efforts in finishing her portfolio. Which means I get to totally revamp her website. . . which I spent days building only a few months ago. . . but in the end its worth it. . . to me at least. . .

Evil Twin's back from his fire academy refresher. He'll be starting at the Jollyville FD on Monday. Good times. . . good times. . .

So yes, I'm just going to sit here and be happy. See? This is me sitting here being happy.

Meanwhile, I'm now tasked with both implementing the Exchange server (which is still denying access to my manager) as well as designing an enterprise-class backup system, with a focus on our remote road warriors. Fun times, fun times. . .

Time was spent taking YanYan to the Art Museum in which we managed to enlighten ourselves. . . well. . . maybe. . . while the Bismark rested at the shipyards for a routine overhaul.

Unfortunately, the overhaul was anything but routine. Along with the scheduled maintenance that needed to be done, there were a few minor mechanical/electrical issues that I mentioned to the yard chief for him and his crew to take care of. For whatever reason (and this is the second time in the row) the yard chief neglected to contact me about the status of repairs. Which resulted in me contacting the station manager informing them of the possibility of me stealing their heavy cruiser that was on loan to me while the battleship was being worked on. Obviously they didn't like that idea, because they hustled around (after closing time) and prepped the Bismark for immediate departure. I received personal assurances from the station manager that this would be investigated and will be resolved by the time of my next visit. Frankly I really don't have anything bad to say about the shipyard's customer service. The yard chief I used to work with was awesome. The current yard chief isn't so awesome. I'll have to bring this concern up with the station manager during my next stopover.

Other than that. . . managed to upgrade some of my standard equipment during this trip, as well as fix alot of network issues that dad was having at Freeport.

Its not new or in mint condition or anything, but it was the kind of sofa that I had wanted. The leather was showing some of its age, but nothing a bottle of leather care won't fix in time (the previous owner for whatever reason managed to spoil the leather).

So first she comes up with a major component for the coffee table. . . now she comes up with the main seating for the living room. . . what will YanYan come up with next?

Being able to link up with old (presumably missing) friends and catch up with current friends and being introduced to new ones is definitely a good thing.

The only problem is. . . I'm pooped. Being a host for a party takes alot out of me. . . and YanYan too. She's such a cutie by helping out at the party. I couldn't have done it without her.

Incidentally, Christopher Franke, who was the creator of TMIL's score, was also the creator of Babylon 5's music and themes. If memory serves me correct he was also involved in several other projects over the years. Not too shabby. . .

Also managed to finish building that coffee table this week. The main structure was completed on Saturday, but the reinforcing rebars weren't installed until two days ago. It looks pretty good though, since it manages to fit in really well with the living room's decor. Not bad for a cooperative between my woodworking skills and YanYan's giant piece of glass.

Sony MiniDV Camcorder with lots of accessories - $900
Dinner with family and friends - $50
Tickets for fireworks show we should've gone to (but was late for) - $40
Deciding to get fireworks and put on a show ourselves - $90
Spending time with family and friends setting off fireworks - priceless

Its also been busy busy busy around here. All of last week was spent working working working, then spent some time at the second hiring event at CT for this month. Then spent the rest of this week working working working. . . punctuated by a late night showing of Spiderman 2 (which was pretty good I must say), an overdue visit with the Sarge (and got more than an eyeful), and now prepping for the matron's arrival tomorrow evening.

YanYan and I made a quick shopping trip at Dillard's tonight (the original idea was for some satin bed sheets), but we got sidetracked and instead got a couple of sets of crystal coffee table games (tic tac toe and chess) at very reasonable prices.

Tomorrow I get to work on building the coffee table that they would go on. . .