Journal

DarkTable

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The new, open-source photo editing software, Darktable looks promising. It is an alternative to the $300 Adobe Lightroom software which I already own on the WIndows laptop. Darktable is currently running on the Ubuntu Linux laptop. So far so good!

You Say You Want A Resolution

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So it begins. A new personal project that is not your average new year resolution. It is the Ground Hog Day resolutions. While similar to NYE, it is delayed for a month and starts on February 2 (today). I will also be posting monthly check-ins to monitor my progress. The goals are specific and personal to myself. Feel free to recreate and customize to your needs. These are huge steps for me and I think that if they are broken down into specifics, I’ll stand a greater chance of finishing strong.

All right, here are my goals in no order of importance:

  • Sleep- I am going to have difficulty with this one, probably more so then the rest. There is so much that I want to do in a day but find it difficult to accomplish. After a good workout and a long day of work, I’m sure this well send me crawling into bed. Just to be safe, I am removing late night snacking and caffeine before 8PM. Also, I downloaded an app simply called “White Noise” that creates ambient sound loops that seems to soothe my brain. Goal: 8 hours sleep daily
  • Pray- I’m a firm believer in the power of prayer. The chance to be still and communicate with God is not to be missed. The problem lately is that it has been missed. As the spiritual leader of my family, I have neglected this but now resolve to be stronger. Recently we introduced nightly prayers with our daughter who gets upset if we forget to perform them. With prayer comes meditation and devotion. The WonderWife and I will be devoting ourselves to family Bible study as well as a home study fellowship with others. Goal: daily prayer and meditation.
  • Eat- If it is true that you are what you eat then I must be greasy, cheesy and sugary. None of these sounds appealing. I will be partnering with the WW in making healthier choices for meal and snack times. Water, tea and juice will replace the soda. Beer will be permitted sparingly. I love fruit and vegetables and may experiment with the ones I used to detest (broccoli). Goal: Deliberate, healthy choices in limited portions. Reward self with MAYBE one eat out, soda per week. 
  • Fit- I’ve been wanting to drop 20 pounds for the past two years. I would say I have been trying but that would be misleading. Specific methods are vague at this point but will include weights, running (C25K) and a lot of hiking. I’ll be on foot every other day and pushing weights the next with a day off on Sunday. Music and podcasts will be pumping in my ears thanks to my Walkman and iPod. Goal: workout almost daily w/ emphasis on cardio, weights and drop 20 pounds by the 2nd check-in (4/4/11)
  • Marriage- On a more personal note, I have mentioned WonderWife many times here and it is only fair that I don’t take her or that title for granted. Truth be told, I am a selfish person and really do not appreciate her like she deserves. She is a brilliant woman who deserves someone far better than me. So now it is up to myself to be that man. Goal: More supportive to her needs by asking. Supporting her without asking and just doing what is needed. Communication and attention. Weekly family meetings.

There are so many issues I need and want to work with but they may resolve themselves with the above actions. Besides, I need to be careful not to overwhelm myself and just quit. Did you make New year resolutions? Are you still resolute in your actions?

#GHR

01-01-11

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Happy new year to you! This will be a break out year for me and my family and I hope it will be the same for you as well. And because I can’t leave a post without an image, here are a few from our NYE party with friends and family.

Anti-Boring

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Somebody’s boring me…I think it’s me – Dylan Thomas

Happiness is often the result of being too busy to be miserable – Anonymous

I am tired of the same-old, same-old. Where is my curiosity? My wanderlust ran off without me because it couldn’t wait anymore. The free spirit churns inside again. Even though I am getting older next week, I am still young in mind and body. I am ready to meet the challenge of something new.

More Goal

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Another year and another opportunity to take stock of my personal life. This year’s theme is: Re-evaluate Now That You’re 38

I’ve made huge lapses in my spiritual and physical life that I intend to correct. Also looking forward to getting back into the fun, creative aspect of photography.

Top 13 Android Apps So Far

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After almost a month with my new HTC Evo mobile device, I have had opportunities to discover useful applications that I wanted to share. A lot of these utilities are cross-platform (Android, iPhone, desktop) and the rest are Android specific.

  • Chomp SMS: Got text? Go with this visual texting utility.
  • QuickOffice ($10): mobile office productivity that is compatible with MS Office, pdf reader and syncs with cloud storage like GDocs, Dropbox & Box.net.
  • Vignette ($3): a camera application with 62 built-in camera and film effects and 20 frame styles.
  • ebuddy: MSN, Yahoo, AIM, ICQ, Google Talk and Facebook chat!
  • Geocaching ($10): go treasure hunting
  • Kindle: the best reading experience available on your Android phone. No Kindle required.
  • Lookout: Protect your investment from viruses, hackers and theft
  • Winamp: This classic media player still whips the llama’s ass
  • Tweetdeck: Twitter/Facebook/Buzz, LinkedIn, Myspace & Foursquare client = awesome
  • Square: Accept debit/credit card payments on the go with this free app & attachment
  • Reqall: Best. To. Do. List. Ever.
  • Evernote: Web clips, photos, voice, reminders…anything you need to remind yourself or save.
  • AngryBirds: A bunch of punk pigs take the bird’s eggs. Payback time.

All of these apps are located in the Android market and waiting on you! What did I leave out?

EVO-lved

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So I changed my mobile phone and carrier last week. After ten years I switched from Cingular/AT&T to the Sprint network. ATT’s mediocre performance in the 4th largest city in America offered expensive rate plans and a lot of dropped calls. For $50 a month, I received 450 minutes of talk time with AT&T on their sometimes 3G network. Add another $5 and I got to send text messages too! AT&T is a big stinking pile of fail. With Sprint, I am enjoying 4G speeds in Houston/Katy and 3G in some surrounding areas. For $55 a month I have unlimited EVERYTHING. Voice, internet data, messaging are all included.

I lusted after the Apple iPhone for years. I watched as people went crazy over them and I not so secretly envied them. This eased up after acquiring an iPod Touch which has everything an iPhone does except the phone…and a camera…and no wireless mobility but anyway I digress.

After much consideration of networks, my experience and phone capabilities, I decided to purchase the HTC Evo with the open source Android operating system. This phone, partnered with Sprint’s services makes it unbeatable (until the next big thing).

The one thing currently lacking is the amount of applications available in the Android Market compared to Apple’s iTunes store. However, this is changing since developers realize the full money making potential with Android.

After a week of putting the Evo through it’s paces, I can honestly say I made the best decision with out regrets.

Teach Your Children Well

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With the latest update and release of the open source operating system Edubuntu, little Daphne now has a computer of her very own. Edubuntu is built on the Linux Ubuntu system and is designed for educational functions. Used by students (pre-k through 12) and teachers alike, it really is the best open source educational suite out there.

Included are educational games that will help Daphne learn how to work a mouse, how to type, solve problems and even entertain. She’ll have limited access to the internet and a few more online games.

The kid cannot wait to get home from preschool and try it out in full!

The laptop was formerly WonderWife’s brand new machine but was pushed off the table accidentally by the little one. The computer is functional except for the huge crack/no display in the screen. However, we can still see what’s going on by adding an external monitor. The laptop lid will be closed and the monitor rest on top. A wired keyboard and mouse will be attached so they won’t go missing.

Daphne’s iPod

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Anyone who is a parent understands that when a toddler decides that something is theirs, you suddenly lose ownership of it. This is the way it is with my family. Daphne  has decided to claim the iPod Touch we own. I’ve added a page of games for her that are both educational and fun. A few of them are paid apps and the others are lite (free) versions that you can enjoy and upgrade if you wish.

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