Friday, October 31, 2003
   The city tour didn't take us to the most well known image of Rio de Janeiro, the Monumento do Cristo Redentor (aka, "Christ The Redeemer"), so we took a couple cabs up to check it out. Elvis, Tommy, and I took the first cab towards Cristo while The Player and John took a later ride. Our second cab picked us up and took us to a side view of Cristo before taking us up to the big man himself. And conveniently we ran into the other guys while up there. I had to have a beer or two to steady the nerves. |
   We decided to meet up with PC and Yo! and try to make it to Guapo Lopo for the umpteenth time. And got lost and went to a random restaurant where they'll remember us all to well. Then we headed to the beach where it was confirmed that their are no barriers to entry for establishing businesses in Rio. We had chairs brought to us, multiple beer vendors to buy from, people willing to take any trash we could offer, cocktails to be had, and baskets full of hepatitis-causing seafood. But the one thing they didn't have until today was two hairy Gringo's shotgunning beers. Brazil, Welcome to our world. |
Thursday, October 30, 2003
     After six days of delays, we finally hit the city tour. Since everything's dirt cheap, we certainly could have got another tout, but this was included in the hotel so we had to take it. We had to postpone desperately needed sleep in order to be in the lobby for the 9:00 am departure. And, like everything else in Rio, it was no where need on time. |
We took the circuitous route to Sugar Loaf.
Wednesday, October 29, 2003
OK, so my cell phone doesn't work here.
Saturday, October 25, 2003
    The rest of the folks have arrived. One of the guys has a friend here and he's hooked us up with some samba for tonight. Apparently all the local schools get together once a week and get ready for Carnival. We've been drinking some of the local beers and sampling the local food to get primed for tonight's activities. |
We've got a tour of Sugar Loaf scheduled for tomorrow but that may need to be postponed (again). An 8:30 am tour isn't that good of an idea on a Sunday when we're not going out until past ten.
Friday, October 24, 2003
Well, the prodigal son has arrived in Brazil. Conveniently the cell phone isn't currently working as AT&T dictated. But I'm here.
To get to this point, I out ran a jackass on an electric cart, got "asked to leave" (e.g. kicked out of) first class, and found two 1/5 of Absolut for $15. All in all, a fulfilling day.
The city's not nearly as bad as people make it out to be. But the sun is still up. And I'm still me.
To get to this point, I out ran a jackass on an electric cart, got "asked to leave" (e.g. kicked out of) first class, and found two 1/5 of Absolut for $15. All in all, a fulfilling day.
The city's not nearly as bad as people make it out to be. But the sun is still up. And I'm still me.
Thursday, October 23, 2003
Packing got all done around noon and now I'm getting through the last couple of hours of work. Man, it's tough to do stuff when you're leaving town.
OK, I've finally got to admit it. I've tried for nearly two months to avoid using. But today I couldn't take it any longer and had to go buy.
Yes, I am a Carmex addict. And I've got to take some with me to Brazil. I hear it isn't scorned upon as much down there.
Yes, I am a Carmex addict. And I've got to take some with me to Brazil. I hear it isn't scorned upon as much down there.
Well, I called up to change my cell's plan so I can call from down there. Apparently I was misinformed the last time I called, because any incoming calls will only be charged against my normal minutes. What does that mean? Well, call me up any time you want. So if you want to find out what the weather's like down in Rio, give me a call. If you say to yourself, "Self, it's 3 pm CST, I wonder what time it is down there?", then give me a call. Interested to know if I've been robbed or kidnapped, dial me up.
Ok, I'm back to packing.
Ok, I'm back to packing.
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
Only one more day until I head towards Brazil.
After a four hour trip down Alligator Alley, two and a half hours driving around Miami, the Late Edition got things settled in Miami at the Brazilian Consulate. He's a go.
So this dude goes over Niagara Falls without a barrel and survives, but the police plan on arresting him? Screw that, give that jackass an award. Well, he's from Michigan so I may be biased. Kirk Jones of Canton, Michigan, this Bud's for you!
Tuesday, October 21, 2003
So the Late Addition (to the Brazil trip) seriously dropped the ball. He didn't include the $10 fee for applying via the mail, so they sent the application back. The flight's Thursday and he's driving to Miami to re-submit the application in person. And there's no guarantee that they'll be able to do it in a day. That's some good work. At least that'll make the rest of the week interesting.
And now I'm at the office. Ain't technology grand?
Well, I'm off to the office. I've got to drop off Chilly at the airport. For my trouble, I get lunch a Juan in a Million. T'ain't no trouble.
First day working from home. This is sweet.
Monday, October 20, 2003
My fantasy football team put up 92, so I doubt my worthy opponent will be able to score the necessary 58 points to surpass me. He does have Priest Homes and Tony Gonzalez, but that 58's a tough nut to crack. So that means Monday Night Football is worthless to me. And that's good because the Red Wings are on.
Labels: fantasysports, hockey, sports
Turns out I missed a conference call last night. That's a helluva way to break in a new job.
Sunday, October 19, 2003
 Uhm, the Lions' suck. Their offense is horrible. I'm glad they had a whole extra week to prepare for this game. I can't imagine how badly they'd be getting beat without that extra preparation time. It's a terrible use of a great stadium. Matt Millen needs to be run out of town on a rail. |
I made breakfast this morning, pancakes and breakfast tacos. Everything was pretty good, though I didn't use all the pancake batter. So I looked in on the batter a couple hours later and that stuff was like concrete. And we eat this stuff? Imagine how it's just sitting in our gullets. That must take forever to digest all that crap. It can't be good for us. But they taste so good. What a dilemma.
Well, off to watch the Lions-Cowboys game. Hope the boys from Detroit can make a good show of it.
Well, off to watch the Lions-Cowboys game. Hope the boys from Detroit can make a good show of it.
A Saturday night spent in watching hockey. Lots of hockey. And I've had like three or four naps today. I think I'll go to bed for good. Doing so little can wear out so much.
Saturday, October 18, 2003
Well, Chris Rix managed to not screw up totally, so FSU actually won. Miracles can happen from time to time. He still sucks.
 OK, maybe I didn't get around to it yesterday morning, but pictures from the Easy Rhio closing party have been posted. I'll miss the Rhino. When I first arrived in the atx, I spent some of my first nights drinking there. I met and got to know some great people. RIP Rhino. May Hell treat you half as well as I did. |
Friday, October 17, 2003
Taking out Fat Boy tonight for his hand in the new job. Hmm, Pappa Deaux.
I got some great photos from the Easy Rhino closing party. Maybe I'll upload those before I go to work.
Thursday, October 16, 2003
I'm supposed to grab a couple beers with my mystery Spanish teacher at some bar in Hyde Park. I should find out which one.
Hmm, what's the plan for the weekend?
Hmm, what's the plan for the weekend?
 In a little more than a week, I'll be on a plain towards Rio (actually towards Houston then to Rio, but let's not quibble). I've finally tracked down the hotel and it looks boss. It's on the Atlantic; they've got a, pool on the 30th floor; a full gym with sauna and jacuzzi; and every room has ocean views. Or so they say. |
Also found out that my cell phone works down there. Only problem is that it'll cost me $2.29 a minute regardless if I answer or not. So you can get hold of me, but you'd better wire me some money, too. That's not cheap. Not in the slightest, but I'm sure I'll rack up some minutes on the ol' drunk-'n'-dial.
Did I wear this same pullover yesterday? What kind of animal must these people think I am? I don't deserve to be around decent folk. I should be ushered out the door immediately.
Oh, I wore a short sleeve shirt yesterday. Then I'm good.
Oh, I wore a short sleeve shirt yesterday. Then I'm good.
So I wander into the office at 9:30 and run into one of manager's peers on the way out. She was on her way to a developer's meeting at Magnolia and invited me along. I obviously refused, but that didn't stop her from saying "You don't need to go up there, nobody else is there." But I was steadfast. And what did my unswerving nature get me? Breakfast tacos had been left at my desk for me. And you all get a post. We're all winners!
Labels: food
Wednesday, October 15, 2003
A bunch of new countries:     |
 I take a few days off of checking the countries, and I get gang-tackled with a bunch of new entries. Good thing the folks in Hungary tracked me down. Those mad Magyrs must know what's good for what ails them. Most shocking is Saudi Arabia. Uhm, I don't think I've got what they want. Anyway, in addition to Hungary and Saudi Arabia, salutations out to Turkey, Portugal, and Iceland. |
Labels: travel
Man, it was a beautiful day yesterday. In the mid 70's with lots of sun but there was a pleasant little breeze. I got to get some more of my VPN stuff, so I got to take a run outside around noon. Then I went to take, I mean get, some shots (rabies) in the afternoon. I could have stayed out all day. But I ended up sitting my ass on the couch. Until Vlad called up. He had run out of gas off of I-35, so I got to go get him. More time outside. But that was dealing with rush hour traffic and the convoluted Austin roads, so that wasn't as much fun. Though that non-fun was followed by a great dinner. So that tempered things a bit. All in all, a good day? Hmm, I won't be so quick to judge. Oh, the evening was quite nice, so maybe I will judge. Maybe.
Labels: minutia
Tuesday, October 14, 2003
I can't believe how shitty my luck is. What the fuck do I have to do to catch a break in fantasy football? I'm going into Sunday night's game with three players to go (versus zero for my opponent) and I can't get a lousy 9 1/2 points? Who do I have to kill to get a semblance of good luck? My break was that my opponent left Trent Green on the bench, but my crappy lineup can't do a damn thing with it. And I also lost in my hockey league. I'm so angry I could spit.
Labels: fantasysports
Monday, October 13, 2003
 Dead-ass me has put up the party pictures from Saturday and the ones from my trip up North. Man, I've been a slacker. But all the pictures (so far) are up there for October. At least I got that going for me. |
Bubba and I went to a project management seminar today. A couple of funny occurrences, though mostly Bubba getting frothy over the main speaker. She was a bit nuts; more Carrot Top wannabe than public speaker. Plus, one of the most unprofessional, unfunny, and just plain wrong things was said at the conference. Leave the comedy to someone else, jerky. Anyone.
Have you heard the news that you'll be able to maintain your cell phone number when you change providers? Well, there was some executive from US Cellular on CNBC who said that'll be the case. For a charge. Most likely a one-time transfer fee.
All the pictures are up. They now just need a page.
Anybody seen pictures of those Egyptian twins before they were separated at the head? It's not a pretty sight.
Sunday, October 12, 2003
The party was great but every college football team that anyone cared for lost. Damn college football. At least the Lions won't lose today. Thank God for bye weeks. Lots of pictures to post (from the party) though I'm too hungover to think too much about it.
Saturday, October 11, 2003
Pretty tame night, but I did stop by a party given by one of the couples in my Spanish class followed by a light dinner at South Congress Cafe. My teacher is insane and he continued the tradition by telling a craaazy story about him having a small part in a movie. I'd detail the story but the site would probably get shut down. The party had lots of wine and food which necessitated the light dinner. What was eaten seemed good so I'll have to check it out again.
Now it's time for some college football. Florida State is on now with the Oklahoma-Texas and Florida-LSU games immediately following. And Florida-LSU game's in HD!
After all that, some people are coming over for Vlad's birthday. Hopefully it will be a celebratory night.
Now it's time for some college football. Florida State is on now with the Oklahoma-Texas and Florida-LSU games immediately following. And Florida-LSU game's in HD!
After all that, some people are coming over for Vlad's birthday. Hopefully it will be a celebratory night.
Friday, October 10, 2003
 Holy shit, I totally forgot to mention the blessed arrival of PC's newest web site, incognegro. PC actually knows how to do web sites, so please don't compare his with mine. This is not a pissing contest. Besides, he'd win. Damn you PC! |
Seriously, I'd check out his site. It's no or time for bubba, but some day PC, some day.
It's the beginning of the end here. Went out with Fat Boy and the new boss for lunch. I'm telling stories about being grounded in airports and projectile vomiting. Ten days in, welcome to my show.
Big football day tomorrow: FSU plays Miami at 11 am followed by UT's battle with Oklahoma. Florida State's bound to tear into the 'Canes. JMVC and Craphonso are headed up to Dallas for the game. Sooners beware.
Tomorrow night, Vlad's having some people over for his birthday. I hope to not be totally hammered.
Big football day tomorrow: FSU plays Miami at 11 am followed by UT's battle with Oklahoma. Florida State's bound to tear into the 'Canes. JMVC and Craphonso are headed up to Dallas for the game. Sooners beware.
Tomorrow night, Vlad's having some people over for his birthday. I hope to not be totally hammered.
Labels: football, jmvc, sports
Night number two of hockey was a good one. Six hours laying on the couch watching the world's best sport was awesome. I can feel my gut growing from the inactivity.
Thursday, October 09, 2003
A few weeks back, Bubba told me how one of his (notice how I say "his" and not "our") coworkers was distressed after a visit to the Texas State Fair. She was upset that there were no healthy food alternatives. At the state fair. And she thought the State should use that as an avenue to promote improved health consciousness among the populace. Like we're some sort of socialist regime.
Of course I immediately rejected her thoughts and opinions as asinine. But they were so ridiculous that I've been conducting random surveys of people. And today I conducted my last survey. Of all the people I talked to not a single person expected to find healthy food there as a primary option, so I am forced (and not at all reluctantly) to conclude that her views are totally worthless and that she can be shot on site. If I were a wealthy man, I'd offer a bounty.
Of course I immediately rejected her thoughts and opinions as asinine. But they were so ridiculous that I've been conducting random surveys of people. And today I conducted my last survey. Of all the people I talked to not a single person expected to find healthy food there as a primary option, so I am forced (and not at all reluctantly) to conclude that her views are totally worthless and that she can be shot on site. If I were a wealthy man, I'd offer a bounty.
So I brought my lunch in for the third day in a row. I went to put the stuff in the refrigerator, but there was no room. Then I remember they had another frig. There was plenty of room in there. Thank the maker!
Oh, the first night of hockey. Three games were on the initial slate with the Boston-New Jersey game the best of the bunch. That game finished at 3-3.
None of that really matters because the Red Wings play their first game tonight. The L.A. Kings will be their first victim of the season.
None of that really matters because the Red Wings play their first game tonight. The L.A. Kings will be their first victim of the season.Wednesday, October 08, 2003
I could really use a cough drop. Damn you Bubba!!!!
So the Brazil trip has been extended. And a new addition to the lineup. Actually, the new addition caused the extension. Now, instead of being gone a week from work, it'll be eight. I'm bound to end up dead or in jail.
As for last night, I recall that Social Burn song now. It's ok. They, on the other hand, blow. Read the full review, but it's not much more insightful.
As for last night, I recall that Social Burn song now. It's ok. They, on the other hand, blow. Read the full review, but it's not much more insightful.
Labels: music
Tuesday, October 07, 2003
Oh, we're going to see Social Burn at The Back Room. Apparently they've got a song called "Everyone" that's on 101x, though the title doesn't ring a bell.
Labels: music
I know I'm at a new job, Part 2. When I bring in lunch and actually eat it, I know. A nice crispy salad with ham and cheese. Mmm, mmm good! And that cost savings, as would be expected, goes directly to the alcohol fund.
And that is convenient because JMVC and I are hitting some show he won tickets to. No clue who's playing or what kind of music, but that doesn't usually stop me.
And that is convenient because JMVC and I are hitting some show he won tickets to. No clue who's playing or what kind of music, but that doesn't usually stop me.
Labels: jmvc
I know I'm at a new job when I've got a nice, big plastic mug. Now I can drink water by the gallon. I'm an aqua drinking foooool!
And speaking of "fooo", what a crazy MNF game last night. The Bucs thought they had the game cinched up around half time. Then Peyton Manning decided to shred their secondary. They scored three touchdowns in four minutes to force overtime. And then won the thing in overtime. That's just nuts. Keyshawn Johnson was mocking Marvin Harrison on the sidelines in the first half, but he was a lot quieter in the second.
And that Red Sox game was a thriller, too. A great sports night. But if hockey was on it could have been perfect.
And speaking of "fooo", what a crazy MNF game last night. The Bucs thought they had the game cinched up around half time. Then Peyton Manning decided to shred their secondary. They scored three touchdowns in four minutes to force overtime. And then won the thing in overtime. That's just nuts. Keyshawn Johnson was mocking Marvin Harrison on the sidelines in the first half, but he was a lot quieter in the second.
And that Red Sox game was a thriller, too. A great sports night. But if hockey was on it could have been perfect.
Monday, October 06, 2003
OK, I'll admit I like hockey. But just because I like hockey that doesn't make Dany Heatley "my boy." I do not in any way endorse driving 80 mph down some crookedy road and killing one of your teammates. Also, please stop saying this proves how violent hockey is. Hockey is a physical sport, but that physicality usually doesn't result with one of the parties having massive brain damage. And fights in hockey don't typically end with teammates driving each other into a tree at top speed. That's NASCAR. Or so I generalize.
I will admit that the NHL will have a tough time marketing one of their top stars after he's killed somebody. Maybe they can call in O.J. or Ray Lewis for some tips.
But to prove to the hockey powers that be that I still have faith, I've signed up for the NHL Center Ice package. Hockey all the time at my place.
I will admit that the NHL will have a tough time marketing one of their top stars after he's killed somebody. Maybe they can call in O.J. or Ray Lewis for some tips.
But to prove to the hockey powers that be that I still have faith, I've signed up for the NHL Center Ice package. Hockey all the time at my place.
Several hundred fans of magician Roy Horn are maintaining a candle-light vigil. Roy, of "Siegfried & Roy" fame is in the hospital because one of the show's tigers attacked him. This proves two things: a) people in Vegas need to get out more often; b) tigers aren't as scared of sissy guys as people are.
So, with that, I'm off to work!
So, with that, I'm off to work!
Sunday, October 05, 2003
Time flies when you're drunk and/or hungover most of the weekend.
That UT game blew me out. Great game pulled out by the Longhorns, but an even more impressive feat by me getting home. Don't worry, no automobile driving for me, I just hoofed it back to my place. It was not a short nor a fun walk. Fortunately I came across a few bars along the way to make it less of a drag.
Before coming home to pass out, I made/took about a dozen phone calls from across the nation. Fortunately waking up didn't dissuade me from trying to go out. Though I was way to drunk to drive, I wasn't above calling up friends to come and get me. Strangely, most people weren't answering my calls...
Well, a day of sitting on my arse watching NFL games is ahead of me. Hopefully that Denver-KC game will be on.
That UT game blew me out. Great game pulled out by the Longhorns, but an even more impressive feat by me getting home. Don't worry, no automobile driving for me, I just hoofed it back to my place. It was not a short nor a fun walk. Fortunately I came across a few bars along the way to make it less of a drag.
Before coming home to pass out, I made/took about a dozen phone calls from across the nation. Fortunately waking up didn't dissuade me from trying to go out. Though I was way to drunk to drive, I wasn't above calling up friends to come and get me. Strangely, most people weren't answering my calls...
Well, a day of sitting on my arse watching NFL games is ahead of me. Hopefully that Denver-KC game will be on.
Saturday, October 04, 2003
One of those crazy, surreal things happened on the way out of work yesterday. The infamous Seerwah called up telling me he was moving to Austin in a month. So I headed up and met him and the misses for din-din and caught up. One more thing to keep me into trouble.
The Saw is on his way over and he, Chilly, and I are heading to the UT-Kansas State game. The consensus out there is that I don't like UT, but I have no clue where that misconception came from. I'm fine with them. Just as long as they aren't playing FSU or Michigan.
Anyway, I think Sunshine has me a ticket. I haven't tailgated in a while, so it should be fun.
The Saw is on his way over and he, Chilly, and I are heading to the UT-Kansas State game. The consensus out there is that I don't like UT, but I have no clue where that misconception came from. I'm fine with them. Just as long as they aren't playing FSU or Michigan.
Anyway, I think Sunshine has me a ticket. I haven't tailgated in a while, so it should be fun.
Labels: football, seerwah, sports
Friday, October 03, 2003
So I'm on the new laptop at the new job. I'm on the network, but not on their mail server. I'll take it, especially with this sweet cube I've got. I'm pretty sure this is much bigger than anyone else who started on Wednesday. This is great so far.
Some other signs that this place is better than the old job:
Some other signs that this place is better than the old job:
- free food. new job day 3; old job, still waiting.
- random smiles in the hallway. new job, day 2; old job, still waiting.
- opportunity for advancement. new job, high; old job, negative.
- people. new job, great; old job (besides Bubba), so bad, it was almost suicidal.
- fat people with their own customized electric cart (complete with Viking regalia): old job, one; new job, not yet!
Thursday, October 02, 2003
Well, there must be a newer version of Blogger available for Windows XP, because this interface is all f'd up. Maybe I'll come to like it but right now I judge it to be excessive and cumbersome.
Work is going well, found a PC (obviously) to do what it is that I do.
My posts have been delinquent, but I'll try to change that (if only at nights as recaps), but today is First Thursday and that means South Congress. This will be 's third month at First Thursday. Some traditions are hard to break. Anyone going, give me a holler.
Work is going well, found a PC (obviously) to do what it is that I do.
My posts have been delinquent, but I'll try to change that (if only at nights as recaps), but today is First Thursday and that means South Congress. This will be 's third month at First Thursday. Some traditions are hard to break. Anyone going, give me a holler.
New job is doing well, though computer access for the first day. No blog updates? I'll take that. For a day.
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