4/30/08
Wow, today is the last day of April, it seems like this month went by really fast. Anyway's, I got lots of stuff done at work and plenty of work overall these past 2 weeks. Like I was saying before, that they were many designs to add to my portfolio and guess what there are "9 of them (most of the previous ones have been updated with its new screen shot)", Yes I have been busy. The last couple days, I have been in turbo mode - meaning, getting as much done within 8 hours "but not over doing it", its like these sites are coming off an assembly line - lol and guess what... "There is no lack of quality either - they all look nice!". Even though, only 8 new ones have been added for latest designs, there are still more waiting to be added, another update on those will be coming soon! I got some amazing great news from Steve at work the other day, and I am very excited, just hope everything falls into place - only a few people know what's happening in that part of my life.
*Note: I think, I'll be getting a new mouse very soon - because my current just died again "I was able revive it, but for how long?" - piece of crap!!
Yesterday, I went on a photo shoot and I'll be posting those photos very soon. That's all for tonight.
4/28/08
Another post 2 in a row, well I just got done paying most of bills. My desk is finally clean again - lol. I had a great day at work, completed another web site and then we had a 2 1/2 hour meeting well it started at 3pm and really ended at 5pm. I had to break away from the meeting and complete my work at least get some stuff done. I'll be watching my television shows tonight and reclining on my new couch, eat some food and relax - tomorrow, I'll get back to some heavy work. We are going to be making some major changes at work, I believe in the next few days - decisions, decisions!!
4/27/08
Wow, its been a week since my last post - I've been very busy and and working late after work, so I really don't have much time to update my web site - oh yeah I forgot to mention all the yard work. There are many new designs, I gotta add... so later this week, I'll add them to my portfolio.
Yesterday, I finally got my furniture which included: the couch, guest bed, and coffee table, next I am waiting for my dinner table. The pics of my living room are not being posted on my site until a certain group of people visit my house in a few weeks. I gotta get some work done tonight, so I'll be off.
Here something that is bothering me... It started a few days ago - my mouse is now deciding to stick and sometimes decides to stop working, it actually died on me yesterday. This is the only mouse I have had that has given me the most problems - its the Logitech MX Revolution Laser mouse. I moved the receiver closer to the mouse and the charging station thinking that would help, but no! It sucks, I even am using it without the mouse pad, the battery is at a full charge, I don't know what's the deal - but its annoying, especially when I play "Command and Conquer" (move over there troops, now not there - they are killing us, I cant help, cause the mouse decides to stop moving or gets stuck and I lose the battle) - gosh, what's next?
I am wondering if I should call my site v9.0, its not really complete, because it doesn't work in IE6 - the gallery is messed up a bit, but no big deal - I am still planning on adding more things, so for now... it'll stay at version 8.9 beta.
Yesterday, my family and I watched the movie "Cloverfield" (note: it just took me about 3 minutes to remember the name of it) on my new couch and wow! its very comfortable and the movie was good too - the only thing bad about it is... the ending.
4/20/08
The mobile version of my site is now available, version .2 is almost compatible with most mobile devices and when fully compatible, it'll be called version 1.0. You can actually view the mobile version (not recommended though on a desktop machine) by clicking here or looking at the bottom of any page - "mobile.mlk83.com" to view it.
**In the content below, if I am wrong about explaining something - please let me know! Most of the content is my opinion, but I am willing to know what others really think!
Well, I had another version of the mobile.mlk83.com, but wasn't that excited about it, but things have changed. In the mobile version though, its very limited such as: the portfolio is unavailable, the gallery is unavailable, and many of the other things - but its mobile, its gotta be simple and fast to load. The apple Ipod/Touch is not really a "handheld" because its like a mini computer, it renders sites in perfect visibility. This version of my site would like great maybe, but on my BlackBerry it shows different and what a real mobile device with internet is meant to be. If anyone reading this, knows I am wrong - please let me know!
Yeah, I have to update each site with its own content, but with the mobile version - its much faster, because of all the limits I have in place. All I really have to do is update the home page and then its updated. Are mobile devices really gaining popularity, in my opinion - yes, when I was at Alltel, most of the people around me were "buying a smart phone". Well, that may not be the correct answer, but the mobile version of sites is not really gaining popularity - because many designers are not used to this new "styling" maybe in 10-15 years from now, they will become popular, but right now - its not at a high demand.
4/19/08
Today was nice, but could have been better "weather wise" - it was warm, but a bit breezy. I woke up early and got plenty of the sleep last night. Today was the day, my parents bought their 1st foreign vehicle. Its a very basic model, and I am surprised it doesn't have tinted windows. Well, that really must be considered basic to whom ever built and designed it. Well foreign vehicles do cost more, but should have most features standard - I guess it all depends on the cost of the vehicle.
After they left the dealership, my mom met me at the wireless store "Alltel", where I purchased my new phone and got my own service. Yes, even I left their service that my parents had - just like I moved out a while back. Anyway's, I got a smart phone as they call it and I got the "BlackBerry - World Edition", it sure is an expensive phone, but has a lot of the features that'll become useful for myself. It took a while to get used to it, but I am still learning all about it "200 page manual". In the plan I got it was the basic, but I can upgrade without any issues - so I'll see what happens in the next upcoming weeks/months... I can now surf the net, check my email and can accomplish loads of other things even out of town - only if it had image editing programs for it (lol)! Since, I am familiar with most modern electronic gadgets, learning/setting up my blackberry wasn't that difficult. Just like other new things, it'll take time to learn everything about it. Plus, this will be another business write-off, gotta love those!
*Updated: a mobile version of mlk83 is now available! Its specifically made for the BlackBerry and other mobile devices.
The family and I watched a movie tonight, but not Sci-Fi - we rented "Alvin and the Chipmunks" and it was a good movie. The movie didn't even freeze in the last chapter, thank gosh. Well, its almost time for bed - I even have my phone turn off and on at certain times, that's a nice feature!
4/18/08
Today was a very interesting day. I woke up early and left for work earlier than normal, well that's because - I wanted to install some applications on the computer at work, before everyone came in. No, nothing bad - just the normal apps we need for work: Dreamweaver, FTP, Photoshop, just to name a few. The first computer, didn't last long, because shortly afterwards, it slowed down and we couldn't use it - it was filled to the maximum. So, we waited until the 2nd computer arrived and then we were able to begin work... well sort of! Before, the 2nd computer arrived, we "Mike and I" were called for a meeting with Steve upstairs. We talked about the business and then we all waited for Toby to arrive to interview him. When Toby arrived, Mike was able to begin work and that's when it became interesting. Toby was hired shortly after without hesitation - he is not what we were looking, but will defiantly help us out in the long run. He abilities from what he told us, will really help and relief me of what I'm not skilled in like "Server Maintenance". Toby will take the weekend to discuss with his family and hopefully next week, he'll begin working full time with us. Our meeting and interview ended and I was able to begin work "3.5 hours later", I wasn't able to complete everything today that I was hoping for, but the future is looking brighter for us at SWS. I could go on and on about today, but I am getting tired...
Wow, the moon looked nice tonight - did you see it? If not, I did and I made sure to snap some pictures of it. Check out the photos of the moment - this new lens "ROCKS"!! Its a bit heavy though.
4/17/08
This morning, I left my house without a jacket (but I had in my vehicle - just in case), so I drove down to the township and paid my utility bill walked outside with a jacket and it felt nice. On my way to work, it was a nice drive - I was running late though, no big deal though. When I arrived to the office, it was much colder, so I put on my jacket - that was close.
At work, I spent most of the day working on "1" web site, we got a lot done though. Early in the week, Steve placed an ad in record-eagle for employment and today was the day it was released and we got a few resumes. We got a range of people interested in working, and tomorrow we have more interviews, but today we were able to meet one of them - it looks promising, but I'd like to see others.
I spent some time today, updating my portfolio with some new designs, check out the button at the top "Latest Design(s)" to see them!
4/16/08
The weather is getting warmer, but today was exceptionally windy. I had to take off my hat, because it would of blown off my head. I lowered the heat in my house to about 65 and it feels great, but at night about 66-67. In a few weeks, I'll be able to shut it off!
Yesterday at work, I was on a 3 1/2 hour photo shoot with one of our clients, I met with him at his house, then we drove around to many of his clients to take pictures for his portfolio. It was nice, we drove from the east side to the west side of Traverse City. While on the shoot, we stopped for lunch and he treated me - thanks a lot! Along our destinations, I met with some of his clients and met some interesting people. I'm in the process of working on those photos and then they will be added on my site for all to see. After the shoot, I then headed to another meeting with one of our clients - who is a photographer too!
Note: There are many new designs, that I am working on at work - I just gotta find some time and add them here.
Are you sick? If you are stay away from me, hehe. Everyone at the office is sick, cough, cough - ewww! My boss was nice enough to work upstairs today, since they don't want to get me sick - I cant afford to get sick. Well, even I got sick - I could still work at home, but normally when someone is sick, its hard to concentrate. I am lucky so far, I feel good!!
About my site, well make sure to check out the release notes at the top of the page - to see what's been happening behind the scenes. There is also a new feature that has been added today, go on - check it out!
4/14/08
Today was a very nice day, even though I had a schedule photo shoot in the morning and the client never showed, just hope tomorrow is nice as it was today - I look forward to the photo shoots, since it gets me out of the office. Later in the day, I was saved and then went on a photo shoot. On the way home from work there seemed to be lots of people - everyone is coming outside!
As you may have noticed, the 4 buttons on this page have been changed again, and guess what - SWS Photo Shoots has returned!
Yesterday, I went around town and took some photographs, and I got some great shots too - it was all thanks to my new lens. What another one, why?. Well, to get this lens, I exchanged: 4 lenses, 1 older camera (that I didn't use anymore), 1 video camera (that I didn't use much), overall - I really didn't have to pay for it - since exchanging those items got me this new lens. I now have 4 great lenses instead of having 7 lenses - I can now choose the one without being confused on which one to pick. I am done with any more purchases for my camera, since I have a great selection of 4 professional lenses. My lenses include (photographers will understand the following lingo): 105mm "Macro" 2.8 VR, 18-50mm "Prime Lens" 2.8, 10-20mm "Ultra-Wide Angle" 4-5.6, and the monster 70-200mm "Telephoto" 2.8 VR - 2 pro lenses from Sigma and 2 from Nikon. I am looking forward to the summer sports. To conclude this, its also a business write-off!!
That's all for now, since I'll be watching television for awhile.
4/13/08
Yesterday, I had a hard time waking up... I set my alarm clock for 9:30am, but instead woke up at 8:30am, then fell back asleep and woke at 10am, fell back asleep and then woke up to sound of my doorbell - it was my mom at my door. Thanks for waking me up - but I didn't want to sleep in late anyway's. So, she came in and handed my an item she bought for me a "storage wicker storage unit" for my shoes, it is nice, thanks mom!
For about 3-4 hours, I spent a big portion cleaning my house everything from vacuuming to dusting and then taking photographs of my bathroom and kitchen. I'll take newer pics when I get the rest of my furniture.
It turned out to be a decent day, a little chilly - but felt like spring. Yesterday on the other hand, well it was cold and we got some snow. I did some work this morning, and then afterwards - I drove around discovering things and taking some photographs. All I was looking for was a body of "water" but where I was and where I've been looking, I yet have found anything, just lots of farm land. I watched the new episode of "The Simpson's" tonight, but still Family Guy rules! In a few weeks, I will hopefully have my couch and my dinner table with chairs.
4/11/08
I just realized I had the date wrong under '08 April Archive anyways it has been corrected. Its been raining for most of the day and I heard thunder too - wow! I worked a short day today which was nice, I will make up for the time missed this weekend. We got another new client too! As you may have noticed, there are 2 new themes that have been added - Espresso Mint has returned with a touch of gloss.
Nothing much else happening today, so I am going to end this post for now.
4/10/08
Wow, its actually started to rain now 7:24pm, kind of looks like snow a bit. In others news, I have an idea that'll be starting in the month of May 2008, so stay tuned for more information.
I've gotten many excellent comments "its very fast" "wow, very slick" and some not so good ones "i liked your other one better" "its hard to find certain items" about my new web site. Well every version is supposed to be different and each to have its own features, but I do take others opinions and try to improve my site - I am in the process of making certain items easier to find from someone's request.
This version will allow me to expand it very easy especially the pages that have been converted to .php files. The 4 blocks above will be changing due to the new season and I am currently in the planning stages on what will be included.
Today at work, since we had a sunny day - I went on a couple photo shoots. The first one included the lingerie store and the second one was a garage door company. I cannot mention these companies, due to search engine issues with those clients. Since my site is very search engine friendly, when I mentioned some of our clients names, my site would show above theirs. I must be doing good with making sites search engine friendly :) .
4/9/08
After some thinking, I am going to try and get the site to work in IE6 a little - it'll take some time, but I know I'll be able to make some of it look nice.
Well today was a gray day once again, no rain though and very cold - our spring season shortly ended. I noticed that one gas station had the lowest price today "3.39" and there was a big line too.
I arrived early to work and got some extra stuff done, and then through out the day, I got even more work accomplished. In the afternoon, I went on one of the several photo shoots. The shoot today involved only indoor shots, since we didn't have any sun outside. Tomorrow, I am planning to go on another and again "inside shots only" - it'll be an interesting one for sure. Once I get most of the shoots completed, I'll then post some of the them. The really big project "its design" got approved by the client already and I haven't even finished it yet, I took about 2-3 hours today and worked only on that big project and then worked on others.
To make it official, I am designing my first "Adult Related" site! No, not porn - lingerie, sex toys, etc...
4/8/08
Last night, I was able to fix a lot of the bugs found on my site, so its almost ready to be called "v9.0".
Just to let everyone know, this site is designed to be "minimalistic". It has some amazing features through, but you gotta discover them first.
Today at work, I was finally able to work on a new project and its coming along nice so far - this project will take anywhere from 1-2 years to complete though. It'll take anywhere from 3-6 months to design, and then the rest to code and debug. I have thousands of shares already into the program, so hopefully it'll become popular and make me rich - hehe! There are multiple new designs that I need to add this month, since we have like 7 new clients. I'll be busy and so will my assistant Mike. My list of photo shoots keeps rising, so the next nice beautiful sunny day - I'll try and get out to take some shots.
This morning was cold and then throughout the day today it was chilly and now its raining a bit.
4/7/08
I expected to get a lot of work done today, but instead got stuck working on 1 project for most of the day. I have 4 photo shoots in line for this week hopefully.
This morning, we had decent weather (warm and sunny) and then when I left work, it was down right cold and the sun left and in some areas, it looked like it was going to rain. I heard on the radio in the morning, that we may have a thunder storm sometime today and so far nothing yet. Over the weekend though, we was beautiful!
As I arrived home, shortly after I put the pizza in the oven (it was very good, check out the food of the moment to see for yourself) - my dad came over to work on some stuff. He was able to install a wall like object around my front porch, so that no animal could start to dig a home and then he installed my mailbox permanently into the ground, now just gotta add the numbers on it. There is still more work to be done, but its the simple stuff.
Since Monday is the night to watch all my favorite shows, unfortunately, they are all repeats :( . I was looking forward to watching those shows tonight, oh well - tomorrow is "The Office" on TBS.
4/5/08
I am still in the process of debugging it and fixing things up. As you can see there is a huge change compared to version 8.5. The entire site was been re-coded and had to be switched to .php files in order for myself to update the site easier - there are also many new features that make navigating my site - "Easy!". To view more of whats been released, look at the links in light grey at the top right of the screen or click here.
There is still a lot more work to be done with this switch, but it shouldn't take too long to complete it all. For how this site looks running IE6, I am not sure - but pretty sure "it looks like crap"! Once, I get everything working in the modern browsers, then I will hack it and make it compatible with IE6.
The Food(s) of the Moment have been restored and are now located in the gallery, the release of the normal gallery is currently in the process of getting themed with the new layout - stay tuned.