1/28/08
Another busy day at work, but I wonder why some clients approve 1 design and then when we complete it - they are like "we don't want this anymore, we want a new one"... a what? you have got to be kidding me! Yes, it happens to us once in awhile, but lately... it seems to be happening a lot more often. I don't mind designing something else for the client, but for the site to be completed and then a turn-around, I don't want it anymore - why?
1/27/08
This afternoon, my mom and I went to view 3 open houses. When the time is right for myself to purchase a home, I'll have all the knowledge that'll help me. All the homes we toured today, well check out the details below...
Home #1 > As we pulled up to this house, it was nice - attached 2 car garage, a deck, walked inside got introduced to the realtor. An older women passed away and the children needed to sell the home, this home is very clean, but just a little too big for me. This home would need upgrades, to the kitchen, but overall most of the house was in tip top shape. My mom was more interested in it then myself though.
Home #2 > As we arrived to this house, it seemed to be out of place. The neighborhood is a little on the questionable side, older, rundown, very mean dogs (running free), etc... This house was brand new (people do get jealous) and it was beautiful upon entrance. Even though, it had a one car garage, my vehicle still fits inside (the realtor let me try it out). It had bamboo hardwood flooring through-out the first level and nice carpeting in the basement. Overall, if this house was in a nicer neighborhood, I would consider making the purchase.
Home #3 > This house is located in a newer big neighborhood, which I never knew existed. The house was more than I would need, a very large home with an un-finished basement and a price tag of $179,900 - about $200,000 with finished basement - I'll pass!
I'll keep watching for open houses for next weekend! I'm gonna start looking at homes in a new location.
1/26/08
Last night went better with Chris in town. We had Jet's Pizza again and we got the BLT pizza - very good! Also, I heard they were very busy, but busy is good now a days.
When Chris got off work, he came back to our house and then we waited for Brian to come back too. So, we all talked about our day and it was a better. Communication between the two of us, got better.
Last night, the three of us Chris, Brian (my brother), and I went out to the casino "Leelanau Sands". Chris enjoys playing craps and was explaining how to play it to us. At first, it looked confusing, but towards the end... I was getting the hang of it.
After the casino, we were driving home and then decided to stop and get something to eat, so we got McDonalds and took it back home to eat.
This morning, we all slept good and about 12 o'clock noon, Chris got packed up and left. Yes, it was nice of him to visit us, and yeah we had our quiet moments, but overall - we had a good time. We'll keep in touch!
Shortly after he left, my mom and I went to a couple open houses. We stopped and got lunch at Taco Bell, and then continued with the house tour. The 2 homes that we visited were both on separate parts of town...
House #1 > This was a nice house, split level, with an attached 2 car garage. The wall color in the house was nice, dark reds, blues, greens, and a crackle finish in the kitchen. The neighborhood looked nice, only one neighbor on surrounding this house, but the view from the kitchen - could of been better. Overall, its a very nice one that I have seen and I'll add it to my favorites. There weren't any negatives with this house, besides it's just a little big for myself.
To speak the truth, I'm not ready to purchase a home yet, but no one cant say "I can't look". Anyway's, these homes are called "Open Houses", right? I am viewing a variety of homes to get different ideas, on exactly what type of home will appeal to me when the time is right.
House #2 > This house, was located closer to the airport and was a blue color. The first thing I noticed about this house... is the small garage door "my vehicle won't be able to fit inside" and inside the house the hallway was really narrow. The walls though were different, but I liked them. Overall, this house was really old and needed a lot of work - wonder why the realtor said "it'd make a great starter home"? The kitchen needed a lot of work, the bathroom shower was old and worn. My mom mentioned it reminds her of an "old rustic cabin".
Tomorrow, I plan to visit some more open houses. Just gotta wait and see what happens.
1/25/08
I went to work a little later today, since I stayed up late last night with Chris.
I was busy at work again and I was able to complete a new design, which can be seen on the left side (top one). I have been continuing work on one certain project and getting it ready for the programmers. It'll take about 6-12 months to complete it or maybe sooner. For my part of designing it, it'll take about 1-2 months with all reviews by the owners (we have a meeting each week for careful planning and updates of what the owners think so far). This project is coming along great and by Monday, I hope to complete even more to show my boss Steve.
Tonight, we are expected to do some entertaining with Chris, so more information will become available later tonight or tomorrow morning.
1/24/08
At work today, I got a phone call from a friend (Chris Boglev) and he was on his way to Traverse City today. That was such a shock, I was surprised - but it was wonderful. We haven't really seen each other in more than 7 years. After the day flew by, later in the night - Chris called and asked us where we live exactly. Within about 5 minutes Chris arrived to our house.
It feels awkward a little though, because we really haven't seen each other in more than 7 years. So thinking of things to talk about, is tough - but usually the first day is and hopefully tonight will be better. Other than this, Chris decided to stay at our place for the night (just like when we were younger). Chris arrived in a different car then his usual Scion TC, he had a company car "a really decked out Dodge Caliber".
1/23/08
Today at work, I worked on only one project - most of it has been completed, but we have one part that we just cant seem to pass.
I have been researching through the real estate market and have been finding some interesting houses. I had started a list and have been adding to it, when I find a new one I like. After work, I visited 4 different homes through-out Leelanau County.
Home #1 > It was alright, an attached garage, but the drawbacks included: neighbor had a big dog fence, along the main street and right around a corner (this would make driving out of the driveway dangerous at times).
Home #2 > Just right down the road, from home #1 - was this smaller home - as my mom says "its got nice curbside appeal", it would be a perfect house for me. It has potential so I'll keep it in mind.
Home #3 > This home I don't think, will fit me - because it's much further away then I would like to live. The house was alright, but it's too secluded for me and just feel far away from most of Traverse City. It has a nice view from the front porch through.
Home #4 > I was looking for this house, earlier and couldn't find it and then discovered it going home. This house is almost identical to the one my parents currently home, but is a little big for just myself.
1/22/08
It was another productive day at work, which is wonderful. During the first hour, I couldn't concentrate, but shortly after I cleared my mind - my day got better. Again, we didn't have many phone calls, but a lot of emails and just from 2 clients. Every minute they email and ask, how's the progress?, is it done yet?, here is more stuff?, change that picture to this one - people... I can only do one thing at a time, gosh!
For us in Traverse City today, we experienced another chilly day, even though the temperatures were in the teens, it was still very cold. We never got the expected snow that the weathermen expected us to get.
Another day at the gym, and I am working really hard on my stomach mainly "abs"... I also worked out on my legs and upper/lower part of my back.
Also, there may be some additional updates on my web site in the next few weeks. Its still in the processing design part, so anything can change.
The domain of www.thewoodengallery.com, is finally once again working. We had experienced an issue with expiration and bidding to get it back. This will not happen again, we have learned our lesson. Have you renewed your domain yet? - that's if you have one!
1/21/08
It was very busy day at work, but I got a lot done. It was a quiet day - not many clients complaining, that's nice. I'm still going through all my emails at work and taking one at a time, and so far so good. There are many new designs that will be coming soon, right now though - I'm working on maintenance for our clients and reviewing programming work done with our night time staff.
As you should notice, there is a new site theme called "Screaming Green", what do you think of it?
I have decided to change my work-out schedule for the week. I'll try and attend the gym tuesday, wednesday, thursday with maybe once over the weekend. This way, I can have certain days to work extra hours from home after work.
There has been a major change in the gallery... All photographs from SWS Photo Shoots have been removed. These had to be removed, because of search engine results with current clients of SWS.
1/20/08
Last night on Sci-Fi, the featured movie was "Resident Evil: Apocalypse" - but instead of watching it on tv, we inserted the DVD and watched it. This way, we didn't have to watch commercials, and nothing was blocked out.
This afternoon, I went to a few open houses (real estate) and to my surprise my brother came along for the ride and my parents came too. We visited 3 homes, the best one of the two was the second one we visited.
Home #1 > It was alright, but I didn't care for the steep stairs and the long walk from the garage to the house. I almost tripped down the stairs - even with the railing. The house was an older one with what looked to have its original windows, and kitchen cabinets. This house, also had a strange odor upon entrance, which also alerted the rest of my family. The price of $159,900 for this old house, well... I can't believe its worth that much!
Home #2 > First impression, very nice! It has a small fenced in yard (I don't need a huge backyard or huge acreage), nice carpeting, 2 car garage, the staircase was much better than the 1st house. Overall, a very nice priced newer house for a price tag of $169,900.
Home #3 > For a price tag of $169,000 - this must have been a joke! When we arrived it looked very run down, I couldn't tell what color the roofing was (blue or white), the house looked like it was ready to collapse. When we walked inside, it was a shocker - my dad said "it looks like your walking inside a battleship". This house is not even worth the price, just hire a wreaking crew and rebuild - this house really needs upgrades. Even with the other 2 homes we looked at you get a garage, and the garage with this house, well... it looks like a storage shack! Each room inside this home, had it unique feel. Overall, this was the worst home of the 2 we visited today - it kind of reminded me of a movie I once saw, a scary and rundown one though.
After looking at these homes today, I'm still looking for others and when the time is right - I'll know and then call it "My Home"!
1/19/08
It may have been a few days since my last posting, but I have been busy with work and didn't feel like updating. Also, nothing much has been happening - its been blistering cold today and we have had snow the last couple days.
I'm preparing this year and saving my money to help with a down payment for my future housing purchase. Yes, this year or next - I'll be purchasing my first house and will be living on my own. Yes it'll been exciting, but also I'll have to really begin my life without my parents helping me out all the time. I'll have to do my own laundry, maintain yard work, clean, cook, and have all the expenses that people have when owning their home. I'm getting excited, and have begun looking at the homes that are available on the market in my price range.
Tomorrow, I hope to visit a few open houses - this is just to get my ready for when the time arrives to determine the place I'll call home! On the web site of TAAR, I've been researching homes, that I'm to get interested in. In a separate document, I have make notes to those MLS numbers that I find interesting. When the time arrives, I'll search for MLS numbers and see what ones are still available - and right now, as it stands with the housing market, they will still be there when I'm ready.
1/16/08
I have been really busy with work this entire week, and sorry for the delay of posting. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the gym, but I will go on the weekend. Today, I started going through all my emails and completing one thing after another - its like a never ending project. Am I complaining? Of course not, it keeps me busy - but what bugs me is... Our clients think things can get done in minutes, but it depends of what they are asking for. Like I tell my boss, I only have 2 hands!
Yesterday, Apple released updates for the Ipod Touch, and I had to get it. I've been using my Ipod Touch even more than without the update. I'm amazed with what it can do - google maps, weather, notes, stocks, add new apps, arrange icons, new additions while playing media - it's a wonderful upgrade.
Did you hear of the new product Apple released? There is now another notebook to choose from - I'll pass on it, they need updates on their desktop models.
1/13/08
At the end of the month, expect to see lots of new photographs of our cat "Beni". For the weekend, I've been taking amazing shots of him - being playful. Many of these shots, I needed to use my long telephoto lens for because: I needed to be far enough away, but close enough to capture him.
Last nights movie on Sci-Fi, wasn't all that great - The hitch hikers guide to the galaxy. The women who starred in the recent mini-series called "Tinman", she was also in this movie.
It continued to snow from 9am until about 5pm, but it didn't really stick. Today was also a lazy day for myself, I just decided to stay home all day.
In other news, I forgot that I signed up for a facebook account. I remembered, because someone sent me a friend request. When I went to login to my account, I couldn't remember my password - thanks for the forget password page! Anyway's, I just deactivated my account, no big deal - never used it (can't remember why I signed up in the first place?).
At 8pm on Fox television channel, a new show premiered tonight called "Terminator: The Sarah Conner Chronicles", and the first episode was awesome. I will look forward to tomorrows and future episodes.
1/12/08
In the morning, on the 11th, we didn't get much snow - but we had to snow blow the driveway. In my case, it doesn't matter, my AWD Nissan Murano can make it up our driveway. The main roads were just wet!
Yesterday, my brother and I watched the movie "Lucky Number Slevin", I remember I saw this at the theater when it came out, but can't remember who I saw it with? Anyway's, it's a very good movie.
This morning, my mom and I went to ArtVan and she was planning on purchasing a new mattress and I was going to look at furniture for my future home (about 12 months from now). As she was with the sales women, I walked around and found what interested me.
This year I am preparing to save my money to put down a nice down payment on my future home purchase. It shouldn't be too difficult, because I have everything that I need that is essential for me and my business work.
Today and from now on... I can use and listen to my music from my Ipod Touch in my vehicle. I went to Best Buy and purchased the converter thing - I gotta get used to it.
Tomorrow, I plan to go bowling with my dad again, but hopefully my brother will go too!
1/10/08
Another busy day at work and many new designs are in the works. It seems just about every day, there is a new design added to my portfolio - that's good though! I love my job, and where I work is also great, flexible hours, friendly co-workers, nice pay, photo shoots, and the ability to try new chinese dishes.
It has been a while, since we gotten any snow - but tonight we are expected to get anywhere between 5-10 inches by tomorrow night. I'll have to change my theme to a spring like, because that is what it felt like earlier.
Since I am feeling better, well that was until last night - it seems like I have a cold now. Stuffed up, running nose, itchy throat - thank god for medicine.
I went to my meeting / photo shoot today at the health club, and it went very good. I took a couple shots of the employees and picked up some work and took back some training certificates to the office.
Tomorrow, we'll have to wait and see on how much snow we have gotten!
1/9/08
Since I am getting better, I decided it was time to back to the gym. Normally, I don't attend the gym on Wednesdays, but since I missed Monday and Tuesday - I thought I should go. I am improving at the gym and seeing some results, which is wonderful - and plus I am feeling better in general.
Another design is in the process and should be completed tomorrow. Also, some of the previous non-approved designs have gotten approved, but heard from my boss. Just reminding the clients to view it and review it.
Tomorrow, I am too attend a photo shoot at the health club/gym. At Fit For You, I'm a member and not only that I work with SWS on their web site. Photos from this shoot will appear in my gallery a few days afterwards.
1/8/08
On sunday, January 6th, I woke up with a sore throat. I went and took medicine right away, just in case. The whole day on sunday.
Then come Monday morning, I went to work for a while and then decided it was time to go home. The rest of the night, I had the sore throat and felt some nausea.
This morning, I woke up feeling much better - my sore throat has become weaker, but my stomach was hurting me. I stayed at home for awhile, until I was feeling better - then I went to work.
It has been raining in Traverse City, Michigan "all day long", our snow is almost gone!
*Note: I have developed 1 design for a web site, which will not be shown on my site for a while "not until its completed".
In other news, I am feeling much better!
1/6/08
Last night, we watched the saturday night sci-fi movie, it has something to do with the lochness monster. It was a good movie. Now we must wait to see what next weeks movie is going to be.
My dad and I went to the bowling alley, and played 2 games. The first game, I got a 139, then second game a 120 - not bad. Afterwards, we stopped and got a snack at Panda North. Wonton Soup, Egg Rolls, and the Po Po Platter.
Tomorrow is back to work!
1/4/08
Am I busy at work, Yes! We are super busy - I'm not complaining, got some great projects we are working on. Also, another new design has been added for 2008 - it can be seen on this page under Newest Designs. Some designs for 2007 have not been approved yet, but hopefully soon.
The theme on my site, should be changed this weekend! It'll be changed back to the winter theme, and next month for February, expect to see a valentines theme.
1/3/08
Another good day at work, we have been getting a lot of work done, but we have plenty of work on the waiting list. I got my first 2008 design and best of all, it was approved by the client.
After dinner, my brother and I watched "Rush Hour 3" and it was a great movie. If you like comedy, fight scenes, and beautiful women, this is a movie for you!
I'm getting ready for tax time, already paid my 2007 taxes at least most of it. I'll be making an appointment with my CPA to talk about the upcoming taxes.
1/2/08
Today I had to get back on schedule, it wasn't difficult though. The break off of work was nice, but I was happy to go back.
It was a good day at work, not many complaints from clients or phone calls. We had 1 server issue, but with a call to our hosting company it was solved within seconds. I got right on 2 projects and completed most of them. We completed another web site today, which was very easy to complete.
When it was time to leave, maybe an hour before we got hit with a lot of snow, so I had to warm-up and clean off my vehicle. It has been blistering cold today, when I came home it was about 12 degrees out in Leelanau county.
**Update: Last month, I mentioned that I'm considering expanding the width of my site - I have decided not to do that yet, but still in the opinionated stage. Right now, its not necessary.
**Update: Last month, I mentioned about releasing a mobile version of mlk83.com and it was called "MLK83-m". This is still a possibility, but the progress has been temporarily shut-down.
FYI: Even though some designs are in the coming soon of 2007, these will remain there until completed. If one of these designs has a complete change, it'll then move into the 2008 category.
FYI: for anything related to updates on my site, make sure to visit the release notes section.