(If you're looking for technical details, you're going to be unhappy -- this is a personal post.)
It's been a very nice, relaxing past few days at the Ballman/Wampler household. Friday was mostly an off-day from work, so after trying to solve some VPN issues, the day was pretty much my own. I spent it shopping, of all things. If you know me, then you know just how much I can't stand shopping. However, there was enough justification to go out and do it. :-P I started out at Circuit City, looking for some computer equipment. My 12+ year old keyboard and mouse just weren't cutting it any longer. The keyboard's "stand" things had broken off ages ago, and some of the keys were starting to stick. The mouse ball had actually been worn down so that moving the mouse from one end of the screen to the other took a few tries. Basically, it was time to put them down (they've been relegated to the Mac, since I barely touch that machine anyhow). So I got a really nice Logitech wireless keyboard and mouse set. So far, I've been quite happy with them. I can still out type the keyboard, which can be rather annoying. However, it's not been proven to annoy me that much. At least the keys don't get randomly dropped like the PS/2->USB keyboard adapter thing! The only thing that's really been annoying me is that the keys are slightly different between the two keyboards. The home and end keys are in a different place, and I'm surprised by how often that trips me up. But the mouse rocks my world. :-)
After that, I went over to the local major chain bookstore to see if I could find any of the books on my wishlist. Specifically, I have been wanting the Windows Security book more and more lately. Alas, but the store had very slim pickings and I wasn't able to find any of the books I wanted. However, that doesn't mean that I didn't leave with a book! I found a very nice translation of Beowulf there, so I picked it up. I've always wanted to read it, as has Lis. So that's on my list of things to do this week with my new-found spare time!
After the book store, I went over to Target to pick up a new house phone. The old one was refusing to hold a charge, and was several years old. Boy, what a mistake this new phone has been -- it sucks wank. I'm tempted to just toss it in the garbage, call it a loss, and try again. Target has pure shit for products, and I'm learning (slowly but surely) to not buy anything there unless quality can be immediately discerned or isn't an issue. Stupid Target!
That's more shopping in one day than I usually do in six months. Plenty for a Friday in SoCal! So I went home, and immediately played with my new toys (keyboard and mouse). :-P
Saturday was no less thrilling than Friday. I spent a large part of the day puttering around the house, but eventually Lis and I went in to school so she could do some genetics work at the lab. Since this work involved an hour-long break with nothing to do, I agreed to go in with her to keep her company. I sat and played Heroes 5 while she was busy doing her thing. It was very nice, but I was quite surprised when we ended up spending like 6 hours at the lab!
The fun for today has been grocery shopping and cooking. I'm going to make a crumb cake, and Lis is making a homemade pesto pizza.
I told you, it's quite an exciting weekend. :-P I hope everyone else's is equally as fun and productive!
Is that the Heaney translation of Beowulf that you picked up?
It's the John McNamara translation, actually.
I can't view your wishlist! It just comes up with a generic page so I could make a wishlist.
Target is good if you pay attention to what you buy. They have the cheep stuff that sucks. And they have good stuff. Just look for brands and whatnot.
I've had need to get into a lab on the weekend.. They are all locked up... Then again, most of my labs involve electronics equipment, not genetic stuff. Must be a science vs engineering thing.
Thanks for pointing out the goof -- the wishlist link is now fixed. As for the lab thing -- once you get into the higher classes, you usually get access. I know I ended up getting a keypad # so I could get into my CS lab. Lis is in grad school, so she gets keys. :-)
I studied the Heaney translation in my third year of secondary school (I think thats high school for you Americans :p) its actually a really good read, and its amazing how he translated to stay in keeping with the original rhythms etc.
But hey, it isnt even his translation so why am I boring everyone?!
Yeah, I really do not like the "crazy design kids fresh out of college fooling with Home End Delete keys" layout, either. Who gave those knuckleheads permission to mess with a time-honored tradition? I mistakenly had purchased just such a keyboard recently, and had to return it. I finally found a decent Microsoft keyboard from NewEgg for a cheap price, and the best part of it is, the Insert, Delete, Home, End, Page Up and Down keys are all in the *right* place. Whew, decades of muscle memory won't be wasted after all...
> if you're looking for technical details
I'm not finding the tag specific feeds anymore. Did they make the movable type transition?