At Last!

Mood: delighted

I am finally done updating Linux! Yippee.... Now, on to the fun stuff.

I have switched from Linux's Konqueror web browser to Netscape 7.2. Before you start groaning, just know that I only did it for compatibility's sake. I found Konqueror wasn't 100% compatible with all web sites, including one Bella frequents. So I made the switch. Also, it will be better as I slowly get back into web design. (Whether or not I will be doing it as a business again remains to be seen.)

Things were really slow at work so I decided to leave early. Plus my brain was feeling funky, most likely from the bad combination of caffeine and dehydration. I sometimes forget to drink. Like right now, I feel I am thirsty, yet here I sit.

--

Okay, I just chugged two 9-ounce Dixie cups of water; I've been craving water all day!

Anyway, the highlight of the day was when this customer-turned-applicant came in my store. With his glasses, button-down shirt, and full beard that failed to hide his weak jawline, I was instantly struck that he was an intellectual type, maybe a professor that never quite made it out of the 60's. Turns out he was a former network specialist that had recently become a parolee. He offered this information, honestly and up front, as he expressed interest in working in my store. He seemed giddy at the thought of even the most remote chance of working in a bookstore.

My initial reaction was one of acceptance. But inside I was wondering what on earth this guy could have done to get himself landed in jail. Looking very innocent and harmless, I can't help but think of all the murderers and pedophiles that really look no different that he did standing there two feet in front of me. But something tells me that he is as harmless as he seems. Maybe even moreso.

As he filled out an application, I couldn't help but think the perfect character for a story had just walked into my store! Do I want to know more of who he really is, or just let my imagination run wild? I have this nagging feeling that this may be one case where reality is more interesting than any fiction. I think a little background check on this guy is in order. But will I only find out that there is no story here after all?

Back Online!

Mood: excited

Thanks to Bloo Internet and my ModemBlaster serial modem, I am now back online. Currently, I am in the process of upgrading my Suse Linux software. There are a lot of updates, so with only dial up access, it's going to take a while. Well, back to downloading. And bed!

So Close

Well, I've found a modem that works with Linux, but now my Juno account has expired. I've signed up with Bloo Internet, but I have to wait until tomorrow to verify my home phone with them before my account will be active. Things are no longer so bleak, so I am hopeful now.

Bella and I just had lunch with my friend Joey. It was delightful! Then we went shopping and he bought me a very nice pedometer at Sharper Image as a belated birthday present. (He had me pick it out; I've wanted a pedometer for the longest time, and it was the cheapest thing I could find.)

Last night was a big step for Bella and I! We had our first wedding-related meeting at the church where we put in our requested wedding day of June 17, 2006. We have yet to meet with Father Richard McGee to set the wedding date; he will most likely be the one to officiate the ceremony. This beginning of the real process of getting married--even though it's still very early--makes it all seem very real, rather than just some fantasy I cooked up in my head. I get to marry this beautiful, amazing woman whom I am completely and utterly in love with! I think that makes me the luckiest guy in the world....