Jerky Experiment

Long story short... went to Buc-ee's (gas station on the way to ren faire). Got jerky. Loved Jerky. Realized Jerky is $30/lb. Wanted to see if I could make decent stuff.

Result so far... just put in the oven for drying at super low heat.

I shortened the story cuz blogger crashed on me after I wrote for about 20 minutes. -.- Dammit. Anyhow, I'll let you know tomorrow how it turns out!

Date nights, quiet nights, long nights, the best nights.

Let's start today, with a scene.

I'll paint it for you.

Let's start with some happy trees... (Yes, that was a pop culture reference, who gets it?)

Heh, specifically, I'm sitting under the shade-bearing canopy of the trees in my backyard, hanging comfortable about two and a half feet off the ground or more, while a pleasant breeze blows, and some music plays in the background, and dog-tags rattle while Kieran walks about lazily.

Peaceful.

It's nice, really. Taking the time to sort my thoughts after a Benadryl-induced nap has given me a little bit of a refresher, and let me figure out what I would like to write about, and given me the space and time to do it, too. After all, I don't work until 9-10 or so tonight, and I have the days off this weekend, rather than working like I did a couple weekends ago.

My 25th birthday came and went, and left zombies and survivors in it's bloody wake! ^_^

To be clear... we dressed up, and horsed around looking like zombies, charred some meat, and I had Erik from "truth and beauty" blog, take some photos for us! He and Arlene - "Busy art girl" were guests at the party, and I'm super glad they came, along with all my other guests!

People came in and out over the course of the day, and it blended together into one fun night, which hardly could have gone better! Good food, good friends, good drink, etc. I'm finding it hard to find anything to say that doesn't end in "Awesome".

...well shit.

As I'm typing that, something wet hits my neck in a trickle, like someone dumped a couple tablespoons of water on me. There's not a cloud for miles, the trees are dry... but just watched a squirrel bound off through the branches.

Either the tree decided to weep a bit, or I just got peed on. *Rolls eyes*

Karma how I love thee.

Anyhow, where was I before I was interrupted by one of nature's practical jokes?

Oh yes, the past few nights.

So Cass and I have been making a point to do "Date-night" type outings lately.

It's been a joint effort, and taken a bit of back-and-forth work to figure out what to do, but I think it's something we've been missing lately, just to go out, even without spending anything, and enjoy our time out together.

Lately we've done things like catch a couple movies, (District 9, and Inglourious Basterds) find cheap-dinner specials, and basically wander around visiting where we can, and who we can.

Shawn and Alive saw one of the movies with us, made my birthday dinner, and have basically been the all-around great friends they always are, especially being patient with my lousy work schedule, and not holding it against me that I've not got much time to hang out lately during our usual weekend meet-up times.

Between them, Cassidy's constant efforts to be cheerful and make sure that between the two of us we don't grow complacent together and neglect one another, and all my other friends and even neighbors, I've been remarkably happy lately.

A lot of folks will say "It's the little things in life that stick with you, matter the most, or that make life fun." Throw that in with a billion different ways to say it, and it's still true. The past few weeks have gotten me into being able to see that more clearly, and I have my friends to thank!

As I wrap this post up, I'm going to download some of the pictures Cass and I took with her Imac, just being silly before going out one night, since the zombie pictures are still forthcoming, but will be done soon I'm sure. ^_^

Ah, the little things.

(Insert photo-booth fun times here!)

On work, life, and showers.

As my last post indicated, yes I now have two jobs!

Let's suffice it to say, that especially in the given economy, that is Awesome!

But as everybody who works two jobs knows, there's a price. Heh...

So Monday through Friday, between the hours of roughly 9-6, I work at NCsoft, on the Aion project. It's a great job, with great people, and just an overall positive attitude and outlook that I find almost euphoric to be around. How cool is that for a job?

Friday night, Saturday night, and Sunday nights, I work security. My hours usually run from about 9 PM-3 or 4 Am, give or take a few nights where I'll start at 11.... or end at 6 Am. (Groan)

So, assuming I get my 40 hours in during the week, I can almost always safely assume at least fifteen hours or work out of security as well. Normally it's more like twenty. so 55-60 hour workweeks. I know a lot of people work more than that, and most of them in only one job, and kudos to them! I am just not realizing the effort it takes to be awake, alert, and functional at both jobs in the same day. (last night/this morning)

I woke up today at about 10 Am, after getting to sleep about 6. The sounds of folks moving about the house and the warmth of the bed being too hot from daytime/me, combined with the usual morning protestations of the bladder woke me, and I tried to go right back to sleep.

Then the doggy training session began. People were over, the dogs were being played with and attempts at training were made, but to little effect it seemed. Ok, so more sleep is out of the question, and when I attempt too many times to go back to sleep, I inevitably get a headache. *Grumble* Hence, the bit on showers.

I don't know what it is about the relaxing effect of water pounding down on one's head that makes a headache go away, but for me, it's got something like an 80% success rate in banishing a headache. Intense headaches that make me want to curl up in a ball and die usually get better with very cold water, other ones I can take a relaxing hot shower and they'll disappear. Either way, I seem to have found my trick. So, aside from my regular showering schedule, it seems if this is how my "mornings" will end up after double-days at work(s), I think our poor water bill is going to go up a bit. Bleh...

On the upside, I still enjoy both of my jobs, and when I start getting paychecks from both, our financial worries should lighten up a little. Here's hoping.

The house is slowly taking shape after having friends of ours move in, with less clutter sitting around and more things in their respective "Places", which also helps with the winding down process. Say what you will about Feng Shui, I don't put much stock into it, but a clean house does wonders for the soul. I'll give it that.

Now, I have a book to return to with a tall glass of juice, and some relaxation for another three hours before I have to go to work again. Wish me luck!

A new job, and the musings since.

Well, the title says the biggest news I have at the moment. I finally got a new job. A full-time job no less, to go on top of the job I also recently snagged a couple months ago, which is part-time night/weekend work.

On Friday-Sunday nights, from about 9 PM to 3 AM normally, I work security in the downtown Austin area, for clubs, a couple food places, things like that. I have different posts each night usually, and it changes regularly, so it's more interesting and doesn't get old as quickly, like some jobs tend to.

Sometimes it gets exciting, sometimes things get a little out of hand, but that's why we're there, of course. I have all the certifications I need to be armed with a few different tools, including the expandable baton, pepper spray, and a firearm. The trick, is not having to use them! ;)

So far I've had to use handcuffs once, and that's about it. Everything else has been handled verbally or with my hands, and I've not been hurt or in any danger at all, so for those of you whom I know worry (Hkb ^_^), I'm being safe and careful.

The new job, is to be frank, a dream job.

I work for NCsoft now, as a Game Master for one of their new games, Aion.

(Insert girlish squealing here ... >_>)

Yeah, it's pretty much awesome. The game itself is beautiful, especially for an MMO, with a beautifully rendered landscape, a super detailed character creator, and a living, stunningly described and vividly imagined world to boot. When I got to play on the beta before I was hired, I was simply floored. Mind you, I have played many video games, and seen some absolutely dazzling displays before.

This is among some of the best I've seen, and for an MMO, that's really saying something.

My team is fantastic, we were all hand-picked by the guys we'd be working directly with, and it shows. We've got this amazing, instant dynamic that I've not had so quickly at any other job, and it's the perfect work environment.

The game itself is still in beta testing, so I'm in on the ground floor for my position, and it's a position of seniority already, and if the game does well at launch and directly after, the position becomes permanent. I'm thrilled to pieces, and it's a great feeling to hop into the car in the morning with a grin, and smile all the way to work.

Strange, but great.

So anyway, my health is on the rebound again. I've got a long-term-preventative inhaler I've been needing, and haven't had an asthma "Attack" in weeks now. That, and the massive dose of Prednisone and antibiotics I also had to do a round of cleared me right back up again. I've still got the odd lingering health issue here and there, but I'm dealing with those right now as well, and slowly regaining more mobility almost daily.

On a separate note, I got my CHL finally (Concealed handgun license), which took it's time coming, but it's nice to have it now. The previous posts about Anita were one strong reason I got it, because unfortunately these kinds of things happen in our world, and sometimes being kind and careful is not enough. So many people have helped me in my life that if the time comes to repay kindness against the kind of crime that calls for force, I hope I can make the right decision someday, if I'm called to.

Separate note #2 - My friends moved into our spare room, with their pets too, so while the house is a bit of a zoo, it's a happy family with everybody mostly getting along animal-wise, and all of us friends getting along spectacularly. Again, friends who have helped me before, and I'm glad to return the favor.

Speaking of friends, I even made some new ones at Animix this weekend, and got to run a panel, and MC for some others. The weekend was busy, hectic, exciting, and a learning experience. I would do it again in a heartbeat, which I likely will next year anyway! ^_^

Anyhow, I think I've blown off enough literary steam for the moment, but hopefully I can build up more in the next day or two, and get back to posting regularly. I need to hold to this blog-worthy life thing, but it's funny how sometimes life gets too busy for it! Guess that means I'm in the right direction in a way!

Til then!

-Chris

(AKA GM Silverfang! Yay new job! )

Remembering Anita, and doing my part.

It was two years ago this June, the 3rd exactly that it happened, and as it gets close to that month I can't help but get angry and sad all over again. I've been thinking a lot lately about family, friends, and the people in my life, and as I lost another friend earlier this year, my thoughts again turn to Anita. 

She was my younger sister by foster relation, but to me that makes us no less related. I miss the kiddo like crazy, and wish there was something I could have done to keep her safe, despite the fact we were separated by half a country. 

I can't get it off my mind today, so I'm writing again to see if I can't blow off some steam, as well as put the word out. I'm posting the article source for the history on Anita and her killing, but the second link is very important. 

His name is Richard McNair, and he's suspected to have killed my little sister. I can't help but think that perhaps if I sent this to enough people, somebody might know something. Have seen something. Knows someone who has seen something. It can't hurt to try, and frankly, my family and I are going on a second year without a resolution. Not that a resolution will bring back my precious sister, but dammit, it's something, and can perhaps give us some peace of mind that someone else's kiddo won't be taken by whatever freak did this. 

Sorry to drop a depression bomb on whoever is reading this today, but I can't help but nearly froth at the mouth at the idea of this not finding a conclusion in the capture of the sick freak who did this, and know others would feel the same in my place. If you have a moment, look over the links here, and see if there's anything familiar about the ... i hesitate to say "man" but the individual in the second link. 

I can't do much, but I'm doing what I can with what we've got. 

Thanks for reading, and taking a look. 

Main link. - Anita Knutson Murder

Richard McNair - The Suspected Killer.

-Chris O'Riley

Big brother of : 

Anita Knutson

Sep 22nd, 1988 - June 3rd, 2007

Books and Observances.

So, this may not seem like a huge blog-worthy event, but it's caught my attention, and I thought I would share. 

I've recently finished reading a couple of books, both recommended by my friend Shawn, as many of my books are, and I was thoroughly impressed with both, though one kinda blew me away. It is well written, marvelously thought out, researched thoroughly, and set before a reader like a favorite dish of food. If you ask me, that is. 

The book I'm speaking of is "Little Brother", by Cory Doctorow. I think I read it over the course of three days, actually bothering to take my time. I read ridiculously fast, and can kill a couple thousand pages in a day if I sit down to it and don't try to multitask, but that's neither here nor there at the moment. Take a look at what other folks have said. 

Little Brother 

Just, wow. 

The other book I read, since I'm a bit of a fantasy nerd, was called "Orcs", by Stan Nicholls. The best site I could find at a glance with a little info was at the author's site, here. 

Orcs 

Anyhow, Shawn and Alice are coming over shortly, so I'd best clean up the house a bit, and get the kitchen ready to make dinner. 

A hard day's work and a well earned treat

Kent and I worked for something to the tune of 9 1/2 hours today, moving boxes, bags, pallets, and various merchandise all over the stores today, thousands of pounds of product easily, and let me tell you... it's rewarding work. 

Granted, we're just shuffling junk all over, but hear me out. 

Yes, it's just fertilizer, and soil, and other associated lawn care products, and heavy packages etc. thereof, but at the end of the day when your muscles are screaming, and you're wondering why it's so hard to get into your truck, you figure it out. 

You accomplished something. 

You are getting paid because you did the task that was set for you, and did it well, and although it took all day (between two different stores) it was done, and done right, and dammit if the muscles don't remind you. 

It feels nearly as good to work hard and be sore as working out at a gym, E-Rock, etc. 

So, on to the treat. 

A Guinness + a Cider (Alcoholic of course) = a Black velvet. 

If you pour it right (Which I never seem to be able to do) they'll separate all neatly in your glass. Some prefer it separated, others mix it up for an evenly sweet touch to their Guinness. Either way, it's fantastic. Definitely one of my favorite beers/drinks. 

Had one of those, and fired up the grill on a whim, because I became in the mood for a very specific snack! I wanted grilled onions. Not just any grilled onions, but grilled onions soaked in beer, and rubbed with baconsalt. Yes, bacon-salt. Mmmmm... 

The first time I made it was at one of those impromptu parties at my place, where I used dark beer, mexican black hickory smoked salt, and threw it on the grill as-is. 

This time I used Ace Cider, and bacon salt, and decided to put the whole mess in a foil cup of sorts in the grill to really soak it in, and threw in a bunch of minced garlic to boot. 

Wow. 

It really was delicious. I kind of preferred the first one, because of texture and the hickory making it a bit more tangy and bbq tasting. We sat there with those, some cheese from the block, wheat thins, and a couple slices of pepperoni, and took up space in the driveway like old men, both of us on folding canvas chairs (Mine was a canvas stool) with beer in hand, and snacking off the grill. 

A rewarding way to end a hard day's work. Now then... it's been a couple hours since then (it's almost 11 pm) so I think I need some proper dinner. 

Ciao!