Thursday, December 29, 2005

I really like quite days at work. I took a mandatory compliance test at work which dealt with inappropriate internet use. While I was taking it, I was listening to Dane Cook on the headphones, certainly not work appropriate.

Wednesday, December 28, 2005

I've been doing quite a bit of research in 529 plans. These state sponsored plans allow one to invest and receive tax-free investment income for the purpose of education. I had four options to choose from to begin saving. The first was a no fee savings, but this is taxable. The next was Minnesota's plan since they match, but only if your income is less than a certain amount. I looked at an employee sponsored plan, but the fees were no better than going at it alone. The last is investing through uPromise. They offer a choice between four state plans, and allow you to earn additional money by using a registered credit card or shopping with one of their online partners. If you're comfortable shopping online, they seem to have quite the spread of opportunities to get free money. The expense ratio is in par with others. There is an annual fee, but that should easily be taken care of with the earnings.

Tuesday, December 27, 2005

I've been doing a lot of database design to revamp the web-based flash card program. I have it all laid out on paper. Now to code, test, debug, and implement. I should get cracking on this since the next study season is quickly approaching. In fact, some students are already studying.

I do have a good feeling about this next sitting. Not only have I seen the material before, but this exam is perfectly suited for studying via note cards. Also, Knapper is taking the same exam, and last time we studied together, we both passed.

Monday, December 26, 2005

If you recall, I was studying for an actuarial exam a few months ago. I also created a web-based flashcard program to assist in memorizing the infinite detail. Well, I got the official results, and I failed. It's very disappointing and means I have to do it all over again. I guess on the bright side, I have more ideas on how to clean up the program and allow others access to it. Hopefully I'll be able to sell it to Google for $1.2M and quit the exam process.

Sunday, December 25, 2005

Christmas trip 2 is over. It's been a long two days.

Saturday, December 24, 2005

Christmas trip 1 is over. We set up a technology table with everyone's new gifts. We had a PSP, PocketPC, and a laptop.

I also learned that the new 2.5 PSP firmware has a lot of the hacked features built in, such as better media management, integrated internet browser, more supported files, and better interconnectivity between other devices. It looks like Sony listened and responded. I was going to upgrade, but then it won't run "backed up" games. Hmm. What to do?

Friday, December 23, 2005

So, I got a PSP for Christmas. I was not expecting that at all. I have never really followed the forums around the PSP regarding features and hacks, so now I have another realm of information to dive into. I do know that you need a firmware prior to 2.0 to do a lot of the hacking. Looking at the UPC, it looks like I have version 1.52. Perfect.

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

I've been able to play Call of Duty 2: Big Red One. I'm only playing it on the Xbox, so the graphics aren't in HD as they are on the Xbox 360, but they're still good. I'd say it's not the greatest war game I've ever played, but it's still quite entertaining. My strategies flip between running into the middle of the courtyard with a machine gun and shoot until I run out of ammo, and setting up in a bell tower with a sniper rifle and pick off the Nazi's. I can say that with the proper team, I die less being the coward. I really need to get the surround sound set up.

Tuesday, December 20, 2005

A lot of people are taking the rest of the year off starting today, so they gave me all of their projects to babysit in case of emergency. As it is usually the case, I got 3 calls regarding some of these projects, and they all need answers immediately. At least the day went by quick.

Monday, December 19, 2005

Back at work after an extended vacation. Surprisingly, only 150 emails and 4 voice mails. Now, to remember how to do my job...

Friday, December 9, 2005

I'm getting ready to take a short vacation up at a resort on Gull Lake. Since I don't do many winter activities, we'll see what happens. At any rate, it'll be good to get away from the house projects for a while.

I doubt I'll have access to the internet, so I may be postless until next week.

Wednesday, December 7, 2005

I did everything in my power to get through all my work today so I could take tomorrow off. Actually, I won't be back into work until the 19th. I probably got more accomplished in the last few hours of the workday than I do in a month. I guess with the right motivation, the impossible can happen.

Tuesday, December 6, 2005

I drove by the lake today and there were people ice fishing. They were probably 25 feet from the open water. I guess the amazing thing was not that they were near open water, but that they were outside when the windchill was -20°.

Monday, December 5, 2005

These weekends are sure going by fast. I can't even remember what I did. I have a lot of vacation to use by the end of the year. With the new job, December is now my busiest time, so we'll see if I'll get it all in. Bossman seems flexible enough to allow me to carry over some days, under the table.

Friday, December 2, 2005

I went to Pea's work holiday party. The food was horrible, which is hard for me to say since it was a steak. The drinks were good. Afterward, we went to a Christmas singing quartet, which was entertaining for the zero dollars I had to pay. The last song was a Gospel/Christmas song and everyone in the audience was standing and singing and clapping. It reminded me of the scene in The Blues Brothers where Jake and Elwood are at the Triple Rock Church listening to Reverend Cleophis James; both are standing in the back with their arms crossed while everyone around them is dancing, doing flips, and waving their arms. Naturally, I re-enacted the scene.

Thursday, December 1, 2005

Arg, work is very busy. I've been in the new position for a little while, so I'm still learning the ropes. Plus, January 1 is the biggest renewal date, which makes it even busier. It looks like I won't be able to take tomorrow off. Soon enough.