Well, There It Is.

I finished packing and moved 95% of my stuff to my new place between the hours of 7:00pm and 2:00am. I still have stuff left that I need to decide what I want to do with. There is a community yard sale on Saturday, and I think I’ll try to sell some of the stuff off. Anyone want a large collection of Doctor Who videos or books? I really have no use for them anymore, but it’s such a good collection it would be a shame to throw them out. How about a queen-size bed?

Historically, musicians have had one of two unattractive choices:

I think the world is starting to realize the need for a change. I think the Future of Music Coalition will play a big part in this change in the near future.

From my research on CD-R’s, I made another discovery. You’ve seen those people who have CD’s hanging from their rear view mirrors? For years I just thought it was some people’s idea of “cool.” Now it turns out that they are buying into a myth that CD’s, because of their reflective properties, will shield a car from radar detection.

I found a new radio station to listen to while not in the car: Radio Paradise. Speaking of not being in a car, I realized that I still have to weigh whether living in the area where I live now is worth the three to four hours wasted while driving. Maybe there’s a way not to waste that time, but I haven’t figured that out yet. I found some information on CD-R’s, for those who wonder what the differences are between the different brands and colors.

Today I’m going into NYC to hang out at the 42nd St. Theater. We hooked up a high school band with another Broadway gig.

A CNN news article… But to balance that out (to an extent) here is some good news in California.

I left this weekend without really describing my plan. So, here it is. At the end of this coming week I’ll be moving into Darren‘s house. It’s a big place, which is good. It may be a little strange, considering he’s married, but I think it will work for a short while. Apparently they’re cool with me staying there for a while (of course–whatever I pay in rent will cover close, if not all, of their monthly mortgage payment) as I look for a roommate with whom I can live somewhat closer to my place of employment. (The goal there is to cut my commute in half.)

Why am I doing this? I have not found a place in northern New Jersey where I want to live that is also affordable. Why don’t I just “suck up and deal?” There are some aspects of my life on which I am willing to compromise. (In fact, I believe I’ve made “Compromising” into a higher art.) Comfortability at home is not one of those aspects I will compromise.

Many people don’t seem to understand me when it comes to this. They believe that it is crazy to drive as much as I do. At this point in my life, the benefits of living in a nice area outweigh the annoyances of a three hour drive every day, even if I only get to spend a small amount of time in the area that I enjoy so much. Also, moving to north Jersey doesn’t necessarily mean I’d be spending any more time at home than I do now, but it does mean less time in a place where I like to be.

Even if I am “wrong” and “unsensible” and “unreasonable,” it is the decision I am making at this point, for this moment. And I am happy with it.

I’m off to the land of no internet access for the next few days (Wayne, NJ for a work-related conference). If you need to get in touch with me, you know how. When I return, late Saturday night, I will delve further into the world of frantic website design… and moving. Yes, I’m moving. It’s only temporary, until I find someplace better than the places I’ve seen so far. More on that later. I’m off to pick someone up from a hotel.

Today was a beautiful day. The temperature was exactly right outside. It was as humid as one comes to expect in New Jersey, but that is something you learn to live with. On my drive home, the pressure broke, and it rained while the sun shone faintly as it set. As I passed Elizabeth and Edison on the Turnpike, a very strong and wide rainbow could be seen to the east. I imagined the pot of gold to be somewhere on Staten Island. There was something interesting, though. This rainbow was a double rainbow. I don’t recall ever seeing one of these, and I’m not exactly sure how common they are. The rain coming down was the kind of rain you don’t mind being out in; light at times, getting heavier once in a while, but never to the point of pouring. You could tell that if you were standing outside, the rain would feel warm.

I spent an incredible amount of hours at my computer today, working on a website redesign. I’m forcing myself to learn the finer points of ASP scripting through trial and error and more error. The good news is I do have a user database working, but not much else. Go ahead and play around with it a little, and let me know if anything strange happens. It’s over here. If you click there, the site will open in a new window so you can easily come back here and write me comments.

I’m visiting another possible place to live tonight. Our appointment is set for 9:30 p.m., which gives me not enough time to go all the way home then go back to Woodbridge, and too much time if I were to leave work now and go directly to the apartment, even if I stop for dinner somewhere.