Back from computer limbo

It's been nearly a month since I last wrote here. My computer was out of commission for much of that time. First, I took it to the service facility at the retailer I bought it from for a diagnostic. There, they told me they had problems with the motherboard and suggested I contact the manufacturer. I did, and they suggested I send it to one of their service centers, which I did. They said they could not find a problem with the motherboard, but did check the battery and replace it. I got it back from the manufacturer last Thursday afternoon, then took it to a local computer repair shop. They checked it out and said it was fine. Back home, I got the computer hooked back up and reinstalled software or updated software already on the computer. It's running good now, although there is a update that isn't installing. I may take it over to that local facility to have them look into this.
With that out of the way, it's time for a catch up. On Mon., 18 Jan., I met animal husbandry scientist and autism activist Temple Grandin at the Fenton Barnes & Noble store. She was there to plug her latest book, "Animals Make Us Human." There were quite a few people with autism spectrum disorders there (like myself, with Asperger's syndrome), so this was a great thrill for me. (Photos I took of Dr. Grandin at that event are posted.)
The next night, 19 Jan., I ran the IPMS Gateway meeting -- my first as club president. It went real well, as we had our annual swap & sell and kit auction, the latter to benefit our club. After Fred Amos started off as auctioneer for a few minutes, I took over for the rest of the auction. One week later, I hosted the monthly club business meeting here.
Sat., 23 Jan., I refereed a boys under-15 match at the Soccer Park in Fenton, then stayed to help officiate some mini-games that were tryouts for AC St. Louis, the new men's pro soccer team (North American Soccer League). I worked some futsal the next day, 24 Jan.
I had a job interview the last week of January for a temporary proofreading position at a consumer products firm in the metro area. Unfortunately, I did not get the position. I worked futsal on Sat., 30 Jan., but weather cancelled outdoor games I had been assigned to work. On 29 Jan., my refereeing colleague and friend Bill Tatlock died after a long illness, and I attended the visitation on Mon., 1 Feb.
I ran the IPMS St. Louis meeting on Tue., 2 Feb. Not much to discuss, but did show off a few newly built models and a couple of new kits.
With my computer back in commission, I should be back to a more frequent blog posting pattern soon. Tomorrow, I enjoy my birthday. (Yea!) Take care.

TCM's 31 Days of Oscar Moodboard

Brrr!

We got some snow here last night and early this morning -- about 3 inches, according to the National Weather Service. It's a dry snow, so it wasn't too much problem shoveling it off the driveway. However, the winds do blow the snow about, and make it feel colder than it already is (well below freezing). We may see lows below 0 degrees F this weekend, with wind chills of minus 10 to 15 degrees F.
New Year's was so-so. Not much going on besides sitting around the house. I did get to enjoy an item I ordered with a Amazon.com gift certificate Brian gave me for Christmas: the TV miniseries "Band of Brothers" on DVD. I had seen most of this series on History channel, but not all 10 episodes in full. Thanks to the DVD set, now I have. "Band of Brothers" was a must-have on my list of DVDs to acquire.
I am working on a model that I hope to complete by next month's IPMS Gateway meeting, to enter in the Out of the Box contest that month. More on that model in a later posting.
Here's wishing all of you a great 2010.
Later.

Christmas Was Nice

Last Tuesday night, the outgoing and incoming IPMS Gateway e-board met at Mike George's house for the business meeting. We planned the January meeting and discussed some other club business, and then I official became club president for 2010. It's a big honor and something I have long aspired to. I will do my best in that position.
Christmas came and went. My parents and I had a good time. We went to Christmas Eve service at church, then came home to egg nog and a bit of TV before turning in. The next morning, we opened some presents under the tree. The big gift for me was a new two-piece suit from my parents, a gray item that I picked out earlier this month. My parents felt I needed a new suit and I agreed with them. This suit should go well with many wardrobe items and situations. I also got a history book from Rick and his wife & son, and a gift certificate from Amazon.com from Brian. I used the latter to order a video series ("Band of Brothers") and a book. They should arrive here later this week.
Nothing much else over the weekend. I did referee some futsal earlier today. Games sure kept me focused.
I plan to get my hair cut early this week, and I'm at a party on New Year's Eve. More on that in due course.
Later, and Happy New Year.

I'll (Still) Be Home for Christmas

Last week, the temp agency said I did not get the temp job. Not that I was bad, but because someone else had more of a online editing skills the client was seeking. However, the contract editing job is on. I'm doing a videoconference today with the consultancy in which the specifics of this job will be laid out. Should be interesting.
I refereed some futsal yesterday afternoon, and had assignments the previous weekend. That's going well. Off for a few days for Christmas and New Year's. A week ago, I was at the referees Christmas party in Fenton. Had some fun there. Got info on the referees trivia night in February, which I e-mailed to Larry, with who I played a trivia night last summer.
Last Tuesday, IPMS Gateway had its monthly meeting. Yours truly was elected as club president for 2010. The only other candidate withdrew prior to the vote, citing schedule conflicts, so I was elected by acclamation. I officiate take over the office tomorrow night at the club's monthly business meeting. I'm getting a few ideas in mind about the club I want to put forth in the coming weeks.
Speaking of IPMS Gateway, last Friday afternoon I met with our treasurer at Gravois Bluffs Shopping Center in Fenton. Y98 Radio was holding a live broadcast that day to help the US Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots campaign, and we used that to present our club's donation of $350 to Toys for Tots. The Marines were most appreciative of our efforts, and I sent a release out on that donation. It looks like the Suburban Journals will run it soon.
I already bought a book for Rick and sent it to him for Christmas. (This was on the gift exchange, between my brothers and I. Brian's buying for me.) I still have to buy something for my parents. Not much time left for that. If I don't talk to you all sooner, Merry Christmas.
Later.

A nervous few days

Been awaiting a couple of contract jobs I am up for of late. One is to edit and proofread books for a consulting firm -- a telecommuting position. The other is a temporary proofreading job in St. Louis. Would be happy with either or both jobs.
Friday, I went to a pub to watch the Final Draw for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which was held in Cape Town. I had draw sheets in which to add the countries' names in at the appropriate locations. That included the USA in Group C, with England, Algeria, and Slovenia. I think the Americans got a good draw, opening with England, then two teams that are beatable. Should be fun in South Africa next June and July.
Last weekend I refereed my first futsal games of the new season. They went well -- better than I expected, as I felt a few first weekend jitters, but not a hassle. I have some more futsal the next two weekends. Haven't had any outdoor winter league games yet, but as there won't be many such games (due to considerably fewer teams this season), I many not have much to do outdoors until spring.
Later.

Welcoming the relatives recently

Last month, two of my brothers were in town for a few days each, on separate visits. Brian and his daughter Rowan were here early in the month, and it was my first time in person with my 3-year-old niece. Rowan and I got along great. She's a wonderful girl. We all had some nice time together.
Last week, Rick drove up from Austin with wife Melissa and 4-year-old adopted son Alex. They spent Thanksgiving with my parents and I and we all had a good time together. Melissa also reviewed my resume and made a few helpful suggestions, and gave me a short course on InDesign software, which she uses in her editing work.
I have a couple of games to referee tomorrow night, which wrap up the fall season and whose end was extended due to many rainouts this fall (especially in October). Then it's on to the winter outdoor boys season and the futsal season, both of which start this weekend.
Speaking of soccer, last weekend I saw the film "The Damned United" at a cinema here. I really enjoyed it and highly recommended it to my friends and colleagues.
Starting to get ready for Christmas. Yesterday I helped put up lights on the exterior of the house. The weather was pleasant yesterday, but not to today.
Also yesterday, I helped my mates at IPMS St. Louis set up a model display in the lobby display cases of the Thornhill Branch, St. Louis County Library, our meeting site. We have about 70 models in the two cases, which makes for a very nice display. We also put up flyers about our group in the cases. The display will run until early January.
Later.