March 30-31, 2001 — I'll grab it and smash it

My arms are hurting more than they have in a long time. I'd like to place the blame entirely on the store that I bought my computer from for choosing a location many blocks from the closest subway stop, but I think my return to staying up far too late and typing far too much may also have something to do with it, too. Draw your own conclusions.

I can already tell that this journal is not going to go so well. My mind is numb from too much sleep (bet you never thought you'd hear that from me), and I can't for the life of me form a decent sentence without taking at least three or four goes at it. Moral: sleep less. And stop writing journals shortly after waking up. Luckily, I just found a list I'd made a couple days ago of what I was supposed to write about in this journal. So I might have a chance yet...

I'm still a little sick, and I was coughing through much of Friday. I was a lot better than I'd been a day or two earlier, but it was still bothersome.

I managed to prop myself up in front of the computer for most of Friday so that I could get the Bran Van 3000 site updated. The lyrics to the new album are online now. All that's really left is the links section, and I'm trying to get in touch with people who should have a lot more input into that than me. It's strange trying to balance the voice of the site -- with the old site I could just be a stupid fan and say whatever I wanted, but now it's supposed to be more the voice of the band, I guess. Sometimes I'm not sure how I should try to come across. Hopefully I'll figure it out in the end...

Nathan called me during the afternoon to let me know that I was the link of the day at scallen.com. The picture of the day from the day that I'm linked is brilliant.

Friday evening, Andrew and I went to a typography seminar that the Type Club of Toronto was holding. The last speaker from Concrete Design was extremely good, although I can't remember her name. I can very much relate to her hatred of committees -- many a logical decision was shot down at my work for no reason at all. People don't make sense when forced to work at a team.

Friday also allowed for a return to staying up late and emailing Erika. We hadn't had the chance for most of the week because she'd had stuff to do for school or because I'd been sick, so it was nice to hear from her again. I received the 100th email from her some time that night. A lot more emails get sent when instant messengers never come into play. I think it's for the best...

Saturday was dedicated entirely to buying a new computer. I'd picked out a used computer with a processor twice as fast as mine and with four times the memory for $580 CDN, so I hopped on the subway and went to pick it up. I noticed on the way there that it would be a bit of a walk back to the subway with the computer to carry. I picked it up in the store to see if I should try to get a taxi, but I decided that it was light enough to carry. A few blocks from the store, I changed my mind, but I was far enough along that I forced myself to go the rest of the way. My muscles are still aching today -- it was the most severe workout they've received since I moved to Toronto. (And yes, that's meant to sound pathetic, thank you.)

Setting up the computer proved a lot easier this time around than it did last time I bought a used computer with no operating system and no drivers. Everything was plug-and-play, so I had it going in record time. I even managed to get all of my email copied over and updated versions of a lot of programs downloaded. There are now three computers on my desk and all is well in my world.

In other news, the antigreg discuss section has been... well, different these days. A lot of new people. With a bit of melodrama and accusations of ruining the joys of antigreg thrown in for good measure. I'm just glad not to be contributing to the former or making the latter.

I'm listening to Grand Royal Radio as I write this. I'm up to the fourth song, and three out of the four have been the Beastie Boys. I sense bias...

Speaking of bias, I've been removed from the ballot for the position of social convener. I think I'm still allowed to do a speech as a write-in candidate, but I'm upset nonetheless.

I've a pretty substantial headache and little desire to be staring at this screen for much longer. Consider this our farewell.