Maybe I should watch this movie.

i received an unexpected call from Brian last night. at first i hestitated to pick it up, knowing that i have lots of work to do but i remembered what i agreed too – which was that he was busy and i would have to go out on his whim. first we went to McMenaminn’s where he ate and we both had a beer. most of that conversation was bitching about being older brothers and having younger brothers who aren’t living up to our idealistic dreams. his brother is in worse shape than Zack but i worry. then we met up with his buddy Ben and his finance from Cambodia. they have only known each other about a year and a half and will be married in June. another future doctor, John, also came and we all had a drink at bar at the top of Queen Anne. it was quite fascinating to watch these doctors-to-be discussing their training, their dreams, and their profession. much of it was like greek to me but there were many times when i felt as if they could have been car mechanics.

Eriko and her family liked my cookies. =) it isn’t as if i have some secret recipe or anything but it was the first time i had ever made cookies. Eriko said her brother and sister ate almost all of them within the first two days. Looks like I’ll have to try making something else. =)

I went to a board meeting of the Puget Sound Network User’s Group last night. I was surprised to find an older crowd and I understand why they are having trouble recruiting new members. They have the same small business, group comradery, all-in-it-together mentality but their focus has changed. I’m more interested in the technology than I am the business and I noticed that they seem to be more focused on the business. It was an interesting experience. I will give my Linux seminar the last Wed of January (the 28th) and I should have about 6 students in the class. I have a lot of preparation to do between now and then. That, combined with my UW application, is going to eliminate almost all my free time. Tonight I let Alex talk me into coming over and bringing his co-worker Ian; we’re going to watch The Big Lebowski. And last night Aaron came over and I helped him with his homework. But really! I have to concentrate on my two chores… ;P

I get a lot of pressure from my friends (certain ones in particular) to hurry things up with Eriko. Set a wedding date, get her over here, etc. Those friends tend to be older or wish they had started a family earlier. I’ve struggled to defend my viewpoint: which is that I’m patient and letting her take the lead so that we both know its what she wants. I’ve used philosophical and pratical arguments which still end up painting me as this loony in-love guy. I had a moment of truth when I was talking to Bill yesterday and the rationale behind my madness became obvious – I’m not ready. I don’t push her, I don’t force a date, I don’t get uncomfortable at the distance – because as long as we are moving forward, even at a snail’s pace, I am comfortable. The rock behind that is probably that my dad didn’t get married until he was close to 30.

Bailey has really impressed me lately. She’ll come home on a pretty regular schedule, sometimes even when I whistle. She wants attention immediately; it is the feeding ritual where I pet her while she eats or offer her food out of my hand. Then she goes onto her bed (Katrina’s mat) and cleans herself or naps. At some point, however, she’ll make little noises to let me know she’s hungry again – or a new thing: she wants some lap attention. The latter is pretty exciting and the only way I can tell the difference between the former is because she will hesitate a little near the couch. When she does that, I sit on the couch with my legs on the coffee table. She will immediately join me and curl up on my lap or stretch out on my legs. It is awesome.