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.

Alex invited me to go bowling tonight but I turned him down. It isn’t that I haven’t taken many nights off this week but there is something about a Friday night at home that I really enjoy. =)

i noticed that i have a some soreness in my legs… is it from working out two days ago? either that or the MASSIVE amount of snow (for Seattle) caused them to work extra hard yesterday… =)

i grow to understand my father’s frustration. sometimes i write Eriko a note with my only intention to send a little love her way and have a positive impact on her day. but sometimes she’ll respond in a way that throws me off completely; she’ll point out a mistake in my Japanese. many times she can pull it off smoothly, but if the stars are aligned just right than she gets particuarly annoyed (or that is the impression i have) with my mistake and her correction seems a little more harsh than necessary. i believe she means no harm, which is a good thing, for it allows me to find ways to calm myself down. but the truth is, she can (and probably always will) “get to me.” the truth is, somewhere i’m glad she has that effect, although in the moment my pride often blinds me.