Also, I have recently set up a Twitter account. If anyone wants to follow me, or if you want to be followed, let me know by responding to this post. I'll get the message and we'll exchange info through other channels. I'm a little hesitant to put my information up outright.

I think I am enjoying the microblogging phenomenon, but I am eager to see if it sticks around or passes on as a mere fad.

It's been a weeks since I last posted. A lot has been going on with me over the past few weeks, mostly good, hardly anything negative.

The biggest change in my life right now stems from a change in my job description, which will now require me to get up earlier so I could be in the office around 6 am. I'll admit that I'm not looking forward to waking up at ungodly hours, but it is good to be able to leave in the early afternoon. Plus, the new responsibilities will give me exposure to very important people and help me improve my presentation and speaking skills.

My sister and her boyfriend visited me week before last. It was good she took the time to go see me. She heads to Army basic training next month in South Carolina, and this could lead to an opportunity to see her again this summer upon graduation.

I've been trying to get some reading done, but I have been distracted by other things (Street Fighter IV, Left 4 Dead and a slew of movies via Netflix). Writing has stalled as well. Thinking this novella I'm working on might need to be reworked into a screenplay. (Darn, I used to be good at this).

So yeah, that's about it for now. Exciting, right?

PR Newser ran an interesting story about using Twitter as a job searching tool. After reading it, I'm leaning more towards starting my own Twitter account, not solely for the reasons outlined in the article but as perhaps a more efficient way of blogging. I have to admit that I'm fascinated by this form of blogging. Having 140 to convey an idea or status is, I think, a good way to condition oneself to "Get to the Point."

I have to admit, this panorama with 1970's sci-fi heroes is really awesome. It's actually amazing to see the original Battlestar Galactica heroes, Steve Austin, Mork, Dr. Who and...is that Logan from Logan's Run? Way cool!

...But the question is "What do I want to do?"

For those not in the know, the Federal offices in the Washington, DC area will be closed on Jan. 20, and combined with Martin Luther King's birthday, will give us a four day weekend. I've resolved to spend the time relaxing, watching movies, playing games and reading. Problem is: what do I watch and what do I play?

Some of you are probably asking "Why aren't you going to the inauguration ceremony?" Truth be told, I really did want to go. I this will be the first inauguration I'll have the opportunity to see up close. My parents and siblings also suggested that I go, since I am here in the NCR. But, alas, I have been persuaded to stay home and watch the ceremony from the comfort of my living room. What influenced my decision? Well, the news of all of the restrictions and inconveniences was one thing (for those not in the know, I recommend this Time.com article). We've also been having very cold weather lately. Add that along with the throngs of people that will be downtown and it just doesn't seem so appealing to me, despite that this is a history-making event.

So yes, I will be staying home. Which brings me to pressing issues:

What do I watch? I'm a little hesitant to watch the movies I have from Netflix. I simply don't feel in the mood. I'm tempted today to go buy some movies on DVD that I don't have (Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, True Lies and Anchorman). Anyone have any suggestions?

What will I play? The weekend after New Year's Day, I replayed Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes. I was tempted to spend the weekend playing MGS3:Snake Eater, but then I had ideas of replaying God Hand, Resident Evil 4. Then I have games I haven't played but own, like Half-Life 2: Episode 2, Prey and Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2 (on the MGS3: Subsistance package). What to choose, what to choose?

Oh well, if anything else, I hope to get some relaxation at least and catch up on some comics and other reading.

A U.S. Airways plane made an emergency landing in the Hudson River in New York today. Despite landing in, no doubt, frigid waters, everyone on the plane made it out safely.

And I'm just relieved and glad that the people I care about are safe.

Sure, it was almost a horrifying defeat, but the Spurs managed the victory at the end! Sounds like it ended much like the Christmas Day game vs the Suns.

Spurs 112, Lakers 111

Saw Juan Williams speak during an MLK Observance at work yesterday. He was a very excellent speaker and storyteller, and the story he told was a testament and validation of what MLK worked for throughout his life.

Went to bed late last night after spending 5.5-6 hours working on writing short fiction. Woke up feeling like crap. Gonna have to get breakfast at the office.

And it looks like the chances of me going to the Inauguration parade are dropping by the day. Damn media. It's almost as if they don't want anyone to go...

Damn, it's cold outside.

"Mystique is Pregnant" starring Jerry O'Connell and Rebecca Romijn. Wow...this is creepy and funny at the same time.

Well, here I am, back in the NCR after spending over a week in Texas. Why is it that vacations are always too short?

I did complete a few items from my vacation "to-do" list, but the missed items aren't what's getting me.

I realized that while it was a good to spend time with family, I realized that my return to San Antonio wasn't quite the ideal vacation where I could fully recharge my batteries. While I did spend time with my immediate family, it usually involved coordinating schedules to ensure I spent enough time with each sibling and each parent (they are divorced). On top of that, I had to manage my own activities (after all this was my vacation), which mainly involved doing things and getting stuff I can't get in DC. And in all that time, I guess there was very little time to enjoy being back in Texas.

But perhaps, maybe I'm not supposed to be that way when I go home? It's San Antonio--I lived there for eight years. And it's where family is, and while it's always good to see them, is it really a vacation when you go home to see them?

That's what I think is bothering me.

I think that the earliest I'll go back home is next Christmas. This means that I'm likely to try to go a full year without revisiting what is familiar, what I grew up with. I know a lot of people do this. I even know people who don't go home for the holidays.

Still, the prospect of doing this is bothering me. On one hand it's a challenge. On another, it makes me feel like I'm being selfish, depriving family of seeing me.

Oh well, I guess we'll see what happens.

For some odd reason, I awoke at around 4:30 a.m. this morning feeling very refreshed and motivated. This is the first time this has happened in weeks! And I don't understand it at all.

Last night, I was practically in a sleep-deprived stupor trying to get some stuff done. I went to bed at around 11:15 after taking some cold medicine and hoping that nearly seven hours of sleep will do the trick. Imagine my surprise when I awoke nearly early.

So what do I do with said time? I did a few chores, which needed to be done ahead of my vacation. Now I have one less thing to worry about.

I suppose I should have done some writing. For the past few days, I've been trying to wake up ahead of my alarm clock to get some creating writing done. I guess sleep got the best of me those times. Now, since I'm awake, I'll try to squeeze some writing in.

In about an hour and a half, I'll start getting for work (last day until the 31st!). Should be a fairly easy day. Two holiday parties and a few tasks here and there.

Feeling good right now. Refreshed. I can only hope that this isn't a dream, and I'm still sleeping dreaming that I got up early.

I should be sleeping right now, attempting to make up for sleep that seems to always escape me every night. It doesn't help that I'm a little sick as well.

But I'm not going to bed just yet. So much to do, and so little time to do it.

My current task: going through songs for my iPod. I'm heading to Texas in two days and I want to make sure I have all of the music and movies I need. I probably have enough.

So, Texas. Yes, I am very excited about going home for the holidays. I haven't been back since April. I know it's not really a long time, but for me, it feels like ages. It will be good to see family and friends. It will also be good to relax...and do stuff.

Do stuff? You mean, I'm going to be staying busy while I'm there? Doesn't that defeat the purpose of going on vacation.

Yes. I have a to-do list!

- Attempt to read three books: The Gun Seller by Hugh Laurie, Let the Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist, and Watchmen
- Play Metal Gear Solid 4 (if my brother will lend me his PS3
- Continue writing short story--attempt to finish it before returning to NCR
- Go to Austin (if there's time). While there... (1) Visit with Friends, (2) Go to Sixth Street, (3) Go to Arcade UFO, (4) Go to Austin Books
- See The Wrestler (and, if playing, JCVD)
- Eat at Whataburger
- Eat at Bill Miller's
- Eat at John the Greek
- Eat at Taco Cabana (and pick up tortillas for coworker's BF)
- Eat at other restaurants not native to the NCR
- Other stuff not on this list...

So yes, a lot to do, so little time (10 days!).

Wish me luck. I'm going to need it.

Once again, I'll be spending Thanksgiving here in the NCRl. I don't mind though. I'll be headed back to Texas in less than 30 days to spend time with family over Christmas. I can't wait for that. But for now, I'll be cooking a Thanksgiving meal for myself just as I have for the past two Thanksgiving days. I may meet up with some of my friends later on Thursday for a movie, drinks and food, but I insist upon eating a home cooked Thanksgiving meal.

So here's what I'll have:

A Butterball Turkey Breast Roast
Red Potato Salad
Cornbread Stuffing
Ecco Domani Pinot Grigio

Should be a good meal.

Also, I have to talk about JCVD. Yes, it's a Jean Claude Van Damme movie, but it's excellent because it portrays the actor in a way that makes him very human. Van Damme plays himself in the movie as he finds himself caught in a bank robbery. There is only one real action sequence in the entire film--it's at the beginning and very cool. Other than that, it's all drama and even has a Van Damme monologue that has to be seen. So yes, I definitely recommend this movie. So much that I want to see it again in the theater, and there's not a lot of films where I've done just that.

The Smithsonian Museum of American History has reopened today after a 2 year renovation effort. It's about time! I have been really looking forward to this since I arrived in DC back in 2006. The National Air and Space Museum had a few artifacts from the American History museum for a while during the renovation (they had the C3P0 and R2D2 costumes on display) but I'm looking forward to seeing more of their collection. I hope to get out there on Thanksgiving weekend.

There's an article on Politico where it is claimed that Texas is losing it's political clout in national politics. I didn't really have a problem with the article; the author does touch on some on some truths about the political scene, especially the part about the military and industry in Texas.

However, I found myself reading the user comments both on Politico and on Wonkette (which first alerted me to the story). And I'll admit I did get a little bit mad at some of the condescending comments, even by the Wonkette blogger. Of course, I can forgive the comments said about Shiner Bock, but "the Tyranny of Texas"? And then there's this gem:
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Kotaku is reporting that the Australian OFLC (the equivalent of the US's ESRB) recently released a rating for a new arcade game called Outrun Online Arcade. Of course, there's no telling what this game could be but we do know that it is made by Sega and THQ. Now. I am a big fan of Outrun 2 (including SP and Coast 2 Coast 2006) and thus, I am interested in what this game will be.

However, I really wish Sega would put out a port of Daytona USA 2. In fact a Daytona collection would be just perfect.

The first season of Heroes was excellent. The second season wasn't. And the current season has been a mixed bag. Now I could get over some of the current plot points. And I could get over the blatant Mohinder/Fly stuff. And I still find it wierd that Syler is trying to turn good. But you mean to tell me that after all this time, it's still all about the Cheerleader!?!

Still, I'll watch. I guess I want to see what happens next.

The new Star Trek trailer is online and can be viewed here (trailer 2). I've also seen a slightly modified version shown on TV. I'll at least say that after seeing the trailer, I want to see the movie. Oh, May seems so far away...

Now, it's time for me to be an über-nerd and highlight the stuff I thought was noteworthy:
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I gassed up for $2.04 a gallon in Fairfax today. Definitely a good price, but I am a little upset that it's $2.25 near my home in Alexandria. Still, it's good to know that the prices are going down. Meanwhile, back home in San Antonio, gas costs around $1.85.

These are good signs. But the real question now is: When will these prices level off? What will be the new status quo?

I'll admit it: I really wanted to see Quantum of Solace for reasons other than to take in the latest James Bond adventure.

I'll also admit that I found Quantum of Solace an enjoyable movie, even though it does not measure up to Casino Royale in my opinion. If I had to describe the flaw, it would be that, while it feels like a Bond movie, it feels more like a revenge movie. There's plenty of action, but there doesn't seem to be enough of the cool and calm exposition that is well balanced in other Bond films, including Casion Royale. The acting was also good. Daniel Craig is now my second favorite James Bond (behind Sean Connery of course). And I especially loved Olga Kurylenko. So in the end, I liked </u>Quantum of Solace, but it's certainly not the best Bond film in my book.

Now, the real reasons why I wanted to see this movie: the new Watchmen and the Star Trek trailers.

The new Watchmen trailer is insanely cool. I am more psyched about this movie than ever before. It does, for the most part, look fairly faithful to the original comic. Sure, a few things may be changed, but as long as it captures the spirit of the book (which I think it will), then I'm not going to complain. In either case, I'll reserve judgement until I see it.

And then there's the trailer for J.J. Abram's take on Star Trek. Yep, it's "Ultimate" Star Trek. Or maybe, "All-Star" Star Trek? Anyways, the latent Trekkie in me is excited and can't wait to see this movie. And when the new trailer is released online in a few days, I might do something nerdy and do an analysis of it.

Yeah, I'm that nerdy.