So I've been studying different types of MVC frameworks First I started off with doing a basic idea for AS3 that could work in Flash or Flex, which means I originally did it with just the classes in the Flash IDE code base. After playing with that I moved onto looking at Cairngorm. That one had a simple pattern (initially), but later there were a lot of sub event classes, and singleton patterns that I started not liking.

Now I'm studying the Mate MVC framework. It is rather unique I have to say. I'm finding its implementation is where I could use this in the Flash IDE and the Flex sdk. What I like is how you have an EventMap for the app, in part it reminds me a little of .NET MVC maproute, which is something I've been struggling with in the flex framework. Don't get me wrong I've used the BrowserManager and deeplinking. They're fun, but the problem is seeing up controller paths and integration. Where does this all go; it should go to my site and possibly new stuff for work.

Cheers,
Kelly

I really wish I had more information on what's been going on, but really it isn't much. Basically it comes down to a few things:.

1. Attending weddings
2. Moving
3. My lady's car acting up
4. Work, work, work

When I have the chance I try to pick up a few things (and even work on this site). Someday it'll get done! Until then, I went out recently and purchased a Droid phone. I have to say it seems quite impressive. I've been studying (playing) with it quite a bit, which leads me to tonight. Tonight I did an install of the SDK and did the world famous tutorial of any language… Hello World. I have to say it was entertaining. While I suggest you all give it a shot. Of course I'm not catching onto things right away (I want to study the sdk more so I can understand the naming mythologies more), but what they've done for the framework is quite impressive. Hopefully I'll post a few more on this later.

Cheers,
Kelly

Lately I have flat out been busy, like today with work being another late night. I've also ended my rush to help my wonderful girlfriend for 3 weeks, which meant quickly running down to her place to take care of her wonderful kiddos (dogs) for being in Europe and Asia. Also not to mention we ventured off to the BCS game to watch UT vs. Alabama. While that didn't turn out as expected, we had a great time meeting up with friends.

I've also been taking care of this site here with prepping an MVC model. Wow, this site is over 8 years old and still this flexable. I'm actually impressed. Anyways, I'm hoping to address all user needs at the end of this project. Hang in, I am!

Cheers,
Kelly

I thought I'd take this time to share about the fontFamily issue with the LinkBar that I see so much about on the web. I actually became an victim from it too. to simply put it, it does work. What so many others and myself forgot to do was READ! if you backtrack to a LinkButton, you'll find out that for it to work you need to make the fontWeight be bold. It's how the button was build. if it isn't bold you'll see times new roman or whatever font you have commonly plastered on your machine.

Cheers,
Kelly

It's been a while since I did my last post. There's been much on my mind, and a mix of items to tackle. Obviously the holidays came and went. During that time my family had been closer than ever. It was wonderful, and of course it was saddening. It seemed empty yet our family pulled together to support each other stronger than ever. It was a mix of hurt and laughing. We surprised each other with gifts, laughs and smiles too.

The start of this year was fun as well. I went away to snowboard in Winter Park, Colorado with some great friends. I had never done this before, and it was equally cool because Kyle snowboarded there. I got to experience the same place he went to. I do wonder what trials he took. Me, I was a wimp. I traversed the greens quite a bit. Well, more so on the last two days. On my first day I fell just about every ten feet. Oh - and I have that zombie walk down pat. You know the one, where you have to walk funny because the board is strapped to your front foot as you scoot to get to the lift.

After this I got the plague, A.K.A. The Black Death. OK not really, but I'm always doing extreme associations. I think that's because I've discovered that I'm rather wimpy when it comes to colds. I feel like that sucker lasted for three weeks. I blew my nose so much that I looked like a sunburned Hitler. Yikes! I don't know how I got back to being normal, and I'm sure me being normal is debatable.

The latest would be getting back into taking care of me. It seems every year something comes up where I put my health last, so this year I'm giving it another try. I'm pushing myself harder in the gym. The scariest of all is I'm heading back in to see the dentist. I don't understand the nervousness. Don't get me wrong I know I've got tooth decay and need some wisdom teeth yanked, but I don't know why I would rather run from the place. It's funny, but when I entered the place (being new there) they told me I had paperwork to fill out, which is expected.

At first I was upbeat and happy about it. Well not happy about paperwork; I was just happy to be going again. Then there was the section about tooth problems. I started off happy and then I sank so low where I wished I could become an alcoholic and drink my troubles away. It was like a suspense movie. I had the cliché music growing stronger and louder in my head as I finished reading that list. As I would read over the items I think what got me the most were the side effect from these dental issues. They weren't absolute cures for the condition described, and there could be massive side effects from the treatments. Of course I had to initial to say they weren't responsible. No matter how many times I see places do this it humors me because everyone else finds a way around this. Regardless… Hurray! I might have issues! But the reviews were in for the place, and guess what. It's good news! They have great reviews, and that's why I chose them.

Cheers,
Kelly

I'll miss you my wonderful brother, Kyle.

My Family's Journal on Kyle's progress, photos and warm messages people left to inspire him to get better

My sister and I seemed to time our visit just perfectly today by showing up early. In 5 minutes after we walk into Kyle's room, the RN on staff enters, and shortly after the doctor arrives. You can tell the Nurse is hiding her emotions as the doctor speaks. The doctor starts off like how I'm going to start with you all.

Kyle went in for a brain profusion scan. This reading basically told how the blood was flowing through the brain as well as how the brain matter was/is. In short, it is bad; very bad. His left side has no blood flow and there is only a small portion of his brain as a whole that's working while his ICP is at 30.

Another symptom is his right hand not having any circulation. It lays there blue; deep blue and cold with his fingers curled.

The doctor has left what we do next in my parents' hands.

Kyle is hanging on by a thread. We don't know if this is the weak thread or the strong thread. We are told that the breathing machine is what's keeping him alive. Before we left, we were told that he is off all his sedation medicine, but that will take time to go through his system. One way to tell if things were better would be if he started breathing on his own (the machine will stop and let Kyle breath if he chooses to on his own).

Later today (because it's almost 1AM as I type this) actually in the morning, Kyle will have to pass a test which will show how responsive his brain is. While I'm scared I MUST attend this. To be honest we have the worst in our minds even though we hope for Kyle to fight it.

Really, as the subject says, this is Kyle's final battle if he doesn't pass the brain responsiveness test.

We heard Sunday morning that Kyle's prognosis was bleak. I was under the impression that Sunday was his last day. I can't tell you how many tears I shed. How sad I felt. I can't tell you how the odds seemed so against him. His ICP sky rocketed to the 50s while his lungs were prime. There were so many questions and so much fear. In my mind, I am still pulling for Kyle when others had given hope and ready to throw in the towel.

I was a nervous wreck when I got there. I had an hour to think about his situation on the way. When I got up to the floor, the nurse said they were changing beds, so I couldn't go in at this time. I meet family down stairs in the hospital food court, and I quickly excused myself as I crack weeping outside for my brother (the crying mentioned before). It took quite a while of that, 2 three mile laps around the campus, talking with mom and having lunch in the RV before I had the courage and the proper mindset to go in and see Kyle.

Before I do go and see him, we are told that his numbers improved since being transferred to the new bed (which is a regular bed for most patients there). His ICP was at 24. His lungs were still great. Ahhh

Finally we left Kyle doing even better last night. His ICP was at 13. He's going down. FINALLY! The change to new bed helped (he's off the rocking bed which would rotate him to help his lungs).

He has a tough set of cards to play right now, but I know he can do it!

Wow, who would have thought, Visa, stock symbol V, would actually drop almost to their IPO price? Definitely not me! I've been following them on and off, and with the 6 months I've watched them they've been barely going anywhere. Within that same timeframe I've watched the old company I worked for, Zions Bancorporation, stock symbol ZION; plummet too from their once amazing 80-ish mark to now 40-ish. What really gets me is that I noticed Zions drop to 19. Yes, 19.00. I thought I know that's going to climb, but I had no funds to pull in. What happens, well look back to my 40-ish reference. Holy crap and curse you Visa! You haven't quite been everywhere I've needed you to be.

Cheers,
Kelly

I've been working on stuff on and off, not really like I used to be. Since coming here to Austin, I have to admit that I've just been getting adjusted and soaking up the scene. It's been slow, but I'm getting settled. I'm starting to get back into going out on town, making new friends and zoning out with a few games.

As I do find my niche I on occasion feel compelled to start churning out code. Honestly it sounds like more than what I do. For example I've probably spent about one hour playing with the site stuff. It's always fascinating how everything thinks the same way (including myself), "hey how can recreate flex?" Like I stated, I'm doing this too.

I'm probably on the low level version of it. I've setup basic loaders and import or namespace lines through XML.

My stage just loads the XML into Flash and creates a super simple rendering based upon the attributes and elements I've told it to load.

Now I feel Flash needs to figure out all the different types of elements (Numbers, ints, uints, blah blah blah). Also I believe Flash should be able to load nodes which the user provides a namespace and class as a node. Well there's my geek. It's developing, but at a VERY slow rate.

Cheers,
Kelly

Well "I'm Not Over," that damned song by Carolina Liar. It very much reminds me of stuff similar to Flickerstick. I suggest you do a search on either of them if you're looking for something different. Seriously though, I play that song over and over. It's crazy, but I love sound of it.

Besides that, the site rebuild isn't over either, but I've decided to convert my stuff to as3. I actually just got IIS7 updated just a few moments ago. You know there are some odd quirks about Windows Vista, but I actually like it.

I honestly don't know what the deal is with people constantly complaining about it. I think they're just following the Apple marketing. Yes, Microsoft steals ideas just as well as Apple does. They have and will continue to do this. Hell I'm sure Xerox has too. I know the mouse was their invention and you don't hear people hating apple about that as well.

Going back, I suppose I just want to be more update with my site and its language. Maybe it's me getting caught up in other areas around here (or trying). I suppose with me trying to get caught up on things around the home you start to analyze various items. In my current phase I'll just be updating all my utilities classes. The next phase is trying to figure out the calendar again. I want to add more functionality to it where it has search, video and commenting. Comments may have to come later as I don't have time to set up a database, but it sure would be nice. I've had a few friends tell me to get that in there. Sigh.

Well that's enough on things I suppose.

I've been quiet. I've been busy. I've moved. Hi Austin, TX meet your new resident!

My move occurred June 5, 2008, where I did a 5 hour "Pack Up and Move Fest-a-Palooza". When I arrived, I had a week before "the hookup." From that moment, it's been staring at the only local station which was the equivalent to watching scrambled porn. Of course, I'm all taken care of now, and obviously I can see the world at my home; when I am home.

I constant amazed at Austin. I've never seen so many people who were so concerned about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The gyms are usually busy (either at the apartment or 24 Hour Fitness). Ahhhhhh ~ I'm so impressed!

My drive from work is only a few minutes as it's at most a quarter of a mile down the road. At BancVue, the people are relaxed and the projects are flowing towards the "Gen 2" product. There my role is of action and adventure as I'm a UI Flash Developer… Actually I think I'm the only one there that has that title, but there are others who are skilled if not more than me. So far, like McDonald's, "I'm Lovin" It."

I do miss the old crew, but don't tell them that. :D Besides, maybe only three people read this anyways. I'm sure my secret is safe. Well, it's time to jet.

Cheers,
Kelly

I seem to ramble on about what I have left to do, and yet most of you have no idea how I've planned this whole thing out. Well, this is what I'm trying to accomplish:

It's a panel system. The goal is to get everything up and running for the first phase. Then phase two will be to start working on animation and 3D styled effects.

The color scheme is based on the simplistic colors for the cubed element identity. The actual design is in no way final (for the look and feel) as this just provides color wireframes.

Cheers,
Kelly

What a busy time it's been lately, and this past week was no exception. Recently I have been working hard at work trying to help out the team with getting our Chat Administration Integration working. At times, during the pain and suffering I would compare this experience to a toddler trying to fit the rectangle in the round hole. It was that painful, but after all was said and done, we hopped online yesterday to monitor the IndyCar race in Miami. It went effortlessly! We received no email support requests and no phone calls requesting support too. The Chat worked great, the broadcast worked great and nobody could cuss!

I've also been given a task of one creating a report at work. This should be a fun task because in doing so, I get to create the foundation of the reporting module. Right now, the goal is to make a dynamic reporting container. You select the report and the options and then it generates them. I'm sure other people have done this, but my way, I'm hoping to have it MUCH more dynamic that the other people's linear approaches. Well, we'll see how it turns out, right? YAY .NET!

As for today, I've been trying to get back into working on my site, but honestly with the long hours I put in last week, and doing support yesterday, I feel incredibly burnt out. I have been working on it a little though. Currently my news module has navigation now for quick access to move to years and months. Now I just need to figure out an easy way to incorporate a rollover system that isn't just for buttons (like the tradition Flash buttons).

I also still need to set up the topic window. The component has been created, but at this time it hasn't been adopted in the NewsReader.

Cheers,
Kelly

So the site is moving along once again, after the struggles with Flash CS3 trials. I did manage to find some amazing alternatives in the open source community. As it is still though, I'm moving forward with an AS2 / C# .NET site.

Currently I'm coding up the News module. Phase one is done (timeline) has been added. Phase two is adding in the TopicWindow, which is then followed by phase three, creating timeline navigation buttons for months and years.

Cheers,
Kelly

So where are those updates you ask? Well lately I've had to take a few steps back. Since my hosting provider doesn't officially promote remoting through a .NET environment I've been looking for other methods to complete the task. Once again I thought to myself, "why not give Flash CS3 a try?" I mean it's just sitting here collecting dust. I run the program and start staring at the help file. I blindly start coding a Web Service. HEHEHE! I compile and to my surprise LOTS of errors. OK, I'm not saying I'm a perfect programmer. I know I make mistakes, but I was shocked that it didn't even know what a Web Service was.

Come to find out the brains at Adobe decided to strip out the Web Service class. Then I began to ponder more about the difference between Flash and Flex. After doing some studying I broke it down like so in dollars.

Flash ~$700.00

Flex ~$250.00

So let's look at this some more. I mean that's a HUGE amount of difference in price in terms of data. I know for starters yes, I know I didn't add the charting data. It IS cool, but I don't care about it. If I put it on with the price it would bring it to ~$700.00 as well (actually I think 50 more, anyways it's an approximation).

I started to really wonder what the differences were between the two. Flash is an IDE that allows for animation, design and development (for mobile too). Flex allows for simplified and streamlined UI design and development. Not only that it will take in, this is the IDE / builder now, will create classes based on your web service (holy cow that's hot). Both flavors offer remoting.

Does it make sense for Adobe to do that to their products? Yes, but it is a shame. Flash was growing to become something great, but now it seems that it's being pushed aside so that Flex can take the torch. Or maybe they just need to organize their packages. Flash: design and mobile, and Flex: RIA and data.

I will work on trying to find a new solution, but it is a total shame that these things have to happen. For once the .NET side seems to go smooth while the AS3 side shoves my head in the toilet and gives me a swirlie.

Cheers,
Kelly

Update On the Remoting. After looking at a few tests I think I just need to slap in a loader for my test. This way everything can load properly. It appears to be working, but at different rates. I'll see what I can get going in the next couple of days (just busy at the moment).

Original Article: 02-10-08: The New Old

Cheers,
Kelly

So here are some of my experiments that I've been talking about for the new site. I decided instead of recording videos to just encrypt a couple of SWFs for you all to take a gander at.

The first example shows an early navigation example of the calendar. Now I know you've all seen these before, but this is actually the premise of my site. I love the idea of scrolling around with actions. Anyways, take a look the Flash scrolling calendar example.


I've got the component locket to my xml file in this case. From there it generates all the calendars box days I need (and should compensate for leap year from what I remember). At this point it's set up on day specific entries, but I can easily expand this to posts on the seconds level. Of course in doing so, I'd need to rework UI experience. The thing you don't see happening here is that scroll action also happens with the text entries on the right, but it's disabled for the time being.

The next example is how the picture module works. It's the thing where you see me posting pictures explaining my stumbling blocks of working on a thumb nail generator class. The class is finished, but as you'll see in this example lots of work still needs to be done. Currently I have this set up to read from a remoting call to find all the photo directories. When it reads all the directories I want to expose, the component dumps into the leveraged combobox. Finally when a user selects item from the combobox it passes up the selection and a list of web friendly URLs pass back. The goal here was to avoid a static xml file update when I upload new images. I personally am one for being lazy with updates to my site (as the current lazy approach to my pictures section). Then the thumbnail and media loader go to work at displaying the pictures. Finally, which is the super flaky part at the moment, the component will resize (depending on what the max preset is set to by the user) to the image selected plus other component object dimensions. Again Take a look at the Flash Pictures ComponentI'm basically having remoting problems with the server at the moment. When fixed I'll post the example, Sorry


.

Enjoy as I plug away,
Kelly

So I thought this day would ever happen. A while back, when I was in Austin, there was a day where I hung out with Fred and Calley. We ran around and did errands. While traveling, Fred and Calley were talking about getting drinks. Fred went on and on about the Chi Lattes. He seems rather passionate about them and how they tasted at various places. During the running around, we stopped at the place with the round green logo, Starbucks. Calley ordered her coffee and Fred ordered tea. The tea was a Chi Latte, of course! Anyways, I got the mesmerizing sales pitch for the delectable goodness known as Chi Latte.

It wasn't until a couple of weeks later, where I tried one. The CEO where I worked invited us Flash Developers out for bonding. We went to again, the place with the green logo, which was inside a Barnes and Noble, which is also a part of the mall where we work at. Anyways, I started wondering what to get, and was leaning towards hot chocolate, but then Juan order and espresso. BUT I though he said tea for some crazy reason. Anyways with that mix up, my brain went crazy, probably because I don't use it, and had all these memories surging though my mind. I quickly ordered the Chi Latte!

Results are in, it's good! I thought this day would never happen; a day where I'd go to Starbucks and find a drink to order, that wasn't hot chocolate and almost sounds like a coffee. Now I actually get the urge during the week to go (gasp). Anyways, thanks Fred for find something to get me addicted to at Starbucks.

Mmmmk, I'm out and good night,
Kelly

This weekend, to most, would probably been pretty boring (with my programming and redesigning of my site), but today, Sunday, I wound up getting out to run a few errands. I started off with my workout, and from there (after getting cleaned up) I headed off to Best Buy. Ever since I could find my Gorillaz CD, I have been craving new music (and even then, it really isn't new, what I got). I picked up Garbage's "Bleed Like Me" and William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet Movie Soundtrack (mainly for Garbage's single, #1 Crush). See, it isn't new stuff.

From there I went off to the mall to get my haircut. Laura helped me out and totally sliced and diced my hair, and I found out today that people seem to be pretty antisocial at that place, but I'm sure I'll make them open up in time (figuring out how to get other customers to be more talkative). Never the less, it was fun trying to getting a few people to open up.

After that I went to Macy's for jeans. I found out with all my working out, my waist and thighs are slimmer. I actually found out earlier when I went to a club and the guy said my pants were too baggy. I still got in, but anyways, that got me thinking. Well anyways, I got a couple pair of slimmer jeans.

Finally it was off to get some food, I was starving! After going to the closest burrito joint, a homeless man asked if I would do him a favor. I cringed, and asked what the favor was. Don't get me wrong, I'm a humanitarian, I've helped people before, but I've also had gypsies try to con me. It came out plan and simple; he needed food. After hearing that, I bought him a huge burrito. I asked if he wanted something to drink too, but he decided he wanted water. Anyways, it's good to know that he'll be eating well tonight.

That's about it on my Sunday journey as I wind down and prepare to take in next week.

Cheers,
Kelly

Here's my quick wrap up before I go hit the bed. I basically came home after work and some socializing to forcefully glue myself in front of the machine and try to work on some stuff for my site. I haven't had the chance to do anything during the week. Anyways, I ran across an issue with my vertmouse class. After days of pulling out large gashes of my hair I've managed to almost tackle the problem. The math still needs some tweaking with larger selection of images, but it's responding MUCH more smoothly now. What happened was this would blow up when there were sub MovieClips being used (3+ levels deep). It was strange, but that's what happened. Anyways, I may be able to complete the first component for my new site this weekend because of getting this far (today / tonight ~ as I'm writing this at almost 4 AM).

Mmmmk, I'm out and good night,
Kelly

So last night my friend Katie invited me out for ice skating (OK it was actually last week). My mind raced back to when I four years old. I laced up my white leather skates with blue stripes. These were skates that were rented out. I was on a field trip with the day care place. As I stepped onto the carpet, yes that's right, I haven't even made it out to the ice yet, my ankles caved as they attempted to support me and my growing frame. From that point on I had never tried ice skating again, so it's been 26 years since last night. Anyways, it almost makes it sound like a story for a really bad movie. Well it is my life, so I suppose there could be some bad points (yup, fun dose of sarcasm was inserted here).

Monday I did Hip Hop which provided me with a killer sweat and lots of leg work. The scary part is I'm actually picking this stuff up. Going back, last night was my big for me. I stood on the side watching the teacher or coach work the girls into various shape formations. It was pretty neat, and of course you always hope for someone to fall. I think somehow I just tie these events to relating to hockey and violence. Anyways, after about 15 minutes into it I hear Katie calling me from the stands. She helps me get set up with skates and sticker.

The sticker Katie gave me to wear basically says how cool I am, and you just can't fight that! Anyways, what little do they know is that I can't ice skate to save my life. Actually the sticker just granted me access to skate while it was private skate. I pay for the skates, and I venture down the stairs with Katie. They ask what size I wear. I told them 10 1/2. It was either 10 or 11 the guy stated. After getting the man to suggest the size of skates I should wear, I grab my skates. I mosey on over to the bench and plop myself and the skates down. One by one I shove my feet in the tight narrow openings of the skates and followed by latching them up.

It's amazing, I can stand in them! I now have a new found confidence in the magical world of ice skating simply by standing in them. I put my shoes in the locker, and Katie and I on our way back to the ground level.

Her Sister, Kathy, and Dori are ready to go. I proceed out there on the ice with them wearing a button down shirt, t-shirt and my leather jacket (looking stylish on ice). I instantly shake trying to maintain my position as it looks like I'm gyrating from an epileptic seizure. I quickly think back to all the old people I've seen trying to skate (ice or roller rink). I began to totally feel like them. Again, this is just from standing. Geesh! As I move a few feet, they've started doing circles around me and skating backwards like a motorcycle gang would do (well the gang would be going back for long, maybe just to get their bike out from the parking spot). For them going backwards was what the teacher wanted them to practice. And they were doing great at it!

Slowly I started getting the grasp of moving in spurts of 7 to 10 feet. I'd push off with my right foot wonder each time it left the ground, "Would I be able to stand on one blade?" I found out as I did this my feet would get further and further apart. I was slowly doing the splits, and typically for a guy that is not good news, besides I'm not trying to do the limbo and I'm not trying to take up the whole lane (and the lane is HUGE).

As I approach my first turn and skater fly by me, I reach another successful almost stumbling moment looking like an old person (which I'm surprised by me saying this because I tell everyone how I can't wait to be old). I also wonder how to stop when ice skating. Katie and Kathy show me. How the hell am I supposed to pick my leg up and put it out in front of me at an angle after know that the ground is slipper and I'm having the best of luck trying to maintain my balance? Well I let it slide. I realize quickly that I don't need my jacket as to I'm sweating like I'm in a steam room. I take my jacket and lock it up.

Later as I started picking up skating in a line, and avoid a few more near misses with the ground, Kathy sister is around me almost running into me, so I decide, as stupid as I am, to challenge her to a race. We're off! I'm pushing as fast as I can. I wobble some, but I'm not too far away from her. I'm really impressed at how I did, but then it clicks! How was I supposed to stop again?

The wall inched closer faster and faster. It was either hit the wall or do the turn. I decided to do the turn (how do I stop again?). I slowed down as I did Kathy was on my right looked left at me, and I looked over to my left and saw a guy falling. Kathy thought that was me. "I'm OK," and as I went through the turn I lost my balance. I fought it every bit of the way trying to get my center of gravity back on track. I was doing one of those crazy kung fu matrix poses, and yet looking retarded and making a Michael Jordan shot face (you know the one where he ALWAYS has his tongue sticking out). Everything went to slow-motion as I cringed and and flapped my trimmed wings as I struggled and twisted. This was the kind of thing that totally prooves how much fun physics can be! And WHAM, I hit the ground hard! As Ice stuck to my side and butt, I briefly brushed it off and got back up. At this point I was sweating hard.

That wasn't the last fall I would crash three more times before our time ended. When the festivities ended, I was dripping with almost as much sweat as in that Hip Hop dance classes. Why the hell do I sweat so much? Anyways, what an amazing adventure, and I think next week we're doing it all again!

Ciao,
Kelly

As you check my other entries here it seems that most of my time is poured into this website, and it has and still is, but I've also been investing my time towards family, friends and learning new things. I tend to laugh at myself when I can (and it just so happens to be about everyday), so the latest thing I've been getting into is Hip Hop dance. Yea, when you look at me you'd never guess I've got mad dance skills. Don't worry, you're totally right, I've got no dance skills whatsoever! Thanks to the power of this class, taught by a DJ calling himself Rhythm he makes everyone feel good and gets us to bust a sweat while learning some new moves. Our latest endeavor was learning Soulja Boi's Superman dance (I hope I have that right). I don't like the song; actually I don't really listen to much hip hop at all (but this song is just horrible). I guess it's slightly more tolerable thanks to me knowing the moves to the song (although I still screw up with touching my right hand with my left foot and vice versa). I know it's not your mom's waltz, but this stuff is mucho fun, and I'm geared up for more classes (oh how retarded I must be).

I also found out Friday at work that I've now a part of the .NET developer group at work. It really makes me feel good to be a part of the group more. I originally started off focusing on Membership, Roles and Profiles and I've been given a little more each time. Along the way I had been given the task to set in place an URLrewriter and now setup webparts as well as implement a chat service we licensed. I still feel retarded with this as well, but I know I'll find a way to accomplish this task thanks to the talented staff we have that I continually pester for answers to my many simplistic questions I have towards the world of .NET, LinQ and humor. Well I don't really ask them about humor; I just flat out joke around with them. You always have to keep the funny going. I do still deal with Flash at work, but it's usually towards support. Hopefully though, I'll be able to pick up again where I left off with learning Flex 3. The guys seem to be doing some amazing stuff with the new Flex environment. Either way I've got one of the CS3 suites here with the latest Flash, so I know I'll be picking it up more after my site is done.

Ciao,
Kelly

You know what I'm talking about, my site; the new site I've been locked away working on! Here's my weekend wrap up on the shindig for Flash and .NET. As for Flash I wound up organizing my classes (which were in a couple of isolated testing projects), and I found out I have 12 classes dealing with my site. It's rather amazing to find how much this project has grown so far, and yet I know it's only going to get bigger. Today's epiphany was just a few moments ago when I realized I'm going to have to have an animation engine in place to maintain layout design transitions (sigh).

As for what I was talking about yesterday, It's almost complete on the first part. I'm leveraging the ComboBox, and I've incorporated my various classes into my pictures component. Current, I'm trying to tweak my VertMouseReact Class to compensate for component resizing and moving on the stage, and that's just about there too. I actually think I have an updated version on my laptop (there seems to be an odd mathematical glitch that's popped up again). Now I have to create what happens when the user clicks the thumbnail (in a much nicer way). Right now it just shows the loaded image at full size and hides the rest associated with that folder.

On the .NET side I've set up my class as I stated yesterday. The first method basically digs 3 folders deep from a predefined parent folder searching for media. From there it will generate a path list (web safe) which I get inside Flash. Another method retrieves the media list from inside the folder path set to it. Both of these work like a champ!

I just wish this site was done sooner, but I keep on pushing! I also need to buy a license of the flash encrypt software, that way I can show some of the feats that I've been going through. It's been crazy, but fun too!

Cheers,
Kelly

Click, Click, Click, type, type, type, in no apparent fashion as I work on getting this site underway! The most recent endeavors are building my site's components and working on the .NET backend. For a while, when I had the chance, I'd program away on my titlebar and PaneWindow MovieClip classes. These two are the key component for my site components. Recently I made a milestone, while animation controls have not been completed on these items, they are functionally done at this time (meaning that all core fundamentals are complete allowing them to properly display on the stage.

With that in mind I started working on the first official component, the picture window. The picture window is comprised of many developed classes, also the ones mentioned above. The PictureViewer, as I call it, contains a ComboBox (mx.controls.ComboBox), ThumbNail (mine), RemotingService (mine), and AllLoaded (mine). The basics are the remoting service finds the directories, and it also finds the media in those folders (only on request). The User selects what they want to see and then the pictures load. More later on this because there other transitions and clicking effects that must occur which haven't been fully developed yet.

Oh yeah, I have an update on the ThumbNail class, it's now easier! You now don't have to add in the BitmapData class (how cool).

var depth:Number = this.getNextHighestDepth();
var thumb:ThumbNail = new ThumbNail(this, "imageThumbnail_" + depth + "_mc", depth);
thumb.width = 300;
thumb.height = 100;
thumb.center = new Point(50, 120);
//pass the reference MovieClip to the ThumbNail
thumb.refMovieClip = _level0.the_mc;
thumb.createThumbNail();
//then do whatever you want with the MovieClip
thumb.thumbMovieClip._x = 10;

Now on to .NET. Here I have been working on setting up a structure for the images folders to be properly read for Flash. I have to worry about to display the folders depending on if there are media and / or if there are subfolders. Currently, in its simplest form it only shows the top level folder, but when done the areas just mentioned will be incorporated.

That's about it,
Kelly

Happy '08 everyone! Last year was an amazing year, which included some inspiring and painful moments. I battled through a relationship, and in the end it has made us stronger. I feel I'm closer to family. I also battled a cold every time I traveled. I've attempted to push myself further this year than ever in breaking some bad habits (shyness and workout nutrition). I've seen my friends grow. Of course I've even had the biggest battle of all… this damned site! What a lot of "I'ves." In 2008, I hope to push myself farther than ever!

Towards this site, it's getting there. Lately I've started developing panels for all my components to develop from, and they're just about done too. I'm actually at the point now where I'm reworking the UI designs since I found navigation issues, but not only issues, I've decided to incorporate more into the main page.

Some concerns I have at this time besides reworking the navigation are mainly tied to animation or just keeping the site "fresh." Right now, I've kept the as smooth as possible with a move and click mentality. I think this is good, but I need some flashy, excuse the pun it wasn't intended, transitions. I suppose that will be the next thing to research once the reworks are met. I suppose I could just add that later on after I launch the site. It's not really what I want to do, but I could. At least with the OOP it will make it easier for me to incorporate later.

Cheers,
Kelly

Lately I've been working on creating panels for my site. I've got one variation of the title bar in place (using attach movies and dragging and resizing buttons). As I continued to progress I've moved onto building a core panel system, which just so happens to contain a TitleBar. I know how excitingly original this sounds.

On other fronts I've been researching the PDF file format and how to break it down. I've run into some confusion, but I hope to have the kinks worked out soon the fundamentals of it.

Finally at work I continue to deal with .NET 2.0 Membership, Roles and Providers. Lately it's been getting things to link with the URL rewriter. There's an open source version of the URLrewriter at urlrewriter.net, but test the versions out. We actually stumbled into problems with the latest and greatest one. One of the guys that help me sift through some of the obstacles at work, Hank, makes my experience there enjoyable and yet enlightening (especially with .NET stuff). I actually got core connectivity set up right before I left for the holidays. It made me feel warm and fuzzy on the inside. But as for that, I still need to get it to work with LINQ now (oh yeah, we're playing with .NET 3.5 now). Anyways, fun fun fun.

Cheers,
Kelly

As I started working on my site it occurred to me that I need a faster way get out my blurbs to people, and as I gaze around RSS was everywhere. I'd use it and not think anything of it as I have a whole slew of things going on. Anyways, it became more and more import to me that I need to incorporate this into my site. Well it sounds easy, but crap, I haven't used classic ASP 3.0 and VBScript in the longest of times! Well that was fun I must say.

My head lately has been wrapped around .NET and C#, so dusting off my brain (err uhm books) was tough ~ especially when you're 30! Actually it wasn't that bad, but it helps for me to ramble like I'm doing now. Unfortunately I will be tearing it all up again when the new site gets completed. Either way, just click the RSS feed button to the right of the Blurbs title to grab the feed.

Cheers,
Kelly

It fully works now!

var bmap:BitmapData = new BitmapData(mc._width, mc._height, false, 0xAA0000);
bmap.draw(mc);
var thumb:ThumbNail = new ThumbNail(this.parent, "imageThumbnail_" + level + "_mc", depth);
thumb.center = new Point(mc._width/2,mc._height/2);
thumb.width = 90;
thumb.height = 70;
thumb.originalPicture = bmap;
thumb.createThumbNail();

Cheers,
Kelly

So I've had a few setbacks with the thumbnail, but it seems that I've got it working again. Ahh well, all I know is it needs to get done (my site revamp). Well, it looks like the tweak in the math is working finally, but to make sure, I'll run my other tests later. This test is a width scale using an input center point.

The faded blue over the images is what I'm working on now. The purpose of that is to visually represent the area the thumbnail is claiming (copying for the thumb image).

Cheers,
Kelly

OK to those of you who know me, I've been quite busy, and equally I'm sure you all wonder where all the cool posts are at. Well, I've decided that this site needs to maintain a fairly formal attitude. I'll still be posting on the latest and greatest from development (.NET Flash and Flex], family and friends, but as to what happens on a nightly basis I feel this site would lose focus as its original purpose was a way to broadcast my services and abilities to you all. If you want to see what I'm up to (humor, political and some social) one site is myspace. I've got my slew of friends and mishaps out there. If you want more, well you'll just have to get your crazy PI skills out and start surfing to see what you can find. :)

Cheers,
Kelly

Dynamic thumbnail generation is complete. I had been struggling with this for quite a while, and then I got busy (researching stuff for work, being sick, my shoulder recovery, Halloween, wild fires in California, Transformers arriving to DVD, meeting up with old friends, checking in with family and birthdays birthdays birthdays)!

Oh but the main gist of this is to once again say that there is yet another chunk complete, in terms of R & D for my new site. I know this is taking a while, but I'm finding it hard in completing all these tasks as fast as I would like. And besides, I want this to work properly.

I know what some of you are thinking, "what if this was my project; you'd take forever!" Well, that the joy of doing something yourself, you aren't put into some kind of last minute working all through the night trying to meet a deadline. Of course, if this were work, I'd quickly wrap it up and find the simplest solution possible, but again... this is my site. I need to experiment and branch out a little.

Oh but going back, yeah I did work on this gem. I've got it sharing information from the .NET environment to Flash 8 (remember I chose 8 over CS3 due to Flash Remoting issues) while retaining the core security in tact. Uhm... Coolio!

Cheers,
Kelly

Well, I've been medication for pain lately and I've become a zombie. Yes, I moan, but I haven't noticed myself walking around with a craving for brains. Who knows maybe that'll be just in a matter of time. My body isn't decaying, but I did turn "THIRTY" recently, so I assume it could be doing that.

A while back I woke up one morning with pain in my right shoulder and upper arm. Let's say you're trying to flap like a bird, which is probably a requirement if you work at KFC or are the stunt double for the big chicken on The Family Guy (all those Peter vs. chicken episodes). I also noticed a surging pain when reaching for a light switch. Most importantly, since I'm a gym rat. I noticed doing my dumbbell bench press was painful now, and let me tell you, I'm getting so tired of that.

Hmmm, yes the pain, but more importantly I never have been able to break 85-pound dumbbells. In the past I'd get right at that weight then have to take a break (10 weeks on 1 week off sessions). Of course there would be traveling, colds and work which all end up delaying me from my goal of breaking into the 90's (uhm not the era with Ace of Base and Vanilla Ice) as well, but I kept pushing.

So yeah, the arm / shoulder combo hurt. I tried a massage, and it helped my triceps and that outside muscle between the biceps and triceps, but man was my shoulder and arm still hurting. Just about a month went by which my birthday went by as well hitting the big 3 0 (yea I know it's mentioned above). As a fun thing I decided to try is skydiving for my birthday. Of course, it's delayed now.

Late last week, I decided I needed to go to the doctor to figure out why my arm is hurting. In my mind I had visions of sugar plumbs danc--- oh wait this is Halloween season. I had all these different scenarios going on in my head. It was very similar to a montage, as you would see in the movies for those folded up newspapers spinning onto the screen showing the latest headlines.

Fearing the worst, a fracture, I entered the doctors bright and early. The good news is It's probably a severe muscle tear, but the bad news is I can't do any exorcises which involve that region, so I can only workout my abs and legs, and do cardo. What a pisser. Knowing after all this what he thought, I decided to ask anyways. "Hey doc, can I still jump out of an airplane?" His response, of course, not right now. Damn.

Well, here I am Zombie like taking one medication of inflammation, but this medication is strong, so I have to take another for it not to ruin my stomach. YAY! Then at night I take one, which relaxes the muscle (along with the combo above).

I've got 3 weeks for all this, but when that's done there are a couple of things that happen (assuming all goes well):

1. I get to do my full workouts again
2. I get to do the skydive with my friends

Counting down,
Kelly

This past weekend I went to Austin to hang out with friends, and what an experience it was. We ventured off to 6th street Friday and Saturday night, what was the silly fun of it all. While I enjoyed everything, I found it also challenging. Clubs really aren't my thing, and I've been a pretty introverted person most of my life. But my friends really pushed me into being a little more out going. I think I had always held back in the past, unless I decided to forcefully talk to someone out side the group. I can't thank them enough for opening my eyes and helping share my soul. Anyways, this is pretty condensed but it's that way for a reason... I'm tired and have a long weekend and a long day. And crap, I have to go back to my normal schedule, which means work. Anyways... I'm quite happy with all that has happened!

Cheers,
Kelly

So I was think yesterday I should get into a new field like brain surgery. Well, late yesterday I figured out a solution, and in this case it's going to be flash 8. I know CS3 is fun (in a good way), but right now it's not the solution that meets my needs. I've successfully got copying bitmap data working, and now it's just working on a structure for that (writing more classes). Oh I can't tell you how good this feels. Anywho, I'm out of here for the evening.

Cheers,
Kelly

I'm finding I'm getting tired of Research and Development for my new site. I've run into a new snag thanks to Flash CS3 / AS3 and Flash Remoting. Recently I decided to give AS3 a try thanks to the new dandy Bytearray class. I've been experimenting with the ability to pass image data over into flash, and it seems to work… well, part of at least. What I am finding irritating is how Remoting hangs when I am trying to receive a hash table. Other variable types seem unharmed by the new AMF format, and it still doesn't matter if you change flash to use AMF0 or AMF3.

OK let me back up. In AS2 or Flash 8 those objects come across no problem. We even set up a great system in place because of it at work. While there are workarounds with CS3, which I may pursue, depending on the other part of my image quest, I just find this irritating. Now the platform I have this under is .NET and more specifically would be the AMF.NET. This remoting gateway is amazing I must say (really I must say it).

From my searching, I've found a great set of classes Remoting at RubyAMF site, which are also located at RIAForge. Grab them, use them, you won't be disappointed!

So cross your fingers and sacrifice a live chicken for me because this new site isn't done yet, and I'm not either. :D Or the next best thing, if you have some ideas on this, drop me a line. So, until next time, good night!

You'll never believe this, but I actually have been working on my new site. I have designs almost finalized and I've been working hard on a few of the Flash components, an intuitive timeline device a mouse input connector (yes flash reads mouse input alone, but I needed something more than that). I've had a few headaches with it, but the outcome to me has been wonderful. So when will the site get here? I don't know actually. I'm trying my hardest to push through it, but the usual things slow me down, work, family and friends. The low-down on the site is most of it will be Flash. I have to do tests to see how dynamic image will display in Flash. Right now the site here has the images dynamically sized and scaled thanks to ASP (Oh, the site will also be using ASPX for the new version -- I did take some classes on it). :) Anyways, I am pushing, and hopefully this site can last for a while too like this current one has for 4 years.

Lately at work, I've been asked to research out current components (AS2) and see how it will play with Flash 9 (CS3). Uhmmm... Wow, that new syntax is crazy! Of course that was my view initially when I opened it up and started playing with it. Just a quick note about that new syntax: Make sure you declare classes you want to utilize as public because if you don't flash won't declare it public. Of course when declaring items in the past (AS2) you had the option of public or private. If you created a variable, without declaring it's representation then Flash would assume you wanted it public. Hence this was my problem when I was originally testing things out. Anyways, this little bit will hopefully save someone the headache that I just went through.

Cheers,
Kelly

Well, a lot of my time has been at work. Since starting I've had lots of overtime, which is just now starting to settle down to normal hours. In my duration of time there I've been a part of working on the flash web player (time was dedicated to Indy) and to a special project, which they're hoping to launch later this year. And during that time we've been a part of two trade shows, CES and NAB. At NAB the company where I work was the main attraction. Well, OK I'm sure we can debate that, but the company had their logo stamped nice and big over the card people get at the door. It's still fun to work here, but the hours do take a toll on me. Hopefully this current trend of regular weekly hours continues.

Take care,
Kelly

So, this is going to be another small entry, but I ran across a really neat book called 3D Math Primer. You can find it on Amazon (that's where I got it). The author is a game developer and he tried to take you through all the math and explanations of building those efficient vector and related classes using c++. While I'm probably half way through the book, I do at time find myself getting lost in the math, but I think that's because I need more practice. If you want to learn the basics of 3D math without going to sleep, then I suggest this book.

Cheers,
Kelly

So, some reason today I decided to take a break from all the festive errands and working out to search the USA patents via google. I have to say this thing is amazing. As random items appeared I found one "Toy gun convertible into robotic-humanoid form" (Megatron for the 1985 transformers cartoons).

Anywho, have fun with it! It seems incredibly easy to use and the pages show up like flashpaper / acrobat (but faster). Have a great holiday; I'm out of here.

Well it's been two fast fun weeks at my new place of work, and what a blast it has been. I work at Continental Vista as a Flash Developer. I know two weeks is a short time, but my experience has been a delightful one (work load seems good, the people are great and I'm soooo cool because I work at the mall [just for you Fred]). My primary duty there is to produce Flash components to add on to their spectacular player. Again, sorry this is short, but you know... it's the holidays. Hopefully, I'll have more after the new year.

Take care,
Kelly

It's amazing what happens when you have time on your hands. Usually I run around busy doing the daily grind and when I get off from work I either dart over to school (continuing education for ASP.NET and ADO.NET) or off to workout. While I am still doing these things, I've actually been able to get back to some other items.

Lately my endeavor has been to redo my site, this site, Cubed Element. Originally it started out as a Flash site, which eventually led to a DHTML site. Then I decided to have this site replace my original site, bubba-x; I out grew the domain name. Although I out grew the name, I took the design, layout, coding and just did minor tweaks, which lead to what you see now.

I have been working hard to have the new Flash site ready. There was a journal entry I made where I talked about doing it, but since then I've scrapped that idea (and quite happy for it). I'm enjoying the beta navigation system I put together. As of late, I'm going through and finding the best approach to implement this system (entering the site, expressing new ways to move around for the user and design).

So lately I've had the opportunity to roll up my sleeves and get dirty. Well, let me back up for a moment. For a while I've been going to school at night learning C# and I have successfully made it through the introduction and intermediate courses, and we are currently learning ASP.NET and ADO.NET mixed together.

While doing so, I've been learning ASP.NET VB already, and recently I had some crazy idea of learning MySQL as well. It has been a tremendous challenge for me, but I think I've just about overcome the important notes on the issues. Basically there are two variations to study.

• Make sure you are using a ? instead of @
• Next use the ODBCDataProvider
• Finally get ready to sweat as you study how the orders are flipped around (selects and updates)

Fortunately it's not really that cumbersome once you get familiar with the key points. Well, that's my latest joyful venting slash note-taking. Until next time...

Recently, I've had a few late nights after work. I've been studying up on C# (c sharp). Let me just say.... wow! I've never had so much fun in a while with a new language. Although, flash is still keeping me engaged with building and maintain components. And speaking of flash, I've finally completed the new Shell for Amegy, where I currently work. Through the shell, developers can track variables through a debugging screen. Not only that buts it's been made to be much easier to navigate and develop for. André did an awesome job and creating GUIs for all our components. I'm sorry this entry is choppy, but I've just been incredibly busy. Not to mention... I've got a birthday coming up early october. Like usual if you have flash or design questions drop me a line. Until next time.

Last Saturday Brooke and I volunteered for a charity event. The event took place at the Mercury Room and the theme; dress up like Rockstars! What a great mix of people and creative costumes. I'll try to get a few shots of us up soon. Did we dress up? You betcha! She was an inspired Ashley Simpson with dashes of Madonna while I was an goth rocker of some sorts.

My girlfriend, Brooke, yesterday was in an accident a little bit before 5:00PM. She was driving home on I-45 in Martine, her Toyota Echo. As she was driving there was a person driving a silver/gray van. This person impatiently swerved in and out of lanes to hurry somewhere.

The van was initially in front of her, and quickly went into the right line. This person I guess decided that lane wasn't moving fast enough and darted back into the lane Brooke was in.

Martine was hit in the front right, and from there spun her out of control. Her and the car in the middle of I-45 twirling around like the teacup ride at Disney world, except Disney world is safer. She hit another driver, and fortunately everyone is OK.

She had a couple of witnesses, and everybody was incredibly helpful. But, even though there were witnesses, they still need helping find the person who did this. This person did a hit and run. If anyone has information please let us or the police know.

I just have to say, Microsoft's ASP.NET 2.0 is just amazing. While I'm still at the early stages of learning about it, I have found it to be such a blessing in rapid development. It's amazing how simple it has made coding... almost to the point it's scary. I highly recommend this to any developer to try.

There is a downfall unfortunately, Dreamweaver 8 doesn't support ASP.NET 2.0, and because of this I've picked up a copy of Visual Web Developer Express 2005, VWD 2005. This little gem makes coding nice. It will remember classes, objects, functions, etc... something I wish Dreamweaver would also incorporate.

Just this past weekend I did probably what no one thought I would do in a long time... I got married! I wound up eloping to Austin and getting married to Jessica. WHAT ~ what happened to Brooke? I know that's what you all are asking, well long story short it didn't work out; she had to be at her friend's birthday party Saturday. Because of this, I didn't marry her.

OK, I must confess, I did this to help a friend out. My friend, Fred, was putting together a wedding montage for his company, Digital Light and Sound, and he asked if I would play the groom in the video, so I have that standard deer in the headlights just barely pulled myself together from the bachelor party acting going on... or lack of. :D It was a great experience, and I hope it turns out as they want. So, I didn't really get married, but it was fun...

Actually the day turned out to be SUPER humid and man was everybody sweating. My suit was saturated with sweat. I never thought I'd ever do that with a suit, but I suppose it's better than mud wrestling in one.

This has been quite a rush over the past few months. Brooke had a birthday. Her cousin had a wedding, and even one of her brothers, Brian, had a birthday. There is more, but in short, I've been a little socialite.

Work equally has been... slaving. Can I say slaving? Anyhow, it's been busy, and continues to push along that path. The new training shell is progressing rather well, and I've started transferring some of the older functions from the version one training shell.

Then I'm equally busy doing work for The Door Refinishing Company, happydoors.com, and Gray Fox Properties, Inc. Finally, I get to design a birthday page for a friend. He loves pirates and Captain Jack Sparrow, so I'm working on making a fun flash page to document their trip and allow a way for everyone to stay in touch.

From all this it's been tough tending to this site as I would like, but I'm sure you all understand those busy moments in life.

Well, it's been quite a roller coaster ride since my move. The move itself went just fine. Everything was moved in a day, but soon afterwards I started noticing a smell in the bedroom. And to this day, which soon approaches a month; management has been driving me insane towards replacing it. So every night I go over to my girlfriends to sleep. She's so nice to let me crash at her place this often.

On the upside, at work we're redesigning our training shell. It's been over a year since we had to quickly throw something together based on marketing's PowerPoint slide layouts. Those slides were for everyone in the bank to use. This new interface gives us more real estate per page, and it makes recording videos better. When I have a image of the layout I'll slap it up, but basically it's set up now to handle all bank affiliates (the color palette).

Amegy Bank Shell is updated. I've also changed the course, now you can see a little more of how we develop the a course and the components we've created to keep it easy. Also, the course is turned on for "CD" mode. In doing so, this will disable the close button inside flash (just wanted to let you all know).

In October I went on a cruise with Brooke to enjoy the Gulf of Mexico, the week before Wilma struck the same location. It was a wonderful trip filled with all sorts of delights. Not only did we stuff ourselves, but we did some SNUBA as well. SNUBA is snorkeling with a SCUBA resporator and weights. It allows you to be able to dive 20 or 30 feet without having to wear all the SCUBA gear. Anywho, we went on the Elation, a Carnival ship and were gone for 5 nights touring Cozumel and Calica. I highly suggest this to anyone thinking about a cruise.

Also, I'm almost done with my cold. The cold hit me over a week ago, and just look at me now. I'm a survivor, So rally the troops and we'll go to a game! :D Actually I am going to attend a game soon, but not sports related. It's called cashflow 101, and it's part of the rich dad poor dad series.

So the Amegy Bank Shell, in my portfolio has been updated. It's the same course, but you can see where it is (or just was). We've recently changed the training server to Peoplesoft's new ELM Environment. I have to say... automation in that is wonderful, but simple tasks are a pain.

I'll work on putting in another course that hopefully shows a little more behind the scenes and one that utilizes the components we've created.

Yesterday, I went to the Astrodome with Brooke, her father and Jomarie. With Barry's help, Brooke's father, we were able to help volunteer through SBC for the Refugees of Katrina. I recommend it to anyone to help them out. Through SBC, they have set up phone lines for them to call family. They have also set up voice mail for family to reach them through. And just yesterday they setup an internet room for them to also attempt emailing and aiding them to find information.

Overall in the place there are many organizations helping to support them. From what I recall there on the main floor they have their sleeping area, the internet room, lost families area and the Red Cross (medical treatment area). On the 2nd floor you have two locations from SBC for refugees to call family and friends and social security office. On the 4th floor, FEMA is set up to help with housing issues. Other things I've heard about but didn't know is there's suppose to be a "post office" area where each person can have their very own post office box.

Towards the end of the day people who didn't have cots and were sleeping in the stands were told to go over to the reliant center. I've heard that similar help will be at that location too.

So what's it like at the Astrodome you wonder? Well it's not a 4 star resort, but I think it works out really well. Now if you haven't been to the Astrodome or have faded memories of the place, it is old. For me it was sitting in the stands while taking a break and reminiscing about watching the Oilers and Astros that got me, of course I was a kid when that happened too. Well don't worry, they have AC running there's working plumbing and working electricity. Also women and men have their own showering areas, so that provides an amount of protection. Speaking of protection, the men and women in blue are there as well to assist with any situations that arise. There are some spills and messes that have been made, but it seems the refugees do their best to pick up. What doesn't get picked up janitorial people are there to help out as well.

The response from the Katrina refugees has been very positive. Most are very thankful for everything we have done. So if you are contemplating helping out, don't hesitate, you won't regret helping out the refugees of Katrina.

It's official, the site has been nominated for an extreme makeover. Well, not really, but a new site is in the works, so hold your horses and pardon my dust as I try hurry as fast as I can to produce it.

The site is back up and running. There's been a few changes to those who may remember my bubba-x site, but not much.

Speaking of bubba-x, I decided for a while to drop the site, the name, the fun. I've had lots of responses from there, but recently decided there is no need for it

Hopefully here we can update on much faster rate what's going on, through work at Amegy Bank, Personal experiences and Cubed Element, my freelance company.

If there is something that you want to know please, drop me a line to let me know.

I suppose one thing I can say that's new, Amegy Bank, where I work, recent got purchased from Zions Bank. As for everyone at the bank including myself, we haven't got a clue to what this truly means for us... well besides the big-wigs.

Here's some new work that André Walter and myself created. Amegy Bank online training

I handled most of the interface design and development (flash cookies, flash class object, panel animation, Movie clip loader and XML files). I even got to do one of the lessons (lesson 2 with the flip cards). André developed the most flash lessons, test flash learning objects, AICC communication from flash to PeopleSoft, ASP pages. We had 3 months to develop and deploy this project, and find a way to make it modular for future development.

Well, last year had been an incredibly tough and emotional time for me. Most of you who know me, found out that my father had passed away around Christmas time last year. Even before then it had started getting tough as dad would fight for his life around Thanksgiving. Just recently I came back from Nashville from dealing with his things. So for those of you who've wondered why I haven't been on yahoo, msn, icq or trillian, I've just been busy remembering my father and taking care of him and work. I miss him greatly.

Throughout it all my goals that I once had have changed completely and others have been rekindled.

Everything at this point has been so emotionally intense. During the Christmas holiday time, my father passed away. Dad, was a very loving person, while he was incredibly stubborn in his way you knew he cared about friends and family very much. I never thought he would go this soon. It seems like everyday, I think about him and wish he didn't go, but with his pain and suffereing, I know it was best.

I tell ya, dad was a very inventive person. It was amazing some of the contraptions he'd create. Looking back on it with family, he's made some of the craziest of devices to keep our pets off of fruniture, did an amazing glue job on his shoes. I'd have to say, they very much reminded me of aggie jokes.

Dad, I love you, and I'll miss you.

While there isn't much to the front end of the site that has changed, I have dramatically revamped the back end of the site to work on a seamless solution for both iterations of this site. Yes that's right, both. Later, I'll have more to post on this. ;)

Lately thing is I've finished up an identity for The Door Refinishing Company, based on what was discussed through the owners. I based a style from their original quick logo. Since they go, for give me, door to door, they wanted to retain friendly, but also show their professionalism.

I recently joined what looks to be a quite interesting mod for hl2. The mod itself is called "Shattered Honor" and seems to be based on the martial arts combat weapons with a touch of modern flair to it.

Also, I went browsing in the music store and I was soooooo amazed, happy, excited, and uhhh ... WOA!! Orgy had a new CD out called "Punk Statik Paranoia" While I find it not as good as the 2nd, it does pack quite a punch!

I had a trip to the 2004 Houston auto show with Luis and Brooke. From there we got to see the new Chevy Cobalt SS, Toyota Prius, and a few saleen cars.

Bubba-x.com, Kelly's site, goes live with a simple clean cut design that tries to reduce the distractions from the previous site, but still based on that foundation or backbone from the version before. If you do run into problems please let me know, and I'll do my best to address them.

Later this week I will have some pictures from the 2004 houston auto show, but until then you can view the past years in my pictures page (not to be confused with Bill Cosby's show "Picture Pages"). :-)

Recently, today and last month, I found out a couple of my freelance projects, developed through cubed element, have received awards which is just great news. One project in february won STC's award for best technical poster. My role was Illustrator. We helped Houstek Solutions Group, Inc. create numerous pieces of art for technical manuals and posters for Hewlett-Packard.

Today I found out that a web site I co created for Wing Group, LLC. received third place out of 40 entries for NH's Best Small Business Service Site category. My roles on the site were design and develop. copyright and overall site structure were produced by Wendy of Wing Group, LLC.

After being sick with tonsillitis for over a week I put up a piece I've been working on which you can find in my work section. It's a scene with our favorite Ninja Turtle, Leonardo. Hopefully I'll be able to wrap it up soon. Of course, The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles®, are not my creation, they were created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird and are whole copyright with Mirage Studios USA. Yea, that's me giving credit where it's due. You can find more information about the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles®. I hope you all like it, and if you have anything to say, drop me a ling about the animation.

It's been an amazing start. First I switched my hosting provider to Korksoft. These people are amazing. I highly recommend them to anyone needing a web hosting solution.

Of course, I've still been working hard and continually educating my mind. Besides from work (creating web sites and technical illustration) I've been diving into learning how to program using C and Blitz. Of course, I'm noob at both, but I hope to eventually be capable of writing games and application plug ins for applications like photoshop and illustrator.

Brooke still keeps me on my toes, but last night had to be the greatest night we've had in quite a while. We were laughing, cutting up, and tickling each other while making wise cracks at those "reality" tv shows. Thanks baby for all the fun! :)