Just a few random comments and updates...

I decided I'm going to take the plunge and write a technical book. I know that the content of the book will be the most important part, but I couldn't help but put a lot of thought into the title: "Creating an estimate without requirements: using telepathy to read users' minds and let them know when they'll get what they think they want".  One of my current projects would benefit from this subject.  I figure I can make millions when I come out with this.

Being a new parent has been fun and also an adjustment. Hearing "it's a life-changing experience" is such a cliche, but that statement has a lot of weight to it. It's been more of a change than what I was expecting. Eva needs a lot of attention, and it's difficult to stop your life on a dime and do whatever you want. For example, I can't just sit down and write code when I get a coding urge any more. That extends to other things like XBox, music, and getting out of the house. At those times when I can sit down and do something, it's inevitable that Eva will need some attention after about 20 minutes.

I'm not complaining at all. Having Eva around is also more fun than what I was expecting too. She makes Nikki and I laugh all the time and of course it's amazing to see how she changes week to week. It's just a big, big change in life's priorities and if you're like me you can't change your lifestyle in a day. So far it's been about 5.5 weeks and I'm still adjusting :)

The basement still isn't done. I've made phone calls to some contractors to help expedite the project, but either I haven't been able to talk to someone yet or the person/company doesn't do the type of work I'm looking for. Basically I want somebody to finish the last 10% of the framing and do the drywall. This project is beginning to take its toll on me and I am very, very ready for it to be done. Unfortunately getting the drywall done is just the end of one chapter. There's still inspections, trim, carpet, paint, bath fixtures, doors...

The NHL season starts a week from today, and Nikki and I will be going to the Wild home opener. The NHL is launching a new marketing campaign that includes some very unique and dramatic video spots... look for them on TV and in movie theaters. I haven't decided if I like them yet. I think they're weird and I have difficulty matching how I perceive the NHL with the image and attitude expressed in the spots. But at the same time I think the NHL is overdue for a new identity, so we'll just see how the cards fall.

VirtualPuck.com is in full swing, but it's getting a little stale. We need content writers. If you have too much time on your hands and think the idea of a fictional, simulated hockey league is the coolest thing you've ever heard of, contact me.

Last but not least, it's autumn, the best time of year.