Happy holidays to all. Re-ripping all my music to VBR (variable Bit Rate) 160kbps, since it sounds much better. The little bit of space I lose on the iPod will be worth it. Looking to upgrade the car stereo in the next month or two. Should be fun and interesting, since I can’t really get information out of Land Rover or any of the parts dealers. Time to dig out the old multimeter and start tracing cables. It’ll mean tearing apart the center console AGAIN, but it should be worth it, as we have proven with Nikki’s BMW. The Dension Ice:Link we installed in November has been a god-send for me since I’ve been driving the BMW, but now I’m spoiled and want one badly for the Land Rover. Looking at possibly either an Alpine or Pioneer stereo. Both have nice iPod integration units now that the iPod units aren’t a deciding factor. I’m looking to be able to add XM (or SIRIUS) to the radio at a later point in time, but it appears that’s not an issue either, which is good. The biggest thing will be trying to re-use the Harman/Kardon amp that’s under the seat to have it still power the subwoofer. Shouldn’t be an issue if I can get the specs from either HK or LR.
I’m off work at 5 until the 3rd. Should be really nice. Nikki and I will be heading up North (unfortunately not to Maine, but to a inn/spa in Northern Virginia. Kind of a honeymoon we never got. The kids are with their father, so that makes things all the better. It should be a fun and relaxing time.
Hope everyone had a nice holiday. I know I did. I got to spend time with Nikki and her family in NY. Missed seeing my folks, but there’s always next year. Peace out everyone.
Dan General Rants
Well, we’re at middlle December and there’s still no snow. This would by why I miss the NorthEast. Sorry, I’m a big fan of snow and I always have been. You can take me out of the NorthEast, but you can’t take the NE out of me. It’s only been below freezing once and sub-zero .. hah .. not on your life.
But, I do have good news. Nikki is now back from her last underway and that means shore duty for her soon enough. I hope she enjoys her time off next month, as she works way too hard.
Still haven’t fully finalized plans for X-mas, but it looks like we’ll be in New York for the holiday. New Years will be spent with Nikki and I enjoying a nice late honeymoon up in the mountains of Northern Virginia.
Well, it looks like I’ll have a B in my Linear Algebra class because of my final. That will give me a 3.5 GPA after my first quarter. Time to buckle down and do better. Granted, a 3.5 is better than I did in my unndergrad years, but I wanted to prove i was better in case I decide to pursue my doctorate later in life. Que sera sera.
Got to hop offline soon. Nikki will be home in a few hours, and I’ve got to clean the house. L8r everyone.
Dan General Rants
Wow, I haven’t posted yet this month. And, I’m sick. Damn it all to hell. I got an A in my Abstract math class. I hope I do well in Linear Algebra, so I can be off to a good start in my graduate studies. Hope everyone is doing well. I’m gonna take a little nap and then finish dinner.
Dan General Rants
Well, Turkey Day went well. Gizmo was scared to death most of the day because of two dogs that came to visit. Funny thing is, Gizmo was as big as, if not bigger than. the two dogs. We wound up locking him away in Kyle’s room for the day. Susan and Hunter were by. Hunter brought Mince Meat Pie with him, whihc I hope to get a slice of tonight (didn’t really get touched last night). Anyways, the meal turned out really well. Cooked a full meal with Mashed potatos, gravy, acorn squash (or squish as Kyle calls it), rolls, sweet potato casserole, and of course the turkey. It was the first time I’ve ever cooked a turkey in the oven (granted, I’ve cooked them plenty of times in the deep fryer). Came out really well. Nikki almost killed me when I put the stick of butter inside the turkey, but she didn’t seem to complain when all was said and done.
Bowled in a 9-pin no-tap tournament. Made it to the second round and choked. It’s my own fault. But it was still fun. Maybe Nikki and I will try at X-mas.
Dan General Rants
Yes, I know it’s been a while since I last wrote, but it’s time for the obligatory update and of course wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Just ate and my stomach is full. So full that I think I won’t write much more now. Gotta get stoked for a potential tournament later. Have a good day everyone.
Dan General Rants