I just found out that one of my best friends from grammar and high school, Laurence Faust, took his life last night. I can't understand how angry and sad I am right now. This is such a huge loss. He was really a great guy, and I will miss him.

Cooking scares me. Not because I can't deal with pots, pans, and boiling water, but because it is an art. Unfortunately, a necessary art if you are not independently wealthy or have no one to cook for you (and you want to survive). I'd have to say that the best quality a cook can have is assertiveness. First of all, if you wait too long to ponder a "cooking decision," a meal could be ruined. Also, a confident cook knows what to do and when, and does it.

Of course, some people are just better cooks than me. I make mistakes often, but I guess it is just not my preferred arena. Some people go about making food the same way that I write a program or fix a computer. They know what they need to do, they have the resources, and they just get the job done. There's an idea for a TV show for you. Cooking with Computers...like Dinner and a Movie but without the movie, and more cooking with computers.

C'est la vie. However, while I am no whiz in the kitchen while wielding a spatula, I am a whiz while wielding a caulk gun and a paint brush. When my mom gets home today, she will be surprised by her newly remodeled kitchen, complete with the Restoration Hardware stuff that I got her for her birthday. Happy Birthday Mom!

"I refuse to eat these greasy bits of smashed potato chips that are huddled in the corner of the bag."

(glances furtively around)

"Munchmunchmunchmunch....smear"

It's time to go grocery shopping folks.

Well, I have undertaken a massive remodeling project in the name of my mother. I thought I'd put up some "before" pictures. Well these are actually after I took down all the cabinet doors, so it is a little Sixth Sensey, but don't be afraid.

So the last couple of nights, Melissa and I watched the first two tapes of Sexin' the Sit-ay, which I was totally against. I can't believe we rented that because I cannot stand that show. I was coerced into watching all of seasons 1 and 2 last summer and I had quite the pain in the gulliver afterwards, if you know what I mean. Oddly enough, I need to watch the third tape...what is Big doing coming to Carrie's house in the middle of the night? Is something wrong with Natasha. And where the hell is Aidan? These questions must be answered soon...

However, I can't believe that a character like that is named Trey. I like him as an actor, but I don't look like that at all.

Three hundred and sixty-five days ago. I wish I could go back in time.

Instead I think I will just lose myself in work. I have landed a few freelance jobs; good, interesting, and challenging jobs.

Melissa is graduating soon moving back home for this summer. I don't know how I will deal with not seeing her for such a long period of time. She is at the beach with her ex-boyfriend Matt right now. After graduation she is driving back to Virginia with him (stopping at the beach on the way) and then going on vaction...with him. Something instinctual tells me that should bother me and other people ask me if that bothers me. (No comment) It wouldn't phase me in the least if I was sure that Matt's motives were as innocent and "harmless" as Melissa's. C'est la vie, eh?

BUT...there are gonna be some cool kids in town this summer. Honestly, my girlfriend has been pretty much the extent of my social life for the last 9 months. While I don't regret that in the least, it has changed me. I am going to need to make some friends quick like. Otherwise, I can see myself getting pretty depressed pretty quick. So...if you are going to be in New Orleans from now until mid-August, I will pay you good cash money to be my friend. I'm serious. Try me.

I have to interject here. I got two freelance jobs while I was typing this entry. I'm the new dot-com boom of New Orleans! Back to work....

Let's contrast that last image of destruction with a vision of pure beauty...

This is what happens when Trey has too many computer science finals.



Die computers. Die.

My chest, shoulders, and arms are the same color as the leftover salmon that I'm eating. Last time I was burned this bad was after a day spent on a secluded beach on the California coast. This beach was at the bottom of a big cliff that broke out of the montains, and you had to climb down the cliff to get to it. That was the first time that I really felt the ocean; the enormity, the beauty, and the sheer vigor all rushing toward you in an overpowering panorama. The sand was black, making it seem like I was on some alien planet. That beach was one of the reasons that I bought a camera...but some memories are so clear that you don't need pictures.

Ahh...well look at me runnin' my mouth! I need to keep studying...four on the floor for four more...to score.