Not too much to say. Not much going on, but I wanted to update since I haven't done a podcast in almost a month. I really do wish I could do a podcast more often, but I'm not going to bore you because I don't have anything to say and just prattle on.

For those of you still trying to get into my Mandy file, I'm surprised no one (other than Terri) has asked me for the password, despite your repeated attempts to view the entry. Anyway, here's a hint: It's not the same password as the other entries. The password is the answer to this question, ala crossword puzzle style: "Hef's friend" = _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ .

If you still don't get it, just ask me.

Merry Christmas!

Prompted by the opinion that Americans can't speak in a British (English) accent, I've purchesed a CD/book for actors that train you how to speak with an RP (Received Pronunciation) accent. It's not a "posh" accent, but more of a standardized speech pattern used by UK newscasters and people in the acting biz.

Anyway, what you'll hear is me going through my first lesson. I don't sound too good because the stupid weather went back up to 75°F/24°C so now my voice sounds like I've been smoking too many cigarettes. I've learned it does that when the temps change too quickly...STUPID weather.

Anyway, I KNOW I'll have to keep working on it, but I just wanted to give you a starting point so when I DO get to sounding like I should, you'll know that I had to work at it. I'm going to try the same lesson when my voice is better so you can hear the difference and that I'm not making this stuff up!

btw - here's another pic of Emma Watson. I'm trying to style my voice like hers so I'm thinking of her as my mentor (it also helps that she's not that bad to look at...).

let me know what you think, k? I think in some places I'm dead on, while I need to work on some pronunciations because my Texan is coming through. Leave a comment so I'll know how much work I have to do!

Last podcast of the year...maybe.

Just some reflections and glances forward into the new year. I decided to take Lisa's advice about the past being the past - nothing to look forward to except the future. Do my best. Keep going. Don't give up. I know that sounds brave, but sometimes I'm not so sure.

Guess that's what being human's all about...

I misplaced my recorder - it was in my camera bag - so sorry if I haven't been able to post anything. Iguess I could've done it the old-fashioned way with a mic, but it's a lot easier with my recorder.

Anyway, I'm just ranting away at a few things - wish I was actually talking to people, but there ya go..

I'm finally feeling a bit better and the weather's changing slowly. It's still warm, too warm for light sweaters, but the nights show promise and a sign the days will cool as well. Today's (well...tonight) the new moon so I feel the time is right for change and I'll be glad when October is finally here. My voice is finally back to where it should be, but the allergies are all but gone so now I can finally breathe again.

Sorry it's been awhile - the weather's made me cranky and I know better than to write when I'm crabby - nothing good comes of it. Anyway, in this ep I talk about what's coming up and my a little about my photography - I finally got my bag on the way, so now all I need is my D2x (and accessories) so things are looking up...all I need now is the money to buy it!

I'm still without internet at home, I'm still without TV, and I'm still without a good meal, but other than that I'm doing okay. Life at the bottom isn't so bad if you keep looking up.

The pic (at left) is of my next acquisition goal - it's a Nikon camera bag big enough for a 300/2.8. Nice, right? It runs about $150 so I'm hoping I can get some $$$ for it soon.

Yes, I know it's been almost two months since my last entry, but I haven't had much to say. In this podcast, I talk about what's been going on this week.

These are a few quotes by James Nachtwey, a war photographer, that I lifted from the video. I felt they were relevant (if only to me) so I tought I'd share.

I'm a bit skint, but that's nothing new. Staying positive. Not giving in to the negative.

lots of negative vibes this morning, I finally got myself sorted by the afternoon and felt good getting to know my camera again.

I've noticed that sometimes I sound a bit nasally. I blame this on my allergies and the Texas weather that shrinks my nostrils to the point where I can barely breate.

Things are working out better - I'm still trying to get to where I should be and I feel confident knowing I've made some progress, just gotta keep up with it.

I'm more determined to make things work in my life. I'm going to work things my way and I'm going to be the person I want to be.

trying to work on improving my diet, getting better

Things are getting better. Bit by bit, I'm feeling better about who I am. It's a small start, but a good one.

May 7, 2008 • difficult past few days, but getting by

I'm trying to start up my podcast again - we'll see how it goes