"February Rain"

It rained today. Wet drizzly rain. Not the prettiest of days.

Tomorrow, though, should be brighter. I'm heading into snow. A few inches actually. I'm taking the bus up to visit Kelli in Brillion. I'll be spending the weekend with her, hanging out with new friends, and then coming back down to the grind of work here in Milwaukee. It should be a fun. A little adventure even! Stick around, and I'll tell you all about it.

Until then, though, have a wonderful weekend. Stay dry (and warm)!

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:05 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Wisdom of the Day"

"What do you first do when you learn to swim? You make mistakes, do you not? And what happens? You make other mistakes, and when you have made all the mistakes you possibly can without drowning -- and some of them many times over -- what do you find? That you can swim? Well, life is just the same as learning to swim! Do not be afraid of making mistakes, for there is no other way of learning how to live!"

- Alfred Adler

posted by Jon at 4:21 PM  I   I  0 comments

"T-Shirt Thursday: Actor T-shirts"

In an effort to show off some of my popular (or new) t-shirts, artwork, and gift ideas exclusive to my online store, Jon Baas Designs, I've decided to feature a few of them here on my blog every Thursday. I call it, "T-Shirt Thursday". Feel free to comment, and enjoy!

Today's Featured Designs:
(click on each image to see available products)


More T-shirts & Gifts: .... Actor T-shirts & Gifts .... Occupation Tees

And for those of you who like to shop good deals, here's a coupon code available only to my readers. Feel free to use it at my store for special discounts!

Save $5 When You Spend $50 Or More!
Coupon Code: CLUNGHEIGHT -- (Expires: Mar 01, 2009)
Enter this code at checkout

Have a wonderful Thursday everyone!

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 1:24 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Baseball Begins"

Today was the first game of spring training for the Milwaukee Brewers -- the start of the exhibition season. In other words, baseball is just around the corner! Milwaukee's regular season starts on April 7th, against the Giants in San Francisco.

Also, the second World Baseball Classic begins on March 5 in Japan.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 7:46 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Odd Moment of the Day"

Earlier this afternoon I stopped at a local grocery store. Since I was taking the bus home, I wanted to check the time and coordinate that with my bus schedule. As I came up to the check-out line, the cashier announced the total sale for the person ahead of me... $106.32. At that same moment, I glanced at the computer screen by the register. The time read: 1:06:32.

How weird is that.

UPDATE: - (Thursday, 12:23 AM)
And yes, I saw both numbers on the screen concurrently. $106.32 and 1:06:32. :)

-Jon
posted by Jon at 4:33 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Quote of the Day"

"Never lose your childish innocence. It's the most important thing."
-- Lindsay Duncan, (as Katherine in "Under the Tuscan Sun")

-Jon
posted by Jon at 6:49 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Kaycee, Kelli, and the Titanic"

This past weekend, Kelli's friend, Kaycee, drove up from Michigan (to Brillion) for a visit. The two of them were enjoying a long weekend break (aka, vacation), and on Friday, they came back down here to Milwaukee to spend some of it with me.

In the afternoon, the three of us went downtown to the Milwaukee Public Museum to see the acclaimed Titanic Artifact Exhibition. It featured artifacts, relics, and other items brought up from the Titanic -- two and half miles below the the Atlantic Ocean. There were stories and eye-witness accounts collected from the 2,228 passengers, photographs of those onboard, and even a 3,000 pound section of the ship's hull itself. It was a very moving experience (especially for someone like myself who has a fascination with the subject), and one well worth the time and money to go see.

After we finished touring the exhibit, the three of us walked around the rest of the museum for a bit. We took in the Streets of Old Milwaukee exhibit, twenty-five shops, businesses, and eating/drinking establishments recreated in the form of a darkened gas-lit street from the past (a favorite exhibit of mine). And we strolled through the Puelicher Butterfly Wing, a lush tropical garden featuring hundreds of live exotic butterflies in flight. Also quite fascinating!

By the evening, Kaycee and Kelli had checked into their hotel room, and we hung out there for a while, until a sleepy Kelli returned me to my apartment for the night.

On Saturday, the three of us went shopping. The women were looking for clothing sales at a local department store (pre-Spring clearance!), and I got to be their male perspective. They later turned the tables, however, and much to their joy, decided to dress me as well (which turned out to be a lot of fun!). In the end, I went home with a few fashionable items as well -- all of which were picked out by my lovely female companions.

With our afternoon of shopping concluded, I returned to my apartment, and the girls headed north again, back up to Brillion. Kelli doesn't have to teach on Monday, and Kaycee plans to stay there until Tuesday evening, before returning east to Michigan.

This coming weekend, the tables turn again, and this time I get to be the one traveling. I'm hopping the bus up to Manitowoc, waiting around for a few hours until Kelli gets done teaching, and then spending the weekend with her in Brillion. Meeting her fellow faculty, a few of her curious kindergarten students, and other assorted activities are on the agenda, so it should be another fun weekend. And, as usual, I'll probably write a little recap when I return then too.

All-in-all, hanging out Kelli and Kaycee, visiting the Titanic, watching butterflies, and playing dress-up with the girls.... great fun! Now a new week begins. More work, more business as usual. At the end of it, though, I'll be right back where I started -- with Kelli. And that makes me smile.

Have a wonderful new week all, and until next time,

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 4:52 PM  I   I  0 comments

"A Weekend With Kelli"

I am currently spending the weekend with Kelli and her friend down here in Milwaukee. Posting will resume later this weekend, with a possible recap as well.

So, stay tuned, enjoy your Saturday, and until then,

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 9:51 AM  I   I  0 comments

"Happy Birthday Jon!"

Today I am 29.

According to the Birthday Calculator:

- My date of conception was on or about 28 May 1979.
- I was likely born on a Monday.
- I am 348 months old.
- I am 1,513 weeks old.
- I am 10,593 days old.
- My birthstone is Amethyst

- In 1980 there were approximately 3.6 million births in the US.
- In 1980 the US population was approximately 226,545,805 people.
- The year 1980 was a leap year.

I haven't done a whole lot in celebration today. For the most part, I was hanging out by myself. I did a little work, got caught up on the episodes of "LOST" that I've missed, and took a nap. Most of my celebrating was over this past weekend when my Kelli was visiting. I did, however, receive a great many wonderful birthday greetings today on Facebook, a few fun digital e-cards, a surprise gift from my roommate of four expansion packs to the game "The Sims2" (whoohooo!), and a wonderful homemade card from my little cousin, Mary.

So, all-in-all, it was just a rather relaxing day. No errands, no major distractions, just me, my computer, my imagination, and my pillows. Not a bad birthday if you ask me. And tomorrow, Kelli has a friend from Michigan visiting her, so she'll be back down here in Milwaukee (so her friend can meet me). It should prove to be an equally enjoyable weekend as well.

To all of you who have sent me birthday cards or greetings, thank you. I enjoyed them all, and am honored to have you as friends. Have a beautiful evening, and until next time,

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 7:10 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Valentine's Weekend"

This past weekend my Kelli came down for a visit. We watched a few movies, enjoyed the ventriloquist comedy of Jeff Dunham, talked, and shared the simple romance of our engagement. She even treated me to lunch at Red Lobster (as both a Valentine's Day and birthday treat). And, as the weekend transpired, I discovered even more about her (which only increased the already unassailable degree to which I am captivated!). And by the time she left my apartment yesterday evening, I could only think one thing: "Wow! I get to marry that girl! How cool is that!" :)

Yes, I think it's safe to say that this was the best Valentine's Day I've ever experienced. It was simple, heartfelt, and deeply comforting. And although the future may not always be roses, it will be full of faith, determination, hope... and love. But the greatest of these, is love.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:06 AM  I   I  0 comments

"Klingon Night School"

Here's a short little film celebrating the wonderful gifts that (Klingon) teachers give to their students... and all of society as well. Klingon Night School, Directed by Gord McWatters. Posted in honor of Kelli (a teacher). Enjoy! ... [video]

-Jon
posted by Jon at 1:48 AM  I   I  0 comments

"Flowers2Mail"

It's almost Valentine's Day. So, why not send a virtual bouquet of flowers to someone you love. Pick a vase, drag the flowers into the vase, write a short message, and send. Have fun!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 1:02 AM  I   I  0 comments

"12 Fantastic Photos of Factories in Japan"

There's just something fascinating about how city lights interact with the dark of night. And these beautiful oil refinery photos prove it: the surreal colors, the dazzling lights, smoke billowing through air. They conjure up images of strange, enormous, metallic creatures of the night resting peacefully on a quiet alien landscape.

Gorgeous pictures. Take a peek, and enjoy!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:12 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Crossing a Continent"

Here's something neat for your Monday. It's a time-lapse journey through the Panama Canal -- from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean -- onboard a cruise ship. Lots of cargo ships, beautiful scenery, and fog. Happy travels! ... [video]

-Jon
posted by Jon at 2:19 AM  I   I  0 comments

"Saturday in Review"

Up early. Went with Scott to check out 7 Mile Fair (a well-known SE Wisconsin flea market). Stepped gingerly through puddles of melting snow. Drove through Union Grove, WI -- the country town I grew up in. A lot has changed in ten years. Returned to Milwaukee. Visited Goodwill (one of Scott's favorite stores). Came back home. Feeling a bit under the weather. Took a three-hour nap. Had some very strange (yet enjoyable) dreams. Awoke. Did a little computer work. Talked to Kelli on the phone. Watching a movie while eating a late dinner. Heading to bed after.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:48 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Nice Weather, Plenty of Sun"

Today's high temperature: 53F ... aka, a very nice day! A record, actually. The last time Milwaukee reached 50 degrees on February 7th, was in 1987, and that was 22 years ago. The normal temperature for today is usually around 23F.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:56 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Friday in Review"

Helped move a refrigerator into the first floor apartment of an old house downtown. Took the old (now replaced) fridge to the municipal dump. Had lunch at a Greek restaurant. Enjoyed a tasty gyro. Helped replace a few florescent light fixtures at my old apartment buildings. Came home. Napped. Talked to Kelli in the phone for a while. Had dinner. Going to bed shortly.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:52 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Movie Friday: "Sweet Dreams"

Another Friday, another movie. This week my selection is titled, "Sweet Dreams".

This cute little stop motion video (created using veggies, fruits, and sweet snacks) tells the story of a cupcake who dreams of sailing away on an adventure, and leaving his solitary life behind. Created by Kirsten Lapore, it's a 10 minute film, but very entertaining. Give it a watch, and enjoy!

Have a wonderful weekend all!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:28 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Kodachrome Images From WW2"

I came across a neat little collection of old WW2 photos this morning, and thought you might like to take peek. They were shot with Kodachrome film back in the early 1940's, yet despite their age, they look like crisp color photos taken just yesterday. Beautiful stuff! Enjoy!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 9:15 AM  I   I  0 comments

"Explore The Ocean With Google Earth"

Earlier this week Google released Google Earth 5.0, with a new ocean-based upgrade. Now you can dive beneath the surface and visit the deepest parts of the ocean. You can explore with top marine experts, learn about ocean observations, climate changes, and endangered species. You can even investigate shipwrecks -- all from the comfort of your own home. Pretty cool, huh!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 9:14 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Quote of the Day"

In honor of... Scott, my best friend and roommate, with whom I shared this wonderful evening; Carrie, whose kindred spirit has taught me deep perseverance in love and friendship; and Kelli, my dear fiance, with whom I look forward to sharing the rest of my life.

"We are friends, and I do like to pass the day with you in serious and inconsequential chatter. I wouldn't mind washing up beside you, dusting beside you, reading the back half of the paper while you read the front. We are friends, and I would miss you, do miss you, and think of you often."
-- Jeanette Winterson

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:41 PM  I   I  0 comments

"NEWS: I'm Engaged!"

Yes, it's official, I, Jon Baas, am engaged! Exactly one month ago today (January 2, 2009), I proposed to my girlfriend Kelli, and she "yes". There were some happy kisses and joyful smiles involved... but I won't go into that right now. Needless to say, in a year and a half (sometime during the summer of 2010), I will be marrying a beautiful kindergarten teacher, and moving from Milwaukee up to the small town of Brillion, WI (near Appleton). After that, a whole new chapter begins, and one that I'll have the honor of sharing... with my wife!

Stay tuned. Kelli and I chose to hold off on making this public right away, however, now that it's out, look to hear more in the days and months to come. I've never been married before, so, for me, this is pretty exciting stuff. Feel free to follow along. My adventure starts here!

Have a wonderful Monday all! And until next time,

Your newly engaged, happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 6:12 AM  I   I  0 comments

"Internet Game: White Jigsaw"

If you like puzzles, you'll love this little internet game. "White Jigsaw", as it's called, starts out easy, but every time you complete one of the all-white puzzles, you get another one with even more pieces. And, from the looks of it, you could be playing for hours (just make sure you're not supposed to be doing something else). Have fun, and enjoy!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 12:32 AM  I   I  0 comments

"Styles Of Pepsi"

When it comes to soft drinks (known as "soda" here in Wisconsin), I'm a fan of Pepsi. It's probably the brand I drink most often. I did not know, however, that there are so many types of Pepsi. Coca-Cola, by comparison, only has 15 types, 9 of which are still in production.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:44 PM  I   I  0 comments

"News On Your Computer"

In 1981, it was pretty exciting to think about the possibility of getting news on your computer. Now, 28 years later, you'd be hard-pressed to find a newspaper that doesn't have a flashy online version. Yep. We've come a long way. ... [video]

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:13 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Ten Simple Things We Should All Say More Often"

How many words do you speak during a day? The average figure is 16,000. And even then, much of what we say can be meaningless chit-chat, brisk, necessary exchanges, or even angry rants.

Here are ten things that we could all do with saying more often. The positive impact they can have on your mood and your day is pretty dramatic.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:41 PM  I   I  0 comments