Today I am continuing my work on a Java-based desktop program for image compression, upload and assignment; upload and assignment are the goals for today.

A quick Google search returned http://www.nsftools.com/tips/JavaFtp.htm, which has been incremental in me completing this phase of my application. A big healthy dose of kudos goes out to Julian Robichaux for his great article.

Nick

I have been neglecting my gloating; better late than never.  The K-State at Salina SIFE [Students in Free Enterprise] team is a Regional Champion.  We traveled to Dallas, TX and competed against some of the best SIFE teams in the nation; and we climbed mountains.  OK, so I took that last line from our presentation; it still applies, though.

I have also been actively working on my freelance work.  I have partnered up with TrailsEnd Massage.  I am in charge of redoing their site content, as well as working on a top secret web programming assignment.  It has been a great pleasure working with Eric and Becca, and am extremely excited for the next 30 to 40 days.

Yay!  I graduate in the traditional four years, with two [fine, three] degrees.  If you are interested, it is May 9th, at the State Highway Patrol building, here in Salina, KS.

And last, but definitely not least, the biggest day of my life!  I am getting married!  The big day is May 26th, at 06:00pm.  We are looking forward to sharing the moment with all of our family and friends.  Love you, Natalie!

Nick

Well, as you have probably already noticed, I did not get around to posting in January.  Believe it or not, I was actually not around a computer all that much.

The first major event [from my last post] was that my fiancées [Natalie's] cold water pipe frooze and burst.  This ended up flooded half of her house, and required new carpet in one bedroom, the living room and new linoleum in the kitchen and bathroom.  Yay for insurance!  Of course, this had to happen two days before Christmas. Fortunately, aside from some minor things, nothing important was damaged.

The next order of business was my future sister-in-laws wedding, which took place on December 27th, 2008. I was a groomsmen for Luke in the wedding.

Next, Natalie and I traveled to Glenwood Springs, CO and did some skiing at Sunlight Mountain. It was only Natalie’s second time going, and her first time since elementary school, so it was a lot of re-learning for her.

Almost as soon as I got back from there, I jumped on a plane and headed over to Cairo, Egypt to visit the parents. While there, I saw the Pyramids in Giza, and the Khan el-Khalili, which is a market, Marassi and finally the Greco-Roman ruins and Bibliotheca Alexandria in Alexandria, Egypt.

Lastly, I stared school. My last semester; w00t! I will graduate with a BS in Computer Systems Technology and an AT in Web Development. Yay for computers!

Well, there you have it. I hope you enjoyed the read.

Nick

It is finally here, that is. Winter has hit Salina, KS with a snowy fist. As I write this, I find myself inside the cozy atmosphere of Mokas Coffee, watching a light snow decorate the sidewalk, like garland does a mantle.

Most people, of course, would be cursing the situation. Poor driving conditions, shoveling snow and wiping off their cars. These people, of course, completely misunderstand the current situation. Snow is like the hug of a mother or the kiss of a significant other. It was put on this wonderful earth to enjoy, not to regret. Sure it takes some extra time to get around; I guess it gives us an excuse to work on our time management skills. However, as one of my professors stated just today, “without winter, spring is pretty anti-climactic.”

Today, I challenge you. Quit your negative Nancy attitude, and get out and enjoy the fluffy stuff. Build a snowman, take the kids sledding, make a snow angel; whatever you do, enjoy it while you can. Because once spring begins, you will get to enjoy a whole new set of God’s gifts.

Nick