original picture:

edited picture:

sketch of original:


website this picture was edited for:
http://glen.silvernight.org/websites/OME/

|^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^]
|...BEER TRUCK.........] '|']";,__.
|_..._..._______===|=||_|__|.., ]-
"(@)'(@)"""''"**|(@)(@)*****''(@)

A DIFFERENT LOOK:
When someone says they are true to you they mean they are loyal.
Being loyal entails standing steadfast by the people and beliefs you hold without exemption. Truth, then, is holding to idea's without exemption. The motive behind this decision, whether fact or faith, is irrelevant. Truth is a bond between you and what you believe. It is a relationship. It can tease you. It can break you.

As my last post indicates, I have decided to quit my job and go to school full time instead of taking night classes. It took a lot to come to this conclusion. I've always been against the idea of living off student loans for myself because It's too big of a risk. $25,000 a year for four years. And if I don't graduate and or don't get a kick ass job I just put myself $100,000.00 in debt for nothing. So I'm a bit nervous. I really think I can make it work though. If I just have enough time to study I can do anything.

So now I've filled out FAFSA, applied at UTD, looked into apartments on and off campus nearby, priced child-care in the area, registered to take SAT and THEA tests. THEA is tomorrow!! SAT is June 3. Semester starts July 1. Everything depends on how much if anything I can get in loans and grants though. I'm really nervous about that and I can't get any answers until all these other things play out and time gets closer and closer. I might wind up knowing I will get the money 10 days before class starts and have to move and everything at the last minute. It could be even later than that. I don't know what to do about that, but I'll just have to wait and see.

I hate my job right now. I can't get away from the in-laws and office dramas. I work with my wife's dad and sister and I work at my bosses house on the weekend- which I REALLY hate. I need to get away from all that. No more depending on Staci's parents (and giving them a foot-hold to manipulate us) for anything.

Everything lately has been bugging the shit out of me. I'm also 2 weeks away from finishing this semester, but I am a little behind, and that is really stressing me out too.

I hope this works.

For the past four years I have been working my way through college in the Dallas Community College District at the daunting pace of one to two night/weekend courses per semester while holding two jobs totally 50 hours per week and raising my two year old son. Through all this I have managed to complete my Programmer/Software Developer Certificate (28 credit hours) with a 4.0 GPA. Every instructor along the way has pointed me out as a high achiever. Any one of them will give an excellent review if contacted. I am highly motivated to become a software engineer. I love programming, and computers in general, and I will devote whatever efforts it takes to make that my career.

At this point in my life I am ready to take the next step in achieving this goal. My plan is to give up the secure, but dead-end, job I have had at Wilson Plywood and Door the past four years and go to UTD full time for a Bachelors degree in Software Engineering. I will have to supplement this income with student loans, so this puts a lot of pressure on me to succeed.

In addition to computer science, I have many extracurricular activities I could contribute to at UTD. These include art, music, electronics, and robotics. I have over 12 years experience playing violin in grade school orchestra and ensembles. I also play guitar and piano now. I was a member of the art club my junior year and was accepted into W.E. Griner Arts Academy 7th grade based on advanced drawing skills. I participated in B.E.S.T. (Better Educating Science Technology) - a division of the Science Club that builds robots to compete during my sophomore and junior years. Our team of about 10 members won 7th and 14th out of about 40 schools the two years I participated.

I have been invited to join Phi Theta Kappa and plan to do so pending admission fees and induction ceremony.

Thank you for considering me for admission to UTD. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to grow with UTD over the next four years.
-Glen Allen Bland

(How cheesy was that)

A lot has happened without any LJ posts lately.
A close friend of mine lost his wife and kids who recently left him and the state. The divorce is in progress and he is not taking it very well. As well as any wood, but still bad. I've been spending a lot of time with him and a lot more time with my wife and I've fallen behind in school. I've been catching up rapidly, but it's a lot of work and balancing time for everything has been tricky. I'm also addicted to World of Warcraft! More on that later. Ok, now. I'm actually about to start a new character with some friends from my wife's work. I have never spoken to them, but they sound like people I would like to know. So that's kind of cool.
I did study some today. 2 hours of reading. I work full time also.

This Saturday should be interesting. I have people wanting me to go to Scarborough Fair with them, others who want me to go to a party. My wife wants me to stay and meet the friends I will be playing with online tonight and play over a LAN in our apartment. My boss wants me to do yard work for him. and it's Easter weekend, so I should do something with my parents and sister. I also really need to get more work for school done.

My DSL has been disconnected since last Friday due to a billing issue paid Monday and was not activated until just today (Thursday). That hasn't helped for homework, or WoW time. But all is good again.
I made it to payday and only spent $20 all week, food and all. Anyway, I'm boring.

My first Blog with firefox Performancing extension.

It is far past time for me to make a career move. I want to be a programmer. I've been going to college for 4 years to do so, and have finaly achieved something worth showing for it. certification as a software developer and another as a pc technician. I still feel like I need a lot to appeal to any employers, but it is something at least. With every passing year I get older and gain no professional work experience towards programming the harder it will be to hit any level past entry, if that. So, I made a resume on Monster.com. I'm making a portfolio of programs I can show to employers. I want to start with all new programs designed to show the most functionality in the simplest ways. Most of the stuff I made for my classes is either way below what I can really do, silly, impractical, sloppy, incomplete, or corrupt.
So here's the plan for now:

*make a C++ console application usable through DOS or Windows that uses
-object oriented classes,
-multi-file compilation,
-inheritance,
-polymorphism,
-virtual overrides,
-Win32 API calls for multi-colored text and ASCII symbols in DOS just for show,
-file Input/Output,
-user Input/Output,
-string manipulation,
-dynamic memory allocation, and
-code reusability/neatness.

*make a Visual Basic (6.0 or .NET) Windows application that uses
-MDI/Child forms,
-toolbar/status bar,
-many different controls,
-interactive help,
-common dialog controls,
-validation code,
-File I/O
-non-rectangular forms (skinnable),
-clipboard access,
-integrated browser,
-integrated Word Doc,
-integrated Access database,
-integrated Excel spreadsheet

*DirectX programming
-implement a DirectX visual/audio interactive environment
-use Win API calls to initiate
-use DirectX SDK calls
-use multi-threading
-create a "push to screen" style buffer within a pre-draw/test/draw loop
-possibly use Aran Jet SDK calls for much more advanced effects
(Aran Jet is an open source 3D video-game engine designed with C++, WinAPI, OpenGL, and DirectX)

*make an ActiveX control in Visual Studio.NET and use it in VB, and in C++ to show portability

*make a batch file system cleanup program with menu.

*use/make an installer file for portability to machines without runtime.dll's, DirectX.dll's, etc. (install as needed with preferences)

*use XML and Java within a C++ or VB Windows application.

*make a program that uses TCP/IP, INET, IMAPPI calls for network and internet interactivity.

(Now I'm just rambling.) I just think knowing I have proof of these skills in a professional form will give me the confidence to insist I'm the perfect man for the job with absolutely no real world work experience. everyone has to start somewhere though.

Tags: programming, skills

GREAT site for internet tech information:
http://portforward.com

Whew! That was kind of tricky.
I just forwarded ports used by eMule from my router to my 'now' static IP address (I have to go dynamic away from home and static when using eMule). I then had to forward the same ports from my modem's firewall to my router. And Then had to open the ports 'trigger' in Window's firewall and my primary software firewall. I did that in the wrong order previously and it didn't work. modem will not recognize router if router isn't forwarded first. Not to mention that the modem has to be 'bridged' to the router.

But it works, so enough tech talk for now.
ok I lied- I have to enable WEP encryption (or possibly some other form) and secure my wireless signal with a password and encryption key.
This should be fun...

I'm officially done with this semester. I got 434 points out of 435, which equals 100 or 4.00. It was an easy but intriguing course - PC operating systems. I learned how all parts of the operating system work in more detail than I would have ever looked into on my own. Process management, processors, cash, memory, virtual memory, buffers, overflows, dreadlocks, leaks, hardware, security, networking, device management, unix, linux, Windows, DOS, AS400, encryption, spoofing, sniffing, phishing, and 900 pages more. I read the whole book front to back probably could have skimmed and skipped around because I am a nerd and I love it.

I met a lot of cool people at Denny's where I did most of my studying. Now I even hang out with some of them away from Denny's. Big Mike and Little Mike have been joining us for game night at Matt's Saturdays. Little Mike played pool with me and John on my birthday and Matt #2 may join us and the Mikes for a no money poker tournament Dave told me about Mondays.

All these friends just from going out and studying.

Now I have to pay the second half of tuition for this semester and the first half for next semester. I don't know how, but it'll work out.

So, with that I have completed my software developer certification and I move on to.. to either pc technician or programmer associates, or several overlapping degrees/certifications. none the less my next class will most likely be networking.

Speaking of which, I just got a wireless router and pci nic for my birthday. I set up the nic and detected 7 internet connection from my apartment. 2 were very strong signals and un-secure, so I logged on for a while to test it before installing my own connection with the wireless router. That was just a tiny bit tricky since it had to be bridged through another firewalled modem, but nothing staci, paul, and I couldn't figure out. (I'm sure any one of the three of us could have done it, but were all wanted in on the fun).

Staci had to go out and get herself a wireless nic to use it with me. So we're both typing away on our laptops right now in bed. Did I mention we were nerds?

I've found a new outlet to clear my mind and unwind from everything lately. I've been going to dollar movies by myself late at night. There's usually only about four other people. It's quit, peaceful, and entertaining. Well it's quite before the movie. I just have so much going on all the time That's really the only time I can be by myself. I can listen to whatever music I want on the way. Sometimes I just sit in the parking lot all by myself.
I've been doing my homework at Denny's by myself and that's kind of the same thing, but with work.

My course is going very well. I'm learning a lot and having fun. I'm excited that this is the last course I need for my software development certification and that I will have finished it with a 4.0 gpa. I've been reading chapters on my lunch breaks and doing offline work at Dennys. I do all my online work on the weekend. It's very relaxing to get away and focus on something that will benifit me. Although at times I stress about getting stuff done on time, I've made it so far.
For those that don't know, this is an online class registered with a community college. I'm taking it while working 45 hours/week at one job, and working landscaping for 4-5 hours on the weekend. I also take care of my son a lot, so I hardly have any time. Which is why I don't post often. I've also been depressed a lot more than anyone wants to hear about. All kinds of shit going on there, but I'm not comfortable sharing that stuff. So I've just been quit a lot. Some of you may have seen a few posts that would worry most people. I'm sorry for those. I should probably be taking something for that, but I never act on emotion. I usually just go to sleep and wake up ready to do it all again.

BREATH

To format or not to format; that is the question.
I have cracked every program I could possibly want and gathered all kinds of useful things. not to mention my own program files, art, documents. all together 40 gigs maxed out. I have 200MB left and seriously need to do something about it. My computer runs a little slower than it would with a clean start, but it's tolerable. The question really is do I want to downgrade from Visual Studios.NET 2004 to 2002. I bought 2002, then upgraded through loan of a college set in another county to 2005. no longer an option. I there are a few other things I no longer have the setup.exe for, but that one is the most important. Another big big factor... I am really big on customizing windows. I have replaced systems files and functionality; reg hacked, altered system scripts, images- and of course that will all be gone. On the other hand I'm constantly changing it anyway. It would just take more time.
If only I had an external USB hard-drive with 300GB or something huge. I could partition it several times and never have to worry about this again. I could run a "clean" version of winXP pro on one partition, customized on another, .NET'ifized' on another, maybe even Unix/Linux/AS400 just to learn it for my resume. I could save all temporary file to yet another partition, permanent files to another, and have a blank one for buffer space- useful when burning dvds. The last partition would be to back up any of the others for formatting. It would be perfect. I'd probably look into being my own server or even selling/giving server space. and it would only cost ~150-200$. in other words maybe, m a y b e with income tax refund.

I started my online class through a community college yesterday. The last class I need to finish my software developer/programmer assistant certification. PC Operating Systems. yes, I did save the easiest for last. I've taken 4 programming courses, database, and web design and still have a 4.0. This class should be nothing if not a minor inconvenience of time I hope. I would have taken another online class that would continue into my next certification for PC Technician like Networking or Hardware, but I couldn't come up with enough money. and even two easy courses can become quit aggravating with a 45 hour/week job and watching a one year old alone in the evenings.
On another note I've started playing Rise of Nations over a LAN with two friends lately. and when I'm alone, not doing homework, making art or whatever, I've been playing Xenosaga.
I have a few ideas for altered images, but they will take a little longer and my last few evenings have been preoccupied.

I found another person who posts great pictures. Todays altered image was made possible by photography from 6why Hope you like it.

Before


After


I promise I'll move on from flowers soon. I'm working on a few other things right now.

This is another altered image inspired by photography from gypsy_soul.

Before


After

more altered images. The original to this one was photographed by gypsy_soul and titled "Peace" I love it just the way it is, but looking at it I kept seeing a flame-like shape and got curious. the result:

Before


After

01. Name: Glen
02. Age: 23
03. Where on earth do you live: Dallas, Texas
04. What makes you happy: making great art or music
05. What have you been listening to lately: mostly alternative rock
06. Do you enjoy reading my LJ: yes
07. If so, why: you inspire me. you get me past that blank page phobia.
08. Interesting fact about you: I spread my talents out to thin to make a living with any of them, yet people think I'm good at everything. I see myself as a failure.
09. Are you in love at the moment: yes (pthalostars)
10. Favorite destination: lizzard lounge (club)
11. Favorite quote: "and if the only way to you was down, I'd willingly drown to find you there"
12. Will you post this in your LJ: only since you asked ;-)