Charlie's Journal

New Bass

2008-12-08T00:14:32Z

Bought a new bass...Zon Sonus Special 5 string. Plays great -- very clean and deep tones.

It's certainly been a while...

2008-11-15T20:31:30Z

...since I last posted on this thing. Maybe I should just close it.

Anyways, life is busy. Working a lot of hours, too many. Not getting enough sleep, too little. Got ES practice tomorrow, looking forward to making some noise. We've pretty much decided to drop the previous Harvest Aorta incarnation, but are going to rerecord it with the new lineup. Maybe the original will make it on to some obscure limited archive release at some point, accompanied with the verbal bowel movements of Battema and the turd-tossing of O'Neill. (Mostly just checking to see if either of those two fools ever use livejournal anymore)

Emily is now a little over a year old. I can't believe it has been a year and how much she has changed in the past year. I'm pretty sure she is going to be a musician, or some sort of engineer. She love electronics, dances whenever music is on, and crawls over to my instruments and starts plucking the strings on my basses and guitar. She's an extremely curious and intelligent girl, always curious about how things work, and I'm amazed by her every day.

Dark Symphonies is reissuing Rain Fell Within's "Believe' this year and the Solemn Days album is accompanying it. We all put a lot of emotional time and effort into that band, one of the major things that tore it apart, so it's nice to see that Dark Symphonies still supports it and puts the effort in sparking interest into it.

The family and I are heading down to the Outer Banks for Thanksgiving. We rented an oceanfront house with my extended family and plan to spend a couple of days away from the DC area, just catching up and stuffing ourselves with food. Looking forward to it.

crgore @ 2008-06-14T19:38:00

2008-06-14T23:36:45Z

crgore @ 2008-01-21T15:38:00

2008-01-21T20:40:01Z

crgore @ 2007-07-22T14:30:00

2007-07-22T18:31:19Z

Well, I'm a homeowner now. My wallet is a lot lighter. Probably be moving to the new hood in late September.

crgore @ 2007-07-08T14:35:00

2007-07-08T18:47:33Z

Well, Vicky and I are heading towards closing on July 20th for a home. We made an offer on a place a little over a week ago and the seller made a counter-offer that was very reasonable, and much better than we expected, so we accepted. Already had the home inspection and agreed with the seller on the things she will fix before she moves, now all that's left is working out all the financial details with the bank so we can meet the closing date, decide on our home insurance, and other miscellaneous stuff.

It's in an area of Centreville called Westfields which is in between Rte 29 and Rte 50 just west of Rte 28. There is an elementary school about .4 miles from the place. It's a 3 level townhome with 3 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, a large rec area in the basement with a separate utility room, a deck out from the main level, and a stone patio outside of the walkout basement. The selling point of the place for me was the large rec area in the basement and decently sized living area on the main level. I will finally have a place for my musical equipment...killer, it has been years since I have been able to set things up and not be entirely crammed, or have to choose between things to keep in storage. For another thing, I'll have space for all my books and CDs which many have been in boxes for at least 2-3 years.

We agreed with the owner to allow her to rent back at least until Aug. 20th, maybe as late as Sept 20th, so by the time we move in and get settled, Vicky may be well on her way to give birth. Her due date is Nov 4th so I guess I will have to start working on the baby's room as soon as we move in there.

Round two begins...

2007-06-14T18:27:13Z

Vicky and I submitted an offer on a home last Saturday, however, we just withdrew it last night. We gave the seller 24 hours notice to respond but after waiting, and waiting, the listing agent finally told us that she was unable to get in touch with the seller to submit it. So, yesterday, we had our agent call their realtor and withdraw it. I pictured that transaction going on forever...From what i can tell, the owner may not have really wanted to sell the home. That townhouse was on the market as a short-sale option, which means that the owner has defaulted on his mortgage and the bank has agreed to the seller selling the home for less than is actually owed on the mortgage. If the owner can't sell the home in a certain time-frame, the home goes into foreclosure, however the seller is forgiven for the remainder owed on the mortgage (he does have to still pay taxes on that amount.) So really, it is a sweet deal for the seller and gives people with financial problems a way to get out of their mortgage without foreclosure. And also, it is a good deal for the buyer because typically the home is sold for less than the appraised value of the home. So, maybe the seller wants to go into foreclosure, I don't know...If he has already defaulted on his mortgage, he can pay nothing, live mortgage free until he is evicted and the bank takes the home...either way, we are done with that property.

After looking at a few more properties last night, we decided to submit an offer on another place we had visited three times. In fact, we first looked at this home prior to hiring our agent. It's also in Centreville, off of Stone Road. It's an older place, built in 1967, and has a huge yard next to a playground and an elementary school behind it. A bit more expensive...but we hope to get them down a bit. The contract should be submitted late this afternoon or early evening, and hopefully we will at least get a counter-offer.

Talking about expensive...I had to have some work done on my truck this week after I couldnt start it when trying to leave work on Monday...just got it back today.

I ended up leaving early from work yesterday, and taking off today to just get a grip on some of this financial crap...too many things happening at once.

I'm going to have...

2007-06-03T22:14:49Z

a baby girl.

Random update

2007-05-09T21:08:30Z

Considering I only have a few friends on livejournal.com anyways, most probably already know....Vicky and I have a little rascal on the way. It's still early so we dont know if it is a boy or girl yet. November 4th is the due date. And, no, Brian or John...it is not going to be a gorilla. Dickheads...

Busy times, ahead...

We were approved for a mortgage loan yesterday so we are going to start heading out with an agent that was recommended to us. We're still aiming on the Centreville, VA area but the places we have liked in that area have just been a little out of reach. Sucks...

Ephemeral Sun played two shows at the Artomatic Festival in Crystal City within the past month that went pretty well. The first show was our first with our new drummer, Jeff, and he held his own well. It had been a while since we had all played live so it was refreshing, but rusty. the second show was much better and I can tell we are coming together as a band more thoroughly.

New material is coming along and it may even be possible that we are ready to record again even before 'Harvest Aorta' is released. It's different, even a bit more fusion-esque, but not lacking the darker atmospheric bits that we have done with prior material.

Not too much scheduled for the summer, we might possibly try to pull together a showcase at Orion with another band or two dates are available. Brian and John have been doing a little leg work to find a photographer for some new promo pics. So much has changed in the band in the past year with members, none of the pics reflect the current lineup.

New Position

2007-02-22T22:29:29Z

Today began my transition to Systems Administrator. The plan is for me to spend about 4 hours a day training in the Operations department and then spend the remainder of the day supporting Information Assurance. It didn't quite work out as planned; I ended up only spending about 20 minutes total training for the new position due to support needs on the Security side. Oh well...I have a feeling this transition is going to move slower than I was hoping.

Last weekend I started digging through some boxes and found a box of CDs that I don't have space for on my shelf. I found some great stuff that I had forgotten about; most were old Doom and Metal releases for some reason I had not been listening to that frequently. So, I started getting nostalgic and listening to them. I can't wait until Vicky and I move to a new home so I get a larger media unit so I can have all my CDs displayed. These CDs have probably been in these boxes for two years by now and I noticed that some of the digipaks and slipcase packaging on some of the discs had some minor damage. I ended up ordering some mylar protective sleeves for all my CDs with some sort of custom packaging other than a standard jewel case. It was only $9.95 per packet of 100 so I ordered extra for the future. That's the problem with custom packaging. I consider myself a music collector and love custom packaging, but it is much easier to replace standard jewel case packaging than purchase a replacement for a digipak CD.

With the popularity of downloading music, the emphasis on good packaging and an attractive album cover is changing. There is one major benefit to this: we won't see as many retarded band pictures of a group of guys standing on railroad tracks, etc. It doesn't seem to me that the cost of purchasing a download of an album is appropriately decreased, but the ease of the consumer to purchase only specific songs is an added bonus. I just wonder if custom packaging will increase. I imagine there are just as many collectors out there that enjoy the packaging of an album for their favorite bands. I'm interested to see if this will happen.

Anyways, this made me think about how I want my CDs in good condition when I am an old fuck. My dad still digs through his record albums and I know he wished that he kept them in better shape over the years.

Plus, I want my kids or grandkids, if I ever have them, to look through my CDs and say, "Who the hell is Cannibal Corpse and Deicide?"

MCSE: Windows Server 2003

2007-02-19T17:37:01Z

Finally completed my MCSE, I took the last certification exam this morning. After a year of studying and taking a total of nine different exams (7 for the MCSE and 2 for the MCDST), I am feeling pretty good about it. I was pretty focused and dedicated to complete it, but I have to admit that my motivation started to dwindle after getting the MCSA (5 exams) and my determination to complete was probably stemming more from an intent on getting it over with, rather than an interest in furthering my professional development.

This marks the first milestone for me of 2007. My professional goals for this year were to earn this certification and complete my degree program. Right now I am taking two classes which I will complete in March. My final class begins in April and this will complete the degree requirements for my program by early June.

Goddamn it, finally. I'm looking forward to ending the degree program. Once I'm done in June, I'm going to sit back, relax, and enjoy the summer. I had too much going on last year. It's getting close to the time for a nice, extended break.

crgore @ 2007-01-09T21:58:00

2007-01-10T02:58:45Z

Out in Phoenix for the week for ISSO training.

Looking forward to coming home on Friday....

On Saturday night, Vicky and I saw "Children of Men". Excellent movie...go see it. I read somewhere the whole film was shot with a handheld. Not totally sure about that one...Anyone who has an interest in post-apocalyptic, natural disaster films, or semi-sci-fi should check it out. Definitely the best movie I have seen in a while.

Wedding Pictures

2006-11-15T01:40:37Z

More pictures at the following links:

http://gorewedding.shutterfly.com/action/?a=1QZtGLNm0YuXA

http://gorewedding.shutterfly.com/action/?a=1QZtGLNm0YuOg

Cats that look like Hitler

2006-07-29T14:36:21Z

I found this link on Vicky's myspace page this morning. Don't you love the internet?

http://www.catsthatlooklikehitler.com/

+/-

2005-10-27T02:49:31Z

"As soon as they considered that they were ready for the enterprise, they set fire to all their towns and to about 400 villages, as well as all their private buildings. All the corn, except what they were to carry with them, they reduced to ashes--so once the hope of returning home was removed they would be the more ready to undergo dangers of all kinds."

Been feeling the urge recently.

DONE

2005-08-08T19:42:31Z

Blah. Blah. Blah. THE END.

Time to move again

2005-01-18T02:10:42Z

Two weeks from today Vicky and I will be in our new apartment with her sister. I spent a large portion of the weekend packing and getting things together for the move. Today, my parents and I filled up our cars with some furniture Vicky and I knew we were not going to have space for and moved it back to their house for storage. I wish we had gotten rid of some of that stuff earlier on; the less I have, the less shit I have to keep up with. Feels good. It's going to be tight with the three of us, but I am actually looking forward to it and the money we save will be worth it. We still have a lot to do for this move so the rest of this month will be hectic.

Started class this past week, so another portion of my weekend was spent studying. I'm only taking CIS 105, Computer Information Systems, so it is mostly stuff I already know, reinforcing some vocabulary terms and jargon. Not too demanding on content, but I had to read 169 pages which took a little discipline.

On Friday evening, Vicky got a call from her father saying that he was coming down to visit her for the weekend. Most of her weekend ended up being spent with him. This was the first time I had met him. He lives up in Pittsburgh and does not make it down very often.

It was a pretty quiet weekend even though I got a lot of things done. Enjoyed a good couple hours each day lounging at my parents, playing with Dante, and listening to good music.

It was a rough year

2005-01-09T21:02:53Z

It was a rough year, and, damn, it went by fast. Lots happened. This year has started in the same fashion. Vicky and I will be moving in with her sister on Jan 31st so we are just starting to get things sorted, organized, and packed. We have lots of useless shit that I hope we end up discarding. The past two years are almost a blur, between graduating from college, switching jobs, new band, now moving for a second time. I cant believe so much has happened and how quickly.

I know it is a little late but I thought I would throw out my new year's resolutions on the journal so I can look back at it next year. There are some other goals but I dont feel like sharing all.

1. Lose weight, become more healthy (yes, the usual)
2. Find a job that I dont mind getting up in the morning to do
3. Take steps to purchasing a home
4. Eliminate my debt
5. Spend more time with family
6. Release another Ephemeral Sun CD
7. Purchase an upright bass
8. Enjoy my short time on this planet

Broken Door

2004-12-16T18:56:02Z

Our CD is finally pressed and in our hands. It should be up online for sale by the end of the weekend for all four of our fans. The artwork turned out real nice. Promotion time...

I've spent the past couple of days racing around like a jackass for my job. Christmas has crossed my mind a few times, but I still havent bought any presents.

Its been a crazy week.

2004-12-08T21:54:55Z

A shitload has been happening this week. Vicky and my application was approved to move into a new apartment complex in Herndon. So, at the end of January, we will have to have all our shit over to this new place where we will be living with her sister. Its a nicer, more modern apartment, and I dont believe this apartment's ventilation system circulates the smell of the plumbing system. That will be refreshing. Vicky and I are going to do what they do on that show where they throw all their crap in a pile, and get to salvage one item. I'm lloking forward to it. We will have about half the space that we have in our current apartment, but we will both be saving about $200 each month.

Work sucks. Nothing new.

The CD should be delivered the week before Christmas. Can't wait for that. We played an intimate little gig for the DC-Soar community members this past weekend, which went better than I expected, considering we havent practiced much in the past few weeks.

Starting school in January. Havent decided yet on how many classes but will decide in the next few days. Too much shit to do.

crgore @ 2004-11-21T21:04:00

2004-11-22T02:29:35Z

Thank goodness, this will be a short week for work, with the Thanksgiving holiday coming up. Early Thursday morning, my parents and I will be packing up and driving to South Carolina to spend the week(end) with my Uncle Warren and Aunt Carole. It should be a good time, I havent seen them since last Thanksgiving, and my uncle's health has not been the best the past year or so. There is not much to do down there, especially since it is a holiday weekend, so I imagine I will go watch a movie, drink beer, and sleep. Sounds satisfying to me...maybe if I am feeling productive I will get caught up on some of my past due cases.

Practice was decent enough on Saturday. We sounded better than last week, but we still need to improve for the DC-Soar gathering we are hosting December 4th. I was very drained on Saturday, not quite sure what my problem was, just burnt out I guess. John provided us copies of the indexed CD and plans to mail it to DiscMakers on Monday. So, it should be manufactured and in our grubby hands by Christmas. John did a great job on the artwork and I am looking forward to how it translates as a final product. We all worked very hard on this CD, so congrats to us all.

Vicky, her mom, John, and I had Thai food Saturday evening and then we went to watch "The Incredibles". What a great movie. Very well done. I caught the preview of "Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events" and I'm looking forward to its release as well. The last couple of movies Jim Carey has been involved in have all been entertaining for me.

Things are going to be busy in the next couple of months with the holidays and other changes. Vicky and I will be moving in the end of January to another apartment with her sister (assuming everything works with the lease transfer). It will be a smaller apartment, but will be more modern. Vicky and I will need to "condense" our belongings some and probably store some furniture at my parents for a while. The rent will be cheaper while having a roommate which should allow us to save more money. I may be able to afford to go back to school also by moving here. We will see...

crgore @ 2004-11-08T21:06:00

2004-11-09T02:30:58Z

Well, the word is that Brian and John finally finished up the mastering Sunday evening after I left and seem satisfied with it. So, once the artwork and packaging is complete, this fucker will be manufactured. It would certainly be a treat to have this released by Thanksgiving. Those are high hopes of course. Until the new year, our practice schedule will most likely not be as consistent as it was over the summer due to the holidays and family gatherings and such. We should have plenty of time to organize shows for the early part of the year, and start promoting this release to zines, radio, and maybe a few labels and distros as well. I knew the album was hitting an hour in length, but John told me today that it has surpassed 70 minutes.

I visited Tower Records tonight and picked up the Dead Can Dance tribute CD "The Lotus Eaters" that ES was featured on with our version of "Avatar". The packaging is spectacular; I guess that is why the label never sent us copies. It had to cost them a nice chunk of change, and they probably have a lot of cost to recoup. Oh well, I'm glad to have obtained a copy for my collection.

Of all things, I was listening to RFW's "Solemn Days" last night. I forgot how long ago that was, sheesh. Good ol Sardonious...where is that guy now?

crgore @ 2004-11-01T17:14:00

2004-11-01T22:46:53Z

This past weekend was nice, just too short as usual. I wasn't that busy today, but for some reason I am just exhausted. Mentally, I'm thoroughly exhausted, and I doubt it is going to lighten up this week. There has been so much on my mind and so much that has been demanding my time in the past few weeks, between my job, band things, thoughts about going back to school, possibly having to find a new apartment. The pay cut I took for this god-forsaken job is starting to hurt as well, plus there have been so many additional expenses so far this Fall that I am struggling to stay above the ol' finances. These various thoughts and stresses have been taking their toll on me for months now. I'm ready for a break.

In a positive light, the ES debut is sounding damn good. Brian and John have been putting in extra hours to get this shit done; kudos goes to them. We are attempting to finish this weekend and I will be glad to get this thing pressed, have the expense behind me, and start promoting all hell out of this release.

Laz, Vicky and I watched the movie "Saw" over the weekend. What a waste of time...dont bother going to the theater, just wait till its on DVD if you really want to see it. Its kind of on the level of "Monsturd"; except not as thought-provoking or entertaining.

I drank a little too much on Saturday evening. Vicky's buddies had a Halloween/Birthday party and John and I made our way over there. John reminded me that his true nature as a Pussy was what I had always expected. I may still be recovering from that slight binge.

Tomorrow is my Mom's birthday, as well as election day, so I will be taking her out after work for dinner. I have to figure out when I am going to head out and put in my vote.

Peace out, honkeyz.

Orion

2004-10-24T15:30:07Z

Last night's show went really well. It was a very positive experience in so many ways. ES had not played out since last November. It was about time we played again, and the venue was perfect. Orion Studios is a combination of a recording studio, about thirty rehearsal spaces, and an intimate room with a stage for small performances. For years, they have had musical showcases specfically for prog and art-rock and have a pretty strong reputation and involvement in these communities. To be honest, I didnt quite know what to expect about this show, but it turned out excellent. The head honcho of Orion, Mike, gave us about a half hour soundcheck, personalized the monitor mixes, and was very receptive to our needs. Not to mention, he was just cool and we were able to hang around and bullshit with him prior and after the show. The audience was laid back, very interested in the music and the scene. I could tell that a lot of these people were regulars at Orion and part of that musical community in Baltimore, MD. It was fun, and I am willing to play that venue anytime, with anyone. It was incredibly refreshing to play in front of a mature audience, dedicated to progressive and experimental music. ES was right at home. Good times!

crgore @ 2004-10-18T08:53:00

2004-10-18T12:53:30Z

Happy Birthday, Vicky!