I AM ALIVE!
So, let's cut to the chase me droogies. Yes, I am alive.
On Monday April 26th I was travelling north on Texas 281 from Boerne, driving my 1997 Nissan Altima GXE. Monday evening I was to get together with Fedaykin and Rentz in Dallas. I left Boerne about 9:00, later stopping in Marble Falls for a bite to eat. Later, 2:00pm, I stopped at a picnic area outside of Hamilton for some munchies and then travelled further north. So there I was driving 70 mph down 281, a scenic two-lane highway in Texas hill country. (Yes, many Texas two-lane highways have a speed limit of 70, something you don't see in California.)
If I recall correctly there was a car a few hundred yards ahead of me also travelling north. It passed a white Pontiac that was slowing down. As I approached the Pontiac, it had stopped to turn into a driveway. Being a cautious driver I slowed a bit. 65mph? Suddenly the Pontiac started pulling in front of me, no less than five or six car lengths ahead. I slammed on the brakes and yelled knowing that I would hit. I think I swerved a bit. (ABS help!) There was no time for a full swerve off the road. Just before impact I closed my eyes.
When I opened my eyes I was still yelling, and gasping. (I did not blackout.) The airbags had deployed and airbag smoke was in the air. Looking around I realized that there was something wrong with my right knee and my left hand. Also my nose stung. Broken? I was able to roll down the window to let out the airbag smoke. People stopped and helped out in no time. I yelled out to call 911 and got a response that they had been called already. At first a man was there asking me about my condition. I asked about my nose... there was some blood. (Airbag wacked my nose but didn't break.) He said that I had good color... I was a bit disoriented, but not in major shock.
A lady then came and spoke with me, asking were I was going and other basic questions, and gave me some sips of coke. Somebody else got my wallet and cellphone from the passenger footwell, since everything had slid from the passenger seat upon impact, and I put it in my shirt pocket. (On long drives it's more comfortable to have empty pockets.) Texans are great people in my book!
I heard that the other driver was an older lady (70+... 83 as it turns out). She had broken her left arm, no doubt due to hitting the driver side door upon impact. My car hit the front passenger side when she turned in front of me.
While waiting for EMS I noticed the place under my dash where my knee hit... I broke the plastic and my knee in the process. My other knee didn't suffer the same fate, since it was my right leg that slammed on the brakes. (A break due to braking.) My hood was crumpled and a long horizontal crack was at the base of the windshield. Various plastic bits from the shift lever had come loose on impact. I never got a look at the Altima's front end, nor the back seat. My car was facing to the east, perpendicular to the road and onto the shoulder. Her car was some 25 feet to my left in a similar position, maybe pointing north and east.
The fire department and ambulance came pretty fast. An EMT (Diane) checked me out and placed a neck brace on me. Amazingly the doors opened without problems. Power was still on in the car, which is why I was able to roll down the window. Though we couldn't remove the key due to steering wheel lock. *Ding-ding! Ding-ding!* A few people, including a fireman in the passenger seat, carefully removed me on to a back board and then stretcher and into the ambulance. Ouch the knee! In the ambulance the EMTs did all the usual stuff (IV, vitals), wrapped my hand, and splinted my leg.
They delivered me to Hamilton General. Over time they took full body X-rays, CAT scanned for internal injuries, and more IVs. This took forever! For much of this time Diane, the EMT, stayed with me. The nurses asked a bunch of questions: name, age, address, medical things.
A state trooper came to get my story, leaving his card. I heard him talk to the lady in the Pontiac, who was also in the ER. Though the trooper did not ask her what happened. (She wasn't very lucid.) She was later air-lifted to another hospital due to her age and condition. At some point the trooper asked somebody if she had her seatbelt on. (More on that later.)
PROGNOSIS?
No broken neck, spine, nor internal injuries. Good! Finally the neck brace and back board were removed. Fricken uncomfortable they were. Fracture in the left hand and chip/fracture in the left wrist. Broken right kneecap, split horizontally in two. Through out this time I was lucid, just in pain. I never went into shock.
Hamilton General being a small hospital couldn't do anything about the knee, so they transferred me to Hillcrest Hospital in Waco. Finally they called my father and told him what was up. I spoke with him for a bit. I told him about the accident, the transfer, and operation. More than likely he wouldn't get to Waco until after my operation, 4 hours. His wife Catherine and my mother Jean, who was visiting Texas, would of course be coming. I was with them the previous four days.
The transfer to Waco was with Diane the EMT. I chatted with her the whole way. An hour later I was brought into Hillcrest. At Hillcrest they asked more questions... okay, the same questions. They took even more X-rays since Hamilton didn't send all of them (body, neck, spine). And CAT scans of wrist and knee since X-rays couldn't fully resolve details. Oh yeah, they finally gave me some meds to take off the edge of pain.
With the on-call orthopedic surgeon, Doctor Boeham, we discussed options. One option was to send me to KC and have my knee operated on there. I opted to get it done ASAP. Let's start healing! So they put me under and I woke up seemingly minutes later... a "cast" on the hand and a "cast" on the leg with an incision on the kneecap and wires wiring it all together plus some bone bits removed. (Cast = ace bandage, splint for the hand, vecro immobilizer for the leg.)
I remember little of Tuesday morning due to aesthetic. I stayed all of Tuesday in the hospital. My father went to Hamilton to get my stuff from the car.
I was released on Wednesday. A rental car was loaded up with my stuff from my Nissan and I was wedged in with my immobile leg. Wednesday night my mom and I made it to Denton.
Thursday we made it to KC (9am-5:30pm). Thursday night was in my own bed and my mom on a sleeping mat in the living room.
So here it is Friday and I'm online and able to move around with a walker. No bending of my right knee though I can put weight on the leg. Only a few fingers and thumb available on the left hand.
THE FUTURE?
Well I need to see a KC orthopedic Doctor next Wednesday to remove the sutures/staples from my knee. Daily changing of bandages on knee. In 6 weeks I'll probably have the casts off. My mom will probably stay for two weeks or so. Work with lady's insurance company on paying for a new car and medical.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Oh yes, my guess on the old lady in the Pontiac? She slowed down and stopped heading south on 281 across from her driveway. Having seen a car go by she didn't look for on coming traffic or looked too far down the freeway. Texas 281 just beyond Hamilton isn't a very busy road. She unfastened her seatbelt since she had to open her gate. In her usual habit mode after unfastening her seatbelt, she turned into her short driveway to the gate. There was very little I could do except to swerve a tad bit and slam on the breaks.
THANKS!!
I would like to thank:
* Airbags, seatbelts, crumple zones, and ABS.
* Well made digital cameras, cellphones, and laptops... none of which broke.
* Cellphones and 911.
* All the good Samaritans who stopped to help.
* The EMTs in Hamilton.
* The nurses and doctors at Hamilton General.
* The nurses and doctors at Hillcrest in Waco, especially Doctor Darren Boeham the orthopedic surgeon.
* Everybody who called me on Tuesday in the hospital. (Sister Kim, Stoichic, Retina, and O'Reilly-ites.)
* Oh yes, and Todd the occupational therapist.
* Charlie, the Progressive rep in TX.
* My Ampedout friends for sending a card, balloons and flowers; and for their concern and well wishes.
* Strangers who helped me up stairs in Denton.
* Megan my friendly neighbor.
EVEN BIGGER THANKS!!!!!!!
* Stoichic for getting the word out.
* My dad for coming to Waco and greasing the wheels and running around.
* And finally my mother for using her retirement and vacation time to help her son out in Texas and KC.
Thursday, April 01, 2004
Here's the update you've all been waiting for. March 20th, the first day of spring, was my planned departure date. But it was cheaper to start renting the Budget van on a Monday. So here's the sordid details.
MONDAY 2004-0322
Picking up the Budget van took an hour. I packed the van single-handed (okay, I used two hands). By the time I got the car on the trailer took it was 3pm PST!! Wow, I didn't know I had so much stuff. (I was warned of this.) I filled the whole 15' (800 cu') van, though not to the top (400 cu'?). I expected to leave at least 4 hours earlier.
To get to KC I took I-80 and got to Reno NV (239mi) Monday evening, staying at a Motel 6. Originally I wanted to get to Elko NV on Monday evening. (Yeah, right.)
TUESDAY 2004-0323
After gas and all I ended up on the road about 8am PST. This day I drove through all of Nevada and Utah, eventually stopping in Evanston WY, which is on the western edge of Wyoming (833mi total / 594mi for the day). Two states in one day. Again, stayed in a Motel 6. My original itinerary had me in Laramie WY by this time. Though with leaving at 3pm PST on Monday this schedule was blown.
WEDNESDAY 2004-0324
This time I got on the road early, 7am GMT (lost an hour with PST to GMT). I promised Deadgrrrl that I would meet her in Lincoln NE on Wednesday evening so I had some catching up to do. I ended up driving until 9pm CST (lost another hour). I arrived in Lincoln after 11 hours of driving: subtracting time for breaks, gas, naps, eating, etc. (1621mi total / 788mi for the day. Wow! 45 miles short of all the driving from Monday and Tuesday combined.) And yes, Deadgrrrl and I went out for some REAL food. Deadgrrrl rawks!
THURSDAY 2004-0325
From Lincoln to KC was only 3 hours, so I ended up arriving at StoicHome at 11am CST. Huzzah! Didn't do much on this day, except hang around with the Stoics.
FRIDAY 2004-0326
Kristi (aka Stoichic) and I went out apartment hunting in the Kansas City area (both Kansas and Missouri).
First stopped by the apartments that Gargoyle (Stoic-brother) lives in. Decent.
Second was another complex that was innumerable, though a friend of Kristi lived there.
Stopped at another place called "Silverwood"... hmm, better.
"The Falls" was next.. Yikes! Dorm type living, and not as nice as "Silverwood".
Last was "Wood View" (Kansas City, KS). Michelle the leasing agent was very cool, the place was great, and she offered it for a great price. (amenities: washer/drier, balcony, good sized kitchen, fireplace, tennis courts, pool & hot tub, workout room). SOLD! (Details below). Only some 6 miles from StoicHome. I was very, very happy that I could get into a place so quick. (I think Stoicite was surprised, thinking that I would be haning around StoicHome for a few more days.)
That evening Kristi and I moved everything in. And I still made it to that evening's Ampedout.net show, Dopamine, staring Stoicite, DrunkJeff, Bbblake, and Bynk!
WEDNESDAY 2004-0331
Had Stoicite and Stoichic over for some curry chicken.
THURSDAY 2004-0401 (April Fools!)
Today. Woot! Internet connectivity via RoadRunner! Life is good, and I finally can get some things done.
SATURDAY 2004-0327 through THURSDAY 2004-0401
Organize, move, assemble, buy stuff at Bed Bath & Beyond and at Walmart, phone hook up, return Budget rental and trailer.
The kitchen and bathroom were finished first. Still working on bits and pieces of the living area. Getting closer but work is still needed. The bedroom will be a bit longer to get right. Still need a TV, vacuum cleaner, and a gas grill. CostCo, here I come!
My FULL-SIZED washer and drier come on Friday. Ack! Need to clear the cardboard out of the space (below).
BYNK'S SANCTUM INSANITORUM
Total space: 25'x25'= 625sq'; includes balcony and external storage.
Cost: $525/month, including water and washer & drier.
Living area: 17'x12'; fireplace, ceiling fan, door to balcony. Very ample.
Kitchen: 8.5'x8'; dishwasher, decent amount of cabinet space including a small pantry. After microwave and toaster oven there's really only a small amount of work area.
Bedroom: 12'x11.5'; sliding glass door to the balcony and a 5.5'x5.5' walk-in closet.
Bathroom: 5.5'x8.5'; shower/bath.
THE PICS
An interesting shower stall in a Reno Motel 6.
The long road in Nevada, with some salt flats to the right.
Views from a rest stop in Nevada.
Yup. There's all my worldly belongings.
Rock formations in eastern Nevada.
Somebody also moving. Two Budget vans towing cars and another person in a pickup.
Heading towards the Rockies.
There be hills!
Coming out of Nevada into Utah. You can tell because of the immense salt flat.
Okay, it's okay to love your Toyota car dealer, but isn't this a bit much? I knew Utah was a strange place.
A nice welcome sign in Utah.
Yes, who in the Donner party ordered long pig?
FedEx must be three times faster like this.
Getting gas in the snowy hills above Salt Lake City.
A sunrise in Wyoming, just outside of Evanston.
Cool rock formations? Then this must be Wyoming.
A wind farm on the eastern edge of Wyoming.
Part of a military museum in Nebraska. Kris, have you been there?
The walkway to my apartment.
Tennis courts, basketball, volleyball next to my apartment.
Getting closer. The evergreen makes it seem so alpine.
First floor, the balcony on the left is mine.
My Woodview wooded view. You can barely see the power station behind those trees.
Front door to #205.
The spacious living space... fireplace, ceiling fan, and a door to the balcony.
The Ikea desk. Very nice.
Kitchen.
The washer and drier will go here soon!
Bathroom. Walmart had a cool retro-surfing shower curtain with woodie wagons.
View from the bedroom, to the balcony. Still working on bedroom organization.
MONDAY 2004-0322
Picking up the Budget van took an hour. I packed the van single-handed (okay, I used two hands). By the time I got the car on the trailer took it was 3pm PST!! Wow, I didn't know I had so much stuff. (I was warned of this.) I filled the whole 15' (800 cu') van, though not to the top (400 cu'?). I expected to leave at least 4 hours earlier.
To get to KC I took I-80 and got to Reno NV (239mi) Monday evening, staying at a Motel 6. Originally I wanted to get to Elko NV on Monday evening. (Yeah, right.)
TUESDAY 2004-0323
After gas and all I ended up on the road about 8am PST. This day I drove through all of Nevada and Utah, eventually stopping in Evanston WY, which is on the western edge of Wyoming (833mi total / 594mi for the day). Two states in one day. Again, stayed in a Motel 6. My original itinerary had me in Laramie WY by this time. Though with leaving at 3pm PST on Monday this schedule was blown.
WEDNESDAY 2004-0324
This time I got on the road early, 7am GMT (lost an hour with PST to GMT). I promised Deadgrrrl that I would meet her in Lincoln NE on Wednesday evening so I had some catching up to do. I ended up driving until 9pm CST (lost another hour). I arrived in Lincoln after 11 hours of driving: subtracting time for breaks, gas, naps, eating, etc. (1621mi total / 788mi for the day. Wow! 45 miles short of all the driving from Monday and Tuesday combined.) And yes, Deadgrrrl and I went out for some REAL food. Deadgrrrl rawks!
THURSDAY 2004-0325
From Lincoln to KC was only 3 hours, so I ended up arriving at StoicHome at 11am CST. Huzzah! Didn't do much on this day, except hang around with the Stoics.
FRIDAY 2004-0326
Kristi (aka Stoichic) and I went out apartment hunting in the Kansas City area (both Kansas and Missouri).
First stopped by the apartments that Gargoyle (Stoic-brother) lives in. Decent.
Second was another complex that was innumerable, though a friend of Kristi lived there.
Stopped at another place called "Silverwood"... hmm, better.
"The Falls" was next.. Yikes! Dorm type living, and not as nice as "Silverwood".
Last was "Wood View" (Kansas City, KS). Michelle the leasing agent was very cool, the place was great, and she offered it for a great price. (amenities: washer/drier, balcony, good sized kitchen, fireplace, tennis courts, pool & hot tub, workout room). SOLD! (Details below). Only some 6 miles from StoicHome. I was very, very happy that I could get into a place so quick. (I think Stoicite was surprised, thinking that I would be haning around StoicHome for a few more days.)
That evening Kristi and I moved everything in. And I still made it to that evening's Ampedout.net show, Dopamine, staring Stoicite, DrunkJeff, Bbblake, and Bynk!
WEDNESDAY 2004-0331
Had Stoicite and Stoichic over for some curry chicken.
THURSDAY 2004-0401 (April Fools!)
Today. Woot! Internet connectivity via RoadRunner! Life is good, and I finally can get some things done.
SATURDAY 2004-0327 through THURSDAY 2004-0401
Organize, move, assemble, buy stuff at Bed Bath & Beyond and at Walmart, phone hook up, return Budget rental and trailer.
The kitchen and bathroom were finished first. Still working on bits and pieces of the living area. Getting closer but work is still needed. The bedroom will be a bit longer to get right. Still need a TV, vacuum cleaner, and a gas grill. CostCo, here I come!
My FULL-SIZED washer and drier come on Friday. Ack! Need to clear the cardboard out of the space (below).
BYNK'S SANCTUM INSANITORUM
Total space: 25'x25'= 625sq'; includes balcony and external storage.
Cost: $525/month, including water and washer & drier.
Living area: 17'x12'; fireplace, ceiling fan, door to balcony. Very ample.
Kitchen: 8.5'x8'; dishwasher, decent amount of cabinet space including a small pantry. After microwave and toaster oven there's really only a small amount of work area.
Bedroom: 12'x11.5'; sliding glass door to the balcony and a 5.5'x5.5' walk-in closet.
Bathroom: 5.5'x8.5'; shower/bath.
THE PICS
An interesting shower stall in a Reno Motel 6.
The long road in Nevada, with some salt flats to the right.
Views from a rest stop in Nevada.
Yup. There's all my worldly belongings.
Rock formations in eastern Nevada.
Somebody also moving. Two Budget vans towing cars and another person in a pickup.
Heading towards the Rockies.
There be hills!
Coming out of Nevada into Utah. You can tell because of the immense salt flat.
Okay, it's okay to love your Toyota car dealer, but isn't this a bit much? I knew Utah was a strange place.
A nice welcome sign in Utah.
Yes, who in the Donner party ordered long pig?
FedEx must be three times faster like this.
Getting gas in the snowy hills above Salt Lake City.
A sunrise in Wyoming, just outside of Evanston.
Cool rock formations? Then this must be Wyoming.
A wind farm on the eastern edge of Wyoming.
Part of a military museum in Nebraska. Kris, have you been there?
The walkway to my apartment.
Tennis courts, basketball, volleyball next to my apartment.
Getting closer. The evergreen makes it seem so alpine.
First floor, the balcony on the left is mine.
My Woodview wooded view. You can barely see the power station behind those trees.
Front door to #205.
The spacious living space... fireplace, ceiling fan, and a door to the balcony.
The Ikea desk. Very nice.
Kitchen.
The washer and drier will go here soon!
Bathroom. Walmart had a cool retro-surfing shower curtain with woodie wagons.
View from the bedroom, to the balcony. Still working on bedroom organization.
Sunday, March 21, 2004
Sent to the KC crew
Hola All!
The time is near. I pick up a 15' Budget truck with a tow dolly for my car on Monday. I head out on the same day to Kansas City, with a planned arrival of Thursday afternoon (see below). The weather looks good for next week along I-80, so I will be taking that route... No freaky upper midwest early spring snow storms in the forecast.
JEN: Hope to see you on Wednesday night.
KRISTI/CRAIG: Can you send me directions coming from Lincoln NE to your place? I don't trust Yahoo Maps in this regard. Also, since your street is somewhat narrow, I'll probably drop my car off nearby (Walgreens?)
I have the truck through Monday, and I doubt that I'll get a place in a few days. So maybe I'll get a storage space for a short period. (Yes, I have more stuff than I realized. *grin* I was warned about this... ~250cu'?)
IMPORTANT: My cellphone number now is 707-XXX-XXXX, which will change at some point to a KC number. Since net connection is not guaranteed next week, cellphone will be the best way to reach me.
Kudos!
-Kevin/Bynk
========================================
The weather along I80: http://tinyurl.com/353pa
(Advance the day to the proper day of the week.)
--------------------------------
The route:
http://freetrip.com/cgi-bin/autopilot2.pl?OriginState=CA&OriginCity=Santa%20Rosa&DestState=MO&DestCity=Kansas%20City
Route Summary
Origination: Santa Rosa, CA
Destination: Kansas City, MO
This Route Distance: 1802 mi. This Route Driving Time: 25:09
--------------------------------
The planned schedule:
TRAVEL
MILES TIME LOCATION
506 7:13 Elko NV (Monday 22 Eve)
1109 15:17 Laramie WY (Tuesday 23 Eve)
1598 21:56 Lincoln NE (Wednesday 24 Eve)
1780 24:47 Kansas City MO (Thursday 25 afternoon)
Hola All!
The time is near. I pick up a 15' Budget truck with a tow dolly for my car on Monday. I head out on the same day to Kansas City, with a planned arrival of Thursday afternoon (see below). The weather looks good for next week along I-80, so I will be taking that route... No freaky upper midwest early spring snow storms in the forecast.
JEN: Hope to see you on Wednesday night.
KRISTI/CRAIG: Can you send me directions coming from Lincoln NE to your place? I don't trust Yahoo Maps in this regard. Also, since your street is somewhat narrow, I'll probably drop my car off nearby (Walgreens?)
I have the truck through Monday, and I doubt that I'll get a place in a few days. So maybe I'll get a storage space for a short period. (Yes, I have more stuff than I realized. *grin* I was warned about this... ~250cu'?)
IMPORTANT: My cellphone number now is 707-XXX-XXXX, which will change at some point to a KC number. Since net connection is not guaranteed next week, cellphone will be the best way to reach me.
Kudos!
-Kevin/Bynk
========================================
The weather along I80: http://tinyurl.com/353pa
(Advance the day to the proper day of the week.)
--------------------------------
The route:
http://freetrip.com/cgi-bin/autopilot2.pl?OriginState=CA&OriginCity=Santa%20Rosa&DestState=MO&DestCity=Kansas%20City
Route Summary
Origination: Santa Rosa, CA
Destination: Kansas City, MO
This Route Distance: 1802 mi. This Route Driving Time: 25:09
--------------------------------
The planned schedule:
TRAVEL
MILES TIME LOCATION
506 7:13 Elko NV (Monday 22 Eve)
1109 15:17 Laramie WY (Tuesday 23 Eve)
1598 21:56 Lincoln NE (Wednesday 24 Eve)
1780 24:47 Kansas City MO (Thursday 25 afternoon)
Sunday, March 14, 2004
Here's a great blurb that a (ex) coworker sent to me. I think it says it all. Thanks Scott!
------------------------------------------------
Hi Kevin,
This quote was excerpted from a speech given by the principal at the most affluent high school in America(circa 1976), to the last graduating class he would preside over for some time. He and his family were preparing to travel the world to do whatever they needed to survive and thrive in a global quest for new experiences.
"...There will be few, a very few, who will be brave enough to walk away from the secure life in order to grow stronger by exposing and applying themselves to a wide range of new, challenging and, indeed, threatening experiences. But the tangible rewards of such ventures far eclipse the hollow triumphs of living in a static world. The renewal of self means much more than that which makes the self feel safe. I urge that this be your primary goal, your primary challenge throughout your life--that of self-renewal..."
Best of everything to you!
-- scott
------------------------------------------------
Hi Kevin,
This quote was excerpted from a speech given by the principal at the most affluent high school in America(circa 1976), to the last graduating class he would preside over for some time. He and his family were preparing to travel the world to do whatever they needed to survive and thrive in a global quest for new experiences.
"...There will be few, a very few, who will be brave enough to walk away from the secure life in order to grow stronger by exposing and applying themselves to a wide range of new, challenging and, indeed, threatening experiences. But the tangible rewards of such ventures far eclipse the hollow triumphs of living in a static world. The renewal of self means much more than that which makes the self feel safe. I urge that this be your primary goal, your primary challenge throughout your life--that of self-renewal..."
Best of everything to you!
-- scott
Friday, March 12, 2004
Ahh, now some big praise from the key players.... Thanks everybody!
Been a pleasure working with you, Kevin. If you need me as a reference,
don't hesitate.
Best of luck to you.
-jl
[Safari VP, Product Management]
-----------------------------
Hi, Kevin,
I don't know when you'll leave but I wanted to let you know how much we at
BvD have appreciated your continuous help on Safari. This really was a GREAT
job!!
Good luck for your next job,
Cheers,
-BST
[Safari lead developer. This is high praise from a man of few words. I was very surprised when I got this email.]
-----------------------------
Bets of luck, Kevin. Sorry to see you go. You have been a BIG help.
sd
[Safari VP of Managing Director]
-----------------------------
Thanks for your support over the last couple of years with Safari. I'l always consider you an original member of our team. We've built something to be proud of in the Safari service.
Good luck in Missouri!
-MJ
[Safari board member]
-----------------------------
Good luck Kevin. Thanks for all the hard work!
-LB
[O'Reilly board member]
Been a pleasure working with you, Kevin. If you need me as a reference,
don't hesitate.
Best of luck to you.
-jl
[Safari VP, Product Management]
-----------------------------
Hi, Kevin,
I don't know when you'll leave but I wanted to let you know how much we at
BvD have appreciated your continuous help on Safari. This really was a GREAT
job!!
Good luck for your next job,
Cheers,
-BST
[Safari lead developer. This is high praise from a man of few words. I was very surprised when I got this email.]
-----------------------------
Bets of luck, Kevin. Sorry to see you go. You have been a BIG help.
sd
[Safari VP of Managing Director]
-----------------------------
Thanks for your support over the last couple of years with Safari. I'l always consider you an original member of our team. We've built something to be proud of in the Safari service.
Good luck in Missouri!
-MJ
[Safari board member]
-----------------------------
Good luck Kevin. Thanks for all the hard work!
-LB
[O'Reilly board member]
Some repsonses from O'Reilly-ites and Safarians. "You like me! You really do! *grin*
Take care-best of luck!
-PP
-----------------------------
Best of luck to you, Kevin on your big adventure! I hope this move is really good for you! If your ever in the area again, stop by and see if I'm still here! Take good care of yourself!
-CC
-----------------------------
We'll miss you, dude.
-CT
-----------------------------
Hey Kevin,
Congratulations on your graduation. To the start of many adventures. We'll miss you.
--AN
-----------------------------
Hi, Kevin--
Bon voyage! You'll be missed!
--RF
-----------------------------
Great email Kevin. I liked your FAQ. Almost makes me want
to move there with you. But we just bought an extreme fixer
upper by the River. We get three seasons there. Hot, Cold, and Flood!
Good luck,
-MH
-----------------------------
LOL! (In response to the FAQ)
Congratulations Kevin! Sounds like an exciting change (and the property prices are enviable ;-)
Best of luck!
-RH
-----------------------------
Good luck. Enjoy.
Regards,
-BE
-----------------------------
We will miss you.
Good Luck and if you need anything, let me know.
-JC
-----------------------------
Hi Kevin.
I will miss your smiling face and amazing stories!
Good luck to you in the midwest.
Take care!
-LH
-----------------------------
Wow, we'll miss you! Have fun hanging out with Andy. Don't let him lead you astray (or vice-versa :-)
-gnat
-----------------------------
Best of luck with your move, Kevin. Sorry I missed your party today. It sounds like you're off on an exciting and probably fun new chapter in your life. I wish you the best!
-GB
-----------------------------
Hi Kevin!
Best of luck. It's been great working with you.
Take care,
-MM
-----------------------------
Hi Kevin!
Best of luck on your move -- it will be quite a change for you!
-KR
Take care-best of luck!
-PP
-----------------------------
Best of luck to you, Kevin on your big adventure! I hope this move is really good for you! If your ever in the area again, stop by and see if I'm still here! Take good care of yourself!
-CC
-----------------------------
We'll miss you, dude.
-CT
-----------------------------
Hey Kevin,
Congratulations on your graduation. To the start of many adventures. We'll miss you.
--AN
-----------------------------
Hi, Kevin--
Bon voyage! You'll be missed!
--RF
-----------------------------
Great email Kevin. I liked your FAQ. Almost makes me want
to move there with you. But we just bought an extreme fixer
upper by the River. We get three seasons there. Hot, Cold, and Flood!
Good luck,
-MH
-----------------------------
LOL! (In response to the FAQ)
Congratulations Kevin! Sounds like an exciting change (and the property prices are enviable ;-)
Best of luck!
-RH
-----------------------------
Good luck. Enjoy.
Regards,
-BE
-----------------------------
We will miss you.
Good Luck and if you need anything, let me know.
-JC
-----------------------------
Hi Kevin.
I will miss your smiling face and amazing stories!
Good luck to you in the midwest.
Take care!
-LH
-----------------------------
Wow, we'll miss you! Have fun hanging out with Andy. Don't let him lead you astray (or vice-versa :-)
-gnat
-----------------------------
Best of luck with your move, Kevin. Sorry I missed your party today. It sounds like you're off on an exciting and probably fun new chapter in your life. I wish you the best!
-GB
-----------------------------
Hi Kevin!
Best of luck. It's been great working with you.
Take care,
-MM
-----------------------------
Hi Kevin!
Best of luck on your move -- it will be quite a change for you!
-KR
Thursday, March 11, 2004
Moving off to Kansas City MO
Here's the email I recently sent out to my co-workers at O'Reilly:
===========================================
Hola O'Reilly-ites!
Friday the 12th is my last day at O'Reilly. I'm moving off to Kansas City MO, land of cow parades and an affordable cost of living. I've learned alot in the 5 years I've been here and it has been great working with the whole lot of you.
I will always be a huge fan O'Reilly books, conferences, Safari Books Online, etc. I will never get over the habit of mentally red marking content problems in competitor's books. I guess I'll be O'Reilly's second biggest fan. (Andy Lester gets the number one distinction. AndyLester= tech reviewer, perl guru, persistent submitter of errata.)
And if you ever want to reach me:
http://www.kevinbingham.com/
email: me at kevinbingham dot com
ICQ: 92274042
AIM: NegatorGM
Orkut.com: Kevin "Bynk" Bingham
It's been real, it's been fun, and it's been real fun.
Thanks for everything,
-Kevin Bingham
me at kevinbingham dot com
============================================
THE KEVIN FAQ:
Q: Why are you leaving?
Cost of living is reasonable, and I'll be able to afford a house. Also it was time to rattle my cage a bit. I've briefly pondered moving north to Oregon or Washington for the last year. KC won out.
Q: Why Kansas City MO?
I have friends there. For the last 2 years I've been listening to the shoutcast radio station Ampedout (http://www.ampedout.net/). On Friday nights Stoicite (owner) and his friend DrunkJeff have a live show (lewd, rude, funny, and fun). Listeners chat with them and make hilarious comments. In September 2003, I travelled to KC to meet them and 13+ other Ampers. A fun time was had by all. I returned to visit for New Years 2003/2004 and decided I liked the place enough to move.
http://www.ampedout.net/
http://www.ampedout.net/chat.php
http://www.ampedout.net/liveshows.php?show=Dopamine
Q: What is the cost of living in KC?
Example:
1950's ranch style house, 3 bedrooms in CA = $400k+
1950's ranch style house, 3 bedrooms, with basement in KC = $80k+
'Nuff said.
Q: When are you actually leaving?
I hop in the Budget truck on the 22nd. I was thinking of buying a van and towing my car, since I only have a few large household items. But cost and reliability turned me to renting.
Q: Do you have a place to live?
Not yet. Though there are vacancies in KC, unlike CA. And I'll spend a few days with my Ampedout friends while looking for a place. (Trying to find a place 1800 miles away doesn't work very well.)
Q: Do you have a job? What will you be doing there?
I'm on the job hunt. I'll probably be spending April job hunting, visiting my father in Texas, learning new tech, and "catching up on my technical journals"(1).
Q: Isn't it hot/cold/humid/windy, etc?
Yes, it's a place with more than two seasons. Amazing. No more two-season California. I've always lived in northern California, so it will be an adjustment. (Answer to the cynic: Yes it is, and humans do live and thrive there.)
Q: What about the user groups you host in Sebastopol?
Greg Dickerson is the new host for the North Bay Linux User's group. Sonoma Perl Mongers has found other places to meet. And yes, I'll be joining the Perl and Linux groups in KC.
Q: What about family?
I am leaving family behind (2 sisters, niece, nephew, mother). Though I'll be within a day's drive of a cousin (Detroit), my father (Texas), and many other cousins and aunts and uncles (South Carolina and Tennessee).
Q: Are you taking any O'Reilly books with you?
But of course!
(1) Quote from Scotty in Classic Star Trek episode, "Trouble with Tribbles".
Here's the email I recently sent out to my co-workers at O'Reilly:
===========================================
Hola O'Reilly-ites!
Friday the 12th is my last day at O'Reilly. I'm moving off to Kansas City MO, land of cow parades and an affordable cost of living. I've learned alot in the 5 years I've been here and it has been great working with the whole lot of you.
I will always be a huge fan O'Reilly books, conferences, Safari Books Online, etc. I will never get over the habit of mentally red marking content problems in competitor's books. I guess I'll be O'Reilly's second biggest fan. (Andy Lester gets the number one distinction. AndyLester= tech reviewer, perl guru, persistent submitter of errata.)
And if you ever want to reach me:
http://www.kevinbingham.com/
email: me at kevinbingham dot com
ICQ: 92274042
AIM: NegatorGM
Orkut.com: Kevin "Bynk" Bingham
It's been real, it's been fun, and it's been real fun.
Thanks for everything,
-Kevin Bingham
me at kevinbingham dot com
============================================
THE KEVIN FAQ:
Q: Why are you leaving?
Cost of living is reasonable, and I'll be able to afford a house. Also it was time to rattle my cage a bit. I've briefly pondered moving north to Oregon or Washington for the last year. KC won out.
Q: Why Kansas City MO?
I have friends there. For the last 2 years I've been listening to the shoutcast radio station Ampedout (http://www.ampedout.net/). On Friday nights Stoicite (owner) and his friend DrunkJeff have a live show (lewd, rude, funny, and fun). Listeners chat with them and make hilarious comments. In September 2003, I travelled to KC to meet them and 13+ other Ampers. A fun time was had by all. I returned to visit for New Years 2003/2004 and decided I liked the place enough to move.
http://www.ampedout.net/
http://www.ampedout.net/chat.php
http://www.ampedout.net/liveshows.php?show=Dopamine
Q: What is the cost of living in KC?
Example:
1950's ranch style house, 3 bedrooms in CA = $400k+
1950's ranch style house, 3 bedrooms, with basement in KC = $80k+
'Nuff said.
Q: When are you actually leaving?
I hop in the Budget truck on the 22nd. I was thinking of buying a van and towing my car, since I only have a few large household items. But cost and reliability turned me to renting.
Q: Do you have a place to live?
Not yet. Though there are vacancies in KC, unlike CA. And I'll spend a few days with my Ampedout friends while looking for a place. (Trying to find a place 1800 miles away doesn't work very well.)
Q: Do you have a job? What will you be doing there?
I'm on the job hunt. I'll probably be spending April job hunting, visiting my father in Texas, learning new tech, and "catching up on my technical journals"(1).
Q: Isn't it hot/cold/humid/windy, etc?
Yes, it's a place with more than two seasons. Amazing. No more two-season California. I've always lived in northern California, so it will be an adjustment. (Answer to the cynic: Yes it is, and humans do live and thrive there.)
Q: What about the user groups you host in Sebastopol?
Greg Dickerson is the new host for the North Bay Linux User's group. Sonoma Perl Mongers has found other places to meet. And yes, I'll be joining the Perl and Linux groups in KC.
Q: What about family?
I am leaving family behind (2 sisters, niece, nephew, mother). Though I'll be within a day's drive of a cousin (Detroit), my father (Texas), and many other cousins and aunts and uncles (South Carolina and Tennessee).
Q: Are you taking any O'Reilly books with you?
But of course!
(1) Quote from Scotty in Classic Star Trek episode, "Trouble with Tribbles".
Tuesday, December 30, 2003
Ahh, has been too long since I blogged. Been damn too busy at work. You know, work putting a cramp in your fun?
So, I'm heading off to Kansas City to visit the Stoics and DrunkJeff and Vybex for New Years Eve. Should be lots o' fun. Here's the email I sent to the crew on Sunday.
At this very moment I am sitting [picture to follow] in the lobby of the Westin Hotel near SFO, since my flight leaves at 6:00am. Ack! But it's well worth it. More time with the Stoics. And besides, it's a very nice hotel.
o Right next the airport.
o Great restaurant. (Pricey but good, and good beer.)
o Room with a king size bed. The bed must encompass two area codes of its own. When you get lost they send in the search dogs. [picture to follow]
o The room even has its own safe.
o Long mezmorizing hallways, like many hotels. [picture to follow]
o And best of all? Wireless in the lobby! Yup, in #Ampedout right now, chattin' with me droogies.
Only downside? The wireless, in its usually freaky corporate way, requires that a browser remains open to a specific page. Okay, and the musak xmas music playing. (Headphones and streaming Ampedout goooooood.)
Kudos!
So, I'm heading off to Kansas City to visit the Stoics and DrunkJeff and Vybex for New Years Eve. Should be lots o' fun. Here's the email I sent to the crew on Sunday.
At this very moment I am sitting [picture to follow] in the lobby of the Westin Hotel near SFO, since my flight leaves at 6:00am. Ack! But it's well worth it. More time with the Stoics. And besides, it's a very nice hotel.
o Right next the airport.
o Great restaurant. (Pricey but good, and good beer.)
o Room with a king size bed. The bed must encompass two area codes of its own. When you get lost they send in the search dogs. [picture to follow]
o The room even has its own safe.
o Long mezmorizing hallways, like many hotels. [picture to follow]
o And best of all? Wireless in the lobby! Yup, in #Ampedout right now, chattin' with me droogies.
Only downside? The wireless, in its usually freaky corporate way, requires that a browser remains open to a specific page. Okay, and the musak xmas music playing. (Headphones and streaming Ampedout goooooood.)
Kudos!
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