Mark Jourdan

HUGER Than Life

2007-12-17T14:33:00.001-06:00

christa

let's start slow.

..::mark::..

ha ha
i want to start HUGE
becaues IM HUGE
HUGER than life

christa

oh my god. I can hear you saying it with the Arnold voice too.

..::mark::..

I'm on top of the world;
because I have you.
On my mind;
all the time
In the middle of the day and the middle of the night;
your with me all the time
because I'm on top of the world.
I'm Huger than life
and no one can knock me down
because I'm caught in the headlights with love struck eyes…

Vintage Wedding

2007-11-10T12:17:00.001-06:00

sad

2007-09-04T12:03:00.001-06:00

I write this because i am sad

i am sad because i miss you

i miss you all the time

you make me crazy when you're gone

without you i am sad

Awesome Recipe

2007-08-08T09:11:00.001-06:00

So I have been looking around for some really great recipes. I recently made a really great one that I wanted to share with everyone. If you like pasta and if you like a good Vodka sauce then you might want to try this recipe. It really takes no time to make, really easy and one of my favorite sauces. You don't really need to use Penne pasta, it's just the recommended for this recipe. I plan on making Gnocchi with this recipe soon.

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Penne-in-Vodka-Cream/Detail.aspx

Long Time Since Last Post

2007-08-07T09:22:00.001-06:00

I just realized today that I haven't posted in a really long time. So I thought it was time for me to post again and just say hi.

So if you haven't already check out our wedding photos http://www.pictage.com/338062

New House

2007-01-29T07:57:00.000-06:00

So we got our house. After 3 long months of shopping around looking for houses we finally put a bid in on one and the bid got accepted. We couldn't be more excited we move in one month before the wedding and should have plenty of time to get things all set up

Choosing to love means!

2007-01-15T07:56:00.000-06:00

I choose to Love my husband/wife

I choose to be patient with my mate

I choose to be kind to my mate

I choose to please my mate

I choose to forgive my mate

I choose to honor my mate

I choose to trust my mate

I choose to be understanding to my mate

I choose to grow with my mate

I choose to encourage my mate

I choose to help my mate

I choose to be truthful to my mate

I choose to be faithful to my mate

I choose to be unselfish with my mate

I choose to be hopeful with my mate

I choose to speak in love to my mate

I choose to be my spouse's mate the rest of my life!

The Never Ending Tomorrow

2006-12-06T20:21:00.000-06:00

public String Tomorrow()
{

DateTime tomorrow = DateTime.Now.AddDays(1);

while(tomorrow > DateTime.Now)
{
tomorrow = DateTime.Now.AddDays(1);
}

return "Finally, it's here!";
}

train wreck

2006-11-03T13:46:00.000-06:00

racing through the countryside
blazing through
on a one track path,
the smells are overwhelming,
warmth and joy

rain sprinkles,
i start to slow.
i keep a careful eye
as i don't want to slide.

i begin to regain speed.
i think i've lost grip!
i begin to slide
i derail and lay aside

it starts to pour
i have no where to hide.
i begin to rust
hoping to survive

my cargo has been gathered
i wait to be railed
will i continue on
i just need a lifting hand...

2006-11-02T10:26:00.000-06:00

Well this calls for a toast

2006-09-01T07:21:00.000-06:00

Oh, well imagine
As I'm pacing the pews in a church corridor
And I can't help but to hear
No, I can't help but to hear an exchanging of words

"What a beautiful wedding
What a beautiful wedding," says a bridesmaid to a waiter
"And, yes, but what a shame
What a shame the poor groom's bride is a whore."

I chime in with a
"Haven't you people ever heard of closing a goddamn door?"
No, it's much better to face these kinds of things with a sense of poise and rationality
I chime in
"Haven't you people ever heard of closing a goddamn door?"
No, it's much better to face these kinds of things with a sense of

Oh, well in fact
Well I'll look at it this way
I mean, technically, our marriage is saved
Well this calls for a toast
So pour the champagne

Oh, well in fact
Well I'll look at it this way
I mean, technically, our marriage is saved
Well this calls for a toast
So pour the champagne, pour the champagne

I chime in with a
"Haven't you people ever heard of closing a goddamn door?"
No, it's much better to face these kinds of things with a sense of poise and rationality
I chime in
"Haven't you people ever heard of closing a goddamn door?"
No, it's much better to face these kinds of things with a sense of poise and rationallity

Again

I chime in
"Haven't you people ever heard of closing a goddamn door?"
No, it's much better to face these kinds of things with a sense of poise and rationality
I chime in
"Haven't you people ever heard of closing a goddamn door?"
No, it's much better to face these kinds of things with a sense of poise and rationality

Nothing Else Matters

2006-08-23T09:26:00.000-06:00

IMG_0024
Originally uploaded by mjourdan.

Trust I seek and I find in you
Every day for us, something new
Open mind for a different view
and nothing else matters

The second half...

2006-08-21T07:33:00.000-06:00

The second half of a man's life is made up of nothing but the habits he has acquired during the first half.
- Fyodor Dostoevsky

Pain

2006-06-14T12:47:00.000-06:00

RAID 0 is a pain in my...

Letting Go Takes Love

2006-05-23T14:50:00.000-06:00

To let go does not mean to stop caring,
it means I can't do it for someone else.
To let go is not to cut myself off,
it's the realization I can't control another.
To let go is not to enable,
but allow learning from natural consequences.
To let go is to admit powerlessness, which means
the outcome is not in my hands.
To let go is not to try to change or blame another,
it's to make the most of myself.
To let go is not to care for,
but to care about.
To let go is not to fix,
but to be supportive.
To let go is not to judge,
but to allow another to be a human being.
To let go is not to be in the middle arranging all the outcomes,
but to allow others to affect their destinies.
To let go is not to be protective,
it's to permit another to face reality.
To let go is not to deny,
but to accept.
To let go is not to nag, scold or argue,
but instead to search out my own shortcomings and correct them.
To let go is not to adjust everything to my desires,
but to take each day as it comes and cherish myself in it.
To let go is not to criticize or regulate anybody,
but to try to become what I dream I can be.
To let go is not to regret the past,
but to grow and live for the future.

To let go is to fear less and love more
Remember: The time to love is short

Where do you go?

2006-04-11T14:58:00.000-06:00

..::mark::.. says (3:54 PM):
When the stars go blue

..::mark::.. says (3:54 PM):
Where do you go

christa says (3:55 PM):
to you

You and Me

2006-04-10T09:06:00.000-06:00

The best part of the day is, when you and me, become WE

rest of my life

2006-03-31T15:36:00.000-06:00

You know what, meeting you wasnt the best part of my life, it was falling in love with you and knowing i wanted to spend the rest of my life with you

little bean

2006-02-24T14:37:00.000-06:00

hey little bean
i've got a thing for you

hey little bean
i dream about you

hey little bean
your so great

hey little bean
I want YOU!

A Little Bird

2006-02-21T10:17:00.000-06:00

Today I sent a bird to fly to Naperville to look in the window you sit by.

The bird sat next to me and asked why I was sad. I was telling the bird how much I wished you were there to enjoy the last day at the Grotto with me.

The bird then asked about you and I told it all the great things about you.

The bird flew to visit you and flew back to tell me how beautiful you are. The bird agrees you're the most beautiful thing he ever laid he’s eyes on.

DO NOT ANALYZE

2006-02-21T09:03:00.000-06:00

She's in his blood, he cant explain the rush
When he gets with her
Might be the death of him, but he's addicted, man
He can't quit her

She was cool, she was hot, she was walkin' cross the parkin lot
With some other guy
Well, he was jealous, he was jonsin'
And he wound up on the wrong end of a fourty-give

Red Death Box...I Care

2006-02-17T08:41:00.000-06:00

hey you
the man in the red death box
the man to big for the space you sit

you follow the same path
you leave behind the biggest part of your life
you let the man walk all over you

time to stand up
time to change your life
time to break free

today is the day to change paths
today is to show them how much they mean
today is the day to walk on them

hey you
the man in the red death box
i noticed you, and i care

It Came!

2006-02-16T14:00:00.000-06:00

RELIENT K - MY GIRL'S EX-BOYFRIEND

2006-02-15T16:22:00.000-06:00

When he was seeing her you could see he had his doubts
And now he's missing her because he knows he's missing out
And now it's haunting him with memories like a ghost
And he's so terrified 'cause no one else even comes close

He's the guy that you should feel sorry for
He had the world but he thought that he wanted more
I owe it all to the mistake he made back then
I owe it all to my girl's ex-boyfriend

So then along comes me- this undeserving mess
Who would believe my life would be so blessed
Two years ago when you left all that debris
Who would have know it would leave everything I need

He's the guy that you should feel sorry for
He had the world, but he thought that he wanted more
I owe it all to the mistake he made back then
I owe it all to my girl's ex-boyfriend

If it wasn't for him I would still be searching
If it wasn't for him I wouldn't know my best friend
If it wasn't for him you would be able to see
That if it wasn't for him, he'd be as happy as me

When she and I settled down you can bet
That he is gonna have to settle for less
He's someone I would hate to be,
I got the girl and he's left with just the memory

He's the guy that you should feel sorry for
He had the world but he thought that he wanted more
I owe it all to the mistake he made back then
I owe it all to my girls ex-boyfriend

If it wasn't for him I would still be searching
If it wasn't for him I wouldn't know my best friend
If it wasn't for him you would be able to see
That if it wasn't for him, he'd be as happy as me

The most frequent cause

2006-01-12T09:27:00.000-06:00

Now here is some great bathroom reading material. Yikes!

Alcohol, tiredness, stress or simply not being in the right mood at the right time may all lead to failure to achieve or maintain sexual attraction. The most frequent cause of temporary problems is anxiety.

The latest thinking among experts in this area is that in 70% of cases there is a physical cause for sexual problems. Psychological causes are responsible for the other 30% of cases.

It can be difficult to break the cycle with sexual difficulties. Fear of failure and the pressure to succeed the next time is likely to worsen the problem. It is not unusual to become enveloped with feelings of self-doubt that are reinforced each time that sex does not work out and to feel that the cycle cannot be broken. Each failed act of intercourse becomes a powerful force that psychologically conditions to fail on each subsequent attempt.

If possible, you should discuss the situation with your partner. Failing to be open with your partner about your anxieties can exacerbate your problem and make your partner feel excluded or rejected. It is highly beneficial to have your partner's emotional support and understanding. It may help to have the partner accompany you to see the doctor.

Best way to prepare to be a programmer

2006-01-11T11:16:00.000-06:00

Interviewer: "Is studying computer science the best way to prepare to be a programmer?"

Bill Gates: "No, the best way to prepare is to write programs, and to study great programs that other people have written. In my case, I went to the garbage cans at the Computer Science Center and I fished out listings of their operating system."

As They Fall

2006-01-09T14:00:00.000-06:00

The tree which moves some to tears of joy is in the eyes of others only a green thing that stands in the way. Some see Nature all ridicule and deformity, and some scarce see Nature at all. But to the eyes of the man of imagination, Nature is Imagination itself.
- William Blake, 1799, The Letters

If trees could scream, would we be so cavalier about cutting them down?
We might, if they screamed all the time, for no good reason.
- Jack Handey

Of the infinite variety of fruits which spring from the bosom of the earth, the trees of the wood are the greatest in dignity.
- Susan Fenimore Cooper

A billboard lovely as a tree.
Perhaps, unless the billboards fall,
I'll never see a tree at all.
- Ogden Nash, Song of the Open Road, 1933

Suburbia is where the developer bulldozes out the trees, then names the streets after them.
- Bill Vaughan

Instant Wine Smarts

2006-01-02T14:09:00.000-06:00

If your looking to get a quick overview about wine check out this article. It's really good!
Instant Wine Smarts | Meals : RealSimple.com

New Background

2005-12-22T15:13:00.000-06:00

Have You Heard This

2005-12-12T10:39:00.000-06:00

WOW!! Have you heard about this?

"An insurgent group, the Victorious Army Group, has extended a deadline for a Web design contest, according to an Internet posting. The group has set a Jan. 15 deadline for submissions of a design "worthy of the group's reputation and the reputation of the jihad and the mujahedeen," according to a translation provided by the SITE Institute, which monitors jihadist messages.

The winner is promised "God's blessings" and the opportunity to fire three long-range rockets at an American military base."

A Winter Dream

2005-12-09T09:48:00.000-06:00

Winter
Originally uploaded by mjourdan.

So despite the two hour drive home in the snow storm. Last night was a dream you dream about watching TV. I came home to a warm house and my love had made us dinner. After we ate, we got our snow gear on and roughed around in the snow. We had so much fun. We shoveled, we made snow angels, and ended the night with a walk through downtown Naperville. It was wonderful, a dream come true!

Headcrash

2005-12-05T14:39:00.000-06:00

Ever have a day where everything just seems to hit. Monday’s for me are usually bad. Anything and everything you can think can go wrong does.

Well today is different. I guess you can say it’s a bittersweet Monday. Today has been jammed with a lot of decisions and a lot of life changing decisions. Things that don’t necessarily have to be decided today but have to in the near future.

Same with a head full of thoughts. Why when so many decisions come up so do all these thoughts, some related to the decisions.

I guess nothing bad really can go wrong because if something does go wrong I will block it out by my decisions.

The Long Road

2005-11-14T08:36:00.000-06:00

Run Anderson Run

2005-11-12T21:58:00.000-06:00

Run Anderson Run
Originally uploaded by mjourdan.

Went to Christa's little sisters basketball game tonight and had a blast. GREAT JOB TONIGHT!!!

For You

2005-11-11T15:53:00.000-06:00

Ex's

2005-11-07T16:35:00.000-06:00

"ex-girlfriends/ex-boyfriends should be handled like nuclear waste. Bury them in the ground and hope they're harmless in 10,000 years." - Peter Steen

I Love You Mom

2005-11-04T14:48:00.000-06:00

There is no better song than this to tell your mom how much she means to you.

Aaron Lines - Twenty Years Late

Magical Love Halloween

2005-10-31T16:00:00.000-06:00

Lets have a magical halloween
One made special for you and I
The brightest silvery moon aglow
Bright stars twinkling in the sky

One treat after another to share
Sharing our Halloween in style
Surrounded with spicy candles
Jack OLantern wearing a smile

We’ll await till the darkness falls
A moonlit floor to dance upon
On the night seductively inviting
Beneath every star that shone

Both dressed for this occasion
Embraced as stars shine down
You in your soft red velvet gown
Me im my black velvet tuxedo

In magical spells of Halloween
All staged romantically for two
Spending the night in your arms
Both tasting love potions brew

From a Friend

2005-10-19T08:00:00.000-06:00

Yeah you!

You two look great together-like the reasoning why we pick our partners, physically you two work! y'all look so happy, great, and totally positive energy!

Kiss

2005-10-10T06:56:00.000-06:00

"I don't know how to kiss, or I would kiss you. Where do the noses go?"

Portfolio

2005-10-05T08:08:00.000-06:00

So after some hard work I completed my portfolio and here it is:
http://portfolio.markjourdan.com/

Please take a look, pass it around. I could use some freelance jobs :)

September

2005-10-04T07:19:00.000-06:00

So as promised, September was the best September I ever had. There is not a moment I was flying sky high. You kept me on top of the world.

Gash in the back

2005-10-04T07:16:00.000-06:00

How can someone tell you that you have left them when you call them weekly? They never pick up or return that call.

How can someone tell you that you have forgotten about them when you email them multiple times in a week? They never respond to a single email.

How can someone tell you that you have changed when you invite them out with you and they never respond to the invite?

You have not left them behind, you have forgotten them, and the only change you made is you’re happier. You think about them more than they know and why not see this as good. A sign that friendship means more to you than anything in the world. Nothing will ever stand between them and you. Just don’t stab my back.

Miss those nights

2005-10-03T23:08:00.000-06:00

The nights when your head is going 60 mph and climbing and you keep turning hoping that you will find comfort and road your used to but you end up getting car sick and lost. All you want is that friend or that one in that car seat next to you so that it makes everything better. No words to be said just the feeling of comfort. Someone along for the ride that night with you.

Those nights in college when the world around me was too much to handle and I had that friend to just stay up and watch TV with me and wait until I fell asleep. Or those nights we would lay on the couch and watch an old movie and laugh together.

Its a lot harder being grown up and not having those friends so close that you can call them up and they are over in a few minutes. It is a lot different when you do not have them showing up at the door with your favorite snack and that one movie you both cannot get enough of.

The only thing that will make tonight easier is knowing in a few nights I will be laying next to her. Lying next to the one that makes me feel safest and makes everything feel better. She is the comfort that will help make the world slow back down to a speed I can handle. Even when she is not here I close my eyes and I can feel her presence.

Tonight I have one prayer, I pray to always have her in my life to keep me feeling the way she makes me feel: safe; happy; special.

Vacation

2005-10-03T08:42:00.000-06:00

So it’s set. :)

We will be going on our first vacation together and I cannot tell you how exciting that is. Were going to go to starved rock in January for two nights. Lets just keep those fingers crossed there is some snow and it can add to our excitement.

Feeling

2005-10-02T22:36:00.000-06:00

Do you ever get that horrible feeling like something is not quite right...something is hidden...however, everything still feels great.

Love Notes

2005-09-26T22:09:00.000-06:00

"The raging fire which urged us on was scorching us; it would have burned us had we tried to restrain it."

"Absence is to love what wind is to fire; it extinguishes the small, it enkindles the great."

(circle one)

2005-09-26T16:40:00.000-06:00

"do you like me?"

YES no

Wonderful Weekend

2005-09-19T08:33:00.000-06:00

Christa_Mark_1
Originally uploaded by mjourdan.

So once again it was another picture perfect weekend. This weekend we decided to tackle her floors. We started by ripping out the old carpeting in the dining room and re-finishing the wood floors underneath. We also worked on the kitchen tiles and removed all the old and put new in. Her apartment looks very different and it really has brightened things up. It also fits her more. It is the perfect place.

So while working on everything I kept looking over to her and realizing how wonderful this was. We both were working on the floor and she became more attractive every moment. We worked so well together and we had fun doing it. There was not a dull moment, and we continued to enjoy ourselves through the process. I think the best moment from the weekend was when we had completed everything; she had a huge smile and was so excited about her new floors.

Well I also met her parents this weekend and I think it went over really well. They were super nice and I was worried about meeting them at first however, they were welcoming. I should have never been nervous to begin with because I should have assumed such a wonderful girl would only come from super nice parents as hers.

Interesting Wired News

2005-09-16T07:37:00.000-06:00

Wired News: Meet the Apple Pack Rats
Hmm, so I understand that the packages are cool, but decorate your house with them. I can see saving them, because yes I do keep the cool software/hardware boxes/ads. But I believe wallpapering your room is pushing it :)

Butterfly Wings on Every Eyelid
Hmm, interesting probably pretty marketable.

When You Know Its Right

2005-09-15T08:04:00.000-06:00

Katrina_6
Originally uploaded by mjourdan.

Life is so short and when tragedy such as Katrina strike you think, my God what am I doing just sitting here not doing anything with life.

For me I just realized how great she is and how everything seems so right. When we first met, it was so awkward but now it is as if we have known each other forever. She is just so perfect. I thank God for bringing her into my life.

She's Everything

2005-09-14T15:59:00.000-06:00

She's a yellow pair of running shoes
A holey pair of jeans
She looks great in cheap sunglasses
She looks great in anything
She's I want a piece of chocolate
Take me to a movie
She's I can't find a thing to wear
Now and then she's moody

She's a Saturn with a sunroof
With her brown hair a-blowing
She's a soft place to land
And a good feeling knowing
She's a warm conversation
That I wouldn't miss for nothing
She's a fighter when she's mad
And she's a lover when she's loving

[Chorus]
And she's everything I ever wanted
And everything I need
I talk about her, I go on and on and on
'Cause she's everything to me

She's a Saturday out on the town
And a church girl on Sunday
She's a cross around her neck
And a cuss word 'cause its Monday
She's a bubble bath and candles
Baby come and kiss me
She's a one glass of wine
And she's feeling kinda tipsy

She's the giver I wish I could be
And the stealer of the covers
She's a picture in my wallet
Of my unborn children's mother
She's the hand that I'm holding
When I'm on my knees and praying
She's the answer to my prayer
And she's the song that I'm playing

[Repeat chorus]

She's the voice I love to hear
Someday when I'm ninety
She's that wooden rocking chair
I want rocking right beside me
Everyday that passes
I only love her more
Yeah, she's the one
That I'd lay down my own life for

And she's everything I ever wanted
And everything I need
She's everything to me
Yeah she's everything to me

Everything I ever wanted
And everything I need
She's everything to me

-Brad Paisley

Keeps Me Smiling

2005-09-13T09:40:00.000-06:00

So imagine if you can opening your bag to find a little pig in your glasses case. Then going to your car to find a dinosaur staring at you on the screen of the GPS. Those are only two of the memories she left me from the weekend. She constantly keeps a smile on my face and there is not a moment she is not a thought in my head. It’s only Tuesday and I am already counting down the minutes until I get to see her tomorrow. I am excited about it; we are supposed to go running again and it is so nice to have someone to run with. It is nice to have someone so great in my life.

rest of your life

2005-09-12T14:04:00.000-06:00

"It's never to early to be happy for the rest of your life."

A Beautiful Day For A Walk

2005-09-10T21:15:00.000-06:00

A Beautiful Day For A Walk
Originally uploaded by mjourdan.

Bush on Vacation

2005-09-09T12:53:00.000-06:00

Hey, saw this today and thought it was pretty funny. Enjoy Bush on Vacation!!

New Title For Me

2005-09-08T17:38:00.000-06:00

So I did it. I got my promotion. I am officially the Webmaster for Dominican University!!! So I guess its more cruises for me and maybe time for me to think about moving out again. I first need to get all the money going to the right accounts and let things settle down a bit and then we will see what happens!

Let me just tell ya, my gal told me that this September would be special and if it keeps going like this it might blow August away. I didn’t think it would be possible but her and now the promotion have made this a month to never forget. 22 more days to go.

Weekend From Heaven

2005-09-05T23:43:00.000-06:00

IMG_0024
Originally uploaded by mjourdan.

It has only been like three weeks however, it feels as if I have known Christa forever. This was just one of the best weeks ever. So it started out with Christa and I only going to see her a few times and ended up that we pretty much saw each other every day.

Friday we just had a really great night, of hanging around at her place and it was just a really special night.

Saturday was really cool, she finally got to meet Dan, Beth, Katie, & Michele. She totally fit right in and we had a blast. I know Beth really liked her and I feel that Dan, Katie, and Michele all did as well. We had a real blast that night and thing really felt perfect.

Sunday I went in the morning with my parents to the Museum of Science and Industry and saw bodyworks which was great. Then I got home and Christa and I had another really special night. I got to see her office and we ate dinner there. Her office is so cute! It totally fit her and it was everything I had pictured in my head when I thought of her working. It really is nice to have an idea of where she works and after hearing, some of the stories, be able to put desks and places in her office with the stories. I felt really privileged to be taken there and for her to show me.

Monday we went to the Renaissance Fair and had a really good time. I of course just could not shut up and just talked forever but I think she enjoyed all the stories I told her. I realized there how easy it is for me to tell her everything on my mind and I feel comfortable letting things just roll out of my mouth because I know she is not judging me. I at first when meeting her thought things and just did not say them and I no longer hold back. I just cannot get enough of telling her how special she is and what a wonderful girl she is. She has completely blown me away and I totally look forward to whatever comes to our future. I really only hope for good things because I really think we got something.

If you have not met her yet, I cannot wait for you to meet her. She really has come in fast and is really special. She has almost every quality I had ever said I was looking for so I just know you will love her.

Cruise Photos

2005-09-03T17:08:00.000-06:00

CIMG4365
Originally uploaded by mjourdan.

So I finally got the photos from the Cruise up. You can check them out here http://www.flickr.com/photos/markjourdan/sets/877299/

The New One In My Life

2005-09-01T08:13:00.000-06:00

As some of you know already, I have found someone great! Met her only three weeks ago and it already feels as if I have known her forever. So far this week I have spent Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday with her and probably will spend Friday, Sunday, and Monday with her!

Ohhhh so you are probably asking yourself right now what is her name? What is she like? When do I get to meet her? Her name is Christa and she is beautiful she really has made the last week or so special. Like we first met and the first week was ehh ok it was not so hot and by Saturday it seemed like it was over with. However, we talked Sunday before I left for my trip and it changed everything. Ever since that Sunday things have gone in a complete 180 and I think we make a super cute couple. She even went running with me and we played tag, hopscotch, and all those fun games. I love spending my time with her; it is the worst when I have to go home.

So I was telling her how September is really not my favorite month just cause nothing good has ever really happened in September and instantly she started thinking of things to make September good for me. She is so damn adorable like that.

You have all got to meet her! I really think she completes me perfectly and you will instantly fall in love with her. She is really special.

The Best Cruise Ever

2005-08-30T07:19:00.000-06:00

So as most of you know I am back from my cruise. It was some of the best five days ever. I got to sleep, and read, and eat, and sleep, and read, and sleep, and eat. It was just a ton of R&R!

Key West was beautiful, I went Kayaking around Key West and got to play with Starfish, Sponges, Jellyfish, Sea Cucumbers, and more. It was nice to paddle around and enjoy the ocean with some of my best friends! We also hit up Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville and got plenty of good food and drinks. I had of course Key Lime Pie and we saw Hemmingway’s house.

So another thing that happened in Key West was that we were passing Michael Godards Art Studio and I fell in love with his work went in to find out that all the pieces would cost a couple thousand. So I left sadly hoping to get a painting by him some day. To my luck we got back on the boat and went to the art auction where I won a fine piece of art by Godard. It is called “Liquid Hazard”. I got a spectacular deal on it, you will have to come see it in 6-8 weeks when its shipped here.

So Katrina, she effected us a bit. She cancelled are trip to the Bahamas giving us another FUN DAY AT SEA. It turned out to be ok because it was nice to just relax and not have to worry about this and that.

So all in all I had the best time on the cruise and can not wait for the next cruise. Hopefully you will be coming along as well. Beth, Dan, Katie and I plan on this being the first of many cruises!!!!

My Cruise

2005-08-21T19:55:00.000-06:00

So I thought I would post one last blog before I leave. So this cruise should be some of the best times for Dan, Beth, Katie, and I. It really is going to be a change to spend almost 7 days together and see what kinda trouble we can all get into. However, there is that sad part knowing this is the end of such a great summer.

So here is the finalized trip plans as I look at them online

I Depart from O’Hare at 5:55am and we land in Florida at 10:55 am

Cruise departs at 4pm on Monday
Tuesday is a day at sea
Wednesday in Key West
Thursday in Nassau
Friday a day at Sea
Saturday we dock

I will Depart Florida at 6:52pm and arrive in O’Hare at 9:57pm!!!

It will be such a blast and I can not wait till I am back to share my photos with all of you.

MISS ME WHILE I AM GONE OR MAYBE I WONT SHARE MY PHOTOS WITH YOU :)

New Site

2005-08-21T14:32:00.000-06:00

So I started designing my new site. Its just the beginning of a long process but give me some honest feedback. It can help me a lot.
http://www.markjourdan.com/new2/index.asp
Thanks

$50 laptop sale sets off violent stampede - Tech News & Reviews - MSNBC.com

2005-08-16T15:18:00.000-06:00

You have to read this. What is this world coming to?

$50 laptop sale sets off violent stampede - Tech News & Reviews - MSNBC.com

Friday Evening Fun

2005-08-13T01:23:00.000-06:00

Went shopping tonight with Michele! I bought a new outfit for Saturday nights hot date. I am so excited; it took a whole 30 minutes to pick out the outfit. How sad is that, we walk into a store and find what I look good in that quick.

Then we hit the Oakley store and I got a new pair of sunglasses. Michele also got a new pair, there is a picture of the ones I bought there on the right. There called SPLICE. They cost me a hefty chunk of money but they are sweet!!!

Then we were joined by Tabitha and Jason. Which soon after we headed to AMC and met up with Dan & Beth to catch Duce Bigalow European Gigolo. Umm let me warn you it’s a terrible movie.

Then we went to visit Katie and cheer her up where we took her out to Time Out (Bar by Western Springs) and Jen met up with us and we had some good times. What a great way to end the week :)

Wired News: Mac Hacks Allow OS X on PCs

2005-08-12T08:34:00.000-06:00

YOU HAVE TO READ THIS!!!!
Wired News: Mac Hacks Allow OS X on PCs

Thursday Night Success

2005-08-11T21:06:00.000-06:00

I completed my final presentation tonight that I have been worried about for the last two weeks. It fit the time in the 10 minutes almost exact and felt good giving. The teacher gave me the best compliment. She told me that she could one day see me standing up in front of thousands being a motivational speaker.

This made my night, and my week one that I will never forget because I think that would be so much fun to do and I would love to be a speaker in front of thousands. Especially motivating people to purchase a new product my company would be releasing!

GREEN DAY

2005-08-10T22:58:00.000-06:00

Probably one of the best concerts I have seen! So I will just tell you my favorite part because otherwise I can go on and on and on about how great it was. So my favorite part when they called up a drummer, bassist, and guitarist. So the band members taught each one of them the notes and had them play. The band then went behind stage taking a break while the kids played. Then Billie Joe came running out singing and the rest of the band came back. They stopped the song gave the bass guitar to the person playing the bass and let the others crowd surf off the stage. It was just the beginning of how cool the concert was!!!!

Dominican Golf Outing

2005-08-08T19:56:00.000-06:00

Dominican Golf Outing
Originally uploaded by mjourdan.

Ha, so I just found this photo on my computer and I thought I would post it on my blog. This is a great photo of the group that Rob and I golfed with at the Dominican Golf Outing! What a great group. We had such a great day!

Only Monday and I'm already set for the week!

2005-08-08T18:32:00.000-06:00

So it’s only Monday and I already have most of my weekend planned! This weekend is going to be one of the best.

Ohh and the week is cool to because I am going to the Green Day concert on Wednesday!

So Friday I am picking up Michele and she is going to help me pick out some new clothes! I think we are going to hit up the Aurora Outlet Malls and the hopefully Dan and Beth come into town and will join us for dinner.

Then Saturday I plan to fix our shed door with my dad during the day and then the big night! I got a date with this gal and were double dating with my friends Jen and Ronnie. Which is really exciting because Jen was Christa’s rose. Jen also speaks so highly of her and from talking to her she seems great! So I think were headed to a bar for some drinks and to have a great night.

Sunday, I am not completely sure what is up for the day but I am sure something will come up. But I don’t think it can get any better than Saturday night.

Cousin Day out at Great America

2005-08-07T00:16:00.000-06:00

Cousin Day out at Great America
Originally uploaded by mjourdan.

So today we (Danielle, Michael, Laura and I) went to Six Flags Great America and we had a blast. I really love hanging out with my cousins and that day was super fun. Except maybe we could have done without the pop being thrown on us during the American Eagle. Why are some people so dumb and spray the whole car train with pop!

2005-08-01T19:45:00.000-06:00

I am lost.
I found a new path.

I am confused.
I have changed my beliefs.

I am bored.
I experience so much more.

I am hurt.
I have a shield of love protecting me.

I am broken.
I have brand new instructions.

I have survived.
You will want to be with me.

Great Golf Game

2005-07-31T22:00:00.000-06:00

So I played a great game of Golf! Not the best but pretty good for me. I played at Maple Meadows. Take a look for yourself:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Total

Mark 9 6 6 8 4 7 5 7 4 8 9 7 6 5 5 4 7 6 113
Chris 8 6 6 6 6 6 8 7 5 7 9 7 5 5 8 4 7 6 116

Left in the dust

2005-07-30T21:43:00.000-06:00

It seems to me I am always screwed in the end. I do not know why it is but I seem to be replaced after a while and I just do not know why. Whether it comes to girlfriends or friends. You no longer are on there top of the list, you no longer get a call from them, you no longer are apart of there life. It seems in the end I get the shaft I guess that is where we find the real friends, the ones that stick around and do not leave ya in the dust.

Brad Paisley

2005-07-27T22:54:00.000-06:00

So I went and saw Brad Paisley tonight! He came to our county fair out here in DuPage! He was excellent; he played every song I wanted to hear plus some new stuff coming out on his CD in August. I went with the god-awful loveable Barb! We had a great time together and I could not have asked for a better date! Brad was wonderful but she was amazing! :)

Mark and Some Young Ladies in Chicago

2005-07-25T20:47:00.000-06:00

Mark and Some Young Ladies in Chicago
Originally uploaded by mjourdan.

So I was just sitting here and looked up at this photo and laughed again. It reminds me how great friends are. This was a great night in Chicago. I was out with Dan, Beth, Katie and Michele. As we walked back from Dick’s this photo was taken when we saw a young group of attractive girls and thought it would be a great picture to add to my collection.
I keep the picture up for on reason I guess, it is to remind me that friends are much more important than any girl. Girls are always out there to get but friends really do last a lifetime. Especially the friends I have are set to last a lifetime. Every day I think of them and am glad to have them in my life.

2005-07-25T09:54:00.000-06:00

It is raining finally! So after our long spell of no rain it comes and hits us hard. I can sit outside all night playing in the rain. Anyone want to join?

Steve Jobs Stanford Commencement Speech Audio Download

2005-07-21T09:41:00.000-06:00

Check out this speech its really good!
Steve Jobs Stanford Commencement Speech Audio Download

Cougars Game

2005-07-13T22:08:00.000-06:00

Amy & Mark
Originally uploaded by mjourdan.

Went to the cougars game tonight with my friends from work. We had a total blast, the food was good, the fireworks were good and most of all the game was good. We had a real blast and I was really glad everyone could come. I hope to do it more often :)

This is a picture of Amy and I at the cougars game. She came with me, and we had a blast. I was so happy to have her with me. It was a blast and I hope she had as much fun as I did.

Bringing up past frustration will only lead to scars.

2005-07-09T00:38:00.000-06:00

You ever have a great night with your friends. Then something happens, you say one thing that was supposed to be a short joke. Something that you really don’t mean but you think the other person will understand what you mean, especially when you are/were so close with them. Well then they come back with something that feels like they are talking for 10 minutes and instantly makes your stomach turn. You can feel your whole stomach fall out and it brings so many emotions across. Nothing happy, all it brings out is anger and makes you upset and want to explode, but you calmly hold it all in and just pray for silence. You just can not wait till they are done talking. Then when the silence comes it makes you think that entire time about what they just said. You start to blame yourself for what they were telling you then you think, it wasn’t my fault you did that... Don’t even blame me... I did nothing to you… You just go back and fourth in your head and as you do you get dizzy and when you finally stop you felt like you were just on the boat of Willy Wonka. You get out and kindly smile and walk away and you realize you just want to throw up and God you are so happy things are over. You just sit back and think why the hell am I still dealing with that shit and why let one thing ruin the night. Then you go lay down and sit and think, man we had such a wonderful night. It was a lot of fun. No I do not have feelings for them but it went so well. It was like old times, even better, why can it all be destroyed by that. Then you finally get up and you do throw up because you have worked yourself up so much and made yourself sick. Maybe you can get some sleep now and push it in the past with the rest. Tomorrow will be there and you will still come out on top, because friends are always there, and will always help pick you up.

Great Weekend

2005-07-04T21:54:00.000-06:00

Beth's Breakfast (theme salt)
Originally uploaded by mjourdan.

Ohh what a fun weekend. I started out seeing my bestest friend in the whole wide world Amy and we went for a wonderful walk. Then I went shopping and shopping and cleaning Lucy. Then I headed down to Chicago which only took like 40 min!!! Then I went and got gelato with the Frigo's. Then we all went and saw that horrible War of the Worlds movie. But the best part was the bar that was on the second floor of the movie theatre where Dan and I got ourselves some sweet drinks. Then back to Dan’s place to blow up our airbeds and watch a movie from MovieLink.com. Then bed at 5am.

Next morning Beth woke us all up with a wonderful breakfast of eggs, toast, and sausage. Yummmy. Then we went to find a bike Ken Frigo left for us to get, and made a visit to Lucy. So the tire was missing on the bike but that was ok, we threw the bike in the back and headed back to Dan’s. Where we then went for a wonderful lunch where Dan and I became business partners. Then we went back to Dan’s where Michele and I went for a really cool bike ride through these mansions a couple blocks north of Wrigley Field. Then we visited Katie and then back to Dan’s so that we could get ready for the Fireworks.

We then left for the fireworks, but first we had to patch Michele back up after she cut herself on a table. Go Nurse Beth. Then we met Teri and Katie and Old Navy at 7. Then we went to dinner at a really good place, and then sat on Lake Shore drive to watch the Fireworks which were sooo good. Then we headed back on a 5 mile walk to Dan’s where we then started to crash, but went home instead. Beth we are thinking of you.

Then today we all slept in and then headed to Michele’s for a wonderful 4th of July BBQ. We met her family and had a great time. Now I lay myself to sleep. Goodnight everyone. Thanks for such a spectacular weekend.

War of the Worlds SUCKS!

2005-07-03T09:19:00.000-06:00

Alright, so let me tell you about War of the Worlds. I give it 1 STAR. It doesn’t even deserve that. It was horrible, the biggest waste of money. Can we say B flick on the Sci-Fi channel. That’s what it basically was. So many unrealistic things and such terrible filming.

So you want an example of unrealistic things. Well floating bodies down a river when you have already learned that when the aliens kill you they ZAP you with lasers and then you turn to dust while just your clothes are left. So how the hell were there dead bodies floating down the river.

Next was so the trained military were dumb enough not to notice, and only the smart Tom Cruise would notice birds landing on the aliens, and only he could realize the shields were down on the aliens and you could shoot them. Ohh yes Tom Cruise is a genius, even though he is a selfish prick.

Next, so the asshole who lets them in the cellar, he stands there and knows Tom Cruise is coming and only lets Tom Cruise and his daughter in the cellar with him. Are you joking, there are thousands of people running by and he only lets Tom Cruise in. Then Tom Cruise trusts the guy, what the hell. One scene Tom is so smart and the rest he’s freaking dumb as hell.

So yes, I lost all credibility for the movie very quick. The biggest waste of $10, and time of my life. God I wish I could have that back. Thank god the theatre served alcohol, and Dan and I got drinks before the movie. That made things a little better :)

this is 4 u krissy

2005-07-02T17:45:00.000-06:00

this is 4 u krissy
Originally uploaded by mjourdan.

Krissy up at DePaul

Aww Golf

2005-06-26T16:55:00.000-06:00

Very Fitting for another Sunday Golf Day!
Funny Comic

I hope you had the time of your life...

2005-06-23T15:31:00.000-06:00

A friend, who used to tell you everything, now tells you very little. You find out more from others about them than they tell you. WTF. They come to you for some things but not like they used to, well then just don’t come to me for anything because I DON’T FUCKIN CARE!!

Distance...

2005-06-20T21:04:00.000-06:00

cloudy sky
Originally uploaded by mjourdan.

It sucks when someone who is so close to you, that you practically talk to every day becomes so distant. You have moments where things are so close again, but most of the time you are miles apart. You keep trying to get back in but the distance keeps growing. I guess time will have to tell, if we will be as close again.

XM Radio

2005-06-19T15:53:00.000-06:00

YaY, so guess what XM Radio now offers all subscribers FREE live streams so I can listen to XM Radio at work now. Its kinda funny cause I was telling Katie yesterday if I wanted to listen to XM radio at work I would have to take Lucy into my office with me. However, now I can take XM radio with me to work or anywhere I have a comptuer and internet. :)

OK - Golf Day

2005-06-19T12:43:00.000-06:00

Today was an ok Golf Day on a PAR 34 course.

1 (167 yds, par3) 4
2 (509 yds, par5) 8
3 (205 yds, par3) 7
4 (314 yds, par4) 6
5 (296 yds, par4) 5
6 (420 yds, par4) 6
7 (318 yds, par4) 7
8 (295 yds, par4) 7
9 (155 yds, par4) 5

TOTAL: 55 (+21)

Chris: 58 (+24)
Michael: 68 (+34)

It was a rough course in Woodale, Maple Meadows. We had alot of fun though :) If only I could have a better putt on the green I would bring my score down.

Camping in Michigan

2005-06-12T16:15:00.000-06:00

Camping in Michigan
Originally uploaded by mjourdan.

So this weekend a bunch of us, Katie, Michele, Jen, Dan, Beth and I, all went camping up in Michigan Dunes. We had the greatest time, we defiantly were city folk, we had a 3 room tent with inflatable mattresses (3 in fact), lights, fans, Grade A food, etc. We all just bummed around and we hit Lake Michigan, walked up the dunes, got poured on when it finally rained, then ended up at a really good restaurant, then headed back to the campsite and met this Europeans who hooked us up with a light to start our fire. We roasted marshmallows and hot Hershey’s bars till late at night and finally went to bed when we ran out of wood to burn. We decided it was a female style sleepover since we just bonded and told story after story with no manly competitions. So morning poured around and we had our sausages we were going to cook for dinner the night before and headed home. We had such a blast and can not wait for the next one.

Check out all our pics here

Gary Allan :: Best I Ever Had

2005-06-12T15:02:00.000-06:00

"So you sailed away into a grey sky morning
Now I'm here to stay, love can be so boring
And nothing's quite the same now
I just say your name now.

But it's not so bad
You're only the best I ever had
You don't want me back
You're just the best I ever had.

So you stole my world, now I'm just a phony
Remembering the girl leaves me down and loney
Wellm send it in a letter
Make yourself feel better.

But it's not so bad
You're only the best I ever had
You dont want me back
You're just the best I ever had.

And it might take some time to patch me up inside
but I cant take it so I, I run away and hide
And I might find in time that you were always right
You're always right.

So you sailed away into a grey sky morning
Now, I'm here to stay, love can be so boring
Was it what you wanted?
Could it be I'm haunted?

But it's not so bad
You're only the best I ever had
You dont want me back
You're just the best I ever had.

You're just the best I ever had"
-Gary Allan

Rob the Golfer

2005-06-10T07:13:00.000-06:00

Rob the Golfer
Originally uploaded by mjourdan.

So yesterday Rob and I went golfing at Ruffled Feathers for the Dominican University Golf Outing. We golfed with Tim and Jeanine, who were really nice people. We truly enjoyed golfing with them and we played a Shotgun Scramble. Our end score was 71 on a 72 par course!!! We had a ton of fun; the weather was great, except a little hot, some wind would have been nice. The food was great, the people were awesome, and it was just continuous fun. Next year we hope to golf with Tim and Jeanine again!!!!!!

This Weekend

2005-06-05T22:24:00.000-06:00

Friends
Originally uploaded by mjourdan.

So this weekend was another wonderful weekend. I hung out Friday night with some great friends. They took me to Pasta Bowl again!!! I love that place. If you have not gone to Pasta Bowl you need to go.
I also got all my stuff from Teri’s this weekend. That was sad, there are just a few more things she has of mine and then it’s all over. It’s so much for the better. I can’t count how many people have told me how much more fun or how much they like me more now that I am not dating Teri. It’s really sad because I thought her and I would last forever, and it just really sucks when that’s not true. God her and I were once great together, everyone wanted to be around us and we were so damn cute. The good old days.
So then Saturday I got my hair cut!!! Then I went to my cousins in Lakemore. So we all hit the bar and we hit it hard! We had plenty of shots, lots of drinks, and some beer. God we had so much fun, Chris and I got plastered. It was really cool, we had a ton of fun almost got in a Bar Fight. Ohh and found a lot of hotties running around. Then we got back to there house and Chris and I played video games while Christina and Danielle watched a Selena (the movie). We ended up passing out while looking for another video game to play and then woke up later to go to bed.
So Sunday morning Chris and I hit the Golf Course and we had the best game of Golf! I hit a 52 on a par 44 course! I had a few pro style shots, especially hitting over the water and not going around the water on a couple. I was on fire especially the one where I hit it over the water and laid it on the green next to the pin. That was freakin awesome, it was my Tin Cup shot of the day!!! Then we went back and Chris made us some sweet breakfast sandwiches and I headed home.
When I got home I went shopping and got some great deals on clothing at Kohls. I got 4 pairs of shorts and a golf shirt for $100. It was a steal.
So all in all this weekend was great. Had a hell of a lot of fun and god I love family and friends!

My Mystic

2005-06-05T21:20:00.000-06:00

My Mystic
Originally uploaded by mjourdan.

My sweet baby cat watching me get ready for the day. God I love her.

Krissy our student workers

2005-05-27T14:34:00.000-06:00

Krissy is hard, at work, in her own cubicle!

Chicago Fire and US team at Dominican

2005-05-25T09:36:00.000-06:00

Monitor

2005-05-23T14:55:00.000-06:00

So the monitor frinally arrived and it is amazing, everything I dreamed of! I now have two computers hooked up to the monitor, its pretty sweet :)

My New BABY!

2005-05-19T13:16:00.000-06:00

Check out my new toy. The one and only sweet 20.1" Widescreen Monitor.

20.1" Widscreen

Lions In LP

2005-05-15T10:35:00.000-06:00

Polar Bears In LP Zoo

2005-05-15T10:19:00.000-06:00

Grandmas Birthday

2005-05-14T18:03:00.000-06:00