After this many seasons of The Real World, I've found that my taste for it has wavered a bit.

That was, however, before I found the Anti-Real World DC blog.  The owner/creator of the blog lives across the street from the newest cast of this MTV reality series, and needless to say, he's not thrilled with the idea of having the 8 cast members this close to him in Dupont Circle.

The blog has followed the progression of the new season since before it was publicly announced by MTV, and now that the cast has moved in (they'll be there through mid-November), it's guaranteed to be an interesting summer.

You can follow all of the antics through the ARWDC blog, or any of the other methods of following the cast around the city (Real World DC Watch, on Twitter @RealWorldDCNEWZ, Bulletin Boards - VEVMO).  I'm sure there are plenty more, but I can't spend any more time on this then I already have.

After the train wreck that has been The Real World: Cancun already, I don't think I'll be able to handle another season on TV.  However, this behind-the-scenes look at the cast in DC has my interest...

Well, time for another change in the look of Sheldon's Personal Journal, as Summer officially started on June 21 (so, a little late, I know).

Along with the Summer start, I picked up my first (but most likely, not last) sunburn of season.  My shoulders are pissed off at me.  Not that I blame them.  I think the feeling is a little mutual.  Sleeping has been a problem the last few nights, and all I have to say is thank god for the invent of fans.  Open windows and fans are my new best friends for the next few days.

OK, enough about my lame-ass sunburn.  On the plus side, I'm becoming more and more official in my position as Deputy City Clerk every day.  I've been added to the company phone directory, received my name plaque on my office, picked up my business cards, and completed my Notary Public training (although waiting on the test results).  It's nice to get more comfortable in the position, and as time passes, I'm learning more and more about what's expected of me.  I definitely think this is a job I can see myself in for a long time to come.  Plus, being a government employee isn't a bad position to be in...

With the first two weeks of the Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien wrapped up, I wanted to take a look back at some of my favorite moments from CoCo's new gig (more on that soon):

• Twitter Tracker (Week 1 & Week 2) - Brilliant the first time out of the gate. I'm not sure which is more ridiculous: the announcer's voiceover or Conan's reactions to the lame Tweets.  Either way, the combo of the two players in this bit easily makes it one of the break-out stars of the new "Tonight Show Library of Skits" (totally Trademarked by me now!).
• CoCo is the new Conan - In response to the first Twitter Tracker segment (June 2 - for those of you who haven't seen it yet), Conan O'Brien gets his first new Tonight Show nickname: CoCo.  This one appears to be sticking around for a while, as the next guest on June 2, Tom Hanks (and subsequent guests), made sure to include it in their interviews. Plus, a group of audience members showed up spelling out CoCo on their t-shirts. Classic.
• The Cold Open - Taped over a single weekend, Conan makes his way from New York to Hollywood for his first show in a coast-to-coast run.  Conan knew he had to have something big for his first bit on his first Tonight Show, and this easily fit the bill.  Having Conan's classic humor, mixed with the larger budget that comes with the Tonight Show, made for a Cold Open that rivaled the opening scene of the first episode of "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" (SIDE NOTE: The second episode was interestingly named "The Cold Open").
• The Guests - Sure, it's easy to pick on the guests, but it's not always easy to find the right guests to fill in the spots on a new(ish) show.  OK, so maybe taking over the Tonight Show has some benefits (like getting big stars to help out with the first week), but watching Conan pick up Tom Hanks, Eddie Murphy, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Gwyneth Paltrow in the first two weeks was amazing.
• Super Mario Set - Having seen the set in person (at a test taping in May), it didn't hit me that Conan's monologue backdrop has more then a passing resemblance to the Super Mario Bros.  That was until I came upon a posting on Gizmodo that mentioned the similarities of the two greats.  When Conan referenced the resemblance, it was fantastic to see him pay attention to his fans.  Having just mentioned the story earlier in the day, his ability to turn it into a segment so quickly was impressive.
• The Ratings - Ok, so maybe this doesn't qualify as one of the best moments in Conan's first two weeks, but nobody has burst out of the gate with amazing ratings during their first days, weeks (or months) on a new show.  His up-and-down roller coaster of ratings (look at the story regarding his first week as Tonight Show host) shows that he has the ability to build his audience over time, as he did with his Late Night show.

These are just a few of my favorite moments from CoCo's first few weeks.  He had me in tears at some moments, worried that I'd be making too much noise in the house for an 11:35p time slot.  His physical comedy puts him in a league on his own.  There are just too many moments to mention in one post, but I'll keep an eye on the Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien and bring you the Best O' the Best!

Well, that's it.  Analog is leaving us forever.

Hope you're ready for the transition.  Of course, most of us in the 21st Century have cable, and we're good for the switch to Digital, but for that 0.0001% that's still working off of the good ol' rabbit ears (and they will be "good ol" now!), you're VERY QUICKLY running out of time to make the change.

For those of you who have waited until the last minute, Best Buy is giving away free converter boxes.  Just give them a call at 1-877-BBY-DTV9.  Don't wait any longer!!!  Call Best Buy now and pick up your free box while supplies last!!!  

Oh, and speaking of television, for those of you who have been following Conan on the Tonight Show, I'll be throwing up my own take on his first two weeks on air.  Make sure you stop back by here tomorrow to check out my review on the Best (and some questionable) moments of the Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien.  It'll be the talk of the internet!!!  I'm 43% positive of this!!!

Why, California, must we be considered as second-class citizens?  I can't help but think if we were on the Titanic, we'd be the ones locked in the lower decks of the ship while the rest of the "upper class" get all the lifeboats.

Prop. 8 Upheld by California Supreme Court

It's amazing how much people are willing to hide behind the bible and religion for their own safety and piece of mind.  If the bible were to say blacks can't own land or women can't vote, I'm sure we'd be still fighting those issues as well.

It's a sad, sad day...

So, after 6 weeks, 2 interviews and numerous days wondering what might happen, I was officially offered the position of Deputy City Clerk with the City of Fillmore on May 6th.  I know, I'm a little late with the update, but there it is.

The job officially closed for applications on April 9, and then Angela Mumme (the Human Resources Officer) started the process of scheduling the interviews.  I had my first interview on April 28th with Angela, Ted Schneider (City Attorney) and Steve McClary (former Administrative Services Manager).  I'm not going to try and sugar-coat it, it was stressful.  Sitting across the table from the people who would have my future with the City of Fillmore in their hands made me incredibly nervous.  As it turns out, Ted is also the attorney for both Gold Coast Broadcasting and Athena Cosmetics - two of my previous employers.  Just reminded me how small of a world this really is...

I thought that interview went well, and by the following Friday, I was told that the Transitional City Manager would like to have a second interview with me.  Another incredibly stressful thought.  The Transitional City Manager, who had only been on the job for a week at that point, was a wild card for me.  I didn't know much about him, and I wanted to impress upon him how much I wanted this job.  I had already been in the role for 6 weeks by then, and I knew what would be expected of me, should I get the permanent position.  The second interview was scheduled for Tuesday, May 5th.

By the time the interview came around, I was ready to get it over with.  I had heard rumors around City Hall that the interviews with Larry Pennell (the Transitional City Manager) were down to just myself and one other person.  Again, something else to add to the pressure.  I had come down to a 50/50 chance at either getting the job or screwing it up and sending myself back into the Temp Pool again.  Had that happened, I don't know how long it would have been before I was given the chance at another position like this one.

The interview with Larry was intimidating.  I wasn't sure what to expect, and when it came down to it, it felt like we connected on a lot of ideas for the future of Fillmore.  When the interview was over, I thought that however it turned out, I wasn't going to worry.  I had done the best I could, so I would be happy with myself.

The next day, I was called into Larry's office (which isn't unusual, as I often help him with items), but to my surprise, they offered me the position.  There are a few items that need to be taken care of first, which include completing the required 720 hours through AppleOne, but nothing that can't be handled.  I still have to complete a background check and a physical, but again, nothing that can't be taken care of in an afternoon.  The background check is already in the process, and I'm just waiting on a date to take my physical (Hello, doctor!), but things are quickly moving forward.

I've started to settle into the position more, now that I know it's mine permanently.  I look forward to implementing a few things that should help make my job a little easier, and learning everything there is to know about how local government works.  Larry is going to be a HUGE help in that aspect.  He's got years of experience that I can use to pick his brain on questions I may have.  Plus, we agree on the direction that the City of Fillmore should head, especially regarding public records and all the documents in City Hall.

It looks like it's going to be a fun ride.  My first job as a government official.  Kind of weird to say, but incredibly cool at the same time.  Lots of pressure too, now that I'm a public official.  Oh, and if you want to reach me, you can find me at ssherman (at) ci.fillmore.ca.us.  I look forward to hearing from you!

Whew, thanks for reading all of that.  I know it's a lot, but I thought you might want to know what happened.

This came from a friend, who apparently thinks it's quite funny to make me translate my birthday wishes before I get them.

So, it seems that as I wrap up my 4th week on the job, I'm feeling more and more comfortable in the position as the Acting Deputy City Clerk for the City of Fillmore.  I can only hope that the powers that be like me enough to let me continue in the job as a permanant city employee.

Everyone at the Fillmore City Hall has been super nice to me, and have gone out of their way to make sure I have what I need.  Even the Mayor knows me by name, which I find kind of odd, since I was use to working in jobs where the higher-ups could care less what your name is.  The joys of small town living.  I guess that's why Fillmore has the title "The Last Best Small Town."

The application process for the Deputy City Clerk position officially closed yesterday, and now it's up to the staff to start scheduling interviews.  I'm sure I'll find out more next week, and hopefully, I'll be able to get my interview out of the way as soon as possible.  Even in this situation, where I know the people at City Hall, I know I'll be nervous going into the interview.  I'd hate to screw up my chances by saying the wrong thing or offending someone.

It even seems that some of my co-workers have even starting Googling me already.  I had a co-worker approach me last week and said they were impressed with my singing.  I asked how they knew, and he admitted to looking me up online.  His exact words were, "You have a lot of stuff online."  I'm not sure if that means he just looked at my singing videos, or if he stumbled onto this journal as well.  Either way, I don't have anything to hide.  It's just odd to hear of someone who actually Googled me.

In my search for work, I've found myself (temporarily) at the City of Fillmore as the Interim Deputy City Clerk.  It's a nice job.  I love the people, getting to be a part of government in action, and working in a small town like Fillmore.  After my first week at the City Hall, I'm starting to get into the groove of how things work.

When I was working on Friday, I overheard my co-worker, Angela, talking to a potential applicant for the Deputy City Clerk position.  It sounded like things weren't going very well, and Angela was getting a little irritated with said applicant.  After she got off the phone, I asked what the phone call was about and she mentioned that the applicant was being difficult.  She said it was probably someone she didn't want to work with anyway.

At that point, she asked me if I was going to apply for the job of Deputy City Clerk.  I was amazed.  After only three days on the job, she liked me enough to suggest I stick around and handle the job permanently.  It's something I'd love to do on a regular basis, and I think it'd be a great addition to the Fillmore City Hall.

I'll be filling out my application today and turning it in tomorrow.  Hopefully, I'll know something about the status of the job by the time my temporary work is done there.  If I could stick around and become a permanent employee, I'd be one happy Deputy City Clerk.

My one true (music) love has returned to the music scene with her latest single, "My Life Would Suck Without You," which premiered on New York's Z100 this morning.

Even though the critics panned her last go-round with My December (I loved it), they're calling her newest album, All I Ever Wanted, a come-back (available by pre-order from Amazon and everywhere on March 17th).  I never really thought she left, but certain people will claim she lost her way with her third album.  For my money, Kelly can do no wrong in my book. 

She took a risk, tried something new, and now she's going back to her pop roots for the 4th album.  What's so wrong with that?  My December still sold over 2 million copies.  I definitely don't consider that a failure.

If you want to check out the new single for yourself, click on the photo.  Also, let me know what you think.  Love it?  Hate it?  Waiting for it to grow on you?!?

As was pointed out by my oh-so-wise brother, I forgot to add my town name to the post regarding my Friend Code.

So, without further ado, here is the information you'll need to add me as a friend:

2449-9032-8121
- Sheldon in helachlx

I look forward to visiting your towns soon!  I'm in desperate need of some new fruit and a better selection of furniture!!!

How is it possible that I've survived on this planet for nearly 30 years without so much as a glimpse of The Twilight Zone?  OK, so maybe it's an exaggeration, as I remember bits and pieces of the story about a bookworm who yearns for more time to read, then a nuclear holocaust leaves him alone in the world with lots of time, plenty to read and ends with an ironic twist.  Sad, sad story, but still so chilling 50 years later.

I spent some of the morning watching the Rose Parade (who doesn't?), but I ended up flipping on The Twilight Zone marathon on the Sci Fi channel in the afternoon.  What possessed me to do this?  I'm not sure, but I'm glad I did.  Now that I'm 10 hours into the marathon, I find it's an incredibly interesting show.  The social commentary provided by Rod Serling is touching, sets up the stories perfectly, and still fits into today's issues.  Not only that, Rod Serling was a very attractive man.  I could do without the smoking, but I can't fault him for what everyone did back in the 50s.  Check out any episode of I Love Lucy.

I think I've found myself a New Years tradition.  As long as someone continues the Twilight Zone marathons, I'll continue to watch them.  Even if it doesn't continue, there have been enough commercials for this product, I could make my own marathon at any time in 2009.

Am I the only one who gets sucked into The Twilight Zone?  I'm sure I'll end up in a situation or two where I'll expect Rod Serling to come around a corner and declare I've just crossed over into another dimension.  That'll really make my day...

As we say sayonara to 2008, it's time to look back on the year that was...well, in a word...crappy.  Now, don't get me wrong, 2008 had some good points, but it had some times I'd like to forget as well.  With that in mind, there are a few things that some people haven't heard yet about me during the last 3 weeks of 2008.

On one hand, I traveled all over the country, visiting locations I never would have had the chance to visit on my own.  Seeing New York, Chicago, Miami, Dallas, and other places were amazing.  I'm very grateful for the opportunity!  It wouldn't have been possible without my position at Athena Cosmetics.

However, my time at Athena Cosmetics came to an end on December 15th.  It was due to "restructuring", and since I was an "at-will" employee, they didn't really need a reason.  It stinks to start the New Year without a job, but everything happens for a reason.  I'm not worried about what happens going forward.

In that vein, I've moved back into the house in Oxnard.  I know that 2008 ended my relationship with Jarrod, and I moved into my own place in Ventura for 5 months, but with the death of Tutu at the beginning of the month, there was an empty room at the Lawrence/Dillon house.  This allowed me to move back into the house and spend more time with Aiden.  As you can tell from the photo, he's enjoying New Years Eve at home.

So, between the death of Tutu, the end of my relationship with Jarrod, and the demise of my job with Athena Cosmetics, I'm officially done with 2008.  Here's hoping that 2009 will bring a much better year for me.

To all of my friends, family, and acquaintances, have a happy and prosperous 2009!

Just to let you know I'll be updating again soon.

Many changes over the last few weeks.  November/December have been busy, busy months.

Look for another update before the holiday season is over!

Did you miss something today? Check out what I've been up to over the last 24 hours:

• 19:31 Standing under a building in Chicago, lighted to spell USA, watching Obama slide closer to 270 every minute.
• 22:19 Headed to Grant Park in Chicago to witness history in the making.

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Did you miss something today? Check out what I've been up to over the last 24 hours:

• 12:56 I completely over packed for Chicago. They're having the warmest week in Chicago winter history. Boo!
• 13:30 Voting "NO on Prop 8" is the new Manolo Blahnik. Everybody should own a sensible vote.

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After what feels like the longest and most polarizing election in recent history, we are (hopefully) just 24 hours away from knowing who will be our next President of the United States of America.

Given I've spent the last few days in Chicago, I've heard nothing but good words about Obama.  There are more bumper stickers, posters, hand-made signs, logos, buttons, hats, t-shirts, etc, for Barack then I've found anywhere else in the country.  It's encouraging.  The photo to the right was taken in Boystown, where the gays love Obama.

For a candidate who was not expected to make it past the primaries, let alone lead the polls for the office of the President, Obama is on the cusp of taking the 2008 election.  I, for one, couldn't be happier.  I'd like to say I'll be attending the Obama Rally in Grant Park here in Chicago, but with only 65,000 tickets being given out, and another 40,000 expected to show up and stand outside the ticketed area, I'm thinking I'll spend election night at a local bar to watch the results with my fellow democrats in Chicago.

Here's to hoping we wake up on November 5th with the right guy in office.  If "Heartbeat Away" Palin makes it to the White House, I'm picking up and moving to Canada.  I'm not kidding.  Who's with me, in this worst case scenario?

Photos from Election Night in Chicago will be posted tomorrow night.  History is about to be made, folks.  Don't forget to vote and be a part of it.

For those of you in California, please vote NO on Prop 8.  It's more of a human right, rather then the folks who want to hide behind school teachings to scare adults into voting Yes on Prop 8.  It's just sad.

VOTE, VOTE, VOTE!  Do it early, and do it oft...well, at least do it early.  See you in 24 hours!!!