new thread
Hi longhairs. It had been quite a while, so I decided to swing by with an update. I am pretty sure a lot of you know me from the past. For some of you who are new, I am Matthew M from the Seattle area, and I have a form of Autism, Aspergers, and I am currently working for the Kinect on Microsoft. I used to be regular here years ago, though I became interested in other things. But I still did not forget you guys. Now a few pictures.
My hair from the front.
My hair from the back (note that the photo is a little dark, so you will have to look closely).
My Jake Sully costume (only showing the mask and wig).
Now a little about my recent past. I am still working on body skeleton tagging for the Kinect so the Kinect can track people better. If you use a Kinect or own one, you can thank me for my efforts. I have been doing that for several years, working on Microsoft campus. All of the jobs so far were contract jobs, which are run by various external companies, not Microsoft itself. Contract jobs for Microsoft eventually require workers to take an extended break, usually after one year, since they are not considered full time employees. But I am currently working and I should be able to work into next summer if things go well.
Also, an exciting update. This past spring, I went to Walt Disney World with one of my mom's previous coworker, and had a grand time there. If you want to know more about my experience, feel free to ask me.
As for long hair meet ups go, I am going to Maine next summer for a family reunion, and I am planning on meeting up with MarkS, who recently moved to Massachusetts (he is driving up to Maine to meet me there). Also, my high school reunion for ten years is coming up next summer (just throwing that in there). One more update, I have deactivated my FaceBook account since I was mainly using it for games like FarmVille (which I no longer do) and some drama with certain people, in case you guys no longer see me on there (I am not planning on going back on there any time soon).
Matthew M
Hi Matthew,
Nice to see you drop back in to say hello to your old friends as well as see some new ones here.Sounds like you've kept yourself busy with work and other activities.Sadly I'm currently unemployed so waiting to see what happens with that.It's the second time in less than two years from the same company.I certainly would consider moving out west if a decent offer came my way.As for your work I have no clue what any of that is you do for Microsoft but at least its keeps you employed:)As for travel its always cool meeting up with the longhairs as I did just that last month in California.I'm sure meeting Mark S. will be fun.Anyway great pictures as its nice to see your hair is still long and that you haven't caved to a short haircut.Please stop back often my friend.Cheers
Mârk
Hi Matt! got to know that you're still doing good. I remember you being around years ago back when I was active daily as well. I've recently returned in the past few months too, I'm just waiting until I get a few things out of the way to do an update myself.
Nice to hear from you and nice to know that you're working on something awesome like that!
Peace!
Billy
Welcome back, Matt!
Your curly long hair is looking superb.
- Oren
Hi Matthew,
I'm glad things seem to be going well for you. Your hair is looking great I have to say. I was able to look closely and determine that your waves are very healthy looking. I hope you continue to grow it longer.
I've met up with MarkS twice now in the last few weeks as both of us live in the same state. That's cool that you'll also get to meet him.
Best,
Jason
Dear Matt,
As a newcomer to this board, I wasn't around in past years when you were more active. I must say, though that your hair looks fabulous and is an inspiration for guys like me who aren't quite as far down the road. Congratulations on having the patience and persistence to see it to this point.
Congratulations also on being productive and self-sufficient with your Aspergers. I know of too many people who, handed by fate a particular challenge, prefer to wallow in their disability to seeking what you've achieved. Not all can achieve self-sufficiency, but far more can, than do. Good on ya, and keep up the good work. God willing, when you're current stint at Microsoft will come to an end, you'll find a new outlet for your (probably considerable) talents.
Thanks for sharing and all the best...
Don
My theory is all Aspergerss syndrome is is just being a geek. The typical symptoms of Aspergers perfectly describe the nerd/geek we knew and picked on in high school with the taped glasses and the pencil pocket protector. But now that computers are central to our lives now, the geeks Rule!
Good to see you here again, Matt. Yes, me and Jason live in the same state and close so maybe all three of us might be able to get together for a meetup. Cheers bud! :) Hair is looking great and really like the curls!
That's awesome. I will be in Maine from July 26-August 2 next summer, so we will pick a date during that week.
Matthew
Hi Matt,
Welcome back, it's great to see you here again!!
That was an excellent update, both in the photo content, and in your written summary. I'd also like to echo words of congratulations to you for your remarkable accomplishments in life, in spite of the challenge of having Aspergers.
As far as your comments re. Facebbok, although I certainly don't know all of the details about your difficulties with them, nevertheless I can definitely relate, as I have resisted joining Facebook in the first place. What little I've seen about it, I'm just not interested in being a part of; so you certainly have my full support in your decision to no longer be involved with them!
Anyway, thanks again for stopping by and saying hello -- and I hope we get to see more of you in the future!
- Ken in San Francisco
PS - Your hair is looking TERRIFIC, and I am jealous of your great-looking curls!!
Now I have to disagree about facebook. I don't do games
on facebook or use facebook apps, but i've found Facebook
to to be invaluable communicating with others and pushing
informtion out.
Within the past year i've found Facebook to be invaluable since it was through facebook that I found out a number of friends
had died. So for those deaths Facebook has been invaluable
in getting out the funeral arrangements as well as comforting
the surviving spouses/friends/etc. Deaths are never easy,
but Facebook has helped in easing a difficult/painful
period for the surviving friends and family. Also a number
of folks are keeping facebook pages up for the recently
deceased as a form of memorial in their honor.
I'm 59 years old now, i've seen alot of friends/relatives/
co-workers die over the years. Those deaths are never
easy for those close to the deceased but Facebook is
a valuable tool in comforting those who survive the deceased
and can ease what is a very difficult time. (Especially if the deceased dies a few thousand miles away. One of those who
died did so in California and his wife has had a difficult time
being alone in California.)
Good to see you are back - your hair looks great. I'm recently back myself & you were active on here when I last was. I especially remember a very nice picture you took of yourself in the snow.
I'm glad everything is going well for you and hope you continue to post here.
Chris
Hello Matt,
Glad to hear your doing well, and missed your presence here on the board. I do remember you from your regular and intimate hair updates with the pictures galore and your great enthusiasm in sharing all aspects of your long hair journey and life in general. I hope you have a great time meeting up with Mark and look forward to seeing more of you on this board.
Many years ago in 1989 I visited Disneyland in Anaheim California and had a great time there. I enjoyed the Haunted House, Pirate Boat ride and other attractions. Your never too old to be in a kid again!
Best wishes,
Duncan
Are you sure you want to phrase it that way?
Oh my phuck...
I been to Disneyland several times, but I find WDW more enjoyable, especially Epcot.
Matthew
I don't like any amusement park. I find nothing appealing about them. I can't see spending big bucks to ride on rides that
give you the privilige of blowing your lunch. I've never
seen anything appealing in that.
I assume they seek the thrill of riding one of those rides, something they don't get to do every day. I also doubt that people eat something prior the ride and I've rarely ever seen someone vomiting afterwards. I'm not a fan of amusement Parks, though.
Welcome back, and thanks for the update! It appears you've made great progress over the past several years!
-Tommy