Bid Adieu to Two Thousand Two.
As I write this it is twenty four hours, twenty six minutes, and thirty seconds, until millions of voices yell out in unison.
It'll be a twenty four hour day for me, as it always is, at the best place ever.
Where will you be?
Wednesday, December 25, 2002
Words From The Heart.
Merry Christmas. Truth be told I'm not writing this on Christmas morn, it's actually been pieced together over several weeks now. Although I'm sure some amount of slamming away at the keyboard will take place Christmas Eve. These things take time. I have real problems with buying things for people, because I'm always obsessing about whatever it is being "perfect." When pondering what I could do for all the people I know and love, I decided this would be the best thing. Let them know straight out, what they mean to me.
This is my 22nd Christmas, and it's the end of an era. Next year, I might be on duty, I might be working, I might be living somewhere countless miles from here. I do hope I'll be able to return for another Christmas, it's always a special time of year in this house. I have a lot to be thankful for, over the years. To me, this is my way of thanking the people I know, for being the people they are, and for all that they've done for me.
Maybe this will become a yearly thing. Not as grandiose as this one, but hey, I have twenty something years to make up for here. For those who are reading this and know me personally, but don't find your name below, don't think you're being shafted, I might have forgotten you. I've tried desperately to make sure everyone who deserves to be here is.
After pondering how to organize, I decided to do it alphabetically. It's the easiest way for those who are only interested in what I wrote about them to find what they're looking for.
Frankly, I don't expect most of the people listed here to ever actually read this. Maybe they'll discover it some day far in the future. I expect it to be long and wordy. I made exceptions in the organization for those people who have become especially close to me this year in particular. You'll find these names where the best always go, last.
Without any further interruption, I'll begin.
AJ: You often complain about people accidentally calling you because you're at the top of their cell phone lists, and lookie here you're at the top of this one too. Thank you for helping me dismiss various stereotypes I'd had before meeting you. Thanks for giving me countless opportunities to flex my nerd muscles and fix your electronics in some way or another. Thanks for the rides to L.A., and the conversations about our futures. You have the motivation and desire to get there, I'm sure whatever path you choose will work out wonderfully.
Akhil: Roadkill is in the house. I totally remember the look on your face when you first said "I'm Akhil" on my doorstep that one day in what, 8th grade or something? I have you to thank for improving my basketball game, at least as well as it could be improved. "Code words" were perhaps the single most entertaining aspect of middle school as a whole. It was awesome to have someone to blab to about the latest crush, the latest move that was made, or the latest explosion in one's face that occurred. I also have you to thank for inflating my ego every time we hit the bowling alley. When we're senior citizens and can barely lift up the 6 pounders give me a call, you might stand a chance. At the rate you're going, you'll just be getting out of residency as I potentially come back from my first tour of duty. Maybe we'll play golf outside your mansion a few years later?
Andrew: When I once was a semifinalist for “Who Wants to be a Millionaire”, you didn't know it, but you were in the list of people I would have given them for the instance when I needed to "phone a friend." How you know so much about so much is beyond me, but I'm glad you dummy yourself down to converse with me every once in a while. Our biannual or triannual meetings are always good for laughs, even if I'm the one bearing the brunt of the attacks. When it comes to the award for "Most Likely To Succed," I think you've got it wrapped up. Go build me a new missile or something, eh?
Ann: Although in college we've only spoken to each other only once in a long while, what I need to thank you for most is my senior year in high school. Those mornings in Mr. F's office, spending first period alone in a small room, was believe it or not one of my favorite times of the day. Being able to just talk about anything, and complain about everything. You've always been outspoken, but it's people like you that I have the best kinds of conversations with. I learned a lot from you, and even if I didn't always agree with you, you always helped me see the other side of an issue. I never got bored of hearing you give a speech, and I have strong hopes that I'll be watching you on TV some day. When you're the dictator of the world, be sure to give me a nice box to live in.
Ben: So, you're the one marrying my sister. If there's anything that makes me feel old, finding out my sister is getting married is definitely it. I must say, for once, I'm impressed with Sara's decision making skills. Something tells me you'll be participating in Wilson family dinner table conversations for years to come. Thank you for being in the right place at the right time, and meeting my sister years ago.
Brad: Had. Yikes, to think I first got into this whole IRC thing 5 full years ago. For some reason you're one of the few who has never disappeared at some point. I guess that tells us how obsessed we are. Sorry about the whole selling drugs out your window thing, what can I say I didn't realize ppl were so gullible. Thanks for putting up with me for years on end, and for the occasional FTP hookups. Too bad you're a leech 4 life.
Chris: Grasshoppers unite. Although you always stunk at soccer, you were much more useful for things like homemade cookies. I guess I should be thanking your mom for that actually. Well, thanks for not laughing too hard every time I ended up on my ass while snowboarding. Thanks for being one half of the pair that love to torture me, and thanks for always being willing to be crushed by my Tetrinet skill. Kiwistrawberry and CoCoNut shall die.
Connie: My my my, where do I begin. When asked who of the people I know now have I known the longest, your name is one of the ones who come to mind instantly. I still remember competing with you in 1st grade to see who could say the alphabet backwards and win the prize from the toy chest. We've watched each other grow for gosh, 15 years now? Through Surfing Santas and notes in Mr Matz's class, a lot has changed. I actually stumbled onto a website of yours for one of the dance groups you perform in, quite impressive. I'll always be interested in finding out how you're doing, keep in touch.
Dave L.: You were my favorite R/A. Maybe it was the hall video, maybe it was the late night antics, maybe it was the fact you actually made a Mac look cool. Well, you tried anyway. Thanks for making my 3rd year at UCSB the best so far. I apologize for the one incident in which I was the cause of you having to fill out some paperwork. He had it coming though, and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.
Dave R.: Wick. We've known each other for what, 4 years now? Scary thought. You hold the title of being the only person I've ever travelled via plane to meet for the first time. Who could guess looking at the two of us whackos on the street that we share a common interest. I certainly would have walked on the other side of the street if I saw you coming. Thanks for putting up with my arrogance on a daily basis for years on end. Also, thanks for being beat up by a little girl, and giving me several minutes of laughter every time it comes to mind. You know the invitation is always open for you to come out here and enjoy the sun.
Diana: In the past, I generally haven't approved of the people my siblings date. Especially with Luke, I rarely even talked to his, they weren't around long enough for it to be important for me to remember their name. I truly hope he smartens up, and manages to keep you around. You will always have one of the largest brownie point totals with me imaginable thanks to that McDonalds drive-thru incident. Ya'll are young, but stick around a while, it'll be fun. I must say, you seem strangely easy to talk to. Rare is the type of person that I'd just babble away to about my social life with the opposite gender in the middle of a Death Valley canyon in the middle of the night. Consider yourself special.
Donna: February 7th, 1996. Not quite 7 years ago, I was witness to what until then had seemed an impossible event. Matt, the dorky kid with glasses and braces, actually became someone's boyfriend, and in return, had a girlfriend. You'll always be the story of the first, and for that I thank you. You were the first person to help me believe that there were actually people out there who saw me for who I really was, rather than what they'd been told. I'm glad to read that you're doing well in Chicago, you seem as busy as always, and that's generally what makes you happy. Maybe I'll drop by sometime, I'm sure I'll be stuck at O'Hare more than once during my lifetime.
Eileen: Another old timer. Third grade I believe it was when we first exchanged "hi's." One of the things I thank you for the most is for being able to type at a speed approaching mine. You are one of the few people whom I can have conversations with without multitasking in 7 other windows because I'm bored of waiting for the response. The look on your face when I randomly showed up outside your Stanford dorm room totally unexpected from hundreds of miles away is one I'll always remember. You actually represent a lot of memorable moments for me. Who can forget the Physics faucet. Basically the funniest single event in my four years of high school. Then there was the Chemistry flames. Maybe it's a science bad luck thing for you? Even though our IMs tend to have long gaps between them, I still feel you're one of my closest friends. Oh, and I feel I must thank you again for that US History assignment, you're the only person to ever meet me outside their house past 3am to bail me out of a jam. For that I'm forever in your debt. If you ever need anything, let me know. I hear with my potential future occupation I'll be able to acquire free plane travel for friends and family, you might find that useful. :)
Elke: Okay time to come clean. When Josh said you guys were moving in together, I groaned on the inside. Okay now before you make a representative voodoo doll, I'll also be honest that you've proven me wrong. Read the previous carefully, as it's something I'll admit about once a year. Most people have never even seen it happen. But I was wrong. You guys are awesome. Basically the only people remaining that I knew my freshman year here, and that's a long time to put up with me. Chumash trips are always a blast, but whose idea was that anyway, I mean really. SCUBA diving absolutely ruled, but next time you go to Hawaii HOOK IT UP! Here's hoping the next time you "swoop" on someone, you'll bring home the G's. Thanks for constantly helping talk Josh into doing spontaneously naughty things. Oh and thanks for the Jambas! Growing boys need nutrition.
Erin: Thanks for helping me decide C.S. was not the path for me, and helping me realize that I wasn't the only one struggling to find the motivation. Thanks for going to class more than me, and making me feel bad when I didn't, thus motivating me to do better. I wish you luck in the career path you do pursue. Keep smiling, you cheer up the world every time you do.
Greg: CrusH. I'd say you were special because you were the only Canadian in this blog, but alas you are merely half of them. You are however, special because you're the only person I know in the Atlantic time zone. So there, consider yourself unique. Thanks for stickin around through the years, your rise in skill has come as quite an annoyance to those of us trying to stay competitive. Hope we keep in touch, so I can knife you long into the future.
Heidi: I appreciate the fact that you actually came up to me, before I came up to you. That makes a guy's life so much easier. Thanks for forcing me to get involved this year, even if it hasn't always seemed like the best idea ever. Thanks for being my only neighbor that shares a wall with me, and rarely complaining about my level of noise. I think I'm acquiring much louder speakers for Christmas, so thanks in advance for ignoring the fact that your floor is vibrating. Thanks for showing me the kind of person you really are. Oh, and thanks for finally telling him the truth, everyone deserves at least that much.
Ian: I like to think you understood me better than anyone else on my floor 2nd year. You certainly made it appear that was the case anyway. Thanks for being frequent Chumash accompaniment, and for helpig to rationalize with me when I needed it. Thanks for always making sure to be hairier than me, so I had someone to point at when someone complained I was unshaven. Stick with whatever makes you happy, and the rest will fall into place.
Ingrid: The second half of my most frequent tormentors. What can I say, I just never get the lame green piece in time. Thanks for sitting behind me in C.S., and keeping me entertained. Thanks for giving me more repetitive English practice than anyone else I know, by saying "What?" after every single thing I say. Last but not least, thanks for actually being spontaneous enough to take me seriously when from a double digit mile count away I say "let's go get something to eat" at 2 in the morning. Most people just give me an lol and log off. :/
Jamie: A member of the 5 oclock foursome. Well, we ate together at least. Always nice to have regulars with whom to talk trash about professors, share war stories during finals, and just in general blab away with. The fact that ya'll are all in long term relationships is quite amazing, and I thank you for not ever making me feel like a lewser for being the outsider. :) May the road to your future be lined with purple.
Jeanette: Thank you for not actually drowning me no matter how many times you made strong attempts. Thanks for finally learning to type without looking at the keyboard, that's always incredibly painful to watch. Also, thanks for having a birthday immediately following mine, so it's basically impossible for me to forget. Conversations with you are always entertaining, hope to keep in touch.
Jen M.: I'm quite excited, I can now say that I actually know someone who's going to be an accountant. I've never really understood the type of mind that's required to handle that kind of job, but I'm very glad there are people who love doing it. I'm sure I'll be paying someone like you decent sums of money at some point in my life, out of laziness if nothing else. Thank you for being the integral part of our writing group, making sure more than anyone else that everything was perfect. Somehow even I got a B+ in that class, glad to hear you received the A+ you deserved. Feel free to spam me if you need any help with computer related issues, alas it tends to be the way I make things up to people. Oh and sorry about the "hair" thing.
Jenni B.: Here's someone I haven't seen in a while. Last I heard you were galavanting around New Mexico or some foreign country like that. Hope all is well with you. You receive the thanks for being my first date for any dance, ever. Believe it or not that dance is still in the top 5 of all time when it comes to entertainment level. Wait, I think I only went to 5. Well it rocked anyway.
Jessica L.: Wait one second, let me see your cell phone. Just for a second. Cmon really I'm not gonna break it. No seriously what's the problem here. Just let me hold it for one second. Okay a few seconds. Cmon now, it's not gonna hurt you. What are you laughing about. Seriously what's so funny. Jessica? Hello? Jessica? Okay I give up.
Jin: I really have never liked poetry. For the most part, I get bored after a few stanzas and end up skimming the rest of the way. Sometimes I don't even finish. For some reason though, there are a select few people who can hold my attention when others fail. These people I find myself utterly baffled by, due to the fact it takes me an hour to compose a single line. The words are never perfect enough, the phrases never deep enough. You however, are amazing. Through the years of college, I've watched you grow from a half of someone else, to fill a void entirely by yourself. The things you've achieved are the types of things I would never even attempt. You mean so much to so many people, I hope our friendship lasts as long as the effect of your words on my subconscious. I thought of trying to compose something for this, but knew it wouldn't be good enough. I'll leave it to the true geniuses.
Josh: WAZZZZZZZZZZAHHHHHHHHHH. Man, what little you know as a freshman in college. Me in CS, you in CE, just pluggin along, assuming that the path we'd chosen was correct. Here we are today, heading in totally different directions from our originals. Along the way much has changed. One of us has managed to land a stable job raking in the dough. One of us has rekindled a relationship that looks like it will stand the test of time for years to come. One of us has been to Alaska and Hawaii. Oh, the other one of us is named Matt. :) You've managed to make quite a niche for yourself, I'm quite proud to be able to invade your personal space on an occasional basis. You know how to reach me if you ever need a favor. I'm sure I'm at least 3 behind.
Kristin: Njko. Perhaps the most dedicated idler we ever saw. I thank you for the constant slapping of trouts, and the constant OHHHS and MMMs. I thank you for defending me against evils foreign and domestic, and always being a cheerful sight to behold. Hope you continue to stick around, as I need someone to beat repeatedly with large blunt metal objects. Lagged scouts are the specialist.
Lauren: When I said you were the most unique person I met last year, I was being totally honest. You are a special individual. That's the main reason I spent so much time invading you guys' room last year to see "where the party was." Seeing you sad is enough to wrench one's heart, I hope your remaining years in college bring many of those classic smiles instead. Let me know if you're up for a late night Freebird's trip sometime, I'm SO there.
Marcela: Everyone in this post seems to be unique in one way or another, and you hold a prestigious ranking as well. You're the one who's managed to create the largest swelling on my body I've ever experienced, when you clocked me with that classic forehand on the racquetball courts. True, not something to be exactly proud of, but I think I have a pretty permanent dent in my temple, and for that you'll always be remembered. Hey at least you can brag you beat up on a guy, sort of. Seriously though, I'm glad I had sane people in my group this quarter, because if it had been a bunch of idiots I probably wouldn't have survived. You seem like a kind person on the inside, and no "I'm not even joking." I'm seriously looking forward to our next game, it's great finding female competition with whom I needed worry about playing easy against.
Marisol: A lot of thought went into what I should put here. Truthfully, I've told you just about everything you could possibly ever have needed or wanted to know. So I'll be brief. Thank you for helping me survive the most traumatic years of my life in middle school, and being the light at the end of the tunnel, even if at times it seemed like a really long tunnel. Thank you for finally hearing me out, putting to rest various ghosts from years ago. Thanks for another chance. I meant what I promised, I'm sure you know that. Be sure to let me know where you head after college, I'll be anxious to hear how you're succeeding in the world.
Mark: I personally have to thank you for helping me maintain VII for as long as it lasted. You were integral in performing a lot of the behind the scenes duties that are very time consuming, and not at all glorified. Regardless of how other members and recruits came and went, through the end you were always someone I could count on to have a level head, and always be honest with me about subjects, even if you didn't agree. You're still one of the most interesting stories about the recreational world that I tell, that of how two different generations of men from totally different locations and walks of life, can interact and perform as a team. Hope to keep in touch with you, I personally think your Letter of Recommendation was the most important, as it might be the exact kind of curveball they're looking for.
Mey: It's quite bizarre how I managed to meet a lot of you sisters at different times, and only later found out you were joining the same group. I guess it's testament that I like the kind of people you are. From your screenname to your random appearances, you've always been happy and full of smiles. Thank you for being a cheerful spot in everyone's lives, and picking people up whenever they're down for the count.
Mia: When it comes to randomly searching the internet for interesting people, you never really expect to find much. It's like panning for gold in a sea of rocks and pebbles. Somehow though, I happened across you. Out of everyone I've learned about through the magic of the internet, I consider you the most intriguing. Perhaps because your story is much like my own, perhaps because we share many of the same characteristics. Whatever it is, you're at the top of the list of people I'd like to meet, to quote Ms. Streisand, some how, some day, some way. Thank you for being an inspiration to me, as you travelled to a foreign country not knowing the language, and yet lived an amazing three months. I can only hope to be that mentally strong if I ever end up far from home. May you find happiness wherever you roam.
Mr. F: When I'm asked what teacher had the greatest influence on my while growing up, your name is always the easy answer. Through Academic Decathlon I acquired more knowledge than during the rest of my schooling combined, most likely. It was a tremendous learning experience, in every sense of the word. Through the program I experienced the happiest day of my life, and also the saddest. The incredible level of emotions combined with what I gained from it will leave a lasting mark on me through my entire life. Thank you for your endless dedication to teaching, and helping us become the intelligent young men and women that we have.
Nate: You I have to thank for corrupting Josh's mind on a regular basis. My partner in crime so to speak, I'd still like to know how you get those high limit machines to work for you. That and the whole winning Blackjack tournaments thing, I'd like to pick up that concept as well sometime. Thanks for always giving me someone to point to when they claim I have a problem. :)
Olivia: When I think overachiever, your name is one of the ones that pop into my head. I mean really, double majoring CS and Bio? That's what we call insane folks. Not that taking 20 units a quarter on a regular basis is normal either. Somehow you survive though, and that amazes me. Just the thought of going to a country and being thrown into a foreign language to learn from scratch, is something I don't think I'd be able to handle. Yet you've conquered that and then some. I hope you do eventually finish school, and become someone important, I'll be proud to say I'm friends with you. Wait too late, I already am.
Randi: If there's one kind of person I love, it's Carrows buddies. People willing to travel with me to restaurants late at night at obscene hours to study, grab a snack, have a conversation, or just inhale some pie a la mode. You filled that role many a time, and I thank you. Although I've only seen you once in a long while since you've been in SD, it's still nonstop entertainment whenever I do. Hope to see you around soon.
Ray: You're one of the funnier guys I know. Not that you're always trying to be funny, but it tends to come out that way. What you've done as an R/A and the work you've done with kids is admirable, I really think you'll rise quickly through the trenches wherever you end up deciding to go to work. Alas we only have one more year, we'll have to enjoy it while we can. Thanks for trying to understand me, it's a task many don't even attempt.
Raylene: When I'm asked about whom I feel has the greatest potential in life of the people I've met, your name is the clear victor. I mean, you've probably been told this all the time, but you're the ideal example of a student. The things you do outside of class from AcaDec to sports are just mind boggling. The fact you've been accepted to places like Harvard comes as no surprise. I see you doing great things in life. Generally people say the sky is limit, but I see you taking us all beyond that. Just being around you has taught me plenty. Thank you not only for the knowledge, but for being someone that understands what I went through. Both the joy, and the pain. Here's hoping more of the former visits you in the future.
Salena: I guess first I should thank you for the Whoppers, and then thank you for slamming me over the head with them to teach me a lesson. You've always been very headstrong, a trait common in many women I know. It's better that way, I deserve a beating now and again. Let me know the next time you're heading to Freebirds, you know I'm always down for some tacos. I feel I did my part for broadening your horizons by taking you on all the Six Flags coasters, thank you for not killing me at some point during the day during my constant jabbering.
Sanje: Okay this one's going to be tough. I'm actually going to have to admit that some Mac users are actually... cool. I know I know, I didn't think I'd ever see the day either. The work you do with putting together videos is awesome, and the fact you play soccer of course puts you into the auto-cool category. Thanks for listening to be blab on a regular basis over the last few years, and for showing me that not everyone who's into drama is necessarily a drama queen. Well at least not all the time. Go 49ers!
Tahirah: I'm pretty sure you're the smallest person I know. Thank you for making me feel buff, in the fact that I can spin you around my head and throw you hundreds of yards. Okay I exaggerate. Slightly. I hope I haven't poisoned your "innocent" mind too much over the years, as that would be just a travesty. You're quite a fun person to be around, and I must thank you for the multitude of memories that came with that spontaneous Bay Area road trip. That is truly one of my favorite aspects of my college life thus far. Next time leave the poor golfers alone!
Tammy: I've been to see Naked Voices perform many a time now, and every time I go I'm thoroughly entertained. It's amazing how different a person can sound when they belt out a song. You've blown me away every time I've heard it, I only wish I could perform at the same level, or even anywhere close. This year you seem focused on your goals, and I am sure you'll have no trouble achieving them. Thanks for giving me someone to laugh with, and someone to share stories with about "the one I socked." Feel free to spam me with IMs in the future, I'll be interested to see where you go.
Terry: And then there was Terry. Lover of Einstein. And strange subjects like chemistry and physics. Attender of Cal Tech. Empress of everyone, slave of no one. I tremble in your presence. Thanks for politely laughing at some of my worse jokes ever, and being an overly fun person in general. Although I've never really understood your fascination with a long deceased man, may you eventually find him and unload on him like only your 5 foot frame could.
Tia: When it comes to people I never thought I'd become close to, you're way up there. Had it not been for AcaDec, I'm pretty sure I'd have never spoken a word to you in my life. Guess that just goes to show what one misses out on when he makes judgements. The best thing about you is you laugh at basically anything I say. I could be talking about hermits in Tazmania and you would be giggling. You make me feel like I'm an actual comedian, and that you're genuinely interested in what I'm talking about. Even if you do ignore me when I knock. Hmph. I hope I continue to get to see you from time to time, it's always great fun.
Vrushali: Few are the people who have managed to climb Mt. Baldy with me. You really impressed me that day, even though I unfortunately ended up getting the worst sunburn of my life. Definitely won't be rolling up the sleeves to show off the rock hard guns next time around. Ever since high school, when we went to see many a movie together, I've had you to thank for being a sounding board for all my heart's problems. Even if you didn't really want to hear it at the time, you were always there to listen, and tell me it was going to be okay. Thank you for being the cool gal that you are.
Wendy: Yours is a name that will have a place in my memory regardless of how time passes. Of all the people on this list outside my family, we've shared the most. Lately though, that definitely hasn't been the case. I do have some thanks to give however. Thank you for many of the good times. Thank you even for some of the bad ones. I learned more from you than just about anyone else in my life, whether or not I admit it. Thank you for contributing many of the only stylish aspects of my wardrobe, that still bring questions from friends whenever I wear them, as they correctly disbelieve I could have bought something like it myself. Thank you for continuing to be there, as the years pass. Maybe I'll be seeing your name in the headlines some day. I can't guarantee my vote, though. :)
And now, those who are particularly special, this year.
Natalya: For you I have one huge thank you. Thank you for not saying something about the "Stripes." For that alone you rock. Other than that however, you made me feel really special when you guys showed up with the xmas gift. Made me feel really bad as well, but it was great to feel loved. You can stay over at my place any time, and I won't even charge rent. As long as it isn't like, a regular thing. :) The whole live in female housemate rumor would "cramp my style" if you know what I mean. The dinner table was nonstop entertainment. Especially when pumpkin pie was involved. You'll really have to come back and visit sometime, so we can relive the tradition. Oh I do have to ask you one thing, is the ice cream working?
Jessica G.: Of every single person I've met this year, I like you the most. Now before we get carried away, let me explain why. Rare is the person whom is a lot like me. Not too many people are at my level of dorkiness, while at the same time outgoing enough to compete with me in conversation. We seem to be able to talk about just about anything, and yet be understood by each other. Usually I can only talk to certain people about computer topics, certain people about trivia, and certain people about other not so popular things. With you it just seems like you not only always understand, but are always genuinely listening to what I'm saying, and actually care. For years I've spent countless hours playing games online, generally with myself, wasting away the hours. Having a companion to spam smilies at while exchanging competitive barbs is the best present I could have asked for. Ask my parents, they know what kind of life I lead. Thank you for being you, and being a lot like me. I hope happiness follows you around like a cloud, displaying rainbows at every turn.
Amy: Here I am, 12:30 Christmas morning. You were originally skipped, as I hadn’t really decided what I wanted to say at that point. Then you were skipped again, as I decided to fill in all the blanks and the rest of the post. Now here you are, last, but certainly not least. When it comes to answering the question: “Who knows me best?”, you’re the answer. Granted, I don’t always like to hear what I appear to be from the outside. I don’t always agree, and we make a career out of arguing at times. However believe it or not, I value your opinion more than anyone’s. I suppose part of it is you’re of the opposite gender, and thus can generally give me the point of view I’m trying to figure out. But another part is the fact that I trust you, and feel you’re one of the more intelligent people I know. We’re two stubborn people, and at times that’s a little like those buffalo ram things with the big horns slamming into each other. I like to think I’m learning from the experience though. At times you simply blow me away with your kindness, the cool things you randomly do for me, or warm, as the case may be. It makes me feel bad, as I don’t have a lot of material things to represent my efforts. We may not like the same music, we may disagree on the color red and its meaning, but the truth is, you’re just a fun person to be around. Whether it’s just taking over my chair and warming it up with your heater of an ass which I will later appreciate, and confiscating my remote in order to torment me with rapid channel flipping, or running into the freezing ocean in the pouring rain, I just have a blast. I’m glad you came looking for someone to fix your computer years back, or I might have eventually gotten curious enough that I would have had to actually talk to you first. You know how I am talking to new ppl, it might never have happened! I’m very happy that you’ve found someone to bring joy into your life, I know you always have a lot on your plate, here’s hoping that lightens the load. One more thing to ALWAYS remember… Scratch and sniff your ass. RGR.
Luke: My, a long time has passed since we were kids playing in the sand. However I do have thanks for you as well. Thank you for playing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with me on an hourly basis, and always letting my favorite Leonardo win. Thank you for being the backup dancer when I put together Michael Jackson routines. Thank you for spending hours perfecting "contraptions" in the backyard, only to have them never work. Thanks for letting me go first when we go off the curb on our bikes one handed, sparing you from the injuries I eventually suffered. Thanks for being totally and utterly unlike me, so I can claim you were adopted when my friends ask. Oh, and sorry for taking all the genes that had anything remotely to do with intelligence, before you came along. Hopefully through the years you'll attempt to grow something most of us refer to as a brain. Then we can guarantee many a family reunion to come. You gotta grow one first, though.
Sara: You know, I remember you as like, half of the performance of that parrot skit in Mr. Cheeseman's class. I think that's my permanent freeze frame, much as yours depict me with parted hair. The term, "little brother" might no longer apply, but we're apparently still related, so I suppose I have a few things to thank you for. Thanks for forcing us to play My Little Pony and Strawberry Shortcake, attempting to potentially affect our future sexuality. Thank you for being creative, artsy, and craftsy, so I never have to be. Thanks for always handling the lovey dovey stuff for the parents and relatives and yet giving all three siblings credit. I also must thank you for taking a lot of the genes I'm really glad I didn't end up with. As much as doodling on math homework fits my personality, I thank you for sparing me. One final note, thanks for finally getting engaged, the parents will now be engulfed in planning a wedding for over a year and no longer care about my love life or lack thereof. I will return the favor by showing up. At least temporarily.
Mom and Dad: When it comes to thanking my parents, it's sort of hard to decide where to start. I could basically write a novel rivaling the length of "War and Peace," and I still wouldn't have been able to full describe how lucky I am. As everyone around me knows, I'm not really one for the mushy stuff. However I'm going to try to break out of the shell at least temporarily. Thank you both for believing in me, and just wanting me to be happy, even if you didn't always agree in the direction I was taking. Thank you for the long drives to soccer tournaments, and withstanding the freezing cold during the games. Thanks for the constant pampering during holidays, and always going over the top. Thank you for relaxing a whole lot after my sister went to college, and letting me basically live my own life from age 16 on. Thanks for approving of me driving the Mustang to Berkeley without your permission, even if I didn't tell you about it until afterwards. Thanks for putting up with me during the oh so wonderful middle school years of my life. Thank you for turning me on to reading, probably the single most important event during my childhood that created who I am today. Thanks for putting the multiplication tables on my wall in 1st grade, putting me two grades ahead of the pack and keeping me there throughout my education. Thanks for the new bikes, skates, Ninja turtles, stereos, computer games, and countless other jinkies. Thank you for the hugs, scratch backs, and I love you's. Thanks for the Mt Whitney trip, and the family vacations. Thank you for trying to understand the direction I'm taking in life, even if it's something you're afraid of. I hope to make my family proud, wherever I go.
Thank you for being the best parents one could ask for. I love you both.
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Well, I guess that just about does it. Another year just about in the books, and potentially my last holiday season as a "kid" drawing to a close. I’ll probably post again somewhere near New Years, this post will be up a while. I want to thank everyone close to me as a whole, for making me as happy as a clam. You’re all loved. Although I may not always say it, I tend to show it in some other way, shape, or form. A big huge MERRY CHRISTMAS to you all.
And to all, a good night.
Merry Christmas. Truth be told I'm not writing this on Christmas morn, it's actually been pieced together over several weeks now. Although I'm sure some amount of slamming away at the keyboard will take place Christmas Eve. These things take time. I have real problems with buying things for people, because I'm always obsessing about whatever it is being "perfect." When pondering what I could do for all the people I know and love, I decided this would be the best thing. Let them know straight out, what they mean to me.
This is my 22nd Christmas, and it's the end of an era. Next year, I might be on duty, I might be working, I might be living somewhere countless miles from here. I do hope I'll be able to return for another Christmas, it's always a special time of year in this house. I have a lot to be thankful for, over the years. To me, this is my way of thanking the people I know, for being the people they are, and for all that they've done for me.
Maybe this will become a yearly thing. Not as grandiose as this one, but hey, I have twenty something years to make up for here. For those who are reading this and know me personally, but don't find your name below, don't think you're being shafted, I might have forgotten you. I've tried desperately to make sure everyone who deserves to be here is.
After pondering how to organize, I decided to do it alphabetically. It's the easiest way for those who are only interested in what I wrote about them to find what they're looking for.
Frankly, I don't expect most of the people listed here to ever actually read this. Maybe they'll discover it some day far in the future. I expect it to be long and wordy. I made exceptions in the organization for those people who have become especially close to me this year in particular. You'll find these names where the best always go, last.
Without any further interruption, I'll begin.
AJ: You often complain about people accidentally calling you because you're at the top of their cell phone lists, and lookie here you're at the top of this one too. Thank you for helping me dismiss various stereotypes I'd had before meeting you. Thanks for giving me countless opportunities to flex my nerd muscles and fix your electronics in some way or another. Thanks for the rides to L.A., and the conversations about our futures. You have the motivation and desire to get there, I'm sure whatever path you choose will work out wonderfully.
Akhil: Roadkill is in the house. I totally remember the look on your face when you first said "I'm Akhil" on my doorstep that one day in what, 8th grade or something? I have you to thank for improving my basketball game, at least as well as it could be improved. "Code words" were perhaps the single most entertaining aspect of middle school as a whole. It was awesome to have someone to blab to about the latest crush, the latest move that was made, or the latest explosion in one's face that occurred. I also have you to thank for inflating my ego every time we hit the bowling alley. When we're senior citizens and can barely lift up the 6 pounders give me a call, you might stand a chance. At the rate you're going, you'll just be getting out of residency as I potentially come back from my first tour of duty. Maybe we'll play golf outside your mansion a few years later?
Andrew: When I once was a semifinalist for “Who Wants to be a Millionaire”, you didn't know it, but you were in the list of people I would have given them for the instance when I needed to "phone a friend." How you know so much about so much is beyond me, but I'm glad you dummy yourself down to converse with me every once in a while. Our biannual or triannual meetings are always good for laughs, even if I'm the one bearing the brunt of the attacks. When it comes to the award for "Most Likely To Succed," I think you've got it wrapped up. Go build me a new missile or something, eh?
Ann: Although in college we've only spoken to each other only once in a long while, what I need to thank you for most is my senior year in high school. Those mornings in Mr. F's office, spending first period alone in a small room, was believe it or not one of my favorite times of the day. Being able to just talk about anything, and complain about everything. You've always been outspoken, but it's people like you that I have the best kinds of conversations with. I learned a lot from you, and even if I didn't always agree with you, you always helped me see the other side of an issue. I never got bored of hearing you give a speech, and I have strong hopes that I'll be watching you on TV some day. When you're the dictator of the world, be sure to give me a nice box to live in.
Ben: So, you're the one marrying my sister. If there's anything that makes me feel old, finding out my sister is getting married is definitely it. I must say, for once, I'm impressed with Sara's decision making skills. Something tells me you'll be participating in Wilson family dinner table conversations for years to come. Thank you for being in the right place at the right time, and meeting my sister years ago.
Brad: Had. Yikes, to think I first got into this whole IRC thing 5 full years ago. For some reason you're one of the few who has never disappeared at some point. I guess that tells us how obsessed we are. Sorry about the whole selling drugs out your window thing, what can I say I didn't realize ppl were so gullible. Thanks for putting up with me for years on end, and for the occasional FTP hookups. Too bad you're a leech 4 life.
Chris: Grasshoppers unite. Although you always stunk at soccer, you were much more useful for things like homemade cookies. I guess I should be thanking your mom for that actually. Well, thanks for not laughing too hard every time I ended up on my ass while snowboarding. Thanks for being one half of the pair that love to torture me, and thanks for always being willing to be crushed by my Tetrinet skill. Kiwistrawberry and CoCoNut shall die.
Connie: My my my, where do I begin. When asked who of the people I know now have I known the longest, your name is one of the ones who come to mind instantly. I still remember competing with you in 1st grade to see who could say the alphabet backwards and win the prize from the toy chest. We've watched each other grow for gosh, 15 years now? Through Surfing Santas and notes in Mr Matz's class, a lot has changed. I actually stumbled onto a website of yours for one of the dance groups you perform in, quite impressive. I'll always be interested in finding out how you're doing, keep in touch.
Dave L.: You were my favorite R/A. Maybe it was the hall video, maybe it was the late night antics, maybe it was the fact you actually made a Mac look cool. Well, you tried anyway. Thanks for making my 3rd year at UCSB the best so far. I apologize for the one incident in which I was the cause of you having to fill out some paperwork. He had it coming though, and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.
Dave R.: Wick. We've known each other for what, 4 years now? Scary thought. You hold the title of being the only person I've ever travelled via plane to meet for the first time. Who could guess looking at the two of us whackos on the street that we share a common interest. I certainly would have walked on the other side of the street if I saw you coming. Thanks for putting up with my arrogance on a daily basis for years on end. Also, thanks for being beat up by a little girl, and giving me several minutes of laughter every time it comes to mind. You know the invitation is always open for you to come out here and enjoy the sun.
Diana: In the past, I generally haven't approved of the people my siblings date. Especially with Luke, I rarely even talked to his, they weren't around long enough for it to be important for me to remember their name. I truly hope he smartens up, and manages to keep you around. You will always have one of the largest brownie point totals with me imaginable thanks to that McDonalds drive-thru incident. Ya'll are young, but stick around a while, it'll be fun. I must say, you seem strangely easy to talk to. Rare is the type of person that I'd just babble away to about my social life with the opposite gender in the middle of a Death Valley canyon in the middle of the night. Consider yourself special.
Donna: February 7th, 1996. Not quite 7 years ago, I was witness to what until then had seemed an impossible event. Matt, the dorky kid with glasses and braces, actually became someone's boyfriend, and in return, had a girlfriend. You'll always be the story of the first, and for that I thank you. You were the first person to help me believe that there were actually people out there who saw me for who I really was, rather than what they'd been told. I'm glad to read that you're doing well in Chicago, you seem as busy as always, and that's generally what makes you happy. Maybe I'll drop by sometime, I'm sure I'll be stuck at O'Hare more than once during my lifetime.
Eileen: Another old timer. Third grade I believe it was when we first exchanged "hi's." One of the things I thank you for the most is for being able to type at a speed approaching mine. You are one of the few people whom I can have conversations with without multitasking in 7 other windows because I'm bored of waiting for the response. The look on your face when I randomly showed up outside your Stanford dorm room totally unexpected from hundreds of miles away is one I'll always remember. You actually represent a lot of memorable moments for me. Who can forget the Physics faucet. Basically the funniest single event in my four years of high school. Then there was the Chemistry flames. Maybe it's a science bad luck thing for you? Even though our IMs tend to have long gaps between them, I still feel you're one of my closest friends. Oh, and I feel I must thank you again for that US History assignment, you're the only person to ever meet me outside their house past 3am to bail me out of a jam. For that I'm forever in your debt. If you ever need anything, let me know. I hear with my potential future occupation I'll be able to acquire free plane travel for friends and family, you might find that useful. :)
Elke: Okay time to come clean. When Josh said you guys were moving in together, I groaned on the inside. Okay now before you make a representative voodoo doll, I'll also be honest that you've proven me wrong. Read the previous carefully, as it's something I'll admit about once a year. Most people have never even seen it happen. But I was wrong. You guys are awesome. Basically the only people remaining that I knew my freshman year here, and that's a long time to put up with me. Chumash trips are always a blast, but whose idea was that anyway, I mean really. SCUBA diving absolutely ruled, but next time you go to Hawaii HOOK IT UP! Here's hoping the next time you "swoop" on someone, you'll bring home the G's. Thanks for constantly helping talk Josh into doing spontaneously naughty things. Oh and thanks for the Jambas! Growing boys need nutrition.
Erin: Thanks for helping me decide C.S. was not the path for me, and helping me realize that I wasn't the only one struggling to find the motivation. Thanks for going to class more than me, and making me feel bad when I didn't, thus motivating me to do better. I wish you luck in the career path you do pursue. Keep smiling, you cheer up the world every time you do.
Greg: CrusH. I'd say you were special because you were the only Canadian in this blog, but alas you are merely half of them. You are however, special because you're the only person I know in the Atlantic time zone. So there, consider yourself unique. Thanks for stickin around through the years, your rise in skill has come as quite an annoyance to those of us trying to stay competitive. Hope we keep in touch, so I can knife you long into the future.
Heidi: I appreciate the fact that you actually came up to me, before I came up to you. That makes a guy's life so much easier. Thanks for forcing me to get involved this year, even if it hasn't always seemed like the best idea ever. Thanks for being my only neighbor that shares a wall with me, and rarely complaining about my level of noise. I think I'm acquiring much louder speakers for Christmas, so thanks in advance for ignoring the fact that your floor is vibrating. Thanks for showing me the kind of person you really are. Oh, and thanks for finally telling him the truth, everyone deserves at least that much.
Ian: I like to think you understood me better than anyone else on my floor 2nd year. You certainly made it appear that was the case anyway. Thanks for being frequent Chumash accompaniment, and for helpig to rationalize with me when I needed it. Thanks for always making sure to be hairier than me, so I had someone to point at when someone complained I was unshaven. Stick with whatever makes you happy, and the rest will fall into place.
Ingrid: The second half of my most frequent tormentors. What can I say, I just never get the lame green piece in time. Thanks for sitting behind me in C.S., and keeping me entertained. Thanks for giving me more repetitive English practice than anyone else I know, by saying "What?" after every single thing I say. Last but not least, thanks for actually being spontaneous enough to take me seriously when from a double digit mile count away I say "let's go get something to eat" at 2 in the morning. Most people just give me an lol and log off. :/
Jamie: A member of the 5 oclock foursome. Well, we ate together at least. Always nice to have regulars with whom to talk trash about professors, share war stories during finals, and just in general blab away with. The fact that ya'll are all in long term relationships is quite amazing, and I thank you for not ever making me feel like a lewser for being the outsider. :) May the road to your future be lined with purple.
Jeanette: Thank you for not actually drowning me no matter how many times you made strong attempts. Thanks for finally learning to type without looking at the keyboard, that's always incredibly painful to watch. Also, thanks for having a birthday immediately following mine, so it's basically impossible for me to forget. Conversations with you are always entertaining, hope to keep in touch.
Jen M.: I'm quite excited, I can now say that I actually know someone who's going to be an accountant. I've never really understood the type of mind that's required to handle that kind of job, but I'm very glad there are people who love doing it. I'm sure I'll be paying someone like you decent sums of money at some point in my life, out of laziness if nothing else. Thank you for being the integral part of our writing group, making sure more than anyone else that everything was perfect. Somehow even I got a B+ in that class, glad to hear you received the A+ you deserved. Feel free to spam me if you need any help with computer related issues, alas it tends to be the way I make things up to people. Oh and sorry about the "hair" thing.
Jenni B.: Here's someone I haven't seen in a while. Last I heard you were galavanting around New Mexico or some foreign country like that. Hope all is well with you. You receive the thanks for being my first date for any dance, ever. Believe it or not that dance is still in the top 5 of all time when it comes to entertainment level. Wait, I think I only went to 5. Well it rocked anyway.
Jessica L.: Wait one second, let me see your cell phone. Just for a second. Cmon really I'm not gonna break it. No seriously what's the problem here. Just let me hold it for one second. Okay a few seconds. Cmon now, it's not gonna hurt you. What are you laughing about. Seriously what's so funny. Jessica? Hello? Jessica? Okay I give up.
Jin: I really have never liked poetry. For the most part, I get bored after a few stanzas and end up skimming the rest of the way. Sometimes I don't even finish. For some reason though, there are a select few people who can hold my attention when others fail. These people I find myself utterly baffled by, due to the fact it takes me an hour to compose a single line. The words are never perfect enough, the phrases never deep enough. You however, are amazing. Through the years of college, I've watched you grow from a half of someone else, to fill a void entirely by yourself. The things you've achieved are the types of things I would never even attempt. You mean so much to so many people, I hope our friendship lasts as long as the effect of your words on my subconscious. I thought of trying to compose something for this, but knew it wouldn't be good enough. I'll leave it to the true geniuses.
Josh: WAZZZZZZZZZZAHHHHHHHHHH. Man, what little you know as a freshman in college. Me in CS, you in CE, just pluggin along, assuming that the path we'd chosen was correct. Here we are today, heading in totally different directions from our originals. Along the way much has changed. One of us has managed to land a stable job raking in the dough. One of us has rekindled a relationship that looks like it will stand the test of time for years to come. One of us has been to Alaska and Hawaii. Oh, the other one of us is named Matt. :) You've managed to make quite a niche for yourself, I'm quite proud to be able to invade your personal space on an occasional basis. You know how to reach me if you ever need a favor. I'm sure I'm at least 3 behind.
Kristin: Njko. Perhaps the most dedicated idler we ever saw. I thank you for the constant slapping of trouts, and the constant OHHHS and MMMs. I thank you for defending me against evils foreign and domestic, and always being a cheerful sight to behold. Hope you continue to stick around, as I need someone to beat repeatedly with large blunt metal objects. Lagged scouts are the specialist.
Lauren: When I said you were the most unique person I met last year, I was being totally honest. You are a special individual. That's the main reason I spent so much time invading you guys' room last year to see "where the party was." Seeing you sad is enough to wrench one's heart, I hope your remaining years in college bring many of those classic smiles instead. Let me know if you're up for a late night Freebird's trip sometime, I'm SO there.
Marcela: Everyone in this post seems to be unique in one way or another, and you hold a prestigious ranking as well. You're the one who's managed to create the largest swelling on my body I've ever experienced, when you clocked me with that classic forehand on the racquetball courts. True, not something to be exactly proud of, but I think I have a pretty permanent dent in my temple, and for that you'll always be remembered. Hey at least you can brag you beat up on a guy, sort of. Seriously though, I'm glad I had sane people in my group this quarter, because if it had been a bunch of idiots I probably wouldn't have survived. You seem like a kind person on the inside, and no "I'm not even joking." I'm seriously looking forward to our next game, it's great finding female competition with whom I needed worry about playing easy against.
Marisol: A lot of thought went into what I should put here. Truthfully, I've told you just about everything you could possibly ever have needed or wanted to know. So I'll be brief. Thank you for helping me survive the most traumatic years of my life in middle school, and being the light at the end of the tunnel, even if at times it seemed like a really long tunnel. Thank you for finally hearing me out, putting to rest various ghosts from years ago. Thanks for another chance. I meant what I promised, I'm sure you know that. Be sure to let me know where you head after college, I'll be anxious to hear how you're succeeding in the world.
Mark: I personally have to thank you for helping me maintain VII for as long as it lasted. You were integral in performing a lot of the behind the scenes duties that are very time consuming, and not at all glorified. Regardless of how other members and recruits came and went, through the end you were always someone I could count on to have a level head, and always be honest with me about subjects, even if you didn't agree. You're still one of the most interesting stories about the recreational world that I tell, that of how two different generations of men from totally different locations and walks of life, can interact and perform as a team. Hope to keep in touch with you, I personally think your Letter of Recommendation was the most important, as it might be the exact kind of curveball they're looking for.
Mey: It's quite bizarre how I managed to meet a lot of you sisters at different times, and only later found out you were joining the same group. I guess it's testament that I like the kind of people you are. From your screenname to your random appearances, you've always been happy and full of smiles. Thank you for being a cheerful spot in everyone's lives, and picking people up whenever they're down for the count.
Mia: When it comes to randomly searching the internet for interesting people, you never really expect to find much. It's like panning for gold in a sea of rocks and pebbles. Somehow though, I happened across you. Out of everyone I've learned about through the magic of the internet, I consider you the most intriguing. Perhaps because your story is much like my own, perhaps because we share many of the same characteristics. Whatever it is, you're at the top of the list of people I'd like to meet, to quote Ms. Streisand, some how, some day, some way. Thank you for being an inspiration to me, as you travelled to a foreign country not knowing the language, and yet lived an amazing three months. I can only hope to be that mentally strong if I ever end up far from home. May you find happiness wherever you roam.
Mr. F: When I'm asked what teacher had the greatest influence on my while growing up, your name is always the easy answer. Through Academic Decathlon I acquired more knowledge than during the rest of my schooling combined, most likely. It was a tremendous learning experience, in every sense of the word. Through the program I experienced the happiest day of my life, and also the saddest. The incredible level of emotions combined with what I gained from it will leave a lasting mark on me through my entire life. Thank you for your endless dedication to teaching, and helping us become the intelligent young men and women that we have.
Nate: You I have to thank for corrupting Josh's mind on a regular basis. My partner in crime so to speak, I'd still like to know how you get those high limit machines to work for you. That and the whole winning Blackjack tournaments thing, I'd like to pick up that concept as well sometime. Thanks for always giving me someone to point to when they claim I have a problem. :)
Olivia: When I think overachiever, your name is one of the ones that pop into my head. I mean really, double majoring CS and Bio? That's what we call insane folks. Not that taking 20 units a quarter on a regular basis is normal either. Somehow you survive though, and that amazes me. Just the thought of going to a country and being thrown into a foreign language to learn from scratch, is something I don't think I'd be able to handle. Yet you've conquered that and then some. I hope you do eventually finish school, and become someone important, I'll be proud to say I'm friends with you. Wait too late, I already am.
Randi: If there's one kind of person I love, it's Carrows buddies. People willing to travel with me to restaurants late at night at obscene hours to study, grab a snack, have a conversation, or just inhale some pie a la mode. You filled that role many a time, and I thank you. Although I've only seen you once in a long while since you've been in SD, it's still nonstop entertainment whenever I do. Hope to see you around soon.
Ray: You're one of the funnier guys I know. Not that you're always trying to be funny, but it tends to come out that way. What you've done as an R/A and the work you've done with kids is admirable, I really think you'll rise quickly through the trenches wherever you end up deciding to go to work. Alas we only have one more year, we'll have to enjoy it while we can. Thanks for trying to understand me, it's a task many don't even attempt.
Raylene: When I'm asked about whom I feel has the greatest potential in life of the people I've met, your name is the clear victor. I mean, you've probably been told this all the time, but you're the ideal example of a student. The things you do outside of class from AcaDec to sports are just mind boggling. The fact you've been accepted to places like Harvard comes as no surprise. I see you doing great things in life. Generally people say the sky is limit, but I see you taking us all beyond that. Just being around you has taught me plenty. Thank you not only for the knowledge, but for being someone that understands what I went through. Both the joy, and the pain. Here's hoping more of the former visits you in the future.
Salena: I guess first I should thank you for the Whoppers, and then thank you for slamming me over the head with them to teach me a lesson. You've always been very headstrong, a trait common in many women I know. It's better that way, I deserve a beating now and again. Let me know the next time you're heading to Freebirds, you know I'm always down for some tacos. I feel I did my part for broadening your horizons by taking you on all the Six Flags coasters, thank you for not killing me at some point during the day during my constant jabbering.
Sanje: Okay this one's going to be tough. I'm actually going to have to admit that some Mac users are actually... cool. I know I know, I didn't think I'd ever see the day either. The work you do with putting together videos is awesome, and the fact you play soccer of course puts you into the auto-cool category. Thanks for listening to be blab on a regular basis over the last few years, and for showing me that not everyone who's into drama is necessarily a drama queen. Well at least not all the time. Go 49ers!
Tahirah: I'm pretty sure you're the smallest person I know. Thank you for making me feel buff, in the fact that I can spin you around my head and throw you hundreds of yards. Okay I exaggerate. Slightly. I hope I haven't poisoned your "innocent" mind too much over the years, as that would be just a travesty. You're quite a fun person to be around, and I must thank you for the multitude of memories that came with that spontaneous Bay Area road trip. That is truly one of my favorite aspects of my college life thus far. Next time leave the poor golfers alone!
Tammy: I've been to see Naked Voices perform many a time now, and every time I go I'm thoroughly entertained. It's amazing how different a person can sound when they belt out a song. You've blown me away every time I've heard it, I only wish I could perform at the same level, or even anywhere close. This year you seem focused on your goals, and I am sure you'll have no trouble achieving them. Thanks for giving me someone to laugh with, and someone to share stories with about "the one I socked." Feel free to spam me with IMs in the future, I'll be interested to see where you go.
Terry: And then there was Terry. Lover of Einstein. And strange subjects like chemistry and physics. Attender of Cal Tech. Empress of everyone, slave of no one. I tremble in your presence. Thanks for politely laughing at some of my worse jokes ever, and being an overly fun person in general. Although I've never really understood your fascination with a long deceased man, may you eventually find him and unload on him like only your 5 foot frame could.
Tia: When it comes to people I never thought I'd become close to, you're way up there. Had it not been for AcaDec, I'm pretty sure I'd have never spoken a word to you in my life. Guess that just goes to show what one misses out on when he makes judgements. The best thing about you is you laugh at basically anything I say. I could be talking about hermits in Tazmania and you would be giggling. You make me feel like I'm an actual comedian, and that you're genuinely interested in what I'm talking about. Even if you do ignore me when I knock. Hmph. I hope I continue to get to see you from time to time, it's always great fun.
Vrushali: Few are the people who have managed to climb Mt. Baldy with me. You really impressed me that day, even though I unfortunately ended up getting the worst sunburn of my life. Definitely won't be rolling up the sleeves to show off the rock hard guns next time around. Ever since high school, when we went to see many a movie together, I've had you to thank for being a sounding board for all my heart's problems. Even if you didn't really want to hear it at the time, you were always there to listen, and tell me it was going to be okay. Thank you for being the cool gal that you are.
Wendy: Yours is a name that will have a place in my memory regardless of how time passes. Of all the people on this list outside my family, we've shared the most. Lately though, that definitely hasn't been the case. I do have some thanks to give however. Thank you for many of the good times. Thank you even for some of the bad ones. I learned more from you than just about anyone else in my life, whether or not I admit it. Thank you for contributing many of the only stylish aspects of my wardrobe, that still bring questions from friends whenever I wear them, as they correctly disbelieve I could have bought something like it myself. Thank you for continuing to be there, as the years pass. Maybe I'll be seeing your name in the headlines some day. I can't guarantee my vote, though. :)
And now, those who are particularly special, this year.
Natalya: For you I have one huge thank you. Thank you for not saying something about the "Stripes." For that alone you rock. Other than that however, you made me feel really special when you guys showed up with the xmas gift. Made me feel really bad as well, but it was great to feel loved. You can stay over at my place any time, and I won't even charge rent. As long as it isn't like, a regular thing. :) The whole live in female housemate rumor would "cramp my style" if you know what I mean. The dinner table was nonstop entertainment. Especially when pumpkin pie was involved. You'll really have to come back and visit sometime, so we can relive the tradition. Oh I do have to ask you one thing, is the ice cream working?
Jessica G.: Of every single person I've met this year, I like you the most. Now before we get carried away, let me explain why. Rare is the person whom is a lot like me. Not too many people are at my level of dorkiness, while at the same time outgoing enough to compete with me in conversation. We seem to be able to talk about just about anything, and yet be understood by each other. Usually I can only talk to certain people about computer topics, certain people about trivia, and certain people about other not so popular things. With you it just seems like you not only always understand, but are always genuinely listening to what I'm saying, and actually care. For years I've spent countless hours playing games online, generally with myself, wasting away the hours. Having a companion to spam smilies at while exchanging competitive barbs is the best present I could have asked for. Ask my parents, they know what kind of life I lead. Thank you for being you, and being a lot like me. I hope happiness follows you around like a cloud, displaying rainbows at every turn.
Amy: Here I am, 12:30 Christmas morning. You were originally skipped, as I hadn’t really decided what I wanted to say at that point. Then you were skipped again, as I decided to fill in all the blanks and the rest of the post. Now here you are, last, but certainly not least. When it comes to answering the question: “Who knows me best?”, you’re the answer. Granted, I don’t always like to hear what I appear to be from the outside. I don’t always agree, and we make a career out of arguing at times. However believe it or not, I value your opinion more than anyone’s. I suppose part of it is you’re of the opposite gender, and thus can generally give me the point of view I’m trying to figure out. But another part is the fact that I trust you, and feel you’re one of the more intelligent people I know. We’re two stubborn people, and at times that’s a little like those buffalo ram things with the big horns slamming into each other. I like to think I’m learning from the experience though. At times you simply blow me away with your kindness, the cool things you randomly do for me, or warm, as the case may be. It makes me feel bad, as I don’t have a lot of material things to represent my efforts. We may not like the same music, we may disagree on the color red and its meaning, but the truth is, you’re just a fun person to be around. Whether it’s just taking over my chair and warming it up with your heater of an ass which I will later appreciate, and confiscating my remote in order to torment me with rapid channel flipping, or running into the freezing ocean in the pouring rain, I just have a blast. I’m glad you came looking for someone to fix your computer years back, or I might have eventually gotten curious enough that I would have had to actually talk to you first. You know how I am talking to new ppl, it might never have happened! I’m very happy that you’ve found someone to bring joy into your life, I know you always have a lot on your plate, here’s hoping that lightens the load. One more thing to ALWAYS remember… Scratch and sniff your ass. RGR.
Luke: My, a long time has passed since we were kids playing in the sand. However I do have thanks for you as well. Thank you for playing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with me on an hourly basis, and always letting my favorite Leonardo win. Thank you for being the backup dancer when I put together Michael Jackson routines. Thank you for spending hours perfecting "contraptions" in the backyard, only to have them never work. Thanks for letting me go first when we go off the curb on our bikes one handed, sparing you from the injuries I eventually suffered. Thanks for being totally and utterly unlike me, so I can claim you were adopted when my friends ask. Oh, and sorry for taking all the genes that had anything remotely to do with intelligence, before you came along. Hopefully through the years you'll attempt to grow something most of us refer to as a brain. Then we can guarantee many a family reunion to come. You gotta grow one first, though.
Sara: You know, I remember you as like, half of the performance of that parrot skit in Mr. Cheeseman's class. I think that's my permanent freeze frame, much as yours depict me with parted hair. The term, "little brother" might no longer apply, but we're apparently still related, so I suppose I have a few things to thank you for. Thanks for forcing us to play My Little Pony and Strawberry Shortcake, attempting to potentially affect our future sexuality. Thank you for being creative, artsy, and craftsy, so I never have to be. Thanks for always handling the lovey dovey stuff for the parents and relatives and yet giving all three siblings credit. I also must thank you for taking a lot of the genes I'm really glad I didn't end up with. As much as doodling on math homework fits my personality, I thank you for sparing me. One final note, thanks for finally getting engaged, the parents will now be engulfed in planning a wedding for over a year and no longer care about my love life or lack thereof. I will return the favor by showing up. At least temporarily.
Mom and Dad: When it comes to thanking my parents, it's sort of hard to decide where to start. I could basically write a novel rivaling the length of "War and Peace," and I still wouldn't have been able to full describe how lucky I am. As everyone around me knows, I'm not really one for the mushy stuff. However I'm going to try to break out of the shell at least temporarily. Thank you both for believing in me, and just wanting me to be happy, even if you didn't always agree in the direction I was taking. Thank you for the long drives to soccer tournaments, and withstanding the freezing cold during the games. Thanks for the constant pampering during holidays, and always going over the top. Thank you for relaxing a whole lot after my sister went to college, and letting me basically live my own life from age 16 on. Thanks for approving of me driving the Mustang to Berkeley without your permission, even if I didn't tell you about it until afterwards. Thanks for putting up with me during the oh so wonderful middle school years of my life. Thank you for turning me on to reading, probably the single most important event during my childhood that created who I am today. Thanks for putting the multiplication tables on my wall in 1st grade, putting me two grades ahead of the pack and keeping me there throughout my education. Thanks for the new bikes, skates, Ninja turtles, stereos, computer games, and countless other jinkies. Thank you for the hugs, scratch backs, and I love you's. Thanks for the Mt Whitney trip, and the family vacations. Thank you for trying to understand the direction I'm taking in life, even if it's something you're afraid of. I hope to make my family proud, wherever I go.
Thank you for being the best parents one could ask for. I love you both.
---
Well, I guess that just about does it. Another year just about in the books, and potentially my last holiday season as a "kid" drawing to a close. I’ll probably post again somewhere near New Years, this post will be up a while. I want to thank everyone close to me as a whole, for making me as happy as a clam. You’re all loved. Although I may not always say it, I tend to show it in some other way, shape, or form. A big huge MERRY CHRISTMAS to you all.
And to all, a good night.
Tuesday, December 24, 2002
Download of the Day
For those AIM addicts, a little plugin you can find at http://www.jdennis.net/ called DeadAIM lets you do all sorts of neat things. The most useful for me consisted of getting rid of the constant ads, getting rid of a lot of the clutter buttons, and using this new tab feature for IM windows, that allows you to have multiple people open in the same window space using tabs at the top to click back and forth, allowing you to talk to multiple people without having a checkerboard of windows blinking around your desktop.
Alas break over, back to working on things.
For those AIM addicts, a little plugin you can find at http://www.jdennis.net/ called DeadAIM lets you do all sorts of neat things. The most useful for me consisted of getting rid of the constant ads, getting rid of a lot of the clutter buttons, and using this new tab feature for IM windows, that allows you to have multiple people open in the same window space using tabs at the top to click back and forth, allowing you to talk to multiple people without having a checkerboard of windows blinking around your desktop.
Alas break over, back to working on things.
Monday, December 23, 2002
A Circle In A Square World.
There's a really sweet commercial out for the VW Beetle. Basically shows a lot lot of square representations in the world, then gives you a broadside profile view of the car. Simple, effective. Just thought I'd mention it.
I would never drive a Beetle. Too tiny. Not comfortable. Too close to the ground. It was a good ad, though. Tried to find it on their site so I could spam a link but I guess it's too new.
There's a really sweet commercial out for the VW Beetle. Basically shows a lot lot of square representations in the world, then gives you a broadside profile view of the car. Simple, effective. Just thought I'd mention it.
I would never drive a Beetle. Too tiny. Not comfortable. Too close to the ground. It was a good ad, though. Tried to find it on their site so I could spam a link but I guess it's too new.
I'll Take a Meat Cleaver with a Side of Dagger...
Last night I headed off with a group of high school friends to see Gangs of New York and actually ended up pleasantly surprised. A solid 5 M's out of 7 for this one, even though it was a lengthy 2 hours and 45 minutes, and I was in the second row basically engulfed in the screen, I still found it to be quite entertaining. I've heard mixed reviews though, so I'm sure there are those that disagree. The gore factor is definitely up there, not quite to the level of Black Hawk Down or anything, but there's a whole lot of stabbing and cleaving and chopping and what not. The acting was surprisingly intelligent, and the visuals of the time period were all quite interesting. The end of the plot is a little confusing if you hadn't been paying attention, as a lot of things happen at once.
After the movie we ended up hanging out back at one of my friend's places, with eventually everyone taking their leave except he who has no life, that being me. We ended up jabbering away for quite some time about anything and everything, I only tend to see her once every six months or so, so there's always a lot to blab about. I eventually checked my watch expecting to see 1 or 2am, and apparently I'd been more engrossed than I thought, for it was past 5.
Pardon the lack of posting over the last few days, as mentioned previously I'll make up for it in just a few days now.
Last night I headed off with a group of high school friends to see Gangs of New York and actually ended up pleasantly surprised. A solid 5 M's out of 7 for this one, even though it was a lengthy 2 hours and 45 minutes, and I was in the second row basically engulfed in the screen, I still found it to be quite entertaining. I've heard mixed reviews though, so I'm sure there are those that disagree. The gore factor is definitely up there, not quite to the level of Black Hawk Down or anything, but there's a whole lot of stabbing and cleaving and chopping and what not. The acting was surprisingly intelligent, and the visuals of the time period were all quite interesting. The end of the plot is a little confusing if you hadn't been paying attention, as a lot of things happen at once.
After the movie we ended up hanging out back at one of my friend's places, with eventually everyone taking their leave except he who has no life, that being me. We ended up jabbering away for quite some time about anything and everything, I only tend to see her once every six months or so, so there's always a lot to blab about. I eventually checked my watch expecting to see 1 or 2am, and apparently I'd been more engrossed than I thought, for it was past 5.
Pardon the lack of posting over the last few days, as mentioned previously I'll make up for it in just a few days now.
Friday, December 20, 2002
Another Hurdle, Quite Possibly Completed.
Heard from Vandenberg AFB about my Flight Physical. It would appear that I've passed. She was having her supervisor sign off on it the next day after collecting a bunch of signatures, and then it gets sent off to the Surgeon General who takes about 30 days to approve it. So I should know by about mid January the official word, although by all accounts it should be positive. So the wait begins for the real decision, which I won't hear about til most likely early February. Pardon me if I don't sound as enthusiastic as one would think, but around here people are constantly thinking about the worst case scenario, so everyone's quite convinced something will go wrong somewhere along the way. Might as well keep the party hats and kazoos in the closet until the official word comes back.
Seems like I've written a ton, and it's because I have, just not for this post. Alas, all will become apparent soon.
Heard from Vandenberg AFB about my Flight Physical. It would appear that I've passed. She was having her supervisor sign off on it the next day after collecting a bunch of signatures, and then it gets sent off to the Surgeon General who takes about 30 days to approve it. So I should know by about mid January the official word, although by all accounts it should be positive. So the wait begins for the real decision, which I won't hear about til most likely early February. Pardon me if I don't sound as enthusiastic as one would think, but around here people are constantly thinking about the worst case scenario, so everyone's quite convinced something will go wrong somewhere along the way. Might as well keep the party hats and kazoos in the closet until the official word comes back.
Seems like I've written a ton, and it's because I have, just not for this post. Alas, all will become apparent soon.
Thursday, December 19, 2002
Two Towers, and Some Pretty Nice Arse Whoopin.
Yeah The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers was slow for decent sized gaps in the middle, and had about 12 too many slow rotating shots of some character walking across a mountain peak or huge valley, but there was one hell of a nice battle scene at the end. The set for that scene must have been gargantuous, I'd be quite interested to see a "making of" film on this movie. My favorite part of the movie was actually the character Gollum, who was entirely rendered using CGI and some of the most recent and advanced techniques. Unbelievable what they can do now, and how lifelike they can make a creature.
For guys who think LOTR is for nerds, I recommend at least showing up for the previews, as you'll get to see "The Run" as it is being called. Basically they take a Nissan through downtown Prague on surface streets, while breaking speeds upwards of 120 miles per hour. They have some really nice overhead shots from a distance that make it really obvious the car is just bookin it alongside the river. You can see the movie online at Z.com, but it's much weaker than the big screen full frame rate surround sound version. Also saw previews for a few good movies coming out including Bad Boys 2 which looked like it had some pretty sweet car chase scenes in it as well.
Back to the movie, it diverged from the book seemingly at the same level if not more than the first, but overall the creative depictions of both Gollum and the "Ents" as they are called, made it worth seeing. We'll go with 5 M's out of 7. Ended up hitting the sack at like 4 and not waking up til 2, gonna try to hit the sack at 2 tonight and not wake up until noon. Oops, I'm late already.
I was taking a look at my schedule for next quarter, and going online looking for the class websites in advance, and after looking one of the classes over, I've decided I'm not interested in it whatsoever. This somewhat sucks, because I'm either taking that class on Monday and Wednesday from 2 to 3:15 in IV Theater, which is the absolute closest classroom in relation to my room, or I can take a class I'm actually interested in that counts for the same requirement, but this one meets Monday Wednesday and Friday at 8am in Phelps, literally the furthest away you can get. Theoretically that means I'll be able to get up to workout or swim easier, but 8ams are generally lame no matter how you slice it. I have a couple days to decide, we'll see.
Yeah The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers was slow for decent sized gaps in the middle, and had about 12 too many slow rotating shots of some character walking across a mountain peak or huge valley, but there was one hell of a nice battle scene at the end. The set for that scene must have been gargantuous, I'd be quite interested to see a "making of" film on this movie. My favorite part of the movie was actually the character Gollum, who was entirely rendered using CGI and some of the most recent and advanced techniques. Unbelievable what they can do now, and how lifelike they can make a creature.
For guys who think LOTR is for nerds, I recommend at least showing up for the previews, as you'll get to see "The Run" as it is being called. Basically they take a Nissan through downtown Prague on surface streets, while breaking speeds upwards of 120 miles per hour. They have some really nice overhead shots from a distance that make it really obvious the car is just bookin it alongside the river. You can see the movie online at Z.com, but it's much weaker than the big screen full frame rate surround sound version. Also saw previews for a few good movies coming out including Bad Boys 2 which looked like it had some pretty sweet car chase scenes in it as well.
Back to the movie, it diverged from the book seemingly at the same level if not more than the first, but overall the creative depictions of both Gollum and the "Ents" as they are called, made it worth seeing. We'll go with 5 M's out of 7. Ended up hitting the sack at like 4 and not waking up til 2, gonna try to hit the sack at 2 tonight and not wake up until noon. Oops, I'm late already.
I was taking a look at my schedule for next quarter, and going online looking for the class websites in advance, and after looking one of the classes over, I've decided I'm not interested in it whatsoever. This somewhat sucks, because I'm either taking that class on Monday and Wednesday from 2 to 3:15 in IV Theater, which is the absolute closest classroom in relation to my room, or I can take a class I'm actually interested in that counts for the same requirement, but this one meets Monday Wednesday and Friday at 8am in Phelps, literally the furthest away you can get. Theoretically that means I'll be able to get up to workout or swim easier, but 8ams are generally lame no matter how you slice it. I have a couple days to decide, we'll see.
Wednesday, December 18, 2002
With Good, Comes Bad.
Grades came out MUCH earlier than normal.
Let's start with some good stuff.
Writing 109EC: Prediction: B+ Official Grade: B+
No argument there.
Econ 100A: Prediction: B Official Grade: C
My bad on this one, I forgot to count the blank answers as wrong when I was calculating my score on the final. Turned out I got a 143 out of 200 rather than a 163, which is a low C uncurved. Bummer.
Econ 119: Prediction: D Official Grade: D+
Thank goodness it's not an F. Especially thanks to this next grade.
Econ 138A: Prediction: C Official Grade: F
This is the one that especialyl pisses me off. According to the online scoresheet, he didn't give me a score for the group current events project that we did. Average score on this was about 120 points, which would put me all the way into the C range. Apparently there was basically no gap between C's, D's, and F's. No one in the class got a D-, and someone only 40 points above me got a D. I e-mailed him immediately, but this is probably going to involve going in and haggling. I didn't turn it in, but I'm pretty sure the other two members of my group got scores, so they might have forgotten to put my name on it, or something. This is very annoying.
As a backup plan, I went through and recalculated my schedule for the next two quarters if the F for some reason stands. I'll basically retake the class next quarter, same book, same teacher, and end up with 20 units. It involved bumping a few sections around, but it fits.
I could stamp and holler and say I'm really going to get my head in the books this next quarter to make sure I have nothing to worry about come the end, and I'm sure a greater effort will be made, but I'm not going to pretend like there's going to be a sudden motivation to learn about economics, rather than a sudden motivation to graduate on time, and not screw up my life's plan.
Saw the midnight showing last night, more on that when I'm done fuming.
Grades came out MUCH earlier than normal.
Let's start with some good stuff.
Writing 109EC: Prediction: B+ Official Grade: B+
No argument there.
Econ 100A: Prediction: B Official Grade: C
My bad on this one, I forgot to count the blank answers as wrong when I was calculating my score on the final. Turned out I got a 143 out of 200 rather than a 163, which is a low C uncurved. Bummer.
Econ 119: Prediction: D Official Grade: D+
Thank goodness it's not an F. Especially thanks to this next grade.
Econ 138A: Prediction: C Official Grade: F
This is the one that especialyl pisses me off. According to the online scoresheet, he didn't give me a score for the group current events project that we did. Average score on this was about 120 points, which would put me all the way into the C range. Apparently there was basically no gap between C's, D's, and F's. No one in the class got a D-, and someone only 40 points above me got a D. I e-mailed him immediately, but this is probably going to involve going in and haggling. I didn't turn it in, but I'm pretty sure the other two members of my group got scores, so they might have forgotten to put my name on it, or something. This is very annoying.
As a backup plan, I went through and recalculated my schedule for the next two quarters if the F for some reason stands. I'll basically retake the class next quarter, same book, same teacher, and end up with 20 units. It involved bumping a few sections around, but it fits.
I could stamp and holler and say I'm really going to get my head in the books this next quarter to make sure I have nothing to worry about come the end, and I'm sure a greater effort will be made, but I'm not going to pretend like there's going to be a sudden motivation to learn about economics, rather than a sudden motivation to graduate on time, and not screw up my life's plan.
Saw the midnight showing last night, more on that when I'm done fuming.
Tuesday, December 17, 2002
It's Christmas Eve and These Shoes are Just Her Size...
Two posts in a day, two days in a row? I know it's flabbergasting, but I tend to get pretty bored at home.
That, and I finally remembered to download the song I heard on the way home in the car, that just about floored me. Okay call me wishy washy, but every once in a while a song comes along that gives me that choked up feeling in my throat. Bob Carlisle's "Christmas Shoes" has joined the very short list of songs that have affected me that way. It's a beautiful song by itself, but the lyrics and the story they tell are really what bring out the tissues. The bridge before the final chorus is actually my favorite part. Usually bridges are just sort of thrown in, done as an afterthrought, but in this song its more of a crescendo. Maybe it's Carlisle's voice, maybe it's the subject matter, whatever it is, this song takes its place along his other beautiful piece "Butterfly Kisses" as a permanent selection in my playlist.
Those who haven't given it a listen, feel free to ask me for it, or snag it yourself. I've been told by a friend or two that I only like a "certain kind" of "cookie cutter or "mainstream" music, and never color outside the lines, so to speak. All I can say is if you enjoy the music I've gushed about in the past, there's a strong chance you'll also enjoy both this song, and the ones I recommend in the future.
Two posts in a day, two days in a row? I know it's flabbergasting, but I tend to get pretty bored at home.
That, and I finally remembered to download the song I heard on the way home in the car, that just about floored me. Okay call me wishy washy, but every once in a while a song comes along that gives me that choked up feeling in my throat. Bob Carlisle's "Christmas Shoes" has joined the very short list of songs that have affected me that way. It's a beautiful song by itself, but the lyrics and the story they tell are really what bring out the tissues. The bridge before the final chorus is actually my favorite part. Usually bridges are just sort of thrown in, done as an afterthrought, but in this song its more of a crescendo. Maybe it's Carlisle's voice, maybe it's the subject matter, whatever it is, this song takes its place along his other beautiful piece "Butterfly Kisses" as a permanent selection in my playlist.
Those who haven't given it a listen, feel free to ask me for it, or snag it yourself. I've been told by a friend or two that I only like a "certain kind" of "cookie cutter or "mainstream" music, and never color outside the lines, so to speak. All I can say is if you enjoy the music I've gushed about in the past, there's a strong chance you'll also enjoy both this song, and the ones I recommend in the future.
Predictions...
The thought occurs to me I never got around to grade predictions, so here they are in simple form. First up we have Econ 100A, in which I had a B going into the Final, and received a B uncurved on it for sure given he posted the answer key and I took a gander the other night. We'll go with a B in that class. Then we have Writing 109 EC, in which we got an A on our Business Plan, but I got some B's on various assignments throughout. We'll go with a B+ here. Then we have Econ 119, in which I had a C or so going into the Final which was worth 50% of our grade, which I absolutely bombed, we'll go with a D here. An F would really screw things up, you'd think that would be mathmatically impossible. Last but not least we have Econ 138, which I had sort of a variety of grades in going into the Final which was worth like 30%. Eh I did get a B on the midterm, so we'll go with a C in the class, I didn't do all that bad on the Final, so couldn't be much worse than that. So by my count, we're lookin at bout 9.3 grade points, or a 2.33 GPA. Pretty shoddy, hopefully it won't be that bad. Best case scenario I'm thinkin A- in Writ 109EC, B+ in Econ 100A, B in Econ 138A, and C in Econ 119. That would end up 12 grade points and a 3.00 GPA. That's pretty much wishful thinking there.
Finally got around to finishing Fellowship of the Ring tonight, in no small part due to the fact I'll be seeing the 2nd movie tomorrow night. This leaves all day tomorrow to finish the second book of 320 or so pages, and possibly watch all or parts of the first movie again to make sure I'm on the same page, as there have been many areas in which the movie has taken a different path than the book. After watching 24 and Real World I'll probably head on over to the AMC Theater at the Galleria, ordered tickets in advance from Movietickets.com (for tickets, JUST CLICK IT, didn't you see the commercial?) and I know a few other people who are gonna be watching it there, so hopefully we'll be able to meet up, it's showing on 3 screens at 12:01 so that might prove difficult.
Now to sleep, and then to read.
The thought occurs to me I never got around to grade predictions, so here they are in simple form. First up we have Econ 100A, in which I had a B going into the Final, and received a B uncurved on it for sure given he posted the answer key and I took a gander the other night. We'll go with a B in that class. Then we have Writing 109 EC, in which we got an A on our Business Plan, but I got some B's on various assignments throughout. We'll go with a B+ here. Then we have Econ 119, in which I had a C or so going into the Final which was worth 50% of our grade, which I absolutely bombed, we'll go with a D here. An F would really screw things up, you'd think that would be mathmatically impossible. Last but not least we have Econ 138, which I had sort of a variety of grades in going into the Final which was worth like 30%. Eh I did get a B on the midterm, so we'll go with a C in the class, I didn't do all that bad on the Final, so couldn't be much worse than that. So by my count, we're lookin at bout 9.3 grade points, or a 2.33 GPA. Pretty shoddy, hopefully it won't be that bad. Best case scenario I'm thinkin A- in Writ 109EC, B+ in Econ 100A, B in Econ 138A, and C in Econ 119. That would end up 12 grade points and a 3.00 GPA. That's pretty much wishful thinking there.
Finally got around to finishing Fellowship of the Ring tonight, in no small part due to the fact I'll be seeing the 2nd movie tomorrow night. This leaves all day tomorrow to finish the second book of 320 or so pages, and possibly watch all or parts of the first movie again to make sure I'm on the same page, as there have been many areas in which the movie has taken a different path than the book. After watching 24 and Real World I'll probably head on over to the AMC Theater at the Galleria, ordered tickets in advance from Movietickets.com (for tickets, JUST CLICK IT, didn't you see the commercial?) and I know a few other people who are gonna be watching it there, so hopefully we'll be able to meet up, it's showing on 3 screens at 12:01 so that might prove difficult.
Now to sleep, and then to read.
Sunday, December 15, 2002
Hooooome, for the Hooooolidays.
New speed record tonight, impressive given I was never over 80 the entire way. Via the 101 and 405, 1 hour, 37 minutes. It's exactly a half hour to the Ventura railroad bridge, an hour to the Subway I usually stop at for a midtrip snack, and an hour and a half to Inglewood Blvd., my offramp. This is at 10pm though, generally it takes an hour and a half just to get to the Getty, and then another hour or so to get here from there.
Just wanted to update the situation, gonna catch some Z's before carting everything into my room and unpacking my computer tomorrow.
New speed record tonight, impressive given I was never over 80 the entire way. Via the 101 and 405, 1 hour, 37 minutes. It's exactly a half hour to the Ventura railroad bridge, an hour to the Subway I usually stop at for a midtrip snack, and an hour and a half to Inglewood Blvd., my offramp. This is at 10pm though, generally it takes an hour and a half just to get to the Getty, and then another hour or so to get here from there.
Just wanted to update the situation, gonna catch some Z's before carting everything into my room and unpacking my computer tomorrow.
Spreading Warmth.
Yesterday I was closer to speechless than I have been in quite some time... Two of my friends here stopped by to give me a gift at some point... First a bit about gifts, I used to go all out when I had a significant other, when it came to Xmas, birthdays, monthly anniversaries, you name it. I was pretty obsessive about holidays and such. Since I've been riding the single train, I've never really been into the whole requirement of gift giving for holidays thing. Go ahead, call me Scrooge or whatever, or cheap or something, but it isn't that I never give anyone anything ever, I just tend to do it at random times. If I see something in a store that's perfect for someone in July, I buy it and give it to them like that day. I think hiding stuff for months just to stack up in advance for future holidays is ridiculous. So anyway, a lot of the time I receive things for people I have nothing in return, and that makes me feel bad. I just make sure to hit those people who they're least expecting it with something to brighten their day.
Now back to one of the coolest gifts I've gotten in a while. This really warm fuzzy blanket with a beautiful wolf pattern on it, and even two fuzzy wolf pillows to go with it. After all the whining I've been doing about not having pillows for the futon, and not actually doing anything about it, I guess they got sick of hearing me complain. :/ The color scheme even matches the futon, which is sweet, and it's now become my warmth creator of choice for my random midmorning and afternoon naps. I totally wasn't expecting something this awesome when I heard they had gotten me something, the brownie points count in their section of my book just went up by like a berjillion. They were already cool people to begin with, but dang.
They even threw in glow in the dark dolphins for my ceiling, so my place isn't qutie so boring at night. :) Speaking of which, I was goaded into (okay I thought it was a cool idea too) putting up xmas lights in my room, which turned out pretty neat. One of the above friends helped me out, so I've got matching green lights around the bedframe and white one's all around the window. Of course I put this up only like three days before I was leaving for home, but I figure I'll leave them up til like March or I get bored of hearing people complain. I think they look neato anyway.
So yeah, my friends are the coolest ever. Or should I say warmest ever.
Yesterday I was closer to speechless than I have been in quite some time... Two of my friends here stopped by to give me a gift at some point... First a bit about gifts, I used to go all out when I had a significant other, when it came to Xmas, birthdays, monthly anniversaries, you name it. I was pretty obsessive about holidays and such. Since I've been riding the single train, I've never really been into the whole requirement of gift giving for holidays thing. Go ahead, call me Scrooge or whatever, or cheap or something, but it isn't that I never give anyone anything ever, I just tend to do it at random times. If I see something in a store that's perfect for someone in July, I buy it and give it to them like that day. I think hiding stuff for months just to stack up in advance for future holidays is ridiculous. So anyway, a lot of the time I receive things for people I have nothing in return, and that makes me feel bad. I just make sure to hit those people who they're least expecting it with something to brighten their day.
Now back to one of the coolest gifts I've gotten in a while. This really warm fuzzy blanket with a beautiful wolf pattern on it, and even two fuzzy wolf pillows to go with it. After all the whining I've been doing about not having pillows for the futon, and not actually doing anything about it, I guess they got sick of hearing me complain. :/ The color scheme even matches the futon, which is sweet, and it's now become my warmth creator of choice for my random midmorning and afternoon naps. I totally wasn't expecting something this awesome when I heard they had gotten me something, the brownie points count in their section of my book just went up by like a berjillion. They were already cool people to begin with, but dang.
They even threw in glow in the dark dolphins for my ceiling, so my place isn't qutie so boring at night. :) Speaking of which, I was goaded into (okay I thought it was a cool idea too) putting up xmas lights in my room, which turned out pretty neat. One of the above friends helped me out, so I've got matching green lights around the bedframe and white one's all around the window. Of course I put this up only like three days before I was leaving for home, but I figure I'll leave them up til like March or I get bored of hearing people complain. I think they look neato anyway.
So yeah, my friends are the coolest ever. Or should I say warmest ever.
Friday, December 13, 2002
Two Thirds Of One Fourth.
That's all I have left of my college career. I guess that works out to 1/6. Seems like still a decent amount to go, and I guess it is. Just had my last Final this morning, so Fall quarter is officially over. And now without any further ado, we have some TEST TAKING TIPS from Me.
1. The more you try to cram in just before the test, the more stuff that you knew before will fall out the back end.
2. Sit in the middle of the back row, no way they'll catch you cheating.
3. Wear shades to assist sneaky peripheral vision, and be prepared with a story about a rare eye condition that forces you to wear them.
4. Get there 20 minutes early, the ones already in the room with their pencils and scantrons nicely arranged are the ones you should be sitting behind.
5. When choosing someone to "acquire" answers from, don't judge a book by it's cover. I know some really intelligent looking idiots.
6. Be sure someone good looking is sitting at a major focal point, you need aesthetically pleasing atmosphere when you're staring off into space completely forgetting about the final for minutes at a time.
7. When in doubt, the answer is c, and if you doubt that, you're not in doubt.
8. Cough continuously, you'll annoy people and lower the curve. Sneezing works too, but harder to fake.
9. Hope for a creaky desk. If someone complains, blame the polarity of the earth.
AND LAST BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST
10. You know those clicker erasers that move up and down? And those clicking pens that pop in and out? Try to set a clicks per hour record.
There you have it. Foolproof guide to doing well on college finals. I'll bust out my grade predictions later on tonight, after I've already cheated by checking today's final against the answer key he's posting tonight.
That's all I have left of my college career. I guess that works out to 1/6. Seems like still a decent amount to go, and I guess it is. Just had my last Final this morning, so Fall quarter is officially over. And now without any further ado, we have some TEST TAKING TIPS from Me.
1. The more you try to cram in just before the test, the more stuff that you knew before will fall out the back end.
2. Sit in the middle of the back row, no way they'll catch you cheating.
3. Wear shades to assist sneaky peripheral vision, and be prepared with a story about a rare eye condition that forces you to wear them.
4. Get there 20 minutes early, the ones already in the room with their pencils and scantrons nicely arranged are the ones you should be sitting behind.
5. When choosing someone to "acquire" answers from, don't judge a book by it's cover. I know some really intelligent looking idiots.
6. Be sure someone good looking is sitting at a major focal point, you need aesthetically pleasing atmosphere when you're staring off into space completely forgetting about the final for minutes at a time.
7. When in doubt, the answer is c, and if you doubt that, you're not in doubt.
8. Cough continuously, you'll annoy people and lower the curve. Sneezing works too, but harder to fake.
9. Hope for a creaky desk. If someone complains, blame the polarity of the earth.
AND LAST BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST
10. You know those clicker erasers that move up and down? And those clicking pens that pop in and out? Try to set a clicks per hour record.
There you have it. Foolproof guide to doing well on college finals. I'll bust out my grade predictions later on tonight, after I've already cheated by checking today's final against the answer key he's posting tonight.
Wednesday, December 11, 2002
Stripes.
As a kid on family vacations, that's all we wore. My sister wore red and white striped shirts, myself blue and white, and my brother green and white. You could pick us out in a crowd of 100 people easily, I guess that's the main reason my parents did it. We even had the striped socks to match pulled up to our knees. Oh yeah. I have pictures. You should ask me to show you them sometime.
So I happen to be wearing this shirt I have that is made up of three or four large stripes, navy green and white or something. I've worn it like five other times this year at least. Apparently, not in front of any of my friends. Not once, but TWICE, people announced that I was making a huge change from my normal wardrobe by wearing it. WORD FOR WORD, they said they exact same thing "well it's not a shirt with wolves on it or a t-shirt with a smart ass statement..." Two people, exact same statement, different times. Both the exact same "smart-ass" phrase. Pretty mind boggling.
Apparently I need to wear the stuff that doesn't fall into those two categories more often. Maybe Christmas will be a chance to branch out a bit. I've always been a pretty predictable guy, but I wasn't aware that the people around me actually notice, much less care about what I wear. Go figure.
Tomorrow's forecast, a smart-ass t-shirt.
As a kid on family vacations, that's all we wore. My sister wore red and white striped shirts, myself blue and white, and my brother green and white. You could pick us out in a crowd of 100 people easily, I guess that's the main reason my parents did it. We even had the striped socks to match pulled up to our knees. Oh yeah. I have pictures. You should ask me to show you them sometime.
So I happen to be wearing this shirt I have that is made up of three or four large stripes, navy green and white or something. I've worn it like five other times this year at least. Apparently, not in front of any of my friends. Not once, but TWICE, people announced that I was making a huge change from my normal wardrobe by wearing it. WORD FOR WORD, they said they exact same thing "well it's not a shirt with wolves on it or a t-shirt with a smart ass statement..." Two people, exact same statement, different times. Both the exact same "smart-ass" phrase. Pretty mind boggling.
Apparently I need to wear the stuff that doesn't fall into those two categories more often. Maybe Christmas will be a chance to branch out a bit. I've always been a pretty predictable guy, but I wasn't aware that the people around me actually notice, much less care about what I wear. Go figure.
Tomorrow's forecast, a smart-ass t-shirt.
Tuesday, December 10, 2002
I Know I'm Bad!
Man I'm full of nothing but excuses lately. Ah well that last post was long I figure it kept ppl busy.
Yesterday I was over in the UCen watching a young couple tearing it up on the new DDR machine down there and I got to thinkin. If video game makers came up with more games like this, that involve movement and exercise, maybe tomorrow's youth won't grow up to be as brainless as our generation did. Rather than just having to push buttons and stare at a screen, if tomorrow's games actually involve leg and arm movement who knows, you could end up staying in shape just because you are somewhat addicted to a fun game. I know I enjoy DDR a lot, it's just unfortunate it costs money in the arcade. It's not really worth it to buy a whole console system just for one game and the pads, but then again, if I'm getting exercise and fun at the same time, hmm...
Oops, 24 is on! Can't miss a minute!
Man I'm full of nothing but excuses lately. Ah well that last post was long I figure it kept ppl busy.
Yesterday I was over in the UCen watching a young couple tearing it up on the new DDR machine down there and I got to thinkin. If video game makers came up with more games like this, that involve movement and exercise, maybe tomorrow's youth won't grow up to be as brainless as our generation did. Rather than just having to push buttons and stare at a screen, if tomorrow's games actually involve leg and arm movement who knows, you could end up staying in shape just because you are somewhat addicted to a fun game. I know I enjoy DDR a lot, it's just unfortunate it costs money in the arcade. It's not really worth it to buy a whole console system just for one game and the pads, but then again, if I'm getting exercise and fun at the same time, hmm...
Oops, 24 is on! Can't miss a minute!
Friday, December 06, 2002
Flight Phyiscal, Part 1.
So here goes my second attempt at describing the day that encompassed my Flight Physical. I¡¦m typing in Word this time, so I should manage to get through it without accidentally deleting the whole post again. Growl.
The alarm ended up being unnecessary, I awoke with a start about 5 minutes before it was supposed to go off. I¡¦d gotten a total of an hour or two of sleep, not the smartest thing, but thanks to hours of icing my head was getting back to normal size. Actually it¡¦s now two three or four days later, and there¡¦s still a pretty decent bruise. I made my way out to the loop where I was picked up by the first of three friends who had been gracious enough to participate in taking me up to Vandenberg AFB, a good hour away, and bringing me back later in the day. A two hour round trip at 5:30 in the morning is a pretty insane favor to ask, these ppl must love me very much. Or maybe they¡¦re masochists. Well, I feel the love anyway. :)
We hit the road, and the trip up was pretty uninteresting for me, given I spent the whole time with my head tilted to the side, trying to balance an ice pack on my forehead. We took a minor wrong turn when we tried to make the 101 to 1 transfer and ended up zipping through the stop sign, across the intersection, down the onramp back onto the 101 again, but we eventually got turned around and going in the right direction again. I was horizontal at the time, I should have been giving better directions. :/ I¡¦d planned to get there a good hour before my appointment, so even though we left 15 minutes later than planned and took our time getting up there, it wasn¡¦t a big deal. There were an absolute ton of cars headed the other direction back towards the 101 from Lompoc, apparently a whole lot of people make that commute. It¡¦s a pretty nice one, compared with sitting on L.A. freeways in some of the world¡¦s longest parking lots.
Around 6:50 we made it to the main gate of Vandenberg AFB, and hung a right into the main Visitor¡¦s Center. Here we waited in a short line to get our pass to get on base, but my name ended up not being on the list, so this became quite a production. The airman behind the desk tried calling the number I was given to call if I had problems getting on base, and of course there was no answer. He then told me to use the lobby phone and try calling every few minutes until I found someone to call up there and vouch for me. We waited a good half hour before I finally got through, and even then it wasn¡¦t the right person, she wasn¡¦t in yet. The person who did pick up was able to call up the visitor¡¦s center desk though, and after a few minutes I cut the now much longer line to ask if I could now get a pass, and they said yes. This of course required the driver¡¦s registration and insurance, which luckily I¡¦d already heard was a requirement and thus had it ready. It was now 7:30 and I was going to be late for my initial appointment, so we hoofed it back to the car and into the base after the guard scrutinized our paperwork.
The base itself was quite neat, reminded me of a very large gated community. I can totally see myself living somewhere like that in the future, the housing all looked very nice. After traveling down California and hanging a right at the large missile, we hung another right onto Utah, and a left onto South Dakota, eventually finding the Flight Medicine building near the end on the right. Gotta love patriotic street names. Here I bid my two friends adieu, as they went off to apparently eventually discover a drive-thru Starbucks which made their whole week.
I hurried into the building and was directed from the front desk down to Public Health at the end of the hall, where I picked up my paperwork. I was then sent back to the front desk where I was brought in by one of the people there, and hurriedly filled out the pages I was supposed to have already done, as the two people who were going to be testing me on various things sat around and looked annoyed. I explained the holdup and why it wasn¡¦t my fault, but it didn¡¦t appear that they cared. Then came a flurry of tests that made up the Tech. portion of my schedule. First they did height, this time putting me at probably a more accurate 5¡¦ 10¡¦¡¦ and 3/5. I then hopped on a scale, although fully clothed, including a sweatshirt and various things like a wallet and keys in my pockets. They subtracted two pounds to compensate, but I¡¦m pretty sure it should have been more like 4. Didn¡¦t matter since I was still only 191, decent poundage under the max. They also did sitting height, and measured the length of your thigh from knee to buttock, both of which are important in deciding what cockpits you can and can not fit into comfortably. Next came a reading aloud test, which they actually seemed quite focused during while listening to me, I¡¦m not really sure what they were looking for, I assume it was just a test to see if you were literate. They took my blood pressure and pulse three different times during all of this, once at rest, once after having me hop on one foot and then the other for a minute or two, and then once two minutes later after the exercise. They did all these measurements by hand, so I doubt the accuracy, and it showed given the wide fluctuations even between the different bp¡¦s that were taken throughout the day.
I was then sent into the hearing test room, which was different from the MEPS version in that the booth was only made for one person instead of six, and the room itself had another door that remained closed during the test, thus making the entire place much more soundproof. I still felt like my own heartbeats and breath were drowning out some of the sounds, so you really had to focus the entire time, even though the test went on for several minutes. I did end up scoring much better than the MEPS version, I assume because people weren¡¦t talking outside the booth or shifting around inside it. Next up came a whole bunch of vision tests, some of which seemed quite strange. I had been told my optometry appointment was later in the day and they would repeat many of the more important tests, so even though they ended up apparently failing me on a couple in the morning, I wasn¡¦t all that worried. The tests consisted of a distant vision test, near vision test, color blindness test, peripheral vision test, and a few others I can¡¦t really describe, where they just blocked your eyes in different ways and had you focus on something else, trying to see if they could create movement in the eye, or see if your eyes randomly shifted around or something, I guess.
I was then sent over to the hospital next door to have a urinalysis done, and then to have blood taken. It was officially more of my own blood than I¡¦d ever seen in my life. I¡¦d say a good eight or so decent sized vials were taken, if not more. She just lined em up beforehand, continuously switched them out all the while leaving the same needle in my arm, and then lined em up on a different table afterwards. It was all sort of reddish brownish looking, very bubbly, not all that attractive. Strangely I felt basically nothing during all this other than the initial sting and burn, I was able to wiggle my fingers throughout, and there wasn¡¦t the same soreness that there was after the MEPS blood test. They acted beforehand like I was probably going to pass out and showed me where I would wake up, and then afterward said I should probably sit still for 10 or 15 minutes until I stopped feeling dizzy, but I literally felt nothing. After a few minutes of watching the cartoons in the waiting area, I decided to stop wasting time and zip on back over to the Flight Medicine building to see what was next.
I was then given an EKG, which was a new experience for me. They put all these little tape things on various parts of my body, and then clipped electrode thingies to them while I lay on a hospital bed type thing. I basically just hung out for a while and then they said I was done, and began the oh so fun process of ripping off the pieces of tape, usually taking a few hairs with them. I then was told to wait in the waiting room for a while until my 10:20 doctor¡¦s appointment. As you can see a good three hours had passed by now, and I was just getting started. The doctor ended up being female which was a first for me, I guess the doctor I was supposed to have was out sick or something. A male airman was present in the room at all times, I guess to make sure that no comfort levels were crossed or something. This was your typical physical with a doctor, where they check your eyes, ears, mouth, extremities, test for range of movement, and all that. I basically ended up repeating every single test I¡¦d done at MEPS during this day, and then some. Eventually came the turn your head and cough aspect, and then a new one for me, the infamous ¡§rectal exam.¡¨ Only thing I¡¦ll say about that is judging by the amount of discomfort, I¡¦m positive my door doesn¡¦t swing that way. She then asked me a few questions about why I wanted to be a Navigator yadda yadda yadda to make sure I wasn¡¦t being forced into it or anything. I asked her about a few of the tests I didn¡¦t do well on in the other room, and she made a note on my schedule to have the optometrist redo those tests.
I was sent next door to Dental, where I was ushered into a room to have x-rays done. Their panoramic machine was broken, so there¡¦s a small chance I might have to come back and have that done another time, which would be kind of lame, but you do what you have to. The bitewing x-ray machine was working however, so I was able to get those done, and they acted like only one or the other was needed, so it shouldn¡¦t be too big a problem. I was then checked over by an actual dentist, to make sure I guess that my dental work was still intact, and there weren¡¦t any foreseeable problems. Everything checked out okay, and he filled out some more of my paperwork and inserted the x-rays, and I was back over to the main building.
Now I was in my main big gap of the day, as I had a 1430 (2:30pm) optometry appointment I had to go to, my last appointment of the day, but it was only about 11:30. I noticed on my chart that I was supposed to have gotten a chest x-ray and hadn¡¦t and asked the front desk about it, and they said that was supposed to be done over at Radiology, which is right next to the Lab where I did my urinalysis and blood work, and they were supposed to send me there afterward. Luckily I noticed, or I probably would have had to come back and get it done another day. I didn¡¦t end up getting to see the completed x-rays which was disappointing, I¡¦ve always found it interesting to be able to say ¡§Hey, that¡¦s my liver!¡¨ and ¡§Hey, that¡¦s my rib!¡¨ and stuff. They had the wrong angle on one of the two positions they took so they had to do it again, but the second time went fine and I was dismissed again. I spent a while wandering around the base after that, checking out the movie theater, laundromat, some of the barracks, and various other amenities. Eventually I realized I was tired and lay out in the sun in front of the original building and took a nap under a tree. I was awoken at one point by a Security Forces guy asking if I was alright, I guess they don¡¦t see too many civilians sleeping under trees in strange positions on base. I assured him I was okay and showed him I had an optometry appointment in a half hour, and he went on his way. I decided to see if I could jump start the process and headed back in to the front desk to check in. Turned out Optometry was back in the other building next door, so I made the thirty yard trek for about the 10th time that day. Luckily these two buildings were the only two I had to report to, otherwise it would have been pretty lame given I had no car.
I arrived at Optometry around 2, but they couldn¡¦t find me on the appointment sheet, so they weren¡¦t entirely sure what tests needed to be done. They went through the typical stuff like figuring out what my exact eyesight was and what prescription would be best for me if I actually wore glasses. Found out that as expected my left eye is 20/20, whereas my right is closer to 20/30. They also did the test for I think glaucoma where they blow air into each of your eyes. It¡¦s actually really cool to watch someone else going through it, since you see their eye blown up huge on the screen as it sits there blinking. I¡¦ve always wanted a huge picture of my eye in perfect quality with no reflection, and that¡¦s pretty much impossible to get. Interestingly enough, I started having trouble with the depth perception test again, so he had me put on a pair of glasses with the prescription he¡¦d just formulated, and I was able to do all of them much easier. I also ended up able to name all of the color blind slide numbers, whereas I was unable to see a few in the dimly lit other room, where the light that was supposed to shine on the book was broken. Those were the two tests the doctor had asked to be repeated, so given I passed them without a problem the second time, I assume all is well. I was then told to hang out in the waiting room, where I ended up sitting around until like 3:15, when they finally ¡§discovered¡¨ my appointment in the schedule, which was actually set for 3:30. The reason for this was because my eyes needed to be dilated an hour in advance of some of the tests, which is why I was told to arrive by 1430.
They immediately put in the drops, but I ended up having to around for another hour (I¡¦d been there since 1400 and it was now 1615) before the doctor finally brought me in. They ended up doing a very minimal amount of tests with my eyes dilated, mostly just having me in this one contraption where they shined a light into my eye from various angles and he looked for something, who knows what, maybe the shape of the eye or cornea or something. He ended up writing a whole lot on my sheet and filling in various sections, which was a bit worrisome because he¡¦d had a decent length conversation with the guy who had done the other optometry tests on me before seeing me, I assume discussing something about the tests I¡¦d passed the second time but not the first. The lamest thing about it was the fact that after he dismissed me and I was on my way back to drop off my package, I couldn¡¦t read any of what he wrote because my eyes were dilated. ƒ¼ Worse yet was the fact that since my optometry appointment took so long, the Public Health room where I started the day was closed, and I had to just drop off my package at the front desk, so I was unable to check in and see if there were any obvious problems that would make the infamous ¡§not qualified¡¨ box be checked on the last page rather than the ¡§qualified¡¨ box.
I decided to call the next morning, and did, but she hadn¡¦t been able to find my package yet, although after I told her where it was she acted like she¡¦d go get it immediately following. She said I should call back in a couple weeks, when all my x-rays, drug tests, and blood work would be complete, and she can give me a more legitimate answer as to whether there were any problems. So the waiting game begins¡K
I ended up having to walk the good 20 minutes out to the main gate from the Flight Medicine building because my third friend (who is also wonderful) had the same problem I did with trying to get on base, even though he gave my name and said he was picking me up due to my eyes getting dilated. Luckily I was able to find my way even when mostly blind, and eventually made it to his car. We stopped by KFC on the way home and downed some chow, as I hadn¡¦t eaten since 5pm the day before due to fasting for some of the tests that had to be done. Eventually we made it home around 6:30 or so, and my especially long day was finally over. I was so tired I ended up hitting the sack at 8pm, and not waking up until 9am the next morning.
Even two days later my eyes were still dilated, although not as significantly as the first day or so. Finally today they¡¦re back to normal, and I¡¦ve resumed my normal course of operations. One more hurdle down, now all I can do is wait. Wait to call and find out the person¡¦s prediction of whether or not I¡¦ll pass, then wait another few weeks to find out if the Surgeon General actually signs off on it, then wait til early February for the biggest news of all. Assuming all the other news is positive, of course.
I think I¡¦ve written enough for the day, more about the process when the time comes.
So here goes my second attempt at describing the day that encompassed my Flight Physical. I¡¦m typing in Word this time, so I should manage to get through it without accidentally deleting the whole post again. Growl.
The alarm ended up being unnecessary, I awoke with a start about 5 minutes before it was supposed to go off. I¡¦d gotten a total of an hour or two of sleep, not the smartest thing, but thanks to hours of icing my head was getting back to normal size. Actually it¡¦s now two three or four days later, and there¡¦s still a pretty decent bruise. I made my way out to the loop where I was picked up by the first of three friends who had been gracious enough to participate in taking me up to Vandenberg AFB, a good hour away, and bringing me back later in the day. A two hour round trip at 5:30 in the morning is a pretty insane favor to ask, these ppl must love me very much. Or maybe they¡¦re masochists. Well, I feel the love anyway. :)
We hit the road, and the trip up was pretty uninteresting for me, given I spent the whole time with my head tilted to the side, trying to balance an ice pack on my forehead. We took a minor wrong turn when we tried to make the 101 to 1 transfer and ended up zipping through the stop sign, across the intersection, down the onramp back onto the 101 again, but we eventually got turned around and going in the right direction again. I was horizontal at the time, I should have been giving better directions. :/ I¡¦d planned to get there a good hour before my appointment, so even though we left 15 minutes later than planned and took our time getting up there, it wasn¡¦t a big deal. There were an absolute ton of cars headed the other direction back towards the 101 from Lompoc, apparently a whole lot of people make that commute. It¡¦s a pretty nice one, compared with sitting on L.A. freeways in some of the world¡¦s longest parking lots.
Around 6:50 we made it to the main gate of Vandenberg AFB, and hung a right into the main Visitor¡¦s Center. Here we waited in a short line to get our pass to get on base, but my name ended up not being on the list, so this became quite a production. The airman behind the desk tried calling the number I was given to call if I had problems getting on base, and of course there was no answer. He then told me to use the lobby phone and try calling every few minutes until I found someone to call up there and vouch for me. We waited a good half hour before I finally got through, and even then it wasn¡¦t the right person, she wasn¡¦t in yet. The person who did pick up was able to call up the visitor¡¦s center desk though, and after a few minutes I cut the now much longer line to ask if I could now get a pass, and they said yes. This of course required the driver¡¦s registration and insurance, which luckily I¡¦d already heard was a requirement and thus had it ready. It was now 7:30 and I was going to be late for my initial appointment, so we hoofed it back to the car and into the base after the guard scrutinized our paperwork.
The base itself was quite neat, reminded me of a very large gated community. I can totally see myself living somewhere like that in the future, the housing all looked very nice. After traveling down California and hanging a right at the large missile, we hung another right onto Utah, and a left onto South Dakota, eventually finding the Flight Medicine building near the end on the right. Gotta love patriotic street names. Here I bid my two friends adieu, as they went off to apparently eventually discover a drive-thru Starbucks which made their whole week.
I hurried into the building and was directed from the front desk down to Public Health at the end of the hall, where I picked up my paperwork. I was then sent back to the front desk where I was brought in by one of the people there, and hurriedly filled out the pages I was supposed to have already done, as the two people who were going to be testing me on various things sat around and looked annoyed. I explained the holdup and why it wasn¡¦t my fault, but it didn¡¦t appear that they cared. Then came a flurry of tests that made up the Tech. portion of my schedule. First they did height, this time putting me at probably a more accurate 5¡¦ 10¡¦¡¦ and 3/5. I then hopped on a scale, although fully clothed, including a sweatshirt and various things like a wallet and keys in my pockets. They subtracted two pounds to compensate, but I¡¦m pretty sure it should have been more like 4. Didn¡¦t matter since I was still only 191, decent poundage under the max. They also did sitting height, and measured the length of your thigh from knee to buttock, both of which are important in deciding what cockpits you can and can not fit into comfortably. Next came a reading aloud test, which they actually seemed quite focused during while listening to me, I¡¦m not really sure what they were looking for, I assume it was just a test to see if you were literate. They took my blood pressure and pulse three different times during all of this, once at rest, once after having me hop on one foot and then the other for a minute or two, and then once two minutes later after the exercise. They did all these measurements by hand, so I doubt the accuracy, and it showed given the wide fluctuations even between the different bp¡¦s that were taken throughout the day.
I was then sent into the hearing test room, which was different from the MEPS version in that the booth was only made for one person instead of six, and the room itself had another door that remained closed during the test, thus making the entire place much more soundproof. I still felt like my own heartbeats and breath were drowning out some of the sounds, so you really had to focus the entire time, even though the test went on for several minutes. I did end up scoring much better than the MEPS version, I assume because people weren¡¦t talking outside the booth or shifting around inside it. Next up came a whole bunch of vision tests, some of which seemed quite strange. I had been told my optometry appointment was later in the day and they would repeat many of the more important tests, so even though they ended up apparently failing me on a couple in the morning, I wasn¡¦t all that worried. The tests consisted of a distant vision test, near vision test, color blindness test, peripheral vision test, and a few others I can¡¦t really describe, where they just blocked your eyes in different ways and had you focus on something else, trying to see if they could create movement in the eye, or see if your eyes randomly shifted around or something, I guess.
I was then sent over to the hospital next door to have a urinalysis done, and then to have blood taken. It was officially more of my own blood than I¡¦d ever seen in my life. I¡¦d say a good eight or so decent sized vials were taken, if not more. She just lined em up beforehand, continuously switched them out all the while leaving the same needle in my arm, and then lined em up on a different table afterwards. It was all sort of reddish brownish looking, very bubbly, not all that attractive. Strangely I felt basically nothing during all this other than the initial sting and burn, I was able to wiggle my fingers throughout, and there wasn¡¦t the same soreness that there was after the MEPS blood test. They acted beforehand like I was probably going to pass out and showed me where I would wake up, and then afterward said I should probably sit still for 10 or 15 minutes until I stopped feeling dizzy, but I literally felt nothing. After a few minutes of watching the cartoons in the waiting area, I decided to stop wasting time and zip on back over to the Flight Medicine building to see what was next.
I was then given an EKG, which was a new experience for me. They put all these little tape things on various parts of my body, and then clipped electrode thingies to them while I lay on a hospital bed type thing. I basically just hung out for a while and then they said I was done, and began the oh so fun process of ripping off the pieces of tape, usually taking a few hairs with them. I then was told to wait in the waiting room for a while until my 10:20 doctor¡¦s appointment. As you can see a good three hours had passed by now, and I was just getting started. The doctor ended up being female which was a first for me, I guess the doctor I was supposed to have was out sick or something. A male airman was present in the room at all times, I guess to make sure that no comfort levels were crossed or something. This was your typical physical with a doctor, where they check your eyes, ears, mouth, extremities, test for range of movement, and all that. I basically ended up repeating every single test I¡¦d done at MEPS during this day, and then some. Eventually came the turn your head and cough aspect, and then a new one for me, the infamous ¡§rectal exam.¡¨ Only thing I¡¦ll say about that is judging by the amount of discomfort, I¡¦m positive my door doesn¡¦t swing that way. She then asked me a few questions about why I wanted to be a Navigator yadda yadda yadda to make sure I wasn¡¦t being forced into it or anything. I asked her about a few of the tests I didn¡¦t do well on in the other room, and she made a note on my schedule to have the optometrist redo those tests.
I was sent next door to Dental, where I was ushered into a room to have x-rays done. Their panoramic machine was broken, so there¡¦s a small chance I might have to come back and have that done another time, which would be kind of lame, but you do what you have to. The bitewing x-ray machine was working however, so I was able to get those done, and they acted like only one or the other was needed, so it shouldn¡¦t be too big a problem. I was then checked over by an actual dentist, to make sure I guess that my dental work was still intact, and there weren¡¦t any foreseeable problems. Everything checked out okay, and he filled out some more of my paperwork and inserted the x-rays, and I was back over to the main building.
Now I was in my main big gap of the day, as I had a 1430 (2:30pm) optometry appointment I had to go to, my last appointment of the day, but it was only about 11:30. I noticed on my chart that I was supposed to have gotten a chest x-ray and hadn¡¦t and asked the front desk about it, and they said that was supposed to be done over at Radiology, which is right next to the Lab where I did my urinalysis and blood work, and they were supposed to send me there afterward. Luckily I noticed, or I probably would have had to come back and get it done another day. I didn¡¦t end up getting to see the completed x-rays which was disappointing, I¡¦ve always found it interesting to be able to say ¡§Hey, that¡¦s my liver!¡¨ and ¡§Hey, that¡¦s my rib!¡¨ and stuff. They had the wrong angle on one of the two positions they took so they had to do it again, but the second time went fine and I was dismissed again. I spent a while wandering around the base after that, checking out the movie theater, laundromat, some of the barracks, and various other amenities. Eventually I realized I was tired and lay out in the sun in front of the original building and took a nap under a tree. I was awoken at one point by a Security Forces guy asking if I was alright, I guess they don¡¦t see too many civilians sleeping under trees in strange positions on base. I assured him I was okay and showed him I had an optometry appointment in a half hour, and he went on his way. I decided to see if I could jump start the process and headed back in to the front desk to check in. Turned out Optometry was back in the other building next door, so I made the thirty yard trek for about the 10th time that day. Luckily these two buildings were the only two I had to report to, otherwise it would have been pretty lame given I had no car.
I arrived at Optometry around 2, but they couldn¡¦t find me on the appointment sheet, so they weren¡¦t entirely sure what tests needed to be done. They went through the typical stuff like figuring out what my exact eyesight was and what prescription would be best for me if I actually wore glasses. Found out that as expected my left eye is 20/20, whereas my right is closer to 20/30. They also did the test for I think glaucoma where they blow air into each of your eyes. It¡¦s actually really cool to watch someone else going through it, since you see their eye blown up huge on the screen as it sits there blinking. I¡¦ve always wanted a huge picture of my eye in perfect quality with no reflection, and that¡¦s pretty much impossible to get. Interestingly enough, I started having trouble with the depth perception test again, so he had me put on a pair of glasses with the prescription he¡¦d just formulated, and I was able to do all of them much easier. I also ended up able to name all of the color blind slide numbers, whereas I was unable to see a few in the dimly lit other room, where the light that was supposed to shine on the book was broken. Those were the two tests the doctor had asked to be repeated, so given I passed them without a problem the second time, I assume all is well. I was then told to hang out in the waiting room, where I ended up sitting around until like 3:15, when they finally ¡§discovered¡¨ my appointment in the schedule, which was actually set for 3:30. The reason for this was because my eyes needed to be dilated an hour in advance of some of the tests, which is why I was told to arrive by 1430.
They immediately put in the drops, but I ended up having to around for another hour (I¡¦d been there since 1400 and it was now 1615) before the doctor finally brought me in. They ended up doing a very minimal amount of tests with my eyes dilated, mostly just having me in this one contraption where they shined a light into my eye from various angles and he looked for something, who knows what, maybe the shape of the eye or cornea or something. He ended up writing a whole lot on my sheet and filling in various sections, which was a bit worrisome because he¡¦d had a decent length conversation with the guy who had done the other optometry tests on me before seeing me, I assume discussing something about the tests I¡¦d passed the second time but not the first. The lamest thing about it was the fact that after he dismissed me and I was on my way back to drop off my package, I couldn¡¦t read any of what he wrote because my eyes were dilated. ƒ¼ Worse yet was the fact that since my optometry appointment took so long, the Public Health room where I started the day was closed, and I had to just drop off my package at the front desk, so I was unable to check in and see if there were any obvious problems that would make the infamous ¡§not qualified¡¨ box be checked on the last page rather than the ¡§qualified¡¨ box.
I decided to call the next morning, and did, but she hadn¡¦t been able to find my package yet, although after I told her where it was she acted like she¡¦d go get it immediately following. She said I should call back in a couple weeks, when all my x-rays, drug tests, and blood work would be complete, and she can give me a more legitimate answer as to whether there were any problems. So the waiting game begins¡K
I ended up having to walk the good 20 minutes out to the main gate from the Flight Medicine building because my third friend (who is also wonderful) had the same problem I did with trying to get on base, even though he gave my name and said he was picking me up due to my eyes getting dilated. Luckily I was able to find my way even when mostly blind, and eventually made it to his car. We stopped by KFC on the way home and downed some chow, as I hadn¡¦t eaten since 5pm the day before due to fasting for some of the tests that had to be done. Eventually we made it home around 6:30 or so, and my especially long day was finally over. I was so tired I ended up hitting the sack at 8pm, and not waking up until 9am the next morning.
Even two days later my eyes were still dilated, although not as significantly as the first day or so. Finally today they¡¦re back to normal, and I¡¦ve resumed my normal course of operations. One more hurdle down, now all I can do is wait. Wait to call and find out the person¡¦s prediction of whether or not I¡¦ll pass, then wait another few weeks to find out if the Surgeon General actually signs off on it, then wait til early February for the biggest news of all. Assuming all the other news is positive, of course.
I think I¡¦ve written enough for the day, more about the process when the time comes.
Thursday, December 05, 2002
Wednesday, December 04, 2002
I've Done Smarter Things...
I had a conversation with my friend two days ago about how I probably shouldn't go play racquetball the night before probably the most important physical I'll ever go through. After a discussion weighing the risks, it was decided that it isn't all that often cute girls ask me to play racquetball with them, and I should snap up any oppotunity that actually does make itself available. I mean seriously, what are the odds I could actually suffer an injury.
...
We'd gotten through maybe 5 points when I ended up diving for one near the right wall. I made the shot, it came high off the front wall right near the right wall, and came over my head to ricochet off the back wall and bounce very close to it, and fly back towards my position. I hunkered down like I always do when stuck in this position, hoping to get low enough that she'd be able to make the shot over my head. She went for it alright, and was sure to add some extra power into what would probably be a difficult shot. Unfortunately, she slightly misjudged the position of my head, and swung clean through it. Her racket edge caught me just above the left eye in the temple, full force, still accelerating. She even followed through before she realized what she'd actually made contact with.
It surprisingly wasn't as painful as one would think initially. Just an "ow" and I was about to pop up and see if I could return the shot in case she made it. I felt a little wrong though so I reached up with my hand, and was surprised to find I had gained a new forehead. Imagine a golf ball implanted under the skin of your temple. That's what it looked like, I kid you not. It swelled up INSTANTLY like a balloon, the most swelling I've ever had on any part of my body. My main concern was whether or not is was bleeding, and in between "OH MY GOD's" and "I CANT BELIEVE I HIT YOU's" she informed me it wasn't. I made a quick jaunt to the restroom to use the mirror and see what the deal was, although based on the expressions of the people I passed by it wasn't good. I basically scared myself when I looked in the mirror. It seriously looked like a skin colored golfball, almost like something from the cartoons when they get whaled on with sledgehammers. My eye seemed alright though, she'd missed it by a good inch or so. I returned to the court, constantly checking to see if it was beginning to bleed, but it never did. I couldn't even feel it really, it was just numb. I checked as best I could to see if there was any damage to the skull or anything, but as far as I could tell it was just swollen. So, we played three or four more games.
:)
What, think of the options: 1. Go home and ice your head for the rest of the night, by yourself, unable to do anything useful 2. Play racquetball with a cute girl for another hour or so, eventually go home and ice your head for the rest of the night, by yourself, unable to do anything useful. Seemed like an easy decision to me, since it's not like the swelling was getting any bigger. I was just a little more careful when I was in the general vicinity of her shot. She's actually quite possibly the best female player I've been up against. Quite agile, able to get to stuff most don't even bother with. My main concern was the physical the next day, but I was willing to sacrifice a few hours of sleep for the cause. That's what ended up happening, it took a good seven hours or so for the swelling to go down to the point it was only visible if you were looking for it. The only annoying factor was trying to talk the front desk out of calling an ambulance, after making the mistake of going down there for an ice pack. Some ppl can't really handle seeing people's injuries, it just doesn't bother me all that much, I watch those Trauma shows on TLC occasionally, it's all quite interesting. I then got a good hour of sleep before I had to wake up at 5am and get on the road.
Complete report on the Flight Physical, tonight.
I had a conversation with my friend two days ago about how I probably shouldn't go play racquetball the night before probably the most important physical I'll ever go through. After a discussion weighing the risks, it was decided that it isn't all that often cute girls ask me to play racquetball with them, and I should snap up any oppotunity that actually does make itself available. I mean seriously, what are the odds I could actually suffer an injury.
...
We'd gotten through maybe 5 points when I ended up diving for one near the right wall. I made the shot, it came high off the front wall right near the right wall, and came over my head to ricochet off the back wall and bounce very close to it, and fly back towards my position. I hunkered down like I always do when stuck in this position, hoping to get low enough that she'd be able to make the shot over my head. She went for it alright, and was sure to add some extra power into what would probably be a difficult shot. Unfortunately, she slightly misjudged the position of my head, and swung clean through it. Her racket edge caught me just above the left eye in the temple, full force, still accelerating. She even followed through before she realized what she'd actually made contact with.
It surprisingly wasn't as painful as one would think initially. Just an "ow" and I was about to pop up and see if I could return the shot in case she made it. I felt a little wrong though so I reached up with my hand, and was surprised to find I had gained a new forehead. Imagine a golf ball implanted under the skin of your temple. That's what it looked like, I kid you not. It swelled up INSTANTLY like a balloon, the most swelling I've ever had on any part of my body. My main concern was whether or not is was bleeding, and in between "OH MY GOD's" and "I CANT BELIEVE I HIT YOU's" she informed me it wasn't. I made a quick jaunt to the restroom to use the mirror and see what the deal was, although based on the expressions of the people I passed by it wasn't good. I basically scared myself when I looked in the mirror. It seriously looked like a skin colored golfball, almost like something from the cartoons when they get whaled on with sledgehammers. My eye seemed alright though, she'd missed it by a good inch or so. I returned to the court, constantly checking to see if it was beginning to bleed, but it never did. I couldn't even feel it really, it was just numb. I checked as best I could to see if there was any damage to the skull or anything, but as far as I could tell it was just swollen. So, we played three or four more games.
:)
What, think of the options: 1. Go home and ice your head for the rest of the night, by yourself, unable to do anything useful 2. Play racquetball with a cute girl for another hour or so, eventually go home and ice your head for the rest of the night, by yourself, unable to do anything useful. Seemed like an easy decision to me, since it's not like the swelling was getting any bigger. I was just a little more careful when I was in the general vicinity of her shot. She's actually quite possibly the best female player I've been up against. Quite agile, able to get to stuff most don't even bother with. My main concern was the physical the next day, but I was willing to sacrifice a few hours of sleep for the cause. That's what ended up happening, it took a good seven hours or so for the swelling to go down to the point it was only visible if you were looking for it. The only annoying factor was trying to talk the front desk out of calling an ambulance, after making the mistake of going down there for an ice pack. Some ppl can't really handle seeing people's injuries, it just doesn't bother me all that much, I watch those Trauma shows on TLC occasionally, it's all quite interesting. I then got a good hour of sleep before I had to wake up at 5am and get on the road.
Complete report on the Flight Physical, tonight.
Monday, December 02, 2002
Don't Break A Leg...
Usually the opposite is said, but I'd rather not jinx myself the day before heading off to probably the most important physical I'll ever experience. Managing to suffer some sort of injury today would delay the whole process weeks, maybe even months, and could even disqualify me permanently. Needless to say I won't be going rock climbing today, or diving off any high objects.
I'm blogging from a friend's room today, a rare occurence. One of the cool things about coming over here is that there is always multiple partially completed crossword puzzles sitting around waiting for people to contribute. I pride myself in being able to contribute at least one answer to every puzzle, although I occasionally get shut out.
Drove up the 1 last night during the sunset, and made attempts to take a few pictures while plowing along at highway speeds. Might give a pretty cool blur effect, or a car might have passed by during the shot and blocked the whole thing. We'll see how lucky I am. The father has been playing around with his latest toy, a Canon G2 digital camera. Seems to be quite the impressive picture taker, but at a pretty hefty price tag. I was asked what I wanted for Christmas, and this year that's proving to be quite a conundrum. Lots of stuff I don't really need, but wouldn't mind having, come to mind, but the stuff I need really come first. Whenever asked about gifts I always reply with stuff like "well I need toothpaste, and I'm out of shampoo, and uh..." Meanwhile the brother is busy demanding hundreds of dollars worth of merchandise, and offering ultimatums about what will happen if he doesn't get it. Rumor has it he's going to acquire a new car, which will be like his 4th in the last few years, whereas I just moved to my 2nd a short time ago, and it's a '93 Minivan, not exactly a 2002 whatever it is he's planning to buy. Heh, I say he, when of course a very very minor portion is actually his money. His money mostly goes to supply his addiction, not leaving much for non-retarded ventures.
PINK TOENAILS! Ah the art of the segway. My friend's toes are much more exciting than being bitter about other topics. She's making fun of the way I analyze situations carefully ponder all available solutions and then eventually choose one. Her laptop was too close to the end of her desk, so I had to move it backwards so my whole arm could rest on the desk without the edge digging into any veins, and apparently watching me come up with a solution to the problem was more interesting than usual. I've always been able to provide entertainment for people, not always intentionally.
I sleep so much better at school compared to at home it's ridiculous. I'm not entirely sure why. I sleep bunked up on my bed, which has a normal sized matress but no boxsprings, so it just has a slab of wood underneath. You'd think that would be less comfortable than my trundle bed at home. Maybe it's the temperature, my room never gets all that warm here, whereas at home even with the window open I'm in the hottest room in the house. Then again maybe it's the traffic, at home people are always up and about and slamming doors and having loud conversations in the hallways, whereas here when my door closes, it's totally silent other than the whir of my computer fans all night. Then again maybe it's the light level, I prefer total darkness, and it's closer to that here than it is at home since the front porch is outside my window and that light is on a lot. Or maybe I prefer sleeping at great heights compared to next to the floor. Hm.
I have to fast starting at like 6pm tonight, that should be nice and lame. More when there's more.
Usually the opposite is said, but I'd rather not jinx myself the day before heading off to probably the most important physical I'll ever experience. Managing to suffer some sort of injury today would delay the whole process weeks, maybe even months, and could even disqualify me permanently. Needless to say I won't be going rock climbing today, or diving off any high objects.
I'm blogging from a friend's room today, a rare occurence. One of the cool things about coming over here is that there is always multiple partially completed crossword puzzles sitting around waiting for people to contribute. I pride myself in being able to contribute at least one answer to every puzzle, although I occasionally get shut out.
Drove up the 1 last night during the sunset, and made attempts to take a few pictures while plowing along at highway speeds. Might give a pretty cool blur effect, or a car might have passed by during the shot and blocked the whole thing. We'll see how lucky I am. The father has been playing around with his latest toy, a Canon G2 digital camera. Seems to be quite the impressive picture taker, but at a pretty hefty price tag. I was asked what I wanted for Christmas, and this year that's proving to be quite a conundrum. Lots of stuff I don't really need, but wouldn't mind having, come to mind, but the stuff I need really come first. Whenever asked about gifts I always reply with stuff like "well I need toothpaste, and I'm out of shampoo, and uh..." Meanwhile the brother is busy demanding hundreds of dollars worth of merchandise, and offering ultimatums about what will happen if he doesn't get it. Rumor has it he's going to acquire a new car, which will be like his 4th in the last few years, whereas I just moved to my 2nd a short time ago, and it's a '93 Minivan, not exactly a 2002 whatever it is he's planning to buy. Heh, I say he, when of course a very very minor portion is actually his money. His money mostly goes to supply his addiction, not leaving much for non-retarded ventures.
PINK TOENAILS! Ah the art of the segway. My friend's toes are much more exciting than being bitter about other topics. She's making fun of the way I analyze situations carefully ponder all available solutions and then eventually choose one. Her laptop was too close to the end of her desk, so I had to move it backwards so my whole arm could rest on the desk without the edge digging into any veins, and apparently watching me come up with a solution to the problem was more interesting than usual. I've always been able to provide entertainment for people, not always intentionally.
I sleep so much better at school compared to at home it's ridiculous. I'm not entirely sure why. I sleep bunked up on my bed, which has a normal sized matress but no boxsprings, so it just has a slab of wood underneath. You'd think that would be less comfortable than my trundle bed at home. Maybe it's the temperature, my room never gets all that warm here, whereas at home even with the window open I'm in the hottest room in the house. Then again maybe it's the traffic, at home people are always up and about and slamming doors and having loud conversations in the hallways, whereas here when my door closes, it's totally silent other than the whir of my computer fans all night. Then again maybe it's the light level, I prefer total darkness, and it's closer to that here than it is at home since the front porch is outside my window and that light is on a lot. Or maybe I prefer sleeping at great heights compared to next to the floor. Hm.
I have to fast starting at like 6pm tonight, that should be nice and lame. More when there's more.
Sunday, December 01, 2002
Three For the Price of Free...
...is always a good deal. Managed just that thanks to a friend of mine down near Irvine today, who had connections at the local theater. We ended up seeing a couple scary flicks, then when she left for another commitment I decided to stay for a third, largely because I didn't want to drive home by myself in the dark after the first two. :)
First up was The Ring which is definitely the freakiest movie I've seen in quite a while. I'm the type that never closes my eyes, but quite often plugs my ears. I can handle the gory or scary visuals, it's just the WHAM in your face sounds after drawn out spooky music that gets me. I think the reason it bothered me so much was the fact that there wasn't really any downtime, it was just constant spookyness. The infamous video itself has some pretty creepy visuals, and without giving away too much of the movie, there's some pretty scary lookin faces involved as well. The little boy actor was quite good, not quite the level of Osment, but very impressive. Creeped me out plenty. We'll go with 5 M's out of 7 because it does have a few twists that I didn't expect, and it succeeded in freaking me out and will probably give me a nightmare or two over the next few days.
Second on the plate was Wes Craven's They. After seeing the first movie this one was pretty much a letdown. Some scary moments, but overall just not the same level of plot or spookiness. Besides which the lead actress had a really bad haircut, and was much too thin! Not to be picky. Real women have curves okay. Eh, 3 M's I guess, if you're bored and need a ninety minute quickie freakshow.
So after coming out of those and not having any plans afterward since my friend was moving on to bigger and better things (no bitterness there really) I decided to pick up the latest Disney movie, Treasure Planet. Main beef I had with this one was there was only 1 song! I guess not all animated Disney movies are musicals. The main plus this one gets though is it contains the cutest Disney character of all time, Morphie. If there's a reason to go see this movie, Morphie is it. So cute I could just squeeeesh him. Outside that character there's nothing particularly special about this movie, all the predictable plot elements you expect from Disney. We'll go with 4 M's here.
Yeah I know I give out a ton of 4 M's, but here's my theory there. If I actually went to a theater and spent time and effort seeing it, it's probably going to at least get to the "entertaining" rating. When I can tell movies are going to suck, I avoid wasting time and/or money. Occasionally movies dip into the 3 M's range, generally because I theater hopped to them due to lacking better choices. More often movies bump up into the 5 M range, with the occasional 6, and the VERY rare 7. So when you see 4 M's, assume entertaining, generally worth a bargain matinee. Higher ratings mean worth full price, and in some cases, even more.
Wee early morning hours, the brother seems to have arrived home with various females to watch a movie, who knows I might sit here and be entertained by their antics. Case in point, one of them just announced she needed a blanket because her nipples were sticking out of her nightshirt. Apparently they're spending the night. Always nonstop entertainment around here. Heading back up to school tomorrow, er later on today, who knows when, I'll probably try to avoid traffic in one way or another. No point in going to sleep just yet, when mad giggling would keep me up anyway.
...is always a good deal. Managed just that thanks to a friend of mine down near Irvine today, who had connections at the local theater. We ended up seeing a couple scary flicks, then when she left for another commitment I decided to stay for a third, largely because I didn't want to drive home by myself in the dark after the first two. :)
First up was The Ring which is definitely the freakiest movie I've seen in quite a while. I'm the type that never closes my eyes, but quite often plugs my ears. I can handle the gory or scary visuals, it's just the WHAM in your face sounds after drawn out spooky music that gets me. I think the reason it bothered me so much was the fact that there wasn't really any downtime, it was just constant spookyness. The infamous video itself has some pretty creepy visuals, and without giving away too much of the movie, there's some pretty scary lookin faces involved as well. The little boy actor was quite good, not quite the level of Osment, but very impressive. Creeped me out plenty. We'll go with 5 M's out of 7 because it does have a few twists that I didn't expect, and it succeeded in freaking me out and will probably give me a nightmare or two over the next few days.
Second on the plate was Wes Craven's They. After seeing the first movie this one was pretty much a letdown. Some scary moments, but overall just not the same level of plot or spookiness. Besides which the lead actress had a really bad haircut, and was much too thin! Not to be picky. Real women have curves okay. Eh, 3 M's I guess, if you're bored and need a ninety minute quickie freakshow.
So after coming out of those and not having any plans afterward since my friend was moving on to bigger and better things (no bitterness there really) I decided to pick up the latest Disney movie, Treasure Planet. Main beef I had with this one was there was only 1 song! I guess not all animated Disney movies are musicals. The main plus this one gets though is it contains the cutest Disney character of all time, Morphie. If there's a reason to go see this movie, Morphie is it. So cute I could just squeeeesh him. Outside that character there's nothing particularly special about this movie, all the predictable plot elements you expect from Disney. We'll go with 4 M's here.
Yeah I know I give out a ton of 4 M's, but here's my theory there. If I actually went to a theater and spent time and effort seeing it, it's probably going to at least get to the "entertaining" rating. When I can tell movies are going to suck, I avoid wasting time and/or money. Occasionally movies dip into the 3 M's range, generally because I theater hopped to them due to lacking better choices. More often movies bump up into the 5 M range, with the occasional 6, and the VERY rare 7. So when you see 4 M's, assume entertaining, generally worth a bargain matinee. Higher ratings mean worth full price, and in some cases, even more.
Wee early morning hours, the brother seems to have arrived home with various females to watch a movie, who knows I might sit here and be entertained by their antics. Case in point, one of them just announced she needed a blanket because her nipples were sticking out of her nightshirt. Apparently they're spending the night. Always nonstop entertainment around here. Heading back up to school tomorrow, er later on today, who knows when, I'll probably try to avoid traffic in one way or another. No point in going to sleep just yet, when mad giggling would keep me up anyway.
Thursday, November 28, 2002
Gobble Gobble.
Made my way down to the Irvine area night for turkey day, representing the young-uns of the family since my brother had to work and my sister was up spending time with her in-laws to be in Santa Rosa. Much food was had by all, which probably ruins the fact that I was down to 189 this morning. :) Went to check out Die Another Day last night with the father, the 20th in the infamous series about James Bond. Wasn't too high on the "realistic" scale, but still had some pretty cool stunts. I can't say I liked it as much as some of the others though, a few too many one liners, sexual references, and entirely impossible sequences for my taste. Still 4 M's out of 7, I guess because it's part of the legacy.
I heard from my recruiter and found out my interview was rediscovered, and I won't have to redo it. That leaves the Flight Physical on Tuesday as the last big hurdle I have to get over before my package goes to the Board again in January. I should find out while I'm taking it if anything major goes wrong, and if not a month later when the official word comes back from the Surgeon General.
I've discovered that one of my buddies is a Jeopardy afficionado; always fun finding trivia buffs with which to compete on a regular basis, occasionally saluting them for their greatness, usually stomping, crying, whining and claiming cheating took place whenever a loss occurs. :/ We spent some time playing online when equally bored over the last couple days, we seem to know about a lot of the same stuff. She's a CS major, which automatically gets her big bonus points in my book. She's one of the ppl who's been in a relationship for 23489734 years though, so there won't be any worrying about how many points she's at overall. For some reason it has always been easy for me to categorize people who are unavailable, and never give it a second thought. Most people call me a liar when I say I've never even considered the idea, and I'm not going to act like I'm totally immune, but it's just not something I think about. It's funny, there were like five females in my room the other day and an R/A walked by on rounds and made a comment about how I "had it goin on" and I didn't really know what he was talking about until I realized the guy/girl ratio. For me it was irrelevant, since everyone in the room had either long term boyfriends or current flames. That's just sort of the way things tend to be these days, everyone's either paired off, or too busy sleeping with everyone to settle down. Alas.
One of these days/weeks/months/years/lifetimes I'll find someone compatible who likes a lot of the same stuff, who isn't currently occupied. What's the rush, anyway.
Made my way down to the Irvine area night for turkey day, representing the young-uns of the family since my brother had to work and my sister was up spending time with her in-laws to be in Santa Rosa. Much food was had by all, which probably ruins the fact that I was down to 189 this morning. :) Went to check out Die Another Day last night with the father, the 20th in the infamous series about James Bond. Wasn't too high on the "realistic" scale, but still had some pretty cool stunts. I can't say I liked it as much as some of the others though, a few too many one liners, sexual references, and entirely impossible sequences for my taste. Still 4 M's out of 7, I guess because it's part of the legacy.
I heard from my recruiter and found out my interview was rediscovered, and I won't have to redo it. That leaves the Flight Physical on Tuesday as the last big hurdle I have to get over before my package goes to the Board again in January. I should find out while I'm taking it if anything major goes wrong, and if not a month later when the official word comes back from the Surgeon General.
I've discovered that one of my buddies is a Jeopardy afficionado; always fun finding trivia buffs with which to compete on a regular basis, occasionally saluting them for their greatness, usually stomping, crying, whining and claiming cheating took place whenever a loss occurs. :/ We spent some time playing online when equally bored over the last couple days, we seem to know about a lot of the same stuff. She's a CS major, which automatically gets her big bonus points in my book. She's one of the ppl who's been in a relationship for 23489734 years though, so there won't be any worrying about how many points she's at overall. For some reason it has always been easy for me to categorize people who are unavailable, and never give it a second thought. Most people call me a liar when I say I've never even considered the idea, and I'm not going to act like I'm totally immune, but it's just not something I think about. It's funny, there were like five females in my room the other day and an R/A walked by on rounds and made a comment about how I "had it goin on" and I didn't really know what he was talking about until I realized the guy/girl ratio. For me it was irrelevant, since everyone in the room had either long term boyfriends or current flames. That's just sort of the way things tend to be these days, everyone's either paired off, or too busy sleeping with everyone to settle down. Alas.
One of these days/weeks/months/years/lifetimes I'll find someone compatible who likes a lot of the same stuff, who isn't currently occupied. What's the rush, anyway.
Monday, November 25, 2002
MEPS, Part 1.
Okay okay enough already, I'm blogging. Ever since I found out the news got delayed three months I've been pretty apathetic about everything, but I guess that has to come to an end at some point.
The ride home was quite uneventful, just a lot of thinking about the whole concept of joining the Air Force in general. I really need to start hooking up with other people to make the drive, having someone else in the car just makes the time fly by. After a quick stop at home to pick up my Social Security card, I made the 15 minute or so trip back up to LAX, to check in at the Westin hotel. This was a lot more than I expected when it came to accomodations, I had no complaints whatsoever. I got directed up to the 3rd floor where they'd set up a sort of makeshift lobby for all the applicants to check in at. Turned out that you ended up rooming with whoever signed the check in sheet immediately before or after you. I happened to share the elevator with a man named Johnny, who was being shipped out the next day to South Carolina. He was a pretty cool cat, headed into the Army as a combat historian, which basically means he's a photographer that records history as it happens. Definitely a job I could see myself doing, if my whole plan doesn't work out. You should see me when I'm setting up a shot with a frikkin disposable camera, everything has to be perfect.
Anyway, so they have us sign this sheet with like 293487234 provisos on it about basically what we will and won't do while staying at the hotel, which basically covered everything we could possibly think of doing that was bad. Everyone seemed pretty laid back though, I don't think anyone was in a real hurry to get in trouble with the military before they even got anywhere. They had a few phones in there, and a few comps set up with internet, so you could busy yourself while they worked through your paperwork, and later once you're wandering around bored. There was also a TV, and a pool table outside in the patio area, which drew the interest of a dozen people at any given time. Quite the interesting makeup of characters, everything between your typical 17 year old enlistee right out of high school to 20 something priors heading back in to a different branch or different career. A whole lot of "what branch are you?" and "what are you gonna do?" It's always an interesting atmosphere when you're hanging out with people you've just met and quite possibly will never see again after the next few hours. There were a whole lot of rules about fraternization probably for that very reason. Can't say I've ever had a one night stand.
Dinner consisted of a buffet style meal down in one of the smaller ballrooms, which actually wasn't too bad. Your typical meat and potatoes fare, with some pasta and salad thrown in. Was plannin on hittin the pool afterwards, but ended up just playin a few games of pool until I managed to finally sink my pairing's winning streak by burying the 8ball in the wrong pocket after a difficult bank attempt. It happens. Decided to hit the sack around 8:30pm, knowing the wakeup call was schedule for "oh three hundred" I was quite impressed by the number of pillow they offered, there were like six per bed and then another lengthy one, along with like four sets of comforters, but I ended up kicking most of them off during the warm night.
We set the alarm a bit earlier and thus were relatively awake when the cheery recorded voice informed us of the time. After the usual shower and shave we made our way down to breakfast which wasn't quite as impressive as dinner, but still offered all the usual fixins. I'd decided to drive to MEPS to avoid the wait for the shuttle back to the hotel when I finished up, so I was on my way around 4. Quick stop for gas and I arrived at the L.A. MEPS around 4:25, and strangely enough saw people from the hotel already in there in the initial briefing, even though I was sure I'd left several minutes ahead. A shuttle must have left earlier, or something. I was disappointed since I was hoping to get in front of the initial line and thus expediate the process, but I wasn't too worried. Eventually the second shuttle showed up, and they filed us in to the initial "welcoming" room. A marine led the briefing, and after an initial joke of leading us in what was supposedly going to be a thousand jumping jacks to wake us up, he basically briefed us on everything we weren't going to do, unless we were in a hurry for our "procedure to be terminated." After giving up the pocketknife I forgot to leave in the car, I headed back to the Air Force service counselor to get my paperwork. I had been a bit worried since I wasn't on the check in list at the hotel, but I didn't run into any problems once I reached MEPS. After receiving my paperwork I was directed back out to the control desk to pick up another folder, and then headed deep into the medical area to the medical briefing room.
Once there, we were briefed on various aspects of our paperwork, and filled out various forms. In the meantime they sent around someone who took everyone's bp, and gave on the spot breathalyzer tests. No one got busted that I saw, seems like a pretty simple concept to me, don't be stupid, and you don't get caught. My bp was 140 over somethin, which is higher than I'd like. Since I stopped running due to splints though I haven't been doing a whole lot other than maintaining my weight, so it's not all that surprising. I've never been higher than that, so it's not cause for worry. Tends to be a good gauge of how in shape I am. Getting into swimming and cardio again, gonna have to stay off running as long as possible, which is frustrating.
Next up was hearing, although they were sending people to various stations all at the same time, and you basically rotated through to stuff you hadn't done as you finished the previous station. This test was actually much more difficult than I expected, the booth wasn't all that soundproof, you could hear people talking outside, besides which the other five people in it seemed like they were constantly shifting position and causing me difficulty. I've never had any trouble with hearing, in fact I always thought I was above average, but I still didn't score as high as some people, although I was still well within allowable levels. Could have been the fact I was sick during the week prior, and could have still been a bit under even if I wasn't feeling it.
After hearing I headed to give blood, which was the slowest part of the process, as some people had some problems. The line was about fifteen people long when I got there, and even the fastest person took at least a few minutes. Once it was my turn it wasn't a big deal, I got over needles at some point, although as a child they really bothered me, much like anything else involving pain. I've actually found that watching the needle go in makes it easier, since you know when to expect the pain. It's not the most pleasant thing, but it's not as bad as smackin your funny bone REALLY good, or getting your toe slammed in a door or something. They only took a small vial, but it was still pretty sore during and afterwards, which should make giving whatever number of pints they take next week more interesting than I'd like. Maybe they just didn't do as good a job, or something.
Last in my rotation was vision, which basically consisted of looking into a binocular style machine at your typical "read the smallest line you can see" test. There was also a book of those color blind number tests, where you find the numbers in the circles. Up after that was the depth perception test, which was actually quite difficult. You had to decide which circle in a row of five was closest, and the slide was dirty or something, with weird spots all over the place, so some of the rows appeared to be all at the same level. I ended up passing, but I'm prety sure I missed a few here and there.
I then went around the corner to urinalysis, which is more interesting at MEPS than normal due to the fact someone has to be present to make sure that it's actually your urine going into the cup, I guess. Pretty sure they use it for the drug test aspect, along with all the tests they do on it as well as the blood to make sure everything is as it should be. Somewhat interesting to be standing in a line holding your own urine before passing it off to the nurse who seals it and has you sign some more paperwork, but you do what you gotta do.
I next waited in line to see one of a few doctors in private rooms, where they went over your record and did the typical aspects of the physical, inspecting your eyes ears and what not, and the infamous "turn your head and cough" and "turn around and spread your cheeks" aspects of the process. Not a big deal for me, the guy was like 85 and could barely say three words in a sentence without taking a breath, and I'd rather know that something was wrong with me before it got too serious.
Then I was ushered into a large room where once a few dozen of us has assembled we were told to put all our clothes save our underwear in a basket, and form a line over by the scale. I'd hopped on before the guy came in and found I was 195 fully clothed, and given the max for 5'10'' was 194, I wasn't too worried. As it turned out, my official height ended up 5'11'', which bumps the max up to 199, and I ended up being only 191. Plenty of breathing room, even without being as fully active as I'd like. We then did a whole lot of exercises under the watchful eye of the practioner, basically to display that we didn't have any types of injuries, that our spines were all normal, we all had ten toes and fingers, and we didn't experience any pain when performing muscular activity.
After returning to the warmth of my t-shirt and shorts I headed back out to the medical control desk, where eventually I was given a copy of all the paperwork that had been completed, and was sent back to the service counselor. He checked everything over and then dismissed me, at appromiately 9:30am, five hours after I arrived. He'd told me as an officer's candidate I'd finish around noon, so I was quite surprised. It was still pretty strange to feel like you're midway through your day, check your watch, and find it's 7am. The process as a whole was much simpler than I expected, and after picking up my knife, I made my way across the way to the Rite Aid where I'd left my car, and headed on home.
Next up is the Flight Physical up at Vandenberg AFB, which I've heard very interesting stories about. Rumor has it I'm going to lose some of my chest hair during the EKG, and that the process will be a whole lot longer, with various aspects of the schedule taking place between 7:30am and 3:00pm. The other bummer is due to all the blood they take and the fact that my eyes get dilated towards the end, I'm not supposed to drive home. This basically means I can't drive there, since someone else would have to drive my car home anyway, unless they spent the day hanging out at the base or in nearby Lompoc, or maybe up the coast at Pismo or San Luis Obispo or something. Once I get confirmation on the exact schedule I'll go begging to my friends.
Can't say I minded lapping up the luxury for a couple days, even though it did mean I drove the oh so repetitive drive between here and L.A. a few more times in quick succession.
Okay okay enough already, I'm blogging. Ever since I found out the news got delayed three months I've been pretty apathetic about everything, but I guess that has to come to an end at some point.
The ride home was quite uneventful, just a lot of thinking about the whole concept of joining the Air Force in general. I really need to start hooking up with other people to make the drive, having someone else in the car just makes the time fly by. After a quick stop at home to pick up my Social Security card, I made the 15 minute or so trip back up to LAX, to check in at the Westin hotel. This was a lot more than I expected when it came to accomodations, I had no complaints whatsoever. I got directed up to the 3rd floor where they'd set up a sort of makeshift lobby for all the applicants to check in at. Turned out that you ended up rooming with whoever signed the check in sheet immediately before or after you. I happened to share the elevator with a man named Johnny, who was being shipped out the next day to South Carolina. He was a pretty cool cat, headed into the Army as a combat historian, which basically means he's a photographer that records history as it happens. Definitely a job I could see myself doing, if my whole plan doesn't work out. You should see me when I'm setting up a shot with a frikkin disposable camera, everything has to be perfect.
Anyway, so they have us sign this sheet with like 293487234 provisos on it about basically what we will and won't do while staying at the hotel, which basically covered everything we could possibly think of doing that was bad. Everyone seemed pretty laid back though, I don't think anyone was in a real hurry to get in trouble with the military before they even got anywhere. They had a few phones in there, and a few comps set up with internet, so you could busy yourself while they worked through your paperwork, and later once you're wandering around bored. There was also a TV, and a pool table outside in the patio area, which drew the interest of a dozen people at any given time. Quite the interesting makeup of characters, everything between your typical 17 year old enlistee right out of high school to 20 something priors heading back in to a different branch or different career. A whole lot of "what branch are you?" and "what are you gonna do?" It's always an interesting atmosphere when you're hanging out with people you've just met and quite possibly will never see again after the next few hours. There were a whole lot of rules about fraternization probably for that very reason. Can't say I've ever had a one night stand.
Dinner consisted of a buffet style meal down in one of the smaller ballrooms, which actually wasn't too bad. Your typical meat and potatoes fare, with some pasta and salad thrown in. Was plannin on hittin the pool afterwards, but ended up just playin a few games of pool until I managed to finally sink my pairing's winning streak by burying the 8ball in the wrong pocket after a difficult bank attempt. It happens. Decided to hit the sack around 8:30pm, knowing the wakeup call was schedule for "oh three hundred" I was quite impressed by the number of pillow they offered, there were like six per bed and then another lengthy one, along with like four sets of comforters, but I ended up kicking most of them off during the warm night.
We set the alarm a bit earlier and thus were relatively awake when the cheery recorded voice informed us of the time. After the usual shower and shave we made our way down to breakfast which wasn't quite as impressive as dinner, but still offered all the usual fixins. I'd decided to drive to MEPS to avoid the wait for the shuttle back to the hotel when I finished up, so I was on my way around 4. Quick stop for gas and I arrived at the L.A. MEPS around 4:25, and strangely enough saw people from the hotel already in there in the initial briefing, even though I was sure I'd left several minutes ahead. A shuttle must have left earlier, or something. I was disappointed since I was hoping to get in front of the initial line and thus expediate the process, but I wasn't too worried. Eventually the second shuttle showed up, and they filed us in to the initial "welcoming" room. A marine led the briefing, and after an initial joke of leading us in what was supposedly going to be a thousand jumping jacks to wake us up, he basically briefed us on everything we weren't going to do, unless we were in a hurry for our "procedure to be terminated." After giving up the pocketknife I forgot to leave in the car, I headed back to the Air Force service counselor to get my paperwork. I had been a bit worried since I wasn't on the check in list at the hotel, but I didn't run into any problems once I reached MEPS. After receiving my paperwork I was directed back out to the control desk to pick up another folder, and then headed deep into the medical area to the medical briefing room.
Once there, we were briefed on various aspects of our paperwork, and filled out various forms. In the meantime they sent around someone who took everyone's bp, and gave on the spot breathalyzer tests. No one got busted that I saw, seems like a pretty simple concept to me, don't be stupid, and you don't get caught. My bp was 140 over somethin, which is higher than I'd like. Since I stopped running due to splints though I haven't been doing a whole lot other than maintaining my weight, so it's not all that surprising. I've never been higher than that, so it's not cause for worry. Tends to be a good gauge of how in shape I am. Getting into swimming and cardio again, gonna have to stay off running as long as possible, which is frustrating.
Next up was hearing, although they were sending people to various stations all at the same time, and you basically rotated through to stuff you hadn't done as you finished the previous station. This test was actually much more difficult than I expected, the booth wasn't all that soundproof, you could hear people talking outside, besides which the other five people in it seemed like they were constantly shifting position and causing me difficulty. I've never had any trouble with hearing, in fact I always thought I was above average, but I still didn't score as high as some people, although I was still well within allowable levels. Could have been the fact I was sick during the week prior, and could have still been a bit under even if I wasn't feeling it.
After hearing I headed to give blood, which was the slowest part of the process, as some people had some problems. The line was about fifteen people long when I got there, and even the fastest person took at least a few minutes. Once it was my turn it wasn't a big deal, I got over needles at some point, although as a child they really bothered me, much like anything else involving pain. I've actually found that watching the needle go in makes it easier, since you know when to expect the pain. It's not the most pleasant thing, but it's not as bad as smackin your funny bone REALLY good, or getting your toe slammed in a door or something. They only took a small vial, but it was still pretty sore during and afterwards, which should make giving whatever number of pints they take next week more interesting than I'd like. Maybe they just didn't do as good a job, or something.
Last in my rotation was vision, which basically consisted of looking into a binocular style machine at your typical "read the smallest line you can see" test. There was also a book of those color blind number tests, where you find the numbers in the circles. Up after that was the depth perception test, which was actually quite difficult. You had to decide which circle in a row of five was closest, and the slide was dirty or something, with weird spots all over the place, so some of the rows appeared to be all at the same level. I ended up passing, but I'm prety sure I missed a few here and there.
I then went around the corner to urinalysis, which is more interesting at MEPS than normal due to the fact someone has to be present to make sure that it's actually your urine going into the cup, I guess. Pretty sure they use it for the drug test aspect, along with all the tests they do on it as well as the blood to make sure everything is as it should be. Somewhat interesting to be standing in a line holding your own urine before passing it off to the nurse who seals it and has you sign some more paperwork, but you do what you gotta do.
I next waited in line to see one of a few doctors in private rooms, where they went over your record and did the typical aspects of the physical, inspecting your eyes ears and what not, and the infamous "turn your head and cough" and "turn around and spread your cheeks" aspects of the process. Not a big deal for me, the guy was like 85 and could barely say three words in a sentence without taking a breath, and I'd rather know that something was wrong with me before it got too serious.
Then I was ushered into a large room where once a few dozen of us has assembled we were told to put all our clothes save our underwear in a basket, and form a line over by the scale. I'd hopped on before the guy came in and found I was 195 fully clothed, and given the max for 5'10'' was 194, I wasn't too worried. As it turned out, my official height ended up 5'11'', which bumps the max up to 199, and I ended up being only 191. Plenty of breathing room, even without being as fully active as I'd like. We then did a whole lot of exercises under the watchful eye of the practioner, basically to display that we didn't have any types of injuries, that our spines were all normal, we all had ten toes and fingers, and we didn't experience any pain when performing muscular activity.
After returning to the warmth of my t-shirt and shorts I headed back out to the medical control desk, where eventually I was given a copy of all the paperwork that had been completed, and was sent back to the service counselor. He checked everything over and then dismissed me, at appromiately 9:30am, five hours after I arrived. He'd told me as an officer's candidate I'd finish around noon, so I was quite surprised. It was still pretty strange to feel like you're midway through your day, check your watch, and find it's 7am. The process as a whole was much simpler than I expected, and after picking up my knife, I made my way across the way to the Rite Aid where I'd left my car, and headed on home.
Next up is the Flight Physical up at Vandenberg AFB, which I've heard very interesting stories about. Rumor has it I'm going to lose some of my chest hair during the EKG, and that the process will be a whole lot longer, with various aspects of the schedule taking place between 7:30am and 3:00pm. The other bummer is due to all the blood they take and the fact that my eyes get dilated towards the end, I'm not supposed to drive home. This basically means I can't drive there, since someone else would have to drive my car home anyway, unless they spent the day hanging out at the base or in nearby Lompoc, or maybe up the coast at Pismo or San Luis Obispo or something. Once I get confirmation on the exact schedule I'll go begging to my friends.
Can't say I minded lapping up the luxury for a couple days, even though it did mean I drove the oh so repetitive drive between here and L.A. a few more times in quick succession.
