Night's Are Days...
Managed to stay up most of last night studying hard for an Econ 3A midterm this morning, think I did pretty well. Course I always think that, the results are generally different. Maybe I'll be right for once.
More exciting Olympic action tonight, watched the US narrowly lose the Gold in Women's hockey, and Michelle take home the Bronze in figure skating, as well as young-un Sarah Hughes walking away with the Gold. Looks like the Closing Ceremony on Sunday is going to be a pretty amazing night as well, looking forward to it. That tape they tracked down of Hughes at age like 5 saying "I want to grow up and be in the Olympics and win a gold medal" was pretty amazing. Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it.
Also had some uplifting conversations today, when I wasn't asleep. Always nice to chat with old friends.
Wednesday, February 20, 2002
Burnin The Midnight Oil...
Lots of good tube watchin tonight, had the usual Olympics section of the evening with some pretty cool events on... Managed to watch a world record in speed skating, some pretty incredible aerial manuevers, and witness another great performance by hometown hero Michelle to take the lead in women's figure skating. Guys on the hall walking by who see that I'm watching figure skating always make sure to announce it to anyone in earshot and try to give me a hard time, but hey, gotta support the ppl representin my hometown. :)
Midterm Thursday, going to have to do some serious studying for that one, its the second in a set of three tests for that class for which the scores are all weighted equally (the final being the third) so going to need to perform well. Managed to win my racquetball match tonight even after losing the first game and landing pretty hard on my ankle during the second, causing me to hobble around a bit. My right knee for some reason can never seem to keep the skin on it, every time it heals I tend to screw it up doing something else, or the next week when I play. Go figure.
Also have been getting to know someone I'd known "of" previously but never really gotten the chance to sit down and chat with, she thus far seems like quite the kind and gentle person. She's from my area so we had a good time talking about old times as if we'd known each other in high school. At the very least its nice to know someone else to carpool with when headed southward. Appears I'm finally going to get around to watching the Godfather series after all, she hasn't seen any of them either. Go figure.
Go figure. Go figure. I don't think I say that much in real life. Just a good place filler online I suppose.
Oh, and still no luck in finding the perfect name. Keep those ideas comin! (scroll down for info)
Lots of good tube watchin tonight, had the usual Olympics section of the evening with some pretty cool events on... Managed to watch a world record in speed skating, some pretty incredible aerial manuevers, and witness another great performance by hometown hero Michelle to take the lead in women's figure skating. Guys on the hall walking by who see that I'm watching figure skating always make sure to announce it to anyone in earshot and try to give me a hard time, but hey, gotta support the ppl representin my hometown. :)
Midterm Thursday, going to have to do some serious studying for that one, its the second in a set of three tests for that class for which the scores are all weighted equally (the final being the third) so going to need to perform well. Managed to win my racquetball match tonight even after losing the first game and landing pretty hard on my ankle during the second, causing me to hobble around a bit. My right knee for some reason can never seem to keep the skin on it, every time it heals I tend to screw it up doing something else, or the next week when I play. Go figure.
Also have been getting to know someone I'd known "of" previously but never really gotten the chance to sit down and chat with, she thus far seems like quite the kind and gentle person. She's from my area so we had a good time talking about old times as if we'd known each other in high school. At the very least its nice to know someone else to carpool with when headed southward. Appears I'm finally going to get around to watching the Godfather series after all, she hasn't seen any of them either. Go figure.
Go figure. Go figure. I don't think I say that much in real life. Just a good place filler online I suppose.
Oh, and still no luck in finding the perfect name. Keep those ideas comin! (scroll down for info)
Monday, February 18, 2002
Saturday, February 16, 2002
Toooooooo Much Chooooooocolate
Ended up basically making myself sick last night from late Valentine's day candy, quite pathetic. Did manage to get a movie watched today, The Score with Robert Deniro and Ed Norton, two of my favorite actors. Norton does an absolutely superb job, and Deniro is his usual self. Very fun robbery plot where you end up cheering for the bad guys, reminded me a lot of Ocean's 11. I'll have to go with 6M's on this one, very entertaining all around, cool gadgets, good action, some clever plot twists, and great acting. Also picked up part of Quigley Down Under on TNT tonight, one of my alltime favorites.
Basically mopin around this weekend, got plans to head out tomorrow, and signed up for a hike into the local mountains that'll take place in a couple weeks, bout time to get out and enjoy the scenery around here.
Ended up basically making myself sick last night from late Valentine's day candy, quite pathetic. Did manage to get a movie watched today, The Score with Robert Deniro and Ed Norton, two of my favorite actors. Norton does an absolutely superb job, and Deniro is his usual self. Very fun robbery plot where you end up cheering for the bad guys, reminded me a lot of Ocean's 11. I'll have to go with 6M's on this one, very entertaining all around, cool gadgets, good action, some clever plot twists, and great acting. Also picked up part of Quigley Down Under on TNT tonight, one of my alltime favorites.
Basically mopin around this weekend, got plans to head out tomorrow, and signed up for a hike into the local mountains that'll take place in a couple weeks, bout time to get out and enjoy the scenery around here.
Friday, February 15, 2002
The Title That Wasn't
Try as I might I could not come up with anything clever for the heading tonight. Alas.
I ended up going to the movie in Campbell after all. I'd give it about an 11 on a sappy scale of 5. :) Quite appropriate for the occasion anyway, from my estimate about 99.9% of the audience were with their significant others. Alas. It was called The Road Home, a Chinese movie that was subtitled. It starred Zhang Ziyi (shot in the dark at the spelling) more popularly known as "that chick in Crouching Tiger." Basically your classic girl meets boy and there's this instant "the one" connection. I wouldn't recommend seeing this one by your lonesome, unless you're in the mood for kind of a tear jerker and don't want anyone else to see. :) All sorts of scenes that generated "awwwwwwww"'s from the audience followed by mass smooches. Apparently it won the audience award at the Sundance Film Festival or something, I personally would give it 5M's, although part of that is probably due a combination of jealousy and bitterness. So check it out if you have someone to cuddle up with, one of the better foreign films I've seen.
Three day weekend comin up, not really sure what I'm gonna do with it. Probably catch up on my movie watching. The Godfather series, or the Lethal Weapon series, both of which I've been getting around to. Maybe even some Band of Brothers episodes, still have about nine more of those to see as well.
And for all those of you single people out there:
Young caucasian male seeks young anything to share romantic conversations with.
Heh. It'll pass, just a case of "national single awareness" day.
Try as I might I could not come up with anything clever for the heading tonight. Alas.
I ended up going to the movie in Campbell after all. I'd give it about an 11 on a sappy scale of 5. :) Quite appropriate for the occasion anyway, from my estimate about 99.9% of the audience were with their significant others. Alas. It was called The Road Home, a Chinese movie that was subtitled. It starred Zhang Ziyi (shot in the dark at the spelling) more popularly known as "that chick in Crouching Tiger." Basically your classic girl meets boy and there's this instant "the one" connection. I wouldn't recommend seeing this one by your lonesome, unless you're in the mood for kind of a tear jerker and don't want anyone else to see. :) All sorts of scenes that generated "awwwwwwww"'s from the audience followed by mass smooches. Apparently it won the audience award at the Sundance Film Festival or something, I personally would give it 5M's, although part of that is probably due a combination of jealousy and bitterness. So check it out if you have someone to cuddle up with, one of the better foreign films I've seen.
Three day weekend comin up, not really sure what I'm gonna do with it. Probably catch up on my movie watching. The Godfather series, or the Lethal Weapon series, both of which I've been getting around to. Maybe even some Band of Brothers episodes, still have about nine more of those to see as well.
And for all those of you single people out there:
Young caucasian male seeks young anything to share romantic conversations with.
Heh. It'll pass, just a case of "national single awareness" day.
Thursday, February 14, 2002
Merry Cupid Day, All.
I've received a few clever ideas regarding the below contest, involving how to save myself from saying "I made it up" when asked what the random jumble of letters in my new nickname means... One was to take a translation of a word I like from another language. Although this wouldn't actually be a made up word it is much more likely to never be used by anyone else, if its a random enough language. Another was to take the letters and come up with a clever acronym for them, that hopefully won't cause me to appear too self-centered (I create enough of that already). Both good ideas, but so far still hasn't generated the perfect ideas. By the way, I didn't win the lotto. :( However the offer still stands if I EVER win it. Heehee.
Also finished up the housing application online, I went to the site describing the new Manzanita Village area that's going to be completed at the beginning of next year, and it looks quite impressive. Right on the ocean/lagoon, right next to the brand new dining commons, and with plenty of singles for those of us who are picky about our living space. :) Been in this hall for three years, I figure its time for a change of scenery. I'm sure it will be quite impacted with everyone wanting to get a piece of the new pie, but my class level is pretty high, and even if I get shafted i'll just end up over here again, not a horrible thing in itself.
Going to see what looks like a sappy drama chick flick in Campbell Hall tonight, looks like the perfect V Day movie, anyone wanting to join me in wallowing in self-pity feel free to come along. :)
I've received a few clever ideas regarding the below contest, involving how to save myself from saying "I made it up" when asked what the random jumble of letters in my new nickname means... One was to take a translation of a word I like from another language. Although this wouldn't actually be a made up word it is much more likely to never be used by anyone else, if its a random enough language. Another was to take the letters and come up with a clever acronym for them, that hopefully won't cause me to appear too self-centered (I create enough of that already). Both good ideas, but so far still hasn't generated the perfect ideas. By the way, I didn't win the lotto. :( However the offer still stands if I EVER win it. Heehee.
Also finished up the housing application online, I went to the site describing the new Manzanita Village area that's going to be completed at the beginning of next year, and it looks quite impressive. Right on the ocean/lagoon, right next to the brand new dining commons, and with plenty of singles for those of us who are picky about our living space. :) Been in this hall for three years, I figure its time for a change of scenery. I'm sure it will be quite impacted with everyone wanting to get a piece of the new pie, but my class level is pretty high, and even if I get shafted i'll just end up over here again, not a horrible thing in itself.
Going to see what looks like a sappy drama chick flick in Campbell Hall tonight, looks like the perfect V Day movie, anyone wanting to join me in wallowing in self-pity feel free to come along. :)
Wednesday, February 13, 2002
When is a Name Not Just a Name?
So for a while now (what is with me and starting entries with "so." makes me sound like a valley girl. let me try this again.)
Something has caused me to try to be creative for a while now, I've been trying to come up with a cool sounding made up word. In the online world, and just about everything that requires a nickname, I've been known as THUNDER, the nickname that originally stemmed from the soccer field in about 6th grade, when the coach's wife referred to me as "thunderfoot" after a powerful shot. (not that 6th graders can kick that hard, but hey)
The problem with this nickname is it is altogether too common, just about anywhere you go if you do a search for the word you'll come up with a few hundred matches or variations of the word. It also causes problems when it comes to registering for things that require a unique name that has never been picked before by one of the millions of users. So my goal is to come up with something completely made up and unique, that will be instantly recognizable as me, and not me or 800 other imitations.
So, I lay this challenge to all of you, come up with the perfect nickname for me.
Rules:
1. Completely and Totally Unique. (no names from books, movies, or anything, no dictionary words, must be completely non-existant in the real world)
2. The nick must be easily pronouncable by anyone. (THYKER is better than ALSDKJSALJDF. The first is one I've been using for a few things, but I think a better one is out there)
3. Length is limited to 6, 7, or 8 letters. (this is so that I can use it for literally everything, a lot of programs or sites require a minimum of 6, or a maximum of 8)
4. No numbers or strange symbols. (again, different symbols are allowed at different places, this must be universal)
Some other information you should know, I'll be attempting to stick with this one nick for as long as I need a nick, so make sure its a good one that will still be good in 10 years. :) Also given the thumbs up are names that include strange letters like Y and Z or X. (again, must still be pronouncable) To respond to the people who think nicknames are retarded, imagine trying to use my real name for everything. As if there aren't any other "Matt"'s out there.
Now the most important part of the challenge, the PRIZE FOR THE WINNER:
Eternal love and affection, and constant praise of your greatness. (okay, and a grand if I win the lotto tomorrow)
Disclaimer: Family members although encouraged to participate are not eligible for the grand prize.
To submit an entry feel free to post in my guestbook, or just IM me at thndrMATT.
Let the games begin.
So for a while now (what is with me and starting entries with "so." makes me sound like a valley girl. let me try this again.)
Something has caused me to try to be creative for a while now, I've been trying to come up with a cool sounding made up word. In the online world, and just about everything that requires a nickname, I've been known as THUNDER, the nickname that originally stemmed from the soccer field in about 6th grade, when the coach's wife referred to me as "thunderfoot" after a powerful shot. (not that 6th graders can kick that hard, but hey)
The problem with this nickname is it is altogether too common, just about anywhere you go if you do a search for the word you'll come up with a few hundred matches or variations of the word. It also causes problems when it comes to registering for things that require a unique name that has never been picked before by one of the millions of users. So my goal is to come up with something completely made up and unique, that will be instantly recognizable as me, and not me or 800 other imitations.
So, I lay this challenge to all of you, come up with the perfect nickname for me.
Rules:
1. Completely and Totally Unique. (no names from books, movies, or anything, no dictionary words, must be completely non-existant in the real world)
2. The nick must be easily pronouncable by anyone. (THYKER is better than ALSDKJSALJDF. The first is one I've been using for a few things, but I think a better one is out there)
3. Length is limited to 6, 7, or 8 letters. (this is so that I can use it for literally everything, a lot of programs or sites require a minimum of 6, or a maximum of 8)
4. No numbers or strange symbols. (again, different symbols are allowed at different places, this must be universal)
Some other information you should know, I'll be attempting to stick with this one nick for as long as I need a nick, so make sure its a good one that will still be good in 10 years. :) Also given the thumbs up are names that include strange letters like Y and Z or X. (again, must still be pronouncable) To respond to the people who think nicknames are retarded, imagine trying to use my real name for everything. As if there aren't any other "Matt"'s out there.
Now the most important part of the challenge, the PRIZE FOR THE WINNER:
Eternal love and affection, and constant praise of your greatness. (okay, and a grand if I win the lotto tomorrow)
Disclaimer: Family members although encouraged to participate are not eligible for the grand prize.
To submit an entry feel free to post in my guestbook, or just IM me at thndrMATT.
Let the games begin.
Tuesday, February 12, 2002
Changes in the Wind?
So like, I'm out last night on my way someplace plowing past Campbell Hall doing like 30 and this black cat comes darting out of the bushes giving its best effort to try to get under my tires. Amazingly enough I manage to brake to avoid it and it goes flying into the bushes on the other side of the street. Not that I believe any retarded superstitions. Nope. Not me.
So like, I'm on my way back to my place last night passing through an area somewhat near the first and I see something lying in the road. A black cat. Dead. Pretty sure it was the same one. Must have tried to change someone else's luck too, and failed. :/ How interesting.
So like, I'm out last night on my way someplace plowing past Campbell Hall doing like 30 and this black cat comes darting out of the bushes giving its best effort to try to get under my tires. Amazingly enough I manage to brake to avoid it and it goes flying into the bushes on the other side of the street. Not that I believe any retarded superstitions. Nope. Not me.
So like, I'm on my way back to my place last night passing through an area somewhat near the first and I see something lying in the road. A black cat. Dead. Pretty sure it was the same one. Must have tried to change someone else's luck too, and failed. :/ How interesting.
Monday, February 11, 2002
A Lucky Day.
So, today is a nice warm sunny day, so I decide to head out to Lake Cachuma to see what its like, and hang out in the sun in nature for a while with some reading material, and eventually cash in the change jar I've been collecting for quite some time and see where it might take me at Chumash. Little did I know the day would be a lot more interesting than that.
I barely got off of 217 before the most scary thing that's happened to me in a while took place. I was parked at the red light in the left arrow lane to turn left onto Patterson from the 217 offramp that merges with the one from the 101. I randomly glance in my rear view and immediately notice a large car barrelling towards me at I'd estimate 50 mph. He was about 30 yards away at that point, and my mind went a million miles a minute, trying to find a rational way to escape the situation. I realize there was nowhere to go, and I just braced myself as best I could. The last thing I thought before he was upon me was "well, this sucks." By some miracle, he decides to swerve just before he hits me, and skids around me to the right, missing my car by less than 6 inches. I was still waiting for the impact after he was past. The next thing I saw and realized was that he was going through the red light without losing any speed. Right as he hit the intersection he started braking, I think realizing his error, or perhaps seeing the small SUV coming in from the left at about the same speed. They both floored the brake but it was too late, and he broadsided her doing at least 40 mph. Debris was sprayed all over the intersection, and both cars were basically totalled. Luckily for her he hit her on the passenger side and there was no one else in the car. After I'd pulled over and hopped out I ran over to see what I could do, and I noticed her passenger side window was right next to her head. She was basically in shock, but appeared to be uninjured short of some bruises. Her car was another story, the whole right side was just crushed in to the point that anything that was in the middle was sprayed all over the ground and intersection. He ended up a bit more shook up, I'm pretty sure he ended up with some sort of internal injury based on the way he was moving minimally after he was taken out of the car. Luckily they both had airbags, including those side impact ones, so that probably helped a great deal. After flagging down one of the witnesses who had a cell phone and pointing out this of all times was a good time to use it, I ended up helping direct traffic for about a half hour while paramedics and police were arriving at the scene. The whole intersection was just a mess of twisted metal and pieces of engine, amazingly enough my car was basically untouched.
So, a lot of it was based on luck, but apparently it was on my side.
I eventually made it onto 154, and am heading up into the mountains, when I get passed on the left in opposing traffic by a car moving at least 40 mph faster than me (theme of the day apparently). Luckily this one appeared to know what he was doing, and I soon noticed it was a jet black Lamborghini, only about 2 feet tall off the road it seemed. This was pretty cool, and made doubly cool when I noticed another car was passing me, this time a ruby red identical car. So I'm confused by now, and that's only doubled when two more pass by, silver and yellow. It was a convention or something. Eventually on the other side of the mountain I saw them all circled up in a turnaround, and then after I passed watched them pull out and go back from whence we came. Just cool to drive those cars through the mountains, or something.
So yeah, eventually I have a really peaceful time at the lake pondering life's questions, and then eventually head home a hundred bucks richer than I started. Luck carried over I suppose. Rereading that last paragraph again from down below. Guess it goes along with my whole theme for this journal. Searching for something, who knows who's in charge of deciding whether or not I'll find it, or whether anyone is really in charge at all.
Is there a time limit on life? Is the clock running? Anyone know where the pause button is? :) I'm in no hurry.
So, today is a nice warm sunny day, so I decide to head out to Lake Cachuma to see what its like, and hang out in the sun in nature for a while with some reading material, and eventually cash in the change jar I've been collecting for quite some time and see where it might take me at Chumash. Little did I know the day would be a lot more interesting than that.
I barely got off of 217 before the most scary thing that's happened to me in a while took place. I was parked at the red light in the left arrow lane to turn left onto Patterson from the 217 offramp that merges with the one from the 101. I randomly glance in my rear view and immediately notice a large car barrelling towards me at I'd estimate 50 mph. He was about 30 yards away at that point, and my mind went a million miles a minute, trying to find a rational way to escape the situation. I realize there was nowhere to go, and I just braced myself as best I could. The last thing I thought before he was upon me was "well, this sucks." By some miracle, he decides to swerve just before he hits me, and skids around me to the right, missing my car by less than 6 inches. I was still waiting for the impact after he was past. The next thing I saw and realized was that he was going through the red light without losing any speed. Right as he hit the intersection he started braking, I think realizing his error, or perhaps seeing the small SUV coming in from the left at about the same speed. They both floored the brake but it was too late, and he broadsided her doing at least 40 mph. Debris was sprayed all over the intersection, and both cars were basically totalled. Luckily for her he hit her on the passenger side and there was no one else in the car. After I'd pulled over and hopped out I ran over to see what I could do, and I noticed her passenger side window was right next to her head. She was basically in shock, but appeared to be uninjured short of some bruises. Her car was another story, the whole right side was just crushed in to the point that anything that was in the middle was sprayed all over the ground and intersection. He ended up a bit more shook up, I'm pretty sure he ended up with some sort of internal injury based on the way he was moving minimally after he was taken out of the car. Luckily they both had airbags, including those side impact ones, so that probably helped a great deal. After flagging down one of the witnesses who had a cell phone and pointing out this of all times was a good time to use it, I ended up helping direct traffic for about a half hour while paramedics and police were arriving at the scene. The whole intersection was just a mess of twisted metal and pieces of engine, amazingly enough my car was basically untouched.
So, a lot of it was based on luck, but apparently it was on my side.
I eventually made it onto 154, and am heading up into the mountains, when I get passed on the left in opposing traffic by a car moving at least 40 mph faster than me (theme of the day apparently). Luckily this one appeared to know what he was doing, and I soon noticed it was a jet black Lamborghini, only about 2 feet tall off the road it seemed. This was pretty cool, and made doubly cool when I noticed another car was passing me, this time a ruby red identical car. So I'm confused by now, and that's only doubled when two more pass by, silver and yellow. It was a convention or something. Eventually on the other side of the mountain I saw them all circled up in a turnaround, and then after I passed watched them pull out and go back from whence we came. Just cool to drive those cars through the mountains, or something.
So yeah, eventually I have a really peaceful time at the lake pondering life's questions, and then eventually head home a hundred bucks richer than I started. Luck carried over I suppose. Rereading that last paragraph again from down below. Guess it goes along with my whole theme for this journal. Searching for something, who knows who's in charge of deciding whether or not I'll find it, or whether anyone is really in charge at all.
Is there a time limit on life? Is the clock running? Anyone know where the pause button is? :) I'm in no hurry.
Sunday, February 10, 2002
We Are We Are...
Disclaimer: This doesn't reflect anything about my current mood or anything of the sort, I just felt these were powerful lyrics worth reflecting upon here. I've been reading various other journals where people reproduce song lyrics and some of them I find quite interesting. Especially for songs such as this one where the vocalist is whizzing right through everything or is dominated by the rhythm and I might not have even noticed what he was saying.
"The Youth of a Nation"
"Last day of the rest of my life
I wish I woulda known cuz I'da kissed mah momma goodbye
I didn't tell her that I loved her, how much I cared
and thank mah pops for all the talks and all the wisdom he shared
Unware I just did what I always do
Every day the same routine before I skate off to school
But who knew that this day wasn't like the rest
Instead of takin the tests I took two to the chest
Call me blind but I didn't see it comin
Everybody was runnin but I couldn't hear nothin except
Gun blast it happened so fast
I didn't really know this kid though I sit by him in class
Maybe this kid was reachin out for love
Or maybe for a moment he forgot who he was
Or maybe this kid just wanted to be hugged
Whatever it was, I know its because
We are we are, the Youth of a Nation.
We are we are, the Youth of a Nation.
We are we are, the Youth of a Nation.
We are we are, the Youth of a Nation.
Little Susie she was only twelve
She was given the world with every chance to excel
Hang with the boys and hear the stories they tell
She might act kinda proper with no respect for herself
She finds love in all the wrong places
The same situations, just different faces
Changed off her face since her daddy left her
Too bad he never told her she deserved much better
Johnny boy always played the fool
He broke all the rules so you would think he was cool
He was never really one of the guys
No mater how hard he tried or the thought of suicide
Its kinda hard when you aint got no friends
He put his life to an end they might remember him then
You cross the line and there's no turning back
Told the world how he felt with the sound of a crack
We are we are, the Youth of a Nation.
We are we are, the Youth of a Nation.
We are we are, the Youth of a Nation.
We are we are, the Youth of a Nation.
[instrumental]
Whose to blame for the life the tragedies claim
No matter what you say it don't take away the pain
That I feel inside I'm tired of all the lies
Don't nobody know why its the blind leadin the blind
Guess that's the way that the story goes
Will it ever make sense, somebody's gotta know
There's gotta be more to life than this
There's gotta be more to everything I thought exists..."
That last paragraph is the one that made me think the most. Had quite the interesting day today, its quite a story, will give the full details later on tonight. Who knows, at this rate before then something else strange or amazing might have happened.
Disclaimer: This doesn't reflect anything about my current mood or anything of the sort, I just felt these were powerful lyrics worth reflecting upon here. I've been reading various other journals where people reproduce song lyrics and some of them I find quite interesting. Especially for songs such as this one where the vocalist is whizzing right through everything or is dominated by the rhythm and I might not have even noticed what he was saying.
"The Youth of a Nation"
"Last day of the rest of my life
I wish I woulda known cuz I'da kissed mah momma goodbye
I didn't tell her that I loved her, how much I cared
and thank mah pops for all the talks and all the wisdom he shared
Unware I just did what I always do
Every day the same routine before I skate off to school
But who knew that this day wasn't like the rest
Instead of takin the tests I took two to the chest
Call me blind but I didn't see it comin
Everybody was runnin but I couldn't hear nothin except
Gun blast it happened so fast
I didn't really know this kid though I sit by him in class
Maybe this kid was reachin out for love
Or maybe for a moment he forgot who he was
Or maybe this kid just wanted to be hugged
Whatever it was, I know its because
We are we are, the Youth of a Nation.
We are we are, the Youth of a Nation.
We are we are, the Youth of a Nation.
We are we are, the Youth of a Nation.
Little Susie she was only twelve
She was given the world with every chance to excel
Hang with the boys and hear the stories they tell
She might act kinda proper with no respect for herself
She finds love in all the wrong places
The same situations, just different faces
Changed off her face since her daddy left her
Too bad he never told her she deserved much better
Johnny boy always played the fool
He broke all the rules so you would think he was cool
He was never really one of the guys
No mater how hard he tried or the thought of suicide
Its kinda hard when you aint got no friends
He put his life to an end they might remember him then
You cross the line and there's no turning back
Told the world how he felt with the sound of a crack
We are we are, the Youth of a Nation.
We are we are, the Youth of a Nation.
We are we are, the Youth of a Nation.
We are we are, the Youth of a Nation.
[instrumental]
Whose to blame for the life the tragedies claim
No matter what you say it don't take away the pain
That I feel inside I'm tired of all the lies
Don't nobody know why its the blind leadin the blind
Guess that's the way that the story goes
Will it ever make sense, somebody's gotta know
There's gotta be more to life than this
There's gotta be more to everything I thought exists..."
That last paragraph is the one that made me think the most. Had quite the interesting day today, its quite a story, will give the full details later on tonight. Who knows, at this rate before then something else strange or amazing might have happened.
Animals In Cages...
There's really nothing quite as entertaining as hanging out in the floor lounge on any given Friday or Saturday night past midnight, and watching the spectacle that is freshman upon their return from IV generally as drunk as humanly possible. The exchanges make no sense, the motor skills and coordination are at an all time low, and generally something hilarious happens every five minutes, if not even more frequent.
Last night was no exception, managed to stay up until the wee hours of the morning laughing hysterically at the various impersonations by one guy who is a hilarious comedian, the antics of another guy who couldn't seem to keep any kind of liquid in any kind of container without accidentally dumping it on himself at some point, the list goes on. Why go out and pay to see live entertainment when you can just clump a few freshman together and see it for free, eh?
There's really nothing quite as entertaining as hanging out in the floor lounge on any given Friday or Saturday night past midnight, and watching the spectacle that is freshman upon their return from IV generally as drunk as humanly possible. The exchanges make no sense, the motor skills and coordination are at an all time low, and generally something hilarious happens every five minutes, if not even more frequent.
Last night was no exception, managed to stay up until the wee hours of the morning laughing hysterically at the various impersonations by one guy who is a hilarious comedian, the antics of another guy who couldn't seem to keep any kind of liquid in any kind of container without accidentally dumping it on himself at some point, the list goes on. Why go out and pay to see live entertainment when you can just clump a few freshman together and see it for free, eh?
Saturday, February 09, 2002
"Do You Believe in Miracles?!?...... YESSSS!"
Although I wasn't around in 1980 to hear the above annoucement live, I've seen many a tape of it, and must admit it was a pretty incredible moment for sports in the US. Last night's opening ceremonies was quite entertaining, culminating with the usual awesome moment of lighting the Olympic cauldron. This has always been my favorite part of the event, watching a ski jumper fly down the hill with it at one Olympics (Lilehammer '94), an archer fire it into the air at another (Barcelona '92), and various other impressive ways of getting it to its final resting point. I've managed to see all the torch runs I've been alive for, starting with Los Angeles in 1984, followed by Atlanta in 1996, and now Salt Lake City in 2002, as they passed through my local neighborhood. Talk about an amzing honor, being able to carry it seems like just an amazing experience. Looking forward to some great TV watchin over the next few weeks as our athletes make a run for the Gold. Thanks to a couple of my friends for invitin me over to watch the ceremonies on their big screen, and servin me some yummy yummy chicken broccolli rice something or other. :)
Although I wasn't around in 1980 to hear the above annoucement live, I've seen many a tape of it, and must admit it was a pretty incredible moment for sports in the US. Last night's opening ceremonies was quite entertaining, culminating with the usual awesome moment of lighting the Olympic cauldron. This has always been my favorite part of the event, watching a ski jumper fly down the hill with it at one Olympics (Lilehammer '94), an archer fire it into the air at another (Barcelona '92), and various other impressive ways of getting it to its final resting point. I've managed to see all the torch runs I've been alive for, starting with Los Angeles in 1984, followed by Atlanta in 1996, and now Salt Lake City in 2002, as they passed through my local neighborhood. Talk about an amzing honor, being able to carry it seems like just an amazing experience. Looking forward to some great TV watchin over the next few weeks as our athletes make a run for the Gold. Thanks to a couple of my friends for invitin me over to watch the ceremonies on their big screen, and servin me some yummy yummy chicken broccolli rice something or other. :)
Friday, February 08, 2002
WHA-BAM!
You heard it here first, congratulations to my alma mater West High for trouncing all other schools and becoming CHAMPIONS winning the gold in the LA County Academic Decathlon. Some amazing individual performances all around, including the highest two scores in the county. I'm just astounded at their achievements, glad to see another year will be added to the banner next to 1998, the year the team I was on brought home the Gold. Hooray for West! The State Finals are going to be in Modesto the weekend of the 25th, anyone want to room me up in that area and form their personal cheering section? ;)
You heard it here first, congratulations to my alma mater West High for trouncing all other schools and becoming CHAMPIONS winning the gold in the LA County Academic Decathlon. Some amazing individual performances all around, including the highest two scores in the county. I'm just astounded at their achievements, glad to see another year will be added to the banner next to 1998, the year the team I was on brought home the Gold. Hooray for West! The State Finals are going to be in Modesto the weekend of the 25th, anyone want to room me up in that area and form their personal cheering section? ;)
Thursday, February 07, 2002
Finally Fixed...
Decided to go through and back up this whole thing into Word now that I finally installed Office XP, and while doing so realized that the apparent archive problem that had deleted post fixed itself, and thus edited a few posts that ended up repetitive. So those who were planning to read the whole thing from the beginning (banish the thought) it should be a lot easier now. :)
Decided to go through and back up this whole thing into Word now that I finally installed Office XP, and while doing so realized that the apparent archive problem that had deleted post fixed itself, and thus edited a few posts that ended up repetitive. So those who were planning to read the whole thing from the beginning (banish the thought) it should be a lot easier now. :)
Guestbook Glory...
Finally decided to put something up to allow people to respond to what I say if they feel the need, or if nothing else, just say hi. Be aware though I'm quite malicious when it comes to deleting posts from complete morons. :) So yeah, close to a thousand people have been here at one time or another, might as well see what they have to say. Feel free to post under alias if the need be, if that makes you more comfortable.
Finally decided to put something up to allow people to respond to what I say if they feel the need, or if nothing else, just say hi. Be aware though I'm quite malicious when it comes to deleting posts from complete morons. :) So yeah, close to a thousand people have been here at one time or another, might as well see what they have to say. Feel free to post under alias if the need be, if that makes you more comfortable.
A Friend in Need is a Friend Indeed
Wow. I really don't know what to say. Just got off the phone after about a two hour conversation with someone. They were crying at first, they had reached a point where they were sad about a lot of things, and didn't really know what to think anymore. For some reason or another, they turned to me as an unlikely source of help. Somehow, I helped things change. That gives me a good feeling.
You know, now that I think about it, I don't think the purpose of this journal is to talk about things like this. Not everyone is comfortable with their lives being out there. But basically, a rift was formed some time ago, and I feel like over time a bridge has been built, and tonight there was first contact. Here's hoping that road gets paved, reinforced, and opens a carpool lane. :)
Its past 4, really need to hit the sack, but in other news, I was the only perfect score of 100% in my section on the Statistics midterm. Booyah.
Wow. I really don't know what to say. Just got off the phone after about a two hour conversation with someone. They were crying at first, they had reached a point where they were sad about a lot of things, and didn't really know what to think anymore. For some reason or another, they turned to me as an unlikely source of help. Somehow, I helped things change. That gives me a good feeling.
You know, now that I think about it, I don't think the purpose of this journal is to talk about things like this. Not everyone is comfortable with their lives being out there. But basically, a rift was formed some time ago, and I feel like over time a bridge has been built, and tonight there was first contact. Here's hoping that road gets paved, reinforced, and opens a carpool lane. :)
Its past 4, really need to hit the sack, but in other news, I was the only perfect score of 100% in my section on the Statistics midterm. Booyah.
Wednesday, February 06, 2002
A Penny For My Thoughts...
So last night I'm in the mood for talking, and luckily there's someone willing to be talked at, so we go and chow on some Carl's. Western Bacon nummyyummy. Although they got rid of my Crispy Chicken meal which was quite irksome. Then they forgot her ranch so we had to sit there for a while til they opened the window again and tried to hand us the food for the person behind us. So anyway, eventually we get to talking. Amazing the amount of stuff that we covered in a few short hours. I came out of it for some reason feeling much better about things, as if the world had become more clear for some reason.
Strangely, that's the first time in a long time that I've felt that I was talking with someone, instead of talking to someone. I mentioned a lot of things that had been bugging me, and as she said, we "covered it, fixed it, and moved on." She mentioned some things that had caused her to be "snippy" in the past, and what I could start trying to do to alleviate those concerns. Very strange to have such a rational and helpful discussion with someone. These types of things in the past always exploded into arguments that never got me anywhere with various other people. The whole who can be more stubborn type of conversation. The unique thing about this situation is we strongly disagree on an issue very important to me, which generally causes me to immediately think negatively about a person. However, I wasn't made aware of her position on it until much later, which caused me to rethink the idea of making a drastic assumption based on this one issue. My friend is helping me to try to "bridge the gap" so to speak, although so far its been really slow going. Still now, whenever it comes up I manage to turn what I'm saying into a negative connotation, and cause problems. I think its going to be a while before I can look at those kinds of people in a "whatever makes them feel good" instead of a "why are they trying to hurt themselves and especially others" kind of light. I think the whole "forgive, but don't forget" saying applies here, I'll never be able to forget the things that have happened to me or people around me in my life due to abuse of alcohol, but I'm not going to be able to stop the whole world from having fun. Maintaining my distance has always been the plan, but at times that isn't possible, and I need to learn how to handle that when it comes.
Its strange, with my best guy friend moving off campus this year, and us only talking once a week or so if that for various excursions, I've had to look elsewhere for your daily guess what happened to me this is why I'm happy this is why I'm sad type stuff. This friend has really made me think there are other people out there who care, and are interested in my life, and want me to be interested in theirs. These are the best kind of friends.
In other news all the thinking yesterday managed to spawn a dream of the best kind last night, where I managed to meet this just perfect girl. Had an absolute blast getting to know her and going places with her, til I woke up. Strangely I only remember snippets of what she looked like, although I remember everything about what we did, and what it felt like. Maybe there's hope yet, if my brain is capable of conjuring up exactly what I'm looking for, I must not be as confused as I thought.
Isn't it natural that one would desire to be desired?
So last night I'm in the mood for talking, and luckily there's someone willing to be talked at, so we go and chow on some Carl's. Western Bacon nummyyummy. Although they got rid of my Crispy Chicken meal which was quite irksome. Then they forgot her ranch so we had to sit there for a while til they opened the window again and tried to hand us the food for the person behind us. So anyway, eventually we get to talking. Amazing the amount of stuff that we covered in a few short hours. I came out of it for some reason feeling much better about things, as if the world had become more clear for some reason.
Strangely, that's the first time in a long time that I've felt that I was talking with someone, instead of talking to someone. I mentioned a lot of things that had been bugging me, and as she said, we "covered it, fixed it, and moved on." She mentioned some things that had caused her to be "snippy" in the past, and what I could start trying to do to alleviate those concerns. Very strange to have such a rational and helpful discussion with someone. These types of things in the past always exploded into arguments that never got me anywhere with various other people. The whole who can be more stubborn type of conversation. The unique thing about this situation is we strongly disagree on an issue very important to me, which generally causes me to immediately think negatively about a person. However, I wasn't made aware of her position on it until much later, which caused me to rethink the idea of making a drastic assumption based on this one issue. My friend is helping me to try to "bridge the gap" so to speak, although so far its been really slow going. Still now, whenever it comes up I manage to turn what I'm saying into a negative connotation, and cause problems. I think its going to be a while before I can look at those kinds of people in a "whatever makes them feel good" instead of a "why are they trying to hurt themselves and especially others" kind of light. I think the whole "forgive, but don't forget" saying applies here, I'll never be able to forget the things that have happened to me or people around me in my life due to abuse of alcohol, but I'm not going to be able to stop the whole world from having fun. Maintaining my distance has always been the plan, but at times that isn't possible, and I need to learn how to handle that when it comes.
Its strange, with my best guy friend moving off campus this year, and us only talking once a week or so if that for various excursions, I've had to look elsewhere for your daily guess what happened to me this is why I'm happy this is why I'm sad type stuff. This friend has really made me think there are other people out there who care, and are interested in my life, and want me to be interested in theirs. These are the best kind of friends.
In other news all the thinking yesterday managed to spawn a dream of the best kind last night, where I managed to meet this just perfect girl. Had an absolute blast getting to know her and going places with her, til I woke up. Strangely I only remember snippets of what she looked like, although I remember everything about what we did, and what it felt like. Maybe there's hope yet, if my brain is capable of conjuring up exactly what I'm looking for, I must not be as confused as I thought.
Isn't it natural that one would desire to be desired?
Tuesday, February 05, 2002
I See Orion, I Win!
Managed to spank the excellent racquetball player I faced off against tonight, but apparently he'd already had a previous loss against this supposed "incredible" player that I haven't faced yet... [pops his his head with a pin as is often needed]
Rewarded myself last night by heading out after basically outright acing (or so I think) a Statistics midterm earlier that day, gotta love multiple choice exams. In my friends SUV she was busting out all these 80's cds reminding me of the good ol days, stuff I hadn't heard in a while, and am in the process of downloading. :)
Tonight marks the first new episode of 24, a series I'm qutie addicted to, and apparently the next 12 weeks will all be new episodes. Lookin forward to them.
So like, I feel like I'm basically beginning to level off on the whole meeting people plane. I have the usual several people I talk to regularly, and plenty of people outside of that I know pretty well, but I'm not exactly getting out there and meeting new people left and right. I guess first quarter its easier because no one knows anyone and everyone's out to make friends. After Christmas though the circles are set, and the only people looking to meet people are the people looking for the wrong things. I guess people always say you find the one you're looking for when you stop looking altogether. Well...
[pretends to stare at the wall]
Managed to spank the excellent racquetball player I faced off against tonight, but apparently he'd already had a previous loss against this supposed "incredible" player that I haven't faced yet... [pops his his head with a pin as is often needed]
Rewarded myself last night by heading out after basically outright acing (or so I think) a Statistics midterm earlier that day, gotta love multiple choice exams. In my friends SUV she was busting out all these 80's cds reminding me of the good ol days, stuff I hadn't heard in a while, and am in the process of downloading. :)
Tonight marks the first new episode of 24, a series I'm qutie addicted to, and apparently the next 12 weeks will all be new episodes. Lookin forward to them.
So like, I feel like I'm basically beginning to level off on the whole meeting people plane. I have the usual several people I talk to regularly, and plenty of people outside of that I know pretty well, but I'm not exactly getting out there and meeting new people left and right. I guess first quarter its easier because no one knows anyone and everyone's out to make friends. After Christmas though the circles are set, and the only people looking to meet people are the people looking for the wrong things. I guess people always say you find the one you're looking for when you stop looking altogether. Well...
[pretends to stare at the wall]
