A Light In The Dark
The internet came back up a few minutes ago, for the moment. Was down all evening. Apparenlty the resnet guy has most of comm services working on the problem now, and they've narrowed it down to something between the switch and the port in my room, if not one of the two. Lovely. This being Friday I'll get to deal with it for a few more days until Monday when people go to work again.
I'm becoming qutie confused by the concept of an internet search. One of the services I use to track traffic through this page spits out a list of all the things people have searched for and ended up being linked to it. Some make sense: "searching something" "ucsb blog" or some movie or book titles. Others however, like "Pictures of 5th grade girls tied up and gagged"? Um, I BEG your pardon? There's obviously some sort of issue there. I'm pretty sure I've been coherent enough while typing that those words have never appeared anywhere near that order in here. Sheesh. How pathetic are people today that they're looking for something like that. I guess there's no real way for search engines to block that kind of search that obviously isn't productive. Then again I suppose that's most of the business a search engine gets. Pathetic.
The cat died.
Was over 10 years old, didn't seem that long. Poor cat. Those looking for a eulogy should head for the sisters page, she's always more vocal about these types of things. I tend to be more of an introvert.
I would link her, but I think the corporate demigods would immediately have her tarred, feathered, chained, whipped, beaten, fired, and publicly farted on if they managed to put a name to the "horrible" things she says on her page. Strange how I can go from a tragedy to a joke in two sentences. Guess its just my way of doing things. Always makes things easier, unfortunately not always appropriate.
March? Is it really?
Friday, March 01, 2002
The Week That Wasn't
So the Grammy's sucked. They just weren't very entertaining. All stuff I'd heard before, no one really did anything significantly different. The people who were supposed to win basically did, and the host wasn't very funny. Luckily, I taped them, and instead spent the time going to another a cappella concert in IV theater where the UCSB group Naked Voices performed with the Michigan group Dicks and Janes. Had a much more enjoyable time there, even though I had to sit way in the back to avoid infecting everyone with the flu. Nothing like going from 102 degrees to 60 degrees (seemingly) every 30 seconds. Been atrocious all this week, luckily haven't missed anything important, I'm in the lull before important stuff is due and then finals.
Decided to rearrange my room the other day, to allow myself more space. The bed is now bunked to within about a foot and a half of the ceiling, making not faceplanting when waking up a challenge. However, this allows for a lot to be moved underneath it (like my chair/desk/monitor) and leaves the rest of the room pretty open. I'd say my room is maybe fourteen feet by eight feet, not exactly the hugest room I've ever been in. This new arrangement allows plenty of space for everything though, so I don't really complain.
The new survivor was even more entertaining than the Grammys. Sad.
So the Grammy's sucked. They just weren't very entertaining. All stuff I'd heard before, no one really did anything significantly different. The people who were supposed to win basically did, and the host wasn't very funny. Luckily, I taped them, and instead spent the time going to another a cappella concert in IV theater where the UCSB group Naked Voices performed with the Michigan group Dicks and Janes. Had a much more enjoyable time there, even though I had to sit way in the back to avoid infecting everyone with the flu. Nothing like going from 102 degrees to 60 degrees (seemingly) every 30 seconds. Been atrocious all this week, luckily haven't missed anything important, I'm in the lull before important stuff is due and then finals.
Decided to rearrange my room the other day, to allow myself more space. The bed is now bunked to within about a foot and a half of the ceiling, making not faceplanting when waking up a challenge. However, this allows for a lot to be moved underneath it (like my chair/desk/monitor) and leaves the rest of the room pretty open. I'd say my room is maybe fourteen feet by eight feet, not exactly the hugest room I've ever been in. This new arrangement allows plenty of space for everything though, so I don't really complain.
The new survivor was even more entertaining than the Grammys. Sad.
Thursday, February 28, 2002
A Family Affair
So the sister has finally got her act together and gotten her blog working. Alas, the third member of the family to join the revolution. I always knew I was a trendsetter. People have amazing dreams of following in my footsteps. Alas, I have big feet.
The brother for once managed to crack a smile on this hunk of a face, as he referred to the sister's blog as execessively paranoid and representative of someone working for "big tobacco." Not everyone in my family is as blindingly trusting of the internet as I, it would seem. I guess I'm not worried about large angry men lusting for me in prison. Hm. Maybe if I put up pics...
So the sister has finally got her act together and gotten her blog working. Alas, the third member of the family to join the revolution. I always knew I was a trendsetter. People have amazing dreams of following in my footsteps. Alas, I have big feet.
The brother for once managed to crack a smile on this hunk of a face, as he referred to the sister's blog as execessively paranoid and representative of someone working for "big tobacco." Not everyone in my family is as blindingly trusting of the internet as I, it would seem. I guess I'm not worried about large angry men lusting for me in prison. Hm. Maybe if I put up pics...
Sigh, Cough, Sneeze.
Another night without internet last night, the resnet guy said he was coming over either between 3 and 5 or after 10 so I sat around, but no dice. Hasn't called yet today either. Gr. Argharghargh. Getting over the flu that I've had for the last few days, had the highest fever of my life I'm pretty sure a couple nights ago, finally decided to take something, that helped me at least get a couple hours of sleep a night, but for the most part its been pretty miserable. Being stuck in my room is bad enough but compounding that with no internet is just REALLY irritating.
Only because I was insanely bored I decide to do various stupid things you shouldn't do with the flu yesterday. Went to play my last intramural racquetball match which I narrowly won after blowing several leads and being down 11-14 in the first and 13-14 in the second and saving game points before winning them both. Literally felt like collapsing after that one, but combined with the hard swimming workout I did Monday and being sick for most of this week I've managed to gain some muscle while losing around 5 pounds. Most noticable is my stomach, which feels like I've been doing hardcore ab workouts for weeks because of all the coughing, any time I try to lean forward or cough I can feel the twinge of pain. A good thing in the long run I guess.
Rolled out of bed this morning to go get a midterm back and get more details for the financial analysis project due Tuesday, turns out I did significantly better than the first midterm, so that's always a good sign. Going to have to work pretty hard for that final, probably the most amount of material to study for of any of my classes.
Heh, let out a big sigh just now and randomly this little furball of a stuffed animal fell off its place of prominence on top of my monitor and let out a loud "I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU!" Got it for Valentine's day, its one of those things that says something when you squeeze it, quite cute. Quite random the way that happened. Maybe its a sign. Hm.
Another night without internet last night, the resnet guy said he was coming over either between 3 and 5 or after 10 so I sat around, but no dice. Hasn't called yet today either. Gr. Argharghargh. Getting over the flu that I've had for the last few days, had the highest fever of my life I'm pretty sure a couple nights ago, finally decided to take something, that helped me at least get a couple hours of sleep a night, but for the most part its been pretty miserable. Being stuck in my room is bad enough but compounding that with no internet is just REALLY irritating.
Only because I was insanely bored I decide to do various stupid things you shouldn't do with the flu yesterday. Went to play my last intramural racquetball match which I narrowly won after blowing several leads and being down 11-14 in the first and 13-14 in the second and saving game points before winning them both. Literally felt like collapsing after that one, but combined with the hard swimming workout I did Monday and being sick for most of this week I've managed to gain some muscle while losing around 5 pounds. Most noticable is my stomach, which feels like I've been doing hardcore ab workouts for weeks because of all the coughing, any time I try to lean forward or cough I can feel the twinge of pain. A good thing in the long run I guess.
Rolled out of bed this morning to go get a midterm back and get more details for the financial analysis project due Tuesday, turns out I did significantly better than the first midterm, so that's always a good sign. Going to have to work pretty hard for that final, probably the most amount of material to study for of any of my classes.
Heh, let out a big sigh just now and randomly this little furball of a stuffed animal fell off its place of prominence on top of my monitor and let out a loud "I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU!" Got it for Valentine's day, its one of those things that says something when you squeeze it, quite cute. Quite random the way that happened. Maybe its a sign. Hm.
Monday, February 25, 2002
!@#^&%!@#& INTERNET!!
Okay so I'm in someone else's room slammin away on their kb, thanks to my puter bein on the fritz again. >( Havin the guy come to test the port sometime tomorrow or the next day, but I'll probably jack someone else's cable to make doubly sure that isn't the problem before then. So posts will be sparse for a bit.
Took my final midterm today, think I managed to do better than I thought I would. I have a paper and a financial project due next week, but other than that I'm made in the shade until finals. I also got one back, 13 out of 15, gotta love multiple choice when you at least partly know what you're doing, gotta hate multiple choice when there's a very small number of questions. Things are still on track for a better than ever GPA this quarter, but I always seem to say that and there always tends to be hiccups. The Grammys are on Wednesday, but I'll probably end up taping them so I can head to the acapela, er, acapella, er, a capela, er au capealksdfja, er, yeah anyway, that THING over in IV Theater. Other than that not much gonig on this week, besides me fixing my *&@#$^*&^@#$ connection. Gr.
Okay so I'm in someone else's room slammin away on their kb, thanks to my puter bein on the fritz again. >( Havin the guy come to test the port sometime tomorrow or the next day, but I'll probably jack someone else's cable to make doubly sure that isn't the problem before then. So posts will be sparse for a bit.
Took my final midterm today, think I managed to do better than I thought I would. I have a paper and a financial project due next week, but other than that I'm made in the shade until finals. I also got one back, 13 out of 15, gotta love multiple choice when you at least partly know what you're doing, gotta hate multiple choice when there's a very small number of questions. Things are still on track for a better than ever GPA this quarter, but I always seem to say that and there always tends to be hiccups. The Grammys are on Wednesday, but I'll probably end up taping them so I can head to the acapela, er, acapella, er, a capela, er au capealksdfja, er, yeah anyway, that THING over in IV Theater. Other than that not much gonig on this week, besides me fixing my *&@#$^*&^@#$ connection. Gr.
ALKDJALFKJ
Sorry for the large gap, I've been getting intermittant errors with my network connection, consisting of XP telling me that my network cable isn't plugged in randomly, and cutting off my connect for hours at a time. Pretty sure its a problem with the resnet connect to my room and not the cable or my ethernet card, since both are working now and have been for the last six months. Quite strange, and incredibly annoying.
Sorry for the large gap, I've been getting intermittant errors with my network connection, consisting of XP telling me that my network cable isn't plugged in randomly, and cutting off my connect for hours at a time. Pretty sure its a problem with the resnet connect to my room and not the cable or my ethernet card, since both are working now and have been for the last six months. Quite strange, and incredibly annoying.
Aaaaaaack
Where'd the weekend go? Midterm tomorrow, must study study. Finally got around to watching The Godfather, the first part anyway. Excellent movie, although I was a bit disappointed I think based on the fact that a lot of people feel its the greatest movie of all time, that was a lot to live up to. 6M's out of 7, managed to generate an interesting dream based on one of the stronger murder scenes. No need for details there... More later, gotta tune in to the Closing Ceremonies. :)
Where'd the weekend go? Midterm tomorrow, must study study. Finally got around to watching The Godfather, the first part anyway. Excellent movie, although I was a bit disappointed I think based on the fact that a lot of people feel its the greatest movie of all time, that was a lot to live up to. 6M's out of 7, managed to generate an interesting dream based on one of the stronger murder scenes. No need for details there... More later, gotta tune in to the Closing Ceremonies. :)
Friday, February 22, 2002
Picatures. Lots of Picatures.
Finally went through the ol shoebox and busted out some picatures (pronounced pick-a-choors) from times long past, and started makin a little collage up on my wall, I figure it'll get bigger as time goes by. My thumbs are owie from all the pushpinning though.
Alas its time to also bust out some other lyrics I particularly enjoy, here's a couple phrases from Linkin Park. The first is from one of their older songs "One Step Closer".
"I can not take this anymore
Sayin everything I've said before
All these words they make no sense
I found bliss in ignorance
The less I hear the less you say
You'll find that out anyway..."
Ooh, disss. Also enjoy their more recent song "In the End..".
It starts with one
One thing I don't know why
It doesn't even matter how hard you try
Keep that in mind
I designed this rhyme to explain in due time
All I know
Time is a valuable thing
Watch it fly by as the pendulum swings
Watch it count down to the end of the day
The clock ticks life away
Its so unreal
Didn't look out below
Watch the time go right out the window
Tryin to hold on but didn't even know
I wasted it all just to watch you go
I kept everything inside
And even though I tried
It all fell apart
What it meant to me
Will eventually
Be a memory
Of a time I tried so hard
I tried so hard and got so far
But in the end it doesn't even matter
I had to fall to lose it all
But in the end it doesn't even matter"
Again the disclaimer, I choose lyrics to post based on how good, creative, or powerful I think they are, and unless otherwise stated, they don't reflect upon my mood of the moment, or anything else going in with me personally. I particularly like the alliteration towards the end of In The End leading into the chorus, and the line in One Step Closer "the less I hear the less you say." I sooo feel like saying that to people sometimes. ;)
Finally went through the ol shoebox and busted out some picatures (pronounced pick-a-choors) from times long past, and started makin a little collage up on my wall, I figure it'll get bigger as time goes by. My thumbs are owie from all the pushpinning though.
Alas its time to also bust out some other lyrics I particularly enjoy, here's a couple phrases from Linkin Park. The first is from one of their older songs "One Step Closer".
"I can not take this anymore
Sayin everything I've said before
All these words they make no sense
I found bliss in ignorance
The less I hear the less you say
You'll find that out anyway..."
Ooh, disss. Also enjoy their more recent song "In the End..".
It starts with one
One thing I don't know why
It doesn't even matter how hard you try
Keep that in mind
I designed this rhyme to explain in due time
All I know
Time is a valuable thing
Watch it fly by as the pendulum swings
Watch it count down to the end of the day
The clock ticks life away
Its so unreal
Didn't look out below
Watch the time go right out the window
Tryin to hold on but didn't even know
I wasted it all just to watch you go
I kept everything inside
And even though I tried
It all fell apart
What it meant to me
Will eventually
Be a memory
Of a time I tried so hard
I tried so hard and got so far
But in the end it doesn't even matter
I had to fall to lose it all
But in the end it doesn't even matter"
Again the disclaimer, I choose lyrics to post based on how good, creative, or powerful I think they are, and unless otherwise stated, they don't reflect upon my mood of the moment, or anything else going in with me personally. I particularly like the alliteration towards the end of In The End leading into the chorus, and the line in One Step Closer "the less I hear the less you say." I sooo feel like saying that to people sometimes. ;)
Thursday, February 21, 2002
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.
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?
