Seven.

Days. And that's all I have to say about that.

Not going snowboarding this Saturday after all as it got delayed (the weather wasn't all that hot anyway), so I'll be around.

Black and Silver, Oh How You've Failed Me.

Luckily I didn't have any major bets riding on this years game. Would have been even more painful. Was happy to see they made it interesting at least, when it was a whole lot to 3 early in the second half I was having to entertain myself with the food. Commercials are still lacking from their glory years of the 90s, although there were a few highlights. My personal favorite was the brawl over the last slice of pizza, with the football player clotheslining office workers a close second. Honorable mention goes to the "zebra" ad, although only about a third of the people in the room actually got the joke. Limited target audience to those who watch a lot of football I guess. Quite a creative spot though. Soft drinks really need to get back into things, the Pepsi ads of old were some of my favorites.

New record at Chumash this week, with twenty two Blackjacks in a single trip. Strangely enough I only ended up above even by a couple bucks by the end of the night. That does mean I'm continuing the streak of not ever losing money though. It was relatively uneventful on the monetary side of things, I never was up more down more than about $80, and spent the majority of the night around even. I'm actually having almost as fun just on the way there and back with people, and chattin it up at the tables, as I am playing the actual games. If only it wasn't for the smell of smoke. As a group we were up, so all in all good times were had between pigging out during the big game and flinging money around afterwards.

What else to talk about. Oh that's right. Ten days.

Hard to Blog...

When your life is sort of hanging in the balance. Twelve days now.

I did receive some comic relief from a friend as she tried to guess my e-mail address.

"Is it BigDorkWithBadHair@hotmail.com?"

I pretended to be offended and hurt, until I couldn't help laughing out loud. I have funny friends.

More when there's more.

Doesn't It Feel Good?

Just returned from the Reccen after a vigorous game of racquetball, which was actually even more fun than usual. I randomly IM'd a friend having just gotten home from an IM game (more on that later) and she spontaneously said sure, which is always the coolest thing ever. We actually ended up playing doubles due to a lack of courts, she managed to get us a game with her ex-boyfriend and one of his roommates I guess, who were both pretty good. Ended up playing two and a half games, with us taking the first and them taking the second and leading the third. I had more unforced errors than usual, but had a few incredble shots (modesty shines through) that involved diving horizontally body outstretched or skidding around doing my best to remove some skin. No major incidents though, other than her clocking her ex boyfriend at one point. Not sure whether there was motivation there or what, there was an instant claim of it being an accident. :) Hopefully will be able to get over there more often, it's a great way to work out.

Prior to that I managed to make it over to the Intramural Co-ed Basketball game in the THUNDERDome, which I'd never actually been in. Sad I know, I really need to go watch a real game or something one of these nights when I'm bored. We ended up getting trounced 64-16, but it was still quite fun. I hadn't touched a basketball in a few years outside of a pickup game in Death Valley with my family, so I had my share of ugly looking shots. I need snag plenty of rebounds though, and managed to reject one of the opposing guys quite handily, so I was pleased. It's helping me get to know some of the people in my building I never actually see much of, so that works. Telling myself that next quarter I'm going to play multiple sports, even if I just have to go to the managers meeting and look for teams that are short people. What better way to meet new folks I guess. I'd forgotten who cool athletic people of the opposite gender are. Some of the girls we played against were pretty amazing, just sprintin up and down the court continuously while the rest of us slogged around and participating in the great strategy of cherry picking. Wonder where that phrase came from, I started using it in elementary school or so. Hm. But yeah, seeing people who are in good shape was refreshing, reminded me of hanging out with the girl's sports teams in high school like cross country, soccer, and track. When you're friends with active people, you become active yourself, and that's always a good thing. It's one thing to go to the rec cen a few times a week along with all the other people who see something wrong with their body, but girls who are actually into PLAYING sports, now that's neat. I do admire those who understand what's going on during the Super Bowl without lengthy explanations, but to actually get out there and knock people flat themselves, that's a step above.

I've actually been much more proactive lately with meeting people, which is quite good. At the Neighborhood Council meeting last night I was chatting it up with someone I'd never really talked to before, she's quite the cheerful gung-ho type. Last night turned out to be lengthier than expected, as I left for a Carrows run around midnight, and didn't actually return until 2pm today. Yeah I did sleep somewhere in there at least for a while. I just like being able to help out friends when they need someone to be there. I know how much I appreciate the same. It's really great to have close friends who you can be utterly comfortable with, who will always play a part in your life.

Think I've blabbed enough this evening.

Another Good Monday...

Well since I felt bad about getting my friend injured in the racquetball game the other day, I decided to entertain him by inviting him on another Chumash trip since he can't do much else other than sit at a Blackjack table. Lame enough excuse for ya? I thought so. Anyway, we both got ousted from the tournament early, but neither of us cared much, as it was already becoming quite the profitable evening. When all was said and done, let's just say we both started with Andrews, and left with multiple Benjamins. There were all sorts of "wahoos" and yeehaws" out the window on the way back. And man, one of the dealers is like, wow.

So anyway Platoon was the fare this morning, as my hiking buddy flaked and I ended up just going back to sleep afterwards. Found it difficult to pay attention to this one, there was an entire scene dedicated to marijuana, and another one where a gang rape is broken up, it's amazing how standards and movie ratings have changed over the years. It was still decent, but not anything overly impressive. The best part actually was the theme, which was Barber's "Adagio for Strings," which I studied extensively in high school for AcaDec. Was a blast from the past hearing it again.

Two midterms tomorrow, doh!

Well, I Gotta Do Something With The Time...

Actually did get off my butt and hit the reccen this morning, so I have an excuse. Unfortunately my racquetball partner went down with a back injury a few minutes in, and after lying down for a while decided it would be best to just head home. Luckily from an exercise perspective one of my female friends showed up shortly afterward and was glad to take his place. We had some fun for a while, then eventually I hit the pool and she the weight room and machines. Hadn't seen her for a while, so it was good to catch up and see how she was doing. She's the one gettin both a C.S. degree and finishing the Pre-Med program by the end of her 4th year, so I figure just hanging around her might be increasing my intelligence level. :)

After eating lunch with her I came home and crashed, having gotten up a bit early. I then decdied to knock another movie off my haven't seen list, and chose Full Metal Jacket. Given my current career choice, I figure I should spend some of my time watching the movies that have been made, and reading the books that have been written, about the concepts of war and the military and its way of life. Although this one was made back in 87, its rawness puts it up there with all the more modern war movies. The actor who played the recruit nicknamed Gomur Pile had some unbelievable scenes, I would have run like hell if he ever gave me one of those animalistic looks. The scenery is up to par, and the firefights appear as real as they can be. This one earns 5 M's.

There's a few other war movies I've missed out on over the years which I hear are quite good, may continue the pattern later in this three day weekend.

Hmm... I don't seem to have a lot to talk about lately other than movies. Well. What can I say. Approximately 19 more days.

But Wait, There's More...

Two more movies watched today, both in a different genre than usual, that being comedy. The first was Just Married, which showed promise initially. The opening thirty seconds are hilarious. It tapers off though, with some good laughs here and there. Only a couple real laugh out loud moments. We'll say 3.5 M's, it gets knocked for having more mushy stuff than I was in the mood for. :/

Tonight I found myself sitting around doing nothing to start a three day weekend, so rather than spending too long considering the fact that the reason for my lonliness was the fact that everyone was with their respective significant others, I decdied to watch My Big Fat Greek Wedding, which I had been yet to see but had heard good things about. I have to disagree with those who said they were rolling on the floor the entire time, it had its moments, but I think this one suffers from the curse of me hearing too many good things beforehand, and thus having expectations that were too high. Or maybe I'm just not a big a fan of comedies. Anyway we'll go with 3.5 M's here too, only because after thinking about it for a minute, I can't even really pick a clear victor in the competition of best entertainment.

Tomorrow I'm finally getting some good racquetball in, as my frequent playing partner from first year is finally taking more classes here and thus can get in free again to the Reccen. Man it would be great to find someone closer who's willing to play on a more regular basis. It's the best kind of exercise, the fun kind.

Although Delayed, Here They Are.

Okay weeks later after seeing the movies I'm finally getting around to posting my opinion. First we have Ghost World. Never heard of it? Neither had I. I'll go with 3 M's out of 7 here, solely because I got a kick out of how much one of the characters was similar to myself. Other than that, it's pretty high on the random scale. No real plot or ending, just a series of scenes basically. I can't think of a whole lot to say about it, it just wasn't that good.

However, the one I saw immediately following, Legends of the Fall was a huge improvement. Most people probably saw this one years ago, but I hadn't, so sue me. I'm glad I finally got around to it though. Anthony Hopkins plays a role, which is always a good thing. It's not a very cheerful movie, but it's that heart tugging aspect that gives this one 5.5 M's. There's some mushy stuff and apparently gorgeous actors for one gender, and some raw masculinity and action for the other. Overall very dramatic stuff.

Lastly a couple days ago I was over at a friend of a friend's place and ended up on the couch watching Run Lola Run, a German film from a few years ago. It was subbed which as usual forced you to pay attention, but I found it would have kept my attention regardless. The plot is one of those really different ones, such as Memento, which do things normal movies don't. It's basically a comment on fate, and how very simple changes in the way you do things, can have gigantic consequences in the future. Obviously in Lola's case it's even more gigantic than usual, but it didn't cross the line of being unrealistic. Until she bet on Black 20 twice in a row on Roulette and won both. Odds of that are so ridiculous it's not even funny. I guess you never know. The best part about this movie was it was an action packed 90 minutes or so, so you didn't have time to start checking your watch or get bored. It came, it went, it was cool. Very well filmed, as you get to see things from different angles every time. 5 M's.

Managed to run a bit further than Monday today, so far so good. Have an intramural co-ed basketball game tonight, that should be entertaining. I won't make the mistake of trying to shoot though. :)

Coasting, An Art Form.

Returning from an excursion tonight, I saw my minivan come as close to running out of gas as it ever has. Luckily a large portion of it was downhill towards the end, so I was able to basically coast along while it beeped at me every five seconds. I even had a friend follow me with a cell phone to make sure I didn't get stuck, I was so sure I was going to run out. What can I say, a little risk makes life more interesting. Speaking of risk, more on that later.

To give you an idea of how really empty it was, I was under the impression my tank was 16 gallons, and when I'm brought it VERY close to E before I'd been able to fill up to 15.6 or 15.7 gallons. This time it filled up to 16.184. Hm....... Must have gotten there on fumes.

I'm slackin on the posts, I got a couple movie reviews and a good story from tonight to tell, gonna try to get back on the ball here.

A Beginning for the 238497234th Time...

That's right, as frequent readers will note, this is not the first time, but I'm getting back into running again. I haven't had any pain in my legs in forever, so I'm hoping all has healed in the months I took off. Gonna take it obscenely easy for the first few weeks and see how it goes. I'd like to get to at least 5 days a week and eventually 6, but going to have to start with 3 until I'm sure there won't be a relapse.

Made my 8am again, and it's kind of strange, I'm more awake for that class than any of my evening ones. Maybe I'll get more morning ones next quarter, I think I actually prefer them. Scary thought. Unfortunately with upper division classes you don't really have a choice, there's only one lecture, and it's only at one time, so that's what you get.

Forgot to blog about a worrysome incident that occurred a couple days ago... On the way back from watching a movie (which I'll review in my next post) I was riding with one of my friends on the freeway... I'm somewhat of a stickler about not driving, I tend to prefer to drive myself just about everywhere unless it can't be avoided, but there are a few people who I trust enough to have faith in their driving abilities. Anyway, basically a large pickup in front of us had large empty oil barrels of some kind rolling around in the back that weren't tied down, and before I'd even noticed the truck one managed to launch up over the tailgate and fall directly into our path. Luckily there was no car next to us, and we were able to swerve out of the way in time. Eventually someone two cars back managed to hit it pretty good, as I turned around to see if it made it off the road. It was metallic, probably would have left a pretty decent dent. In this case, I'm quite glad my friend had the presence of mind to react without thinking. With a lot of people, that could have been a much bigger problem. Happen to be looking at the radio, your passenger, or a car passing by, instead of focusing on the road, and whammo. Goes to show my confidence in some of my friend's driving is well merited.

Moosak of a Different Drum.

Tonight's lyrical excerpt comes from a song by an artist whom I previously hadn't really made a connection with.

"I could be right, I could be wrong
it hurts so bad its been so long..."

Strange as it may seem, the artist is Ozzy Osbourne, normally known for his lengthy dreads, potty mouth, and headbanging. "Mama I'm Comin Home" is the song, it's featured in one of the episodes of the family's hit series The Osbournes, in one of the more emotional displays. It's quite the entertaining show, I wasn't all that into it at first, but it sort of grows on you. The nonstop hilarity reminds me of my own house.

The other song in heavy rotation today is also a bit outside the norm, as it comes recommended from a friend of mine with home I share VERY different musical preferences. This one we agree on though, it's Three Doors Down's "When I'm Gone." Pretty tough to not bob your head in rhythm, bumpin it on the new speakers sounds especially good. Did manage to get someone from down the hall to come tell me to turn it down on Friday at like 2pm, which was pretty lame. When it's not quiet hours, I can basically do as I please, but I'm not out to make any enemies. If I have friends over though, or it's a bunch of us watching a movie, they're really going to have to deal. I figure it's better than having a group of people participate in another typical activity like getting drunk, breaking their windows, or ripping stuff off their doors. They should be thankful I'm keeping people away from such tasks.

Apparently the parents are up in Solvang this weekend and will be stopping by sometime tomorrow. I'll probably end up sitting around watching football all day. Maybe I'll even go eat at some point. Possibly open a book. Very exciting stuff.

A Miracle of Modern Education

I didn't miss a class this week. Get up off the floor please, I'm serious.

Course it's only the first week, so it's not all that impressive. I think I deserve a reward however.

I shall now nap like a large animal.

Sonuva...

Managed to do something I'd avoided thus far this year, that being make a fool of myself in the dining commons... It's usually worse for most people, as they take a flying leap over themselves and launch their entire tray a great distance, before it shatters every dish on it in a thundering smash. Even better is when they somehow get it all over themselves. I accomplished the latter today, although I managed to avoid dropping the tray and any dishes. I set it down on the edge of a counter as I reached for a pasta dish, and the dray with the teriyaki beef rice bowl already on it suddenly lurched my direction. With one hand still on the pasta I managed to reflexively snag the bowl out of midair, but it was upside down, so I got my shirt and shorts pretty good. Only one person I know noticed, and they cleaned it up within like ten seconds, so it was pretty painless. I was running late for class though, so I just went smelling a bit like beef. Probably raised some eyebrows.

Speaking of that class, it was my two and a half hour Geography one, which was a real question mark when it came to what it would be like. As it turns out, it'll probably be my favorite. Mainly because it's going to be incredibly easy. Just a midterm and a final, both multiple choice along with various map related questions. It's a subject I enjoy, and it'll be a nice breather in my schedule.

Interestingly enough, I have two classes in which the final would have been late in finals week, so they moved it up to the week before, unfortunately they chose the same day, and they'll be forty five minutes apart. Greeeeeat. Of course I still have a final on the second to last day, and an extra credit review for of one of my earlier finals on the last day. So it looks like spring break will be shorter than usual.

Did find out I can get from Broida to my dorm in 3 minutes flat, although going the other direction is more uphill and a bit slower. Very useful when losing track of time, or napping too long.

Man I feel boring lately. Gonna have to get some SPONTANEITY up in here pretty soon.

First Day of the Second Third of the Last Year.

Winter quarter officially began today, and it started with a whimper at 8am. Actually it started with an ER ER ER ER at about 100 decibels courtesy of my alarm clock. I'd forgotten how incredibly loud it is. Hit the pool before my morning class, was good to get back into things.

My 8am seems somewhat interesting, which is good because that will help my attendance. My only other class today is the one I'm being forced to repeat, which should be a breeze. Two more classes tomorrow at 3:30 and 5, and then my 5th class is only on Wednesdays from 6 to 8:30. That should be a real question mark, that's a really long time to be in one class.

My friend gave me the coolest wolf hologram thingy today, it's definitely going to follow me around. Was glad to get back to dorm food, strange as it may seem. I can't snack all day, and I eat proper meals of decent food, so it's a lot better for me weight wise. We'll see if I manage to get up tomorrow and go for a jog. Swimming MWF and jogging TRS would be a really good setup.

Yet another example of why having a single is cool: A couple friends and I are walking past one of the dorms on the way to the ocean to light a bottle full of styrofoam on fire... Er, I mean, we were going down to look at the view, and heard the following from one of the windows (not necessarily verbatim): "OH MY GOSH, WHAT IS THAT SH** DOING ON MY SIDE OF THE ROOM." Yeah, just a little spazzy.

I finished putting up all my neat new posters today, it looks quite cool. The F-15 Eagle is now solidly represented. Speaking of which, by a month from tomorrow I should know.

Back In Da Room.

I'm back, but I have an 8am, so more later!

Gotta beat the post clock to midnight! ;)

Resolutions, Schmesolutions.

That's my general attitude toward the whole process, I don't need a particular day to start changing the way I do things, I can pretend to do that anytime! :)

However given these will be the last six months before the rest of my life (yeah it doesn't make sense but you probably get the idea) I figured I'd actually list a few here.

I'd like to be 175 by June. This is the "ideal weight" for my height, and will put me most likely at the ideal body fat percentage as well. Now, this has been a running resolution for years, but prior years I was always somewhere in the 200-205 area, and lately I've been hovering more in the 187-192 area. So it's quite doable. Finally found a buddy gung ho about working out in the morning, so that should help. That and the fact I just continuously snack at home, and you just can't do that at school, food is only at certain times.

I'd like to look back in June and be able to easily think of several times when I absolutely had a blast. Whether it be road trips, random excursions, spontaneous events, whatever it is, I'd like these two quarters to be memorable.

I'd like to graduate on time. Ahem. This should be an easy one. Ahem.

Lastly, I'd like to be nicer to people. Not to say I'm not nice now, but nicer still. I think I'm a sensitive person, but not always sensitive towards everyone else. When I've asked people about their first impression of me, occasionally I get adjectives such as "harsh" or "abrasive," those in particular coming from two of my closer friends. That's really not the ideal personality to be giving off. I guess the people who know me well know I joke around a lot, but that can come off wrong at first. I'd like to do even more nice things for people. I'd like to give more hugs. I'd like to tell people what they mean to me in person on occasion. I guess I'd like to do a lot of things. We'll see what I can accomplish.

I heard from my friend to the far north the other day, which is always exciting. She just got back from the trip of a lifetime, and seems quite pleased with how it turned out. Great to see inherently good people gain the happiness they deserve.

Two Thousand Three, and Five Thousand, Even.

Badabing, badabam, badaBOOM, it's another new year. And with it came the 5000'th hit to my blog. Scary thought, that one.

I could describe in detail how awesome New Years Eve was for me, but a lot of it would be repititious from last year. So I'll highlight some of the new stuff. This year I brought along my new digital camera, a cute little Elph S230 I highly recommend. Was as usual one of the first to arrive at the crack of dawn, ended up parking over near the new structure though this time, lived dangerously. Zipped on over to the main gate via the very helpful tram (more on how it became less helpful later) and took my usual spot in front of the gate lines. Eventually 7:30 rolled around and they opened up Main Street, which was all decked out as usual in Christmas garb. I snapped a few pics, and then got used to what would be a common theme for the rest of the day, always being crushed against the six people in your general vicinity. Finally 8:00 came and they opened up the rest of the part, which began a mad dash towards various rides for the thousands of people already there. I ended up getting really lucky with ride lines throughout the day, it seemed like every time a ride was closed, it would reopen while I was standing there, and I'd be one of the first on. By the time I'd come back out, the line would already be upwards of an hour or two. I wasn't complaining.

Got on basically everything major by around noon, and finally met up with the first pair of friends I knew who were coming in the early afternoon. Cell phone tag became the name of the game as we tried to coordinate various groups and splitting up and so forth, I'd jacked my mom's for the day so it all worked out pretty well.

Some of the funnier moments involved a certain AMAZINGLY CUTE (or so I'm told) worker leading the way on the Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes, where I got absolutely dominated by the kid behind me, as he made sure to dump as much water on me with his paddle as possible. Always a joy. Also got a lot more soaked on Splash Mountain than usual, not sure what that was all about.

The dancing scene later on was quite sub-par compared to previous years, seemed like they had these ten minute versions of songs that never really ended. It also seemed a lot more crowded, maybe because I wasn't by myself, and trying to keep a chain of five people together through the biggest crowd ever is pretty rough. My energy level as usual soared from about 8pm on, thanks to some yummy Jambalaya at the French Market.

I must stop and give HUGE BROWNIE POINTS to the coolest person ever who was willing to hold my spot in line at dinner while I went outside to watch the awesome first fireworks show. Fireworks are one of my favorite things ever, and the fact that she was willing to miss the show just so I could see it is going to be worth gigantic points for a while. YOU RULE!

Speaking of the fireworks, they seemed even more awesome than usual this year, not sure why, maybe it had just been a while. They really go nuts, and everyone's favorite kinds popped up often. They shoot them off from all the way across the back of the park instead of just one spot, so you end up with these really neat effects timed to the music, and stuff like shooting stars and neat patterns. Pretty much went deaf during the finale of the final show, if I wasn't already.

The last ten seconds of the year has reestablished itself as my favorite time, something absolutely amazing about screaming at the top of your lungs with 100,000 people all counting down in unison, and then being greeted with a tremendous explosion and fireworks display with the huge number 2003 lighting up Tom Sawyer's Island.

Man, I dunno whether it's something they put in the food or what, but as soon as I get out of those arches and under the train station, suddenly all the pain and soreness and tiredness hits me at once. Unfortunately they stopped the trams until 1:45 due to the mass exodus that would have overfilled them, so when we left at like 1:15 we ended up having to walk the good three quarters of a mile or so back to the parking structure. Between spinning faster than I ever had on the Mad Tea Party teacups, and dancing the night away bouncing off benches and trash cans, I was pretty much one big pile of ow.

I gotta thank everyone who went with me, it's a lot more fun having someone to blab to, and it's great seeing everyone else having as much fun as I am. Well maybe they're not quite as obsessed with the whole concept of Disneyland, but at least they appeared to enjoy it. :) The picture I took of Sleeping Beauty's castle when lit up with these beautiful blue spotlights at night has become my desktop, feel free to contact me if you want a copy.

I actually took a lot of cool pictures, I guess I'm going to have to figure out to set up a picture site at one of those places and link to it from here, so everyone can enjoy the photography as much as me. I'll get around to that.

More later on New Year's resolutions and such.

Bid Adieu to Two Thousand Two.

As I write this it is twenty four hours, twenty six minutes, and thirty seconds, until millions of voices yell out in unison.

It'll be a twenty four hour day for me, as it always is, at the best place ever.

Where will you be?

Words From The Heart.

Merry Christmas. Truth be told I'm not writing this on Christmas morn, it's actually been pieced together over several weeks now. Although I'm sure some amount of slamming away at the keyboard will take place Christmas Eve. These things take time. I have real problems with buying things for people, because I'm always obsessing about whatever it is being "perfect." When pondering what I could do for all the people I know and love, I decided this would be the best thing. Let them know straight out, what they mean to me.

This is my 22nd Christmas, and it's the end of an era. Next year, I might be on duty, I might be working, I might be living somewhere countless miles from here. I do hope I'll be able to return for another Christmas, it's always a special time of year in this house. I have a lot to be thankful for, over the years. To me, this is my way of thanking the people I know, for being the people they are, and for all that they've done for me.

Maybe this will become a yearly thing. Not as grandiose as this one, but hey, I have twenty something years to make up for here. For those who are reading this and know me personally, but don't find your name below, don't think you're being shafted, I might have forgotten you. I've tried desperately to make sure everyone who deserves to be here is.

After pondering how to organize, I decided to do it alphabetically. It's the easiest way for those who are only interested in what I wrote about them to find what they're looking for.
Frankly, I don't expect most of the people listed here to ever actually read this. Maybe they'll discover it some day far in the future. I expect it to be long and wordy. I made exceptions in the organization for those people who have become especially close to me this year in particular. You'll find these names where the best always go, last.

Without any further interruption, I'll begin.

AJ: You often complain about people accidentally calling you because you're at the top of their cell phone lists, and lookie here you're at the top of this one too. Thank you for helping me dismiss various stereotypes I'd had before meeting you. Thanks for giving me countless opportunities to flex my nerd muscles and fix your electronics in some way or another. Thanks for the rides to L.A., and the conversations about our futures. You have the motivation and desire to get there, I'm sure whatever path you choose will work out wonderfully.

Akhil: Roadkill is in the house. I totally remember the look on your face when you first said "I'm Akhil" on my doorstep that one day in what, 8th grade or something? I have you to thank for improving my basketball game, at least as well as it could be improved. "Code words" were perhaps the single most entertaining aspect of middle school as a whole. It was awesome to have someone to blab to about the latest crush, the latest move that was made, or the latest explosion in one's face that occurred. I also have you to thank for inflating my ego every time we hit the bowling alley. When we're senior citizens and can barely lift up the 6 pounders give me a call, you might stand a chance. At the rate you're going, you'll just be getting out of residency as I potentially come back from my first tour of duty. Maybe we'll play golf outside your mansion a few years later?

Andrew: When I once was a semifinalist for “Who Wants to be a Millionaire”, you didn't know it, but you were in the list of people I would have given them for the instance when I needed to "phone a friend." How you know so much about so much is beyond me, but I'm glad you dummy yourself down to converse with me every once in a while. Our biannual or triannual meetings are always good for laughs, even if I'm the one bearing the brunt of the attacks. When it comes to the award for "Most Likely To Succed," I think you've got it wrapped up. Go build me a new missile or something, eh?

Ann: Although in college we've only spoken to each other only once in a long while, what I need to thank you for most is my senior year in high school. Those mornings in Mr. F's office, spending first period alone in a small room, was believe it or not one of my favorite times of the day. Being able to just talk about anything, and complain about everything. You've always been outspoken, but it's people like you that I have the best kinds of conversations with. I learned a lot from you, and even if I didn't always agree with you, you always helped me see the other side of an issue. I never got bored of hearing you give a speech, and I have strong hopes that I'll be watching you on TV some day. When you're the dictator of the world, be sure to give me a nice box to live in.

Ben: So, you're the one marrying my sister. If there's anything that makes me feel old, finding out my sister is getting married is definitely it. I must say, for once, I'm impressed with Sara's decision making skills. Something tells me you'll be participating in Wilson family dinner table conversations for years to come. Thank you for being in the right place at the right time, and meeting my sister years ago.

Brad: Had. Yikes, to think I first got into this whole IRC thing 5 full years ago. For some reason you're one of the few who has never disappeared at some point. I guess that tells us how obsessed we are. Sorry about the whole selling drugs out your window thing, what can I say I didn't realize ppl were so gullible. Thanks for putting up with me for years on end, and for the occasional FTP hookups. Too bad you're a leech 4 life.

Chris: Grasshoppers unite. Although you always stunk at soccer, you were much more useful for things like homemade cookies. I guess I should be thanking your mom for that actually. Well, thanks for not laughing too hard every time I ended up on my ass while snowboarding. Thanks for being one half of the pair that love to torture me, and thanks for always being willing to be crushed by my Tetrinet skill. Kiwistrawberry and CoCoNut shall die.

Connie: My my my, where do I begin. When asked who of the people I know now have I known the longest, your name is one of the ones who come to mind instantly. I still remember competing with you in 1st grade to see who could say the alphabet backwards and win the prize from the toy chest. We've watched each other grow for gosh, 15 years now? Through Surfing Santas and notes in Mr Matz's class, a lot has changed. I actually stumbled onto a website of yours for one of the dance groups you perform in, quite impressive. I'll always be interested in finding out how you're doing, keep in touch.

Dave L.: You were my favorite R/A. Maybe it was the hall video, maybe it was the late night antics, maybe it was the fact you actually made a Mac look cool. Well, you tried anyway. Thanks for making my 3rd year at UCSB the best so far. I apologize for the one incident in which I was the cause of you having to fill out some paperwork. He had it coming though, and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

Dave R.: Wick. We've known each other for what, 4 years now? Scary thought. You hold the title of being the only person I've ever travelled via plane to meet for the first time. Who could guess looking at the two of us whackos on the street that we share a common interest. I certainly would have walked on the other side of the street if I saw you coming. Thanks for putting up with my arrogance on a daily basis for years on end. Also, thanks for being beat up by a little girl, and giving me several minutes of laughter every time it comes to mind. You know the invitation is always open for you to come out here and enjoy the sun.

Diana: In the past, I generally haven't approved of the people my siblings date. Especially with Luke, I rarely even talked to his, they weren't around long enough for it to be important for me to remember their name. I truly hope he smartens up, and manages to keep you around. You will always have one of the largest brownie point totals with me imaginable thanks to that McDonalds drive-thru incident. Ya'll are young, but stick around a while, it'll be fun. I must say, you seem strangely easy to talk to. Rare is the type of person that I'd just babble away to about my social life with the opposite gender in the middle of a Death Valley canyon in the middle of the night. Consider yourself special.

Donna: February 7th, 1996. Not quite 7 years ago, I was witness to what until then had seemed an impossible event. Matt, the dorky kid with glasses and braces, actually became someone's boyfriend, and in return, had a girlfriend. You'll always be the story of the first, and for that I thank you. You were the first person to help me believe that there were actually people out there who saw me for who I really was, rather than what they'd been told. I'm glad to read that you're doing well in Chicago, you seem as busy as always, and that's generally what makes you happy. Maybe I'll drop by sometime, I'm sure I'll be stuck at O'Hare more than once during my lifetime.

Eileen: Another old timer. Third grade I believe it was when we first exchanged "hi's." One of the things I thank you for the most is for being able to type at a speed approaching mine. You are one of the few people whom I can have conversations with without multitasking in 7 other windows because I'm bored of waiting for the response. The look on your face when I randomly showed up outside your Stanford dorm room totally unexpected from hundreds of miles away is one I'll always remember. You actually represent a lot of memorable moments for me. Who can forget the Physics faucet. Basically the funniest single event in my four years of high school. Then there was the Chemistry flames. Maybe it's a science bad luck thing for you? Even though our IMs tend to have long gaps between them, I still feel you're one of my closest friends. Oh, and I feel I must thank you again for that US History assignment, you're the only person to ever meet me outside their house past 3am to bail me out of a jam. For that I'm forever in your debt. If you ever need anything, let me know. I hear with my potential future occupation I'll be able to acquire free plane travel for friends and family, you might find that useful. :)

Elke: Okay time to come clean. When Josh said you guys were moving in together, I groaned on the inside. Okay now before you make a representative voodoo doll, I'll also be honest that you've proven me wrong. Read the previous carefully, as it's something I'll admit about once a year. Most people have never even seen it happen. But I was wrong. You guys are awesome. Basically the only people remaining that I knew my freshman year here, and that's a long time to put up with me. Chumash trips are always a blast, but whose idea was that anyway, I mean really. SCUBA diving absolutely ruled, but next time you go to Hawaii HOOK IT UP! Here's hoping the next time you "swoop" on someone, you'll bring home the G's. Thanks for constantly helping talk Josh into doing spontaneously naughty things. Oh and thanks for the Jambas! Growing boys need nutrition.

Erin: Thanks for helping me decide C.S. was not the path for me, and helping me realize that I wasn't the only one struggling to find the motivation. Thanks for going to class more than me, and making me feel bad when I didn't, thus motivating me to do better. I wish you luck in the career path you do pursue. Keep smiling, you cheer up the world every time you do.

Greg: CrusH. I'd say you were special because you were the only Canadian in this blog, but alas you are merely half of them. You are however, special because you're the only person I know in the Atlantic time zone. So there, consider yourself unique. Thanks for stickin around through the years, your rise in skill has come as quite an annoyance to those of us trying to stay competitive. Hope we keep in touch, so I can knife you long into the future.

Heidi: I appreciate the fact that you actually came up to me, before I came up to you. That makes a guy's life so much easier. Thanks for forcing me to get involved this year, even if it hasn't always seemed like the best idea ever. Thanks for being my only neighbor that shares a wall with me, and rarely complaining about my level of noise. I think I'm acquiring much louder speakers for Christmas, so thanks in advance for ignoring the fact that your floor is vibrating. Thanks for showing me the kind of person you really are. Oh, and thanks for finally telling him the truth, everyone deserves at least that much.

Ian: I like to think you understood me better than anyone else on my floor 2nd year. You certainly made it appear that was the case anyway. Thanks for being frequent Chumash accompaniment, and for helpig to rationalize with me when I needed it. Thanks for always making sure to be hairier than me, so I had someone to point at when someone complained I was unshaven. Stick with whatever makes you happy, and the rest will fall into place.

Ingrid: The second half of my most frequent tormentors. What can I say, I just never get the lame green piece in time. Thanks for sitting behind me in C.S., and keeping me entertained. Thanks for giving me more repetitive English practice than anyone else I know, by saying "What?" after every single thing I say. Last but not least, thanks for actually being spontaneous enough to take me seriously when from a double digit mile count away I say "let's go get something to eat" at 2 in the morning. Most people just give me an lol and log off. :/

Jamie: A member of the 5 oclock foursome. Well, we ate together at least. Always nice to have regulars with whom to talk trash about professors, share war stories during finals, and just in general blab away with. The fact that ya'll are all in long term relationships is quite amazing, and I thank you for not ever making me feel like a lewser for being the outsider. :) May the road to your future be lined with purple.

Jeanette: Thank you for not actually drowning me no matter how many times you made strong attempts. Thanks for finally learning to type without looking at the keyboard, that's always incredibly painful to watch. Also, thanks for having a birthday immediately following mine, so it's basically impossible for me to forget. Conversations with you are always entertaining, hope to keep in touch.

Jen M.: I'm quite excited, I can now say that I actually know someone who's going to be an accountant. I've never really understood the type of mind that's required to handle that kind of job, but I'm very glad there are people who love doing it. I'm sure I'll be paying someone like you decent sums of money at some point in my life, out of laziness if nothing else. Thank you for being the integral part of our writing group, making sure more than anyone else that everything was perfect. Somehow even I got a B+ in that class, glad to hear you received the A+ you deserved. Feel free to spam me if you need any help with computer related issues, alas it tends to be the way I make things up to people. Oh and sorry about the "hair" thing.

Jenni B.: Here's someone I haven't seen in a while. Last I heard you were galavanting around New Mexico or some foreign country like that. Hope all is well with you. You receive the thanks for being my first date for any dance, ever. Believe it or not that dance is still in the top 5 of all time when it comes to entertainment level. Wait, I think I only went to 5. Well it rocked anyway.

Jessica L.: Wait one second, let me see your cell phone. Just for a second. Cmon really I'm not gonna break it. No seriously what's the problem here. Just let me hold it for one second. Okay a few seconds. Cmon now, it's not gonna hurt you. What are you laughing about. Seriously what's so funny. Jessica? Hello? Jessica? Okay I give up.

Jin: I really have never liked poetry. For the most part, I get bored after a few stanzas and end up skimming the rest of the way. Sometimes I don't even finish. For some reason though, there are a select few people who can hold my attention when others fail. These people I find myself utterly baffled by, due to the fact it takes me an hour to compose a single line. The words are never perfect enough, the phrases never deep enough. You however, are amazing. Through the years of college, I've watched you grow from a half of someone else, to fill a void entirely by yourself. The things you've achieved are the types of things I would never even attempt. You mean so much to so many people, I hope our friendship lasts as long as the effect of your words on my subconscious. I thought of trying to compose something for this, but knew it wouldn't be good enough. I'll leave it to the true geniuses.

Josh: WAZZZZZZZZZZAHHHHHHHHHH. Man, what little you know as a freshman in college. Me in CS, you in CE, just pluggin along, assuming that the path we'd chosen was correct. Here we are today, heading in totally different directions from our originals. Along the way much has changed. One of us has managed to land a stable job raking in the dough. One of us has rekindled a relationship that looks like it will stand the test of time for years to come. One of us has been to Alaska and Hawaii. Oh, the other one of us is named Matt. :) You've managed to make quite a niche for yourself, I'm quite proud to be able to invade your personal space on an occasional basis. You know how to reach me if you ever need a favor. I'm sure I'm at least 3 behind.

Kristin: Njko. Perhaps the most dedicated idler we ever saw. I thank you for the constant slapping of trouts, and the constant OHHHS and MMMs. I thank you for defending me against evils foreign and domestic, and always being a cheerful sight to behold. Hope you continue to stick around, as I need someone to beat repeatedly with large blunt metal objects. Lagged scouts are the specialist.

Lauren: When I said you were the most unique person I met last year, I was being totally honest. You are a special individual. That's the main reason I spent so much time invading you guys' room last year to see "where the party was." Seeing you sad is enough to wrench one's heart, I hope your remaining years in college bring many of those classic smiles instead. Let me know if you're up for a late night Freebird's trip sometime, I'm SO there.

Marcela: Everyone in this post seems to be unique in one way or another, and you hold a prestigious ranking as well. You're the one who's managed to create the largest swelling on my body I've ever experienced, when you clocked me with that classic forehand on the racquetball courts. True, not something to be exactly proud of, but I think I have a pretty permanent dent in my temple, and for that you'll always be remembered. Hey at least you can brag you beat up on a guy, sort of. Seriously though, I'm glad I had sane people in my group this quarter, because if it had been a bunch of idiots I probably wouldn't have survived. You seem like a kind person on the inside, and no "I'm not even joking." I'm seriously looking forward to our next game, it's great finding female competition with whom I needed worry about playing easy against.

Marisol: A lot of thought went into what I should put here. Truthfully, I've told you just about everything you could possibly ever have needed or wanted to know. So I'll be brief. Thank you for helping me survive the most traumatic years of my life in middle school, and being the light at the end of the tunnel, even if at times it seemed like a really long tunnel. Thank you for finally hearing me out, putting to rest various ghosts from years ago. Thanks for another chance. I meant what I promised, I'm sure you know that. Be sure to let me know where you head after college, I'll be anxious to hear how you're succeeding in the world.

Mark: I personally have to thank you for helping me maintain VII for as long as it lasted. You were integral in performing a lot of the behind the scenes duties that are very time consuming, and not at all glorified. Regardless of how other members and recruits came and went, through the end you were always someone I could count on to have a level head, and always be honest with me about subjects, even if you didn't agree. You're still one of the most interesting stories about the recreational world that I tell, that of how two different generations of men from totally different locations and walks of life, can interact and perform as a team. Hope to keep in touch with you, I personally think your Letter of Recommendation was the most important, as it might be the exact kind of curveball they're looking for.

Mey: It's quite bizarre how I managed to meet a lot of you sisters at different times, and only later found out you were joining the same group. I guess it's testament that I like the kind of people you are. From your screenname to your random appearances, you've always been happy and full of smiles. Thank you for being a cheerful spot in everyone's lives, and picking people up whenever they're down for the count.

Mia: When it comes to randomly searching the internet for interesting people, you never really expect to find much. It's like panning for gold in a sea of rocks and pebbles. Somehow though, I happened across you. Out of everyone I've learned about through the magic of the internet, I consider you the most intriguing. Perhaps because your story is much like my own, perhaps because we share many of the same characteristics. Whatever it is, you're at the top of the list of people I'd like to meet, to quote Ms. Streisand, some how, some day, some way. Thank you for being an inspiration to me, as you travelled to a foreign country not knowing the language, and yet lived an amazing three months. I can only hope to be that mentally strong if I ever end up far from home. May you find happiness wherever you roam.

Mr. F: When I'm asked what teacher had the greatest influence on my while growing up, your name is always the easy answer. Through Academic Decathlon I acquired more knowledge than during the rest of my schooling combined, most likely. It was a tremendous learning experience, in every sense of the word. Through the program I experienced the happiest day of my life, and also the saddest. The incredible level of emotions combined with what I gained from it will leave a lasting mark on me through my entire life. Thank you for your endless dedication to teaching, and helping us become the intelligent young men and women that we have.

Nate: You I have to thank for corrupting Josh's mind on a regular basis. My partner in crime so to speak, I'd still like to know how you get those high limit machines to work for you. That and the whole winning Blackjack tournaments thing, I'd like to pick up that concept as well sometime. Thanks for always giving me someone to point to when they claim I have a problem. :)

Olivia: When I think overachiever, your name is one of the ones that pop into my head. I mean really, double majoring CS and Bio? That's what we call insane folks. Not that taking 20 units a quarter on a regular basis is normal either. Somehow you survive though, and that amazes me. Just the thought of going to a country and being thrown into a foreign language to learn from scratch, is something I don't think I'd be able to handle. Yet you've conquered that and then some. I hope you do eventually finish school, and become someone important, I'll be proud to say I'm friends with you. Wait too late, I already am.

Randi: If there's one kind of person I love, it's Carrows buddies. People willing to travel with me to restaurants late at night at obscene hours to study, grab a snack, have a conversation, or just inhale some pie a la mode. You filled that role many a time, and I thank you. Although I've only seen you once in a long while since you've been in SD, it's still nonstop entertainment whenever I do. Hope to see you around soon.

Ray: You're one of the funnier guys I know. Not that you're always trying to be funny, but it tends to come out that way. What you've done as an R/A and the work you've done with kids is admirable, I really think you'll rise quickly through the trenches wherever you end up deciding to go to work. Alas we only have one more year, we'll have to enjoy it while we can. Thanks for trying to understand me, it's a task many don't even attempt.

Raylene: When I'm asked about whom I feel has the greatest potential in life of the people I've met, your name is the clear victor. I mean, you've probably been told this all the time, but you're the ideal example of a student. The things you do outside of class from AcaDec to sports are just mind boggling. The fact you've been accepted to places like Harvard comes as no surprise. I see you doing great things in life. Generally people say the sky is limit, but I see you taking us all beyond that. Just being around you has taught me plenty. Thank you not only for the knowledge, but for being someone that understands what I went through. Both the joy, and the pain. Here's hoping more of the former visits you in the future.

Salena: I guess first I should thank you for the Whoppers, and then thank you for slamming me over the head with them to teach me a lesson. You've always been very headstrong, a trait common in many women I know. It's better that way, I deserve a beating now and again. Let me know the next time you're heading to Freebirds, you know I'm always down for some tacos. I feel I did my part for broadening your horizons by taking you on all the Six Flags coasters, thank you for not killing me at some point during the day during my constant jabbering.

Sanje: Okay this one's going to be tough. I'm actually going to have to admit that some Mac users are actually... cool. I know I know, I didn't think I'd ever see the day either. The work you do with putting together videos is awesome, and the fact you play soccer of course puts you into the auto-cool category. Thanks for listening to be blab on a regular basis over the last few years, and for showing me that not everyone who's into drama is necessarily a drama queen. Well at least not all the time. Go 49ers!

Tahirah: I'm pretty sure you're the smallest person I know. Thank you for making me feel buff, in the fact that I can spin you around my head and throw you hundreds of yards. Okay I exaggerate. Slightly. I hope I haven't poisoned your "innocent" mind too much over the years, as that would be just a travesty. You're quite a fun person to be around, and I must thank you for the multitude of memories that came with that spontaneous Bay Area road trip. That is truly one of my favorite aspects of my college life thus far. Next time leave the poor golfers alone!

Tammy: I've been to see Naked Voices perform many a time now, and every time I go I'm thoroughly entertained. It's amazing how different a person can sound when they belt out a song. You've blown me away every time I've heard it, I only wish I could perform at the same level, or even anywhere close. This year you seem focused on your goals, and I am sure you'll have no trouble achieving them. Thanks for giving me someone to laugh with, and someone to share stories with about "the one I socked." Feel free to spam me with IMs in the future, I'll be interested to see where you go.

Terry: And then there was Terry. Lover of Einstein. And strange subjects like chemistry and physics. Attender of Cal Tech. Empress of everyone, slave of no one. I tremble in your presence. Thanks for politely laughing at some of my worse jokes ever, and being an overly fun person in general. Although I've never really understood your fascination with a long deceased man, may you eventually find him and unload on him like only your 5 foot frame could.

Tia: When it comes to people I never thought I'd become close to, you're way up there. Had it not been for AcaDec, I'm pretty sure I'd have never spoken a word to you in my life. Guess that just goes to show what one misses out on when he makes judgements. The best thing about you is you laugh at basically anything I say. I could be talking about hermits in Tazmania and you would be giggling. You make me feel like I'm an actual comedian, and that you're genuinely interested in what I'm talking about. Even if you do ignore me when I knock. Hmph. I hope I continue to get to see you from time to time, it's always great fun.

Vrushali: Few are the people who have managed to climb Mt. Baldy with me. You really impressed me that day, even though I unfortunately ended up getting the worst sunburn of my life. Definitely won't be rolling up the sleeves to show off the rock hard guns next time around. Ever since high school, when we went to see many a movie together, I've had you to thank for being a sounding board for all my heart's problems. Even if you didn't really want to hear it at the time, you were always there to listen, and tell me it was going to be okay. Thank you for being the cool gal that you are.

Wendy: Yours is a name that will have a place in my memory regardless of how time passes. Of all the people on this list outside my family, we've shared the most. Lately though, that definitely hasn't been the case. I do have some thanks to give however. Thank you for many of the good times. Thank you even for some of the bad ones. I learned more from you than just about anyone else in my life, whether or not I admit it. Thank you for contributing many of the only stylish aspects of my wardrobe, that still bring questions from friends whenever I wear them, as they correctly disbelieve I could have bought something like it myself. Thank you for continuing to be there, as the years pass. Maybe I'll be seeing your name in the headlines some day. I can't guarantee my vote, though. :)

And now, those who are particularly special, this year.

Natalya: For you I have one huge thank you. Thank you for not saying something about the "Stripes." For that alone you rock. Other than that however, you made me feel really special when you guys showed up with the xmas gift. Made me feel really bad as well, but it was great to feel loved. You can stay over at my place any time, and I won't even charge rent. As long as it isn't like, a regular thing. :) The whole live in female housemate rumor would "cramp my style" if you know what I mean. The dinner table was nonstop entertainment. Especially when pumpkin pie was involved. You'll really have to come back and visit sometime, so we can relive the tradition. Oh I do have to ask you one thing, is the ice cream working?

Jessica G.: Of every single person I've met this year, I like you the most. Now before we get carried away, let me explain why. Rare is the person whom is a lot like me. Not too many people are at my level of dorkiness, while at the same time outgoing enough to compete with me in conversation. We seem to be able to talk about just about anything, and yet be understood by each other. Usually I can only talk to certain people about computer topics, certain people about trivia, and certain people about other not so popular things. With you it just seems like you not only always understand, but are always genuinely listening to what I'm saying, and actually care. For years I've spent countless hours playing games online, generally with myself, wasting away the hours. Having a companion to spam smilies at while exchanging competitive barbs is the best present I could have asked for. Ask my parents, they know what kind of life I lead. Thank you for being you, and being a lot like me. I hope happiness follows you around like a cloud, displaying rainbows at every turn.

Amy: Here I am, 12:30 Christmas morning. You were originally skipped, as I hadn’t really decided what I wanted to say at that point. Then you were skipped again, as I decided to fill in all the blanks and the rest of the post. Now here you are, last, but certainly not least. When it comes to answering the question: “Who knows me best?”, you’re the answer. Granted, I don’t always like to hear what I appear to be from the outside. I don’t always agree, and we make a career out of arguing at times. However believe it or not, I value your opinion more than anyone’s. I suppose part of it is you’re of the opposite gender, and thus can generally give me the point of view I’m trying to figure out. But another part is the fact that I trust you, and feel you’re one of the more intelligent people I know. We’re two stubborn people, and at times that’s a little like those buffalo ram things with the big horns slamming into each other. I like to think I’m learning from the experience though. At times you simply blow me away with your kindness, the cool things you randomly do for me, or warm, as the case may be. It makes me feel bad, as I don’t have a lot of material things to represent my efforts. We may not like the same music, we may disagree on the color red and its meaning, but the truth is, you’re just a fun person to be around. Whether it’s just taking over my chair and warming it up with your heater of an ass which I will later appreciate, and confiscating my remote in order to torment me with rapid channel flipping, or running into the freezing ocean in the pouring rain, I just have a blast. I’m glad you came looking for someone to fix your computer years back, or I might have eventually gotten curious enough that I would have had to actually talk to you first. You know how I am talking to new ppl, it might never have happened! I’m very happy that you’ve found someone to bring joy into your life, I know you always have a lot on your plate, here’s hoping that lightens the load. One more thing to ALWAYS remember… Scratch and sniff your ass. RGR.

Luke: My, a long time has passed since we were kids playing in the sand. However I do have thanks for you as well. Thank you for playing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with me on an hourly basis, and always letting my favorite Leonardo win. Thank you for being the backup dancer when I put together Michael Jackson routines. Thank you for spending hours perfecting "contraptions" in the backyard, only to have them never work. Thanks for letting me go first when we go off the curb on our bikes one handed, sparing you from the injuries I eventually suffered. Thanks for being totally and utterly unlike me, so I can claim you were adopted when my friends ask. Oh, and sorry for taking all the genes that had anything remotely to do with intelligence, before you came along. Hopefully through the years you'll attempt to grow something most of us refer to as a brain. Then we can guarantee many a family reunion to come. You gotta grow one first, though.

Sara: You know, I remember you as like, half of the performance of that parrot skit in Mr. Cheeseman's class. I think that's my permanent freeze frame, much as yours depict me with parted hair. The term, "little brother" might no longer apply, but we're apparently still related, so I suppose I have a few things to thank you for. Thanks for forcing us to play My Little Pony and Strawberry Shortcake, attempting to potentially affect our future sexuality. Thank you for being creative, artsy, and craftsy, so I never have to be. Thanks for always handling the lovey dovey stuff for the parents and relatives and yet giving all three siblings credit. I also must thank you for taking a lot of the genes I'm really glad I didn't end up with. As much as doodling on math homework fits my personality, I thank you for sparing me. One final note, thanks for finally getting engaged, the parents will now be engulfed in planning a wedding for over a year and no longer care about my love life or lack thereof. I will return the favor by showing up. At least temporarily.

Mom and Dad: When it comes to thanking my parents, it's sort of hard to decide where to start. I could basically write a novel rivaling the length of "War and Peace," and I still wouldn't have been able to full describe how lucky I am. As everyone around me knows, I'm not really one for the mushy stuff. However I'm going to try to break out of the shell at least temporarily. Thank you both for believing in me, and just wanting me to be happy, even if you didn't always agree in the direction I was taking. Thank you for the long drives to soccer tournaments, and withstanding the freezing cold during the games. Thanks for the constant pampering during holidays, and always going over the top. Thank you for relaxing a whole lot after my sister went to college, and letting me basically live my own life from age 16 on. Thanks for approving of me driving the Mustang to Berkeley without your permission, even if I didn't tell you about it until afterwards. Thanks for putting up with me during the oh so wonderful middle school years of my life. Thank you for turning me on to reading, probably the single most important event during my childhood that created who I am today. Thanks for putting the multiplication tables on my wall in 1st grade, putting me two grades ahead of the pack and keeping me there throughout my education. Thanks for the new bikes, skates, Ninja turtles, stereos, computer games, and countless other jinkies. Thank you for the hugs, scratch backs, and I love you's. Thanks for the Mt Whitney trip, and the family vacations. Thank you for trying to understand the direction I'm taking in life, even if it's something you're afraid of. I hope to make my family proud, wherever I go.

Thank you for being the best parents one could ask for. I love you both.

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Well, I guess that just about does it. Another year just about in the books, and potentially my last holiday season as a "kid" drawing to a close. I’ll probably post again somewhere near New Years, this post will be up a while. I want to thank everyone close to me as a whole, for making me as happy as a clam. You’re all loved. Although I may not always say it, I tend to show it in some other way, shape, or form. A big huge MERRY CHRISTMAS to you all.

And to all, a good night.

Download of the Day

For those AIM addicts, a little plugin you can find at http://www.jdennis.net/ called DeadAIM lets you do all sorts of neat things. The most useful for me consisted of getting rid of the constant ads, getting rid of a lot of the clutter buttons, and using this new tab feature for IM windows, that allows you to have multiple people open in the same window space using tabs at the top to click back and forth, allowing you to talk to multiple people without having a checkerboard of windows blinking around your desktop.

Alas break over, back to working on things.