Yet another blog

token

2006-02-01T21:37:00.000-06:00

No please don't remove me. I'm slowly working on the motivation to do this again. But there are so many other things I'd rather do while at a computer.

2005-11-11T00:18:00.000-06:00

New post.

slacking

2005-08-28T23:23:00.000-05:00

Andy called me out about being a blog slacker. And indeed, I have been. You know, I post when I feel like it, and I haven't felt like it for a while. But now that I'm listed in the links section of Lunar Adventures I feel a certain duty to throw some content up every now and then.

I went to the grocery store today. I never know what to get. It's an entire building full of food, and I always go with the same 5-10 things in mind. And even when I come back with bags full of food I think, "There's nothing to eat around here." I need some meals that are quick (I'm impatient) and simple (I can't cook). And I'm always open to new snack/side/dessert ideas. So please, tell me, what do YOU get from the store? If I really like you I'll make it for you.

Oh, and in case you've been counting - weddings #2 and #3 coming up in a week. Don't worry ladies, none of them are mine.

business trip

2005-08-24T09:24:00.000-05:00

Abilene, Abilebe, prettiest town I ever seen.

hiatus

2005-08-06T20:48:00.000-05:00

I am going on "moving helper" hiatus for...about 2 months. I think I've paid my dues. And come December 19th, I'm also going on "wedding attendee" hiatus. So if I know you, you can't move or get married. I guess you can move without my help, but no more wedding nonsense.

adventure

2005-07-28T18:04:00.000-05:00

Well, there I was clamoring for adventure in a recent post, and now's my chance. Someone who is running the U.S. Hang Gliding Championships in Big Spring (West Texas) offered me a glide if I came out there August 7-13. It's because we had the dates wrong on the events calendar page of our website. He called me to fix it because I am the lowest guy at work right now, being the n00b, the scrub, etc. Anyway, he said he remembers what it's like to be the bottom rung, and told me they'd launch me 1,000 feet in the air if I wanted to. So, anyone want to head out to West Texas on Aug. 12-13 and go hang gliding??

life tip

2005-07-27T20:15:00.000-05:00

Scallops are not a meal

stream of consciousness

2005-07-26T23:33:00.000-05:00

When did Academy change from "The right stuff, the right price" to "the right stuff the LOW price?"

Life tip: If you wait until 11pm to eat dinner, you can have Whataburger taquitos.

You also won't miss any of prime time.

I haven't had anything for dessert in this apartment for several days. My sweet tooth is acting up.

Many of my thoughts are food related. I'm a hedonist at heart, especially considering what the REST of my thoughts are about.

Like I'm really going to buy Q-tips to NOT insert them into the ear canal. Nice try, box label, but I don't need your rules.

Adventure? Adventure? sigh...

new for its own sake

2005-07-19T22:10:00.000-05:00

Simply trying to keep the content coming, even if it is a slow day in my life. Slow week. I've got the first wedding of the summer coming up Saturday, to be followed by a couple more later. 4 weddings before the year is out....maybe 5. And 3 of the couples went to A&M. What is it about Aggies and gettin' hitched?

I know everyone goes through it, but I'm at the age where my friends are getting married. It's pretty strange. Really strange. I don't know what I think about the whole institution. Is it realistic? Outdated? Meaningless? Vital to society? Vital to families? All these questions, and I don't expect to have much perspective on them until I'm in a position where marriage is a possibility.

Anyway, no one knows what the future holds, but my friends have all found great people to wed. I hope they last and enrich each other's lives.

Shit I still have to get a gift. i know what marriage is. It's a scam.

body wars

2005-07-14T00:24:00.000-05:00

Anyone ever see that DisneyWorld ride film? I don't remember it being very good. Anyway, I am at war with my body, trying to get adjusted to the 9-5 schedule of a working man. It still hasn't happened. I don't fall asleep until 12 or 1, and get up around 7. It leaves me a little more tired every day. Today I had to take the show tape to Ft. Worth, and that was a struggle to stay awake. I ended up calling Chewy for the last 10 minutes of the drive to keep from dying. Thanks. I don't know what it is about me. I'm not tired enough at bedtime, but then I can't even keep my head up at 4pm. And of course waking up in the morning is tough, but come on, who ever wants to wake up in the mornings? If I knew what alcohol was, and I had a tattoo, I'd be a bartender.

cheerios

2005-07-09T00:09:00.000-05:00

I spilled Frosted Cheerios on the carpet. Don't worry, I was able to get most of them up before the 10 second rule expired. Not much of a disaster, really. No milk, since it was a little fun pack. Everything is a-ok now.

In case you are wondering, I work 5 or 6 days a week. Then I play videogames. Then I go to bed. Then I repeat. And, until further notice, the job is going the same as it always has been. If I ever get to do anything real, or learn anything new about TV production, I'll let ya know.

A blanket invite to all of my friends - You'll always have a place to stay in Dallas.

sane.

2005-06-30T23:04:00.000-05:00

No more alarm beeps. Phew.

Do you ever ask yourself, "What did I do to end up like this?" Or is that just me...?

downloading woes

2005-06-29T23:30:00.000-05:00

I didn't think it would be this hard to download a copy of Radar Love (for a fair-use one time listening of the song only). 4 fake mp3's later, here I am, loveless.

chirp!

2005-06-29T18:23:00.000-05:00

The security panel in my apartment must have lost power yesterday (beep) because the sytem light is on. And when the system light is on, the panel beeps about every minute. It's more of a chirping or a squeaking (beep) noise, really. Almost like a rusty gate opening, or a bird yelping in excitement. I tried to get it to stop. I even looked at the oh so in-depth (beep) half page pamphlet of instructions. (beep) Can't figure it out. I'm sure I'll get used to it. Or go insane. (beep) It's like having a pet bird without having to buy crackers. Crackers. That's a good name for a bird. I think I'll (beep) name the security system Crackers. Quiet, Crackers! I'm trying to watch TV! I had a long day at work. What did you do all day?! Nothing but sit there and chirp. Get a (beep) job...don't you talk back to me! I'll fucking rip you out of the wall. Try me, Crackers. Just try me. Because I WOULD LOVE IT!! There, that's showing him.

(beep)......

HELP!

2005-06-28T22:29:00.000-05:00

I can't find my Simpsons seasons 1-4 or my Seinfeld DVD's. John, did you steal those from me too?

obligations

2005-06-25T10:48:00.000-05:00

I have nothing to blog about, but I told myself I would keep up with it, at least to practice my writing. You'd be surprised how fast your grammar and spelling goes to shit when you aren't in school.

settle a fight

2005-06-21T22:54:00.000-05:00

It's simple, tell me your top 3 side orders to go with fried chicken. Then Mallory will see....

up late with my bed

2005-06-20T22:49:00.000-05:00

Ever since I've moved apts, my bed has been verrry rickety. My mattress has always been creaky, but for about a month now (holy shit I haven't unpacked after a month) my bed frame has been dinging and clanging with the slightest movement. 2 metal bars would rattle together when I sat up or lied down, so it was always "clang clang clang" this and "clang clang clang" that. No good.

I stood up to it last night about 11:30. Took the whole bed apart and put the frame back together. Made sure it was tighter, all the joints were square and whatnot. But I guess from moving it's slightly bent, so there's still some wiggle room between the bars. I got a bunch of rubber bands and basically lashed the bars to each other so they wouldn't bang together. Problem...severely lessened, but not entirely solved. I may have to get some bungee cords. It's these small victories that give me a sense of triumph.

never help anyone

2005-06-20T19:32:00.000-05:00

Filling up my tank for the commute home, when this guy approaches me holding a busted fan belt. He says, "Can you help me out? My wife's over at the Shell station. Our car broke down and we don't have enough to fix our car. Autozone wants (i think he said $25) for the part i need. Can you help me out?" I'm always telling myself that I'm going to help more people, so I convince myself that this is legit and give the guy all my cash - a whopping $11. He pulls out his driver's license and asks if I want to write down his info. I decline. He asks for my number so he can call me, find me and pay me back. Again, I tell him not to worry about it. I pay for my gas, get a carwash, and start to head home. While I'm stopped at the light a block from the Shell station I'm looking around. (this is a marked improvement from my normal habit of dozing off at stoplights.) And who do I see? None other than my new pal walking into the parking lot. Of a convenience store. Alone. Stuffing the fan belt into his pocket.

Duh. I'm a moron. Things I should have picked up on:

1) Why would he walk all the way across the street to the Chevron station where I was. In rush hour plenty of people would be coming into the Shell station where his phantom wife and car were.
2) Who the hell carries around a fan belt?
3) I didn't see any Autozone nearby.
4) Again, if he had priced the belt at Autozone, what would he be doing at the Chevron station across from where his wife and car were? Getting free money, I guess.

Let this be a lesson to you. Never help anyone holding a fan belt. Also, never help parka-wearing old women in Paris who ask for "change" - unless you see their money first. And finally, do not trust South African princes who need help smuggling their money out of the country. Somehow they always lose my email address.

two words...

2005-06-15T23:47:00.000-05:00

See Batman

A lewd joke.

2005-06-13T22:46:00.000-05:00

Time for bed, but first, I must blog my feelings about today's legal events. They are best expressed by a foul joke I heard from a co-worker:

What do Michael Jackson and caviar have in common?

They're both black and come on little white crackers.

If you have seen any interviews with the jurors, please explain to me what they were thinking. I just don't get it. In the words of Michael, "That's hurtful."

the ONE campaign

2005-06-12T12:45:00.000-05:00

Have you seen the adverts for the ONE Campaign? It's a way for celebrities to work off their community service by telling me to donate money to poor people. Granted, I don't know all the ins and outs of the project. And I certainly have a dollar, even several dollars I could spare for people in terrible situations.

But damn, who the hell is Brad Pitt, a guy who makes about 1000x as much as the average person, to ask for donations? All of these celebrities live extremely lavishly. I find myself doubting Mr. Pitt's dedication to wiping out poverty while he's still sinking millions into mansions, vacation homes, and expensive cars. The whole thing is somewhat disingenuous. I can't help but feel like I'm being taken advantage of.

birthday post

2005-06-12T04:19:00.000-05:00

Thanks to everyone who wished me a happy birthday, whether by phone, computer, or in-person. It was. Ran some errands and did some tasks during the day with Andy, John, and Paige. Then we and some other folks went to Dave and Busters. Played many a game, won many a ticket, and had a grand ole time. And to finish out the night, Andy and I played NBA Street til 4am. So thanks to those who made it possible. That's 22, count 'em 2-2 down.

new cell phone plan

2005-06-07T21:35:00.000-05:00

I got a new cell phone plan. Many things are the same. I've got the same phone. I've got the same number. I've got the same carrier. But now I get a bill every month. Neat.

things that make you go hmmm....

2005-06-05T18:03:00.000-05:00

I was waiting in the office to tell them about my leaky ceiling and noxious washer when this kid comes up to me. I know nothing about kids' ages. I'm guessing he was...4,5? Here's an exerpt from our conversation...

Kid: Hello, Goodbye!
Me: Hi...
Kid: Hello
Me: Hi.
Kid: What are you doing?
Me: I've got to get some things fixed in my apartment, so I have to tell them about it.
Kid: I'm going to live here.
Me: All by yourself?
Kid: (whispers) I don't have a Mommy
Me: Oh.
Kid: (whispers) But I'll live here and then I'll have a Mommy. I have a Daddy. His names David.

Nice kid. I wonder why he doesn't have a Mommy.

thoughts til I drop

2005-06-05T10:53:00.000-05:00

-I had a bad dream last night, and as far as dreams go it was a pretty long and consistent one. Just about my friends, a party in the house Tim Andy and I lived in, and me not being friends with Caitlin anymore. And it even gave me the dream fakeout. You know, where you wake up in the dream and Dream You says "Was it all a dream?" and then Dream You realizes it's not, it's "real." Good thing I woke up for real....or did I??

-I'm getting fat.

-Caitlin says she sent me a check and a graduation present, but this was almost 2 weeks ago. I'm surprised she's kept up the lie for so long.

-The radio still sucks.

-Andy and I bought the same clothes.

-I eat out way too much.

-I need to find some beautiful babies, because let's face it, I'm money.

SMU Republicans

2005-06-04T11:34:00.000-05:00

I spent a bit of time on Facebook yesterday, just sort of clicking from one person to another, one group to another, etc, as you do on Facebook. Lots of SMU sorority girls have their political views listed as conservative or very conservative, and they're in groups such as SMU Republicans and George W is my homeboy. In their interests they even list something about being conservative, Republican, whatever, sandwiched between shopping, the OC, and hangin' with my sistahs or something equally innane.

It drives me crazy that people who haven't had a political thought other than "Bush's ass looks good in his Wranglers" tout their conservative views. They wouldn't know conservative if it bit them on the ass. All they know is that Daddy votes for Bush. Fellow Mustangs, I'm sure you've met (or even are) the type. If you have a political conservation with these people they're very adamant about being conservative, without knowing shit about shit. Can't show them any evidence, arguments, records, or try to convince them in any way. All they know is that "I'm going to vote for [conservative] no matter what you say." They can't defend it. They can't even explain it. They barely know what's going on, but they've already made up their minds and refused to learn more. That's the most frustrating. At least I can take comfort in the fact that young people have the lowest voter turnout of all ages.

movies and music

2005-06-03T09:54:00.000-05:00

I'm getting more excited about the new Batman movie. I'm seeing more and more billboards, and last night Batman:Forever was on TV. Edward Nygma is soooo obviously the Riddler. I can't believe Bruce needed secret clues to figure that one out. I forgot how ridiculous that one was. Of course as a comic book movie there's bound to be some amount of ridiculousness, but this was too much. John also made me watch Swingers for the first time, recently. I can't believe I went this long without seeing it. Wow, in reading this post I realize I must have some sort of believing deficciency. Belief-impaired, I am.

As for music, it sucks these days. I listen to the radio because I don't own many CD's, and I spend lots of time skipping around stations until I find something. Usually there's crap on everywhere, and I skip around from song to song so I don't have to listen to any one bad song for very long. This is at least 15 minutes of my drive.

I should use my digimital camera more.

a story of woe

2005-06-01T03:36:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow's going to be great. <-- sarcasm) Know how I know? It's 3:45am and I'm awake, even though I start working full-time at my job tomorrow, normal business hours. I'll be starting on 3 hours of sleep. First of all, I had to help John finish moving out of his place tonight. He was supposed to start yesterday morning, but a certain pickup-truck-providing, aloof room mate (Loudon) decided not to answer his phone for over 24 hours. So the whole process was quite delayed. After spending all day cleaning my old apt., I had to come back and help JV move until about midnight.

A shower and a few instant messages later I was ready for bed, until the curse of Ashley kicked in. It took me, me! like an hour to fall asleep. Voodoo magic is a bitch. About 3am I'm having what I thought was a nice little sleep. Then all of a sudden I keep hearing a tapping noise at the foot of my bed. [tap] [tap] "Hmmm, it sounds like something keeps hitting the paper bag full of old newspapers on the floor by my bed," I think. I sit up and pull my sheets away, thinking maybe the fan is blowing them into the paper bag periodically. That's when it hits me. Literally.

[drip!] "WTF?!" I look down. The corner of the bag is wet. I look up. A droplet of water is hanging from the light on my fan. I throw down a trashcan to catch the water and start figuring out what's happening. It's storming outside, but a leak is odd because I'm on the 2nd floor of a 4-story complex. At first I think the neighbors are flooding upstairs, so I put on some shoes to see if they're aware. When I get to the 3rd floor, I see the problem. The complex here is all exposed to the outdoors, motel style. Each unit opens up to a landing w/an outdoor staircase. Well, the 3rd floor layout is different from the second. At the top of the stairs you don't run into another door immediately. You walk down an open-air breezeway and the doors to the units face that.

And in this 4ft-wide breezeway is a big old puddle, directly above where my fan sits. The water is seeping under the wall between the breezeway and the apt. unit on the 3rd floor, running into the structure of the complex, and coming out of the hole in the ceiling where my fan is mounted. Since I just moved in, I realize I don't have the 24-hour maintenance emergency number. (I need to get a copy of my lease, too.) Fuck. I grab a mop and some towels and sweep all the water down the breezeway, off the balcony. I bet it's quite the site to see me flinging broomfulls of water off the balcony in a rainstorm.

So now, no dripping and barely any sleep. Let's hope my next 3 hours in bed are more peaceful.

queen said it best

2005-05-28T15:52:00.000-05:00

Actually, the subject says it all. Not going into specifics.

blogging again

2005-05-28T15:29:00.000-05:00

Or so I say. I don't have much of a life right now, so why not? I'm waiting to start working at a production company this summer, and still do A/V work on the weekends. I've also moved and am slowly getting my new apt. in order. Most of my friends from Dallas and SMU have graduated or left for the summer, and I don't live on campus anymore. Socially, everything feels different now. No more walking down the street, knocking on doors on Binkley looking for fun. No more Saturday afternoon Burger House runs. Everyone from my small, core group of friends has scattered in a different direction. One north, one east, one west, and me still in the south. On another note, timing really sucks. It's hard to not even get a chance.

an update

2005-05-26T00:14:00.000-05:00

3 months later...

I have 2 degrees and a new apt.

same old thing

2005-02-25T12:22:00.000-06:00

I've got a few minutes before class, so why not post? I had 2 nights off (T & W) but now it's back to the grind. Yesterday I had class 8-2, intern 2:30-5:30, work 6-11. These 15 hour days are no good. And I'm working tonight, and all day Saturday. We've got to provide the sound for a 24-hour dance marathon. At least I snagged a day shift. So I'll have a 1-day weekend, and then it's back to the same old grind. Class, intern, work. Class, intern, work. I'm sure putting a lot of effort into getting out of college, when all I want to do is stay. By the way, does anyone need an A/V technician, TV reporter, radio producer, or control room operator? I also do filing and data entry.

it's true what they say

2005-02-23T20:09:00.000-06:00

I should have carpe-ed the diem. Now it's too late. Again.

making TV

2005-02-19T09:26:00.000-06:00

That's where I've been the past two weeks or so. Between working at my internship, producing our class's next show, and working I haven't had much time to post. I think I'm going to quit my internship. I'm just doing office bitch work, and it takes a good 20 hours out of my week when you add in the travel time. They've invited me on several shoots, but it's always during school. I can't skip, either, because all of my profs got together over Christmas break and decided they need to start taking attendance, just to screw me this last semester. I'm in 6 classes and every one is required for me to graduate. Craptastic.

I'm also hurtling toward poorness, as my spending exceeds my revenue by a great deal. I work a lot less for money since I'm interning for free somewhere else. Damnit, I know I'm 'supposed' to have internships, and I know there's a lot I could be learning, but I'm not. I can't believe it's halfway through February already.

all gone

2005-02-09T22:44:00.000-06:00

I want my time back.

The greatest pianist...

2005-02-07T10:50:00.000-06:00

This is the finest piano concierto ever recorded. (I don't even know what a concierto is. Did I use it correctly?) Amazingly enough, that guy is going to the Cleveland Institute of Music next fall, where my friend John just auditioned for grad school. John you have to become his friend!

Chain of Posts 9:39 #6 read me last!

2005-02-05T21:38:00.000-06:00

This was part of an exercise I did 2/5. Start at the bottom or you'll be lost:

Ashley just walked in. This will taint my description of her. But it's only fair to finish, then do Mallory. I'd better hurry. She is coming over, too. I need more guy friends. (No offense, ladies.)

Back to Ashley. What was I saying, ah yes, a different breed. HEY ASHLEY STOP READING THIS. I sent her out of the room. First of all, very wacky. Lots of energy, expressed through silliness. She can be all over the place, flailing and laughing, making a foolr out of herslef and sometimes me by association. It makes for fun times. There is lots more, but I need to move on to Mallory so I don't have to start ANOTHER post.

Mallory is one of my other neighbors. She is a theater and english major, and even more literarily pretentious than you would expect from that. HA! I couldn't resist. I have no idea what she is talking about sometimes, but I nod and pretend like I do and say "I did theater in high school." I don't know what Ashley is talking about a lot either. Hmmm. It must be everyone else's problem, and not mine. Mallory gets into very heated arguments. I like arguing about ideas and policies and philosophies, so this isn't a problem for me. She has strongly held ideas. But as feminist and intellectual as she is, she still gushes over pink and flowers. What's up with that?

I did not do a good job on these descriptions. Perhaps my "Essence of..." photo series will better clarify. It's in the People album. 9:51 - took me extra time to check & format the link. done for tonight.

chain of posts 9:29 #5

2005-02-05T21:29:00.000-06:00

I got too slow, by 1 minute. Had to answer Ashley's question. Now we're trying to come up with a way to assault the boredom that's taken over the Binkleys. Rise up, my brothers! Today will be our independence day. They will take our lives, but they will never take our freedom! ("What was that first part he said?") On this St. Crispin's Day! Win this one for the Gipper. Did we give up when the Nazis bombed Pearl Harbor?

Those are all the inspring, rousing quotes I can think of right now. Just passing some more time. Mallory is reading these faster than I can create them. Damn her high literary comprehension rate. It will be the death of me.

Pushing past the writer's block. They say that you simply have to keep typing, keep writing anything or it will never go away. Usually I say "bullshit," go play video games and turn it in late. But this is just a blog, so I can fill it with randomness. Ashley is going to come here. I hope she gets here before I have to start another post. This is getting difficult. I don't have the discipline to do it much longer.

I'll describe Ashley, since I mentioned her. Then Mallory, when I start my next post. Ashley is a senior dance major. She enjoys long walks in the rain, Radiohead, and crappy WB shows. I do not enjoy most of these things, but I enjoy Ashley. She is a different breed. TIME

Chain of Posts 9:18 #4

2005-02-05T21:18:00.000-06:00

This is major Tom to ground control...It's playing in the background, and since I used up all my deep posts for the moment, I have to kill blog space until some other personal revalation comes over me and I reveal more about myself than I should on the Internet. Oh, the Internet. What a tangled web we weave. I saw this 60 Minutes special about Google. Cool place. First of all, there's a straight up MENSA IQ test you have to take as part of the job application. They must have some smart mothafuckas working for them. Check out the big brain on Brad! They're also doing inventive things with the internet, like letting you search from your cell phone for nearby things. The reporter found some restaurants in her immediate location in a few seconds. This was using text messages, not an internet cell phone, so it was that much cooler. Warning: cliched trite statement to follow - I feel like so much has already been invented, and that there isn't much left for regular people to create/discover. We've gotten so advanced that everything requires a lab and millions in high tech equipment. Imagine what it was like to live in the Renaissance/Enlightenment, when they were discovering things about lenses and electricity and basic mechanics. You could get some junk, stick it together in your basement and invent things or get closer to discovering scientific laws. That would have been great fun. I want to find something NEW. But I probably won't. TIME.

Chain of Posts 9:08 #3

2005-02-05T21:08:00.000-06:00

Number 3. I should find a way to reorder these so you start at the beginning. There's gotta be a way. Anyway, I want to say a little more about looking inward...

This conjures up the idea of some nervous, shy, person with low self-esteem. That is one way to be consumed with yourself, but not the only. Egomaniacs are just as guilty as ...as....low self esteem people. The words aren't flowing right now. My point is that being "self-conscious" and "self-centered" in the typical sense are really two facets of the same problem - looking inward and focusing solely on that. I want to move beyond that. And by looking outward I don't only mean some sort of Mother Theresa style selflessness. She was certainly amazing, and I have a great deal of respect for what she did. But you can lead a "normal" life, I think, and still be that person who is aware of others, reaching out to them, empowering them, and seeing the world as a place for YOU to succeed and get what YOU want.

Man, I've said more about myself in the past few posts than I have all blog. It's the combination of forcing my self to type something and being somewhat tired. All I have immediate access to are these thoughts that run through my head all the time. 2 min left...

I tried to nap just before I started this, and I couldn't. Damn noisy neighbors. They were revving their motorcylce engine, playing that damn rap music, and shouting across the plaza (driveway). Granted, it was 8pm on a Saturday. But I get cranky when I can't get sleep. Plus, it was just annoying. SHUTUPA YOU FACE!

Chain of Posts 8:58 #2

2005-02-05T20:58:00.000-06:00

Note: That's the start time of the post at the top. I decided to go with the 10 minute rule. Gives me a little time to talk to Lauren and Mallory online.

Mallory is also bored this Saturday eve. We haven't come up with anything to do, so I told her I'd start this project until we come up with a better plan. @ 10 min a post I could have 18 or so before the night ends. That's a lot of writing, but I won't be saying much. I don't have that much to say. That line instantly derails any train of thought. I need to stop saying "I don't have much to say." It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. I wonder how many of those we encounter in our daily lives. I think it's in the neighborhood of a lot. My state of mind is usually a big obstacle to doing things. And if you look at some of the most successful people, some of the happiest, some of the most comfortable with life and with being, they are far from concerned about so many of the worries people have. We've all met someone like this. They aren't concerned with themselves. Not in a depricating way, but in a comfortable way. They have decided to be content, comfortable, seeking out their dreams. They have confidence with them, in reserve. It is a tool, not an ornament for display. These people aren't looking inward constantly, like so many of us are. They have moved beyond that, and focus on results, or people, or ideas. This is the type of person I wan't to become. Time.

Chain of Posts 8:48 #1 Start with me!

2005-02-05T20:48:00.000-06:00

I am bored. My plan is to post continuously on here until I come up with a plan for fun. I've got to keep writing about new content and I'll submit it every 10 minutes. (It'd be 5 if I weren't such a slow typist.) See, I don't type for real. I'm all about the index fingers. Every now and then I mix it up with a middle or thumb, but I have to look. I'm going to make a wonderful journalist one day.

It's Saturday night and my lameness is more apparent now than ever. This semester has been full of loser weekends for me. I don't think I've actually done anything social. I spend lots of time in the Vortex, trapped. Some Binkley kids stop by at night, but that's about it. I was thinking the other day about how I'm completely separated from a whole facet of college culture - the Greek/party life. I've never even been inside a Greek house. I've never been to one of their parties or functions. It's strange to think that some people go to these parties 2 times a week. It is their social life, and it's something I've never even glimpsed. I don't find parties all that fun. Perhaps it's because I'm awkward socially. Perhaps I can never find anything good to talk about, or anyone to talk to. The idea of standing around in a bar Thursday and Saturday every week for 4 hours doesn't appeal to me. What do you DO other than stand around drinking and talking to the same people over and over again? I can't figure it out. Time's up.

what's wrong with this quote

2005-02-05T17:30:00.000-06:00

I only have time for this on the weekends. I'm such a casual blogger. It makes me sick. I have seen the upcoming quote in the buddy info of several people I stalk through instant messenger, and I have a problem with it. Here's the quote:

"Why do 18 wheelers have 'This Vehicle Makes Wide Right Turns' written on them...more importantly, why do they make wide right turns? Does the left turning mechanism work just fine? If so, why can't they make...a RIGHT turning mechanism? We can put a man on the moon, transfer the heart or lung or colon from one person to another, and save more than 11,000,000,000,000 douments of information on some thing the size of a booger, but we can't figure out a way to make a truck can turn right more efficiantly? Wow....I guess we aren't the smartest species on the planet. Dung Beetles can turn right all day long..."

I have lots of problems with this 'observation.' Even though it's a joke, for some reason when I read it I take great exception to it's points. Perhaps it's because I think the people who use it actually think it's a revalation, when in fact it is simply ignorant.

My problems with the "Wide Right Turns" post:
1. We have such a turning mechanism - It's called All-Wheel Steering. But it costs more money, so no one puts it on 18 wheelers. It's on some consumer models of pickup trucks to make hauling boats and things easier for regular drivers.
2. The left turning mechanism also makes wide turns. But, morons, it's not worth noting because a left turn is a turn across traffic in the U.S., and those turns take a wider path. Trucks have the room to make those turns fairly safely.
3. So your question/assumption about why we have a perfect left turn mechanism and flawed right turn mechanism is idiotic. Stop being an idiot.
4. The right turn warning is there because right turns are too tight for an 18 wheeler, so they swing it out wider. Morons like the author of this quote probably kept hitting 18 wheelers when they turned. Hence the warning.

Really, people, it's not that clever. He/she just took a word from a sign and asked about it's opposite. It's not that hard - "Slow children at play? Why the hell don't we have a warning about fast children. They're more dangerous, darting in and out of traffic. Plus, who cares about the slow ones. Evolution is built on weeding out the slow kids. Our species didn't evolve from fucking monkeys for thousands (millions?) of years just to have Johnny Fatass dilute the gene pool with his thunderthighs."

so tired

2005-01-24T08:55:00.000-06:00

I'm not meant to get up this early. My body just doesn't function. No matter how much sleep I get (I went to bed at 10:30) I'm still tired. All I want to do is go back to bed, but I have class in 20 min. I wonder how many of these posts are me bitching about being tired? I'm guessing in the area of 100%. Is there such a thing as chronic mono? Chrono, perhaps. Or mhronic.

ok a new post

2005-01-21T19:19:00.000-06:00

John called me out about the blog, so I'll post something new. School is in full swing. I've got my first story assignment (how much debt is SMU in?), classes have regular homework, I'm working in the student center again, and of course the Daily Update. This is going to be my busiest semester of all. So much for slacking off as a senior. My internship starts Monday. I'm a little nervous. This entry is worthless. I forgot how to write blogs.

how do i act

2005-01-14T15:55:00.000-06:00

You Are 21 Years Old

21

Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe.

13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world.

20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences.

30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more!

40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax.

What Age Do You Act?

my last first day of school

2005-01-14T13:34:00.000-06:00

This semester started Wednesday. I don't have a lot to say about it, but I'm mentioning it because it's pretty significant in my life. Now I have to do things and be places again. And it's my last semester. That means all of my loyal fan will get to hear periodically about my fear of the "real" world. I'm sure those entries will increase exponentially as May approaches. Anyway, I've got to gt ready for my workout class. Today we're learning how to bend steel bars. Next week they're going to break cinder blocks on our head.

Confused people

2005-01-12T13:29:00.000-06:00

I heard an advertisment for the new Bravo show "Queer Eye for the Straight Girl," and I'm very confused. (As are they, apparently). It's a team of 3 gay guys and one gay girl. Here's what Bravo has to say:

"From the creators of Bravo's hit series, pop culture phenomenon Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, comes a series that turns a tasteful eye towards the ladies — appropriately titled Queer Eye for the Straight Girl. Each week, Bravo's new team of make-better mavens — "the Gal Pals" — bring their talents in each of their categories to a new Straight Girl in need."

Uhhh what? The whole point of QEFSG was that women are attracted to gay men, so if you "gay up" a straight guy then he will get women. It doesn't really work in reverse. You can't have 3 guys who like men telling a woman what is attractive and sexy. "Girl, if I were straight I would totally date you." As a straight male I can safely say that I don't want women who act and look like gay men. Girls don't need a "queer eye." The fourth member of their team is the only saving grace, someone who is attracted to women. Brilliant, Holmes! Anyway, it's Bravo's money, not mine.

back

2005-01-10T01:23:00.000-06:00

I'm back to Dallas after a good Christmas break in Houston. I didn't have any responsibilities, so I slept a whole bunch and played lots of xbox. It was great. We had our usual family Christmas, and my brother came into town for a good bit of the break. It's still weird going home, as it often is in this strange in-between period we call college. But on the whole I had a relaxing time with people I don't see very often.

Now it's back to school, back to work, and time for a new year. I've got to find a fucking job. No, a career. Fuck.

gone

2004-12-18T21:57:00.000-06:00

I made it to Houston. Well, technically Spring, the first suburb north of Houston. But we all say Houston anyway. It's much cooler, more b.a. I haven't seen my family yet because they are at the Aeros game. But I did take their leftover chinese food. Ah, it's good to be home. We need a Chef Chan's in Dallas. Tim, back me up on this. I've got to finish xmas shopping this week, and other than that I plan to play video games and hang out with friends all break. It should be a good Christmas. My brother will be here from Lubbock for a few days, as well. Good times.

still here

2004-12-17T14:55:00.000-06:00

I'm still in Dallas. I said I would leave today, but I don't know if that will happen anymore. There's chores to be done around the apartment and things to do at work that I haven't done all week. I can't leave til it all gets done. Damn you Halo 2, you've taken over my life. I hope I get burned out over Christmas break, so when school starts I can focus on classes, my internship, my reel, and getting a job. Urgh. A job. Are any sugar momma's looking for a man-slave?

confusion

2004-12-15T03:39:00.000-06:00

I have a hard time making sense of myself. I'm all twisted up and kicked in the stomach. But it's only temporary. Learning experiences, right?

In other news, I was not able to convince one of my journalism profs to give me a higher grade. I'm still a little mad about it because she didn't really respond to what I said. She simply talked past me and said, basically, "that's the rule." I say look at the spirit of the rule, not just the letter. Hmmm...I'm getting angrier thinking about it. Must be the mood I'm in. Time to move on.

I scraped out a C+ in American Philosophy. Didn't expect that one. I must have killed the final and the last paper. He told me before that I could expect a D or an F. Either I did well, or the whole class fucked up and I rode the curve to passing status. Whatever...

Heading home to Htown soon for Christmas break. Let's hang out.

grades, posting etc

2004-12-12T18:07:00.000-06:00

Sorry my wave of frequent posts has diminished. Chewy, my long time friend from high school, came to visit this weekend. We had a grand ole time playing some games, going out to eat, and making sexual jokes about Tim and Caitlin, and Mallory and Andy. And Chewy got to beat up some girls. He felt like a big man. I have more to say about 1) grades and 2) tonight's Christmas party, but Caitlin is here so I don't feel like typing. Details in future posts...

posting by email

2004-12-09T19:53:00.000-06:00

I won't be doing it often. I don't like how it adds the Yahoo ad at the bottom. My blog is not a corporate tool. And the spacing is too narrow. One sentence stretches down the page for like 5 lines. Insanity I tell you. Perhaps if I had a better email client this wouldn't be a problem, but I don't so it is.

Trying something new

2004-12-09T13:38:00.000-06:00

Today I'm testing one of blogspot's slick features -
posting via an email. If this works, I won't have to
go through all the trouble of opening up a second
browser window and logging into a second service to
post. I can do it all through my email account.
Technology is really cool. I feel sorry for anyone
born before Duck Hunt existed.

I'm done with the semester. Best case scenario is that
I get a D in American Philosophy. Come on, just pass
me so I don't have to take 19 hours in the Spring. Not
that it matters too much - who the hell cares if I
have a philosophy degree. But it's a personal thing,
and a "don't wanna get disowned by my parents while I
rack up thousands in academic debt" thing.

Let's see if this post works...

__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Mail - 250MB free storage. Do more. Manage less.
http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250

christmas commercials...

2004-12-09T13:34:00.000-06:00

...are absurd. Old Navy and everyone in the ad department needs to die. Just make the clothes, and stop singing. And today I heard a commercial from BMW about what a good gift their cars make. Yes, BMW, way to tap into that huge market of people with the $50,000 Christmas budget. I'm sure they're listening to the alternative rock station.

good fortune

2004-12-08T14:08:00.000-06:00

We got a free order of lettuce wraps at Pei Wei last night. Good stuff. I'm a little disappointed my fortune cookie didn't predict that. Instead it said something about me love you long time.

disaster averted

2004-12-08T01:31:00.000-06:00

Whew, that was a close one. I almost dropped my comb in the toilet, but my gigantic, broad shoulder caught it. That'll teach ya not to pretend you have an afro and try to hold a pick in your hair, at least not next to an open toilet. Word.

this time i mean it

2004-12-07T10:38:00.000-06:00

I told myself I will start posting on a regular basis. No more of these unexplained, two-week absences. That is, of course, once I finish all my work for the semester. IF I ever do. I'm thinking of failing, although at this point it may be too late for me to make that decision. Is procrastinating a disease? Or psychological disorder? How about laziness? They really should be classified as such. We got "I steal shit all the time" turned into a disorder. Would "I don't wanna" really be that hard?

hair today gone tomorrow

2004-11-22T18:06:00.000-06:00

I bought some electric clippers and tried to cut my own hair. Well, trim it i guess is the right word. Tim cut my hair earlier in the semester, so I no longer have that part in the middle. Just a longish buzz, now. It was getting long again, so I atempted to buzz it down again myself. Note: I don't have a 2nd mirror so I couldn't see the back of my head. Hilarious consequences, apparently. I'm borrowing a mirror from Ashley to fix it.

Is anybody there?

2004-11-22T13:41:00.000-06:00

I think people need to leave more comments on my blog. Just because I don't have a stupid gay dumb Livejournal doesn't mean my blog should go unloved. You. Comment. Now.

I don't like how our semester ends so quickly after Thanksgiving. I've got projects and papers due the week we come back, which happens to be our last week of school. What scheduling idiot thought it was a good idea to close the university for 5 days before the semester ends? Now I'll go home, ignore school for 5 days while I hang Xmas lights, eat good food and go to sporting events; and then come back and have crap due that Monday. No good. I have a feeling my suitcase will be full of books.

By the way, my parents offered to fly me home this year, for some reason. And when Tim told his parents I was flying home, they offered to buy him a plane ticket. Do you see the potential this has? "Tim's parents got him a car. They said something about actually loving their son..."

christmas came early

2004-11-19T01:50:00.000-06:00

The end of my xbox saga....or the beginning?

I went to Best Buy tonight, and yes, finally bought an xbox. God decided to have one last jab at me, though. He broke the register as I tried to swipe my card. After much standing and talking from Best Buy's crack customer service personnel, we went to a different register. The transaction went through and now I am the proud owner of Halo 2. Goodbye life. Tim was convinced we would get in a horrible car accident on the way home, just to make the irony complete. HA, take that, Fate! Gimme your best shot!

Are you up for it?

2004-11-18T09:22:00.000-06:00

I want to make a promo for The Daily Update, our student newscast that we tape at the asscrack of dawn. I like editing and producing commercials more than news stories. The news is so serious, and there isn't as much time for creative production or editing. Plus, I can't use David Bowie songs in the news. I need a slogan for this promo. Maybe "Daily Update. It's interesting if you're high," or "Trusted. Respected. Experienced. Not us." Hmmm...

I keep fighting myself on this Halo 2 issue. By issue I mean, "Should I buy an Xbox and get Halo 2?" It seems like such a simple thing, but it's not. Here's a little history of my life with an xbox.

It was the Spring of 2004. I had just finished a tough junior year, and had plans to travel and work over the summer. Before my adventures started, I visited my hometown of Spring, Texas, and rediscovered a game called Halo at Ryan's house. It reminded me of a simpler, easier time sophomore year when we played with people down the hall. I decided to purchase an xbox from Ebay. The deal I found was good. $125, came with some games and an extra controller, I believe. A week after buying it, the seller still hadn't shipped. I contacted him, several times actually, to see when he would. Turns out he was on a business trip, and would send it when he got home. Another week passes and I don't have anything, so again I bug him. Turns out his house burned down while he was away, along with the xbox. True? Who knows, but I got my money back, except by this time I was in Paris for my summer school.

July 2004. Back from Paris. Working a lot at the student center, and have saved up enough money to again afford an xbox. I try to go a little bigger, and up my price range. I'm looking in the 250's, untl I stumble upon a steal. A gem. Too good to be true. An xbox with 38 games, 38 games! for $290 + S&H. And these are good games, too. 2005 sports games, Halo, Spiderman 2, Star Wars, some racing, some action. Virtually every decent game for the xbox. I buy it enthusiastically...and wait. No confirmation from the seller. No shipping info. No returned emails. I get her phone number and leave several messages about reporting her to Ebay, demanding refund etc. Finally, she calls me and says she "sent it last week." It never gets here, and she says UPS says it was lost i the mail. Right. She refunds most of my money, but I'm still out $30.

School has started and I stop thinking about xboxes. Then Halo 2 comes out last week, and I want one again. Tues night Tim and I take off on a spur of the moment excursion to Gamestop. I will buy a new xbox w/Halo 2 and play it til I fail out of school. Gamestop....is out of xboxes. The window display with price tag and a pyramid of Xbox packages had led me to believe otherwise. Bastards....I had to come back and tape, so there was no time to hit up another store.

Maybe it's a sign I shouldn't get an xbox. When I think about the money, and the distraction it will be in this last month of school, I don't want to buy one. But man, I sure do want to play a new game. And Halo 2 looks fun. And Tim has provided this apartment with lots and lots of video games. Shouldn't I?

i didnt die...

2004-11-14T11:36:00.000-06:00

What a crazy three days. I finally got to sleep in today and recover, and it felt great. I've been working like a dog.

Thursday:
6-9 Anchored Daily Update
9-12:30 got ready for class
12:30-2 Sports class does show. I direct, and fuck it up.
2-3:30 Editorial Class
3:30-5 Break, eat
5-11:30 Mustang Idol dress/tech rehearsal

Friday:
12pm Woke up, but I didn't get much sleep the night before
12-2 Finished take home makeup test
2-12 Set lighting cues for Mustang Idol, show prep, show, cleanup
1am sleep

Saturday:
5am Wake up miserable
6 Called for video shoot at Moody
6-1 Videotape a high school robot competition
1-1:30 Lunch
1:30-7:30 Tape more clunky, clumsy robots moving plastic balls around. Teardown, load out
8-1 Tim's movie shoot, gastrointestinal distress.
1-2 Fall asleep at John's, wake up and come home.

I'm feeling much better today, after sleeping all morning. Working 30 hours in 3 days, plus a movie shoot, plus class and homework wore me out. I am taking this week off. No Daily Update, no work, and I'm going to finish as much homework today as possible. It's all late, so I need to catch up on it. How are you?

shattered dreams

2004-11-11T11:49:00.000-06:00

I heard the greatest thing on the radio this morning...

"The Flashback Cafe is coming up at noon, and today it's all U2."

Followed by the worst...

"we'll be playing music from their new cd."

Oh Bono, where did you go wrong? If you've heard their new song Vertigo, you know that it sucks. And if you've read Andy's review of their album, you know that's the best song they've got.

I can't believe my ears today.
I can't find that band and make it go away.
Hooow looooong, how long must they sing that song?
Cuz it suuuuuuuucks, Vertigo is no gooooooood.

The new CD should be called "How to dismantle a legendary career".

so much to do

2004-11-10T13:47:00.000-06:00

I have dug myself into a hole this semester like none other. These next 2 weeks will be hell because of my procrastination. Everywhere I look I see something I have to do. Dishes piled up in the sink, bills to pay on the table, school work everywhere. I've got campaign finance reports on my floor to make a spreadsheet out of, an ethics book on my desk for a take home test, tapes from the Democratic convention to edit, 2 late journalism stories to do. It's all hitting the fan. It's all due soon, and I can't escape it for even a moment. I guess it's time to stop thinking about it and just do it. Next semester should be easier. Until then...

thanks andy, NBC

2004-10-26T22:49:00.000-05:00

Thanks to NBC for picking up Scrubs, such a fine show. And an even bigger thanks to Andy, who mentioned in conversation that it was on tonight. I usually miss it, even though I like it, because keeping a regular TV shedule just doesn't work for me. After Andy said he would be watching it later, I made a plan to watch it myself.

But that's not why Andy deserves gratitude. Here's why he is a true friend: Most people would think that they had done enough to create Scrubs awareness after the initial conversation. But Andy went the extra mile and called me at 8:29 to pull me out of Paper Mario and place me in a hospital (with hilarious consequences). For that, I will be grateful.

The View

2004-10-26T09:12:00.000-05:00

It's over. I am done working for the View. They came to Dallas last week to prep for Monday, and on Monday we shot 2 shows. A live one for Monday and a taped one for Tuesday. I worked with them Fri-Mon as a Production Assistant (Intern/Bitch).

I had a good time. All the PA's were from SMU Journalism, so it was like an extension of The Daily Update. The hours were long, but I'll make a little money off of it. I'm still trying to see if putting my life on hold for an entire weekend was worth it. Probably. The coolest thing I did was pick up Meredith Viera from the hotel. We had a chat about college and the state of journalism today. She is very pleasant and very nice, but I'm still not going to watch her show. I drove people between the hotel, city hall, and channel 8. I did a lot of other crap like set-up chairs, answer phones, make copies, buy copier paper, and pick up food. I'm a little bummed that I didn't get to go out on any of the pre-taped on location shoots. Other PA's went with Meredith to Bally's and Billy Bob's in Ft. Worth, with Star all around the city, and with Elisabeth to the State fair. But I had big things due for class, so I started the latest out of all the PA's. That's how it happens.

I feel pretty good about the whole experience. I made a few contacts. I did a good job. Things got done when they needed to be. I was pleasant and professional. I think I represented myself well, and that the PA's represented SMU well. And Star Jones touched my shoulder. It was.....magical.

absences

2004-10-24T20:06:00.000-05:00

I should explain my absence from this blog. Two reasons why I haven't posted:

1) Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door
2) Production Assistant for The View. 4 busy days of TV while we bring the show to Dallas for an outdoor shoot.

I'll be back to my normal life Tuesday.

books

2004-10-14T08:26:00.000-05:00

It was in my away message, but I'll put it here, too. I want to read more. Classics, novels, history, non-fiction....whatever is good. Suggest some of your favorite reads to me.

anchorman

2004-10-14T08:21:00.000-05:00

Just anchored The Daily Update. It went a little better than last time. I still need a lot of work on camera, which I recognize. I still don't have "it" yet. Whatever that it is, I don't know. I see it in good people, and see when bad people just haven't gotten the hang of anchoring yet. When I watch tapes of myself it's pretty clear I'm in the bad category, but when I am on set it's hard to know what I need to make myself do. I was in Burger House last weekend with Mallory, and a Highland Park dad recognized me from SMU-TV. That was weird, but cool. I'm famous. Now I have to choose - drugs or hookers.

school what?

2004-10-13T08:10:00.000-05:00

Fall break is over. Now I have school again. But this is a short week, so that's another plus. I think that's my favorite part about breaks and days off. I love how you come back from a holiday dreading the daily grind, but then you realize it's only for 3 or 4 days and then a weekend saves you. I'll come to Friday and think, "Wow, is the week over already?" And that's a great feeling.

Sleeping until 3 isn't so bad either.

metamorphosis

2004-10-11T13:03:00.000-05:00

I've got posters on the wall. My favorite rock group Kiss. No, actually some paintings and Homer Simpson. People finally got tired of my stark, white walls and held a poster hanging intervention last night. Now there's stuff on my walls.

Then we cut my hair. A lot. My big, poofy, disheveled mess of hair is gone. It's a lot shorter now. I'm going to post a picture eventually. But all you ladies have to promise me that you'll be nice to each other. Your intense desire for me isn't reason to break up your friendships. Besides, I can share the wealth to everyone. It would be a cruel trick of nature to deny myself to anyone.

We also pushed people around on a chair (don't ask), watched a movie, had the cops called, and had a generally good time. After a boring, crappy day it turned into a fun, one-of-a-kind night we'll never recreate. Those are the good ones.

happy birthday ashley

2004-10-09T03:53:00.000-05:00

Woooo! It's late and I'm quite tired, a little delirious. Having trouble typing and spelling. Just got back from a get together in honor of Ashley's 22nd birthday. We had cake and booze and danced and hung out and big orgies on John's bed. It was all fun. I have to work tomorrow night, which means I can't go up to Oklahoma. Maybe I'll get things done around here, or sleep til 6pm. It could go either way. Happy Birthday, Ashley. Have fun at home.

fizzall brizzeak

2004-10-08T01:34:00.000-05:00

I have no school for 5 days. I'm awesome. But I think I have to work on Saturday, do 2 months of philosophy reading, write an editorial and blah blah blah. All that life stuff I never get around to doing. Paying fines, signing things, writing checks....I am taking applications for an intern. You'll get real world experience working as a personal assistant and...umm....a Taco Bell stipend. All majors welcome.

I hate Livejournal

2004-10-07T09:02:00.000-05:00

My hatred for Livejournal grows with each passing day...I hate LJ soooo much. Flaaames on the side of my face...(name that movie!) Here's why I hate:

1) Their templates suck. You can't make a real webpage, it's just strings of journal entries. No way to put up links, photos (other than the one), counters, or other add-ons. This means all you LJ losers can't link to my page.
2) The "friends" ring is a way to exclude people. It dredges up painful memories. It's like the time growing up when all my friends started a secret club in the woods and they didn't want to let me be in it...jerks.
3) You can't search for members unless you pay. Pay for what? Their hosting sucks.
4) I can't post comments anonymously because I have an open proxy. Bullshit. My proxy was closed faster than a strip club next to a church. And even if it were open...so what. Let me post! All my brilliant comments have vanished into the ether...
5) I can't sign up for an LJ account because they suck. Their little graphic of letters that you must re-type to prove you're human doesn't load. Luckily, you can also play a sound file that reads you the letters...
6) Except when the link generates an error evertime you click on it. Way to go, LJ. Maybe you'll realize I'm not a spam robot when I burn down the building.
7) LJ pages don't always display properly on Netscape, probably due to sloppy coding or programming irregularities required by Internet Explorer. Netscape displays things as they are coded, without using backdoor autofixes.
7B) You may tell me all my tech problems with LJ are because I use Netscape. Balderdash! IE gives me the same sign up and proxy issues.

In conclusion, I hate Livejournal. All my friends should move to Blogger and everyone else at LJ should die. Peace be with you.

back from austin

2004-10-04T17:58:00.000-05:00

I had a good, but short, visit in Austin. Went down there late Friday, and hung out with Corey, Kristen, Jenny, Ryan and Chewy all weekend. We didn't do much of anything, and I was fine with that. Sat around, talked, played cards, went out to eat. A very lazy Austin weekend. I like that town a lot. Maybe I'll move there after I graduate. Driving is a bitch, but everything else is good. I need to find one or two weird people to move down there with me so I don't throw off the ratio. Keep Austin Weird.

Anyway, thanks to all the Austinites for hosting me. You've always got a place in Dallas.

austin..whaaaa??

2004-10-01T09:24:00.000-05:00

Ryan IM's me on Wed. and says come to Austin this weekend. So, I am. I had to punk out on work Saturday morning, with much swearing from my boss, but he can't really fire me (yet) because most of the new employees are still idiots. Once they figure out what an RCA cable is I might have to start working harder. Until then, I can cancel work whenever I want and take random trips to Austin. I'm looking forward to seeing the old drama crew and getting away from Dallas for a weekend, and away from the Dallas people. I'm feeling kind of disconnected from my SMU friends, like we've run out things to say and do. Hopefully my old friends will revive that social spirit and give me a new perspective on the people in Dallas. Then I'll be ready to go camping over fall break.

We (me, i guess) still haven't picked a campground for the trip. It's hard to pick a place with one or two pictures and a generic description on the internet. "Oh, your campsite offers gorgeous views, too?" I will decide today, and then start telling people. I'm not really sure who knows about this trip or who is coming, so it could turn out to be 100 people or 2. If you'd like to go camping in the Texas Hill country Oct. 8(Fri)-12(Tues) let me know.

I'm not getting my xbox. Sharon said it got lost in the mail, and that she is filing a claim with UPS. She refunded the cost of the item last night, but not the shipping cost, which I paid. I'll have to get that back from her, also. UPS should reimburse her if the item was lost because she purchased insurance on it. Hmmm, maybe it's all a big mail fraud scam. I bought the xbox and games for way below market value, she ships it to a wrong address, and then collects the cost of the item when UPS loses it. (And she tries to screw me out of $25 shipping cost. Not gonna happen, Shar'). This makes 2 xboxes I have attempted to buy on Ebay. Lesson learned: The odds of not getting an Ebay xbox three times in a row are very slim. The next one I buy has to come in. Time to start shopping...

you cant always get what you want...

2004-09-28T11:33:00.000-05:00

...Like an Xbox w/38 games from Sharon King of South Carolina, who has had 2 weeks to ship it to me, or at least provide me with a UPS tracking code so I can verify her claim that she "sent it last week." It's hard to believe her when she didn't return several phone calls or emails for a week. The only reason she answered the last time I called was because I used a different number. Time to file a claim AND leave negative feedback. Take that, along with my $300, Sharon!

...Like a way out of tricky ethical situations.

...Like more time to do homework. It's going to be a busy night, but I can't stay up late because I've got to anchor in the morning. I really wanted to see Bob Dole and Al Gore speak on campus tonight, but I'm going to be editing or researching. Oh well, like the song says...

I can't always get what I want. But I need a hotdog, and I'm going to get that.

avoiding homework

2004-09-27T16:05:00.000-05:00

I was sitting here having an internal struggle with myself about what to do for the next hour before class. I have some homework, actually several weeks of homework to catch up on, for my next class. But I don't feel like doing it. Instead I will fall further (farther?) behind. And then I remembered I have this wonderful blog that no one reads, and I decided to waste some time with it. This is going to be another busy week. I stupidly signed up for the Daily Update every day. And I've got a broadcast story and an investigative piece on a Dallas city council member due, an ethics test, an editorial, and all of my laundry and a pile of dishes in the kitchen. Family weekend was bad timing this year. I could've used this weekend to do something, though not much. There would have been lots of time wasting in between flashes of work.

Saturday after the game we went over to CatKalMegs. KTCCHHHH reunited for another game of Cranium, and chalked up another win. SOME people tried to cheat, but we still prevailed. Then we busted out the Twister mat and had a grand ole time creating sexual tension. They need to make an adult sized Twister mat. That game is small.

Oooh, I've done a pretty good job wasting time. But now my attention is wearing thin. I think I'll look for places to camp.

snowball fight in hell

2004-09-26T15:28:00.000-05:00

Obviously the end is near. Hell has frozen, and it's just a matter of time before we all get thrown into the Lake of Fire. Last night, the SMU football team won a game....of football! Granted, we were only playing San Jose State, but we're the team that loses to Baylor and UTEP on a regular basis. It was a good, solid win. I was at the game, and watched as a mob of students rushed the field after the game to tear down the goal post. Unfortunately, one student got hurt pretty badly and is in intensive care. I swear, we're making a great reputation for this school, putting people in the hospital from drinking water and celebrating wins. So that was last night, and then this afternoon the Houston Texans upset the Chiefs, 24-21. There must be something amiss, cosmically speaking.

No nose is good nose

2004-09-20T01:57:00.000-05:00

I'm not really into mass complaining through my blog, but I figured putting the story here would be easier than re-telling it several times.

Me, Andy, Tim, Aaron and Brittany were all standing around in Brittany's yard after her birthday gathering. It was a pleasant time, complete with all of the games that make Brittany's house Brittany's, as well as hamburgers and poison cake. We're bored, and Andy remembers that I had promised to wrestle him when we were camping. He warms up on Tim, and then we decide to go. Round one I drop him to the ground and manage to accidentally twist his shoulder almost out of place. We stop after that because it's hurting, and no one wants to mess it up more. But then five min later he says it's ok and we can go again. We're staring eachother down, and when Andy rushes me I throw him to the ground on his stomach. As I'm falling down to pin him he rolls over in his wily Andy manner, and swings his knee directly into my face. There's a loud crack and my nose starts bleeding. Sorry for messing up your party Brittany. We decide it's best to go to the ER. Tim, Andy and I go. It takes forever. If you are dying don't go to Doctor's Hospital on Buckner in Dallas. You will die, but not before seeing Headline News repeat 6 times.

I have a fractured nose. But on the plus side, I can get narcotics without smuggling them in through my ass. I should have thought of this sooner. It hurts some, but what are you gonna do? It's a new experience for me, and it doesn't look that bad. No hard feelings Andy.

mistakes

2004-09-19T13:39:00.000-05:00

I know what I should do in most situations, I just don't do it. I need to get better about that. No self discipline over here. Sorry, Chewy.

chewy's here

2004-09-19T03:08:00.000-05:00

Yup, my old high school pal Chewy came in for a visit this weekend. He's been feeding my competitive urges, which are strong to quite strong. We of course have played some super smash bros. Good times. And we did the mandatory Rockfish trip this evening. I forgot that they had changed their menu and upped the prices. I think we'll have to find a new spot to go. Luckily, we avoided Wayne, the overly forward middle-aged waiter that we've gotten the past 4 or 5 times. He's a little creepy.

There's not much to blog about right now. Friday I finished a late editorial, then went in to work late. All weekend I've been bumming around my apt. while Chewy is here. Simply living my life, doing my ordinary routine in my ordinary life with my ordinary self. I'm extra ordinary.

whirlwind of days

2004-09-16T22:09:00.000-05:00

It is now Thursday night, I believe. All of my days are running together. I did not sleep last night, instead I sat in front of several computers in Umphrey Lee and edited video and graphics all night. I got home at 8 this morning, in time to take a quick nap and then do some campaign finance research for one of my classes. I was also editing Tuesday night, but not late. I did go in wed morning at 9 to finish. These past 2 days have been a whirlwind of me bouncing between work, editing, class, and the occasional trip home. It's just about over (i still have a late editorial to do), but tomorrow afternoon I should be done with all this craziness. Oh, at some point in my delirium I dropped $300 on an xbox from ebay. Ebay + night = bad. I hope it gets here soon.

Chewy is coming to visit this weekend. Connie asked me not to do anything dumb like shave his head, which gave me a great idea. Chewy and I should shave our heads.

In other random blog thoughts: all SMU girls sound the same. I don't mean they have the same vocab. & phrases. I mean they have the same voice. Well, not the same. There's about 4 voices everyone here shares. Tonight at work I kept hearing people around the corner and thinking it was someone I knew. Nope. Not a single time did I know the person, even though all their voices were familiar. Come on ladies, find your own voice.

editing hell

2004-09-14T20:48:00.000-05:00

I'm posting from the journalism building while someone else uses my computer "just for a few minutes." I swear people, start editing on an empty computer and stop putting your projects on computers already occupied. We've got 2 classes of people that edit up here - there should only be 2 people on each computer. (And I should get my own because I'm the only one in both those classes.) I've got 2 pieces to edit for tomorrow and both of them are boring. Editing boring, bad stuff is no fun. I can only imagine what watching it will be like. So I'll be here for a long time. It's going to be busy as hell the next 2 days, but then school will calm down and Chewy is coming into town. That will make for a fun weekend before I'm back to the grind. I've thought about dropping a class, or two, or six. I won't, but there are times when I've really wanted to. Wow, it's Tuesday and I'm already hoping for the weekend. Good times, good times. Someone tell me a funny story, quick.

journalism

2004-09-14T09:56:00.000-05:00

Is keeping me busy. I've got 2, count 'em 2 news packages due tomorow. One I have to explain how the electoral college works (which is going to be graphics heavy. By the way, I don't know any graphics programs other than Paint), and the other is about a book signing at the SMU bookstore. It's some Poli Sci guy that no one cares about, but I had to shoot something for our second project. Of course, I still have to get permission to shoot in the bookstore. It will be a long night of shooting and editing. I've also got to research Dallas City Councilwoman Lois Finkelman before class. Or drop the class. Hmmm....

cake

2004-09-12T23:58:00.000-05:00

I can't have it and eat it, but I can always buy several cakes. Of course cakes don't have feelings. Man, now I want some cake, too.

dreams

2004-09-11T10:38:00.000-05:00

I had some weird ones last night. I hope I can remember all of them. They sort of ran together...

I started off hosting SNL. But when I get up on stage, the teleprompter (i know, they have cue cards in real life) was reversed, so all the text was backward. But I have to keep going, so I stumble through my monologue with long pauses and awkward timing because I'm trying to read the script like it's in a mirror. Then I go backstage and am hanging out just outside the green room thinking about how bad I did.

*dream warp*

Now I'm in a van with several people driving, but I can't remember any of them. I'm in the front passenger seat, and the person behind me is a middle aged guy, like my dad's age. We're talking about SNL and they're all reassuring me that I did fine. I'm riding in the car opening a stack of mail, and there's a manilla envelope from Caitlin with Paris decorations all over it. Thanks for the dream mail from Paris, Caitlin.

*dream warp*

In another van, not sure if it's the same one. This time I know 2 of the people. It's Brad and his mom, and we're in their family's light blue Plymouth. Brad gets out at Candlelight Hills (a subdivision next to his) and says he wants to walk home. His mom is furious. It's night and she doesn't want him walking home. So they keep arguing a bunch, but I'm not sure how it ended up because I...

*dream warp*

am now riding a rickety old bike through the night. It only has one handlebar, and it isn't even attached to the axle. It's hanging there by the brake line. So I have to steer through a combination of leaning, pulling the dangling handlebar, and directly turning the axle. It doesn't work, and I crash down a small hill, about 20ft or so, next to the road. This hill has 3 features. It's not smooth; it's stepped with several small ridges. It's covered in very fine white rocks and pebbles and dust. And the only thing that grows on it are cacti. As I take my spill, I reach out for anything to stop my fall. Of course it's a cactus. My hand is now full of needles. After all this I start making my way back to a small 2 story house in the neighborhood where I was riding around. In the meantime...

*dream warp*

Police are investigating the crash site of the bike. They are looking at the pattern I left in the pebbles and white sand when I crashed. Somehow they begin to track me, and start tracing my path through the neighborhood back toward this mysterious house I'm trying to reach. I'm starting to get scared (somehow I know they are after me), because these cops are the same ones who investigated the OJ case. Apparently I'm wanted for murder. (It's unclear to me whether I was innocent or guilty). The cops are getting closer and closer. I'm trying to move faster and faster. They're questioning people in the neighborhood who saw me walking back home. I'm only about a block away from them now. I turn the corner, but I think they see me. They start coming toward the street I'm on, but luckily it's the street with my safe house. I make a mad dash for the door and hope I get inside before they see which house it is. I start knocking frantically. "Hurry, let me in," I yell. "It's a suckubus!" The door flies open and I'm greeted with screams from Kyle, Stan, Kenny, and Cartman. They lock the door behind me and I'm safe.

What does all this mean?

sunburns

2004-09-10T23:09:00.000-05:00

Peeling sunburns is fun. In other news, I have no skin on my arm.

internet convenience

2004-09-10T22:48:00.000-05:00

I'm a moron. I've had the paperwork to do my car registration for a while, and I haven't. Now it is expired by 10 days. I hope they send me a new sticker w/out any sort of fuss, once I mail the stuff. But the point of this post is that I just saw in the envelope a little flyer about renewing online. I easily could have doen it all along, but now I can't because it's past due. I guess I could have done it all along by mail, but getting stamps, copies and writing a check is such a hassle. I just like to click things and have them happen. Like posting on a blog. Watch.....magic!

Back from the woods

2004-09-08T21:52:00.000-05:00

So I've returned. Sorry about the hiatus to all my reading faithful. I was in the woods and didn't have access to a computer. We went camping over the weekend. It was a good time that I will recap for you now.

Tim and I arrived Friday afternoon at Turner Falls, in Davis, OK. We pitched the tent, prepared the campsite, built a fire pit, and generally got things ready for everyone else's arrival. We ate, and then got bored so Tim built a tomahawk using Caitlin's stick. The stick is from last year's Turner Falls trip, and he had a good time returning to his home for a weekend.

Then Megan arrived late, really late that night. 9:45 instead of 8 like she said. I swear that girl can't follow directions to save her life. So it was dark and we just hung out for a little bit and then I went to bed while Tim and she played cards.

Saturday morning the 3 of us went hiking and explored the falls and "river." Tim showed us some caves and we looked out over the falls from atop the rocks. It was pretty cool. So cool that we did the exact same hike 5 hours later when Brittany and Amra showed up. The only difference this time was that Megan dropped her camera, and Tim and I have proof we were Astro Pimpn. When we got back from that hike Ashley, John and Loudon had arrived. We had dinner and built a big fire that night for smore making. Megan looked at the stars 6,000 times. We played with the IF book for a little bit. Andy showed up with guitar in hand and we jammed around the fire for a while.

Sunday we did more camping things when Aileen, Kaleena and Meghan arrived. Amra, Brittany and Andy all left. I'm getting bored with typing this out, so let's just say I had a good, but tiring weekend of camping. 3 nights was long for an infrequent camper such as myself. But I'd be willing to go again. There's already talk of another trip in the works....exciting....

Now I'm behind in all my schoolwork and I've been skipping classes to do it and/or avoid the professors who want things from me. That's hard when all your classes are in the same hallway. This is going to be an interesting semester. In other news, I think I want to be a video editor (this week). Being a reporter and talking to strangers all day creeps me out.

skipping class

2004-09-01T12:47:00.000-05:00

I skipped my first class today. Ever. Of college. Ok, not really. It was my first class of this semester to skip. Media Ethics - what a waste of time. It's a dumb class and it's right at lunchtime. Today is too nice to sit in a classroom. In other news, my lunch is ready so I'm going to eat it.

CAMPIING!

2004-08-31T09:04:00.000-05:00

Hey kids. Since no one else is awake yet, I will talk about it here.

Who: YOU!
What: Camping, Hiking, Spelunking, Kum-bay-yah-ing
When: Thurs or Fri to Mon
Where: Turner Falls, in the foothills of Davis, Oklahoma
Why: it's like nature, and stuff
How: By talking to me or JV
How Much: $11/person per night + food

This will be a great chance to ignore your responsibilities for a weekend and relax. Does anyone else feel like they've been in school for a month? Plus, you'll make great memories of a college road trip and camping trip. We can even bring beer, if that helps. Let's go!

Who are these people vol. 2

2004-08-30T14:38:00.000-05:00

Who are the people that are still buying regular Oreos, as opposed to Double Stuft? Regular Oreos have a terrible cream/chocolate ratio. With the Double Stufts it's perfect. You get the sweetness and a little crunch to go with it. I don't know why you wouldn't want that. It's not like Double Stuft is a new thing. They've been around for a while. I know you've seen them. Bright pink wrapping, word OREO on them, probably next to the regular Oreos. Get with the program.

who are these people?

2004-08-29T13:07:00.000-05:00

Some things (ok most things) I can't figure out. For example, how did $13.2 million dollars find their way out of the pockets of the American people and into the box office for Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid, the sequel to Anaconda? I mean, really. If movie tickets cost say $8 on average, that's over one and a half million people that wasted an evening seeing that trash. 1.5 million! That's a lot of people. And where will that $13.2 million go? Toward the production budget of More Anacondas: Snakes from Space. Our country can't even pick movies. Good luck with that Democracy thing in November...

nope

2004-08-28T17:11:00.000-05:00

My attempt at car inspection failed. Apparently something in my transmission is aborting the emissions test, but the guys at Jiffy Lube don't know why. So I've got to find a Volvo dealer and see if they can figure it out. Yay for having an 11 year old European car. Can anyone hook me up with an inspection sticker? Ryan, I'm looking in your direction...

my cup runneth over

2004-08-28T13:42:00.000-05:00

Tim's family has arrived, and true to form his mother brought a truckload of groceries for us. Our pantry and freezer is packed to the brim with foodstuffs. Here are some highlights:

12 cans of Chef Boyardee
a bag full of dried, mixed berries
65% lean beef chili (most disgusting thing ever)
60 frozen mini quiches for all of the tea parties we throw

Theres some normal stuff in there, too, like cookies, tuna, leftovers, frozen chicken breasts etc. I think I need to do something nice for Tim's mom. She's always stuffing our freezer full of food.

I might actually get my car inspected today. Wouldn't that be something??

uhhhh what happens in my life

2004-08-27T19:50:00.000-05:00

I can't even remember what I've done the past 2 days. Why do I have this thing again? Oh yeah, it's to practice writing and to vent in a vague and mysterious way that gets me attention without revealing any true feelings....much like my conversations.

I anchored The Daily Update this morning. It was pretty sloppy all around, and I did a pisspoor job. Low energy, bad inflection, no presence - it's the first step in a long journey. I'm not upset about it because I know it's necessary, but I really hope no one ever sees it. Then I shot a piece at the museum about one of their exhibits. I've got some good footage. Shooting artwork is always easy because the artist has already created an interesting and powerful image, and all I have to do is capture it. It makes for great footage. My interview was pretty crappy and once I started editing I thought of all the questions I should have asked. Again, it's all steps in a process. I have to finish editing this weekend, and I need to catch up on my other homework. I always do well in school, but I can't figure out why. I have no study skills, foresight, or motivation.

I ended up wearing my suit all day. There's something about a suit that makes you feel good, but damn, I hope I don't have a job where I wear one. I'm very tired. Time to catch up on sleep this weekend and actually get things done. No more wasted Saturdays.