Sunday

This past Sunday I went to church with Elisabeth for the first time in a long while, prolly about a year. It was a catholic church, which is almost exactly like episcopal. So much so that I knew what to do when and I was able to respond when appropriate with the appropriate dialect. It was what I expected. The great part was there was this little guy in front of us, about Mikey's age, and he was building things with the hymnals, great fun to watch. Communion was a little different, I was told not to go up, so I didn't. I was surprised that Elisabeth drank from the cup though. In our church we dip our bread so as no to spread germs, not here. I was only surprised b/c just the night before Elisabeth wouldn't let me use the same plate at a pizza buffet (truly amazing, only $4!!!) b/c that would spread germs. I can't use the same plate I ate off that never touhed my mouth but she can lick the same goblet hundreds of others did...hmmm.

It's been in the 70's here every day, it's so hot. Couldn't hunt here if you wanted to yet, too hot meat would rot before you could get to it.

North Carolina

I'm here at the Cumberland County Library in North Carolina right now as Elisabeth checks out a few books to use for teaching in the up coming weeks.

Thanksgiving was funny. I spent it at Elisabeth's grandparents in Kentucky. This was the first time I have been fully away from my family for a big holiday like this. My family was sad, I am usually the humor at most functions and ease the drama between my enormous family. This year there were 27 people at my grandparents without me. At Elisabeth's there was only 8 including me. This lead to the saturation and escalation of drama. At my family, there are so many people and so much drama it's lost in the shuffle and everyone forgets or gets confused about who's pissed at who. Here, it was such a tiny place and so few people it was magnified and made for a much crazier thanksgiving. It was good, just interesting. I had asked Mr. Martin if I had something to do with the drama and he said no. He was actually glad I was there, now he knows that it wasn't him over the past 25 years, this is just how they act. That made me feel better, especially knowing that I wasn't the cause. Goodtimes.

Because of all of this, the entire Martin family and myself stayed in a hotel room. Elisabeth and Amanda in one bed, Nancy and Mr. Martin in another, and me in the middle in a roll-a-way. It was funny to say the least.

MUZAK

I'll be away from a computer for a couple days, if not a whole week, so I thought I would post this and allow you a plethora of time to complete it. I wrote this about five years ago at Hocking for several different classes. (I wrote it once and handed it in three times actually:) A mixed reaction inssued, most loved it but one woman HATED it and tried failing me many times because our views on numerous issues were entirely opposite. Enjoy.

If An Elevator Fell In The Woods,
Would There Be A Song About It?


Music boasts the ability to communicate every human emotion expressible, specifically, the sensations that can’t seem to be articulated orally. Stranger still, the very song that may symbolize said emotions are not required to contain any words at all. It’s the rhythms, the melodic phrases, and the tonal and atonal patterns that have the aptitude to exhibit our passion, rage and each delicate distinction in between. Some types of music may pummel into your blood stream, acting as an instant stimulant, compelling your body into motion with an untamed interpretive dance of obsession. Others may reflect the mood of a romantic engagement, a time of joy, a specific holiday or an anniversary of birth. Several melodies strike a chord of weddings, funerals, ball games, or simply America. Many transmit joy, cheerfulness, fill us with rage, and put us to sleep, compel us to dance, or simply tick us off.
There are many types and styles of music in the world today: Afro-Cuban, Bee-Bop, Big Band, Classical, Gangsta’ Rap, Grunge, Hip Hop, Jazz, Latin Jazz, New Age, Rock, and Techno to name a few. The most controversial style of music, however, is the ever punishing, elevator music. Elevator music produces an overwhelming amount of cynical notions to those that are forced to suffer the vile noise. Elevator music just might have spawned from the devil himself. It could easily be liable for the root of all evil.
When someone utters the words, ‘elevator music’, what comes to mind? Raping, pillaging, murder or maybe even suicide will run their course through your skull. Many humans have an overwhelming fear of elevators. What is the cause of this? Some may vote that this is due to the petite proximity that elevators provide while transferring people from floor to floor. Others may dread the possibility of the cable spontaneously snapping; sending the helpless howling riders to their bloody unwarranted demise. This may well be enough to frighten them for eternity. I, however, believe that the horror rears from a much simpler (but in no means pathetic) wickedness, one that produces only hatred and contemptuous anger. That is, of course, the fiendish elevator musicians.
Elevator musicians endure a meek and uneventful life, much like those of a telephone musician. They spend their time in cramped murky apartments composing monotonous, dreary, revolting music that will send any living organism into an instant state of comatose. From the contempt that brews within cold hearts towards popular musicians culminates the nastiest form of elevator composition. This involves stripping the once fashionable mellifluous tune of its drive, its uniqueness its very soul only to be replaced by a soprano saxophone solo.
When do people most often hear elevator music? In the elevator…right? If we search further, we come to the realization that most people who ride elevators do so on their way to or from a location. Maybe to the office for a days work, or returning from a day of class, or even to the floor your residence is located. This is a crucial moment within the course of day. What motivation does this music provide? None, not one milli-ounce of vigor is inflamed. Only abhorrence, scorn and resentment brew from such repulsive sounds. This music could very well set the mood for millions of citizens day in and day out, yet this is the most gruesome type of noise we possess. We are ruining people’s day, business’, and lives.
This style of music afflicts millions of people directly and indirectly. Why would we send people through the same box (elevator) everyday with the same ghastly music perpetuating? This does not strengthen the work force. This does not encourage high-quality and proficient work. This music is the demise of modern corporations. It is meticulously ingesting the very organs that comprise the living body of the business world.
I demand we play a variety of tunes all throughout the day. With this system, riders of the elevator will eventually hear their favorite tune or group and will feel blissful throughout the day. True, some may not enjoy the music that others hold dear and this will in turn create the same bad mood that the original elevator music achieved. However, this is only a handful of people each day as opposed to the entire population that rode the elevator previously. This should not only create a better mood in the work environment but also increase productivity. Most importantly, society as a whole will benefit. No longer will people panic when riding elevators. Such elevators will be honored and celebrated throughout the land; perhaps a holiday will be dedicated in their admiration.
Music is ubiquitous; it is impossible to complete a day without it. In fact, those of you that disagree, I challenge you to attempt 24 hours without a single melodic rhythm. This means no radio, television, elevator rides, hum, sing, and of course no listening to music. It is unfeasible. I understand that people have the right to express themselves, and if they wish to do so by arranging elevator music then god save them. However, there is certainly no reason why honest, hardworking, red-blooded Americans should be subjected to such monstrosities every time they step foot into an elevator.
We must bond together in order to defeat the illusive elevator companies that continue to repeat that dire sound. Voice your opinions; stand up for what you believe in. We can destroy this tyranny, it will take time and some may lose their lives…this is a sacrifice I am willing to bear. We must never lose sight of the cause. The American society demands freedom! The right to listen to contemporary popular music on their elevations to and from ground level is non-negotiable. This must be done. We will succeed if we only stick together. Alone we may be few but together we are many.

The Best Christmas Lights Ever

This is from Dan and very cool, worth the DL time.


http://i-am-bored.com/bored_link.cfm?link_id=14019

I wish I could figure out how to type a word and have the link hidden within that word instead of posting that ugly URL.

Cherry

In between exams today I went into the library to pick up some reading material when in NC. I want to steer clear of watching too much TV this break, and with the possibility of sitting at the apartment while SA is at work, I thought I should grab some recently recommended books. As I was walking in, a gentleman in his early 40's with an awesomely fluffy mullet, stonewashed jeans, and a faded leather jacket was walking out. (I was giggling already and thought of the website Luke once showed me dedicated to mullets) I was on the right, and he on the left exiting though another set of doors. He runs over to the window directly in front of me cutting me off and says, "Damn, look at the fine piece of ass over there. Oh man, I'm gunna run over there and lick it clean." As I looked ahead, off in the distance was a college student, very near to my age, with feathery long curly blonde hair walking towards the parking lot...with a clean looking backside, no noticeable dirt anywhere. I looked back at him and he gave me this look of satisfaction and rejoice and almost looked like he was ready to give me a high five or chest butt in response to this glorious piece of tail. I laughed and chocked and walked away.

I read the book The Grapes of Wrath and ever since I use the word "and" an awful lot within one sentence. He does it, and at first I hated it, but now I like it. I'm afraid I'll get in trouble from something I write though with that literary style.

Exams went well, finished all. I should know my grades by December.

Brain Test

This came from a friend from Hocking. Who knows hows accurate it is, but I thought it was neat and I like to have photos on here.

"This is an actual test-Can you find the man within 3 seconds?

According to medical experiments: If you can find the Man's Head within 3 seconds, your right brain is more developed than normal people. If you can find the Man's Head within 1 minute, your right brain is developed normally. If you can find the Man's Head within 1-3 minutes, your right brain is slow in reacting, you should eat more meat protein. If you can't find the Man's Head in 3 minutes or more, your right brain is a disaster ... extremely slow in reacting, eat way more protein and try some Ginkgo Biloba. AND, YES THERE REALLY IS A MAN IN THERE."

It took me about ten seconds.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

All ten of my toes are asleep!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Am I dieing?!!!!!!/!?!?!?!?!?!?!


OH NO!

*shivering

Racquet Ball the Video Game

The Rec Center here is open to the public for a fee of $178 a year. Because of this, a strange and humorous crowd gathers, especially in the racquet ball courts. It's exactly like any video game I've ever played. Starts out with lame push-over foot soldiers littering the street waiting to strike a worthless attack. Followed shortly by a very innept stage boss. The levels to follow are still cluttered with foot soldiers, usually more of them, but the bosses begin to look different as well as increase with difficulty. At the courts it works like this:
1. Beat foot soldiers = any new comer
2. Stage Bosses:
I. Old woman that can barely move b/c of intense arthritus
II. Petite asian woman that is very quick but easily destroyed with one simple move
III. Muscular, bald, tall black man (usually when serious skill is needed to pass)
IV. Slinky White Dude who is really freakin awesome but impatient
V. Old Wizardly White Guy who is AMAZING and patient and used to play pro
(The old woman and wizardly man are married in this scenario)

It's funny b/c you can't play one without passing the other. A couple weeks ago I played the old woman. It's rather easy to beat her if you can control your shot. Just putting it up against a wall away from her wins the point. Then after beating her a few times she reccommended I play the asain...I beat her. Just today I got to play the big bald black dude. Unfortunately I lost...we only plaed to five points though(5-3). I hope I get good enough to beat him, he's really good. If Mr. Martin was around I bet he would rank very high, prolly compete with Old Wizard White Guy...Maybe even become Demi-God.

WARNING POLITICAL VIEW

For those of you unsatisfied with our president, here's a little something I got from Jordan:

~ from Bill Maher:

"Now I kid, but seriously, Mr. President, this job can't be fun for you anymore. There's no more money to spend; you used up all of that. You can't start another war because you also used up the army. And now, darn the luck, the rest of your term has become the Bush family nightmare: helping poor people. Yeah, listen to your mom, the cupboard's bare, the credit card's maxed out, and no one's speaking to you. Mission accomplished. "Now it's time to do what you've always done best: lose interest and walk away. Like you did with your military service. And the oil company. And the baseball team. It's time to move on and try the next fantasy job. How about cowboy or spaceman? Now, I know what you're saying, you're saying that there are so many other things that you as president could involve yourself in. Please don't. I know, there a lot left to do. There's a war with Venezuela, and eliminating the sales tax of yachts, turning the space program over to the church and Social Security to Fannie Mae, giving embryos the vote. "But sir, none of that is going to happen now. Why? Because you govern like Billy Joel drives. You've performed so poor, I'm surprised you haven't given yourself a medal. You're a catastrophe that walks like a man. Herbert Hoover was a shitty president, but even he never concededan entire metropolis to rising water and snakes. On your watch, we've lost almost all of our allies, the surplus, four airliners, two trade centers, a piece of the Pentagon, and the city of New Orleans. Maybe you're just not lucky. I'm not saying you don't love this country, I'm just wondering how much worse it could be if you were on the other side. So yes, God does speak to you, and what he's saying is, 'Take a hint.'"

Poor Guys

Dogs are my favorite, and they are fun to hang out with. Some of these are funny, but mainly pathetic. Poor dogs, they can't fight back!

Funny...

Funnier, but borderline pathetic with the painted nails and all...

Down right mean! That stuff is shaved and dyed into that dogs fur! I don't like those dogs to begin with, but nothing deserves unless it's drunk and passed out or volunteers for it!

In Need of Pepsiqueen's Help

I'll shoot this out there for anyone, but my guess is she'll respond first :)

First off, how in the world do I shrink these light green margins so I can expand this dark green box full of text?
<-------------------------------------------------------------------------------->

Secondlly, is there a good place to go that will host audio files? I would like to post a tune but not sure how.


Thanks

Wife Swap-mania

Did any of you watch Wife Swap tonight? Oh man, it's such a humorous show!

In this episode a wife from Kentucky is switched with a woman from Arizona. The woman from KY hunts and cooks/eats only family killed meat. Her family can't afford to go out and buy a lot of food, so this is a welcome alternative. Their house is stereotypical of what you would think a hunting family from the backwoods of KY would look like, a double wide. The woman from AR is crazy veagan. She is also a minimalist without beds, an oven and television. Her husband works 15 hours a day and she spends her day nude sunbathing and yoga...HA. When they switch all hell breaks lose. Oh man, this show is so funny. I hope you saw it. I don't catch it often, but it always cracks me up how funny it turns out. And the women always cry when their life style is criticized.

Pretty Pretty Princess

After taking this delightful quiz courtesy of Pepsiqueen, I discovered I am most Like Snow White because I am sweet and graceful and bring out the best in people. I have lots of friends because of my lovable and caring nature!

Click on this link to find out which princess you are most like and let me know!

http://disney.go.com/princess/html/main_iframe.html?pageID=which&sdk=msn

Painfully Great

After Friday's work out with the Palisters and their ten acres of leaves I went and played Racquetball early Satruday morning. I played with Mr. Martin (Elisabeth's dad...girlfriend) and Mr. Keesecker (Lauren's dad...ex-girlfriend) Both of them have the first name of Bob, both are over 50 and both ganged up against the young guy. Mr. Martin managed a couple racquetball courts until he got into the park systems...he is super freaking great. Mr Keesecker is a hard corps hand baller that plays a good game of r-ball. Between them there is like 50 years of r-ball experience, I have been playing for about nine months. Well, they did a good job teaching me a lesson, a lot of lessons. They ganged up on me and beat me into a pulp and had me running all over that damn little box. It was the greatest time I've had playing r-ball ever. I learned sooooo much and I want badly to play them again. It's so much better to play against people that are tons better and are willing to share their knowledge to help you. After a great couple games...and I didn't score the fewest points either...I went back to work. I thought I would go back and work on leaves, but no. I went back to remove tree stumps. After six hours of that and a solid hour of playing r-ball I was TIRED. Today, I can hardly move. I know I was winded from the r-ball, but the stump removing kicked my booty. My arms and quads and shoulders are soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo sore. Ouch! Then driving in the car for four hours did NOT help. I can hardly lift my right arm.

Here are some photos of me with my equipment...I get intense, I wanted to hold the ball, but couldn't with the racquet and the camera...it's not typically in my mouth.

Friday of Beans

On Friday I worked with my friends the Palisters again. They are 87 and 94 and still work outside in their yard. I got over and putz around with them. Pick up sticks, mow the lawn, cut branches, move heavy things, etc... Then I went to lunch with Luke, Mary, Heather and Chris at Johnny Mangos. I had gone there before and was not pleased, especially with the portions when concerned with prices. However, I couldn't finish my burrito and yet it was only $5. I had a bean and cheese burrito, it was mildly tasty. Lunch was fun, someone bumped Mary's car while we ate, and we also saw News Channel 5 camera crew. After that I went back to work then off to the playoff game. After a short rehearsal Lauren and I went to get something to eat. P gave us his $100 gift certificate Chipolte, so for dinner I ate another burrito...no complaining out of me. For lunch on Saturday I ate the other half of my burrito from Johnny Mango. That is until my dad told me the blue cheese dressing I put on it had expired in August:(

Friday night was the second round of playoff games for the South Rebels. The team was undefeated going in and looked really good all first half. The second half we faded but with about two minutes left in the fourth we came back to tie. Unfortunately we let them score again with only about 20 seconds left in the game. Luke was there and it was an outrageously great game. It was intense with excitement and it was super fun to have Luke there to jump around with and slap hands. Thanks Luke!

The other school had a marching band of TEN people. They were sooooooooooooo small, but super cool. That takes a lot of guts. They had four drummers and six horn players and even did drill. I spoke with one of them as to why the band was so small. He said that everyone male in the school not in the marching band plays football...wow. I guess that's a typical catholic school that recruits for football. Great great great great game though. Ha, there was a police escort for the busses and since I was driving the staff and luke I tried to get in and a cop cut me off. When we got to the stadium he got out and was really mad at me...jerk.

Good game, good beans.

The Prodigal Son

It's been a long time, I know...deal.

Lot has happened.

The Band Banquet was Wednesday night, my final. It was filled with mixed emotions.

I've come to grips with the result of state, mainly through the help from Gail and the line. They've both done a great job at forcing me to realize what I preach. I have never cared about scores at the high school level, but that II at state sucked. It turns out the drumline got a III from one of the judges. I was affected, but the kids weren't...that meant a lot. I guess I've done a good job at teaching them good fundamentals about competition...too bad I got caught up in the scores momentarily. Mainly I was proud of the great strides we were making mentally, especially concerning consistency. I don't want to walk away from the group at this juncture and I didn't want them to be negatively rewarded for their increasingly had work. Great job gang, I'm proud of your maturity.

Back to the banquet: It was fun, usually is. P's speech was short, for the first time ever, but a little unusual. He was VERY complimentary this year...never has he paid anyone a debt a gratitude ever before. He thanked the administration profusely, congratulated the football team and even mentioned he was excited to go into the playoffs...bizarre I know. He actually thanked the staff this year, other than Barry Hearts...the full time staff has felt slighted by this the last two years. Barry walked in and did a little work with the hornline and at last years banquet the kids and P freaked out with acknowledgements of his greatness and help. Whereas the regulars-full timers didn't even get a thank you last year. Even though we weren't mentioned in the DM's speech...again...P did thank us. (I think Gail might have written some of it) No glitter was allowed this year, thank god. The food was good...love vienerschnitzle.

There is always a gift trading situation for sections/section leaders/seniors/staff. I like to give a little something to the seniors for their hard work, dedication and leadership. Since this was my last season, I made awards for all members, but framed the seniors. Here's a short list:
Most likely to have a waffle in his pocket: John Bramely (actually had a waffle in his pocket)
Most likely not to hear this: Matt Zaddell (our deaf kid)
Most likely to lose this award: Wes Garlock (loses everything, honestly)
Most likely to injure herself on this award: Ash Cardon (has broken her ankle like four times)

(I stole this idea from NCA a group I marched in. When I was there I won: Most likely to be from Ohio...the organization was in MI...and most likely to be a ranger...which I sort of am. They are meant to be funny)

The line always makes a t-shirt, this year I really wanted pink...so it was done. Here is a photo: Thos are the inside jokes around the border and the party begins when you spread your legs. (another inside joke)

Here is a look at all the other t-shirts from years past. The one from '99 was the first year we ever did shirt...my senior year. I didn't work with them for two years, then spent four years on staff. The pic on the left is the backs and the pic on the left is the front of the t-shirts.










In the spirit of giving, the DL usually gives something to the seniors and staff. The two seniors got gifts that were specific to their inside jokes. John Bramley got a gift certificate to Bakers Square and Matt Hoffman got a dog collar. At sometime they all thought he was a dog...I must have missed that game. The line this year signed a drum head and got me a sweatshirt. I've always wanted a sweatshirt that says willoughby south drumline, and boy did they come through. Here is a photo of my billboard (from the front and back) and drumhead. I've never had a signed drumhead before, it's very special to me.















It was a good time. Short speech led to an early net to bed, which was good for me.

Freakin' Weeken'

Elisabeth came into town this past weekend. Ahh, it's very good to be with her. She's a happy person and together we are incredably goofy. When we add her old roommate Taylor Bates, the goofyness is through the roof. It's pretty crazy how void of emotion I can become when left alone. We've been doing the long distance thing now for awhile and I've been effecient at disconecting myself with lonliness. When we finally get together though, it's so great. It's really hard to transition back into that non-lonely mindset. Fortunatly when we get together, there is no transition. Things are truly great, I'm really excited to move to North Carolina in March to be with her full time. The rest of North Carolina I could do without, ESPECIALLY the heat, but so she's worth it. Sorry Luke:(

Katie, my sister, just realized that I'll be moving this spring. We were on the phone tonight and she mentioned how friends of her's from Boston are coming this summer and she wanted me to hang out with them. When I reminded her where I was planning on being, she was not happy. See, I have two sisters; Katie and Mary. Mary is very close to me in age, but very distant from everything else. Not too many people in the family really cares for Mary beyond face value. She an expert at burning bridges and holding extended grudges for the slightest blemishes. Katie is 6.5 years younger than me and absolutely wonderful. We enjoy the same things and are both easy going and supportive of one another. That's a good combo. I would call most of my family easy going and supportive. We like to help, some only think of what's in it for them. It's a huge pain on my parents. My dad hates that we don't talk. I found it interesting that since Mary's moved out, my parents haven't been over there once. I was sort of worried at first, that this was their plan never to visit their children. Turns out it's just her. I had always thought that my parents would be close enough that they could come over for dinner or to hang out. I love my parents company, Mary doesn't. I know that I'm part of the problem she hates me so much. I would see how she treated my parents and Katie and get really mad. I would beg her to stop and "play the game". She wanted nothing to do with it. "The Game", as my dad calls it, is when to speak and what to say. Here's an example: My mother and I went out to dinner and decided to bring something home for Mary and my dad, katie was staying somewhere that night. My mother ordered for them what they had ordered before. When we got home we told Mary. She went into the fridge and threw a fit. Apparently she didn't like that when she had first ordered it but neglected to tell my parents. So instead of saying, "Thanks guys, I appreciate it" and throwing it away she lost it on my mother and brought her to tears. My dad spoke to her and asked her why she didn't just say, "Thanks guys, but next time no ____, I had a hard time finishing it last time and it didn't agree with me." (That's how you play the game.) Instead of breaking my mother's heart for thinking about her daughter. She doesn't think twice, just talks. Katie once asked her how she could be such a great actress, a good lier, and yet so terrible at showing the correct emotion towards her family. It's hard to deal with her. She hates Elisabeth for no real reason at all, just some made up emotions she has created. She has never been in a relationship more than a month before and my mother thinks she hates Elisabeth b/c she doesn't know how to share me. Which I would believe if we were ever close, but we've always been like cats and dogs. Wow, this post has taken a unique and unexpected twist...sorry for the doom and gloom. Does anyone else have balck sheep in their family?

I got some new speakers today for my computer, they are the new hottness. The previous ones I had for five years, the ones that came with the comp, but blew those out last thursday. These are very nice. It's my first time with a sub on the comp...I LIKE. Nick, 1 of 3 rommates, keeps walking in and dancing b/c the vibrations are heading into his room...he's a little drunk and thinks it's cool. I hope he likes it next week when he's sober.

Toothpaste for the Future

I like to let the toothpaste build up inside the bristles of my toothbrush. I mean really deep...like halfway. Here's my thought process: when I go camping/hiking I like to pack smart/light. So I save space with neglecting to take my toothpaste. The brush comes, but not the tube. Throughout the non-camping time I build up my reserves of paste. Then when I'm out and about I have plenty of dried toothpaste ready at a moments notice without the bulky mess of lugging around a tube! See how great it is?! On top of that, if I'm ever lost during this time, I'll always have great breath...which is important when lost. Elisabeth can't quite see the importance of this; she has asked me to wash out my brush before. I explain this and she turns around and rolls her eyes. We work well together.

I used to love to eat toothpaste, too. My mom, a nurse, lost it when she found this out. I guess it's bad to digest a lot of fluoride...it's damn tasty though :) Sometimes when I'm hungry and don't want to eat, I just brush my teeth to subside the urge. My mind takes me back to the glory days of swallowing paste day and night.

Oh, that new paste, the BAM paste, the orange/cinnamon/mint paste...that tastes horrible!!!!!!!!! You can't even taste the delicious fluoride. :(

I've been running stats for six hours and I feel a little looney right now. They all contradict each other, so my research is pretty much a shame...at least my hypotheses is. I found this great graphing website hosted by the government for kids. New Hottness!