Well, I really thought that since I am student teaching, my life would be completely boring. Well, not really boring, but pretty uneventful. I was expecting to go to school, come home, and go to sleep, and then do it all over again. Don't get me wrong. I do do that... and I love it. Like right now, I have nothing really to do. Heavy duty teaching doesn't come for a little while, so all I do when I come home from school is relax or goof off on the computer... I know, if I have so much time to "goof off on the computer," one would think I would blog more. Nope. I am usually pretty tired. Today, I am tired, but I'm also dressed really nice. So instead of getting out of my nice clothes and hopping into the bed, I'm just sitting around looking good. It's retarded, but oh well.
But as I said, life has been anything but boring. Let's see where it starts...
Well, last Friday morning, I checked my e-mail to find that the editor of the Editorials section of The Tiger was bringing my attention to a letter sent in that was going to be puclished in that week's edition. At first, I was really nervous. But, it turns out, it was just some lame old prude construction science professor talking about how unwise I was being and about how terrible my colmuns were. I loved it... nothing like whining from some old coot to fuel my fire. I really didn't think I was THAT controversial... I guess I am. I feel like Rush Limbaugh, and it's awesome. Mr. George Bunch is getting a big slap in the face this Friday though. I win. I always do.
Then Friday night, I got little brother #3, grand little #2, and GREAT grand little #1! Michael Hubbard is my new little, Megan Wade is my new grand little, and Deborah Threadgill is my new great grand little. "From forth the loins of [me] has come a small community!!!" That is what the minister said at my great grandmother's funeral... LOL. Unfortunately, the number of great grand children and great-great grand children were incorrect. So, scratch small community and replace it with small cul-de-sac.
Friday and Saturday, I got to se my fabulous brothers from UGA. I really missed being so close to them. Spending Saturday night with them was great. Saturday night was SO AWESOME... despite one of the douchebags that lives in building 104 of the Reserve. Actually, I think that douchebag made the night even better. Our party ended up being tons better than his anyway... and I am saying it was HIS because the other 3 guys in his apartment are band members, and he didn't intend on having a sketchy band party. Well, his non-band party sucked. But the sketchy band members really enjoyed his PJ.
Now the fun ends... and the pain starts. It was Sunday when I realized something was terribly wrong. A bladder/kidney infection... Yeah. Well, here's some news for everyone. I don't really talk about it at all, 'cause I don't want people to think about it and worry about me too much. But, I have chronic renal failure. It means that my kidneys are going to quit working eventually. Right now, they don't work well all the time... which is why every year or so I get a REALLY painful and miserable infection. I'm not going to talk about all of the pain. But I will say that part of it is your back hurting because your kidneys are spazzing the hell out. It isn't fun at all. The past few days have been horrible. Just today I began seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. It isn't completely done with, but it's getting there. Seriously, the worse pain I have ever been in. I wouldn't wish it on ANYONE.
Yeah. So, that's that. Now I have updated the world on my life... and it isn't as boring as one would imagine from my lack of postings. I am really enjoying student teaching... and this new schedule I'm on. I'm also loving the fact that I have my own bathroom and there are only 3 of us living here. It's really nice. Things are going well... if you don't count my stupid kidneys.
I guess I'll succumb to taking this nice outfit off and get in the bed. LOL.
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
welcome, mr. parks!
That is what the board said all day in Mrs. Stephens' class at Code Elementary. And I really did feel welcome. All I can say is that Code Elementary is everything that Central Elementary is not. I knew that the first time I went there it was significantly different, I just couldn't explain why. Now, I STILL can't explain why. All I can say is that my 4th graders and my cooperating teacher, Mrs. Stephens help make it tons better.
Like I said, I felt incredibly welcome. Mrs. Stephens had a desk set up for me in the back of the classroom, as well as a first day snack! She is so awesome. My friend Christy teaches right next door to Mrs. Stephens, so she had prepared the entire 4th grade for my arrival. They all knew my name before they even got into homeroom. I got tons of "Hey, Mr. Parks!" and "It's nice to meet you." Not to compare them to my kids from Central, but they definitely showed A LOT of hospitality. One of Mrs. Stephens' students showed me around, and another talked me to death about everything from the C.O.D.E. of conduct to the 3 cats that live in the school courtyard. I also got gifts from a few students. The one that gave me a tour gave me a candy cane (which I am scared to eat, since Christmas was almost a month ago), the one that told me about the cats drew me a picture of one of them so I wouldn't get her mixed up with one of her kittens, and another student gave me a Dwyane Wade basketball card.
And even today, I did more than I normally did at Central. I graded papers, cut out laminated name tags, got something laminated, placed new nametags on desks, watched 3 students who stayed in at recess, and assisted students during enrichment time.
Today was just an all around great day. I am sure that I am going to really enjoy working at Code. The teachers, students, staff, and even environment are so condusive to learning and enjoyment.
I can't WAIT to go back tomorrow...
Like I said, I felt incredibly welcome. Mrs. Stephens had a desk set up for me in the back of the classroom, as well as a first day snack! She is so awesome. My friend Christy teaches right next door to Mrs. Stephens, so she had prepared the entire 4th grade for my arrival. They all knew my name before they even got into homeroom. I got tons of "Hey, Mr. Parks!" and "It's nice to meet you." Not to compare them to my kids from Central, but they definitely showed A LOT of hospitality. One of Mrs. Stephens' students showed me around, and another talked me to death about everything from the C.O.D.E. of conduct to the 3 cats that live in the school courtyard. I also got gifts from a few students. The one that gave me a tour gave me a candy cane (which I am scared to eat, since Christmas was almost a month ago), the one that told me about the cats drew me a picture of one of them so I wouldn't get her mixed up with one of her kittens, and another student gave me a Dwyane Wade basketball card.
And even today, I did more than I normally did at Central. I graded papers, cut out laminated name tags, got something laminated, placed new nametags on desks, watched 3 students who stayed in at recess, and assisted students during enrichment time.
Today was just an all around great day. I am sure that I am going to really enjoy working at Code. The teachers, students, staff, and even environment are so condusive to learning and enjoyment.
I can't WAIT to go back tomorrow...
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
as depression sets in...
Don't worry. It's not serious depression. I was just on campus today... and it was a highly novel experience. Last semester, if I wasn't over at the Brooks Center for band, I was getting off of the CAT bus at the Trustee House and going to Tillman. I hadn't been on the other side of Brackett since this summer. Today I walked behind there again... delivering recommendation letters for grad school. Everyone was rushing to get to their classes. That is when it hit me... I don't have any more classes. I might as well not be a college student. I feel so old and distant from everyone. I know it's all cool and all not to have to report to class and have assignments due... but honestly, I feel as if I am not on the same level as my friends... don't get me wrong. I don't think I am any BETTER than they are... I just feel old and archaic now.
On top of that, Jenee and I had a really deep discussion just about an hour ago. It was way too deep and intense to put in here... but it's got my head swimming. It's a good thing I don't have anything productive to do tomorrow, 'cause this is gonna have me in deep contemplation for a while...
To him that o'ercometh, God giveth a crown...
On top of that, Jenee and I had a really deep discussion just about an hour ago. It was way too deep and intense to put in here... but it's got my head swimming. It's a good thing I don't have anything productive to do tomorrow, 'cause this is gonna have me in deep contemplation for a while...
To him that o'ercometh, God giveth a crown...
Monday, January 10, 2005
carri's wedding
My friend, Carri Rowan (McDonald) from high school got married today... It's so hard to believe that she is married... I mean, it seems like only yesterday we were in concert choir goofing off and then at Pizza Hut barely working. Good lord... definitely a sign of growing up.
Her wedding was only the second of my peers that I have attended, however, this year there are TONS more... Alan and Misty, Racheal and Brandon, Heather and Nate, Allyson and the famous major league baseball player Landon Powell (that is just fabulous... my Ally really hit it big time)... and I just found out at Carri's wedding that my friend Meredith from high school is getting married in December!
It's all really exciting... and scary. It's like, all these people are not going to be kids anymore. It's kinda like regardless of how old you are, if you are single, you are still in a way "growing up." No offense to older people who aren't married or even young people who are. Beth and Jeff don't seem incredibly grown up... well, I mean, they do have a house and very god jobs, so they are definitely "socially mature," but I dunno. It's like the whole marriage ceremony is some sort of rite of passage in a way. There's just something about a daughter leaving the arms of her father and entering into the arms of another man, and a son leaving the watch of his mother only to enter into union with another female... It's all very tender.
I believe this is why engagements that come in less than a year are looked down on so much. Yes, yes, I know there are people who have parents and friends who got engaged after like a month and they have been married for years and years, but lets be serious. Can TRUE love really be found in a couple weeks? Marriage is more than just a prolonged date. Marriage is for life.
Today at the wedding, Ericka mentioned that Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt "broke up." I was like, "Um, isn't that called a divorce?" It's like celebrities are exempt from using the same terms as we common folk are. And what made it even funnier was that Carri's husband Mark was standing right behind us when I said the word "divorce" and in a panic he was like, "What?!" It was kinda weird to be talking about divorce on the day of a wedding.
I truly hope that Carri and Mark last for the rest of time... them and all my other friends getting married. I just hope that they are all "grown up" enough to take this big step.
Congratulations, Carri and Mark!
Her wedding was only the second of my peers that I have attended, however, this year there are TONS more... Alan and Misty, Racheal and Brandon, Heather and Nate, Allyson and the famous major league baseball player Landon Powell (that is just fabulous... my Ally really hit it big time)... and I just found out at Carri's wedding that my friend Meredith from high school is getting married in December!
It's all really exciting... and scary. It's like, all these people are not going to be kids anymore. It's kinda like regardless of how old you are, if you are single, you are still in a way "growing up." No offense to older people who aren't married or even young people who are. Beth and Jeff don't seem incredibly grown up... well, I mean, they do have a house and very god jobs, so they are definitely "socially mature," but I dunno. It's like the whole marriage ceremony is some sort of rite of passage in a way. There's just something about a daughter leaving the arms of her father and entering into the arms of another man, and a son leaving the watch of his mother only to enter into union with another female... It's all very tender.
I believe this is why engagements that come in less than a year are looked down on so much. Yes, yes, I know there are people who have parents and friends who got engaged after like a month and they have been married for years and years, but lets be serious. Can TRUE love really be found in a couple weeks? Marriage is more than just a prolonged date. Marriage is for life.
Today at the wedding, Ericka mentioned that Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt "broke up." I was like, "Um, isn't that called a divorce?" It's like celebrities are exempt from using the same terms as we common folk are. And what made it even funnier was that Carri's husband Mark was standing right behind us when I said the word "divorce" and in a panic he was like, "What?!" It was kinda weird to be talking about divorce on the day of a wedding.
I truly hope that Carri and Mark last for the rest of time... them and all my other friends getting married. I just hope that they are all "grown up" enough to take this big step.
Congratulations, Carri and Mark!
Friday, January 07, 2005
the biggest double-edged sword ever
My mother has gone completely beserk.
And let this be documented as the first time I have bloggged so quickly after waking up.
Okay. Today was my last day at work... thank God. My last day to wake up at 5 am to go and work at the tragic store known from now until the end of the month as "Rich's-Macy*s." I was tired this afternoon. Yes... even though we got done really early and I got off early. On top of that, tomorrow, I have to go and take the Praxis II exam in GREENWOOD, which is like at least an hour away... and I have to be there at 7:30. So, pretty much, it's 5 am tomorrow as well.
Well, apparently, sometime between now and after I fell asleep this afternoon, my dad called. I know that he called, and I know he said something along the lines of, "I'm stuck and I'm going to call your mother." He seemed very okay with this... from what I can remember. Now granted, I was asleep, and when people are asleep, things don't work all the time... You don't always hear everything that is going on, and you don't always know the seriousness of something unless someone is screaming, jumping up and down, or throwing things at you. This calm and somewhat unclear statement from my father did not wake me in the least. And from what I can remember, he never said, "Come and get me." He didn't even ask if I was sleeping I don't think... then again, I don't remember.
Well, I fell back asleep, or rather drifted back into a deeper sleep, and was just awoken when I realized that no one was here and the phone kept ringing constantly. My mom was on the other end saying, "So tell me why it was more important for you to sleep than to go get your father." I was like, "WHAT?" Somehow she had been under the impression that I told my dad, "No. I will not come pick you up, because I am indulging in some much needed sleep... scalawag." Yeah right. If I had needed to go do it (and this is what I said, VERBATUM) "As upset as I would be to get awoken out of my sleep, I would do it." Then she proceeds to tell me how disturbing to hear that I said, 'as upset as I would be.' She was like even if it was in the middle of the night and someone she cared for needed a ride, she would not be upset, but worried about that individual. WHATEVER. No one is going to sit there and tell me that if they get woken up, they are going to immediately jump to doing ANYTHING without waking up cranky and a little disturbed. If you were asleep, your sleep was DISRUPTED. Dictionary.com defines disrupted as "To interrupt or impede the progress, movement, or procedure of." Does that sound pleasant? Would you really be okay with anything you enjoy being interrupted? No.
Well, then I start getting frustrated at how insanely literal she is taking me and how holier than thou she is trying to be... like there is nothing in the world that could make her upset from waking up in the middle of the night to do something... oh, but there IS, apparently. I try to rebut my statement by saying that it is only human nature to be cranky when one is wakened from sleep. I then tried to tell her that there have been times when I have been woken up in the middle of the night only to go and retrieve someone who is too drunk to drive themselves home... THEN, she says the unimaginable... "Well, yes, I WOULD be 'upset' if I had to wake up and go get someone because they were irresponsible and were too drunk to handle themselves! THEN, I would be upset!"
How in the world does that make sense?! I am supposed to jump to the aid of my father who is stuck on the bad side of town in a nice outfit, but when someone is stranded and the only way they can get home is to put their life or someone else's life in danger, I have a right to be upset and angry?! That is the biggest double standard ever. My mom has become so pious, that even helping someone who is doing something inappropriate is not warranted, even when their life is in danger.
I hate it. I absolutely hate it. I now have a stomach ache, and want to leave this house immediately. What kind of house do I live in? It's so bad that I am afraid to admit that I like the movie Saved! If being the son of a preacher wasn't bad enough, I am now the son of a pious preacher's wife.
Someone do me a favor... someone next week, get really drunk... call me and get me to come pick you up. I just want to do it... and NOT get an attitude about it, just so I can spite my mother...
And let this be documented as the first time I have bloggged so quickly after waking up.
Okay. Today was my last day at work... thank God. My last day to wake up at 5 am to go and work at the tragic store known from now until the end of the month as "Rich's-Macy*s." I was tired this afternoon. Yes... even though we got done really early and I got off early. On top of that, tomorrow, I have to go and take the Praxis II exam in GREENWOOD, which is like at least an hour away... and I have to be there at 7:30. So, pretty much, it's 5 am tomorrow as well.
Well, apparently, sometime between now and after I fell asleep this afternoon, my dad called. I know that he called, and I know he said something along the lines of, "I'm stuck and I'm going to call your mother." He seemed very okay with this... from what I can remember. Now granted, I was asleep, and when people are asleep, things don't work all the time... You don't always hear everything that is going on, and you don't always know the seriousness of something unless someone is screaming, jumping up and down, or throwing things at you. This calm and somewhat unclear statement from my father did not wake me in the least. And from what I can remember, he never said, "Come and get me." He didn't even ask if I was sleeping I don't think... then again, I don't remember.
Well, I fell back asleep, or rather drifted back into a deeper sleep, and was just awoken when I realized that no one was here and the phone kept ringing constantly. My mom was on the other end saying, "So tell me why it was more important for you to sleep than to go get your father." I was like, "WHAT?" Somehow she had been under the impression that I told my dad, "No. I will not come pick you up, because I am indulging in some much needed sleep... scalawag." Yeah right. If I had needed to go do it (and this is what I said, VERBATUM) "As upset as I would be to get awoken out of my sleep, I would do it." Then she proceeds to tell me how disturbing to hear that I said, 'as upset as I would be.' She was like even if it was in the middle of the night and someone she cared for needed a ride, she would not be upset, but worried about that individual. WHATEVER. No one is going to sit there and tell me that if they get woken up, they are going to immediately jump to doing ANYTHING without waking up cranky and a little disturbed. If you were asleep, your sleep was DISRUPTED. Dictionary.com defines disrupted as "To interrupt or impede the progress, movement, or procedure of." Does that sound pleasant? Would you really be okay with anything you enjoy being interrupted? No.
Well, then I start getting frustrated at how insanely literal she is taking me and how holier than thou she is trying to be... like there is nothing in the world that could make her upset from waking up in the middle of the night to do something... oh, but there IS, apparently. I try to rebut my statement by saying that it is only human nature to be cranky when one is wakened from sleep. I then tried to tell her that there have been times when I have been woken up in the middle of the night only to go and retrieve someone who is too drunk to drive themselves home... THEN, she says the unimaginable... "Well, yes, I WOULD be 'upset' if I had to wake up and go get someone because they were irresponsible and were too drunk to handle themselves! THEN, I would be upset!"
How in the world does that make sense?! I am supposed to jump to the aid of my father who is stuck on the bad side of town in a nice outfit, but when someone is stranded and the only way they can get home is to put their life or someone else's life in danger, I have a right to be upset and angry?! That is the biggest double standard ever. My mom has become so pious, that even helping someone who is doing something inappropriate is not warranted, even when their life is in danger.
I hate it. I absolutely hate it. I now have a stomach ache, and want to leave this house immediately. What kind of house do I live in? It's so bad that I am afraid to admit that I like the movie Saved! If being the son of a preacher wasn't bad enough, I am now the son of a pious preacher's wife.
Someone do me a favor... someone next week, get really drunk... call me and get me to come pick you up. I just want to do it... and NOT get an attitude about it, just so I can spite my mother...
Thursday, January 06, 2005
let's talk about inventory...
This job is the worst, most boring, most lame, most terrible job I have ever had. I am so serious. This morning and yesterday morning, I got up at 5 am DREADING what was ahead of me. However, this morning, I dreaded it more than yesterday, because I knew what was in store. Yesterday, I was not happy, but I think most of that was due to the fact that it was 5 in the morning... I don't even get up that early to go teach at school! Ridiculous.
Yesterday, I had the privilege of spending 5 hours in a little tiny stock room with 4 other people. Talk about torture. The room was small, cramped, and hot. Several times I felt nauseous and like I was going to pass out. And it was so monotonous... Shoot the laser thing at the merchandise and go. As much as I like the idea of killing the merchandise, it was so boring... and there was SO much of it! If those 5 hours in the housewares stock room wasn't enough, I was sent to the textiles stock room for my last hour of work.
This hour was terrible for 2 reasons. First of all, my arms were so sore from lifting things and reaching high above my head in the first stock room, that it took all my strength to lift little packs of bedding from eye level. I mean, my arms and shoulders never hurt like that, even after conducting Tiger Band. The second reason this stock room sucked more was because of the lady in charge. Her name was Candace. You know those people who will say your name just 'cause they see it on your nametag? Well, to me, that's kinda like "getting to someone." It's kinda like, I know your name, and you don't know mine, so I got something on you. And, this lady OBVIOUSLY didn't know who my dad was (yes, sometimes that association comes in handy). So, I immediately didn't like this lady... and sure enough, today, I didn't like her even more.
Well, at 6 o'clock today, things were a little better. Instead of being in the housewares stockroom, I was on the floor in housewares. Still offended by the sight of dishes, I began scanning over in the corner by myself. I enjoyed this a lot more and the time seemed to pass a lot quicker. I don't warm up to people incredibly fast... especially old people, and especially people who act like, they got it all goin' on. That is what surrounded me at "Rich's-Macy*s" (I wish they would just call it friggin' Rich's until they make the final switch... geez). A lot of the older people there were just like me--people who didn't work at... RICH'S... just hired help for inventory. But because they are OLD and have been around the sun a few more times than even the people in charge, they tell everyone what to do. Ol' biddies and coots! So annoying! This one man next to me was trying to tell the manager what to do... THE MANAGER! The next time someone tells me to mind my elders, I'm gonna need my elders to mind people who are MORE QUALIFIED.
Anyway, I don't just dislike old people. After I got done on one side of housewares, I started counting behind people on the other side. This 21 year old guy told me to partner up with him because he worked so fast... Well you know why he worked so fast? 'Cause he was doing it the COMPLETELY WRONG WAY! They showed us a video that said if you have 5 of the same thing, DO NOT scan one thing 5 times, but scan each thing individually. Well, this genius was doing EXACTLY what the video said not to do. So yes, he was making haste with his inventory. To make matters worse, he was trying to hit on this 40 year old British Indian woman. Seriously. Okay, she didn't look like she was 40, but she told him that she was. He was all intrigued with her accent and she was like, "I'm from Britain." Then this guy goes, "Well, you look Indian." YOU CAN BE INDIAN AND BE FROM BRITAIN, EINSTEIN! UGH.
Thankfully, I was relieved from working with him... but I had to go back to textiles, with Candace, the stuck up troll. Since I was on the floor in textiles, I took advantage of a display bed while Candace ran around due to her own lack of comprehension. Apparently, she didn't prep for the day, so people were coming to work in her department from getting done in housewares, and she had nothing for them to do. I was one of them. So, I sat my happy behind on that Tommy Hilfiger bed and proceeded to earn $2 for those 20 minutes I sat there. Finally, she put me to work. I ended up working as a counter for this girl... I feel so bad, 'cause I don't know her name at all, and we spent like 2 hours together. She was really funny... and we got a lot of work done and passed a lot of time. We kept making comments about the ridiculously overpriced pillows and bedspreads that we were counting up. I also helped out this older woman whose earlier counter had screwed up. She kept talking about the girl and how stupid of a mistake she made. The lady was really nice to me. She told me all about how inventory was her only means of money since she had gotten laid off. She asked me how long I had been without work and I told her I was in college. She said she was "so proud" of me. And then she said something I will ALWAYS remember: "This job makes you wanna work hard in school doesn't it?" AMEN, SISTA! That is my whole problem with this job...
First of all, I don't enjoy it. I would NEVER work a job that I don't enjoy. What is the point of doing something day in and day out when you don't like it. REGARDLESS of how much money you need/want. You are doing yourself a huge injustice by staying in an occupation you don't enjoy... which is WHY people go to college and major in the area that they WANT to work in.
Secondly, you don't need any sort of education to do this job. I know there are some people who don't have an education. Either they couldn't get a good one, or they messed up somewhere on their own. Then a job like that is fine for people like that. I am not one of those people. I am not going to work in a job like retail, when I have the education to work in a job that I have recieved an education for.
Thirdly, it's people like Candace who make me not want to work in a job like that. Those people... who act like they are big and bad and know everything, talk down to other people, micromanage, and do not contribute to a healthy work environment... AND THEY DON'T EVEN HAVE ALL THEIR ISH TOGETHER! Candace... ooh. I couldn't work with her constantly... I'd make her cry.
ANYWAY. That is the horror known as inventory at "Rich's-Macy*s." I HATE IT. I HATE IT. I HATE IT. I HATE IT. I HATE IT. AND I WILL NEVER EVER EVER DO IT AGAIN... except tomorrow. :(
Yesterday, I had the privilege of spending 5 hours in a little tiny stock room with 4 other people. Talk about torture. The room was small, cramped, and hot. Several times I felt nauseous and like I was going to pass out. And it was so monotonous... Shoot the laser thing at the merchandise and go. As much as I like the idea of killing the merchandise, it was so boring... and there was SO much of it! If those 5 hours in the housewares stock room wasn't enough, I was sent to the textiles stock room for my last hour of work.
This hour was terrible for 2 reasons. First of all, my arms were so sore from lifting things and reaching high above my head in the first stock room, that it took all my strength to lift little packs of bedding from eye level. I mean, my arms and shoulders never hurt like that, even after conducting Tiger Band. The second reason this stock room sucked more was because of the lady in charge. Her name was Candace. You know those people who will say your name just 'cause they see it on your nametag? Well, to me, that's kinda like "getting to someone." It's kinda like, I know your name, and you don't know mine, so I got something on you. And, this lady OBVIOUSLY didn't know who my dad was (yes, sometimes that association comes in handy). So, I immediately didn't like this lady... and sure enough, today, I didn't like her even more.
Well, at 6 o'clock today, things were a little better. Instead of being in the housewares stockroom, I was on the floor in housewares. Still offended by the sight of dishes, I began scanning over in the corner by myself. I enjoyed this a lot more and the time seemed to pass a lot quicker. I don't warm up to people incredibly fast... especially old people, and especially people who act like, they got it all goin' on. That is what surrounded me at "Rich's-Macy*s" (I wish they would just call it friggin' Rich's until they make the final switch... geez). A lot of the older people there were just like me--people who didn't work at... RICH'S... just hired help for inventory. But because they are OLD and have been around the sun a few more times than even the people in charge, they tell everyone what to do. Ol' biddies and coots! So annoying! This one man next to me was trying to tell the manager what to do... THE MANAGER! The next time someone tells me to mind my elders, I'm gonna need my elders to mind people who are MORE QUALIFIED.
Anyway, I don't just dislike old people. After I got done on one side of housewares, I started counting behind people on the other side. This 21 year old guy told me to partner up with him because he worked so fast... Well you know why he worked so fast? 'Cause he was doing it the COMPLETELY WRONG WAY! They showed us a video that said if you have 5 of the same thing, DO NOT scan one thing 5 times, but scan each thing individually. Well, this genius was doing EXACTLY what the video said not to do. So yes, he was making haste with his inventory. To make matters worse, he was trying to hit on this 40 year old British Indian woman. Seriously. Okay, she didn't look like she was 40, but she told him that she was. He was all intrigued with her accent and she was like, "I'm from Britain." Then this guy goes, "Well, you look Indian." YOU CAN BE INDIAN AND BE FROM BRITAIN, EINSTEIN! UGH.
Thankfully, I was relieved from working with him... but I had to go back to textiles, with Candace, the stuck up troll. Since I was on the floor in textiles, I took advantage of a display bed while Candace ran around due to her own lack of comprehension. Apparently, she didn't prep for the day, so people were coming to work in her department from getting done in housewares, and she had nothing for them to do. I was one of them. So, I sat my happy behind on that Tommy Hilfiger bed and proceeded to earn $2 for those 20 minutes I sat there. Finally, she put me to work. I ended up working as a counter for this girl... I feel so bad, 'cause I don't know her name at all, and we spent like 2 hours together. She was really funny... and we got a lot of work done and passed a lot of time. We kept making comments about the ridiculously overpriced pillows and bedspreads that we were counting up. I also helped out this older woman whose earlier counter had screwed up. She kept talking about the girl and how stupid of a mistake she made. The lady was really nice to me. She told me all about how inventory was her only means of money since she had gotten laid off. She asked me how long I had been without work and I told her I was in college. She said she was "so proud" of me. And then she said something I will ALWAYS remember: "This job makes you wanna work hard in school doesn't it?" AMEN, SISTA! That is my whole problem with this job...
First of all, I don't enjoy it. I would NEVER work a job that I don't enjoy. What is the point of doing something day in and day out when you don't like it. REGARDLESS of how much money you need/want. You are doing yourself a huge injustice by staying in an occupation you don't enjoy... which is WHY people go to college and major in the area that they WANT to work in.
Secondly, you don't need any sort of education to do this job. I know there are some people who don't have an education. Either they couldn't get a good one, or they messed up somewhere on their own. Then a job like that is fine for people like that. I am not one of those people. I am not going to work in a job like retail, when I have the education to work in a job that I have recieved an education for.
Thirdly, it's people like Candace who make me not want to work in a job like that. Those people... who act like they are big and bad and know everything, talk down to other people, micromanage, and do not contribute to a healthy work environment... AND THEY DON'T EVEN HAVE ALL THEIR ISH TOGETHER! Candace... ooh. I couldn't work with her constantly... I'd make her cry.
ANYWAY. That is the horror known as inventory at "Rich's-Macy*s." I HATE IT. I HATE IT. I HATE IT. I HATE IT. I HATE IT. AND I WILL NEVER EVER EVER DO IT AGAIN... except tomorrow. :(
Monday, January 03, 2005
that first nap of the day...
...let's just say I was asleep from the time I finished that entry to 6 pm. I'm telling you, the life of a hermit is not fun in the least. But, I guess I should appreciate it while I have it. I woke up to my mom welcoming me into the land of the living and saying, "Well, I guess you'll be up all night! Why don't you paint your room while you are at home?" Thank you, mother, for giving me the go ahead to paint my room now that I have no more free time this break.
She and my dad are on this HUGE renovating campaign. It started with Centex repairing what they screwed up when they built the house 8 years ago... then they just got new hardwood floors. Thursday, we are getting the foyer and family room painted COLORS... not just white. It's going to be dramatic.
My mom has me SO involved in this. I guess it's... nice... but honestly, the color of our house doesn't mean much to me anymore. I'm more concerned with the color of MY house... whenever that will come. I'm ready for it.
My mom asked me that today... if I am ready to be an adult... SSHHHYEEEAH! I am MORE than ready for responsibility and being grown... being responsible for myself and when people see me they will be like, "That is Hamilton," not "That is Toney's son." I HATE THAT. Seriously, I hate that more than anyone will know. Well, Jenee probably understands, seeing how her dad is an idol to Clemson football fans everywhere. It's kinda like all my life, I have lived in the shadow of my dad. He's well known and well respected, which is great and all, but i want to be known for me.
That's why I pride myself in the things I have accomplished... like all my titles and awards in high school... being a drum major at Clemson. It's nice to be known for your own good qualities, not those of the people you are associated with. I could never say that to my dad because it would seem like some sort of slap in the face to him... like, I don't want to be associated with him. But not really... I just don't want to have to hang on to his coattails, that's all. I can hold my own...
...And this is why I am not looking forward to work this week. My dad used to work at Rich's. unfortunately, he hasn't been gone long enough for other people to leave and there be completely new employees there. As soon as I walked in the door, "My, you have grown up a lot!" WELL, HELL! Do they expect me to be 12 for the rest of my life? Ugh.
Believe it or not, I'm feeling tired again... maybe I'm not really tired. It's just that I have nothing else to write and the good TV doesn't come on for another hour. Nap time, part deux?
She and my dad are on this HUGE renovating campaign. It started with Centex repairing what they screwed up when they built the house 8 years ago... then they just got new hardwood floors. Thursday, we are getting the foyer and family room painted COLORS... not just white. It's going to be dramatic.
My mom has me SO involved in this. I guess it's... nice... but honestly, the color of our house doesn't mean much to me anymore. I'm more concerned with the color of MY house... whenever that will come. I'm ready for it.
My mom asked me that today... if I am ready to be an adult... SSHHHYEEEAH! I am MORE than ready for responsibility and being grown... being responsible for myself and when people see me they will be like, "That is Hamilton," not "That is Toney's son." I HATE THAT. Seriously, I hate that more than anyone will know. Well, Jenee probably understands, seeing how her dad is an idol to Clemson football fans everywhere. It's kinda like all my life, I have lived in the shadow of my dad. He's well known and well respected, which is great and all, but i want to be known for me.
That's why I pride myself in the things I have accomplished... like all my titles and awards in high school... being a drum major at Clemson. It's nice to be known for your own good qualities, not those of the people you are associated with. I could never say that to my dad because it would seem like some sort of slap in the face to him... like, I don't want to be associated with him. But not really... I just don't want to have to hang on to his coattails, that's all. I can hold my own...
...And this is why I am not looking forward to work this week. My dad used to work at Rich's. unfortunately, he hasn't been gone long enough for other people to leave and there be completely new employees there. As soon as I walked in the door, "My, you have grown up a lot!" WELL, HELL! Do they expect me to be 12 for the rest of my life? Ugh.
Believe it or not, I'm feeling tired again... maybe I'm not really tired. It's just that I have nothing else to write and the good TV doesn't come on for another hour. Nap time, part deux?
king congruence lite!
After that confusing entry about anti-resolutions last night, I decided I couldn't let my orgy-tainted apartment or my lack of new years spirit get in the way of commemorating the end of 2004 and the beginning of 2005... so, I changed the template of my blog.
Yeah, it's nice. The only thing is that there is nowhere for Smouse to leave comments. I really look forward to what good ol' Smousy-poo has to say. So, I think I'll put a link to my e-mail over in the links... Smouse, that is expecially for you!
By the way, Smouse, I have this new device on my blog that checks the IP address of everyone that visits, so I know where you live... I think. Just throw me a frikkin' bone here and give me at least a hint of who you are. It's driving me INSANE.
Okay, actually, it wasn't bugging me until you popped back up with that Happy New Years comment you left me. You had been MIA for a while. But I'm glad you're back.
In other news, rent is due today, and I am not in Clemson. Yay. It is also Patrick's 21st birthday (DOWNTOWN IS GOING TO BE SO MUCH FUN NOW)! Today is my last full day of freedom as I have training for inventory tomorrow. Big boo.
I suppose it's time for the first nap of the day...
Yeah, it's nice. The only thing is that there is nowhere for Smouse to leave comments. I really look forward to what good ol' Smousy-poo has to say. So, I think I'll put a link to my e-mail over in the links... Smouse, that is expecially for you!
By the way, Smouse, I have this new device on my blog that checks the IP address of everyone that visits, so I know where you live... I think. Just throw me a frikkin' bone here and give me at least a hint of who you are. It's driving me INSANE.
Okay, actually, it wasn't bugging me until you popped back up with that Happy New Years comment you left me. You had been MIA for a while. But I'm glad you're back.
In other news, rent is due today, and I am not in Clemson. Yay. It is also Patrick's 21st birthday (DOWNTOWN IS GOING TO BE SO MUCH FUN NOW)! Today is my last full day of freedom as I have training for inventory tomorrow. Big boo.
I suppose it's time for the first nap of the day...
Sunday, January 02, 2005
prollems
I'm having prollems tonight. Yes--prollems. They are worse than just problems. However, things are looking up... two episodes of Roseanne are coming on.
Anyway, the beginning of another year has come, and while it's commencement was marred with he sight of my atrocious apartment, I still can't help but be a little cynical about these first few days of the year. Everyone always make resolutions as to what they are or are not going to do for the year. By Martin Luther King, Jr. day, everyone messes up--it's a long weekend, so there's reason to eat lots and have a wild weekend getting drunk. Then by Valentines Day, people are having crazy go nuts sex again, so seriously, what's the point in making a resolution?
Making resolutions is pretty cliche for me. I mean, it doesn't even have to be the beginning of a year for me to make some proclamation for what I am not going to do but then end up doing within a matter of days. So, my "resolution" is not to make one... no. I'm not going to resolve not to make a resolution, 'cause that would just be defeating the purpose of not making one. Dammit, I'm just not going to do anything. Or is that a resolution in it self as well?
Oh, forget it. What I'm trying to say is that there is no reason to promulgate what I am going to be or not be. Even for the Ham Rules... forget those. I haven't even referred to them in a long time... what's the point? What I have found out is that binding myself to a set of rules is stupid. I have been so-called doing that for the past 2 years and it hasn't gotten me anywhere. If anything, I have set myself up for an outcome that isn't coming.
I really don't know what I am trying to say. Like I said, I am having prollems tonight. these prollems go far beyond things like my dirty roommate, or having to work this week. These are issues that I'm sure will not be resolved by the end of this week either. I guess that's why they suck so much... there is no resolution in sight.
And maybe that's why people resolve to do things for the new year. They are attempting to resolve something on their own that they in essence cannot really do (okay, I am finally getting somewhere now). History has proven that there are some things that they just can't really handle... so at the beginning of the year (when people think that for some reason they have a clean slate), they say, "Not this year... Things are going to be different, this year." Hmmm... I'm not quite that gullible to believe it. Some things are the way they are because that is they way they are meant to be. Yes, it's a possibility that someone is meant to be an alcoholic. It's a possibility that someone is meant to make failing grades. It is a possibility that someone's marriage is not supposed to last. There are reasons for all of these seemingly terrible things. That alcoholic may have a child who witnesses their behavior and vows to never drink and live a completely sober and alcohol-free life. That person with failing grades might have to become an enterpreneur and make his own living, which eventually builds into a huge multi-million dollar corporation. That individual that gets a divorce might end up in a better, more healthy relationship with an individual they truly belong with.
So I guess there are reasons for the prollems we have in our lives. And maybe there really is no reason to try to resolve them. Maybe our prollems are roadblocks that make us stronger, or little illnesses that have to run their course. You can't go around the roadblock, but through it... and you can't just take medicine to get rid of the illness, but you have to cough and sneeze a little bit...
All that being said, they still suck pretty bad.
Anyway, the beginning of another year has come, and while it's commencement was marred with he sight of my atrocious apartment, I still can't help but be a little cynical about these first few days of the year. Everyone always make resolutions as to what they are or are not going to do for the year. By Martin Luther King, Jr. day, everyone messes up--it's a long weekend, so there's reason to eat lots and have a wild weekend getting drunk. Then by Valentines Day, people are having crazy go nuts sex again, so seriously, what's the point in making a resolution?
Making resolutions is pretty cliche for me. I mean, it doesn't even have to be the beginning of a year for me to make some proclamation for what I am not going to do but then end up doing within a matter of days. So, my "resolution" is not to make one... no. I'm not going to resolve not to make a resolution, 'cause that would just be defeating the purpose of not making one. Dammit, I'm just not going to do anything. Or is that a resolution in it self as well?
Oh, forget it. What I'm trying to say is that there is no reason to promulgate what I am going to be or not be. Even for the Ham Rules... forget those. I haven't even referred to them in a long time... what's the point? What I have found out is that binding myself to a set of rules is stupid. I have been so-called doing that for the past 2 years and it hasn't gotten me anywhere. If anything, I have set myself up for an outcome that isn't coming.
I really don't know what I am trying to say. Like I said, I am having prollems tonight. these prollems go far beyond things like my dirty roommate, or having to work this week. These are issues that I'm sure will not be resolved by the end of this week either. I guess that's why they suck so much... there is no resolution in sight.
And maybe that's why people resolve to do things for the new year. They are attempting to resolve something on their own that they in essence cannot really do (okay, I am finally getting somewhere now). History has proven that there are some things that they just can't really handle... so at the beginning of the year (when people think that for some reason they have a clean slate), they say, "Not this year... Things are going to be different, this year." Hmmm... I'm not quite that gullible to believe it. Some things are the way they are because that is they way they are meant to be. Yes, it's a possibility that someone is meant to be an alcoholic. It's a possibility that someone is meant to make failing grades. It is a possibility that someone's marriage is not supposed to last. There are reasons for all of these seemingly terrible things. That alcoholic may have a child who witnesses their behavior and vows to never drink and live a completely sober and alcohol-free life. That person with failing grades might have to become an enterpreneur and make his own living, which eventually builds into a huge multi-million dollar corporation. That individual that gets a divorce might end up in a better, more healthy relationship with an individual they truly belong with.
So I guess there are reasons for the prollems we have in our lives. And maybe there really is no reason to try to resolve them. Maybe our prollems are roadblocks that make us stronger, or little illnesses that have to run their course. You can't go around the roadblock, but through it... and you can't just take medicine to get rid of the illness, but you have to cough and sneeze a little bit...
All that being said, they still suck pretty bad.
Saturday, January 01, 2005
filthy
Happy New Year.
Now that that is out of the way, it's time for some serious bitching. First of all, lemme pose this question... If 4 people live in an apartment, but each person has their own room, then doesn't that mean that while the individual rooms can be fit to the individual occupant's liking, the common area that everyone shares must be suitable and confortable for everyone?
The answer is yes. Whether you agree to it or not. The bedroom is one's personal space--fit for doing any and everything that the person who sleeps there wants to do. If they want to keep it dirty, that is their perogative. If they want to keep it clean, that is their perogative. You will never hear me complain about how dirty someone's room is other than my own. That is their business.
But when my (as well as others') bathroom, kitchen, and living room is trashed by one person, then it's my business... someone else's shit, but my business.
Let me tell you how my apartment looked on the last day of the year 2004: I walk into my apartment already worried... One the phone while I have been at home, Jenee asked me several times if I had been back to the apartment or if Nick had. I kept saying no and kept asking her why she was asking. She kept saying, "Just wondering." Then there was also the fact that it was a college apartment complex and most college students go home for the holidays, so I was thinking that maybe a burglary could have happened. Oh no... It wasn't that. Neither my own twisted mind nor Jenee's questioning could have prepared me for what I saw there in my apartment...
Now remember, when I left, I made sure everything was neat and in its place. Nick even came to clean out all of the perishable stuff from the refrigerator. We both secured things and turned fans and the heat off.
Well, sometime between then and last night, someone had been back at the apartment and just doing things in a completely self centered and inconsiderate way... as if he were the only person (or he and his friends were the only PEOPLE) living at the apartment. The futon (which was broken and couldn't really go all the way flat) was laid out in the DEAD CENTER of the living room. It was turned so it met up with the sofa... so it looked as if someone was trying to make a huge king sized bed type thing. Patrick's sheet was off of it and thrown on the floor (thankfully, 'cause it looked like dirty things were done in that make shift king sized bed). Patrick's blanket was not so lucky. It was in a mess of dirty sheets on the futon. This futon was not made, mind you--the sheets were just sitting on it sloppily... like someone had SLOPPILY rolled around in them. Anyway, there were clothes strewn all over the place. In one corner, shirts... in another, socks... in another, A BRA. WTF? Our high table and stools were pushed way up against a corner and all over the table were sheets and packets of black feathers. Most of the packets were empty--cause the feathers were just lying all over the place. There were also pencils and glue. It looked as if someone was trying to make a drag costume (I mean there was already a bra on the floor). Then, in the kitchen, there were dishes in the sink... and not just a few dishes. There were at least like 5 cups in there... WHO ALL HAD BEEN HANGING OUT IN THE APARTMENT? AND WHY DID ONE OF THOSE BITCHES LEAVE HER DAMN BRA?
Over in the bathroom area (the one that I share, not Patrick and Nick's--lucky them), my side of the counter and my sink were messy. I made sure that I cleaned MY sink and MY mirror before I left. I ended up cleaning the bathroom ALL SEMESTER LONG, so I wasn't going to clean the other side of the sink and mirror this time. When I did that, you shoulda seen it... it looked like a Windex or 409 commercial, where they show the before and after sides. My side was so clean and neat. And the other side had water spots and toothpaste and smudges all over the mirror... Well, when I came back yesterday, I had water spots and toothpaste and smudges all over MY mirror! Someone had been using my sink! It just made me feel for those poor 3 bears when that Goldilocks ho came into their house. The toilet (that I had cleaned just before leaving for the holidays--and that I had cleaned in November... and October... and September) had junk in it. Not even the decency to flush the damn toilet!
I have no idea what the hell happened in that apartment. All I know is when I walked in, followed by Missy and Kiki, I was so thoroughly embarrassed. We immediately got to work on a cleaning campaign that included returning the furniture to the correct spots, discarding all the sketchy and random clothing/drag materials/underwear to the perptrator's room, washing the dishes, wiping down MY SIDE of the sink area in the bathroom, and washing Patrick's poor blanket... 'cause people were supposed to be coming over to help ring in the new year within the half hour.
So once again, I pose the question: If 4 people live in an apartment, but each person has their own room, then doesn't that mean that while the individual rooms can be fit to the individual occupant's liking, the common area that everyone shares must be suitable and confortable for everyone? EVEN IF IT IS WINTER BREAK, ALL THE ROOMMATES HAVE KEYS, AND TWO OF WHICH LIVE IN VERY CLOSE PROXIMITY?
There is no excuse for the mess that was 101-A last night. But frankly, I wasn't incredibly surprised. Like I said, I have been the cleaner of the bathroom for the past semester, and Patrick, Nick, and I have been the cleaners of pretty much ALL the dishes all semester. I guess the thing that took me aback the most was the sketchiness of it all... it seriously looked like kinky feather sex had been had in our living room.
Now that that is out of the way, it's time for some serious bitching. First of all, lemme pose this question... If 4 people live in an apartment, but each person has their own room, then doesn't that mean that while the individual rooms can be fit to the individual occupant's liking, the common area that everyone shares must be suitable and confortable for everyone?
The answer is yes. Whether you agree to it or not. The bedroom is one's personal space--fit for doing any and everything that the person who sleeps there wants to do. If they want to keep it dirty, that is their perogative. If they want to keep it clean, that is their perogative. You will never hear me complain about how dirty someone's room is other than my own. That is their business.
But when my (as well as others') bathroom, kitchen, and living room is trashed by one person, then it's my business... someone else's shit, but my business.
Let me tell you how my apartment looked on the last day of the year 2004: I walk into my apartment already worried... One the phone while I have been at home, Jenee asked me several times if I had been back to the apartment or if Nick had. I kept saying no and kept asking her why she was asking. She kept saying, "Just wondering." Then there was also the fact that it was a college apartment complex and most college students go home for the holidays, so I was thinking that maybe a burglary could have happened. Oh no... It wasn't that. Neither my own twisted mind nor Jenee's questioning could have prepared me for what I saw there in my apartment...
Now remember, when I left, I made sure everything was neat and in its place. Nick even came to clean out all of the perishable stuff from the refrigerator. We both secured things and turned fans and the heat off.
Well, sometime between then and last night, someone had been back at the apartment and just doing things in a completely self centered and inconsiderate way... as if he were the only person (or he and his friends were the only PEOPLE) living at the apartment. The futon (which was broken and couldn't really go all the way flat) was laid out in the DEAD CENTER of the living room. It was turned so it met up with the sofa... so it looked as if someone was trying to make a huge king sized bed type thing. Patrick's sheet was off of it and thrown on the floor (thankfully, 'cause it looked like dirty things were done in that make shift king sized bed). Patrick's blanket was not so lucky. It was in a mess of dirty sheets on the futon. This futon was not made, mind you--the sheets were just sitting on it sloppily... like someone had SLOPPILY rolled around in them. Anyway, there were clothes strewn all over the place. In one corner, shirts... in another, socks... in another, A BRA. WTF? Our high table and stools were pushed way up against a corner and all over the table were sheets and packets of black feathers. Most of the packets were empty--cause the feathers were just lying all over the place. There were also pencils and glue. It looked as if someone was trying to make a drag costume (I mean there was already a bra on the floor). Then, in the kitchen, there were dishes in the sink... and not just a few dishes. There were at least like 5 cups in there... WHO ALL HAD BEEN HANGING OUT IN THE APARTMENT? AND WHY DID ONE OF THOSE BITCHES LEAVE HER DAMN BRA?
Over in the bathroom area (the one that I share, not Patrick and Nick's--lucky them), my side of the counter and my sink were messy. I made sure that I cleaned MY sink and MY mirror before I left. I ended up cleaning the bathroom ALL SEMESTER LONG, so I wasn't going to clean the other side of the sink and mirror this time. When I did that, you shoulda seen it... it looked like a Windex or 409 commercial, where they show the before and after sides. My side was so clean and neat. And the other side had water spots and toothpaste and smudges all over the mirror... Well, when I came back yesterday, I had water spots and toothpaste and smudges all over MY mirror! Someone had been using my sink! It just made me feel for those poor 3 bears when that Goldilocks ho came into their house. The toilet (that I had cleaned just before leaving for the holidays--and that I had cleaned in November... and October... and September) had junk in it. Not even the decency to flush the damn toilet!
I have no idea what the hell happened in that apartment. All I know is when I walked in, followed by Missy and Kiki, I was so thoroughly embarrassed. We immediately got to work on a cleaning campaign that included returning the furniture to the correct spots, discarding all the sketchy and random clothing/drag materials/underwear to the perptrator's room, washing the dishes, wiping down MY SIDE of the sink area in the bathroom, and washing Patrick's poor blanket... 'cause people were supposed to be coming over to help ring in the new year within the half hour.
So once again, I pose the question: If 4 people live in an apartment, but each person has their own room, then doesn't that mean that while the individual rooms can be fit to the individual occupant's liking, the common area that everyone shares must be suitable and confortable for everyone? EVEN IF IT IS WINTER BREAK, ALL THE ROOMMATES HAVE KEYS, AND TWO OF WHICH LIVE IN VERY CLOSE PROXIMITY?
There is no excuse for the mess that was 101-A last night. But frankly, I wasn't incredibly surprised. Like I said, I have been the cleaner of the bathroom for the past semester, and Patrick, Nick, and I have been the cleaners of pretty much ALL the dishes all semester. I guess the thing that took me aback the most was the sketchiness of it all... it seriously looked like kinky feather sex had been had in our living room.
Friday, December 31, 2004
for the love of money
The O'Jays definitely said it best. It's crazy what people will say or do for the love of money.
My dad used to work at Rich's Department Store. He worked there for a hella long time, only to quit when my little brother wrote this letter in 4th grade saying he wanted his daddy home for christmas. At Rich's, biennially, they have inventory, when they count up all the stock in the store. People talk about inventory the way someone would talk about getting a spinal tap... they hate it. They are apparently the shittiest 2 weeks of the year.
My mom and dad told me that I should do it. I didn't really want to... but because of their persisting and statements like, "Why wouldn't you want to do it? Everyone wants a little extra money! What is wrong with you? You need the experience," I am doing it. I don't want to. I would love to stay home and do nothing next week... my LAST week of doing that. But now I have to work from 6 am to noon for $6 and hour.
When I told my parents that I didn't want to do it because of it's bad reputation, my dad was like, "No one is 100% content with their job." Well that sucks for them. Why would you want to work in a job that you don't enjoy? That makes no sense whatsoever. If you can't wake up every morning and enjoy what you are going to do that day, then why do it? What is your motivation? I mean, my dad should know... HE QUIT RICH'S for goodness sake.
Whatever... "money, money, money, money... MONEY."
My dad used to work at Rich's Department Store. He worked there for a hella long time, only to quit when my little brother wrote this letter in 4th grade saying he wanted his daddy home for christmas. At Rich's, biennially, they have inventory, when they count up all the stock in the store. People talk about inventory the way someone would talk about getting a spinal tap... they hate it. They are apparently the shittiest 2 weeks of the year.
My mom and dad told me that I should do it. I didn't really want to... but because of their persisting and statements like, "Why wouldn't you want to do it? Everyone wants a little extra money! What is wrong with you? You need the experience," I am doing it. I don't want to. I would love to stay home and do nothing next week... my LAST week of doing that. But now I have to work from 6 am to noon for $6 and hour.
When I told my parents that I didn't want to do it because of it's bad reputation, my dad was like, "No one is 100% content with their job." Well that sucks for them. Why would you want to work in a job that you don't enjoy? That makes no sense whatsoever. If you can't wake up every morning and enjoy what you are going to do that day, then why do it? What is your motivation? I mean, my dad should know... HE QUIT RICH'S for goodness sake.
Whatever... "money, money, money, money... MONEY."
the dentist
They should pay people to go to the dentist. That stuff hurts. I went today, and it was my first time since 2000. I guess that was probably why it hurt so bad. Apparently, stuff had bult up around my teeth that was causing my gums to bleed randomly. Don't worry, I'm not going to say anything else, because I don't want you to be grossed out like I have been for the past 2 weeks... I won't give any specifics.
Anyway, the dentist hurt like a mofo. They want to do it again in a week and a half, but go DEEPER this time. I'm so nervous. But the dentist said my gums will feel great after that. ::sigh::
That trip to the dentist comes after one more week of being at home alone (seriously alone... my parents will be back at work and my brother will be back at school), the beastly Praxis II on January 8, and my first peer wedding on January 9. I just want to go back to school. I just want to be around people my age... that aren't MARRIED. Geez. And when I say MARRIED, that doesn't mean bound together by a legal document, but I mean stuck so far up each others' ass that they have lost social skills with UNsignificant others.
Anyway, tomorrow is New Years Eve, and the only thing I am looking forward to is the fact that the day after tomorrow, it will officially be the year in which i graduate from college. That is exciting... and the ONLY thing exciting about tomorrow. Even though I have the opportunity to hang out with people my age tomorrow, part of me doesn't want to. People don't really know what they want to do. And I would be content with sleeping at 12 o'clock (and that's saying a lot, 'cause I normally don't go to sleep until 2 or 3).
Oh well... at the end of the day, there's only one thing that has been there for me whenever I needed it. GSN. Happy 2005, GSN... No whammy, final answer, big money, you are the weakest link... goodbye.
Anyway, the dentist hurt like a mofo. They want to do it again in a week and a half, but go DEEPER this time. I'm so nervous. But the dentist said my gums will feel great after that. ::sigh::
That trip to the dentist comes after one more week of being at home alone (seriously alone... my parents will be back at work and my brother will be back at school), the beastly Praxis II on January 8, and my first peer wedding on January 9. I just want to go back to school. I just want to be around people my age... that aren't MARRIED. Geez. And when I say MARRIED, that doesn't mean bound together by a legal document, but I mean stuck so far up each others' ass that they have lost social skills with UNsignificant others.
Anyway, tomorrow is New Years Eve, and the only thing I am looking forward to is the fact that the day after tomorrow, it will officially be the year in which i graduate from college. That is exciting... and the ONLY thing exciting about tomorrow. Even though I have the opportunity to hang out with people my age tomorrow, part of me doesn't want to. People don't really know what they want to do. And I would be content with sleeping at 12 o'clock (and that's saying a lot, 'cause I normally don't go to sleep until 2 or 3).
Oh well... at the end of the day, there's only one thing that has been there for me whenever I needed it. GSN. Happy 2005, GSN... No whammy, final answer, big money, you are the weakest link... goodbye.
Monday, December 27, 2004
king congruence's top 10s of 2004
Since I have become a television guru in the past 2 weeks and seen top 10 list after top 10 list, I think I have beomce an expert in pop culture and TV culture. I have seen specials about A-listers, their weddings, vacation spots, Christmas gifts, cars, and homes... and I think my opionion, I can rank things pretty well (in all actuality, I hate those people from like In Touch magazine and US Weekly who go on VH1 and profess to know the secrets of Britney Spears and her backwards Kabbalah tatoo). Here goes some of MY top 10 lists for the year... and for all time.
Top 10 Females on RW/RR Battle of the Sexes 2
10. Tina - She's a bitch, but she can play the damn game.
9. Coral -Also a bitch, but she has stepped up a lot this season. Her little fling with Abe also showed that she could actually have human feelings.
8. Rachel - Not a novice challenger, but put forth a really good effort without being incredibly dramatic.
7. Sophia - There are 6 team members left, and Sophia is one of the only ones who actually likes people for who they are. If she didn't pout so much, she'd be closer to #1.
6. Robin - A wet-behind-the-ears newbie, but doing a kick ass job.
5. Aneesa - A loyal friend to most of the girls on the team. At least she left because of politics, not because she was a skeeza.
4. Arissa - The baby is scared of heights, but she beat the guys in that bike ramp challenge. She also knows when to keep quiet.
3. Tonya -MY BABY! I love Tonya. Given a different situation, I bet she'd be a hella tight person to hang out with. The reason she wasn't liked very much was only because she was playing the game, and doing a damn good job of it.
2. Ibis - Known as "The Puzzle Person," she was smart, cunning, and not to opinionated. They really would have done well to have kept her and kicked Coral off.
1. Ruthie - She's sweet, smart, and silent, but powerful. Ruthie is the best player on the team. She gets stuff done without getting on people's nerves. She has come a LONG way from when she was on RW Hawaii.
Top 10 Best Game Shows on GSN
10. The Newlywed Game - It's always fun to watch married people bare it all, but not when they are bearing boring stuff from the 70s.
9. Match Game - A great show. It would be even greater if today's viewing audience could play along--but they can't because of the antiquated catch phrases. But Brett Somers MAKES that show.
8. Win Ben Stein's Money - Ben Stein + Jimmy Kimmel = pure genius. The chemistry is hilarious.
7. Millionaire? - Regis is such a nice guy! But those questions past question 9 are pretty much impossible. And why does the 50/50 always take away the two obvious wrong answers?
6. Whammy! - A remake that has actually kept the decency of the old show. There is only one thing that makes the original better...
5. Press Your Luck - THE PRESS YOUR LUCK THEME SONG IS SO MUCH FUN!
4. Lingo - This would have been #1 for me last summer.... before they added that ho Stacey. All she is is a Scandinavian sex pot. Chuck can do it by himself.
3. Friend or Foe - Kennedy is the ONLY reason this is in the top 3. Definitely the funniest host on GSN.
2. Russian Roulette - Who doesn't like watching people drop through holes in the floor?
1. Weakest Link - Anne Robinson is a goddess. She's a bitch, and I love her. BUT, the only reason she is so bitchy is because those fools can't answer those EASY questions right.
Top 7 Nick at Nite Shows (There are only 7 shows)
7. Full House - Seriously, I think everyone got enough of the Tanner girls their first time around. It's so saccharine sweet... ugh.
6. Fatherhood - A brilliant cartoon developed by Bill Cosby, but it doesn't really fit with the rest of the Nick at Nite programming. It really is a kid's show, despite the adult premise of the show.
5. Who's The Boss? - Tony Micelli is a little too pleasant in his situation working as the housekeeper for Angela. Mona is hilarious, but I don't buy the actual premise of the show.
4. The Fresh Prince of Bel Air - This show is hilarious. All the characters in the show make a perfect family, much like the #1 on the list, but honestly, who can beat the Huxtables.
3. Wings - I would LOVE to spend a day at Sandpiper. This airport looks like so much fun. Joe and Brian are the typical bickering brothers, and they couldn't be played by better actors. Faye and Antonio are also especially funny.
2. Roseanne - This is a real family. The Connors of Lanford are everything that the Tanners of San Fransisco aren't. I love this family... the good, the bad, the ugly, the sad. This was the beginning of reality television.
1. The Cosby Show - This is also a real family. They aren't run of the mill midwesterners like the Connors, but they are the forerunners of the Banks of The Fresh Prince--They are an upper class black family with a bunch of kids. But unlike the Banks, they have one element that gives them tons of cool points--one of the funniest men in the world playing their dad.
Top 10 Nick Jr. Shows
10. Little Bear - This is a really child friendly cartoon, and I like it because when I was young I read the books. It lacks excitement though.
9. Littleburg - Our first on the list with puppets and humans. This is a concept that I really like. it mixes fantasy with reality and makes for a lot of fun, however it isn't quite as memorable as the others on the list.
8. Ms. Spider - 3D animation at it's best. This is a cartoon based on the Ms. Spider books. I don't like the bad guy in this cartoon. He is a spider, just like the main character, so I don't see what sets him apart as the bad guy--except for the fact that he looks horrific.
7. The Rubbadubbers - A show borrowed from our BBC friends, this claymation type show is tons of bathtime fun. The songs and story lines are great, but the fact that everything takes place around the bathtub gets a little boring.
6. Maggie and the Ferocious Beast - THE PIG'S NAME IS HAMILTON! I love it. This is a really sweet show about the friendship between a little girl, Maggie, and her made up ferocious friend Beast. Beast is the furthest thing from ferocious though. He lacks a lot of common sense, and Hamilton the pig is a random character. It's a fun show, but kinda random all together.
5. Blue's Clues - This show looks like it takes place on a felt play board. It's a lot of fun and very educational. Unfortunately, it is a little older than the top 4, which places it at number 5.
4. Little Bill - This very unique cartoon is based on the humor of Bill Cosby. The man has a great grasp for what goes on in little kids' heads. This is brilliant and viewers will find themselves really liking the main character, Little Bill.
3. Lazy Town - This is the second show on the list with a mix of puppets and people. There is a better mix here than that of Littleburg. It's got fun, action packed plots, and bright, colorful scenery. This is definitely one of Nick Jr.'s best shows.
2. Dora The Explorer - This show makes learning fun. I bet kid's don't even realize how much they learn from this show. Spanish, geography, music, math. This show has got it all, plus the fun plots and sing-along songs.
1. The Backyardigans - The newest show on the list, this show is tons of fun. This is 3D animated, but it has dances choreographed by real dancers. The songs are written by extremely talented songwriters, and it is written by peopole who truly had a love for backyard adventure as kids. Another huge plus for this #1 is it's multicultural cast. Even though they are animals, it is obvous to tell by their names that they are of different ethnic backgrounds.
I think that's enough of me sharing my expertize on television as of right now. This break has been really boring, but I have thoroughly enjoed vegging out in front of the television all day and all night long. Tomorrow, a new episiode of The Real World comes on. Landon is supposed to go homicidal on Melanie tomorrow, so it should be good! Now it's time to go watch #7 of the top 10 GSN games, which is already in progress...
Top 10 Females on RW/RR Battle of the Sexes 2
10. Tina - She's a bitch, but she can play the damn game.
9. Coral -Also a bitch, but she has stepped up a lot this season. Her little fling with Abe also showed that she could actually have human feelings.
8. Rachel - Not a novice challenger, but put forth a really good effort without being incredibly dramatic.
7. Sophia - There are 6 team members left, and Sophia is one of the only ones who actually likes people for who they are. If she didn't pout so much, she'd be closer to #1.
6. Robin - A wet-behind-the-ears newbie, but doing a kick ass job.
5. Aneesa - A loyal friend to most of the girls on the team. At least she left because of politics, not because she was a skeeza.
4. Arissa - The baby is scared of heights, but she beat the guys in that bike ramp challenge. She also knows when to keep quiet.
3. Tonya -MY BABY! I love Tonya. Given a different situation, I bet she'd be a hella tight person to hang out with. The reason she wasn't liked very much was only because she was playing the game, and doing a damn good job of it.
2. Ibis - Known as "The Puzzle Person," she was smart, cunning, and not to opinionated. They really would have done well to have kept her and kicked Coral off.
1. Ruthie - She's sweet, smart, and silent, but powerful. Ruthie is the best player on the team. She gets stuff done without getting on people's nerves. She has come a LONG way from when she was on RW Hawaii.
Top 10 Best Game Shows on GSN
10. The Newlywed Game - It's always fun to watch married people bare it all, but not when they are bearing boring stuff from the 70s.
9. Match Game - A great show. It would be even greater if today's viewing audience could play along--but they can't because of the antiquated catch phrases. But Brett Somers MAKES that show.
8. Win Ben Stein's Money - Ben Stein + Jimmy Kimmel = pure genius. The chemistry is hilarious.
7. Millionaire? - Regis is such a nice guy! But those questions past question 9 are pretty much impossible. And why does the 50/50 always take away the two obvious wrong answers?
6. Whammy! - A remake that has actually kept the decency of the old show. There is only one thing that makes the original better...
5. Press Your Luck - THE PRESS YOUR LUCK THEME SONG IS SO MUCH FUN!
4. Lingo - This would have been #1 for me last summer.... before they added that ho Stacey. All she is is a Scandinavian sex pot. Chuck can do it by himself.
3. Friend or Foe - Kennedy is the ONLY reason this is in the top 3. Definitely the funniest host on GSN.
2. Russian Roulette - Who doesn't like watching people drop through holes in the floor?
1. Weakest Link - Anne Robinson is a goddess. She's a bitch, and I love her. BUT, the only reason she is so bitchy is because those fools can't answer those EASY questions right.
Top 7 Nick at Nite Shows (There are only 7 shows)
7. Full House - Seriously, I think everyone got enough of the Tanner girls their first time around. It's so saccharine sweet... ugh.
6. Fatherhood - A brilliant cartoon developed by Bill Cosby, but it doesn't really fit with the rest of the Nick at Nite programming. It really is a kid's show, despite the adult premise of the show.
5. Who's The Boss? - Tony Micelli is a little too pleasant in his situation working as the housekeeper for Angela. Mona is hilarious, but I don't buy the actual premise of the show.
4. The Fresh Prince of Bel Air - This show is hilarious. All the characters in the show make a perfect family, much like the #1 on the list, but honestly, who can beat the Huxtables.
3. Wings - I would LOVE to spend a day at Sandpiper. This airport looks like so much fun. Joe and Brian are the typical bickering brothers, and they couldn't be played by better actors. Faye and Antonio are also especially funny.
2. Roseanne - This is a real family. The Connors of Lanford are everything that the Tanners of San Fransisco aren't. I love this family... the good, the bad, the ugly, the sad. This was the beginning of reality television.
1. The Cosby Show - This is also a real family. They aren't run of the mill midwesterners like the Connors, but they are the forerunners of the Banks of The Fresh Prince--They are an upper class black family with a bunch of kids. But unlike the Banks, they have one element that gives them tons of cool points--one of the funniest men in the world playing their dad.
Top 10 Nick Jr. Shows
10. Little Bear - This is a really child friendly cartoon, and I like it because when I was young I read the books. It lacks excitement though.
9. Littleburg - Our first on the list with puppets and humans. This is a concept that I really like. it mixes fantasy with reality and makes for a lot of fun, however it isn't quite as memorable as the others on the list.
8. Ms. Spider - 3D animation at it's best. This is a cartoon based on the Ms. Spider books. I don't like the bad guy in this cartoon. He is a spider, just like the main character, so I don't see what sets him apart as the bad guy--except for the fact that he looks horrific.
7. The Rubbadubbers - A show borrowed from our BBC friends, this claymation type show is tons of bathtime fun. The songs and story lines are great, but the fact that everything takes place around the bathtub gets a little boring.
6. Maggie and the Ferocious Beast - THE PIG'S NAME IS HAMILTON! I love it. This is a really sweet show about the friendship between a little girl, Maggie, and her made up ferocious friend Beast. Beast is the furthest thing from ferocious though. He lacks a lot of common sense, and Hamilton the pig is a random character. It's a fun show, but kinda random all together.
5. Blue's Clues - This show looks like it takes place on a felt play board. It's a lot of fun and very educational. Unfortunately, it is a little older than the top 4, which places it at number 5.
4. Little Bill - This very unique cartoon is based on the humor of Bill Cosby. The man has a great grasp for what goes on in little kids' heads. This is brilliant and viewers will find themselves really liking the main character, Little Bill.
3. Lazy Town - This is the second show on the list with a mix of puppets and people. There is a better mix here than that of Littleburg. It's got fun, action packed plots, and bright, colorful scenery. This is definitely one of Nick Jr.'s best shows.
2. Dora The Explorer - This show makes learning fun. I bet kid's don't even realize how much they learn from this show. Spanish, geography, music, math. This show has got it all, plus the fun plots and sing-along songs.
1. The Backyardigans - The newest show on the list, this show is tons of fun. This is 3D animated, but it has dances choreographed by real dancers. The songs are written by extremely talented songwriters, and it is written by peopole who truly had a love for backyard adventure as kids. Another huge plus for this #1 is it's multicultural cast. Even though they are animals, it is obvous to tell by their names that they are of different ethnic backgrounds.
I think that's enough of me sharing my expertize on television as of right now. This break has been really boring, but I have thoroughly enjoed vegging out in front of the television all day and all night long. Tomorrow, a new episiode of The Real World comes on. Landon is supposed to go homicidal on Melanie tomorrow, so it should be good! Now it's time to go watch #7 of the top 10 GSN games, which is already in progress...
Sunday, December 26, 2004
the last day of childhood
Christmas Day, 2004... I believe it was the last day of childhood. Why you ask? 'Cause for some reason, people at church today decided to start radically treating me like an adult. I mean, it's not weird that they have started treating me like an adult, but it's just the short amount of time in which they began doing this.
I was at church last Sunday, and I was even there Wednesday night. I was still "Hammy" and "Hammerhead" then. But today all of a sudden, people didn't recognize me, and I was called "Hamilton" in grown-up hoity toity voices. I mean, okay, these are people that have known me since I was 8. Regardless of how old I am now, I still expect them to treat me like I am younger than them. I don't want to be on the same level as them... to a degree...
You know, I want to grow up, definitely, but for some reason, being treated the same as those people at church just doesn't sit well with me. Maybe it's because of how spiritually mature they are??? I dunno. It's just something...
But seriously, Ms. Pam came up to me at church and said, "Hey, Hammy! Oh, excuse me--Hi, Hamilton. You're too old for Hammy now." I was like, "Um, no, you can still call me that." Then, her husband (I dunno if this is coincidence or what) LaVelle came up and was like, "Hey, Hammerhead! I mean, Hamilton." I just looked at him like he was insane. Did I have a gray hair? Do I need Botox? What's the dilly, yo? I even shaved this morning!
This lead me to the conclusion that yesterday was the last day of my childhood. But if my childhood did just end this week, it was probably Christmas Eve. I didn't get anything "fun" for Christmas yesterday. And to be quite honest, Christmas just felt like another day. I was talking to Missy last night, and she was like, "You know we are getting old now. You got stuff for your career." She was referring to the leather bag I got for student teaching.
It's true, unfortunately.
Anyway, one last thing that happened today at church that really made an impression on me. The congregational hymn today was "Yield Not to Temptation." One of my favorites because of the way it sounds. Today I came to appreciate it for more than that though. It will always be a song of inspiration to me because of these 2 lines:
To him that o'ercometh, God giveth a crown;
Through faith we shall conquer, though often cast down
A crown. It made me smile.
See, while this whole King Congruence psuedonym started out as a playful little name from 10th grade geometry class, I have always wanted to be that of a king... someone who is looked up to, admired, highly respected, and never intimidated. Well, I was certainly not made that way. This is, however, what I strive to be. I strive to be the best... and the words of this song help me believe that. If I can overcome my obstacles and do my best, I can be the best, and actually achieve that figurative crown... and the way to overcome my obstacles is only by faith... the knowledge that even though I can't see it, it will happen.
Hmm... yeah, I guess I have grown up a little...
I was at church last Sunday, and I was even there Wednesday night. I was still "Hammy" and "Hammerhead" then. But today all of a sudden, people didn't recognize me, and I was called "Hamilton" in grown-up hoity toity voices. I mean, okay, these are people that have known me since I was 8. Regardless of how old I am now, I still expect them to treat me like I am younger than them. I don't want to be on the same level as them... to a degree...
You know, I want to grow up, definitely, but for some reason, being treated the same as those people at church just doesn't sit well with me. Maybe it's because of how spiritually mature they are??? I dunno. It's just something...
But seriously, Ms. Pam came up to me at church and said, "Hey, Hammy! Oh, excuse me--Hi, Hamilton. You're too old for Hammy now." I was like, "Um, no, you can still call me that." Then, her husband (I dunno if this is coincidence or what) LaVelle came up and was like, "Hey, Hammerhead! I mean, Hamilton." I just looked at him like he was insane. Did I have a gray hair? Do I need Botox? What's the dilly, yo? I even shaved this morning!
This lead me to the conclusion that yesterday was the last day of my childhood. But if my childhood did just end this week, it was probably Christmas Eve. I didn't get anything "fun" for Christmas yesterday. And to be quite honest, Christmas just felt like another day. I was talking to Missy last night, and she was like, "You know we are getting old now. You got stuff for your career." She was referring to the leather bag I got for student teaching.
It's true, unfortunately.
Anyway, one last thing that happened today at church that really made an impression on me. The congregational hymn today was "Yield Not to Temptation." One of my favorites because of the way it sounds. Today I came to appreciate it for more than that though. It will always be a song of inspiration to me because of these 2 lines:
To him that o'ercometh, God giveth a crown;
Through faith we shall conquer, though often cast down
A crown. It made me smile.
See, while this whole King Congruence psuedonym started out as a playful little name from 10th grade geometry class, I have always wanted to be that of a king... someone who is looked up to, admired, highly respected, and never intimidated. Well, I was certainly not made that way. This is, however, what I strive to be. I strive to be the best... and the words of this song help me believe that. If I can overcome my obstacles and do my best, I can be the best, and actually achieve that figurative crown... and the way to overcome my obstacles is only by faith... the knowledge that even though I can't see it, it will happen.
Hmm... yeah, I guess I have grown up a little...
Friday, December 24, 2004
3rd shift
My mom says I'm on third shift... When everyone else in the house goes to sleep, I am pretty much just getting started. Not incredibly true most of the time, but today, it kinda was. I went to bed at 4:30 following my favorite episode of Wings on Nick at Nite (the episode where Casey and Brian burn Joe and Helen's house down while having sex). I slept until 1, just in time to catch the theme song of The Backyardigans that I love so dearly. Then I went to lie down in my bed for a little, with no intentions of falling back asleep. But I did until 4:30. So I started the day at 4:30 this afternoon.
Now, it's 1:43 and everyone is in bed... but me. I'm watching Who's the Boss? and just got done preparing some Christmas presents. So, I decided to get on here and play some. It's getting boring and I think I would be more intrigued with what's going on between Angela and Tony over at the television.
...it's so sad that I have become a slave of the television. But I guess it's okay, 'cause I don't really get a chance to watch it during school. I better enjoy this 3rd shift thing while it lasts, 'cause this time next semester, I will have been in the bed for at least 2 hours... Yeah... lemme take advantage of this 3rd shift thing...
Now, it's 1:43 and everyone is in bed... but me. I'm watching Who's the Boss? and just got done preparing some Christmas presents. So, I decided to get on here and play some. It's getting boring and I think I would be more intrigued with what's going on between Angela and Tony over at the television.
...it's so sad that I have become a slave of the television. But I guess it's okay, 'cause I don't really get a chance to watch it during school. I better enjoy this 3rd shift thing while it lasts, 'cause this time next semester, I will have been in the bed for at least 2 hours... Yeah... lemme take advantage of this 3rd shift thing...
Thursday, December 23, 2004
bad
When I get asked how my Christmas break has been going, I answer that... bad. It hasn't been good. Lets go over what I have done... watched people install hardwood floors in my house, paint pen cups for all the little bebe's at church, watched hours and hours of GSN, become a Laguna Beach addict (so tragic), finish reading the fifth Harry Potter, completed the first in A Series of Unfortunate Events, stayed up 'til 2 and 3 am, and woken up at 1 pm. Yep. I would say that has been the recipe for a bad break.
Right now (OOH, ROSEANNE IS COMING ON!), I am up watching Nick at Nite, talking to Matt Lub, and making thefacebook my bitch by sending holiday messages to friends from high school, middle school, and I just sent one to a friend from day care. Thefacebook is a wonderful thing.
I decided the other night that I am not going to New Jersey to visit Betsy... lack of money... and a sudden lack of interest. Seriously. All I can say is that it is not time for another engagement... I can't f-ing take it. I'm on engagement overload.
In other news, I'm not even supposed to be on this computer. My dad came downstairs the other night while I was vegging out to--well whaddya know?--Nick at Nite and goes, "You and Donovan aren't allowed on the computer. Y'all broke it." And the record stopped and the cars halted to a stop... I was responsible for this POS computer being "broken?" WTF? I have a 4 year old, cheap ass eMachine and Lord knows that I do my share of word processing and internet browsing. This thing is only about 2 years old and it is a Hewlett-Packard. If this thing is messed up it is no fault of mine... and besides, I JUST GOT HOME LAST WEEK! Well, I expressed my frustration to my mom and she took my side for once... She told me I could get on it when my dad wasn't around. I thought it was funny. Definitely a moment from The Fairly Odd Parents... oh yeah... I have become THE TV junky since I have been home.
Let's see, what else? Oh yeah, Christmas... that is coming up soon. Not like I can tell or anything. There are no signs of Christmas here except for the presents that people from church and my mom's office have given her that are sitting in the corner of the family room by the recliner. Yeah. So Merry Christmas... I miss the way things used to be. My aunt actually told me tonight at church that I am at that age where Christmas isn't for me anymroe. "Christmas is for children," she said. "I have to remind myself of that every year." And she's 34. I thought that once you turn 21, you just kinda figure it out. But I guess not. I kinda think the reason she feels that way though is because she really doesn't have anyone to buy her anything. It's just her and her 13 year old son, so it's not like he can really get her anything too nice. One day, I'm going to get something really nice for my aunt... to make up for her Christmases that she missed out on. Maybe someone will do the same for me when I am 34 and single...
Bad... just bad...
Right now (OOH, ROSEANNE IS COMING ON!), I am up watching Nick at Nite, talking to Matt Lub, and making thefacebook my bitch by sending holiday messages to friends from high school, middle school, and I just sent one to a friend from day care. Thefacebook is a wonderful thing.
I decided the other night that I am not going to New Jersey to visit Betsy... lack of money... and a sudden lack of interest. Seriously. All I can say is that it is not time for another engagement... I can't f-ing take it. I'm on engagement overload.
In other news, I'm not even supposed to be on this computer. My dad came downstairs the other night while I was vegging out to--well whaddya know?--Nick at Nite and goes, "You and Donovan aren't allowed on the computer. Y'all broke it." And the record stopped and the cars halted to a stop... I was responsible for this POS computer being "broken?" WTF? I have a 4 year old, cheap ass eMachine and Lord knows that I do my share of word processing and internet browsing. This thing is only about 2 years old and it is a Hewlett-Packard. If this thing is messed up it is no fault of mine... and besides, I JUST GOT HOME LAST WEEK! Well, I expressed my frustration to my mom and she took my side for once... She told me I could get on it when my dad wasn't around. I thought it was funny. Definitely a moment from The Fairly Odd Parents... oh yeah... I have become THE TV junky since I have been home.
Let's see, what else? Oh yeah, Christmas... that is coming up soon. Not like I can tell or anything. There are no signs of Christmas here except for the presents that people from church and my mom's office have given her that are sitting in the corner of the family room by the recliner. Yeah. So Merry Christmas... I miss the way things used to be. My aunt actually told me tonight at church that I am at that age where Christmas isn't for me anymroe. "Christmas is for children," she said. "I have to remind myself of that every year." And she's 34. I thought that once you turn 21, you just kinda figure it out. But I guess not. I kinda think the reason she feels that way though is because she really doesn't have anyone to buy her anything. It's just her and her 13 year old son, so it's not like he can really get her anything too nice. One day, I'm going to get something really nice for my aunt... to make up for her Christmases that she missed out on. Maybe someone will do the same for me when I am 34 and single...
Bad... just bad...
Monday, December 20, 2004
to the eastside high school class of 2001...
Tonight Todd held his annual Christmas party. It's always fun to go to the party because usually it is a chance for people from high school that are at different colleges to get together and reminisce on how things were and talk about how things are going now. This years party was a little different from normal... This is the last one.
See, Todd is graduating from college this May, along with most of the people that go to the party each year. After 4 years, we are going to be completely done with college, which in a way means we will be done with each other. Sure we will always be able to get in touch with each other through e-mail and the phone, but after this year, there is no absolute...
Every year since this one, we could pretty much always count on being home within the vicinity of Eastside and each other at Christmas time. Next year, people will be working jobs, possibly in far away cities, with significant others, and possibly new additions to their families.
Even this year, we discussed some of the people from high school who have already crested that hill in their life... our classmates who are married, have children... It's so weird to think that that time has actually come for us. And you know, in a way, it kinda catches you off guard. Four years ago, we were all at the same spot in our lives... graduating from high school. Now, 4 years later, we all aren't at the same spot anymore. That's kinda scary.
So among that class of about 250, there are now college students, college graduates, graduate students, workers, mothers, fathers, fiancees, husbands, wives... Among that class of 250, there are adults.
And even though this was the last "Todd's Annual Christmas Party," there will be plenty more Christmas parties for all of us... with plenty more people and plenty memories to look back on. Life has pretty much just begun for us. We haven't experienced anything... maybe that is why they call graduation "commencement." Maybe our lives are just now commencing...
See, Todd is graduating from college this May, along with most of the people that go to the party each year. After 4 years, we are going to be completely done with college, which in a way means we will be done with each other. Sure we will always be able to get in touch with each other through e-mail and the phone, but after this year, there is no absolute...
Every year since this one, we could pretty much always count on being home within the vicinity of Eastside and each other at Christmas time. Next year, people will be working jobs, possibly in far away cities, with significant others, and possibly new additions to their families.
Even this year, we discussed some of the people from high school who have already crested that hill in their life... our classmates who are married, have children... It's so weird to think that that time has actually come for us. And you know, in a way, it kinda catches you off guard. Four years ago, we were all at the same spot in our lives... graduating from high school. Now, 4 years later, we all aren't at the same spot anymore. That's kinda scary.
So among that class of about 250, there are now college students, college graduates, graduate students, workers, mothers, fathers, fiancees, husbands, wives... Among that class of 250, there are adults.
And even though this was the last "Todd's Annual Christmas Party," there will be plenty more Christmas parties for all of us... with plenty more people and plenty memories to look back on. Life has pretty much just begun for us. We haven't experienced anything... maybe that is why they call graduation "commencement." Maybe our lives are just now commencing...
Saturday, December 18, 2004
negroes
My dad is at it again. I hate when he plays the race card. I hate when ANYONE plays the race card.
Right now, I am listening as he is talking to the men doing our hardwood floors downstairs.
He just told a story about how a man at North Greenville College where he teaches asked him how he can drive the car that he does (a BMW 745iL), and the man was only driving his car (whatever it was). My dad said he asked him, "What do you mean? How can a BLACK man drive a car like this?"
OMG! The statement of an angry black man if I have ever seen one.
Then, I hear the truth about why I live where I live. My dad says, "Well, we got here in 1985 and my wife and I tried to find a black neighborhood. All we could find was Pine Hill and I was like, 'That's it?' So I met this man and asked him if he knew a church we could go to. He directed us to Enoree Fork and we've been over on this side of town ever since." BOO! Excuse me for just one second. I am SO glad that I don't live in a "black neighborhood." And I don't care if I sound like I am "denying my blackness" or whatever. What is considered "a black neighborhood," anyway? Is that a neighborhood void of white people? Because if so, that is the furthest thing from reality if I have ever seen one.
My God?! Why do black people feel the need to segregate themselves from the rest of society. See, there was this thing called the Civil Rights movement that made everyone equal. Blacks, whites, ANYONE can live where ever they want and do whatever they want. Everyone is always talking about how, white people are still suppressing the black man. Well excuse the phrase, but FUCK ALL OF YOU who say that. I know for a fact that it is possible for a black man or woman to do everything that a white man or woman can do.
That dumb bitch Stacie on The Apprentice was like, "You can't be black and go on reality television, because regardless of what you do, you are going to end up being called crazy." Shut the hell up, you peasy headed girl... The reason why YOU were considered crazy is because your damn ass is CRAZY! Kevin on the show didn't say that. He said just the opposite. "No one stereotypes you to be anything on these shows. You end up being labeled exactly what you are. If you are a successful and intelligent individual, you will be seen that way." And "my brotha" made it to the last 4 people on the show.
Don't sit there and tell me that black people can't do it. If you think that, it's because YOU as a black person lack the confidence not in black people, but in yourself. When I tried out for drum major, lots of black people in the band told me that a black person would never be drum major at Clemson. Well here's a big FUCK YOU to them as well... I did it, bitches. AND SO DID LEROY! THAT'S TWO BLACK MOTHERFUCKERS FOR YOU! And if you look back at pictures, there have been black drum majors BEFORE the two of us. So as much as I would like to take pride in saying that I was SO great because I was A BLACK DRUM MAJOR AT CLEMSON, big fucking deal. It happened before me, it will happen after me. On top of that, this man who is somehow related to me, was telling my dad that it was SUCH a big deal for me to be in the position I was in at Clemson because of the history of the university and the race relations therein. WHATEVER! He has yet to tell me the huge statement I made as a black man, but to be completely honest and true, I don't buy it one bit. When Harvey Gantt, the first black student, came to Clemson , they documented it as "Integration with Dignity" or something like that... it says it in this plaque out front of Tillman Hall. Apparently, race relations have not been a big deal at Clemson. Yes it is in the heart of the conservative south, but all conservative southern people are not Klans members that want to see black people fail... just like not all black people are failures at life.
BLACK PEOPLE CAN DO EVERYTHING THAT WHITE PEOPLE CAN DO. We are not better, we are not worse. We are equal. And I am sick of people drawing the line between the two. I am sick of being told not to trust white people. I am sick of being told "what white people do" and "what black people do." I am sick of heing criticized because I talk like "a white person." I am sick of being criticized because I don't hang out with JUST black people. I am sick of other black people segregating themselves from the racial whole. I'm sick of it all.
I am an intelligent, successful, determined, goal oriented HUMAN BEING that does not give a flying rats ass about color or race. The color of my skin is nothing but that, the color of my skin. Within it does not lie disadvantage or advantage. If I am unsuccessful, it is because I, HAMILTON PARKS was not prepared or qualified enough... NOT because I am black.
So this is a warning... I suggest if you are going to discuss race around me, you better think again. I'm through with dealing with race.
Right now, I am listening as he is talking to the men doing our hardwood floors downstairs.
He just told a story about how a man at North Greenville College where he teaches asked him how he can drive the car that he does (a BMW 745iL), and the man was only driving his car (whatever it was). My dad said he asked him, "What do you mean? How can a BLACK man drive a car like this?"
OMG! The statement of an angry black man if I have ever seen one.
Then, I hear the truth about why I live where I live. My dad says, "Well, we got here in 1985 and my wife and I tried to find a black neighborhood. All we could find was Pine Hill and I was like, 'That's it?' So I met this man and asked him if he knew a church we could go to. He directed us to Enoree Fork and we've been over on this side of town ever since." BOO! Excuse me for just one second. I am SO glad that I don't live in a "black neighborhood." And I don't care if I sound like I am "denying my blackness" or whatever. What is considered "a black neighborhood," anyway? Is that a neighborhood void of white people? Because if so, that is the furthest thing from reality if I have ever seen one.
My God?! Why do black people feel the need to segregate themselves from the rest of society. See, there was this thing called the Civil Rights movement that made everyone equal. Blacks, whites, ANYONE can live where ever they want and do whatever they want. Everyone is always talking about how, white people are still suppressing the black man. Well excuse the phrase, but FUCK ALL OF YOU who say that. I know for a fact that it is possible for a black man or woman to do everything that a white man or woman can do.
That dumb bitch Stacie on The Apprentice was like, "You can't be black and go on reality television, because regardless of what you do, you are going to end up being called crazy." Shut the hell up, you peasy headed girl... The reason why YOU were considered crazy is because your damn ass is CRAZY! Kevin on the show didn't say that. He said just the opposite. "No one stereotypes you to be anything on these shows. You end up being labeled exactly what you are. If you are a successful and intelligent individual, you will be seen that way." And "my brotha" made it to the last 4 people on the show.
Don't sit there and tell me that black people can't do it. If you think that, it's because YOU as a black person lack the confidence not in black people, but in yourself. When I tried out for drum major, lots of black people in the band told me that a black person would never be drum major at Clemson. Well here's a big FUCK YOU to them as well... I did it, bitches. AND SO DID LEROY! THAT'S TWO BLACK MOTHERFUCKERS FOR YOU! And if you look back at pictures, there have been black drum majors BEFORE the two of us. So as much as I would like to take pride in saying that I was SO great because I was A BLACK DRUM MAJOR AT CLEMSON, big fucking deal. It happened before me, it will happen after me. On top of that, this man who is somehow related to me, was telling my dad that it was SUCH a big deal for me to be in the position I was in at Clemson because of the history of the university and the race relations therein. WHATEVER! He has yet to tell me the huge statement I made as a black man, but to be completely honest and true, I don't buy it one bit. When Harvey Gantt, the first black student, came to Clemson , they documented it as "Integration with Dignity" or something like that... it says it in this plaque out front of Tillman Hall. Apparently, race relations have not been a big deal at Clemson. Yes it is in the heart of the conservative south, but all conservative southern people are not Klans members that want to see black people fail... just like not all black people are failures at life.
BLACK PEOPLE CAN DO EVERYTHING THAT WHITE PEOPLE CAN DO. We are not better, we are not worse. We are equal. And I am sick of people drawing the line between the two. I am sick of being told not to trust white people. I am sick of being told "what white people do" and "what black people do." I am sick of heing criticized because I talk like "a white person." I am sick of being criticized because I don't hang out with JUST black people. I am sick of other black people segregating themselves from the racial whole. I'm sick of it all.
I am an intelligent, successful, determined, goal oriented HUMAN BEING that does not give a flying rats ass about color or race. The color of my skin is nothing but that, the color of my skin. Within it does not lie disadvantage or advantage. If I am unsuccessful, it is because I, HAMILTON PARKS was not prepared or qualified enough... NOT because I am black.
So this is a warning... I suggest if you are going to discuss race around me, you better think again. I'm through with dealing with race.
Thursday, December 16, 2004
changes on bushberry way
Well, my first full day... wait a minute... I am typing in IE... and it's working! HOLY SH*T!
Anyway... today was my first full day at home. I woke up at 12. I had scrambled eggs. I watched GSN. I played on thefacebook. I ate dinner. I watched The Apprentice (boo for Kelly beating Jenn). I played on thefacebook again.
The life of a god, right? WRONG. In between playing on thefacebook and dinner, I experienced 2 pretty weird things at my house. First of all, my mom came home and told me all about "the facelift" our house is getting. Tomorrow, they start putting in hardwood floors all throughout the downstairs. I think it should be pretty nice, although I am not looking forward to moving crap around. Also, we are going to be painting... like EVERYTHING. My house is really open. The foyer and family room are pretty much one big open space. So we are painting the foyer wine and the family room champagne (ooh... alchohol... LOL). It's going to look REALLY different around here. I guess this place could use something to make me want to be here... but it's still no substitute for an f-ing Christmas Tree.
The second weird thing in the house was in the form of my brother walking into the house at 6:15 with keys in his hand. Yes. My little brother is driving now. IT IS SO WEIRD! I feel so old. But, I am SO glad that I don't have to play taxi anymore. At dinner he was all like, "Booooooooooy... I'm so excited! Tomorrow's Friday and I can driiiiiiiiive!" I was like, "So." Apparently it is a big deal that he is going to be able to drive a mile up the road to the basketball game to the school where he spends the whole day anyway. I guess I shouldn't be so insennsitive... it's something new to him.
Anyway, I should go to bed soon. I have to be up early to move stuff out of my parents' bedroom so they can start on the floor in there in the morning. I'm looking forward to going back to CU for the basketball game tomorrow though...
Anyway... today was my first full day at home. I woke up at 12. I had scrambled eggs. I watched GSN. I played on thefacebook. I ate dinner. I watched The Apprentice (boo for Kelly beating Jenn). I played on thefacebook again.
The life of a god, right? WRONG. In between playing on thefacebook and dinner, I experienced 2 pretty weird things at my house. First of all, my mom came home and told me all about "the facelift" our house is getting. Tomorrow, they start putting in hardwood floors all throughout the downstairs. I think it should be pretty nice, although I am not looking forward to moving crap around. Also, we are going to be painting... like EVERYTHING. My house is really open. The foyer and family room are pretty much one big open space. So we are painting the foyer wine and the family room champagne (ooh... alchohol... LOL). It's going to look REALLY different around here. I guess this place could use something to make me want to be here... but it's still no substitute for an f-ing Christmas Tree.
The second weird thing in the house was in the form of my brother walking into the house at 6:15 with keys in his hand. Yes. My little brother is driving now. IT IS SO WEIRD! I feel so old. But, I am SO glad that I don't have to play taxi anymore. At dinner he was all like, "Booooooooooy... I'm so excited! Tomorrow's Friday and I can driiiiiiiiive!" I was like, "So." Apparently it is a big deal that he is going to be able to drive a mile up the road to the basketball game to the school where he spends the whole day anyway. I guess I shouldn't be so insennsitive... it's something new to him.
Anyway, I should go to bed soon. I have to be up early to move stuff out of my parents' bedroom so they can start on the floor in there in the morning. I'm looking forward to going back to CU for the basketball game tomorrow though...
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
panic in greer
Wow. There was about to be some serious issues here in Greer. Yeah, that's where I am. I have decided to go ahead and deal with the fact that I live in Greer. I don't live in Greenville. I live in Greenville County, but my mailing address is Greer... now that I have claimed Greer, Hoke needs to give up Clemson and go ahead and claim Seneca... at least it's not Walhalla... OR GREER!
Anyway, the panic I was talking about was in reference to not being able to post from the IE on this computer. I don't know what the dilly is here. Something is always short bus about this computer. Thankfully, I can blog using Netscape, so that is what I'll be using while I am home this break. Netscape v7.1: Preferred by Bloggers in Greer (just a little plug).
Well, I haven't written in a good long while. Exams are over. I made 3 As and 3 Bs. A 3.35. I am okay with this, although I really wanted a 3.5. Now my cumulative GPA is 3.25. I'm not happy about it either. Luckily though, I am taking 13 hours next semester, which should be 13 hours worth of As. I don't know if that will bump me up to a 3.4. That is the goal, 'cause that is cum laude.
As for graduation, I am once again at a crossroads about where I want to go next year. A lot of my friends at Clemson are trying to get me to stay. I know I would have a good time. But I REALLY don't want to be that old guy (aka Tarik... LOL). Right now, my applications to all 3 schools are only partly complete. I have to give out recommendation forms and send in money to USC and Clemson and fill out a whole 2nd part of the UGA application. I think I am going to be lazy and just not finish applying there. Seriously. I would be close to my UGA friends, and it would be a lot of fun... I dunno. I'll apply there if I get really bored and have nothing else to do... so it looks like I'll be applying there.
I thought I had more to say... I haven't written since the 8th... so I guess it's been a week. Tragic. Sorry about that. I guess I just enjoyed my time in Clemson without class and exams a little too much. But, not to worry. I am home in GrOSS now and me and Netscape are going to blog the Christmas Holidays away.
OH... THAT'S what I wanted to discuss a little. The Christmas Holidays at my house. Well, it doesn't feel like Christmas. We haven't truly done a Parks Family Christmas since I was in high school. Year by year, we have dwindled down to this year, in which we don't even have a tree. My mom was all like, well, you know we are having a lot of work done on the house. Yeah. We are painting and getting hardwood floors all throughout the downstairs... but part of me thinks that we wouldn't do a tree even if there wasn't anything going on. There used to be a time when our house was the brightest in the neighborhood. Now it's by far the dullest. Home just feels weird now. I hardly know it. I don't want to be here half the time. It's sad, 'cause I remeember in 8th grade when I LONGED to be in this house while it was being built. Eight years later, it's just my folks' house. But don't get me wrong... my apartment at The Reserve isn't home either. I think I am just ready for my own steady place. Something that I can really call mine...
...I think the want for this has sprung from episodes of How Clean is Your House? and Trading Spaces... lots more of that and other TV shows to watch over break... oh joy.
Anyway, the panic I was talking about was in reference to not being able to post from the IE on this computer. I don't know what the dilly is here. Something is always short bus about this computer. Thankfully, I can blog using Netscape, so that is what I'll be using while I am home this break. Netscape v7.1: Preferred by Bloggers in Greer (just a little plug).
Well, I haven't written in a good long while. Exams are over. I made 3 As and 3 Bs. A 3.35. I am okay with this, although I really wanted a 3.5. Now my cumulative GPA is 3.25. I'm not happy about it either. Luckily though, I am taking 13 hours next semester, which should be 13 hours worth of As. I don't know if that will bump me up to a 3.4. That is the goal, 'cause that is cum laude.
As for graduation, I am once again at a crossroads about where I want to go next year. A lot of my friends at Clemson are trying to get me to stay. I know I would have a good time. But I REALLY don't want to be that old guy (aka Tarik... LOL). Right now, my applications to all 3 schools are only partly complete. I have to give out recommendation forms and send in money to USC and Clemson and fill out a whole 2nd part of the UGA application. I think I am going to be lazy and just not finish applying there. Seriously. I would be close to my UGA friends, and it would be a lot of fun... I dunno. I'll apply there if I get really bored and have nothing else to do... so it looks like I'll be applying there.
I thought I had more to say... I haven't written since the 8th... so I guess it's been a week. Tragic. Sorry about that. I guess I just enjoyed my time in Clemson without class and exams a little too much. But, not to worry. I am home in GrOSS now and me and Netscape are going to blog the Christmas Holidays away.
OH... THAT'S what I wanted to discuss a little. The Christmas Holidays at my house. Well, it doesn't feel like Christmas. We haven't truly done a Parks Family Christmas since I was in high school. Year by year, we have dwindled down to this year, in which we don't even have a tree. My mom was all like, well, you know we are having a lot of work done on the house. Yeah. We are painting and getting hardwood floors all throughout the downstairs... but part of me thinks that we wouldn't do a tree even if there wasn't anything going on. There used to be a time when our house was the brightest in the neighborhood. Now it's by far the dullest. Home just feels weird now. I hardly know it. I don't want to be here half the time. It's sad, 'cause I remeember in 8th grade when I LONGED to be in this house while it was being built. Eight years later, it's just my folks' house. But don't get me wrong... my apartment at The Reserve isn't home either. I think I am just ready for my own steady place. Something that I can really call mine...
...I think the want for this has sprung from episodes of How Clean is Your House? and Trading Spaces... lots more of that and other TV shows to watch over break... oh joy.
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
t'was the night before my last exam...
...and in a cup in my hand, was a concoction of 99 Apples and fruit punch. That is right, fellers. A toast to being done with making up that beast of a cheat sheet for Dr. Dunston's sorry exam. Wanna know how I really feel? This is the away message I made up... inspired by the "Stressed Out College Student During Exam Week" away message that has been floating around...
today we salute you, dr. dunston... a real american hero. you stepped up to be our fourth read teacher after one had a meltdown, the other was a succubus, and the next found out teaching 2 classes would stress out her pregnancy. you live all the way in athens, ga, but brave i-85 every day to come teach us pissed off 4th year elementary ed students. you taught us as much as you could in 3 weeks, and you are even allowing us to use a cheat sheet for the final! how nice, seeing how the word on the street is that your exam is going to be impossible even WITH the cheat sheet. so dr. dunston, crack open a nice cold bud light... and hope that none of your read 460 students pissed in it.
Yes. The teacher that was our "saving grace" better watch out and save her own ass. Well, I guess that isn't necessary, seeing that we can't really evaluate her because SHE HASN'T BEEN OUR TEACHER THE WHOLE TIME. I think they should just let us evaluate the entire School of Education... with one of our famous rubrics that we learned about... you know, it's so sad that they were able to turn a batch of decent, upstanding, moral, teachers-to-be into a bunch of highly intelligent, pissed off, homicidal young adults. I hope they are happy with themselves.
I'm not going to study a drop more tonight. But I do plan on indulging in a few more drops of this beverage... lol. It's a celebration. Tomorrow, I will take the last final of my undergraduate career. Wow. I'm so utterly excited. However, on January 8th, I have to take the Praxis II... not looking forward to that... a WHOLE DAY full of questions about teaching... I could cry right... but I'm too excited about being done with finals here at Clemson.
Oh well... 10:17 pm and nothing to do until 12 noon tomorrow... I think some TV and lounging is definitely in order... as well as some more of this delicous spirit...
today we salute you, dr. dunston... a real american hero. you stepped up to be our fourth read teacher after one had a meltdown, the other was a succubus, and the next found out teaching 2 classes would stress out her pregnancy. you live all the way in athens, ga, but brave i-85 every day to come teach us pissed off 4th year elementary ed students. you taught us as much as you could in 3 weeks, and you are even allowing us to use a cheat sheet for the final! how nice, seeing how the word on the street is that your exam is going to be impossible even WITH the cheat sheet. so dr. dunston, crack open a nice cold bud light... and hope that none of your read 460 students pissed in it.
Yes. The teacher that was our "saving grace" better watch out and save her own ass. Well, I guess that isn't necessary, seeing that we can't really evaluate her because SHE HASN'T BEEN OUR TEACHER THE WHOLE TIME. I think they should just let us evaluate the entire School of Education... with one of our famous rubrics that we learned about... you know, it's so sad that they were able to turn a batch of decent, upstanding, moral, teachers-to-be into a bunch of highly intelligent, pissed off, homicidal young adults. I hope they are happy with themselves.
I'm not going to study a drop more tonight. But I do plan on indulging in a few more drops of this beverage... lol. It's a celebration. Tomorrow, I will take the last final of my undergraduate career. Wow. I'm so utterly excited. However, on January 8th, I have to take the Praxis II... not looking forward to that... a WHOLE DAY full of questions about teaching... I could cry right... but I'm too excited about being done with finals here at Clemson.
Oh well... 10:17 pm and nothing to do until 12 noon tomorrow... I think some TV and lounging is definitely in order... as well as some more of this delicous spirit...
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
skeezas, part ii
Well, well, well... How the sure-of-themselves have fallen. How the skeezas have proven themselves skeeza-ish.
Remember all that bitching last Tuesday when my group made up the rubric for our presentation... I'll refresh your memory... 1 to 4 point... 1 being the worst, 4 being the best... 1 point if your presentation was 2 minutes or less, 4 if your presentation was 5 minutes or more... 5 minutes was too much for some people so the griped and complained...
AND THEN WHEN THEIR TURN CAME TO PRESENT ON TUESDAY, THOSE SAME SKEEZAS TOOK FIFTEEN F-ING MINUTES!
Skeezas.
As for Dr. Kaminskeeza, she's not so bad anymore... mainly because I don't have her anymore. MUAH HA HA HA HA! And she was ever so sachharine sweet to us on Tuesday... bringing us in donuts when she wasn't sure that we were even going to get 85% of the class to do her teacher evaluation. HA! That woman, bless her heart. Did she really think that the majority of the class WASN'T going to grill her ass? She got all ones and twos from me... a couple of threes, but on the whole, she didn't do well with me. I did, however, say that she smiled a lot, which made up for the times when all of us were really mad at her. Too bad she didn't bring us donuts and stuff like every class... I think the super-sweetness of the Krispy Kreme would have overshadowed her skeeza tendencies.
Anyway, two more exams to go. Is it okay that I don't want to do ANYTHING anymore? I got my student teaching assignment today, so all I can think of is doing that. I am going to be at Code in Mrs. Stephens' class where I wanted to be... I am SO excited. NO CLASS whatsoever. And I talked to Christy from camp today who teaches at Code now, and she said that I am really going to enjoy student teaching. I really hope so. It will be great to get in there and do something after sitting on my duff all Christmas break... eating ice and getting yelled at for it... MOTHER, I ATE A BIG CALZONE TONIGHT, SO I'M NOT JUST EATING ICE ANYMORE...
I would never call my mother a skeeza, but I have to admit her behavior on the phone on Sunday night was definitely skeeza-ish. I am sure that she will prove herself to have many more skeeza tendencies when I go home for break... I REALLY hope I get to go up to New Jersey to visit Betsy with the gang for New Years. Oh, mommy... please don't be a skeeza when it comes to letting me go up there...
...two more exams. I don't think I'm studying for the one on Thursday. Dr. Dunston (Read Teacher v4.0) is definitely not a skeeza... she is letting us have a cheat sheet with whatever we want on it. She obviously does not know my talent with small fonts. Watch me take my whole Read notebook into that exam on that sheet of paper...
Remember all that bitching last Tuesday when my group made up the rubric for our presentation... I'll refresh your memory... 1 to 4 point... 1 being the worst, 4 being the best... 1 point if your presentation was 2 minutes or less, 4 if your presentation was 5 minutes or more... 5 minutes was too much for some people so the griped and complained...
AND THEN WHEN THEIR TURN CAME TO PRESENT ON TUESDAY, THOSE SAME SKEEZAS TOOK FIFTEEN F-ING MINUTES!
Skeezas.
As for Dr. Kaminskeeza, she's not so bad anymore... mainly because I don't have her anymore. MUAH HA HA HA HA! And she was ever so sachharine sweet to us on Tuesday... bringing us in donuts when she wasn't sure that we were even going to get 85% of the class to do her teacher evaluation. HA! That woman, bless her heart. Did she really think that the majority of the class WASN'T going to grill her ass? She got all ones and twos from me... a couple of threes, but on the whole, she didn't do well with me. I did, however, say that she smiled a lot, which made up for the times when all of us were really mad at her. Too bad she didn't bring us donuts and stuff like every class... I think the super-sweetness of the Krispy Kreme would have overshadowed her skeeza tendencies.
Anyway, two more exams to go. Is it okay that I don't want to do ANYTHING anymore? I got my student teaching assignment today, so all I can think of is doing that. I am going to be at Code in Mrs. Stephens' class where I wanted to be... I am SO excited. NO CLASS whatsoever. And I talked to Christy from camp today who teaches at Code now, and she said that I am really going to enjoy student teaching. I really hope so. It will be great to get in there and do something after sitting on my duff all Christmas break... eating ice and getting yelled at for it... MOTHER, I ATE A BIG CALZONE TONIGHT, SO I'M NOT JUST EATING ICE ANYMORE...
I would never call my mother a skeeza, but I have to admit her behavior on the phone on Sunday night was definitely skeeza-ish. I am sure that she will prove herself to have many more skeeza tendencies when I go home for break... I REALLY hope I get to go up to New Jersey to visit Betsy with the gang for New Years. Oh, mommy... please don't be a skeeza when it comes to letting me go up there...
...two more exams. I don't think I'm studying for the one on Thursday. Dr. Dunston (Read Teacher v4.0) is definitely not a skeeza... she is letting us have a cheat sheet with whatever we want on it. She obviously does not know my talent with small fonts. Watch me take my whole Read notebook into that exam on that sheet of paper...
Sunday, December 05, 2004
ice, ice, baby
I believe I have talked about my mom in here before... and how utterly ridiculous she can be sometimes.
This entry is nothing but a reaction to a phone call I got this evening. First of all, lemme put this into perspective for you (hold on, I feel the need to go get a cup of ice water first)...
Okay. I'm back. Anyway. Whenever I get a call from my parents, whether it be from one of their cell phones or from my house, the ring is the "Kick" tone. If you have a Nokia phone, you know what it sounds like. It kinda sounds like the "You're In Trouble" ring. Yeah. So I'm eating dinner, when all of a sudden, I hear this "kick." It's my mom. She asks me about what's going on... why I didn't go to church today... and then...
"What are you eating?" she asks. I tell her it's just ice. Then she freaks out... "Do you eat ice a lot? Are you just doing it because you were drinking something and it is done now, or have you been doing this for a while?" What kind of answer do you give to a question like this?! Well, yeah, mom, you caught me... I've been illegally crunching ice, and I know that I am under age and should not do it until it's legal at 37, but I just have to have it... I'M ADDICTED! Well, I simply told her that I always do it. I like crunching ice. Then she goes, "Well, two things: I heard that it's not good for your teeth, and I also heard if you crush ice a lot it means something." This is coming from a woman who stopped taking us to the dentist because we never had cavities and because the secretary at the dentist's office saw my dad at the mall and told him that we had a bill we needed to pay... and she is concerned about my teeth? I doubt it, highly. She is concerned I have the "something" that crushing ice "means..."
Well, yes, mommy... IT MEANS THAT I LIKE CRUNCHING ICE!
I really hate the losers who sit there in their think tanks and come up with reasons why people do little quirky things. People have their little habits because they satisfiy their need to do them. Just because someone wears a trucker hat, it doesn't mean that they are trying to attract a certain type of individual. Just because a person wears black doesn't mean they are contemplating death (my mother subscribed to both of these theories until I set her straight).
Just another thing to look forward to when I go home for a month...
This entry is nothing but a reaction to a phone call I got this evening. First of all, lemme put this into perspective for you (hold on, I feel the need to go get a cup of ice water first)...
Okay. I'm back. Anyway. Whenever I get a call from my parents, whether it be from one of their cell phones or from my house, the ring is the "Kick" tone. If you have a Nokia phone, you know what it sounds like. It kinda sounds like the "You're In Trouble" ring. Yeah. So I'm eating dinner, when all of a sudden, I hear this "kick." It's my mom. She asks me about what's going on... why I didn't go to church today... and then...
>>CRUNCH!<<
"What are you eating?" she asks. I tell her it's just ice. Then she freaks out... "Do you eat ice a lot? Are you just doing it because you were drinking something and it is done now, or have you been doing this for a while?" What kind of answer do you give to a question like this?! Well, yeah, mom, you caught me... I've been illegally crunching ice, and I know that I am under age and should not do it until it's legal at 37, but I just have to have it... I'M ADDICTED! Well, I simply told her that I always do it. I like crunching ice. Then she goes, "Well, two things: I heard that it's not good for your teeth, and I also heard if you crush ice a lot it means something." This is coming from a woman who stopped taking us to the dentist because we never had cavities and because the secretary at the dentist's office saw my dad at the mall and told him that we had a bill we needed to pay... and she is concerned about my teeth? I doubt it, highly. She is concerned I have the "something" that crushing ice "means..."
Well, yes, mommy... IT MEANS THAT I LIKE CRUNCHING ICE!
I really hate the losers who sit there in their think tanks and come up with reasons why people do little quirky things. People have their little habits because they satisfiy their need to do them. Just because someone wears a trucker hat, it doesn't mean that they are trying to attract a certain type of individual. Just because a person wears black doesn't mean they are contemplating death (my mother subscribed to both of these theories until I set her straight).
Just another thing to look forward to when I go home for a month...
a nasty dream
I said these words to my roommates this morning, and I believe they thought I was going to talk about a wet dream. If that is what you are in search of, go here. But if not, stay a while and listen to this disturbing and disgusting dream that I had last night.
First of all, I must say that if you look at my profile, you will see that I am a member of a blog entitled My Dreams. I was invited to join by Sammie... Tragically, Sammie has not kept up with it. I myself only wrote one entry in it. So, I'm not going to put this dream in there (however, the dream that I put in there DID come true... Clemson DZ's... Candie Mallory and Jourdan Davis are the only acceptable ones). Anyway...
So, I believe that it started in the parking lot of my high school... which is exactly 1 mile away from my house. I really needed to use the bathroom. But instead of going back into the school, I just decide to shoot it home as fast as I can. Well, I couldn't make it. So, I stopped at the Amoco at the light right up from my house. Normally, this Amoco station, which is infamous for outrageous gas prices, is just a puny little regular Spinx gas station. But in this dream, the Amoco had turned into a big ol' travel stop... like one of those Flying J places on the side of I-85. Anyway, I go in, and there are tons of people around. This is also weird because the gas station is in the middle of suburbia. It's about 5 miles to the highway, and there is nothing around but churches, schools, grocery stores, and hundreds of neighborhoods. Well, among the travelers stopped at the Super-Amoco is none other than Daniel Crout... a freshman tuba player in the band (who just got a bid to KKPsi--CONGRATS!). I don't have time to talk to him though, because not only do I need to use the bathroom terribly, but I am hungry and extremely thirsty. So, I grab a can of Coke and pop it open to quench my thirst before I use the bathroom... When I walk up to the bathroom, I notice that there are many, but they are all pretty crowded. I wait my turn HOPING that the bathroom that opens up when it is my turn is clean and decent. Well, when the little boy comes out ogf the bathroom, it's my turn. I didn't like the thought of leaving my Coke outside of the bathroom in the midst of all the travelers... I was afraid someone might steal it or put something in it. But I didn't want to take it into the bathroom... that just seemed... nasty. Well, I did it anyway...
That bathroom... was the sickest, nastiest, most grotesque thing I have ever dreamed in my life. The floor was dirty, and back behind the toilet against the wall there was nasty brown grimy grungy stinky stuff. The toilet was atrocious, there was bodily fluid everywhere, and it was just wet with nastiness. The bathroom was really just a stall, but it had a rusty brown paper towel dispenser on the right wall when you walked in. The left wall of the bathroom/stall wasn't a wall at all... it was nothing more than a board. Kinda like it was meant to be a stall. But this board was well above waist level, so the person on the other side could see all your junk.
Well, I held my breath as I began to use the bathroom because it stank so bad. Well, you know how sometimes you go into a stinky place and you can hold your nose, but your mouth is still open, but you don't even want to hold your mouth open because the air is so nasty tasting and you don't want to digest any of the bacteria floating around in the air? Well, that's how I felt. So, I held my nose and shut my mouth and tried to pee as fast as I could. Then, I realized that in the "stall" next to mine, there was a man with a little boy. I think the little boy was not old enough to go to the bathroom by himself, so his dad was helping him. Remember how I said there was a board that did not go down very far? Well, in this space between the board and the floor, the little boy managed to miss the toilet and hit me. I gasped at the nastiness that was occurring, which made me smell the stench of the room as well as open my mouth, so I quickly zipped up and retreated from the disgusting stall with my Coke.
But once I got out, I realized there was no use of the Coke anymore... It was contaminated with whatever was in that bathroom. So I threw it away and eyed a bag of pizza flavored Doritos that I saw before I went to the bathroom... Then I started to gag. I didn't want those Doritos anymore. I had lost my appetite and was now getting sick to my stomach.
I walked away from the food aisles and towards the door where Daniel was sitting. I was still gagging profusely when he chuckled and said, "You went into that bathroom, didn't you?" I nodded and continued to gag. Then, nauseated, I walked to my car to go home... Somewhere between getting into the car and driving home, I woke up.
It was SO ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING. What does it all mean?
First of all, I must say that if you look at my profile, you will see that I am a member of a blog entitled My Dreams. I was invited to join by Sammie... Tragically, Sammie has not kept up with it. I myself only wrote one entry in it. So, I'm not going to put this dream in there (however, the dream that I put in there DID come true... Clemson DZ's... Candie Mallory and Jourdan Davis are the only acceptable ones). Anyway...
So, I believe that it started in the parking lot of my high school... which is exactly 1 mile away from my house. I really needed to use the bathroom. But instead of going back into the school, I just decide to shoot it home as fast as I can. Well, I couldn't make it. So, I stopped at the Amoco at the light right up from my house. Normally, this Amoco station, which is infamous for outrageous gas prices, is just a puny little regular Spinx gas station. But in this dream, the Amoco had turned into a big ol' travel stop... like one of those Flying J places on the side of I-85. Anyway, I go in, and there are tons of people around. This is also weird because the gas station is in the middle of suburbia. It's about 5 miles to the highway, and there is nothing around but churches, schools, grocery stores, and hundreds of neighborhoods. Well, among the travelers stopped at the Super-Amoco is none other than Daniel Crout... a freshman tuba player in the band (who just got a bid to KKPsi--CONGRATS!). I don't have time to talk to him though, because not only do I need to use the bathroom terribly, but I am hungry and extremely thirsty. So, I grab a can of Coke and pop it open to quench my thirst before I use the bathroom... When I walk up to the bathroom, I notice that there are many, but they are all pretty crowded. I wait my turn HOPING that the bathroom that opens up when it is my turn is clean and decent. Well, when the little boy comes out ogf the bathroom, it's my turn. I didn't like the thought of leaving my Coke outside of the bathroom in the midst of all the travelers... I was afraid someone might steal it or put something in it. But I didn't want to take it into the bathroom... that just seemed... nasty. Well, I did it anyway...
That bathroom... was the sickest, nastiest, most grotesque thing I have ever dreamed in my life. The floor was dirty, and back behind the toilet against the wall there was nasty brown grimy grungy stinky stuff. The toilet was atrocious, there was bodily fluid everywhere, and it was just wet with nastiness. The bathroom was really just a stall, but it had a rusty brown paper towel dispenser on the right wall when you walked in. The left wall of the bathroom/stall wasn't a wall at all... it was nothing more than a board. Kinda like it was meant to be a stall. But this board was well above waist level, so the person on the other side could see all your junk.
Well, I held my breath as I began to use the bathroom because it stank so bad. Well, you know how sometimes you go into a stinky place and you can hold your nose, but your mouth is still open, but you don't even want to hold your mouth open because the air is so nasty tasting and you don't want to digest any of the bacteria floating around in the air? Well, that's how I felt. So, I held my nose and shut my mouth and tried to pee as fast as I could. Then, I realized that in the "stall" next to mine, there was a man with a little boy. I think the little boy was not old enough to go to the bathroom by himself, so his dad was helping him. Remember how I said there was a board that did not go down very far? Well, in this space between the board and the floor, the little boy managed to miss the toilet and hit me. I gasped at the nastiness that was occurring, which made me smell the stench of the room as well as open my mouth, so I quickly zipped up and retreated from the disgusting stall with my Coke.
But once I got out, I realized there was no use of the Coke anymore... It was contaminated with whatever was in that bathroom. So I threw it away and eyed a bag of pizza flavored Doritos that I saw before I went to the bathroom... Then I started to gag. I didn't want those Doritos anymore. I had lost my appetite and was now getting sick to my stomach.
I walked away from the food aisles and towards the door where Daniel was sitting. I was still gagging profusely when he chuckled and said, "You went into that bathroom, didn't you?" I nodded and continued to gag. Then, nauseated, I walked to my car to go home... Somewhere between getting into the car and driving home, I woke up.
It was SO ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING. What does it all mean?
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
"my heart is racing, i want to scream"
-Little Pill, Encaustic
I'm listening to them now. I love them. I was introduced to them by my friend Will Sloop. It turns out I liberated it from Patrick's car, who liberated it from Will. I took it to Beaufort over Thanksgiving break and wore the CD out. It's good.
Anyway, the line from that song really describes what's going on in the Kingdom of Congruence. King Congruence broke a Ham Rule last night. Yeah... like right after I wrote about how good I had been and how I hadn't broken any in a while.
I was at TD's with some of the Block 3 divas and some of my Gamma Sig sorors... Talk about the opposite of a sausage party (I think back freshman year, we called instances like so "biscuit parties")! Anyway, this individual from a class a while ago came up. I do believe that what was said was a product of my buddy, Bud... you know him, right? Yeah, Bud Light. Anyway, good ol' Bud made me break the Ham Rule. I actually had a crush on this person... back a while ago. Well it turns out that this person broke up with their boyfriend (I know this sounds SO absolutely terrible). My eyes lit up... not really because I was like, "Now I have a chance." I actually, didn't even realize that there was a boyfriend in the first place when I first started liking this person. I found out late last year. Anyway, some of the B3 divas were telling me that I should go for it... hrmph. Right. I may have self-proclaimed a crush, but I will not fall. Remember? I think I talked about that in one of my recent entries. So, a big no for that. As for the aforementioned individual... who knows. They are supposed to be downtown tomorrow night...
This entry was meant to be a serious one... so I don't think that I'll talk about everything that happened last night. I want the entry to be about my situation and my breaking of a Ham Rule. But I will say that I saw my friend Lindsay Kelly from high school and she really just warmed my heart. It was so good to see her... It was actually a testimony to me that even though time passes and things and people change, sometimes the change is for the better... I'm so proud of her and the woman she's become.
As for me and this road to becoming a successful man... it sure as Hell is bumpy...
I'm listening to them now. I love them. I was introduced to them by my friend Will Sloop. It turns out I liberated it from Patrick's car, who liberated it from Will. I took it to Beaufort over Thanksgiving break and wore the CD out. It's good.
Anyway, the line from that song really describes what's going on in the Kingdom of Congruence. King Congruence broke a Ham Rule last night. Yeah... like right after I wrote about how good I had been and how I hadn't broken any in a while.
I was at TD's with some of the Block 3 divas and some of my Gamma Sig sorors... Talk about the opposite of a sausage party (I think back freshman year, we called instances like so "biscuit parties")! Anyway, this individual from a class a while ago came up. I do believe that what was said was a product of my buddy, Bud... you know him, right? Yeah, Bud Light. Anyway, good ol' Bud made me break the Ham Rule. I actually had a crush on this person... back a while ago. Well it turns out that this person broke up with their boyfriend (I know this sounds SO absolutely terrible). My eyes lit up... not really because I was like, "Now I have a chance." I actually, didn't even realize that there was a boyfriend in the first place when I first started liking this person. I found out late last year. Anyway, some of the B3 divas were telling me that I should go for it... hrmph. Right. I may have self-proclaimed a crush, but I will not fall. Remember? I think I talked about that in one of my recent entries. So, a big no for that. As for the aforementioned individual... who knows. They are supposed to be downtown tomorrow night...
This entry was meant to be a serious one... so I don't think that I'll talk about everything that happened last night. I want the entry to be about my situation and my breaking of a Ham Rule. But I will say that I saw my friend Lindsay Kelly from high school and she really just warmed my heart. It was so good to see her... It was actually a testimony to me that even though time passes and things and people change, sometimes the change is for the better... I'm so proud of her and the woman she's become.
As for me and this road to becoming a successful man... it sure as Hell is bumpy...
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
skeezas
My Language Arts Methods prof, Rebecca Kaminski is a skeeza... bless her heart. A skeeza (to me) is someone who acts like they've got it all together, but in reality, they suck; they are rude, inconsiderate, and two faced. Dr. Kaminski can be nice... like, you'd think she was batting for your team... until she pulls some ish like a huge project the week before exams. Yes. That's what that ol' SKEEZA did to us... after she gave us a pizza party and got people to sell us discounted books (the discounted books were of no real importance to me though). It's okay, Dr. K... you shall be in dumb pe0ple for some idiocracy that you said today AS WELL as earlier in the semester.
The whole reason I am writing about this skeeza is not because of the assignment she gave us though... I am wondering if I am becoming a SKEEZA!? Today in class we got to make up our own rubric for this BS project. Now, I am not any more excited about it than anyone else, but I don't see what the point is in making it so ridiculously easy to get an A. My group was in charge of making the rubric up for presentation... I did most of the work. So what Dr. K asked if time should be figured into the rubric, I said, for the lowest grade, 2 minutes and under, and for the highest grade, at least 5 minutes... that is not asking a lot. But if you had been in the class, you would have thought WAY differently. People were spazzin' out throwin' stuff and cursin' (not really, but I'm just trying to add to the atmosphere)! Dr. Kaminski WANTED 10 minute presentations... I think 5 minutes is a good compromise personally.
But then I got to thinking... am I becoming an ol' skeeza in my old age? I mean, Language Arts Methods today was my second to last class of my undergraduate career ever... Am I turning into an old fashioned fogie?
Even if I do, I will NOT EVER stoop to this level...
The whole reason I am writing about this skeeza is not because of the assignment she gave us though... I am wondering if I am becoming a SKEEZA!? Today in class we got to make up our own rubric for this BS project. Now, I am not any more excited about it than anyone else, but I don't see what the point is in making it so ridiculously easy to get an A. My group was in charge of making the rubric up for presentation... I did most of the work. So what Dr. K asked if time should be figured into the rubric, I said, for the lowest grade, 2 minutes and under, and for the highest grade, at least 5 minutes... that is not asking a lot. But if you had been in the class, you would have thought WAY differently. People were spazzin' out throwin' stuff and cursin' (not really, but I'm just trying to add to the atmosphere)! Dr. Kaminski WANTED 10 minute presentations... I think 5 minutes is a good compromise personally.
But then I got to thinking... am I becoming an ol' skeeza in my old age? I mean, Language Arts Methods today was my second to last class of my undergraduate career ever... Am I turning into an old fashioned fogie?
Even if I do, I will NOT EVER stoop to this level...
Monday, November 29, 2004
i feel like writing...
Poor blog. What have you become?! Just a couple hundred pages sitting there in cyber space longing for the days when I had a chance to actually write in you... I'm so sorry. The past few entries, I have said over and over again how I am going to start writing more. Well, that was during the worse time of my life: THE BLOCK. I'm so glad it's over. I really do miss Mrs. Hatton's class though. It was a good learning experience. I am really looking forward to student teaching in a better situation though.
Anyway, since the block is over, I only have 2 classes tomorrow and 1 on Thursday. So Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are going to be play days. I am so excited... the sad fact, however, is that I probably won't do a damn thing any of these days. I said I was going to go to Athens on Wednesday for a "college visit." I dunno if that will really happen though. It would be fun, but I really need to figure out logistics of that if I'm gonna do it.
Hell... I need to figure out logistics for pretty much everything about life after May 13. I'm so ready to graduate... but I don't really know if I'm ready to get up out of Clemson. ::sigh:: Lets see. The main reason that I would want to stay here at Clemson is to be a grad assistant with the band, and because I have friends here already. I don't really know if those are valid enough reasons though. I am really leaning towards USC actually. I know, it's really weird--my university's rival... Something about it seems very appealing though. I like how it is still in state. I like how they have a good band program. I like the fact that it is in a metropolitian area (who am I kidding? It's just Columbia, but they call it "da Met"). So yay for USC. Then there's UGA. It would also be completely new to me... however, not as new as USC would be. I hav visited there lots. I also have a pretty good relationship with the Kappa Mu bros there. It would be fun to go to school with them. They have a KILLER band program there. They also have an incredible school of education. Quite frankly, I am concerned that I may not even get in there. That is the only school that I didn't get into when I applied for undergrad (even though, it was my guidance counselors fault... grrr).
By the way, that is what I am going to do now. I decided that Ed Psych was not going to be worth anything once I got out of school. I actually had to do some researching, talking to people... and I decided that it isn't what I want. An Elementary School Guidance Counselor sounds better to me. I haven't talked to any guidance counselors who don't enjoy it. I'm really looking forward to it.
Anyway, like the title of this entry says... I feel like writing. Not only do I feel like writing in this heavily neglected blog, but I feel like starting new stuff too... and picking up where I left off in another neglected creation of mine. POOR, POOR DELIGHTFUL! My dear sweet Georgia peach. I made her and her friends up this summer when I had nothing better to do. I guess the fact that I left readers at a cliff hanger on Buckhead State Bid Day shows that I found things that were better to do... WRONG. I just found things that were BITCHES to do... school work. Anyway, break starts soon. And I get a lot of writing done on break. I plan on picking Delightful back up... somehow. I also started a novel that is based on my family back in Dale. It's called Family Friendly. It should be good... based on a true story with elements of fiction. My friend Mandy from high school is going to be writing something with me as well. It's called Any Suggestions? I actually got the name from her when she was asking me what I thought we should name it. She said, "Any suggestions?" and bam. There it was. It's going to be a series of letters written back and forth between to high school friends that are apart from each other at college. I'm really excited about it.
So, I have my work cut out for me. As for dumb pe0ple and Short Bus Stories, I think those are pretty dormant for the time being. Those are for random and sporadic bursts of writing... not really things meant to be kept up.
ANYWAY... on to the juice of my ever so fabulous blogs (j/k... I have been brought back down to earth now that I haven't had time to keep it up... although I really did love my rendition of "Overnight Celebrity" a few entries back). I used the r-word earlier in this entry...
I don't think I'm going to get married. I think I'll end up one of those strangely happy highly successful and fashionable single people. It has it's perks. No one to answer to but myself... I'll be able to come and go when I want... I won't have to fight for the remote control... and I will be able to decorate my bathroom in Spongebob Squarepants if I want to. Just kidding. Anyway, I really don't know how I feel about this... it's not really a disappointed feeling, or even a feeling of liberation. This is gonna bug me until I really get to that point. ::sigh:: So May 13, 2005, you can take your time getting here...
Anyway, since the block is over, I only have 2 classes tomorrow and 1 on Thursday. So Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are going to be play days. I am so excited... the sad fact, however, is that I probably won't do a damn thing any of these days. I said I was going to go to Athens on Wednesday for a "college visit." I dunno if that will really happen though. It would be fun, but I really need to figure out logistics of that if I'm gonna do it.
Hell... I need to figure out logistics for pretty much everything about life after May 13. I'm so ready to graduate... but I don't really know if I'm ready to get up out of Clemson. ::sigh:: Lets see. The main reason that I would want to stay here at Clemson is to be a grad assistant with the band, and because I have friends here already. I don't really know if those are valid enough reasons though. I am really leaning towards USC actually. I know, it's really weird--my university's rival... Something about it seems very appealing though. I like how it is still in state. I like how they have a good band program. I like the fact that it is in a metropolitian area (who am I kidding? It's just Columbia, but they call it "da Met"). So yay for USC. Then there's UGA. It would also be completely new to me... however, not as new as USC would be. I hav visited there lots. I also have a pretty good relationship with the Kappa Mu bros there. It would be fun to go to school with them. They have a KILLER band program there. They also have an incredible school of education. Quite frankly, I am concerned that I may not even get in there. That is the only school that I didn't get into when I applied for undergrad (even though, it was my guidance counselors fault... grrr).
By the way, that is what I am going to do now. I decided that Ed Psych was not going to be worth anything once I got out of school. I actually had to do some researching, talking to people... and I decided that it isn't what I want. An Elementary School Guidance Counselor sounds better to me. I haven't talked to any guidance counselors who don't enjoy it. I'm really looking forward to it.
Anyway, like the title of this entry says... I feel like writing. Not only do I feel like writing in this heavily neglected blog, but I feel like starting new stuff too... and picking up where I left off in another neglected creation of mine. POOR, POOR DELIGHTFUL! My dear sweet Georgia peach. I made her and her friends up this summer when I had nothing better to do. I guess the fact that I left readers at a cliff hanger on Buckhead State Bid Day shows that I found things that were better to do... WRONG. I just found things that were BITCHES to do... school work. Anyway, break starts soon. And I get a lot of writing done on break. I plan on picking Delightful back up... somehow. I also started a novel that is based on my family back in Dale. It's called Family Friendly. It should be good... based on a true story with elements of fiction. My friend Mandy from high school is going to be writing something with me as well. It's called Any Suggestions? I actually got the name from her when she was asking me what I thought we should name it. She said, "Any suggestions?" and bam. There it was. It's going to be a series of letters written back and forth between to high school friends that are apart from each other at college. I'm really excited about it.
So, I have my work cut out for me. As for dumb pe0ple and Short Bus Stories, I think those are pretty dormant for the time being. Those are for random and sporadic bursts of writing... not really things meant to be kept up.
ANYWAY... on to the juice of my ever so fabulous blogs (j/k... I have been brought back down to earth now that I haven't had time to keep it up... although I really did love my rendition of "Overnight Celebrity" a few entries back). I used the r-word earlier in this entry...
I also have a pretty good relationship with the Kappa Mu bros there.
There is a Ham Rule against using that word. Well, you know, I have kept my Ham Rules pretty well, so I'm not worried about breaking it. Now that I look at it, I think that it was a pretty stupid rule anyway. And honestly, following the Ham Rules has gotten me nowhere. I mean, I'm the same as I was when I made them up. I guess I have learned how to deal with my lack of a RELATIONSHIP over the past 4 years. But I haven't gotten any closer to one. Now that I am about to graduate and am getting closer to being out there on my own, I kinda have mixed feelings. I will be the same type of person that my Aunt Irene is... where she has tons of friends who are married and tons of friends and family who keep asking her when she is going to get married. Or, I could be like those cool single people who seem to be the main characters on prime time sitcoms... highly successful and stylish living in my small but sheik Pottery Barn decorated upper class townhome. I dunno. Everywhere I turn boyfriends and girlfriends are turning into fiancees. I guess that is what happens in the early 20s. And in the mid 20s, those fiancees are going to turn into husbands and wives. Dang. I am going to be highly delayed... the boyfriend/girlfriend stage was back at like 17-19. I haven't even reached that stage yet. I guess I'll be married by the time I'm 35... if even then.
I don't think I'm going to get married. I think I'll end up one of those strangely happy highly successful and fashionable single people. It has it's perks. No one to answer to but myself... I'll be able to come and go when I want... I won't have to fight for the remote control... and I will be able to decorate my bathroom in Spongebob Squarepants if I want to. Just kidding. Anyway, I really don't know how I feel about this... it's not really a disappointed feeling, or even a feeling of liberation. This is gonna bug me until I really get to that point. ::sigh:: So May 13, 2005, you can take your time getting here...
Monday, November 15, 2004
ugh.
I feel so disgustingly Bridget Jones right now. Sitting here journaling with my hot chicken noodle soup in a mug, not a bowl (this is so weird). My throat hurts. It's hurt for a while actually. It usually happens when the seasons change. Hopefully I'll be over it soon though.
Anyway, Bridget Jones. I was so Bridget Jones all day. I hung out all by myself, except for when I went home. Yeah, I went back to G-vegas to get some books I forgot over fall break. I saw everyone but my dad, so I guess it was nice.
The big deal about this whole trip to Greenville was going downtown and stopping at Falls Park. There used to be a road bridge that went over the falls, but they have since turned it into a suspended walking bridge. It was one of the prettiest things I had ever seen. My practicum teacher, Mrs. Hatton had mentioned it to me several times, so I figured I had nothing better to do, so I stopped by to look.
I walked out there with my discman... Clay Aiken was in the CD player. The song was Solitaire. How absolutely depressing. I mean, a beautiful Sunday afternoon in this amazing park listening to a song about a lonely man. Hmm... Yes. The story of my life.
I left utterly depressed and defeated. I mean, I am and will probably forever remain defeated...
A heart that cared
That went unshared
Until it died in his silence...
Oh, Clay Aiken, how you do what you do...
I'm ready to find some relief from this hopelessness. No, not necessarily someone to date... just the ability to be okay with being alone... the ability to walk amongst couples without getting all droopy faced...
Oh yeah, and the ability to watch chick flicks and not spazz out at the super sweet part (point in case, the part in "The Girl Next Door" when Matthew goes up and kisses Danielle for the first time and This Year's Love starts playing).
Just let me be apathetic...
Anyway, Bridget Jones. I was so Bridget Jones all day. I hung out all by myself, except for when I went home. Yeah, I went back to G-vegas to get some books I forgot over fall break. I saw everyone but my dad, so I guess it was nice.
The big deal about this whole trip to Greenville was going downtown and stopping at Falls Park. There used to be a road bridge that went over the falls, but they have since turned it into a suspended walking bridge. It was one of the prettiest things I had ever seen. My practicum teacher, Mrs. Hatton had mentioned it to me several times, so I figured I had nothing better to do, so I stopped by to look.
I walked out there with my discman... Clay Aiken was in the CD player. The song was Solitaire. How absolutely depressing. I mean, a beautiful Sunday afternoon in this amazing park listening to a song about a lonely man. Hmm... Yes. The story of my life.
I left utterly depressed and defeated. I mean, I am and will probably forever remain defeated...
A heart that cared
That went unshared
Until it died in his silence...
Oh, Clay Aiken, how you do what you do...
I'm ready to find some relief from this hopelessness. No, not necessarily someone to date... just the ability to be okay with being alone... the ability to walk amongst couples without getting all droopy faced...
Oh yeah, and the ability to watch chick flicks and not spazz out at the super sweet part (point in case, the part in "The Girl Next Door" when Matthew goes up and kisses Danielle for the first time and This Year's Love starts playing).
Just let me be apathetic...
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
fucked up fall break
1. First of all, the title of this entry is not due to the fact that I was wasted over fall break. I was quite sober, thankyouverymuch.
2. I titled it for 2 reasons.
(a) The alliteration (you like that, don't you)
(b) Something really was fucked up in our family computer at home, and it would not let me blog!
I had mucho stuff to write about too... Now, I am having a brain fart, and I can't think of anything I wanted to say. I think the brain fart is due to the fact that all brain power in the universe is being used to count the ballots for president. I have to admit... it's a big deal. As much as I hate politics, this is an exciting day. It was my very first presidential election. I voted in the gubernatorial election in 2000, and I was highly disappointed. I voted straight ticket Democrat... I didn't do that this time because first of all, while it would have been very fast, I had already waited 45 minutes in line anyway; secondly, Fletcher Anderson made a dumb ass comment in "The State" paper talking about how it was pretty much a given that minorities vote Democrat; and thirdly, the last time I did that, every Democrat lost... haha.
So today, I voted for Kerry... for Inez, and also for the mini bottles. My biggest concern is for the mini bottles. They are cool! And they make South Carolina special! We are the weirdos that have little colorful bottles lining the shelves of our bars and the weirdos that get more drunk than people in other states. LET THE MINI BOTTLE LIVE ON!
Anyway, enough of that election mumbo jumbo. Back to things on a smaller scale... oh that's right... I CAN'T REMEMBER ANY OF THEM BECAUSE MY COMPUTER AT HOME WOULDN'T LET ME TYPE ANYTHING!!!
But I do remember one thing... plans after college... this is so serious. What to do? Well, the choice was work, or go to grad school. My main concern was if I did work, I did not want to live at home. I'm ready to be on my own. Well, I found out this weekend that my parents want me to go straight to grad school too. I was kind of shocked 'cause I thought that they were gonna want me home as soon as I got done with college. That would suck so bad though. I mean, that is like a HUGE fear for me... I have been having visions of it all... It reminds me of summer camp. I go to summer camp for an extended amount of time, and then it's over... all the fun, friends, and freedom (once again, sweet alliteration). Moving back to "Grr" would be like returning home after a 4 year stay at summer camp. DAMN! It's been 4 years?! Where did it all go? Lordamercy...
That leads me to my final thought of this election evening (alliteration, part III): I am a senior in college. There is so much petty bullshit that is around me. I'm so sick of it. I'm sick of allowing myself to let people piss me off... you see that... I'M taking responsibility for it. It's no one's fault but mine. People can do things all they want, but I have realized that you have to be responsible for your feelings and attitude. No one can make you feel any sort of way. Someone can push you, spit on you, cuss you out, make fun of you, throw things at you, run over you with a CAT bus, but in the end, your response is up to you... you can't go and say, "(s)he made me do it." There are always 2 options to everything... you can retaliate negatively, or you can just go on about your merry way. Starting now, I'm going on my merry way. People can say what they want... and I'll just go on pretending like they wasted their breath and energy getting pissed off at me, 'cause I'm not going to let stupid stuff bother me... and what makes me really excited about this is, I know I can do this... remember the Hamilton that was so passive and non-confrontational... oh, those days are over... thanks to experiences from this past spring.
The goal is to become independent. Twenty-one is too old to worry about what other people think. In the words of Dr. Dre...
Fuck y'all
All of y'all
If y'all don't like me,
Blow me...
2. I titled it for 2 reasons.
(a) The alliteration (you like that, don't you)
(b) Something really was fucked up in our family computer at home, and it would not let me blog!
I had mucho stuff to write about too... Now, I am having a brain fart, and I can't think of anything I wanted to say. I think the brain fart is due to the fact that all brain power in the universe is being used to count the ballots for president. I have to admit... it's a big deal. As much as I hate politics, this is an exciting day. It was my very first presidential election. I voted in the gubernatorial election in 2000, and I was highly disappointed. I voted straight ticket Democrat... I didn't do that this time because first of all, while it would have been very fast, I had already waited 45 minutes in line anyway; secondly, Fletcher Anderson made a dumb ass comment in "The State" paper talking about how it was pretty much a given that minorities vote Democrat; and thirdly, the last time I did that, every Democrat lost... haha.
So today, I voted for Kerry... for Inez, and also for the mini bottles. My biggest concern is for the mini bottles. They are cool! And they make South Carolina special! We are the weirdos that have little colorful bottles lining the shelves of our bars and the weirdos that get more drunk than people in other states. LET THE MINI BOTTLE LIVE ON!
Anyway, enough of that election mumbo jumbo. Back to things on a smaller scale... oh that's right... I CAN'T REMEMBER ANY OF THEM BECAUSE MY COMPUTER AT HOME WOULDN'T LET ME TYPE ANYTHING!!!
But I do remember one thing... plans after college... this is so serious. What to do? Well, the choice was work, or go to grad school. My main concern was if I did work, I did not want to live at home. I'm ready to be on my own. Well, I found out this weekend that my parents want me to go straight to grad school too. I was kind of shocked 'cause I thought that they were gonna want me home as soon as I got done with college. That would suck so bad though. I mean, that is like a HUGE fear for me... I have been having visions of it all... It reminds me of summer camp. I go to summer camp for an extended amount of time, and then it's over... all the fun, friends, and freedom (once again, sweet alliteration). Moving back to "Grr" would be like returning home after a 4 year stay at summer camp. DAMN! It's been 4 years?! Where did it all go? Lordamercy...
That leads me to my final thought of this election evening (alliteration, part III): I am a senior in college. There is so much petty bullshit that is around me. I'm so sick of it. I'm sick of allowing myself to let people piss me off... you see that... I'M taking responsibility for it. It's no one's fault but mine. People can do things all they want, but I have realized that you have to be responsible for your feelings and attitude. No one can make you feel any sort of way. Someone can push you, spit on you, cuss you out, make fun of you, throw things at you, run over you with a CAT bus, but in the end, your response is up to you... you can't go and say, "(s)he made me do it." There are always 2 options to everything... you can retaliate negatively, or you can just go on about your merry way. Starting now, I'm going on my merry way. People can say what they want... and I'll just go on pretending like they wasted their breath and energy getting pissed off at me, 'cause I'm not going to let stupid stuff bother me... and what makes me really excited about this is, I know I can do this... remember the Hamilton that was so passive and non-confrontational... oh, those days are over... thanks to experiences from this past spring.
The goal is to become independent. Twenty-one is too old to worry about what other people think. In the words of Dr. Dre...
Fuck y'all
All of y'all
If y'all don't like me,
Blow me...
*Please pardon the persistent use of pungent profanity in this portion of my personal thoughts.*
(Alliteration, Part IV, baby... what...)
(Alliteration, Part IV, baby... what...)
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