Posts (page 2)

I have a head cold. boo.

I want to take a nap, but I know it'll mess up my sleep schedule too much to make it worth it.

I took the night off from teaching as to not infect anyone else at the school with my illness.  I think it was a solid plan since I'm, right now, all about snot.

I started the patch today to quit.  So far it's going really well.  I can readjust my habits while not having cravings.  It's working really, really well and I'm pleased.  Granted, it's day 1 and day 2 is usually the worst from past experiences, but it's all good in the hood, as far as that goes so far.

I just hope this isn't a cold of the 1000 year cough like one of the ones going around.  I don't want to be hacking up a storm down South.  Or all over Mystery Man. lol

ELEVEN more days and I get the fuck out of here for a week.  A welcome break and distraction from the daily grind.

So, the title there is misleading because it looks like I'm straining through another bout of anxiety.  Instead of being relieved I have work off due to epic snowfall, I'm actually really nervous - like I'm doing something wrong.  Maybe it's just that I had just woken up, or the really disturbing dream I had where everyone at work lived in my apartment complex and, seriously now, watched me scrape off my car until a plane had lost control above and nearly hit the church across the highway from where I live.

I don't know, but I need to chill.

Google Game: Go to Google and type in quotation marks your name and then "likes to" (ex. "Steve likes to"). Type in the first ten things that come up and re-post in your own note. (or if you are smart, copy and paste them :P) You must tag the person that sent this to you.

1) “James likes to”, write down the first 10 search results  (I shit you not..)
2)

James likes to move it, move it

3)James Likes To Shoot Stuff.
4)

James likes to hang in Austin

(this is technically 5, but I'm not going to put #4 in here because, well, you can do it and see)
5)James likes to use books with CD accompaniments.
6)James likes to incorporate popular music in his curriculum
7)James likes to give props to folks who kick ass and get the job done
(YEAH he does!)
8)James Likes to Jibba Jabba!!!!
9)James likes to have his hands on the wheel - and the football.
(yes, all 4 of them?)
10) James likes to watch TV and use his computer.

So, I feel the need to relay this little bit of sunshine that came through the cloud of my evening.

I hit a pothole tonight in the middle of a small town on my way to karate class.  I was going for some stress relief after a very trying week so far at work.

I hit this pothole and my car, literally, just stopped dead in its tracks.  No nice thudding to a stop in relative time.  No, Hit, engine cut.  I kept my cool and pulled over, then called AAA after trying to start my car 3 times and looking to see if I could see anything wrong under my car.

I broke down in a residential part of town in front of these people's house.  Normally, I wouldn't expect anything to happen because, honestly, I would make a cursory walk over to see if they were OK and then think nothing more of it.  The gesture of concern and kindness and a helping hand if needed.

These people went above and beyond.  They offered me tea or coffee.  They even let me inside their home so I could charge my phone, which was about to die.  It was incredibly kind of them and, honestly, really helped me out.

When I get my car back, I'm going to be dropping a thank you note in their mailbox because, in a really big way, it's reminded me of the kindness and generosity of strangers.  Working in customer service can make you hard, and sometimes the universe reminds you that all people have some hope and shine in them that you can't forget.  It was really a beautiful thing.

So, this is to you Random Couple in Millis:

Thank you so much for your kindness; I couldn't even begin to think of how to repay you.

Yesterday was the first day of the Chinese New Year. The Chinese year 4707 is the year of the ox. What's your Chinese zodiac animal and what does it say about you?

This is what Wikipedia says:

The Ox is thought to be the sign of prosperity through fortitude and hard work. The Ox is a power sign, like the Rat, Snake, Dragon, Tiger, and Monkey. They're quite dependable and possess an innate ability to achieve great things. As one might guess, such people are dependable, calm, and modest. Like their animal namesake, the Ox is unswervingly patient, tireless in their work, and capable of enduring any amount of hardship without complaint.

Ox people, according to tradition, need peace and quiet to work through their ideas, and when they have set their mind on something it is hard for them to be convinced otherwise. An Ox person has a very logical mind and is extremely systematic in whatever they do, though they have a tremendous imagination and an unparalleled appreciation for beauty. These people speak little but are extremely intelligent. When necessary, they are articulate and eloquent.

Traditionally, people born under the influence of the Ox are thought to be kind, caring souls, logical, positive, filled with common sense and with their feet firmly planted on the ground. Security is their main preoccupation in life, and they are prepared to toil long and hard in order to provide a warm, comfortable and stable nest for themselves and their families. Strong-minded, stubborn, individualistic, the majority are highly intelligent individuals who don't take kindly to being told what to do.

The Ox, it is thought, works hard, patiently, and methodically, with original intelligence and reflective thought. These people enjoy helping others. Behind this tenacious, laboring, and self-sacrificing exterior lies an active mind.

The Ox, according to tradition, is not extravagant, and a modern interpretation of this is that the thought of living off credit cards or being in debt makes them nervous. The possibility of taking a serious risk could cause the Ox sleepless nights.

Ox people are truthful and sincere, and the idea of wheeling and dealing in a competitive world is distasteful to them. They are rarely driven by the prospect of financial gain. These people are always welcome in small gatherings because of their humble composure and reverent nature towards the host. They are reputed to be the most beautiful of face in the zodiac. They have many friends, who appreciate the fact that the Ox people are wary of new trends, although every now and then they can be encouraged to try something new. People born in the year of the Ox make wonderful parents and teachers of children.

It is important to remember that the Ox people are sociable and relaxed when they feel secure, but occasionally a dark cloud looms over such people and they engage all the trials of the whole world and seek solutions for them.

I actually think it's pretty accurate on the whole.

Wow.  It's really.  Like, really, really real.

I am hopeful, yet cautious.  We've heard big words in the past that have come up as nothing -- but I am hopeful that we're moving in a new direction of involvement with government and true interest in how things work.  I'm hopeful that this is not just a fluke but a continuing model for America.

I hold myself cautious, but very hopeful for the future.

Is this what satisfaction feels like?

Just a tune in on the goings on, since I know some of you read and all that.

Had a cold, it's since been clearing rather nicely.  I've got a nasty cough, but it is somewhat productive and not debilitating.  I just wish I didn't sound like a freaking seal whenever I coughed.  However, I don't think it'll last very long.

The spill I took on Christmas night actually landed me a nice infection around my tailbone.  I have a doctor's appointment for it on Monday morning to see what can be done, if anything.  I'm not really concerned about it, but since it's in a place we use often, I figure getting it looked at can at least get me some pain relievers so I can handle the day better than waddling like a duck and going to sit like I have hemorrhoids.

It's been a really great couple days, despite being sick.  The New Year, by and large, has started very well for me and I'm actually feeling a bit hopeful for the future. I admit whole heartedly that New Year is totally just an artificial bench mark, but it's still reassuring to see things line up again for me.

I've had some trouble with the post office and I'm going to go down there on Monday and talk to them to see what can be done.  It appears I have (1)an incompetent postman, (2)an asshole postman, (3) a lazy postman or (4)some combination of the three.  It's been frustrating and I'm getting sick of his bullshit.  And, before anyone jumps on it, I've seen him and know he's a dude. No gender assumptions here.

So, overall things are looking good and I'm in a good disposition. :-)

OK, so, for Otakon I'm going to be cosplaying Pyramid Head from Silent Hill (second game and movie hybrid.  Here's a screen shot: http://lnx.krosis.com/mblog/pictures/silent_hill_wallpaper_pyramid_head.jpg )

There is a twist, however.  I'm going to be a dancing P-Head à la this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAGId7xKYvY

So, I need some help. In the movie, P-Head comes when the darkness creeps in.  This is signaled by a loud Tornado siren.  I need a good dance song that starts with a siren to start of the Pyramid Head Dance Mix of Hell.

At the moment, I'm at a bit of a loss.  I need to scour my music collection to see what I've got, but I thought it would be a good idea to ask the internets what they think.

1. Was this a good year for you?
2008 has been pretty mediocre over all.  I've met some really awesome new people, gotten back in touch with someone I never thought I'd talk to again, and moved out of the house -- which have all been great.  But, there have been some less-than stellar things happen in the last year.

2. What did you do this year that you'd never done before?
I moved out of the house and adopted a cat.

3. Did you keep your New Years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't really make any resolutions.  I'm not keen on making any for this coming year, either.

4. What was your favorite moment of the year?
Probably mocking the really terrible yaoi-inspired live action movie from Hong Kong at Anime North with Lisa.

5. What was your least favorite moment of the year?
Watching people I like at work getting laid off.  Realizing I'm probably stuck at my specific position for a while, despite my trying to shift things around and change what I do.

6. What would you like to have next year that you lacked this year?
A healthy relationship in the romantic sense.  But, it's not something which I can forge or predict.  I'd like to say I have a good thing going and it's building up nicely, but I am weary of making predictions for the future.

7. What date from this year will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Memorial Day Weekend 2008 -- Anime North road trip with Mike, Lisa and the BrownOut
Ben&Jerry's with Angela and Emily

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Becoming a big kid and moving out on my own.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Not being able to change my job situation.  Being ridiculously broke a lot.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I had my wisdom teeth taken out.

11. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Jinny. But I won't go into details.
Angela.  Same explanation.

12. Did you break up with anyone this year?
Psycho-Ex Ethan.

13. Did you make any new friends this year?
Yes, I did! :-)

14. Did you travel outside of the U.S. this year?
Canada!

15. How many different states did you travel to this year?
Maine, Rhode Island, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York -- I've kept it pretty local by my standards.

16. Did you lose anybody close to you this year?
No.

17. Did you miss anybody in the past year?
Jenny, Vanessa, Everyone from Louisiana

18. What was your favorite movie you saw this year?
Oh Jesus, I have no idea.

19. What was your favorite song?
I phase so much, I really have no idea.

20. What was your favorite album?
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA dunno.

21. Favorite TV show?
Project Runway was always a favorite (even if this cycle was a bit weak).

22. What was the best book you read?
I've read a lot, compared to past years.  I'm not sure.

23. How many concerts did you see this year?
I didn't!

24. What was the funniest moment of this year?
Lambasting yaoi.

25. What did you want and get?
kind of?  I got more independence and better relationships with a lot of people I really didn't know in 2007.  I don't really ask for much from the Universe, so I think I've done pretty well.

26. What's one thing you wish had happened this year?
*insert same job answer here*

27. Did you do anything you are ashamed of this year?
I'm certain that I have, but I don't want to dwell on the negative.

28. How much money did you spend this year?
In general, I spent relatively little on myself.  The majority of my money has gone to bills and medical expenses.

29. Where did most of your money go?
Se #28

30. What was the best thing you bought?
soOm Spinel head!

31. What was your most embarrassing moment of the year?
I have no idea.

32. If you could go back in time to any moment of this year, what would it be?
I don't know really. I've had a lot of great times with everyone. It's been a really good year as far as friendship development has gone.

33. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Moving forward with my life and taking more control over what I do.  Going back to school and getting educated more.

34. What song will always remind you of this year?
Probably anything by ATB or The Postal Service

35. Compared to this time last year, are you...

-happier or sadder? Much happier

-thinner or fatter? Thinner

-richer or poorer? Poorer

36. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Traveling

37. What do you wish you'd done less of?
freaking out

38. How will you be spending Christmas?
With my family and then out with Lyndsey in our yearly tradition!

39. Did you fall in love this year?
I became really smitten with the wrong sort of person, if that counts.

40. How many one-night stands?
Pleading the 5th.

41. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 23 and I went to Han Dynasty and hung out with awesome people!

42. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Being able to guide myself in a direction to pursue.

43. How would you describe your personal fashion concept this year?
Young professional, scenester.

44. What kept you sane?
Friends.

45. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I really didn't.

46. Who was the best new person you met?
Well, I re-met Rachel in REAL LIFE this time.

47. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned this year.
Nothing is ever really as bad as it seems on paper.

48. What are your plans for the next year?
Getting myself in order. Paying off my car.  Going back to Louisiana in the spring.  Otakon in July.  Maybe making it to the Maritimes (or having some of them here).

49. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
And everywhere I go
There's always something to remind me
of another place and time
where love had traveled far and found me.

(I know they're fudged a bit, but I think this way suits it better.)

Here's to hoping this year's is better than last's.

ETA: nope.