Goodbye Blues

Despite dancing with friends on College Green for people to ogle at us, and having tons of fun doing it, I want to go home. But, I don't know if I'm ready to handle what might come my way while I'm at home. I don't know what to expect from a certain someone when I see them. I feel as if I'm losing my mind because of this person. So to help me cope, I've retreated to music, my comfort. Here's how I feel:



I wish I could play an instrument. People keep telling me it's easy to learn guitar. I tried to teach myself. It wasn't easy, especially since I didn't have a designated time to just sit and practice each day. I really want to learn piano, but the class for non-music majors fills so fast, I most likely won't be able to take the class until next year. Here's to hoping a spot opens up during Spring Quarter.

Jiminy Controversy, Batman!

So I wrote a column for Column Writing about hipsters and how they are invading Athens and OU mainly just for fun because I wanted to write something about hipsters, especially since people compare me to one constantly. So Ryan needed a Between the Lines to fill space on the Editorial Page, and he asked me if I could let him run one of assignments from Column Writing. It was between the Quidditch one and the Hipster one, but I decided on the Hipster column because I didn't see any good reason to run a random column about Quidditch and how it's spreading to college campuses. Yesterday, the Web page of my column received 35 comments in one day, and 1447 views. People searched for me on Google and found good 'ol Life of John Nero. My column has inspired some interesting responses. A good number of people cannot seem to understand the joke that is my column. Look the display image on this blog! It screams hipster. Well, I'm going to head back to bed as moving makes me extremely nauseous.

Read the crazy comments here.

Happy Birthday, Darling!

Have you ever seen me at a party? It's probably best you haven't. I'm normally the most sober person there, but also the most ridiculous. People ask why I don't go out to parties more. My main reason is I'm not much of a party person. I like to relax on my weekends by snuggling up in my chair, eating Ben&Jerry's, and watching stuff on Netflix or Hulu. I also try to read, not so much this quarter, but in past ones. And if I went out to every party, I might lose a lot of weight from dancing so much; and if you know me, then you know I don't have a lot of weight to lose. Slight digression time! I recently became obsessed with this song (not really). I keep finding moments to quote the beginning speaking part. Someone usually says something relating to a party, a birthday, or going somewhere, and I respond with, "We're going to a party. It's a birthday party. It's your birthday. Happy Birthday, darling. We love you very very very very very very very much."

Murder, He Wrote

According to my friend Adam, I'm a 40-year-old lesbian. Why? Because I watch Murder, She Wrote (I apparently furthered my lesbianism by admitting to liking Golden Girls also). I can't help myself! Angela Lansbury is so adorably British. She goes around solving murders with her super-human deduction abilities. She's the Sherlock Holmes of three decades ago. It's also super cheesy. The intro to the show has non-suspenseful music and her jogging around her Maine hometown waving to people on boats. It's absolutely hysterical!

Lost in Translation

So tonight was the final season premiere of Lost! I've been so pumped. I watched it on the big screen at The Post, and prior to its beginning, Dave thought it would be fun for me to explain everything that happened in Lost up to the end of season five. I said he should just watch the five-minute youtube video describing everything super fast with hilarious costume changes. He said it would be much more fun if I explained it to him. I'm not going to try that again. I didn't get to finish and was interrupted several times. Tristan became fascinated with the smoke monster and wouldn't stop asking if something had to do with the smoke monster. It was agitating, but they love to drive me insane at The Post. I admit, I react quite humourously. But yeah, Lost was great. Loved it!

Salaam, Salinger

I wish you hadn't been a recluse, and that I could have possibly trekked to your place of living before you died, but alas, the best laid plans. Thank you for your amazing works, Mr. Salinger. I know this is a day late, but I needed a day to accept that this was true and not another twitter faux death report. Here's to you, Salinger! The Onion by far did the best memorial for you, written in your most memorable character's fashion.

Singing Real Loud in My Room

I wonder if my neighbors ever get annoyed with my singing. I tend to play music and sing to it a little loudly. Like right now. I'm singing to The Hush Sound. They'll always have a special place in my heart. They were one of the first bands I started listening to when I finally found out about good music in good old tenth grade. Those were the days. Now it's four years later and I'm still singing them. I love music. This girl complimented me a few days ago when I was singing a song by Cold War Kids. She told me I should sing at the open-mic nights, but I need to find someone to play accompaniment so I don't speed up.

National Soup Month

So I've gone this whole month without knowing it was National Soup Month! I need to be on the planning committee for this month! We could totally plan a soup-a-day calendar! How did I find this out? Why Yahoo!'s home page! Here's the link. It just proves what I've always known! Soup is the most amazing food creation ever! Other than cheesecake of course!

Unidetified Liquid

So construction guys have been working on the roof outside my window, and they left their drinks right outside my window. There's an empty Minute Maid orange juice bottle, two Mountain Dew cans, and an unidentified liquid in a KFC paper cup. I want to know what's in it! It's going to drive me mad! What did that construction worker drink?! ARGH! I'm just kidding. Actually, I'm not. I'm sort of intrigued. I wonder if he'll get KFC tomorrow. I'll stake out in my room and try to catch a glimpse of the liquid's color that rises in the straw. Then I'll search KFC's offered soda fountain drinks. Huzzah! The game is afoot! Have at you!

Act I

So I went through with my Shakespeare in the Streets idea today. I performed Marc Antony's "Friends, Romans, countrymen..." speech. It was a little nerve-wracking, and I flubbed the lines a little, but it was fun. There was a woman radioing someone, but I was done and gone before anyone showed up. I'm not sure if I'm going to do another one right away though. I think I'll prepare for a few days, then shoot for this Friday. I'll plan on doing it in another location so I don't scare the Baker staff into thinking I'm off my rocker...even though some might say I am. Bah! I bite my thumb at those who say such things!

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Though it's nice to have a day off, that is not what this day is about. It's about celebrating the life of a wonderful person who was so hatefully taken from the world. Though his loss was tragic, it was also a catalyst. Here is his beautiful speech in front of the Lincoln memorial.

First Column

So I finished my first assignment for Column Writing. The theme was seasonal, so I decided to go with New Year's resolutions after bouncing around ideas covering Athens' weather. So here is the final product that I sent to be graded. Tell me what you guys think!


It's a new year, and we all know what that means: New Year's resolutions. Those are those plans you make at the beginning of the year, but never stick to, remember? Most people make resolutions to improve or change something about themselves. But this year, how about making some unconventional resolutions?

A Cookie a Day

Eat a cookie a day. Everyone loves cookies! Sure, it sounds somewhat unhealthy when you read it, but delve past the surface. You only eat one cookie a day and no other desserts. As long as you eat properly along side your cookie, you'll be fine. Plus, allowing yourself only one cookie a day makes that one cookie even more delicious. Just make sure not to give a mouse your cookie. It's your only cookie!

A Book a Week

Books seem to be going to the wayside because of new-fangled gadgets such as television and the Internet. Who doesn't love a good book? Curling up in an armchair, sipping whatever drink you prefer, petting the cat, and turning the pages are just a sample of the many fun things that come of reading a book. The books don't have to be classic or long works, just a book.

A Word a Day

Not one for reading? Why not try picking a new word from the dictionary each day? It's simple. Pick a random word each day, and then try to use that word once during the day. You'll impress your friends and co-workers with your advanced vocabulary, and also teach them. Plus, with your plethora of new words, crosswords will be a breeze!

A Food a Week

No one likes the same old thing week after week! So this year, try a new dish at one meal each week. There are so many cultures on the planet, so branch out and try the food of a different one. Sure Indian food may sound odd, and hummus may not look appetizing, but try it anyways. The only way to know if you like something is to try it! The worst that can happen is you end up not liking it.

A Picture a Day

The world is a busy place. People are constantly rushing and missing the beauty around them. So to capture the beauty around you, take a picture every day of something you find interesting. You only get one picture though, so don't waste it. Capture a moment that makes you laugh, smile, or remember a happy memory. It doesn't have to be artfully composed! Just have fun and take pictures!

A Movie a Week

New movies are being made every day, so who has the time to watch them all? I know I don't. Instead of trying to watch every movie ever made, watch one a week this year. Pick a day during the week and watch a movie you've never seen before. Don't stick to one section! Move around the video store or library, pick a random one at the movie theater, or check every genre's box in your Netflix options. With your new movie knowledge, at the end of the year you can apply to become a movie critic. Who wouldn't want to watch movies all the time?

These are just a few of many thing that you can fit into the a-day/a-week formula. If none of these appeals to you, then choose something else. Take some time and dance each day. Sing a song every day, Or say hello to someone you don't know each day. The possibilities are endless. Just make sure you stick to your resolution. If you don't, there's always next year, right?

And the Rain is Falling

And the snow is falling no more Belle & Sebastian. Now write might I for awhile like the Bard. I don't really remember where I was going with this post. I wish I had more money. Then I could help the people of Haiti. I also have to write my first assignment today for my Column Writing class. It's a seasonal piece. I have ideas, but I'm not sure if I can milk 500 words out of them. We'll see. On a side note, we finished Titus Andronicus, and have moved on to Hamlet! Yay! I can't wait to reread Hamlet. It's my second favourite play by the Bard.

Between the Lines Again

I wrote another Between the Lines for The Post again. It ran yesterday, but I've barely been in my room today, so here is the link. I hope you like it. I would also like to give a shout out to my girl, Sandra! I had her as a professor for News Writing last quarter, and today she had a minor stroke in class. Thankfully, she is doing alright. She taught me a lot of things that come in handy while working at The Post. She also loved my previous Between the Lines. I'd like to think that she felt better after reading my current one. And if she hasn't read it yet, then she will feel better when she does.

Acting in the Streets

So I've been thinking, dangerous I know. I'm in a class on Shakespeare's Tragedies this quarter. It has really gotten me into wanting to perform Shakespeare. I've come up with a brilliant idea. Shakespeare in the Streets! Friends and I shall perform scenes from Shakespearean plays on street corners, sidewalks, public areas. They would be key scenes, or if enough interest is garnered we could do more. We could possibly do a scene a day sort of thing. We also could do an act a day and only perform on weekdays since most of Shakespeare's plays are five acts. I think I really want to do this. It would be a lot of fun, especially if people stop and actually watch us perform. We would not have advanced costumes and only necessary props though. I could also try to get together a Shakespeare on the green thing going where we would use the Scripps Amphitheater to perform. Then maybe we could think about adding costumes. I'll keep you guys updated.

2 Atoms in a Molecule

Over break, I built up my music library so I can be more knowledgeable about music. I would like to thank NPR for turning me on to Noah and the Whale. I just actually listened to their music today. This is the first song on their album Peaceful, the World Lays Me Down. I instantly fell in love with it and the band. So, to spread my love, here they are singing 2 Atoms in a Molecule.

She's Got Me Dancing!

So this song has been stuck in my head for a few days. Now I shall get it stuck in all your heads, though I still think no one reads this despite what Google Analytics tells me. Be warned, it's pretty strange. It's something akin to 70's movie camp.

Fun Things Are Afoot at the Shively-K

I'll think I'll shoot for one odd pop culture reference per post. But to the point of this post, some fun things have happened today. At one point today, I heard what sounded like someone knocking on my dorm room wall from the other side. So what did I do you ask? Why, I knocked right back. We had a knocking game for like three minutes before my neighbors became bored and went back to whatever they were doing. The other thing is that there was a jam session going on two rooms away. They're taking a break right now. Oh wait, they're starting up again. My hall mates found some life over break because last quarter the only thing that happened was their shouting about sports they were watching. There is one non-fun thing that happened. The dining hall in my building that just opened this quarter does not serve breakfast. I cannot wake up and go eat breakfast in my pajama pants. Instead, I have to get dressed and put on my winter gear so I can walk five minutes or so to go eat at Nelson! The outrage! I'll get over it though. Stay tuned for more pop culture packed posts!

Morning Greetings

There are guys sweeping snow off the roof outside my window. One guy starting singing about sweeping and brooms and such. It made me think of Mary Poppins. To bad they're not soot-stained, British chimney sweeps. A boy can dream though...I feel I've said that several times. I like to dream a lot. If only I remembered my dreams that occur while I sleep. Mostly, I remember black, but every once and awhile I'll have these crazy narrative dreams about people who have no connection to me. Like recently I had a dream about some crazy skilled little boy who tried to bring something to The Rock so he could change back to a normal person and not be a tooth fairy anymore. This kid was chased across suburbia by some government agency. It was crazy. He was blowing stuff up, killing people, opening secret passages in his house that led to a crazy underground city with a waterfall and ivy everywhere. Eventually he got caught, but it was intentional. They put him under house arrest, and he escaped into the ruins under the city. They chased him there and then my dream ended. I rarely in my dreams.

This Year

I've done a lot this year. I finished my first year of college. I worked on two majors. I worked a lot at The Post. I got addicted to Gilmore Girls. I watched TV in The Post's lobby. I photographed a lot of stuff. I made a lot of new friends. I watched old ones fade away, move away, change a little. I read books. I saw movies. I went to plays. I saw David Sedaris and got him to sign all of his books that I own. My camera broke. My camera got fixed. I had a snow day. I ate a lot of wonderful food. I sustained my vegetarianism. I had a wonderful summer. I went to Pittsburgh. I went to Chicago. I saw a bunch of bands at Lollapalooza. I played video games. I took an acting class, and was complimented on my ability. I started copy editing. I got addicted to NPR and This American Life. I watched a lot of series online. I expanded my musical tastes. I wrote a Between the Lines that got rave reviews. I took an epic photograph of President McDavis. I was held, kissed and loved. I held, kissed, and loved. I laughed. I cried. I smiled. I had my heart broken a little, but it healed quite nicely. I forgave. I pined. I pondered. I pleaded. I plotted. I fantasized. I dreamed. I sang. I danced. I ran. I blogged. I made mistakes. I had triumphs. I lived my life for another year. Happy New Year's Eve everyone! Make the best of another year, and keep reading!

I'd Like to Thank...

All of you! My wonderful readers! What for? For reading this narcissist's bland portrait of course! As this blog is now over a year and a half old, I'd like to thank those of you who've been reading from the beginning, those that came along the way, and those who just might be starting to read it. As a present, I was wondering if you would like me to make a favorite posts list. Would you? If so, put your favorite posts in the comments and I'll make one. Stay tuned for my Year in Review post on the 31st. It'll be retrospectacular!

Melts in Your Mouth

Yesterday was my fantastic friend Simone's birthday, so several of us went to Melt to celebrate. We waited a good hour and a half just to be seated, and then about 40 minutes to get our food, but Melt is worth the wait. Its menu is just a variety of grilled cheese sandwiches to delight the eyes and mouth. I got the Roasted Vegetable for the second time and my god was it delicious! I was made fun of for being a fatty and finishing the first half of my sandwich before anyone was finished with half of the first half. I take big bites and let the deliciousness invade my mouth and dominate my taste buds, so sue me! Meanies! Actually, I find it quite comical myself. Simone also caught me foodgasming. Good food just makes me feel so good inside! At least I'm not like this lady.

Happy Christmas!

In the spirit of the holiday, and of Harry Potter, Happy Christmas everyone! We're all getting invisibility cloaks from an unknown person who was borrowing from our dead father. We'll find everything out when we've saved the world. Happy Christmas!

A Christmas Story

Don't you just love watching the 24 hour marathon of A Christmas Story every year on TBS? Well I do! Remember kids, drink more Ovaltine and don't shoot your eye out! Beware the dare! Someone could skip straight to a triple dog dare and you'll end up with your tongue stuck to a pole! Here's to a great movie set in Cleveland!

Fresh Air

Since I can't fall asleep, I've decided to catch up on the large amount of Fresh Air podcasts that I haven't had a chance to listen to. I've fallen in love with NPR. I love getting the 7am News podcast. I listened to it every morning, if it downloaded like it was supposed to, while walking to class along with the Story of the Day podcast which picks the most interesting story from all the NPR news programs. I also listen to Fresh Air. Terry Gross is just a genius interviewer. I also love All Songs Considered and it's partner podcast, the Tiny Desk Concert series. It's introduced me to some great music. NPR just seems to match my personality. It is also the only broadcast news I can listen to. I hate broadcast news. They rarely do any actual journalism and just beat pointless things to death because they're what get the ratings. It's sad. But let's not harp on the horrendous shape of the media. Instead let's talk about how much I love This American Life! It's the only public radio show not distributed by NPR that I listen to. I'm not much of a fan of Prairie Home Companion. I just find it boring. But This American Life is just wonderful. I've actually been contemplating approaching ACRN down at OU to think about a show called This Athens Life. If that doesn't work out, I'll try and get involved in a music radio show so I can start getting better acquainted with music.

Cedar Lee Movie Monday?

I've been home for 4 weeks or so and have not gone to Cedar Lee on a Monday night yet. That is, I hope, to be remedied tonight. Fingers crossed! I love me some Cedar Lee Movie Mondays. They're just wonderful, not as much as they used to be though. It used to be $5 and a free 32oz popcorn, costing only a dollar to upgrade. Free popcorn night was moved to Tuesday, but Monday still remains $5. It's just something about seeing a good movie, or an okay movie, for a low price that feels so good. If it doesn't happen tonight, there's always the new Student Night on Thursday. Only $6 with a valid student ID. Here's hoping!

SNOW!

Demand and you shall receive! I demanded snow, so I got snow! I can't wait to go play in it, take a walk in it, and sit and watch it fall while drinking hot chocolate, maybe be even get to kiss John Cusack in it! Just kidding! I can't wait till this light white blanket becomes rolling hills covered in soft powdery white substance! Hoorah!

Please Vote For Me! Democracy in Action

Since I can't seem to fall asleep until the early hours of the morning, I decided to watch an hour long documentary called Please Vote For Me. It follows the election of the class monitor of a third grade class. The catch? It is an exercise in democracy taking place in a Chinese elementary school. The interesting thing about it was that these children knew nothing about democracy, what it meant to vote, campaigns, and other election related things. The funny thing is that they perpetuated many of the same things we see here in elections. There were three candidates. The one little boy, Cheng Cheng really wanted to win, so from the beginning he was being underhanded, organizing the students to boo his opponent Xiaofei after she finished playing the flute for the talent portion of their little election. The other boy, Luo Lei, used gimmicks. His father arranged for the class to take a trip on the monorail and gave them what looked like tickets for the mid-autumn festival. All three thought of quitting at points when it looked like they had completely lost the class' votes. But their parents were right there to ensure their child won, acting as a sort of puppet master. The parents were very active in their children's campaign, writing their speeches, telling them how to present themselves, helping them sway their classmates. It was very similar to U.S. politics, how candidates appear prepackaged and often attack their opponents, something each child did during the debate portion. It was also similar on the voting end. There were undecided, abstainers, gender-line voters, party-line voters (in this case, the candidates' friends). In the end Luo Lei won, most likely because he had just given them the tickets, overshadowing his constantly strict behaviour as the present class monitor that was often brought up by his opponents.

Let it Snow!!!!!! NOW!

I want it to snow!!!!!! I love the snow!!!!!! It wraps the world in a pure white blanket. It's almost the official beginning of winter! I really hope it snows by or on the solstice! I can't have a snowless winter break! It just can't happen! I need this to happen!

Some Holiday Cheer

Because I started out celebrated Chirstmas, it will always be near and dear to my heart during the winter holidays. Here's some festive music.

Blue Christmas performed by First Aid Kit



Always in the Season performed by Pomplamoose and friends.



Merry Christmas!

Running Out of Time

I've only got half a month left to do 10 more post worthy things, and then a year-in-review post! If only I celebrated Hanukkah, then I would have 8 days of posts, maybe. I'm not sure how Hanukkah is celebrated other than the fact that they receive gifts everyday. Maybe next year I'll have a series of holiday related posts exploring the different winter holidays, they're origins, and how they're celebrated today. That's a good idea! In fact, I should explore holidays throughout the year. Put holidays I should learn about/celebrate next year in a comment! Happy Holidays!

Boring Break So Far

Well, that's not entirely true. I've had some fun nights. I saw The Big Lebowski at Cedar Lee with my friends. It was great! There were plenty of people dressed in robes, looking like the Dude. I never realized how much I love that movie. It's so funny and just plain awesome. I also went Black Friday shopping with my mother yet again. The one time a year I have any interest in shopping, mainly because it's the rare time of year where things are really cheap and I can convince my mom to buy me plenty of things, like the awesome peacoat I got at Old Navy, and the many books I picked out at Half-Price Books. I guess it hasn't been all that boring.

Waiting For the Snow

I really want it to snow. It's almost December. It snowed a little on Black Friday, but it wasn't much and it wasn't really around Euclid. But guess what tomorrow is! Monday! That means...CEDAR LEE MOVIE MONDAY! I can't wait! I haven't gone in awhile!

Tofurkey-less Thanksgiving, Yet Again

My Thanksgiving wish was not granted this year, but it was a fine "holiday." I'll try not to be a Debbie Downer and explain the quotes. I tend to just have fun with what I see as the pointlessness of some holidays. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays to ponder why we celebrate it and the false reasons I was taught in elementary school. Oh elementary school! To be naive again! To believe in Santa Claus and pilgrims sharing meals with the indians instead of raping and pillaging their lands essentially. Whoops! There I go with my ideals again. I've discovered I'm very much a foisting person. I definitely try to persuade people to my point of view, but only on things I believe I am right about, or things I think would help the foistee become a better person, a more intelligent, cultured, and open-minded person. I'm making the world a better place, one person at a time. Don't get me wrong. I don't think I'm the perfect person and everyone should be like me, I'm just letting you think I'm thinking it.

Back in the Euclid-SR

No, I do not think my home feels like an oppressive communist regime. But to the point, I'm back home for a little less than six weeks. Thanksgiving is in two days, and Black Friday is in three. Thanksgiving will be fun seeing as I'm still a vegetarian. But I'm really looking forward to Black Friday if my mom wants to go. Half-Price Books is having a special 20% off the alright slashed prices. And if we're in the first 100 customers we get a free tote bag and $5 gift card. I'm really excited. Happy beginning of the holidays, or as Cake Wrecks says, winter.

I "Like" This

Lately, I feel I am slowly going insane. One of the key reasons I feel this oncoming insanity is my constant thought of, "If this were on Facebook, I would 'like' this." I'm afraid I have become a "like"-button-happy person. I do like to "like" things on Facebook, though sometimes I don't like the notifications I get when I like someone's status and someone else commented on that status, yet it is irrelevant to me. But I digress. I also narrated my life for a short two minutes; a short two minutes that I spent walking to the bathroom, going to the bathroom, and returning to my room. I have also increased the amount of times I talk to myself in the mirror, making funny faces at myself, and then finding myself ridiculously insane, which makes me laugh at myself, furthering my insanity. Harrumph. Le sigh. Oh woe. Deep intake of breath...exhale sound effect.

Yes, you did just read that, meaning yes I did type it. Weeooweeoo sound effect. You're thinking, "My god! He has lost it!"

Maybe I have...maybe I have.

^_^

Synecdoche, New York

I was originally going to title this, "I Lost My Synecdoche, New York," and make it seem like I lost the key to the place I share with New York. No, not the STD-ridden reality star New York, just New York the city. Anyway, to the point of this post. I just watched the film Synecdoche, New York. It was strange, hard to follow, and sad. It follows Caden Cotard, played by the talented Phillip Seymour Hoffman, as his life slowly spirals. After his wife leaves him to work in Berlin, he receives a MacArthur Grant with which he builds a model of his world, hiring actors to play the people in his life, including a guy who followed him for 20 years to play himself. The time span is non-linear, yet at the same time linear. The film is ripe with odd occurrences such as him reading the diary his daughter left though it is filled with events from her life in Germany, things she could not possibly have written in it. Its central theme seems to be death, but it could also be the complexity and oddness of life, or even the wish to observe our lives as though it were a show. It obviously brings to mind Shakespeare's quote of, "All the world's a stage, and all its men and women merely players." Indeed, this film tries to portray that. The ending is unexpected and confusing, yet anticipation ending and engaging. It leaves the mind to wonder. Was it all a dream? A show? Unreal?

Finals Funtime

Since I do not have classes during finals, I end up having a lot of free time. Usually I watch stuff or rekindle my passion for video games. So far I've rewatched Wolf's Rain, seen Firefly with Bob, started Clone High with Bob, restarted Arrested Development with Bob, restarted Avatar: The Last Airbender by myself, and started playing Final Fantasy XII again. I've decided to finally finish the game after pretty much getting to the end long ago. The game is like three years old. I miss my Kingdom Hearts games. I need to get those back from my brother Jeff. I know you read this Jeff! You've been holding those games hostage for like two years now. I would like you to return them as soon as possible please. But I digress. I've also been catching up on all the Fresh Air podcasts I haven't had a chance to listen to, along with all the All Songs Considered podcasts I have taking up space on my computer. There's a lot of good music I need to get over winter break.

1000 Awesome Things

I would like to thank the awesome person that sent this as a reply to a PostSecret. 1000 Awesome Things is a blog chronicling 1000 awesome things. What makes these 1000 things so awesome? They are the little things that bring joy into people's lives. Today's post is waking up from a nightmare to realize it was only a dream. Other posts include finding money you didn't even know you lost, locking people out of the car and pretending to drive away, picking your nose, eating the last piece of dessert someone left at your house, real-bearded Santas, illegal naps, rain hair, sneezing three or more times in a row, your pillow, and over 300 more. The blog was started last year, and so far, has reached number 630 counting down from 1000. So here's to 1000 Awesome Things! It's one of my 1000 awesome things.

Link is in the list of Fun Blogs --------->

Fall Finals

I just finished my second final out of four for this quarter. I'm so glad this quarter is almost over. It's been almost stressful. I wonder if I'll ever actually feel stressed... Anyway, it's been pretty crazy also. I felt very lonely this quarter, and that led to thinking about my future, and consequently death. I had several near breakdowns because of my fear of the unknown. It's probably what caused my slight lack of motivation this quarter. But I did have my acting class to cheer me up and distract me. I'm going to miss that class. I hope Nicole will teach Acting Fundamentals II because then I would take it with her. I'll miss all my cool acting classmates. I've also decided, for now, that I'm going to be more of a masochist and try adding Acting or Performing, or whatever they call it here, as a minor. That way I can try out for the School of Theater's productions. I would love to be in one of its shows. We'll see next quarter. My last two tests are on Tuesday, and then I'm on my way home. Hurray!

A New Improved Post. Now With Extra Ranting

So I've been watching the show Firefly, and then subsequently the movie that follows the one season series, with my awesome friend Bob. We had several Firefly nights within the past two weeks. The series is a space western, one of my favorite genres. It was a really sad ending. I wish it didn't end though. It was a really good show. Why do most of the good shows get cancelled before their time? It's just not right! Well, at least they make movies to wrap everything up. I'm anxiously awaiting the Arrested Development movie. Such a great television show, and at least it had a somewhat good run. I wonder if they'll ever make a The 4400 movie. That would be awesome if they did because that show was so under-appreciated. It had four seasons, and then it got cancelled and ended on a huge cliff hanger because they didn't know they were going to get cancelled, so they couldn't wrap everything up in a nice little package. And The Riches! Don't get me started on that wonderful show! I'm so angry! That show was genius! Eddie Izzard and Minnie Driver, fantastic chemistry! The actors playing the kids were brilliant! Only two seasons! URGH! WHY?!?!

Leggo My Eggo

Oh noes! Eggo waffles will be in short supply until mid-next year. What will all the hungry dads do without Eggo waffles to steal from their adorable daughters?



The world may never know...

(What's that? Two dated pop culture references in one blog post? Zoinks! (That makes three!))

Playtime With Puppies!

I just played with three adorable puppies and two dogs that were possibly just older puppies. It was awesome! I played for three hours and became an unofficial helper, making sure the one puppy didn't escape, the big dogs didn't fight, and that the puppies were spread out among the people. I also gave a two dollar donation, but I feel I should have given more. I'll give more next quarter, when they have the next Playtime With Puppies!

The Book of Love

I watched the supposed to be series finale of Scrubs a few weeks ago. It was absolutely beautiful, and it made me bawl my eyes out. The reason I am bringing this up now is because Nataly Dawn, adorable member of Pomplamoose, did a cover of the song, originally by The Magnetic fields, that plays during the final minutes of the finale. The song is called The Book of Love.

Here is the Scrubs finale with Peter Gabriel performing the song.



Here is Nataly Dawn's cover.

And...Scene!

Today was my last acting class of this quarter. I'm really going to miss it. I had so much fun and met so many cool people in it. I really enjoyed learning how to better my acting. I really have improved. But according to my classmates, I was always fantastic. Now, I know I wasn't great before, but I'm flattered that they think I'm really good. At the end of class today, we talked about the class overall. I'm not sure exactly what was said, but I think it was along the lines of none of us was going to become famous. Then Jenny said that I would, and several other classmates agreed. I was very happy I decided to take this class, and I'm really happy I took it when I did with the people I did. It was exactly what I needed after this summer. And those this class has ended, the curtain drawn, the lights faded, I hope to continue to act in someway, whether I add an Acting minor if possible, or I try and work the student theater group into my already busy schedule. I guess I'll have to sacrifice my super lazy Saturdays.

Missing the Play

So I'm missing my high school's Fall Play. It sucks, but I filled the theatrical hole with some plays at OU. The first was a second viewing of The Wonderful World of Dissocia. I never got to writing a post about it after I saw it the first time, so I'll write about it now. The Wonderful World of Dissocia follows Lisa Montgomery Jones as she takes a trip into the world of Dissocia in order to find her lost hour. She calls a number her watch repairer gave her, and suddenly her flat turns into an elevator that goes up, down, and sideways. She comes across a pair of Insecurity Guards, must take an oath with the Oathtaker who constantly spits oatmeal cookies, plays in a field of light circles that make sounds, is almost raped by a Scapegoat, fights the Black Dog King's supporters using bombs that leave animal shapes, meets a cavalcade of characters at a hot dog stand that doubles as a lost & found office, finds out she is the lost queen of Dissocia and her hour actually created the world, and encounters the Black Dog King. That was the first act. The second act brings Lisa back to the real world. After her episode, she spends the rest of the play in a hospital room. Nurses funnel in and out, making sure she takes her pills. Relatives visit. She has a tense visit from her boyfriend Vince. The play ends with her looking out the window. It's very sad, and yet it's also a little hopeful. Even though she lost her crazy, lewd, fantasy world, there is an implication that things will get better.

The second play I saw was a student's one-act adaption of Hemingway's short story, "Hills Like White Elephants." If you do not know or have not read the short story, then I suggest you acquaint yourself with it. It's a fantastically simple look at a relationship where the persons involved don't communicate. The student took an interpretative approach, making gestures important. I applaud him, but I found the gestures very random and distracting. In the beginning, a song played and the three actors entered the stage area by following the beats of the music. It was very strange. I found it slightly unnecessary and rather boring to watch, even when the couple did a sort of dance with each other. I love the shorty story, I liked the play. I would have loved it had the gestures emphasis not been there. The actor and two actresses did a superb job. They really brought the story to life. However, I just can't get over those gestures. At times they were very robotic, and other times they were just flailing about. The gestures were supposed to say what the couple could not say to each other. The only thing it communicated to me was a pointless attempt at trying to make something better by making it different. Once again, I applaud the student for trying, but I encourage him to rethink the necessity of the gestures. I do recommend that he spearhead a transformation of Hemingway short stories into a skit-play.

Loneliness

I'm lonely. You won't talk to me anymore, and it's only making my loneliness worse. I just want my friend back! I just want the person that I made funny comments during movies with, watched TV with, heard funny stories from, went to free screenings with, tasted extra sugary lemonade with, and found the remote for. I want my friend back!

Primer

I just traveled back in time to let you all know about the five-year-old movie Primer. It's insane. I definitely needed to read the Wikipedia page to fully understand it. It's all about Abe and Aaron who stumble upon a way to travel back in time. They build these time boxes, and at first they only travel back in time to make money on the stock market and other gambling games. But then they set out to stop anyone from getting hurt at this party. I felt like a lot was left out. The ending felt rushed to me, and though I enjoyed it, I felt like I should have gone back in time and not watched it. Instead, I've gone back in time to warn you all! Causality!!! Beware!!! Ethical repercussions!!!

How Horrible!

So yesterday, I finally watched Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog! I've been trying to watch it since shortly after it was made, but my internet connection was too slow to watch it on its original site. Then it sort of faded from my mind until I started watching Firefly with my friend Bob on Saturday. The lead in Firefly, Nathan Fillion, plays the antagonist in Dr. Horrible. Dr. Horrible creator Joss Whedon also created Firefly. Since Bob is just awesome, he let me borrow his DVD of Dr. Horrible! It is 42 minutes of musical awesomeness. Neil Patrick Harris shines as Dr. Horrible, Felicia Day sparkles as Penny, and Nathan Fillion blazes as Captain Hammer. On top of the 42 minutes, there is a 42 minute commentary know as Commmentary: The Musical! Hurrah! So wonderful! I really enjoyed it, and I recommend it to everyone who has any sense.

Let's Take the Day Off

Tomorrow is Veteran's Day. That means I do not have class! So tonight, I'm going to party like it's 2009! It is 2009? I can still party like is, right? Anyways, I only have the three more days of classes and then a week of finals before I return home for six weeks! I'll make sure I'm super busy during my break. That way, I ensure that I get to 200 posts by New Years Eve. I've always wondered if it's New Year's Eve or New Years Eve. Is it the eve of a new year? Or is it the eve of new years? I just checked Wikipedia. It's New Year's Eve, not anyone else's eve. Hmmm, then why is it not Christmas' Eve? Hmmmm...answer that grammar Nazis!

A Lover's Lament

Once, there were two lovers. They had met by pure chance, but it was as if they already knew each other. They were often together. Quickly and deeply, they fell in love. Everything was perfect. Until that fateful day...

It had come time for the one lover to return home. The summer was over, and so was the romance. The lovers said goodbye, but not without regret and sadness.

So the one lover returned home, only to find his heart was not with him. He thought he had brought it, but it seems his lover had stolen it. "Why did you do this? Why did you have to steal my heart?" he pleaded, but the lover responded with nothing but silence.

Having lost his heart, the one lover wandered aimlessly through his home, the anticipation of a return eating away at his mind. He slowly descended into madness and isolation.

One day, he had a chance to return to his lover-thief. It was a treacherous journey, filled with joy and tears at the prospect of seeing the one he loved once more.

His return was not as joyous as he hoped, but a spark of hope lit a candle of anxiety. "What if I only imagined the glances, the love-filled eyes?" he thought to himself.

He returned home, bringing with him an aura of anxious feelings. As his second return drew closer, the feelings worsened.

The day finally came. He shed his anxiety and held hope. It was true! Hurrah! The love was still there. They held each other close, their love-filled eyes connected. "I love you, and I have from the moment I met you," the lover said.

Alas it was but a dream. He awoke to his empty bed, his face soaked with tears, his heart pounding in his chest trying to escape.

A dream is such a beautiful thing, as beautiful as love. Unfortunately, both are just as destructive as they are beautiful.

Possiblity of Failure

I don't know if I can make it to 200 posts by the end of this year everyone. I'm going to see a supposedly crazy play tonight, so I hope that will fuel a post. Plus I'm sure I'll write something about my uncertain future soon. That's been occupying a huge chunk of my thoughts lately.

Ingird Michaelson

So instead of staying at OU for Halloween this year, I decided to go home to see Ingrid Michaelson and then the play Franklyn Stein's Project at CSU. It was the right choice in my opinion. I had a wonderful time. I saw Ingrid by myself at the Beachland Ballroom. It was so much fun. I made friends with the two girls in front of me while we waited for like 20 minutes in the cold for the doors to open. The opening act, Matthew Perryman Jones, was amazing. And then came Ingrid and her adorable band. They were all in quickly thrown together costumes that they bought at the vintage shop below the Ballroom. She was a cowgirl. She is amazing live, and a very funny person. She threw out candy, made several sexual jokes, and was just simply wonderful. Then my mom was kind enough to drive me to CSU for the midnight showing of Franklyn Stein's Project. I was supposed to see it with Ben and Kristen, but Ben forgot to inform me that he decided to work on Saturday night. So I reserved four tickets and only used one (thank goodness I didn't have to pay for them all). The play was fantastic. It was dark, dramatic, frantic, frightening, and comically gory, perfect for midnight on Halloween. It was student writ and directed perfectly if I may say so. I absolutely enjoyed it. Afterward, I got to see my friend Chad who made the air cannons that blew up the frog and shot guts and gore everywhere. Then my mom picked me up, I ate some candy, and then fell asleep. I hope your adorably awkward handshake was a sign that we're friends again.

Together

We are all in this together.

Neverending Blog Post

I just watched The Neverending Story for like the third time in my life. How are wonderfully cheesy movies like this not still made? I would hate for there to be a remake where they have good actors and a much more constructed plot. It would just be horrible if they had wonderful environments, and great CGI instead of their awesome puppets. Screaming "ARTACKS" just wouldn't be the same if a remake was made. People would think I was quoting the new hip movie when I was obviously mocking the sheer cheese of the wonderful classic. But speaking of movies, I really want to see Where the Wild Things Are despite not having read the ten-sentence book. It just looks visually fantastic and fun. Now all I need to do is get that song out of my head. No not the Story's theme song, the Robot Chicken parody of it. Haven't heard it? Well, check it out!



And then watch this, because I kept thinking of it at the end of the movie.

Humans v. Zombies

It's Humans Vs. Zombies time again here in good ol' Athens, which means crazy kids running around with Nerf guns and bandannas. It seems like so much fun, but I do not have the time. I do like to play along, throwing in a funny quip, such as saying, "There's zombies in them thar hills," or rooting on the doomed human army. Ah to be young and killing zombies... Alas I must watch, playing the playful spectator and nothing else. The only gripe I have with the phenomenon is the yelling at one in the morning. Yesterday, I heard a girl scream, "I'm a human, I'm a human!" Shortly after that I heard a guy groaning as if zombies were actually eating his brains. Where's the video cameras when you need them? Maybe I could use that for my video for my news writing class.

The Hostage

I went and saw The Hostage tonight with my friend Lisa. It's a really crazy play, set in the 50s, and revolving around a whorehouse where an English soldier is held captive by Irish nationalists in order to win the release of an IRA soldier. It was a fascinating play, absolutely captivating (wink). At times it was very busy with many things going on. The set was amazing. There were two floors, and it was so richly detailed. There were some hit or miss actors, but overall the cast was fantastic with familiar faces from the shows I saw last year. I had to see it for class, but I would have gone anyways. I do love the theater. The best part was that they all had accents (some better than others), and because I found the British chap to have the best accent, I started speaking with a little accent after the second intermission. It was a long play, but it definitely held my attention. The weirdest part though, was every now and then they had a song. They were all pretty good singers, but the songs were odd, and I found them distracting. A few here and there for comical effect would have been grand, but the constant song breaks started to get on my nerves. Then the play ended on a song which really annoyed me. It wasn't a musical. At least I don't think it was...I'll check wikipedia.

Goodness No!

The end of the year is fast approaching! October is almost over, November is soon to move to December! Oh and long gone is September. Remember September! That's a Fantasticks reference! But I digress. I have to post 38 more times before this year ends! Clap your hands if you believe! Clap! Clap harder! Oh no! I won't make it! Not enough people are clapping! Post "CLAP" or something similar if you believe in me! Why you ask? Just humour me, okay?

Books Are Fun

I love books! I especially love buying old books and good-condition used books. Alden Library, the 7-floor library at OU, had its opening night for its semi-annual book sale (I think it's semi-annual). I bought eight books for the mere price of $16. What a steal! My book drawer is filling up super fast. The worst part of it all, though, is that I'm missing the library book sale going on back home! I have to give my mother a list of authors to look for! This is important people!

A Dream

I just finished watching a documentary called "Ballerina." It was charming. It was also captivating. I fell in love with ballet over and over again while watching. The focus was on five ballerinas in the company of the Kirov Ballet, one of the most famous Russian companies. It was wonderful, absolutely enchanting. The one looked as if she were floating. Their movements were so fluid, their bodies like liquid. It was spectacular. I now want to see a performance of any ballet, but it must be danced by the Kirov. I will go to Russia and see them perform one day. Another day, another dream I add to my endless list. Sigh...someday.

Avetts, Appear!

So, originally I was going to see The Avett Brothers with my friend Caitlin in a town two hours away from Athens/OU. This was going to be October 29. After having missed them when they were in Akron at the start of the summer, I intended not to miss them again the next chance I had. But then, lo and behold, an e-mail is sent out. In this e-mail, it says The Avett Brothers are coming to OU on the 24th of February. AAAAAAAHHHH! I practically peed my pants, almost couldn't breathe, and then let out a squeal. Then I went to The Post, and Caitlin was there. We both were like, AAAAHHHH, OMG! THE AVETT BROTHERS ARE COMING! I am so happy! I may even try to go catch them in Cleveland three days later. I love them that much! I and Love and You, Avett Brothers!

Fantastick Trip Home

My weekend home was wonderful, or to be silly, it was fantastic! I went to breakfast with my family Saturday. Then we visited relatives. Next, I persuaded my mother to let us go to Half-Price Books. It was wonderful! I got Franny and Zoe, The Stranger, the Bronte sisters' books, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, a different copy of Brave New World and Tortilla Flat, Robinson Crusoe, A Clockwork Orange, and Barbary Shore by Norman Mailer. After Half-Price, we went to Gabriel Brothers where I got some button-ups and a new vest. Then it was time for friends. David picked me up, and we went to Ben & Kristen's apartment. We ate at Scorcher's, the restaurant in their building, and walked to the Factory Theater for CSU's production of The Fantasticks. It was wonderful, it was fantastic. Then we walked back to the apartment and stayed for an hour. I left in the afternoon today, returning to Athens shortly before five. Now I must do the rest of my homework.

Are You Homing For the Weekned?

Why yes I am homing for the weekend. I'm going home for the weekend. So far, I plan on seeing The Fantasticks at CSU, but I haven't decided if I want to go tonight or tomorrow. I should probably figure that out on the ride home. If you're going to be in the 'Clid (is that how it's spelled, or is it just clid?) this weekend, hit me up!

Acting 101

I'm the most amazing actor ever! Well that's the vibe I'm getting from my acting classmates. It's soo much fun! We're doing A/B scenes where A talks then B talks, and so on. My partner Patrick is awesome! He was so happy that I was his partner. Everyone keeps asking me for feedback on their scenes. I feel so awesome. I can't wait for Monday when we do the final performance! Then we move into monologues!! I'm doing a really dramatic, high-energy, emotional monologue from All My Sons by Arthur Miller! So excited! Super happy face!

I Was Right There All That Time

And now I'm not. So goodbye first chance at happiness, I look forward to encountering my second one.

Internet Silence

I will be maintaining internet silence for a week. Only school related e-mails will be replied to. Facebook is off limits. I will not write on here unless it is absolutely necessary. That being said, after this next post I may not write until next Sunday.

Adieu

For now, I'll say goodbye. But instead of letting that candle go out, I'm putting it away. I'll let Connie Francis say it beautifully through song.



If it takes forever I will wait for you
For a thousand summers I will wait for you
Till you're back beside me, till I'm holding you
Till I hear you sigh here in my arms

Anywhere you wander, anywhere you go
Every day remember how I love you so
In your heart believe what in my heart I know
That forevermore I'll wait for you

The clock will tick away the hours one by one
Then the time will come when all the waiting's done
The time when you return and find me here and run
Straight to my waiting arms

If it takes forever I will wait for you
For a thousand summers I will wait for you
Till you're here beside me, till I'm touching you
And forevermore sharing your love

Dancin' in the Street

So Friday afternoon, I had to run to my room to get a charged battery for my camera. Since I'm not normal whatsoever, I decided to listen to MGMT on my way back to my room. I also decided to dance to the music. I was complimented many times. I was also told to keep dancing by this group of guys when I stopped to unlock the door to my building. It was very fun, and also a great cardio workout. I also have my camera back, so I can have plenty of fun taking pictures and photos! Yay! And on Oct. 9th, I'm heading home to see The Fantasticks at CSU. I would have liked to go the 16th, so I could also see Dr. Dog, but I would have no ride and I'm not paying for a $120 bus ticket.

Hello Stranger!

So I was walking back to my room after class today, and I decided to say hello to people who I did not know. So I said, "Hello Stranger!" to several people, some smiled, others laughed, and a few looked at me strangely. It was fun. I plan on doing it tomorrow and possibly Monday depending on how many strangers I greet tomorrow.

More Signs?

So your date was kind of creepy? I'm sorry, sort of. And the guy your friend tried to hook you up with wasn't your type? Well, I know I was your type because I read it on that one post you put up. I don't think you know that. But are these more signs? I don't know. The weirdest part is that after I called you last night and found all this out, it finally rained today. It's been muggy and uncomfortable down here for the past couple of days that I've been worrying and torturing myself over you. Is that a sign too? I want to stand out in the rain right now, feel its cleansing drops on my skin where once your hands caressed me and your lips burned me with ecstasy. I miss you very much, and like I told you, these weeks away from you have only made my feelings stronger. You're the most beautiful thing I've seen in my 19 years, and maybe that's a little melodramatic, a little too early to think, but I want to tell you that in person. For once my words aren't just hollow beautiful thoughts. When I say them to you, I really mean them.

Camera, Come Back!

I miss my camera! I can feel my photojournalistic skills degrading due to prolonged disuse. Can't Canon fix it any faster? It's their fault it needed to be fixed in the first place. Argh! I want to take pictures and photos (yes there is a difference)! In other news, It's already week three of this quarter. This year is already blurring past me. Soon enough, I'll be on the 4 hour trek home for 6 weeks of winter.

Dear Universe...

Dear Universe,

Are you sending me signs? I feel like you are. I'm not one for believing superstitious or supernatural occurrences, but lately things just seem too eerie to just be coincidence. So are you trying to tell me something? Because if it's what I think it is, then this will all be worth it in the end when everything works out, just like in the movies. All this crying, and worrying, and loving, and hating, and general sensitivity will be worth it, right? If you are sending me signs, can you send me one that will convince me for sure that you are? Thanks!

As always, your favourite existentialist,
John

Melodramatic

To my readers, I'm perfectly fine. I'm sorry for acting so melodramatic. It just comes with my liking of writing, theatre, literature, and good films I guess. I really will get to those posts on Lollapalooza because there are some good stories there.

New Life Experience #1 and #2

You want me to be open to new experiences, so here is new life experience #1:

For the first time in my life, I truly feel shitty enough to say that I feel shitty. I finally want to scream "Fuck!" really loud so everyone can hear me.

New life experience #2:

For the first time in my life, I truly feel jealous of someone, and am most likely breaking the commandment against coveting or whatever because I want you all to myself.

Sorry for ranting to you, my wonderful readers. Have a fantastic day!

You Have a Date Tomorrow? That's Nice. I'm Going to Go Cry in the Corner.

I hope you have fun on your date tomorrow. I hope you like each other. But I still like you a lot, and here are the many things that will always remind me of you.

When someone tickles me
When people kiss near me or on TV
When people talk about their boyfriend or girlfriend
My house
My street
My bike
My friends
Looking at myself in the mirror
When I laugh
Spanish
Ghostbusters
The Lost Boys
Tommy's
Cedar Lee Theater
Cleveland Heights
Euclid
Cleveland
Going to Simone's house
Going to Sarah's house
Passing your mom's house
Passing your house
Sufjan Stevens
Joanna Newsom
Broken Social Scene
Bon Iver
Chicago
Lollapalooza
Love songs
The Avett Brothers
Elliott Smith
Little Joy
Hellogoodbye
Kevin Devine
Vampire Weekend
Moon
Paper Heart
Humpday
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
Animal Collective
Macs
Loud mufflers
Sitting outside my house
My backyard
My room
My bed
My computer
Cleveland State University
Theatre of any kind
Ben's house
Walking in downtown Cleveland
My phone
My clothes
My laugh
My hands
When I take my socks off
When I get dressed
When I drink pop
When I eat French Fries
Chili Peppers
Water
Apple juice
Facebook
My hat
My shoes
My keys
My wallet
My glasses
My couch
My birthday
The word cute
The word beautiful
Burritos from anywhere
When people play with my hair
After taking a shower
Pittsburgh
Lost
The Daily Show
The Colbert Report
Comedy Central Roasts
Michael and Michael Have Issues
South Park
Back massages
Sleeping
My facial hair

I'm sure there is more, but I just don't want to feel anything right now. I hope you find happiness, and something close to what we had. I love you, but I'll never tell you to your face. It would be too hard for me.

Inspiration

I wanted to be a concert pianist, but God didn't give me hands. I wanted to sing, but God didn't give me a voice. I wanted to dance, but God didn't give me feet. So all that was left was to love you, so I'll love you as best as this broken person can.

One of my many random spurts of creative writing. I really should have another blog devoted to my random bursts of creativity. That would be easy to write and maintain because I try to post a creative status on Facebook once a day. Hmmmm......

Backlog!

AGH! I still have to write about Pittsburgh and Chicago! So many backlog posts! Plus I have to write a story about Mr. Penguin and Mr. Zebra, the two animal magnets on my friend, Sarah's refrigerator. So much to look forward to! I'll try and get them in on slow, unexciting days.

The Lost Weekend

I watched Lost all weekend. If I hadn't, I probably would have done something more interesting to post here, but alas I started watching the 1st season Labor Day weekend, so I sort of am on a huge Lost kick and want to watch all that's online through Netflix, which is the seasons 1 through 4. I'll try and get out this upcoming weekend, but I'm not much of a party person. But since my friend Lisa has a house this year, I promised that we would throw theme parties. This way I get out more, have fun, and get used to theme parties. If you have any cool theme party ideas, leave a comment! The winner gets a prize: My everlasting gratitude. It could be worth something down the line if I become a famous journalist/photojournalist, writer, or actor, so you might want to win it. I'm just saying.

I am...an Actor!

Today in my acting fundamentals class, we played several games/exercises that were really fun. First we did Zoom again, which is a fun little game about focusing and eye contact. The first time we just had to receive the zoom from one person and then make eye contact with the person on our other side and pass the zoom by saying, "Zoom." Today we had to point across the circle and pass it, so it wasn't as easy to follow where it was going around the room. Then we played another name game to try and remember people's names better. The first person asks someone to help them, and the person who is helping says "Person, come here." Then the first person would walk toward the second person and the second person would have to get someone to help them before the first person reaches them. We didn't really get the hang of it, but we still had fun. The next exercise we did was this game where we threw our right shoes into a pile in the middle of the circle. One person would be the right shoe and another would be the left shoe. The right person would have to take a shoe from the pile and match it to a person in the circle. The left person would have to ask the people in the circle for their left shoe and match it with one in the pile. Then we ended with a one on one exercise. One person had $20 and the other person had to convince the person to give the money to them. The person with the money couldn't directly say no, or any direct variation. I did this exercise, and I was in the last pair. I had to ask for the $20, so I said I needed it for a flight to Paris, the last one for 3 years, to see my true love who left me for a French guy a year prior. I was really over the top and cheesy, but the girl wouldn't budge. Then our grad student teacher sent another student to be the boarding officer, so he was like, "Last flight to Paris is boarding now," so I had to act frantic, begging and pleading with this girl, but she still refused. Then I topped it off with a super cheesy fall-to-the-floor, "NOOOOOO!" as the boarding officer counted down the last five seconds before the plane left. The class ate it up. They all loved my acting. My terribly cheesy, over-the-top, comedic acting. Smiley face of epic proportions.

Wonderful Torture

Being separated from you sucks a little, but the joy I get from thinking of you crushes the pain into a pulp. You want me to move on. I'll try, I promise I will because you want me to. I don't want to though. I don't want to let your love slip through my hands. I don't want to look back and actually regret something in my life. I've lived so far without regretting anything because it led me to this point, but I don't want to go further if you're not there as more than just a really good friend. I don't know if you read this, but I hope you do. Writing is how I'm able to fully express myself since seeing you smile and staring into those beautiful green eyes make me speechless, unable to form even a coherent sentence. I saw you last a week ago. It's been a hard week trying to see people that can compare to you. I know I shouldn't be one of those people who refuses to get involved with other people because they compare it to their old wonderful relationship, but I can't help it. You changed my life. I'm so glad I found you, and I want to stay glad that I found you. But it's only been a week, so when I see you in 5 weeks I may have moved on. I doubt it, but there is always a possibility. I'll keep telling you about people I find attractive, but it's really just a facade to make you think I'm trying. I'm sorry for deceiving you, but I'm afraid of letting happiness get away. I miss you.

Between the Lines

Read my opinion piece I wrote for The Post yesterday! Here is the link.

200?

I'm not sure how I'm going to meet that goal by the end of this year. Let's just hope that enough interesting things happen to me. That way I can write all about it for all of you who read this. Does anyone still read this? Comment "Hells yeah I do" if you're still kind enough to read my drivel. Keep reading!

Back to Class

First day back in class and it was the usual: syllabus, some basic introductory material, and then away we went. But a major crime has been committed. Soup at Baker's cafeteria is now $2.75, a quarter more than last year! This has deeply upset me, so I have ferociously written a Between the Lines for the Post to now be featured tomorrow (originally it was supposed to be in Thursday's paper). So I'm off to finish that.

A Poetic Post

Father's day is when we met.
It's been a wild ride since then.
And if your mind is set,
I shall say farewell when
I've decided myself to let
You go...
We watched guys bust ghosts,
And laughed at boys getting lost.
We both played the hosts.
But I'll pay the painful cost
For getting involved the most.
You know...
You made my birthday wonderful.
You even drove me to the moon.
I saw plays at your school.
But sadly the end came too soon.
Yet I continued to play the fool.
I go...
You rubbed my legs and held my hands
While I held your paper heart.
We kissed goodnight on the lands
In front of the end and start.
I dreamed of laying on the sands.
I know...
We held each other oh so close.
I felt safe in your embrace.
But moving on is what we chose.
I'll miss your beautiful face,
More beautiful than a rose.
We go...
Your eyes so bright and green;
Your lips so sweet to the kiss;
Your hands rough and mean.
All of these I shall miss,
And your wet hair's sheen.
We know...
It will be hard for awhile
To move on and stay friends.
But even if separated by a mile
Or more, this is not the end.
Strong feelings don't go out of style.

Revival!

I promise that I will post more often, especially now that I'm back at school and have more motivation. Since tomorrow is a holiday and I don't have class, I will write the posts I've been meaning to write about my trip to Pittsburgh and Chicago. Stay tuned for more of my life! I want to get to 200 posts by the end of this year!

Mission Accomplished

I arrived in Athens, Ohio, 10 or so minutes after 1 on Saturday, September the 5th, 2009. I proceeded to move my possessions into Shively, room 140. After a successful transfer from car to habitation, the parental units and I headed to the bookstore. There we bought several text books and several novels for my English class. At around 2, we ate lunch at the Chipotle located several yards from the bookstore. Upon finishing our nourishment, the parental units returned me to my new place of residence. I proceeded to read and watch several of my favourite episodes of Fullmetal Alchemist. At around 1am, I was introduced to my roommate's girlfriend whereby we had delightful conversation. After her departure, I continued to read J.D. Salinger's Nine Stories. At around 2am, I retired to my sleeping quarters and snuggled with a Mr. Moose. I awoke today shortly before noon. I have entertained myself by watching Visioneers, several episodes of South Park, and the first episode of Lost. That is all I have to report.

Return to the Fobidden University

Today is my last day in Euclid. Summer's over, so it's time to return to the good old Ohio University. Normally this would be a really happy thing, but I had such a wonderful summer, so it's a little hard to return to having to worry about work and grades. I had a whole week with the house to myself. I went to Pittsburgh to see a concert the day before my birthday. I saw three amazing plays at CSU's Summer Stages. I got to go to Lollapalooza, see a lot of artists I like, and eat at the Chicago Diner. I got to see several wonderful films on $5 Movie Mondays at Cedar Lee. I got to eat a lot of delicious food with Sarah and Simone at Sarah's house. I got to be nerdy many times. I finally beat Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles with my friends. And I met someone. So as you can see, it's going to be a little hard going back to school tomorrow.

Brotherhood

Be aware everyone, here is the Anime nerd coming out in me. I just watched the first two episodes of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, the OVA series to one of my all time favourite Anime series. I already see discrepencies, and so far 21 episodes have already aired. The episodes I have watched so far, and the preview of episode 3, all seem to be a retelling of the original series. I'm not sure how I feel about this. But I seem to have some explaining to do. OVA means Original Video Animation, and depending on the series, can be one of several things. There is the manga-faithful OVA, the "not enough source material to make a series" OVA, and the anime series movie OVA. Brotherhood seems to be taking the route of a more manga-faithful OVA series, which I don't think I'm going to like. I'm not much of a manga nerd, but I tried to read some of the later Fullmetal Alchemist mangas, and they just had what seemed to me as pointless characters and filler side plots. I'll continue watching for now, and will most likely finish it even if it irritates me. But for those of you who like Anime and have not watched the original Fullmetal Alchemist series, do so. It is a fantastic series with top quality animation and plot. And after that, watch the film Conqueror of Shamballa. It is the actual end to the series, though still very open-ended.

The Pianist

I just finished watching The Pianist for the third time. This film is incredibly sad, but yet incredibly beautiful. I can't stand watching people being shot in films. This summer at a 90s theme party at Kenny's, we were watching Saving Private Ryan, and I just couldn't handle it. The graphic instant death...it just sends chills down my spine. I need a hug after watching it, even though the beautiful piano solo during the end credits calms me down. The worst part of the film though is when he doesn't get to help the German officer who helped him. The poor officer ended up dying in a Soviet labor camp in 1952, while Szpilman lived until the year 2000. War is such a terrible thing. We're told that history is doomed to repeat itself. Then why is nothing ever done to prevent history from repeating itself? It's plain to see the conditions that start wars and genocides. I'm sorry for preaching, but I always wish I could scream loud enough for the people in the film to hear me warning them, thereby saving them. A man can dream...

Apologies All Around

I'm sorry I haven't been posting anything. I've been doing a lot of stuff that is noteworthy, I just haven't had a chance to sit down and write it all. I should be able to write next week seeing as I finished something that was occupying a good chunk of my time. What is that something? Well you'll just have to wait until next week to find out. If I don't post anything by Tuesday night, feel free to yell at me in all-caps comments. It might help me get motivated to tell you all the amazing things I've been doing. If you thought my life was boring before this summer, well wait until you read what I've been doing this summer.

The Aftermath

Hey guys, sorry I haven't written much, but I haven't really been in a writing mood. I've been playing a lot of games with my nerdy circle of friends so I haven't been home a lot to write on this. In fact I'll be going to Tom's house in an hour and a half. Nothing exciting has really happened since getting back from OU, but I still have to give you a guys a school-year-in-review post. Expect that soon.

First Year Finale

Sorry I haven't written on here in awhile, but this quarter has been pretty hectic. I've been shooting a lot more for the Post, doing a lot more busy working, shooting a lot more for class, and catching up on The Office, 30 Rock, and Arrested Development. I'll change the photo this weekend since I'll finally be done with class and assignments. This weekend's going to be crazy though. Thursday is my last Post All-staff, then Friday is Post Toasties and my boss plans on getting me drunk (she promised me wine), and then Saturday is LobsterFest where I can win tickets to the Avett Brothers concert in Columbus, which would give me a great excuse to come visit my Post friends working at the Columbus Dispatch. And as an ending note, according to the Colbert episode on right now, we now have a Death Star. Congratulations America! We did it! We will now rule the world and make it a better place...for evil!

My First Dictionary

I can no longer keep this blog from the public. My First Dictionary is a hilarious picture blog. Ross Horsley takes pictures and a word from actual children's dictionaries, then he makes his own definitions. They are often morbidly funny. In fact, they are always so. Here is today's.

Britain Belts Beautifully

First Susan Boyle, now this little girl named Hollie Steel. Britain is hiding all these people with beautiful musical theatre voices. They need to move here and be in musicals. Susan Boyle made me want to see Les Miserables, but only if she was in it.

Social Experimentation

Today I'm going to do a little social experiment. While I walk to the library, I am going to sing Avett Brothers songs. I also have thought about starting a blog called Social Experimentality. This blog will be devoted to social experimentation. I will do ones that go against social norms, and I will also experiment with conforming to social norms. Comment "Thumbs Up" if you think this is a good idea.

Wonderful Weather

It's beautiful down here in Athens! Yesterday was such a nice day. After Japanese class, I went to the Starving Artist's Lunch hosted by We Love Vegan Cooking. It was on College Green, and boy was it delicious. It was this delicious rice mix and salad. They also made vegan brownies, and since it was so warm out, the chocolate was all nice and melty. Since I started going to the Vegan Cooking Workshop, I've been eating a lot more salad. Vegans just know how to make a flavorful salad I guess. So I ate and talked with my friends in the shade of the trees. Then I noticed two puppies lying in the grass not far from where I was. I love animals, so I went over to pet them. Apparently they were rescued, and they were free to anyone who could give them a good home. They were brothers, River and Cole. They were a Pit bull-Lab mix. River was brown with a Lab nose, while Cole was black with a Pit bull nose. They both had a patch of white on their head and stomach. They were so mellow. It was sad to see these two puppies so dispirited. When they were first rescued by this girl's mom, they shied away from human touch. Eventually they got used to it, but they still were very dispirited. So when I met them, they were lying in the grass just letting people pet them. I sat for an hour and petted them. It was very nice. Eventually River started to perk up and run around, which was wonderful to see. He wagged his tail and wandered around to other people. Cole didn't perk up until their foster father came. I was glad to see that they weren't completely broken. I hope they find a wonderful home together because it would be terrible if they were broken up since they are so close.

At Least I Got Something...

I didn't feel like getting up this morning, but I did. It's a good thing too. I walked around and was lucky enough to find a softball class to shoot for my sports action assignment due today. It wasn't the best I've ever done, but I'm going to have to try and shoot sports as much as possible so I can get a better grade on the reshoot, which isn't due until the end of the quarter. But now I can relax because the event I'm shooting for the next assignment can't possibly be cancelled, and I think dictionaries should have every spelling of a word because Firefox keeps telling me that the British spellings are wrong. I'm not wrong! If you want me to spell cancelled, canceled, then spell it that way in British literature when you sell it in the US! Oh, and I forgot to wish you all a Happy Ides of March, as well as a Happy Earth day, Pi day, and some others.

You've Got to Dance Dance!

I'd like to thank my friend Jane. She posted this on her blog not to long ago. This is something I would love to do, something I plan on doing at least once in my life. This video cheered me up. Today I have my sports action assignment due for VICO 390, and the only two times I could shoot baseball, it rained, causing the games to be cancelled. So right now I have nothing, and I need a minimum of 100 frames and a print by 3pm. It's probably not going to happen, but if I get down because of it, I'll just watch this video and cheer up.

April Fools!

Not that anyone seemed to care. I am not closing my blog. Either you all knew that, or you just didn't care. Sad face. Anyways, it has been a fun first week, though I hate Monday. I have 7 hours of class almost back to back. There are some short breaks between them, but that time is spent eating a quick lunch or walking back to my room to switch books. I also tried out for Lost Flamingo Company again. I hope I get a callback again, and I'm not sure if I really want to be in Reefer Madness: The Musical. But I'm now a picture editor for the Post and my first late night will be Monday (ugh, but not really because I only have 3 hours of class on Tuesday). I have no knowledge of editing, so this is going to be a learning experience!

Farewell

After 119 posts, I have decided to close my blog. I do not feel a point to maintaining it. I would like to say goodbye to all my readers, if there even are any still left. It's been a fun ride, but it's time to get off the train. So as I take my leave, I wish all good night and good luck.