okay, so as we all know (or should know) Blogfather Harvey posts Love Notes every day, or just about everyday. Like a lot of his love notes, this one is going to be stolen. I usually try to stay away from this type of stuff, but sometimes I get in the mood. Now I'm in the mood, and so I'm going to post that which most accurately expresses the mood I'm in. It isn't necessarily to anyone, its just sort of out there as what I think is the best love message I have read that was written and inspired by man. It can be found in the movie Chasing Amy, which had some pretty good insight into relationships. If I do post another of these, it will likely be Silent Bob's advice to Holden.
"I love you. And not, not in a friendly way, although I think we're great friends. And not in a misplaced affection, puppy-dog way, although I'm sure that's what you'll call it. I love you. Very, very simple, very truly. You are the epitome of everything I have ever looked for in another human being. And I know that you think of me as just a friend, and crossing that line is the furthest thing from an option you would ever consider. But I had to say it. I just, I can't take this anymore. I can't stand next to you without wanting to hold you. I can't, I can't look into your eyes without feeling that, that longing you only read about in trashy romance novels. I can't talk to you without wanting to express my love for everything you are. And I know this will probably queer our friendship - no pun intended - but I had to say it, because I've never felt this way before, and I don't care. I like who I am because of it. And if bringing this to light means we can't hang out anymore, then that hurts me. But God, I just, I couldn't allow another day to go by without just getting it out there, regardless of the outcome, which by the look on your face is to be the inevitable shoot-down. And, you know, I'll accept that. But I know... I know that some part of you is hesitating for a moment, and if there is a moment of hesitation, then that means you feel something too. All I ask, please, is that you just, you just not dismiss that - and try to dwell in it for just ten seconds. Alyssa, there isn't another soul on this fucking planet who has ever made me half the person I am when I'm with you, and I would risk this friendship for the chance to take it to the next plateau. Because it is there between you and me. You can't deny that. Even if, you know, even if we never talk again after tonight, please know that I'm forever changed because of who you are and what you've meant to me, which - while I do appreciate it - I'd never need a painting of birds bought at a diner to remind me of. "
20050628
Life, the Universe and Everything
Due to complications with being on military leave at Meijer, they can't place me on the schedule without some kind of paperwork that I won't be getting because the marines are likely going to make it as if I never tried to go in for duty. So I'm stuck trying to find a job in a horrible work economy. A couple places are hiring, but the person who actually does the hiring won't be in until next week.
I'm running low on food and gas, and don't have a reliable source of money. Rent is covered through July, so I should be set there, provided I can find a job within the first week of July.
Sissy is checking her work place to see if there are any openings in my area, so a big thanks go to her.
I'm currently scheduled to go in for a plasma donation, which is good for twenty dollars a visit, up to fifty dollars a week (they give you an extra ten dollars for going twice in a week)
I started looking into sperm donation, but couldn't find anything in the area. When my roommate asked me how I felt about having "bastard children" around the states. I took the liberty of reminding him that I myself am a bastard child. He quickly backed off of that reason for being against it, going into the Monty Python argument of "Every Sperm is Sacred." To which I told him that none of them would be going to waste.
Anyone know some good ways of making money?
I'm running low on food and gas, and don't have a reliable source of money. Rent is covered through July, so I should be set there, provided I can find a job within the first week of July.
Sissy is checking her work place to see if there are any openings in my area, so a big thanks go to her.
I'm currently scheduled to go in for a plasma donation, which is good for twenty dollars a visit, up to fifty dollars a week (they give you an extra ten dollars for going twice in a week)
I started looking into sperm donation, but couldn't find anything in the area. When my roommate asked me how I felt about having "bastard children" around the states. I took the liberty of reminding him that I myself am a bastard child. He quickly backed off of that reason for being against it, going into the Monty Python argument of "Every Sperm is Sacred." To which I told him that none of them would be going to waste.
Anyone know some good ways of making money?
20050624
Special Talents
I was watching some of the strange people they have on Ripley's Believe It or Not, and I got to thinking about some of the weird things I can do. They aren't anything as spectacular as a lot of what they put on the show, but I like them none the less.
While I'm not hyperflexible, I am much more flexible than people think.
I've got a nice pain tolerance. My roommate has tried various nerve pinches and attacking different pressure points, as well as other things that are designed to incapacitate people by use of extreme pain, all to no avail.
I can do that thing with my tongue where I fold it into a clover.
However, my favorite ability, one that never fails to amaze and gross people out-- it startles them really well the first time I do it . . .
I can dislocate and relocate both of my shoulders at will. It makes a nice pop sound which causes people who watch it to wince. I'm not sure what possessed me to try it, but I remember just suddenly being able to pop my left shoulder out of joint. Seeing that I could do this with my left shoulder, I tried to do the same thing to my right, and it worked too.
What special talents do you possess? Or alternatively, what's the grossest thing you've ever done? (not witnessed, but have actually done)
While I'm not hyperflexible, I am much more flexible than people think.
I've got a nice pain tolerance. My roommate has tried various nerve pinches and attacking different pressure points, as well as other things that are designed to incapacitate people by use of extreme pain, all to no avail.
I can do that thing with my tongue where I fold it into a clover.
However, my favorite ability, one that never fails to amaze and gross people out-- it startles them really well the first time I do it . . .
I can dislocate and relocate both of my shoulders at will. It makes a nice pop sound which causes people who watch it to wince. I'm not sure what possessed me to try it, but I remember just suddenly being able to pop my left shoulder out of joint. Seeing that I could do this with my left shoulder, I tried to do the same thing to my right, and it worked too.
What special talents do you possess? Or alternatively, what's the grossest thing you've ever done? (not witnessed, but have actually done)
Sleep Deprived
I've been back in Grand Rapids for a couple days now, and I haven't been able to get much sleep. It isn't from lack of trying, I'm just not able to fall asleep to have actual rest. I've slept maybe a total of four hours since Tuesday, and even as I type this I'm yawning uncontrollably, so I know I want to sleep-- I just can't seem to achieve what seems to be a really lofty goal. I really like sleep, as I have strange dreams that make no real sense most of the time.
20050621
Meeting In Person, Talking On The Phone, Writing a letter/email
In the past, I have contemplated the use of these three modes of communication for when I desire to give someone important information. I have as a result, come to some brilliant conclusions, which it has finally dawned on me to share with you.
Meeting in person
This is my most preferred method of communication. Whether it is by meeting with a large group of people and having a discussion, or just meeting one on one to have a dialog, by meeting in person, it is easiest to convey just what it is that you mean by what you say, because not only does your audience have your words to go by, they are also able to read your pitch, volume, facial expressions, and overall body language. To be most effective, it is important to prepare what ideas you would like to convey ahead of time, whether by thinking about it in advance, or better yet, write down the ideas you want to convey most, as well as a sentence or two about why you want to convey the idea.
There is a blurse in this method of communication in that it is highly personal. In the event that you have good news for someone, or wish to convey something of a positive nature, you then get to be there to see the positive effect that it has on that person. When, on the other hand, the news you have to convey is bad, or has a negative nature about it, you must be there to see the negative effect that such news has on them. One exception is that occasionally in the case of negative topics, giving them such news and having it come from a friend is a relief, and they are glad that you took the time to tell them and to be there for them as the deal with whatever the issue is.
Talking on the phone
I am not sure if this method of communication is second or third on my list of preferences. If you put a gun to my head and told me to make a choice, I would have to say that it tied for second place. Talking on the phone is beneficial in that it gives the person you are communicating with something else to go by besides just the words you are using. It is less personal than meeting in person, but it has a much more personal nature to it than does writing a letter or an email. There are a couple of exceptions to this, but I will go into this in the next method.
Some of the downsides of talking on the phone is that if you are talking to someone who as an E.Q. of a computer, they will only go by what you have said, paying no attention to pitch, volume or tone of voice. Another problem is that when on the phone during a more serious conversation, like working out problems each person is having with the other, one person tends to dominate the conversation, and when the other party has something they wish to convey, they practically have to yell in order to get the talkative person to listen. The talkative person then feels as if the other isn’t really listening, or in turn feels disrespected, and tries to talk over that person. The result is rather bad, and in a best case scenario, ends with someone hanging up on someone else, or they both start yelling at each other and the situation grows worse. Occasionally, the manage to work things out and things go well. Another downside is that if you talk on the phone a lot, your phone bill will reflect it.
Writing a letter/email
The other method of communication that ties for second place is that of written communication. I think that this one is slightly ahead of the phone in my preferred methods, the reason for this will become clear in a second, but the lead is so slight as to make no difference. It is merely less bad.
The main advantage to written communication is that when it is of a personal nature, you force the person to read all of what you have written before they respond. Or in the case of less personal things, as long as what you have to say is interesting, you can be assured that the reader will finish reading what it is that you wrote, and will continue to come back and read your writing. You effectively have a captive audience until you have finished conveying your ideas. Make sure that you keep this in mind: Such power can be used against you.
While it is usually the most impersonal method of communication, there are ways of overcoming the limits of written word. Typically, the reader can only interpret what the writer is trying to convey by the words that they use. In the case of a good writer, they can easily overcome this obstacle by using words that help to describe what they are feeling. Also at hand are the use of smileys. It is true that this is usually the most impersonal method of communicating, however, in the case of myself, I best express myself through written word. As a result of this, I can usually very easily interpret the meaning behind what someone has written, whether they are merely kidding, or if they are being serious. Not always do they use words that help give me an idea of what the meaning is. This stems from reading quite a bit as a child. Another important note is that women love to receive love notes and poetry, especially if it is unexpected.
Meeting in person
This is my most preferred method of communication. Whether it is by meeting with a large group of people and having a discussion, or just meeting one on one to have a dialog, by meeting in person, it is easiest to convey just what it is that you mean by what you say, because not only does your audience have your words to go by, they are also able to read your pitch, volume, facial expressions, and overall body language. To be most effective, it is important to prepare what ideas you would like to convey ahead of time, whether by thinking about it in advance, or better yet, write down the ideas you want to convey most, as well as a sentence or two about why you want to convey the idea.
There is a blurse in this method of communication in that it is highly personal. In the event that you have good news for someone, or wish to convey something of a positive nature, you then get to be there to see the positive effect that it has on that person. When, on the other hand, the news you have to convey is bad, or has a negative nature about it, you must be there to see the negative effect that such news has on them. One exception is that occasionally in the case of negative topics, giving them such news and having it come from a friend is a relief, and they are glad that you took the time to tell them and to be there for them as the deal with whatever the issue is.
Talking on the phone
I am not sure if this method of communication is second or third on my list of preferences. If you put a gun to my head and told me to make a choice, I would have to say that it tied for second place. Talking on the phone is beneficial in that it gives the person you are communicating with something else to go by besides just the words you are using. It is less personal than meeting in person, but it has a much more personal nature to it than does writing a letter or an email. There are a couple of exceptions to this, but I will go into this in the next method.
Some of the downsides of talking on the phone is that if you are talking to someone who as an E.Q. of a computer, they will only go by what you have said, paying no attention to pitch, volume or tone of voice. Another problem is that when on the phone during a more serious conversation, like working out problems each person is having with the other, one person tends to dominate the conversation, and when the other party has something they wish to convey, they practically have to yell in order to get the talkative person to listen. The talkative person then feels as if the other isn’t really listening, or in turn feels disrespected, and tries to talk over that person. The result is rather bad, and in a best case scenario, ends with someone hanging up on someone else, or they both start yelling at each other and the situation grows worse. Occasionally, the manage to work things out and things go well. Another downside is that if you talk on the phone a lot, your phone bill will reflect it.
Writing a letter/email
The other method of communication that ties for second place is that of written communication. I think that this one is slightly ahead of the phone in my preferred methods, the reason for this will become clear in a second, but the lead is so slight as to make no difference. It is merely less bad.
The main advantage to written communication is that when it is of a personal nature, you force the person to read all of what you have written before they respond. Or in the case of less personal things, as long as what you have to say is interesting, you can be assured that the reader will finish reading what it is that you wrote, and will continue to come back and read your writing. You effectively have a captive audience until you have finished conveying your ideas. Make sure that you keep this in mind: Such power can be used against you.
While it is usually the most impersonal method of communication, there are ways of overcoming the limits of written word. Typically, the reader can only interpret what the writer is trying to convey by the words that they use. In the case of a good writer, they can easily overcome this obstacle by using words that help to describe what they are feeling. Also at hand are the use of smileys. It is true that this is usually the most impersonal method of communicating, however, in the case of myself, I best express myself through written word. As a result of this, I can usually very easily interpret the meaning behind what someone has written, whether they are merely kidding, or if they are being serious. Not always do they use words that help give me an idea of what the meaning is. This stems from reading quite a bit as a child. Another important note is that women love to receive love notes and poetry, especially if it is unexpected.
20050620
There's Something Women Like About A Pickup Man
I am now the proud owner of a 1998 Dodge Dakota Sport. It only has 80k miles on it, its in great condition. It breaks nicely, and I sit higher on the road now, so I don't feel like I'm going to be squashed each time I pass an SUV. It accelerates well, and I got it for $4,900.00.
However, the most important feature is the bench seat. The reasons for which are not given. Anyone who thinks its for any but the most rightuous of reasons is probably right. ;)
However, the most important feature is the bench seat. The reasons for which are not given. Anyone who thinks its for any but the most rightuous of reasons is probably right. ;)
20050619
Soap
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi had liposuction. Rather than dispose of it like a normal human would, some modern art idiot took the fat and made it into a bar of soap. It sold for 18,000 dollars in less than an hour.
I've never seen the art in modern art. I've always viewed it more as crap someone threw together and called art so that people would pay me quite a bit of money for doing absolutely nothing. I myself have used this concept in my highschool art class when I didn't feel like trying all that hard on an assignment.
I've never seen the art in modern art. I've always viewed it more as crap someone threw together and called art so that people would pay me quite a bit of money for doing absolutely nothing. I myself have used this concept in my highschool art class when I didn't feel like trying all that hard on an assignment.
20050618
Dodge Avenger
The dakota sold yesterday, had I been thinking I would have asked my dad to look at it and then buy it if it seemed okay. Looked at a Ram 1500 today, but passed it up, and then it got bought I wanted to go back to look at it. It looks like I'm going to be stuck with a Dodge Avenger. I've read some reviews on them and it doesn't look too promising. It doesn't have many miles, and it has decent MPG, but they seem awful interested to make the sale, so I'm not sure what to make of that. Dad checked it out and said it seemed okay.
Driving it it seemed okay, but it was hard to see out of the side and rearview mirrors. It braked fine, and had good alignment, good tires. It doesn't have much in accelleration, but I'm used to a turbo charged Probe.
Driving it it seemed okay, but it was hard to see out of the side and rearview mirrors. It braked fine, and had good alignment, good tires. It doesn't have much in accelleration, but I'm used to a turbo charged Probe.
20050617
Some words about updating, and an update
I try to update Custos Honor fairly often, but ultimately I don't always have things to post about. I don't have a hectic schedule. In fact, I try to keep an extremely open schedule so that I can handle the unknown things that happen during the day, or if a friend of mine needs my help, I can then help them right away, or if need arises during one of those rare times when I'm busy, it won't be all that long before I'm no longer busy.
I have taken some interest in the news lately, but I still rebel against watching any news because I want to remain a kid at heart for as long as possible, and things like watching the news, or going to bed before 0200 make me feel like I'm getting old.
Another problem is that I have things that I'm trying to focus on, and they don't involve the internet, so while I'm at my parents, I usually only pop online for about two minutes to check my email, and then log back off. Occassionally I will check out my favorite blogs, but for the most part I try not to tie up our one phone line for long periods of time.
I have debated posting my cell # in an entry, just to see what fun might come of it, but haven't because I've contacted people I've met online and the conversations were a little awkward in most cases. The second is that a number of people would see this number that I'm not all that certain I want to have access to it. Maybe I'll try it at some point, who knows.
Tomorrow I'll be headed to Sundance Chevrolet in Grand Ledge to look at a Dodge Dakota. The specks look good, I'll post them if we get it. My dad took a look at it on the way back home from work and told me that it looked pretty good. The only downside is that as he was leaving, there was a couple looking at the same truck, so hopefully it will be there tomorrow when we go to look at it.
I now have a new email contact: andrew.custoshonor@gmail.com
When I get back to Hal0house, I'll update more regularly, but for now I'll post when I can. If I get a vehicle tomorrow, I'll be sure to update about it.
I have taken some interest in the news lately, but I still rebel against watching any news because I want to remain a kid at heart for as long as possible, and things like watching the news, or going to bed before 0200 make me feel like I'm getting old.
Another problem is that I have things that I'm trying to focus on, and they don't involve the internet, so while I'm at my parents, I usually only pop online for about two minutes to check my email, and then log back off. Occassionally I will check out my favorite blogs, but for the most part I try not to tie up our one phone line for long periods of time.
I have debated posting my cell # in an entry, just to see what fun might come of it, but haven't because I've contacted people I've met online and the conversations were a little awkward in most cases. The second is that a number of people would see this number that I'm not all that certain I want to have access to it. Maybe I'll try it at some point, who knows.
Tomorrow I'll be headed to Sundance Chevrolet in Grand Ledge to look at a Dodge Dakota. The specks look good, I'll post them if we get it. My dad took a look at it on the way back home from work and told me that it looked pretty good. The only downside is that as he was leaving, there was a couple looking at the same truck, so hopefully it will be there tomorrow when we go to look at it.
I now have a new email contact: andrew.custoshonor@gmail.com
When I get back to Hal0house, I'll update more regularly, but for now I'll post when I can. If I get a vehicle tomorrow, I'll be sure to update about it.
20050615
My Recruiter Is Ticked.
My recruiter, Gunny O. called today, and wanted to know when I would be coming in to work out. He informed me that I was scheduled to leave on the twenty-first, and then told me that if he had to have Sgt. R. move in to my parents house to make sure that I made weight, then he would do so. Needless to say, I wasn't happy about the way he was talking to me. Apparently, Sgt. R. hadn't informed him about my decision to drop out of the armed forces. Also apparent was the fact that Sgt. R. didn't think I was serious when I mentioned it to him.
Gunny O. then informed me that I was pulling a lot of crap, said that there was know way I could have made this decision in two days. He's right, I hadn't made the decision in two days, I'd been having doubts as to whether or not I should go since the first time I was pushed back. I hadn't informed him of these doubts because I knew that he would not listen to me if I had tried to explain them to him. He told me that I was already enlisted and sworn in, and that I would have to go in front of a Military Discharge Review Board. While I'm not scared at the prospect of this, it is partially because I'm not entirely sure what this means for me. I know that if I sabotage myself by staying over their max weight, then they won't ship me out. I don't want to do it this way, I would prefer they let me go peaceably.
I have one trump card that I can use, but I'm not sure I want to use it except as a last resort. When I was younger, I was diagnosed with depression (not suicidal) and ADD. I had mentioned this to SSgt. V. but he had told me not to mention it at MEPS. I followed his advice, but each time I went down there, and each 96 hours before I went down there, I had to again state that my past psychological history was fine. I never felt right about saying nothing, but didn't because I was told not to, thinking that I had grown out of such things, and also knowing that they wouldn't be able to access those files. However, as an honest person, this has been eating at me. When I informed Sgt. R. again about it yesterday, the conversation went basically like this:
Me: I had told SSgt. V. about my psychological past, but he told me to keep quiet about it, and so I did. But this never really sat well with me. The Marine's motto is Honor, Courage and Commitment, and by telling me to do this, I don't understand how this reflects these three qualities.
Sgt. R.: The fact that you went along with it shows a lack of those qualities as well. You already told them that you hadn't had these issues, if you go tell them it's otherwise now, now that you are sworn in and have signed the contract, then you'll get in to trouble for it.
I basically let it go, but my thoughts on this later were that yes, I had shown a lack of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. Yes, I am guilty of violating three things that I hold extremely high in myself and in others. But if I don't do the right thing now, now that I acknowledge my sin in this, then that makes me worse for it, and I can't truly call myself a man if I continue to let it slide.
The way Sgt. R. handled what I had informed him about was basically the final thing that convinced me not to join the service. That none of the recruiters in that office actually listen doesn't help the case either.
Gunny O. then informed me that I was pulling a lot of crap, said that there was know way I could have made this decision in two days. He's right, I hadn't made the decision in two days, I'd been having doubts as to whether or not I should go since the first time I was pushed back. I hadn't informed him of these doubts because I knew that he would not listen to me if I had tried to explain them to him. He told me that I was already enlisted and sworn in, and that I would have to go in front of a Military Discharge Review Board. While I'm not scared at the prospect of this, it is partially because I'm not entirely sure what this means for me. I know that if I sabotage myself by staying over their max weight, then they won't ship me out. I don't want to do it this way, I would prefer they let me go peaceably.
I have one trump card that I can use, but I'm not sure I want to use it except as a last resort. When I was younger, I was diagnosed with depression (not suicidal) and ADD. I had mentioned this to SSgt. V. but he had told me not to mention it at MEPS. I followed his advice, but each time I went down there, and each 96 hours before I went down there, I had to again state that my past psychological history was fine. I never felt right about saying nothing, but didn't because I was told not to, thinking that I had grown out of such things, and also knowing that they wouldn't be able to access those files. However, as an honest person, this has been eating at me. When I informed Sgt. R. again about it yesterday, the conversation went basically like this:
Me: I had told SSgt. V. about my psychological past, but he told me to keep quiet about it, and so I did. But this never really sat well with me. The Marine's motto is Honor, Courage and Commitment, and by telling me to do this, I don't understand how this reflects these three qualities.
Sgt. R.: The fact that you went along with it shows a lack of those qualities as well. You already told them that you hadn't had these issues, if you go tell them it's otherwise now, now that you are sworn in and have signed the contract, then you'll get in to trouble for it.
I basically let it go, but my thoughts on this later were that yes, I had shown a lack of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. Yes, I am guilty of violating three things that I hold extremely high in myself and in others. But if I don't do the right thing now, now that I acknowledge my sin in this, then that makes me worse for it, and I can't truly call myself a man if I continue to let it slide.
The way Sgt. R. handled what I had informed him about was basically the final thing that convinced me not to join the service. That none of the recruiters in that office actually listen doesn't help the case either.
People To Do, Things To See
I have come up with a list of things that I need to accomplish. These aren't big, life changing things, just some things that I want to have done.
1. The first thing I need to do is create a new email address. It will be a gmail account, but I like to have names that are fitting, and marine4life is no longer a fitting email name. Anyone with ideas feel free to post them in the comments.
2. Find a car. This has been covered in a previous post, so will not be addressed further.
3. I would like start writing the next part of my story, and thus destroy the rather large writer's block that has formed. I know the direction the story is supposed to go in, but am unsure how to get it there. I need to sit back down with my notes and just start writing. I want it to have the feel of an RPG, so I want to throw in random battles, and have references to things like the couch of infinite comfort +5, but am not entirely sure how I'm going to incorporate such things into my story just yet.
4. Buy the next Harry Potter book. It comes out June 26, so I plan on getting it the day of.
5. Stay in shape. Being in the Delayed Entry Program, I have gotten into much better shape and health. I plan on maintaining and increasing in this. I feel a lot better now than I did a few months ago.
6. Find a different Job. I'm tired of working for Meijer, and will be headed back there as soon as I get my next vehicle. I need to stay motivated to find another job, preferably one that pays better.
7. Although I'm quite fine with being single, I would like to actually meet someone in the Grand Rapids area with whom I can start a relationship. I'm not shipping out anymore, so the issue of being around for a week and then leaving for three months isn't a problem. I've already been on a couple dates, but haven't wanted to get too involved with them because of I was supposed to be leaving soon. Now that isn't a problem, but they have either moved out of the area, or have started dating someone romantically.
8. I need new clothes. The clothes I have are all too large. Most of them are too large by atleast one size, and all my pants (except for 4 or 5 of them) are two-three sizes too large for me. I have a good sized belt, but pants that are too large aren't comfortable when used with a belt that is just the right size. It tends to cause the waistline to become incredibly uncomfortable.
While I'd like to accomplish these things, I'm not too worried about getting them done. I know the world won't end if I fail to complete just one of these tasks. If my failing to accomplish one of these tasks does end up in the world's demise, then the Universe is indeed a strange place, and it deserves its fate. I'm not God, nor do I want to be. Well, actually I do but don't tell him that. ;)
*waits patiently for lightning to strike*
1. The first thing I need to do is create a new email address. It will be a gmail account, but I like to have names that are fitting, and marine4life is no longer a fitting email name. Anyone with ideas feel free to post them in the comments.
2. Find a car. This has been covered in a previous post, so will not be addressed further.
3. I would like start writing the next part of my story, and thus destroy the rather large writer's block that has formed. I know the direction the story is supposed to go in, but am unsure how to get it there. I need to sit back down with my notes and just start writing. I want it to have the feel of an RPG, so I want to throw in random battles, and have references to things like the couch of infinite comfort +5, but am not entirely sure how I'm going to incorporate such things into my story just yet.
4. Buy the next Harry Potter book. It comes out June 26, so I plan on getting it the day of.
5. Stay in shape. Being in the Delayed Entry Program, I have gotten into much better shape and health. I plan on maintaining and increasing in this. I feel a lot better now than I did a few months ago.
6. Find a different Job. I'm tired of working for Meijer, and will be headed back there as soon as I get my next vehicle. I need to stay motivated to find another job, preferably one that pays better.
7. Although I'm quite fine with being single, I would like to actually meet someone in the Grand Rapids area with whom I can start a relationship. I'm not shipping out anymore, so the issue of being around for a week and then leaving for three months isn't a problem. I've already been on a couple dates, but haven't wanted to get too involved with them because of I was supposed to be leaving soon. Now that isn't a problem, but they have either moved out of the area, or have started dating someone romantically.
8. I need new clothes. The clothes I have are all too large. Most of them are too large by atleast one size, and all my pants (except for 4 or 5 of them) are two-three sizes too large for me. I have a good sized belt, but pants that are too large aren't comfortable when used with a belt that is just the right size. It tends to cause the waistline to become incredibly uncomfortable.
While I'd like to accomplish these things, I'm not too worried about getting them done. I know the world won't end if I fail to complete just one of these tasks. If my failing to accomplish one of these tasks does end up in the world's demise, then the Universe is indeed a strange place, and it deserves its fate. I'm not God, nor do I want to be. Well, actually I do but don't tell him that. ;)
*waits patiently for lightning to strike*
20050614
Car Repair Blues pt. 3
Now that I won't be headed off for processing, I've got to go about finding a vehicle so I can get back to Grand Rapids. My old Ford Probe is still there, but the transmission cost more than the car did itself, so I'm going to be getting a new used car. I want a truck this time, I wanted a truck last time, but ended up with the probe. The one thing I know for sure is that I want an American car, I don't buy foriegn cars. What I'd really like is a Harley, but I think I'm going to have to wait on that one. Atleast until I move back down south so it can be my primary vehicle all year round. For now, I'm willing to settle for a truck.
20050613
My Recruiter Will Be Ticked
I find it to be understandable as to the reason why as well. Obviously, since I'm posting, I didn't ship today. I didn't make weight. I find this strange because I made weight the night before, and hadn't eaten anything at all that day, or this morning before weigh in.
I'm at the point now where I have decided that there are more important things that I need to focus on right now. Unfortunately, my recruiter didn't see it my way, and wants me to come in to the office to talk about it further. I think that I should finish my law enforcement degree and then decide if the USMC is still for me. If giving it up now means that I can't go at all (which I doubt) then I will have to accept the fact that I lost a large opportunity. I need to figure things out, and I can't do that if I'm constantly being pressured to do something I'm no longer sure of.
I'm sorry if this disapoints anyone, but it's something I have got to work through. If I make the wrong decision, then people could end up hurt, and that's the exact opposite of what I want.
I'm at the point now where I have decided that there are more important things that I need to focus on right now. Unfortunately, my recruiter didn't see it my way, and wants me to come in to the office to talk about it further. I think that I should finish my law enforcement degree and then decide if the USMC is still for me. If giving it up now means that I can't go at all (which I doubt) then I will have to accept the fact that I lost a large opportunity. I need to figure things out, and I can't do that if I'm constantly being pressured to do something I'm no longer sure of.
I'm sorry if this disapoints anyone, but it's something I have got to work through. If I make the wrong decision, then people could end up hurt, and that's the exact opposite of what I want.
20050611
DON'T PANIC
The past few days have been interesting. There were two storms this past week. Well, actually, there were more than two storms this past week, but these two are the only worth mentioning as it is not my intent to talk about the weather but to talk about what resulted from the weather which is to say that twice in the same week we experienced power outages. The didn't really affect me, as I was driving at the time and didn't get back to the house in Grand Rapids until about 22:00. Twelve hours after I arrived, the power came back on and so I was able to get a shower before I met someone at Dairy Queen to hang out before I shipped out to processing.
The second power outage is notable in that the only tree to get knocked down, that I could see, during the course of the storm's passing just happened to be the very same tree which, if it fell, would completely sever the connecting wire from the power lines (and cable) to the house. It also managed to rip the metal pipe that the wires run through off of the house, as well as damaging the pole the helped guide the wires to the house from the power poles across the street. So for the greater part of Wednesday we had no power, and Thursday and Friday we had power but no cable. Friday I left to visit with my family.
And thus it is that I can update my blog and read my favorite blogs. I won't name my favorite bloggers because I don't want to make anyone feel bad, because I know that my opinion of you means quite a bit to you all, despite the fact that I don't even know you in person (two exceptions being the two who help contribute to Custos Honor). However, my favorite bloggers are, after myself and in no particular order, Harvey of Bad Example, Sissy of And What Next, and Boudicca of Boudicca's Voice. But like I said, I don't want to name any of my favorite bloggers because I don't want anyone to feel badly about me not mentioning them. Likely I just haven't gotten around to reading your blog if you aren't my one of my favorite bloggers. :)
Okay, it is planned that I leave for processing on Monday. I have no injuries, I'm at my desired weight, I'm up to five pull ups and fifty crunches (this from one of the first and 18 of the second). I have no traffic tickets, I haven't been arrested recently, and I won't be drinking alcohol again until after I graduate. So things look well that I will actually leave on Monday. For some reason I'm actually nervous about it this time, but I'm sure it will pass.
I promised an excerpt from The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy or one of its sequels, though it actually reads like one book, and I have chosen The Restaurant At The End Of The Universe. It can be found in Chapter 19 page 243 of The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy. By doing this I hope to get those who haven't read this series to do so, and those who have to go and read it again.
"The Universe--some information to help you live in it.
1 AREA: Infinite.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy offers this definition of the word "Infinite."
Infinite: Bigger than the biggest thing ever and then some. Much bigger than that in fact, really amazingly immense, a totally stunning size, real "wow, that's big," time. Infinity is just so big that, by comparison, bigness itself looks really titchy. Gigantic multiplied by colossal multiplied by staggeringly huge is the sort of concept we're trying to get across here.
2 IMPORTS: None.
It is impossible to import things into an infinite area, there being no outside to import things from.
3 EXPORTS: None
See Imports
4 POPULATION: None.
It is known that there are an infinite number of worlds, simply because there is an infinite amount of space for them to be in. However, not every one of them is inhabited. Therefore, there must be a finite number of inhabited worlds. Any finite number divided by infinity is as near to nothing as makes no odds, so the average population of all the planets of the whole Universe is also zero, and that any people you may meet from time to time are merely the products of a deranged imagination.
5 MONETARY UNITS: None.
In fact there are three freely convertible currencies in the Galaxy, but none of them count. The Altairian Dollar has recently collapsed, the Flainian Pobble Bead is only exchangeable for other Flainian Pobble Beads, and the Triganic Pu has its own very special problems. Its exchange rate of eight Ningis to one Pu is simple enough, but since a Ningi is a triangular rubber coin six thousand eight hundred miles along each side, no one has ever collected enough to own one Pu. Ningis are not negotiable currency, because the Galactibanks refuse to deal in fiddling small change. From this basic premise it is very simple to prove that the Galactibanks are also the product of a deranged imagination.
6 ART: None
The function of art is to hold the mirror up to nature, and there simply isn’t a mirror big enough--see point one.
7 SEX: None.
Well, in fact there is an awful lot of this, largely because of the total lack of money, trade, banks, art or anything else that might keep all the nonexistent people of the Universe occupied.
However, it is not worth embarking on a long discussion of it now because it really is terribly complicated. For further information see Guide Chapters seven, nine, ten, eleven, fourteen, sixteen, seventeen, nineteen, twenty-one to eighty-four inclusive, and in fact most of the rest of the Guide.”
Okay, so that was the excerpt. If it doesn’t spark your interest in reading the actual series then you are a Vogan. If you don’t know what a Vogan is, then read the series or watch the movie or BBC television series to find out.
The second power outage is notable in that the only tree to get knocked down, that I could see, during the course of the storm's passing just happened to be the very same tree which, if it fell, would completely sever the connecting wire from the power lines (and cable) to the house. It also managed to rip the metal pipe that the wires run through off of the house, as well as damaging the pole the helped guide the wires to the house from the power poles across the street. So for the greater part of Wednesday we had no power, and Thursday and Friday we had power but no cable. Friday I left to visit with my family.
And thus it is that I can update my blog and read my favorite blogs. I won't name my favorite bloggers because I don't want to make anyone feel bad, because I know that my opinion of you means quite a bit to you all, despite the fact that I don't even know you in person (two exceptions being the two who help contribute to Custos Honor). However, my favorite bloggers are, after myself and in no particular order, Harvey of Bad Example, Sissy of And What Next, and Boudicca of Boudicca's Voice. But like I said, I don't want to name any of my favorite bloggers because I don't want anyone to feel badly about me not mentioning them. Likely I just haven't gotten around to reading your blog if you aren't my one of my favorite bloggers. :)
Okay, it is planned that I leave for processing on Monday. I have no injuries, I'm at my desired weight, I'm up to five pull ups and fifty crunches (this from one of the first and 18 of the second). I have no traffic tickets, I haven't been arrested recently, and I won't be drinking alcohol again until after I graduate. So things look well that I will actually leave on Monday. For some reason I'm actually nervous about it this time, but I'm sure it will pass.
I promised an excerpt from The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy or one of its sequels, though it actually reads like one book, and I have chosen The Restaurant At The End Of The Universe. It can be found in Chapter 19 page 243 of The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy. By doing this I hope to get those who haven't read this series to do so, and those who have to go and read it again.
"The Universe--some information to help you live in it.
1 AREA: Infinite.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy offers this definition of the word "Infinite."
Infinite: Bigger than the biggest thing ever and then some. Much bigger than that in fact, really amazingly immense, a totally stunning size, real "wow, that's big," time. Infinity is just so big that, by comparison, bigness itself looks really titchy. Gigantic multiplied by colossal multiplied by staggeringly huge is the sort of concept we're trying to get across here.
2 IMPORTS: None.
It is impossible to import things into an infinite area, there being no outside to import things from.
3 EXPORTS: None
See Imports
4 POPULATION: None.
It is known that there are an infinite number of worlds, simply because there is an infinite amount of space for them to be in. However, not every one of them is inhabited. Therefore, there must be a finite number of inhabited worlds. Any finite number divided by infinity is as near to nothing as makes no odds, so the average population of all the planets of the whole Universe is also zero, and that any people you may meet from time to time are merely the products of a deranged imagination.
5 MONETARY UNITS: None.
In fact there are three freely convertible currencies in the Galaxy, but none of them count. The Altairian Dollar has recently collapsed, the Flainian Pobble Bead is only exchangeable for other Flainian Pobble Beads, and the Triganic Pu has its own very special problems. Its exchange rate of eight Ningis to one Pu is simple enough, but since a Ningi is a triangular rubber coin six thousand eight hundred miles along each side, no one has ever collected enough to own one Pu. Ningis are not negotiable currency, because the Galactibanks refuse to deal in fiddling small change. From this basic premise it is very simple to prove that the Galactibanks are also the product of a deranged imagination.
6 ART: None
The function of art is to hold the mirror up to nature, and there simply isn’t a mirror big enough--see point one.
7 SEX: None.
Well, in fact there is an awful lot of this, largely because of the total lack of money, trade, banks, art or anything else that might keep all the nonexistent people of the Universe occupied.
However, it is not worth embarking on a long discussion of it now because it really is terribly complicated. For further information see Guide Chapters seven, nine, ten, eleven, fourteen, sixteen, seventeen, nineteen, twenty-one to eighty-four inclusive, and in fact most of the rest of the Guide.”
Okay, so that was the excerpt. If it doesn’t spark your interest in reading the actual series then you are a Vogan. If you don’t know what a Vogan is, then read the series or watch the movie or BBC television series to find out.
20050608
yet another short appearance
ok, back again for a quick appearance.
as I have already been informed, my first post sucked and I'll just assume that this one will follow the same path. ;)
and also as Andrew has noted, I do actually have a life that doesn't involve having my face glued to a computer monitor, so some of my appearances will be short and sweet.
you'll hear more from me (unfortunately) as time wears on, but for now I have places to be and people to annoy. ;)
oh yeah, and if anyone knows how to make lots of money without having to actually work for it, please let me know!
so for now, I've paused long enough to laugh at the illustrious Lord Salens. conquer the world........yeah, right.
as I have already been informed, my first post sucked and I'll just assume that this one will follow the same path. ;)
and also as Andrew has noted, I do actually have a life that doesn't involve having my face glued to a computer monitor, so some of my appearances will be short and sweet.
you'll hear more from me (unfortunately) as time wears on, but for now I have places to be and people to annoy. ;)
oh yeah, and if anyone knows how to make lots of money without having to actually work for it, please let me know!
so for now, I've paused long enough to laugh at the illustrious Lord Salens. conquer the world........yeah, right.
Monthly Horoscope
Madame Ellen's Horrorscopes
AQUARIUS (January 20-February 18)
What’s all the rage this summer? Popping bubble gum. Have a contest with your brother or sister to see who can blow the biggest bubble. The winner is whoever has to cut the most gum out of their hair.
PISCES (February 19-March 20)
Popsicles make great snacks, and they also make great stains on your aunt's white linen tablecloth.
ARIES (March 21-April 19)
So your original plan to get someone’s attention didn’t quite work out. Don’t fret — you couldn’t have known they wouldn’t take the term "mud pie" literally.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20)
Accepting change is half the battle. Spending it on rope to tie up your brother is the other half.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21)
(written by Shelley, age 15)
Don’t let your mind wander — or is it too late?
CANCER (June 22-July 22)
You’ll want to concentrate on rebuilding your body’s natural defenses this month. But finishing up that moat couldn’t hurt either.
LEO (July 23-August 22)
This holiday season you feel abandoned by those who are supposed to love you most — finally some peace and quiet.
VIRGO (August 23-September 22)
You are run out of town due to a slight misinterpretation of your artistic vision when you make your directorial debut in this year's school play.
LIBRA (September 23-October 21)
You’re feeling much more confident about yourself this month. You know what they say, ignorance is bliss.
SCORPIO (October 23-November 21)
This is the month to sweep that special someone off their feet. Slippery floor wax makes it a lot easier.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22-December 21)
Your big dilemma this month: falling asleep in the middle of summer school. Don’t you think that's a little boring? If you want interesting advice, I suggest you get some interesting problems.
CAPRICORN (December 22-January 19)
You’re a very peculiar one, Capricorn. Have you ever considered knitting yourself a cute little lilac cap and a matching sweater? You have? You're even more hopeless than I thought.
AQUARIUS (January 20-February 18)
What’s all the rage this summer? Popping bubble gum. Have a contest with your brother or sister to see who can blow the biggest bubble. The winner is whoever has to cut the most gum out of their hair.
PISCES (February 19-March 20)
Popsicles make great snacks, and they also make great stains on your aunt's white linen tablecloth.
ARIES (March 21-April 19)
So your original plan to get someone’s attention didn’t quite work out. Don’t fret — you couldn’t have known they wouldn’t take the term "mud pie" literally.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20)
Accepting change is half the battle. Spending it on rope to tie up your brother is the other half.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21)
(written by Shelley, age 15)
Don’t let your mind wander — or is it too late?
CANCER (June 22-July 22)
You’ll want to concentrate on rebuilding your body’s natural defenses this month. But finishing up that moat couldn’t hurt either.
LEO (July 23-August 22)
This holiday season you feel abandoned by those who are supposed to love you most — finally some peace and quiet.
VIRGO (August 23-September 22)
You are run out of town due to a slight misinterpretation of your artistic vision when you make your directorial debut in this year's school play.
LIBRA (September 23-October 21)
You’re feeling much more confident about yourself this month. You know what they say, ignorance is bliss.
SCORPIO (October 23-November 21)
This is the month to sweep that special someone off their feet. Slippery floor wax makes it a lot easier.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22-December 21)
Your big dilemma this month: falling asleep in the middle of summer school. Don’t you think that's a little boring? If you want interesting advice, I suggest you get some interesting problems.
CAPRICORN (December 22-January 19)
You’re a very peculiar one, Capricorn. Have you ever considered knitting yourself a cute little lilac cap and a matching sweater? You have? You're even more hopeless than I thought.
20050607
Humor
A college professor, an avowed Atheist, was teaching his class. He
shocked several of his students when he flatly stated he was going to
prove there was no God. Addressing the ceiling he shouted: "God, if you
are real, then I want you to knock me off this platform. I'll give you
15 minutes!"
The lecture room fell silent. You could have heard a pin fall. Ten
minutes went by. Again he taunted God, saying, "Here I am, God. I'm
still waiting."
His countdown got down to the last couple of minutes when a Marine -
just released from active duty and newly registered in the class -
walked up to the professor, hit him full force in the face, and sent
him tumbling from his lofty platform. The professor was out cold!
At first, the students were shocked and babbled in confusion The young
Marine took a seat in the front row and sat silent. The class fell
silent...waiting.
Eventually, the professor came to, shaken. He looked at the young
Marine in the front row. When the professor regained his senses and
could speak he asked: "What's the matter with you? Why did you do
that?"
The Marine answered, "God was busy. He sent me."
shocked several of his students when he flatly stated he was going to
prove there was no God. Addressing the ceiling he shouted: "God, if you
are real, then I want you to knock me off this platform. I'll give you
15 minutes!"
The lecture room fell silent. You could have heard a pin fall. Ten
minutes went by. Again he taunted God, saying, "Here I am, God. I'm
still waiting."
His countdown got down to the last couple of minutes when a Marine -
just released from active duty and newly registered in the class -
walked up to the professor, hit him full force in the face, and sent
him tumbling from his lofty platform. The professor was out cold!
At first, the students were shocked and babbled in confusion The young
Marine took a seat in the front row and sat silent. The class fell
silent...waiting.
Eventually, the professor came to, shaken. He looked at the young
Marine in the front row. When the professor regained his senses and
could speak he asked: "What's the matter with you? Why did you do
that?"
The Marine answered, "God was busy. He sent me."
20050606
Contrary To My Ambitious Subordinate's Claims
I am still very much here and watchful of the blog-o-sphere. Nothing is done on this blog without my say so, at least to the point where I'll delete it if I don't want it there. However I haven't had need to do so thus far, and I don't anticipate such a need in the future.
I haven't been posting much lately because I've been working on something secretly for Harvey that not even he was aware of. (Though he may have been given a hint when I asked him an important question to completing the project, though it was sort of a vague question, so if he didn't know it then, that's okay because it was a very vague question which only an all-knowing being [or myself] would have known the true reason behind it.
Now the project is complete, and if Harvey deems it worthy of posting, I'm sure he will do so, but for now I'm going to take some much needed rest from the computer, and will maybe possibly post something in the not-so-far-away-future which will involve possibly something to do with the Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy, or one of its later sequals. To that end I bid you a fond farewell for now, and Don't Panic.
I haven't been posting much lately because I've been working on something secretly for Harvey that not even he was aware of. (Though he may have been given a hint when I asked him an important question to completing the project, though it was sort of a vague question, so if he didn't know it then, that's okay because it was a very vague question which only an all-knowing being [or myself] would have known the true reason behind it.
Now the project is complete, and if Harvey deems it worthy of posting, I'm sure he will do so, but for now I'm going to take some much needed rest from the computer, and will maybe possibly post something in the not-so-far-away-future which will involve possibly something to do with the Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy, or one of its later sequals. To that end I bid you a fond farewell for now, and Don't Panic.
20050602
You may address me as...
So Andrew is going away to boot camp and asked if I could fill in some posts while he is gone. I dutifully agreed, and here I am with my first post. Now as my first act on this blog, may I welcome you all as my humble subjects. You may address me as Your Majesty, His Majesty, The All-Knowing Seer, M'Lord, any other royal title, or Reverend, Lord Salens.
You might now be wondering who I am, and want a little background. Well that's just too bad. How dare you address your new overlord with such a tone in your pompous response.
So as I said, I'll be posting some miscellanious things here until Rev. Andrew figures out that I've destroyed his blog, alienated his readers and set a fire on the web so large that Detroit will have to burn itself and it's suburbs down just to keep up.
Until then my loyal subject, remember this: the all-seeing eye on your dollar bill is a secret listening device planted by the Masonic-Illuminati-NWO-Etc Order and you should send them all to me for proper disposal.
You might now be wondering who I am, and want a little background. Well that's just too bad. How dare you address your new overlord with such a tone in your pompous response.
So as I said, I'll be posting some miscellanious things here until Rev. Andrew figures out that I've destroyed his blog, alienated his readers and set a fire on the web so large that Detroit will have to burn itself and it's suburbs down just to keep up.
Until then my loyal subject, remember this: the all-seeing eye on your dollar bill is a secret listening device planted by the Masonic-Illuminati-NWO-Etc Order and you should send them all to me for proper disposal.
Another Joins The Ranks
Later today you will be blessed with a post from a friend of mine. I was introduced to him after going to visit R.R. for a weekend during the summer of 2004. R.R. will still be posting letters from boot camp, however, as R.R. has a life and no home internet access, I have decided to ask another to help contribute to the blog who also has a busy life, but has internet access at home. The thinking being that between the two of them, the blog will still alive while I am gone. Also, I have taken care to only invite those who are s-m-r-t.
20050601
Kids and the Media pt. 1
Boudicah is concerned that she's sheltering her kids too much. I sent her an email as my reply was too long for the comments, and was asked to post my email to her here.
I'm twenty-two and I don't think that I'm old enough to watch South Park. I wasn't allowed to watch the Simpson's until I moved out of the house.
Kids today are confronted with a lot of things that I never had to deal with. I didn't even know the concept of homosexuality until I got to middle school. Now kids in Kindergarten are being taught that two moms or two dads is perfectly acceptable.
I think its one thing to understand that kids today are going to come into contact with shows like these, or games like Grand Theft Auto, whether it be through other kids at school or commercials on television. But by letting them watch these shows or play these games, we are sending our kids a message that at some level, these things are okay. There are fifteen year olds (heck, there are even a few of the college age) who can't discern these things properly, and as a result they become pretty messed up.
If your kids are in the public school system, then I would say that you don't need to worry about sheltering your kids, they are going to come into contact with it anyway. I think this means that if you find something to be inappropriate for your kids, then you have a duty as a parent to let your kids know, and to remain consistent with what you are saying by not allowing them to come into contact with it at home.
I think this in turn gives the child assurance that their home is a safe place and that if they need help they would feel comfortable coming to you with their problem. I realize that I'm not a parent, but I am a kid who was raised by great parents and looking back I can see the affect that that parenting had on me.
I'm twenty-two and I don't think that I'm old enough to watch South Park. I wasn't allowed to watch the Simpson's until I moved out of the house.
Kids today are confronted with a lot of things that I never had to deal with. I didn't even know the concept of homosexuality until I got to middle school. Now kids in Kindergarten are being taught that two moms or two dads is perfectly acceptable.
I think its one thing to understand that kids today are going to come into contact with shows like these, or games like Grand Theft Auto, whether it be through other kids at school or commercials on television. But by letting them watch these shows or play these games, we are sending our kids a message that at some level, these things are okay. There are fifteen year olds (heck, there are even a few of the college age) who can't discern these things properly, and as a result they become pretty messed up.
If your kids are in the public school system, then I would say that you don't need to worry about sheltering your kids, they are going to come into contact with it anyway. I think this means that if you find something to be inappropriate for your kids, then you have a duty as a parent to let your kids know, and to remain consistent with what you are saying by not allowing them to come into contact with it at home.
I think this in turn gives the child assurance that their home is a safe place and that if they need help they would feel comfortable coming to you with their problem. I realize that I'm not a parent, but I am a kid who was raised by great parents and looking back I can see the affect that that parenting had on me.
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