I just wanted to say that. Have you heard of Michael Buble'? He's pretty wicked awesome. I only have heard one song of his (that would be 'Feeling Good') but I love that song. I'm listening to it now actually. Just a thought. . .
So I woke up around 1000 and hung out in bed for awhile, not wanting to move for anything. Around 1100 or so I got up and moved around to wake myself up. I really didn't wanna do my homework I knew that I had to do. Finally around 1130 or so I put in MAGNOLIA to watch for film class. I knew it was a little over 3 hours so I knew I had a long time to sit. I really didn't like the film very much. It may be the most ridiculous movie I've ever seen. Not altogether bad, but certainly not recommendable. Spend your 3 hours elsewhere.
So I did some questions for it and then took a shower. I had to be at work by 1630. Work wasn't bad tonight, except one woman went AWOL on us. She had a party of 13. Ahead of her was a party of 20 and behind her on the list were 2 parties of 10 and a 9 and an 8. Needless to say it was kinda chaotic. She was waiting for a large party to get up, as that was the place we had set up for her. These people were kinda hangin out though, and she wanted us to do something. Seriously, we're not gonna go ask them to leave so this belligerent woman can get her table quicker. She ended up yelling and a manager came in and grovelled (spelling?) to get her to stay (I hate this about restaurants - the customer is always right, even the stupid ones) and gave her a complimentary appetizer. Whatever. I held my own in our argument and I was proud of myself. I ain't backin down y'all. I'll go toe to toe with ya. Ain't no thing :D
I got home at 1010 and was greeted with a big hug from the sis. She's great. We haven't seen much of each other with our busy schedules lately. I helped her with math and then ate a mom-made steak quesadilla (I love when we have leftover steak) while watching a TIVO'd CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM (it was the season 5 premiere).
Now I'm here, and I just got off the phone with my wonderful Heather. She's coming home this weekend and I'm hoping to see a lot of her, but we'll see. My aunt from Maryland is also coming in tomorrow, so that'll be fun. We'll see how it all goes.
School tomorrow. Math Test 2. Arghhhh!!!!!!!!!
- - - "Weekends, I can't wait for weekends!"
- - - (that goes out to Justin Lebens)
Night world,
JUSTIN
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
That's What She Said
This was the funniest line on tonight's new episode of THE OFFICE. This is a great show! Watch it please. I maintain my statement that I've made for almost a year now - Steve Carell is the FUNNIEST man on the face of this planet. It's true. You Will Ferrell fans can just shove it. This guy is the best. Just a thought. . .
So I got up at 700 this morning after a mere four hours of sleep. This is not enough. I get to school by 750 and begin a surprisingly quick day of school:
PHILOSOPHY - This class is ridiculously boring. After the daily quiz (perfect score today - sweet!) and turning in our essays (the one I finished in a half hour in the wee hours of this morning) we listened to our teacher ramble for an hour about the life of Aristotle. Not as interesting as one would think. I did learn one thing, though, but it is completely irrelevant. Ready? I don't think you are, but here it is. So there's this island over in the Middle East (that whole Greece, Italy, Istanbul crap over there) called Lesbos. Yes you read that right. Apparently it was named this after a woman who excelled in fields dominated by man, like art or something, and the word lesbian actually comes from this. Coincidentally enough, and this is the funniest part, our teacher showed us that this island looks eerily similar to a certain part of the female genitalia. This was certainly an interesting conversation before 900 in the morning, but it certainly grabbed all of ourattention. I thought it was hilarious. The fact that the word lesbian comes from a woman who was trying to do a man's job is priceless. Kinda puts things in perspective too :D
HISTORY - Same ol' same ol'. Not boring, but not altogether interesting. Extensive note-taking keeps me awake I think. This is still my favorite class though.
MATH - Meh. I'm so frustrated at this point. We have our second test on Thursday, and I am not so prepared. I'm four lessons behind (actually after working on it this afternoon, I'm only one behind) and those have to be done by Thursday. A funny thing happened today though. So our teacher (a reminder: he is an Asian guy - not Oriental, right Cy? - who speaks shotty English) does one of his many examples. I am way off with my answer and am flustered. So I say to myself, "God, why am I so far off?" I guess with the combination of my congestion and sore throat, my teacher heard something a bit different. Well Mr. Tran says loudly, and add your own fun Chinese accent to this "Uh oh, someone is using profanity in class." I asked who, and he pointed to me and said "You" after which I laughed and asked what I had said. So he whispers, but loud enough that I can hear "God, why I (bleep) up"! Well, at this point, I wanted to lose it. I corrected him, saying that I had said "far off", and we moved on. Well I hear this snickering behind me, and it's George, just laughing his fool head off. So, of course, I join him because it's just easier to laugh together. This was the highlight of my day.
After school, I got on the phone to my friends Justin and Cy trying to organize a little hangin out. Justin agrees to come over and we'll figure something out. We end up going to Cy's at 1430 or so and just hanging out til Justin has to leave at 1630 for work. I head home and get the aforementiond math lessons done. Dinner with the fam is fun, as I'm shown more and more how fortunate that I am. I am truly blessed.
I head to Cy's again a little after 1900 for a rousing game of Poker. It's just 5 guys - me, Cy, George, and fellow graduates Jordan and Scott - and it's a cheap $5 buy-in. Within the first hour or so, Scott and Jordan - the 2 novices - bust out. The remaining three is as I had predicted. I figured Cy would be out next, and it sure looked that way, until he caught a full house on the river at the same unfortunate (for me) time that I caught an Ace-high straight. I went all-in confidently, and even said "Pay up" only to be blown completely out of the water.
I was pissed, needlees to say.
But, it was Georgie boy to the rescue, as he took Cy down with only interruptions by episodes of MY NAME IS EARL and THE OFFICE to prolong the victory. I have to admit that I was rooting for the guy. Sure, I was mad that Cy knocked me out, but cmon, it was cool to watch George win. Kudos to him.
I came home after chatting with George for a good 20 minutes and hopped on the computer, which is where I sit now. I'm tired. I have a full plate of catch up work (including watching the three hour long MAGNOLIA for film class) to do before I go to work at 1630. I don't wanna work tomorrow. O the things we do for money.
Sleep well, and see you tomorrow night. Well, not "see" per se, but you get the picture.
- - - "The Amish don't use the internet. Probably because of how slow dial-up is."
- - - Quote from Dwight Shrute's (character from THE OFFICE) Blog
Night world,
husteen
So I got up at 700 this morning after a mere four hours of sleep. This is not enough. I get to school by 750 and begin a surprisingly quick day of school:
PHILOSOPHY - This class is ridiculously boring. After the daily quiz (perfect score today - sweet!) and turning in our essays (the one I finished in a half hour in the wee hours of this morning) we listened to our teacher ramble for an hour about the life of Aristotle. Not as interesting as one would think. I did learn one thing, though, but it is completely irrelevant. Ready? I don't think you are, but here it is. So there's this island over in the Middle East (that whole Greece, Italy, Istanbul crap over there) called Lesbos. Yes you read that right. Apparently it was named this after a woman who excelled in fields dominated by man, like art or something, and the word lesbian actually comes from this. Coincidentally enough, and this is the funniest part, our teacher showed us that this island looks eerily similar to a certain part of the female genitalia. This was certainly an interesting conversation before 900 in the morning, but it certainly grabbed all of ourattention. I thought it was hilarious. The fact that the word lesbian comes from a woman who was trying to do a man's job is priceless. Kinda puts things in perspective too :D
HISTORY - Same ol' same ol'. Not boring, but not altogether interesting. Extensive note-taking keeps me awake I think. This is still my favorite class though.
MATH - Meh. I'm so frustrated at this point. We have our second test on Thursday, and I am not so prepared. I'm four lessons behind (actually after working on it this afternoon, I'm only one behind) and those have to be done by Thursday. A funny thing happened today though. So our teacher (a reminder: he is an Asian guy - not Oriental, right Cy? - who speaks shotty English) does one of his many examples. I am way off with my answer and am flustered. So I say to myself, "God, why am I so far off?" I guess with the combination of my congestion and sore throat, my teacher heard something a bit different. Well Mr. Tran says loudly, and add your own fun Chinese accent to this "Uh oh, someone is using profanity in class." I asked who, and he pointed to me and said "You" after which I laughed and asked what I had said. So he whispers, but loud enough that I can hear "God, why I (bleep) up"! Well, at this point, I wanted to lose it. I corrected him, saying that I had said "far off", and we moved on. Well I hear this snickering behind me, and it's George, just laughing his fool head off. So, of course, I join him because it's just easier to laugh together. This was the highlight of my day.
After school, I got on the phone to my friends Justin and Cy trying to organize a little hangin out. Justin agrees to come over and we'll figure something out. We end up going to Cy's at 1430 or so and just hanging out til Justin has to leave at 1630 for work. I head home and get the aforementiond math lessons done. Dinner with the fam is fun, as I'm shown more and more how fortunate that I am. I am truly blessed.
I head to Cy's again a little after 1900 for a rousing game of Poker. It's just 5 guys - me, Cy, George, and fellow graduates Jordan and Scott - and it's a cheap $5 buy-in. Within the first hour or so, Scott and Jordan - the 2 novices - bust out. The remaining three is as I had predicted. I figured Cy would be out next, and it sure looked that way, until he caught a full house on the river at the same unfortunate (for me) time that I caught an Ace-high straight. I went all-in confidently, and even said "Pay up" only to be blown completely out of the water.
I was pissed, needlees to say.
But, it was Georgie boy to the rescue, as he took Cy down with only interruptions by episodes of MY NAME IS EARL and THE OFFICE to prolong the victory. I have to admit that I was rooting for the guy. Sure, I was mad that Cy knocked me out, but cmon, it was cool to watch George win. Kudos to him.
I came home after chatting with George for a good 20 minutes and hopped on the computer, which is where I sit now. I'm tired. I have a full plate of catch up work (including watching the three hour long MAGNOLIA for film class) to do before I go to work at 1630. I don't wanna work tomorrow. O the things we do for money.
Sleep well, and see you tomorrow night. Well, not "see" per se, but you get the picture.
- - - "The Amish don't use the internet. Probably because of how slow dial-up is."
- - - Quote from Dwight Shrute's (character from THE OFFICE) Blog
Night world,
husteen
A Perfect Visa/Mastercard Commercial
Dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company (including tip): $55.90
Collector's Glass and Ping Pong Ball from Bubba Gump: $9.72
Two Tickets to Tim Burton's Corpse Bride: $19
A half a tank of gas: An arm and a leg
A Date my the wonderful Heather: Priceless
Aw, how cute, I know. But it's true. This was my day.
I got home in an hour and seventeen minutes. I'm getting good at this coming home thing. At least in regards to time. I HATE leaving her down there.
It sucks.
Gotta go to school tomorrow. Boo to that.
Sleep good all,
- - - "From that day on, we was always together. Jenny and me was like peas and carrots."
- - - Forrest Gump
Justin Gump
Collector's Glass and Ping Pong Ball from Bubba Gump: $9.72
Two Tickets to Tim Burton's Corpse Bride: $19
A half a tank of gas: An arm and a leg
A Date my the wonderful Heather: Priceless
Aw, how cute, I know. But it's true. This was my day.
I got home in an hour and seventeen minutes. I'm getting good at this coming home thing. At least in regards to time. I HATE leaving her down there.
It sucks.
Gotta go to school tomorrow. Boo to that.
Sleep good all,
- - - "From that day on, we was always together. Jenny and me was like peas and carrots."
- - - Forrest Gump
Justin Gump
Sunday, September 25, 2005
I Could Do That in My Sleep
I didn't fall asleep last night till 0430 or so. I woke up at 1230 and was just completely out of whack. It was pretty much just wake up, shower, eat lunch, watch a little bit of football, and get ready for work. I've been working like crazy! At least I don't go in again til Wednesday.
About work, I'm done doing my shpeel. I'm tired of saying the same thing over and over at every table I sit. It's only been a week of it too.
- - - "Here are your menus (give them to the guests, women first, then men). Is this your first time joining us at Johnny Carino's? (Depending on answer) Well I hope you enjoy your visit/Welcome back. This (handing them small form) is if you'd like to join Our Family and receive coupons and benefits via your email. We have several features this evening. One of them is the Spicy Crawfish Fettucine. It's crawfish, Italian sausage, fresh Roma tomatoes, onions and garlic, and it's all on fettucine and covered in a spicy romano cream sauce. It's very good, but it does have a kick to it, so you're going to have to like spicy foods to enjoy it. All of our spicier foods have a little flame next to the name in the menu (point to flame) and that just means that it's a little hotter than the rest of our items. Your server will be with you shortly and they'll answer all of your questions, ok? Ok great, enjoy your meal."
That's my monologue. Every table gets this! Whew I'm tired. I ran around alot again today doing table checks every five seconds and managing an hour wait.
It's hard work. My paycheck will be nice. I worked 33 hours this week.
I'm going to Long Beach tomorrow, cuz I don't have work or school. The dedicated student would stay home and take advantage of the free day.
Well that ain't me right now. I'm going to see my lady.
Have a nice night all. Sleep good.
JUSTIN
About work, I'm done doing my shpeel. I'm tired of saying the same thing over and over at every table I sit. It's only been a week of it too.
- - - "Here are your menus (give them to the guests, women first, then men). Is this your first time joining us at Johnny Carino's? (Depending on answer) Well I hope you enjoy your visit/Welcome back. This (handing them small form) is if you'd like to join Our Family and receive coupons and benefits via your email. We have several features this evening. One of them is the Spicy Crawfish Fettucine. It's crawfish, Italian sausage, fresh Roma tomatoes, onions and garlic, and it's all on fettucine and covered in a spicy romano cream sauce. It's very good, but it does have a kick to it, so you're going to have to like spicy foods to enjoy it. All of our spicier foods have a little flame next to the name in the menu (point to flame) and that just means that it's a little hotter than the rest of our items. Your server will be with you shortly and they'll answer all of your questions, ok? Ok great, enjoy your meal."
That's my monologue. Every table gets this! Whew I'm tired. I ran around alot again today doing table checks every five seconds and managing an hour wait.
It's hard work. My paycheck will be nice. I worked 33 hours this week.
I'm going to Long Beach tomorrow, cuz I don't have work or school. The dedicated student would stay home and take advantage of the free day.
Well that ain't me right now. I'm going to see my lady.
Have a nice night all. Sleep good.
JUSTIN
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Hard Workin' Man
Ever listened to a little Brooks & Dunn? That's a song of their's. Meh. It kinda describes me this week. Kinda
So I worked another 6 hours today, and I have almost 60 hours in the last 10 days.
I'm tired.
I'm still suffering from the evil nose congestion.
I miss Heather A LOT!!!
And I'm not keeping up on the blog well at all. But, basically, I'm at work all the time, so that's all ya gotta know. It's been crazy there. We've had as much as a 2 hour wait both of the last 2 nights. I've been running the Host Stand and takin care of business (another song reference there) to the point I've gotten compliments from some of the trainers.
Hey, it's a start.
Hope all is well with all of you.
- - - "Thank You, Come Again!"
- - - Both a line from a great comedy (Harold and Kumar go to White Castle) and my line as people leave our restaurant. I even say it like Kumar, to get some laughs. It's an ice breaker.
Sleep well and Good Night,
JUSTIN
So I worked another 6 hours today, and I have almost 60 hours in the last 10 days.
I'm tired.
I'm still suffering from the evil nose congestion.
I miss Heather A LOT!!!
And I'm not keeping up on the blog well at all. But, basically, I'm at work all the time, so that's all ya gotta know. It's been crazy there. We've had as much as a 2 hour wait both of the last 2 nights. I've been running the Host Stand and takin care of business (another song reference there) to the point I've gotten compliments from some of the trainers.
Hey, it's a start.
Hope all is well with all of you.
- - - "Thank You, Come Again!"
- - - Both a line from a great comedy (Harold and Kumar go to White Castle) and my line as people leave our restaurant. I even say it like Kumar, to get some laughs. It's an ice breaker.
Sleep well and Good Night,
JUSTIN
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Sniffly, Sneezy, and 5 Other Dwarves
Well I'm at least the first two.
And so, because of my workload and my cold, I will not post again tonight.
I was all primed for it earlier, but now my essay has taken every bit of energy out of me.
Maybe I'll post tomorrow morning.
We'll see.
Sleep good all,
- - - "A bomb is under the table, and it explodes: That is surprise. A bomb is under the table but it does not explode: That is suspense." - - Alfred Hitchcock
Night,
JUSTIN
And so, because of my workload and my cold, I will not post again tonight.
I was all primed for it earlier, but now my essay has taken every bit of energy out of me.
Maybe I'll post tomorrow morning.
We'll see.
Sleep good all,
- - - "A bomb is under the table, and it explodes: That is surprise. A bomb is under the table but it does not explode: That is suspense." - - Alfred Hitchcock
Night,
JUSTIN
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
The Sun Will Come Up Tomorrow
I'm tired.
I have a cold that I got today and it's driving me bananas.
I don't feel like posting.
So I won't.
Kinda.
Tomorrow I don't have work.
Hooray.
Sleep come to me quickly.
- - - "The Sun'll come out tomorrow. Bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow, there'll be sun."
- - - It's that Annie girl I think
Goodnight all,
The Tired Host
I have a cold that I got today and it's driving me bananas.
I don't feel like posting.
So I won't.
Kinda.
Tomorrow I don't have work.
Hooray.
Sleep come to me quickly.
- - - "The Sun'll come out tomorrow. Bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow, there'll be sun."
- - - It's that Annie girl I think
Goodnight all,
The Tired Host
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
An Eye-Opening Experience
I just finished watching tonight's all-new episode of HOUSE (I had TIVO'd it). It was really a great episode. I never want that show to end. It makes me think. But I'll get to that later. . .
Last night proved to be difficult. I did not fall asleep til 300 or a little after because of the tremendous thunder and lightning show that was happening right outside my window. I couldn't sleep. I actually talked to Heather at 230. She was having the same problem as the storm was hitting Long Beach pretty hard. She said that car alarms were going off all over the place the thunder was so loud. That, my friends, is scary. What a perfect representation of our powerlessness as humans. Who out there isn't scared of lightning? I count no hands.
So on four hours of sleep I headed to school. Here was my day there:
PHILOSOPHY - Do I even need to say how this class goes anymore? I think you can guess that it was boring. It was. Fortunately it ended. One funny quote that came out of here though, care of Mrs. Barbara Hogan: "Babies are as ugly as sin." That is verbatim ladies and gentlemen. I forget the topic at the time, but does it really matter? Ha ha the humor of philosophy.
HISTORY - Got my test back that I took on Thursday. I was one of two people in the class who got a 100/100 on it! The other kid was this 12 or 13-year-old (I kid you not) who is the definition of nerd. I called myself the "Non-nerd nerd" cuz of the perfect score. Maybe that's ok though. Nothing wrong with a little success in the wake of stress and looming failure (hey, failure can always be around the corner). I was happy, and so were my parents. Yay for me, I spose. Yay for me. .
MATH - Well. . . I was only present for 40 minutes of the 2 hour class. I had to leave early to get to work. I learned nothing in that brief time (I really was zoning completely out) and I wish now that I had. I'm struggling now. Functions suck. I'm behind a couple lessons, and I really need an "A" in this class. Only time will tell.
On my way to my car I saw a blind guy walking the campus. It was raining and I was trying to avoid puddles (I was stupidly wearing sandals). I was suddenly very conscious of the gift of sight. I like sight. It's cool. I hope I can always see. So, I raced home and changed for work. I got to work at 1215 for the potential trainers' meeting. It was fine and dandy. I have to go in an hour early for a class to see what I would have to teach if I became a trainer. Who knows if I'm good enough, but I guess that's why they watch us and such. I hope so. It'd be cool.
So then I worked from 100-300. I know, short shift. Today was a review of our learning essentially. We went over info about the company via cool versions of JEOPARDY and such (Go High Ballers!!) and the time flew by. I was soon pumping gas at Sam's Club (thanks Mom) and heading home to get some work done. I wasn't able to focus all afternoon, though, and I didn't finish nearly as much as I would have liked.
I'm gonna go in the morning to BLOCKBUSTER and rent the movie for my first paper. I'm not sure which one yet, but it's between about 10-15 different choices. They're bound to have ONE of those right? . .
So I finally took a little time for some down time. I watched tonight's premieres of MY NAME IS EARL and THE OFFICE (EARL was funnier than I expected and THE OFFICE was funny as always, but I expect more from the rest of the season) after they were off via the coolest invention ever (that would be TIVO). Then I watched HOUSE. Man, that is the greatest show! Tonight's episode was about a 9-year-old terminally ill girl. A whole bunch of stuff happened, but I posed a question to my dad towards the end of the episode: "Can you imagine opening your eyes after something like that?" Okay, so you're in a situation where you may not wake up from something. The feeling of opening your eyes must be the single greatest feeling possible. Consider a coma victim waking up. I can't imagine the elation of doing something so simple as opening your eyes.
For some reason, this hit me.
I'm all of a sudden thankful that I can blink,
That I can struggle,
That I can move,
That I can work,
That I can live.
I know it's a bit much to get from a silly episode of HOUSE, but let me dwell in this moment. I'm tired and I have a lot on my plate. I need to feel priveleged to be stressed. Not everyone is stressed. I'm now glad that I am. . .
Another busy day tomorrow (working from 1600-2200 again - role play - plus an hour before for that class) and I just gotta keep on keepin on. It's the only way to do things.
- - - "Here you can be anything.
I think that scares you.
I've been here before but only by myself.
What giving up gives you and where giving up takes you.
I've had and I've been.
Here in center frame.
Here there's only air.
Just enough space to fit.
I said it out loud over and over but what do I know.
I said it out loud but it did not help.
I'll stop now.
Just enough so I can hear you
I stay up as late as it takes, as long as it takes.
I promised I'd see it again.
I promised I'd see this with you now."
- - - "Just Watch the Fireworks" (one of my all-time favorite songs) by JIMMY EAT WORLD
Night all,
HUSTEEN
Last night proved to be difficult. I did not fall asleep til 300 or a little after because of the tremendous thunder and lightning show that was happening right outside my window. I couldn't sleep. I actually talked to Heather at 230. She was having the same problem as the storm was hitting Long Beach pretty hard. She said that car alarms were going off all over the place the thunder was so loud. That, my friends, is scary. What a perfect representation of our powerlessness as humans. Who out there isn't scared of lightning? I count no hands.
So on four hours of sleep I headed to school. Here was my day there:
PHILOSOPHY - Do I even need to say how this class goes anymore? I think you can guess that it was boring. It was. Fortunately it ended. One funny quote that came out of here though, care of Mrs. Barbara Hogan: "Babies are as ugly as sin." That is verbatim ladies and gentlemen. I forget the topic at the time, but does it really matter? Ha ha the humor of philosophy.
HISTORY - Got my test back that I took on Thursday. I was one of two people in the class who got a 100/100 on it! The other kid was this 12 or 13-year-old (I kid you not) who is the definition of nerd. I called myself the "Non-nerd nerd" cuz of the perfect score. Maybe that's ok though. Nothing wrong with a little success in the wake of stress and looming failure (hey, failure can always be around the corner). I was happy, and so were my parents. Yay for me, I spose. Yay for me. .
MATH - Well. . . I was only present for 40 minutes of the 2 hour class. I had to leave early to get to work. I learned nothing in that brief time (I really was zoning completely out) and I wish now that I had. I'm struggling now. Functions suck. I'm behind a couple lessons, and I really need an "A" in this class. Only time will tell.
On my way to my car I saw a blind guy walking the campus. It was raining and I was trying to avoid puddles (I was stupidly wearing sandals). I was suddenly very conscious of the gift of sight. I like sight. It's cool. I hope I can always see. So, I raced home and changed for work. I got to work at 1215 for the potential trainers' meeting. It was fine and dandy. I have to go in an hour early for a class to see what I would have to teach if I became a trainer. Who knows if I'm good enough, but I guess that's why they watch us and such. I hope so. It'd be cool.
So then I worked from 100-300. I know, short shift. Today was a review of our learning essentially. We went over info about the company via cool versions of JEOPARDY and such (Go High Ballers!!) and the time flew by. I was soon pumping gas at Sam's Club (thanks Mom) and heading home to get some work done. I wasn't able to focus all afternoon, though, and I didn't finish nearly as much as I would have liked.
I'm gonna go in the morning to BLOCKBUSTER and rent the movie for my first paper. I'm not sure which one yet, but it's between about 10-15 different choices. They're bound to have ONE of those right? . .
So I finally took a little time for some down time. I watched tonight's premieres of MY NAME IS EARL and THE OFFICE (EARL was funnier than I expected and THE OFFICE was funny as always, but I expect more from the rest of the season) after they were off via the coolest invention ever (that would be TIVO). Then I watched HOUSE. Man, that is the greatest show! Tonight's episode was about a 9-year-old terminally ill girl. A whole bunch of stuff happened, but I posed a question to my dad towards the end of the episode: "Can you imagine opening your eyes after something like that?" Okay, so you're in a situation where you may not wake up from something. The feeling of opening your eyes must be the single greatest feeling possible. Consider a coma victim waking up. I can't imagine the elation of doing something so simple as opening your eyes.
For some reason, this hit me.
I'm all of a sudden thankful that I can blink,
That I can struggle,
That I can move,
That I can work,
That I can live.
I know it's a bit much to get from a silly episode of HOUSE, but let me dwell in this moment. I'm tired and I have a lot on my plate. I need to feel priveleged to be stressed. Not everyone is stressed. I'm now glad that I am. . .
Another busy day tomorrow (working from 1600-2200 again - role play - plus an hour before for that class) and I just gotta keep on keepin on. It's the only way to do things.
- - - "Here you can be anything.
I think that scares you.
I've been here before but only by myself.
What giving up gives you and where giving up takes you.
I've had and I've been.
Here in center frame.
Here there's only air.
Just enough space to fit.
I said it out loud over and over but what do I know.
I said it out loud but it did not help.
I'll stop now.
Just enough so I can hear you
I stay up as late as it takes, as long as it takes.
I promised I'd see it again.
I promised I'd see this with you now."
- - - "Just Watch the Fireworks" (one of my all-time favorite songs) by JIMMY EAT WORLD
Night all,
HUSTEEN
Monday, September 19, 2005
A Full Tummy is a Happy Tummy
It's true - And yes, I used "tummy" in that. I have a 4-year-old brother, cmon! "Tummy" just comes out. . .
So I made sure that I was up and moving by 930 or so. I wanted to get some work done today. After a bit of waking up and showering, I made myself an early lunch and began "Touch of Evil" where I last remembered it. I finished it and did the homework online for it. The movie was okay I guess. I can see the cinematic value of it and why it's kinda referred to as a classic, but it didn't quite do it for me. I was mostly bored, I guess. I've seen too many modern thrillers I guess. Films like "SE7EN", "MINORITY REPORT", and "COLLATERAL" are great modern thrillers that are really awesome and intense. Go see these films if you haven't already. They all ROCK my socks, mmhmm!
I got some math work done and such, but it was soon time to head to work. I had to be in at 400 (1600 in military time) and was not too thrilled about it either. I got there and actually did NOTHING until after 530. Turns out, we don't have our occupancy license yet and that the city of Palmdale were being pricks and not letting us do role play with guests anymore. I've heard from many different sources that the city of Palmdale is really difficult to get anything done with. So, we had to role play with one another (man, that could be taken the completely wrong way!) which ended up quite nicely. We split the staff in half. One half went outside and then came in as customers. We hosts sat them and the remaining servers served them and so on. After they were done eating and such, we switched roles. I was in the first serving, second eating group. This was the better group to be in to be sure. We did our job first and then got to relax (on the clock mind you) the rest of the night. I ate our 12-Layered Lasagna, (O MY GOSH it rocks!) had a cherry coke, and finished it off with an Apple Tort. This is an open-faced apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel (pronounced care-uh-mel by the way) sauce drizzled all over it. I was and still am quite full. This was definitely yummy, and satisfying. I got off work a little after 900 and headed home.
Oh, and by the by, we now open on THURSDAY, which means I don't work opening day! Hazah!!! So come in this weekend between 400 and 1000 (1600 and 2200 for you military enthusiasts) and I'll show you to your table. Maybe. If you're nice.
I came home, talked over the night's events with the family, helped the sister with her math homework (goodness, 8th grade Algebra is easy!) and then started working on my own. Now that this thingy is done, I can go to bed shortly. I have school tomorrow and then work for a bit.
Hope tomorrow is good for all of you and me (hey, I can want a good day). Enjoy your Tuesday all. Sleep well and sweet dreams.
- - - "What does it matter what you say about people?"
- - - Final line of "Touch of Evil" (No relevance really, just kind of a cool line)
Goodnight,
JUSTIN
So I made sure that I was up and moving by 930 or so. I wanted to get some work done today. After a bit of waking up and showering, I made myself an early lunch and began "Touch of Evil" where I last remembered it. I finished it and did the homework online for it. The movie was okay I guess. I can see the cinematic value of it and why it's kinda referred to as a classic, but it didn't quite do it for me. I was mostly bored, I guess. I've seen too many modern thrillers I guess. Films like "SE7EN", "MINORITY REPORT", and "COLLATERAL" are great modern thrillers that are really awesome and intense. Go see these films if you haven't already. They all ROCK my socks, mmhmm!
I got some math work done and such, but it was soon time to head to work. I had to be in at 400 (1600 in military time) and was not too thrilled about it either. I got there and actually did NOTHING until after 530. Turns out, we don't have our occupancy license yet and that the city of Palmdale were being pricks and not letting us do role play with guests anymore. I've heard from many different sources that the city of Palmdale is really difficult to get anything done with. So, we had to role play with one another (man, that could be taken the completely wrong way!) which ended up quite nicely. We split the staff in half. One half went outside and then came in as customers. We hosts sat them and the remaining servers served them and so on. After they were done eating and such, we switched roles. I was in the first serving, second eating group. This was the better group to be in to be sure. We did our job first and then got to relax (on the clock mind you) the rest of the night. I ate our 12-Layered Lasagna, (O MY GOSH it rocks!) had a cherry coke, and finished it off with an Apple Tort. This is an open-faced apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel (pronounced care-uh-mel by the way) sauce drizzled all over it. I was and still am quite full. This was definitely yummy, and satisfying. I got off work a little after 900 and headed home.
Oh, and by the by, we now open on THURSDAY, which means I don't work opening day! Hazah!!! So come in this weekend between 400 and 1000 (1600 and 2200 for you military enthusiasts) and I'll show you to your table. Maybe. If you're nice.
I came home, talked over the night's events with the family, helped the sister with her math homework (goodness, 8th grade Algebra is easy!) and then started working on my own. Now that this thingy is done, I can go to bed shortly. I have school tomorrow and then work for a bit.
Hope tomorrow is good for all of you and me (hey, I can want a good day). Enjoy your Tuesday all. Sleep well and sweet dreams.
- - - "What does it matter what you say about people?"
- - - Final line of "Touch of Evil" (No relevance really, just kind of a cool line)
Goodnight,
JUSTIN
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Stop All the World Now
FYI, this is the title of the super-awesome CD by Howie Day. This guy rocks! But, it's also what I've been thinking as of late. . .
Man, I'm tired.
So I didn't post yesterday. Sorry. I know, I know. You NEED to know my daily routines, and I understand that, but I just couldn't. Please forgive me. Yesterday, I woke up between 1100 and 1200 and did some studying for my Host tests for work. I didn't do much, (I truthfully cannot remember) but I had to be at work at 400. I left early and stopped by Heather's for about a half hour. This was great! Then I pulled into the parking lot at work and the rest of my day was here.
I worked from 400-1115! The first hour was test-taking, and the following five hours were live table action. We had guests, despite not being open yet, who came in with an invitation only. It was hectic, but it was also fun putting what we had learned into action. Seating isn't hard, and to be honest, it's actually pretty easy. I was the closing host (not voluntarily) and had to stay and be the last one evaluated and then make sure the host stand was spotless. I finally got outta there at 1115, and luckily enough, Heather was still awake. I called her and headed over. A couple hours of hanging out and chatting with Chelsea and Jacque, who got home around 1200, added to my already tiredness, meant that I was not driving home. I crashed on their couch, setting an alarm for this morning. I slept not-so-good, waking up at least five times and then falling back asleep throughout the night. Each time I fell back asleep, I had a different dream, but ALL of them had one thing in common: JOHNNY CARINO'S. I have been working too much.
I woke up at 830 or so to a wonderful egg and ham sandwich made my by wonderful Heather. We ate and then I had to head home to get ready for church. I did so, Heather came over when she was ready, and we headed to church. It was a reunion of sorts there, as we sat by our Junior and Senior Bible teacher Dr. Roland. It's been awhile since he's seen either of us, so that was cool catching up. After church, Heather had to leave to have lunch with Chelsea and then head back to Long Beach. Big fat bummer! So we said goodbye, and then the downward spiral continued on from there.
It was only 1215 and I didn't have to work til 500. This gave me plenty of time to catch up on work and maybe even get ahead. So, I read my notes for this week's film class and put in the movie to watch. It's called "Touch of Evil" and it's a 1958 black-and-white film by Orson Welles. So, as I was extremely exahusted from working through the night (ha ha) I unfortunately fell asleep about a half hour into it. I was out til 400 and when I woke up I was pissed! I completely wasted a good hour and a half, and I didn't feel any better. O well.
So I got ready for work and then was off to work, which was really good tonight. I was the Desk Coordinator (which means I tell the host's where to seat the parties and kinda just run things) and I took to it really well. Tonight we had V.I.P.'s (including the brother owners of JOHNNY CARINO'S - Holy Crap!) and even the trainers were nervous, so they didn't tell us - well our trainer told me :D My trainer said I did "awesome", so that counts for something. I DID NOT close tonight, so I was off at 930 and home by quarter til ten. I talked to Heather on the way home. I miss her.
Now I'm even more tired, but I'm gonna try and catch up on some Math homework tonight. We'll see. Tomorrow is gonna be B-U-S-Y with homework and such in the morning and then work from 400-1000. I work every day this week 'cept for Thursday! Makin bank, sure, but also makin for tired Justin. It's just what happens. I hope my body holds up :D
Have a great week y'all. It's Monday yet again. Man, I'm gonna be busy. I spose (my abbreviation for "suppose") that's just life. Well, here goes nothing.
- - - "Make me fall down
Make me get up
And if I'm alright
Make sure I'm scared to death
Maybe I'm useless
Just couldn't remember
Maybe I'm nervous
And I'll make you surrender"
- - - "I'll Take You On" by Howie Day
Night now,
JUSTIN
Man, I'm tired.
So I didn't post yesterday. Sorry. I know, I know. You NEED to know my daily routines, and I understand that, but I just couldn't. Please forgive me. Yesterday, I woke up between 1100 and 1200 and did some studying for my Host tests for work. I didn't do much, (I truthfully cannot remember) but I had to be at work at 400. I left early and stopped by Heather's for about a half hour. This was great! Then I pulled into the parking lot at work and the rest of my day was here.
I worked from 400-1115! The first hour was test-taking, and the following five hours were live table action. We had guests, despite not being open yet, who came in with an invitation only. It was hectic, but it was also fun putting what we had learned into action. Seating isn't hard, and to be honest, it's actually pretty easy. I was the closing host (not voluntarily) and had to stay and be the last one evaluated and then make sure the host stand was spotless. I finally got outta there at 1115, and luckily enough, Heather was still awake. I called her and headed over. A couple hours of hanging out and chatting with Chelsea and Jacque, who got home around 1200, added to my already tiredness, meant that I was not driving home. I crashed on their couch, setting an alarm for this morning. I slept not-so-good, waking up at least five times and then falling back asleep throughout the night. Each time I fell back asleep, I had a different dream, but ALL of them had one thing in common: JOHNNY CARINO'S. I have been working too much.
I woke up at 830 or so to a wonderful egg and ham sandwich made my by wonderful Heather. We ate and then I had to head home to get ready for church. I did so, Heather came over when she was ready, and we headed to church. It was a reunion of sorts there, as we sat by our Junior and Senior Bible teacher Dr. Roland. It's been awhile since he's seen either of us, so that was cool catching up. After church, Heather had to leave to have lunch with Chelsea and then head back to Long Beach. Big fat bummer! So we said goodbye, and then the downward spiral continued on from there.
It was only 1215 and I didn't have to work til 500. This gave me plenty of time to catch up on work and maybe even get ahead. So, I read my notes for this week's film class and put in the movie to watch. It's called "Touch of Evil" and it's a 1958 black-and-white film by Orson Welles. So, as I was extremely exahusted from working through the night (ha ha) I unfortunately fell asleep about a half hour into it. I was out til 400 and when I woke up I was pissed! I completely wasted a good hour and a half, and I didn't feel any better. O well.
So I got ready for work and then was off to work, which was really good tonight. I was the Desk Coordinator (which means I tell the host's where to seat the parties and kinda just run things) and I took to it really well. Tonight we had V.I.P.'s (including the brother owners of JOHNNY CARINO'S - Holy Crap!) and even the trainers were nervous, so they didn't tell us - well our trainer told me :D My trainer said I did "awesome", so that counts for something. I DID NOT close tonight, so I was off at 930 and home by quarter til ten. I talked to Heather on the way home. I miss her.
Now I'm even more tired, but I'm gonna try and catch up on some Math homework tonight. We'll see. Tomorrow is gonna be B-U-S-Y with homework and such in the morning and then work from 400-1000. I work every day this week 'cept for Thursday! Makin bank, sure, but also makin for tired Justin. It's just what happens. I hope my body holds up :D
Have a great week y'all. It's Monday yet again. Man, I'm gonna be busy. I spose (my abbreviation for "suppose") that's just life. Well, here goes nothing.
- - - "Make me fall down
Make me get up
And if I'm alright
Make sure I'm scared to death
Maybe I'm useless
Just couldn't remember
Maybe I'm nervous
And I'll make you surrender"
- - - "I'll Take You On" by Howie Day
Night now,
JUSTIN
Saturday, September 17, 2005
When Palmdale Rocks the House
We rock it all the way down (grunt with pelvic thrust)!
This was our pre-work cheer today in the dining room. JOHNNY CARINO'S is an awesome place to work. But I'll get to that in a bit.
I actually slept last night! I fell asleep midnightish and didn't wake up til almost NOON! O dangit, that's a lot of sleep. I needed it though. I got myself together after some computer browsing and took a shower and got dressed. I worked on some "homework" for work (it was just a couple of worksheets) and then got the greatest text ever: "I'm home." Heather was home.
She came home for the weekend. I'm so excited to just be in the same city as her! So i got my work clothes together on a hanger and put it in my car and away I went. When I got to her house, I found myself in the midst of one of the greatest hugs EVER! We quickly got in my car and headed to BAJA FRESH for a late lunch. It was so much fun to just eat a meal with her!
Sadly enough, I had to go to work after just an hour and a half with her. Work began at 400 again and I was ready to learn today. It was a lot like yesterday with classes about our respective jobs and then eating. After eating, (which is really cool, cuz we're getting paid the whole time!) we had to clean up the whole restaurant to prepare for tomorrow. We are having live customers tomorrow for training (no, we're not open - we open officially on Wednesday) and so it had to be cleaned as if we had been opened for ten years. This was actually fun.
I worked til 945 or so and then headed back to Heather's, where we hung out in front of the tube, laughing at their new kitten, talking about JOHNNY CARINO'S, and watching good ol' EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND. I had to leave around 1230, as mi princessa was tired. Hopefully we'll get to hang out again tomorrow. That would be best.
Well, I'm hittin the hay, but that was my day (hey, that rhymed!). Hope everyone had a good Friday, and enjoy your weekend!
A woohoo!
- - - "Passion + Personal + Family + Welcoming + Quality + Value = Absolute Guest Satisfaction"
- - - Just another motto from the world of America's Favorite Italian Restaurant
Night,
JUSTIN
This was our pre-work cheer today in the dining room. JOHNNY CARINO'S is an awesome place to work. But I'll get to that in a bit.
I actually slept last night! I fell asleep midnightish and didn't wake up til almost NOON! O dangit, that's a lot of sleep. I needed it though. I got myself together after some computer browsing and took a shower and got dressed. I worked on some "homework" for work (it was just a couple of worksheets) and then got the greatest text ever: "I'm home." Heather was home.
She came home for the weekend. I'm so excited to just be in the same city as her! So i got my work clothes together on a hanger and put it in my car and away I went. When I got to her house, I found myself in the midst of one of the greatest hugs EVER! We quickly got in my car and headed to BAJA FRESH for a late lunch. It was so much fun to just eat a meal with her!
Sadly enough, I had to go to work after just an hour and a half with her. Work began at 400 again and I was ready to learn today. It was a lot like yesterday with classes about our respective jobs and then eating. After eating, (which is really cool, cuz we're getting paid the whole time!) we had to clean up the whole restaurant to prepare for tomorrow. We are having live customers tomorrow for training (no, we're not open - we open officially on Wednesday) and so it had to be cleaned as if we had been opened for ten years. This was actually fun.
I worked til 945 or so and then headed back to Heather's, where we hung out in front of the tube, laughing at their new kitten, talking about JOHNNY CARINO'S, and watching good ol' EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND. I had to leave around 1230, as mi princessa was tired. Hopefully we'll get to hang out again tomorrow. That would be best.
Well, I'm hittin the hay, but that was my day (hey, that rhymed!). Hope everyone had a good Friday, and enjoy your weekend!
A woohoo!
- - - "Passion + Personal + Family + Welcoming + Quality + Value = Absolute Guest Satisfaction"
- - - Just another motto from the world of America's Favorite Italian Restaurant
Night,
JUSTIN
Thursday, September 15, 2005
There is no Rest for the Weary
When I last left you I was heading to bed. Going to sleep proved to be a much harder task than previously thought. I didn't fall asleep until almost 400 this morning, and then had to wake up at 700 for school. Needless to say, I was (and am) tired. This has been true all day. What would have been nice was a relaxing day with maybe a nap mixed in there. But, as the title says, there is no rest for the weary. You'll see. . .
Went to school this morning. Today was SLOW!
PHILOSOPHY: O MY GOSH!!!!!!! This class is getting more boring everyday. There was no quiz today, so this gave our teacher an extra 20 minutes or so to lecture. Score! Her lecture lasted just over an hour and I can't believe I stayed awake. I did study for History a bit more while she was lecturing, so that was helpful. I don't know how this class can get any worse. O wait, I got my essay back from Tuesday - a 160/200. Unbelievable. Her comments on my essay were basically saying my opinions were no good, and that I was too broad. This frustrated me cuz I tried so hard this time to make it more specific. O well. Maybe next time.
HISTORY: I was only in class for a half hour today as it only took me that long to complete the test. I am 99.9% sure that I got all the answers right. We'll have to see when I get it back, but I'm certainly hopeful. This is a GREAT sign for this class. Maybe this will be my "A" class. .
MATH: Much of the same ol' same ol'. Not much to report really. There are now 2 girls in this class that really bother me. I'm glad that George is in the class, cuz he is definitely good to have around. I don't know who would laugh at my sarcasm. Probably no one, like usual :)
I went to IN-N-OUT for lunch (it's been awhile) and ate that rather quickly when I got home. Then it was study time, but this was for work. I was going to take the floor plan test (the table numbers) today at work, so I had to be ready. I did this (granted, while I was watching SEINFELD) until I had to get ready for work. I left for work at 340ish and was there in plenty of time to for my 400 shift.
It's the beginning of TRAINING as we know it at JOHNNY CARINO'S. We spent almost two hours in our respective areas learning from our training managers. I'm still nervous, but ready to see if I have what it takes. The last hour and a half was all eating! We got to just sit there and eat food of the menu so that we can tell of its wonders. It's very very good, let me tell you. I'll do an overall food thing this weekend after I've tried everything.
I got home at 830 or so and have been veggin since. I helped the big 8th grade sister with her Algebra homework (ah the good ol' days) and have just kinda taken it easy. Now I'm really ready for bed. I just watched the last half hour or so of BACK TO THE FUTURE: PART 3. I love these movies, and I thoroughly enjoy watching them everytime I do. Marty McFly may be the coolest character of ALL TIME (yes, I know what I said about Jason Statham last week, but, cmon, Marty McFly!)!!!!!!!!!
HEATHER IS COMING HOME TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!!
So, I'm excited, and I really just wanna get to sleep so that tomorrow gets here sooner. I work at 400 again, so we'll see how this continues to go. Sleep well world. I know I will.
- - - "It means your future hasn't been written yet. No one's has. So make it a good one."
- - - Doctor Emmett Brown at the end of BACK TO THE FUTURE: PART 3
Night,
JUSTIN
Went to school this morning. Today was SLOW!
PHILOSOPHY: O MY GOSH!!!!!!! This class is getting more boring everyday. There was no quiz today, so this gave our teacher an extra 20 minutes or so to lecture. Score! Her lecture lasted just over an hour and I can't believe I stayed awake. I did study for History a bit more while she was lecturing, so that was helpful. I don't know how this class can get any worse. O wait, I got my essay back from Tuesday - a 160/200. Unbelievable. Her comments on my essay were basically saying my opinions were no good, and that I was too broad. This frustrated me cuz I tried so hard this time to make it more specific. O well. Maybe next time.
HISTORY: I was only in class for a half hour today as it only took me that long to complete the test. I am 99.9% sure that I got all the answers right. We'll have to see when I get it back, but I'm certainly hopeful. This is a GREAT sign for this class. Maybe this will be my "A" class. .
MATH: Much of the same ol' same ol'. Not much to report really. There are now 2 girls in this class that really bother me. I'm glad that George is in the class, cuz he is definitely good to have around. I don't know who would laugh at my sarcasm. Probably no one, like usual :)
I went to IN-N-OUT for lunch (it's been awhile) and ate that rather quickly when I got home. Then it was study time, but this was for work. I was going to take the floor plan test (the table numbers) today at work, so I had to be ready. I did this (granted, while I was watching SEINFELD) until I had to get ready for work. I left for work at 340ish and was there in plenty of time to for my 400 shift.
It's the beginning of TRAINING as we know it at JOHNNY CARINO'S. We spent almost two hours in our respective areas learning from our training managers. I'm still nervous, but ready to see if I have what it takes. The last hour and a half was all eating! We got to just sit there and eat food of the menu so that we can tell of its wonders. It's very very good, let me tell you. I'll do an overall food thing this weekend after I've tried everything.
I got home at 830 or so and have been veggin since. I helped the big 8th grade sister with her Algebra homework (ah the good ol' days) and have just kinda taken it easy. Now I'm really ready for bed. I just watched the last half hour or so of BACK TO THE FUTURE: PART 3. I love these movies, and I thoroughly enjoy watching them everytime I do. Marty McFly may be the coolest character of ALL TIME (yes, I know what I said about Jason Statham last week, but, cmon, Marty McFly!)!!!!!!!!!
HEATHER IS COMING HOME TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!!
So, I'm excited, and I really just wanna get to sleep so that tomorrow gets here sooner. I work at 400 again, so we'll see how this continues to go. Sleep well world. I know I will.
- - - "It means your future hasn't been written yet. No one's has. So make it a good one."
- - - Doctor Emmett Brown at the end of BACK TO THE FUTURE: PART 3
Night,
JUSTIN
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Leading the Way to the Italian Countryside
This is the quote on the front of my "Host's Handbook" for JOHNNY CARINO'S. I think it's quite a nice bit o' advertising. Of course, I am biased. . .
So I didn't get outta bed til 1100 and I did NOT feel like doing anything. I browsed the internet and then hopped in the shower around noon. I ate lunch (leftover mac and cheese) and watched four episodes of CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM (I'm now into season 3). During the final two episodes that I watched, I was working on some math homework. Sooner than I could say "This inequality makes less sense than the last one," it was 300 and I had to get ready for WORK!
I got dressed in my snazzy outfit (long-sleeved black dress shirt, black slacks, black socks, and my cool - not really - non/slip shoes) and left around 340. I was there a bit early, but it didn't matter, as there were already A LOT of people standing outside the restaurant. It helped my nervousness that they all looked just like me :) We were ushered inside after a quick dress code check - I'm used to those ha ha - and were like sardines for a good hour or so. The restaurant looks crazy awesome inside! I freakin' thought I was in Italy! They introduced the VIP's of the place and finally sent us to our respective areas: Chefs in one room, Hosts and Table Tenders in another, and Servers and Bussers in the main room. We discussed a few things for about an hour and then we were sent on our way. Two hours for a brief meeting isn't bad. My schedule for the next four days is rather hectic. I'm working 400-930 on Thursday and Friday and 500-930 on Saturday and Sunday. That's 20 hours roughly of work! Makin' Bank!
I like the crew and the setup. I'm excited to get going, but just as nervous as excited, so there you go. I'll have more JOHNNY CARINO'S updates over the next week, as it will be my life. You may even get some inside information (like what really tastes the best and such). You'll just have to tune in to find out.
I came home and played basketball outside with the little bro for awhile. We had fun and didn't fight once - this is a miracle! It was finally dinner time around 730 and then it was homework time. I couldn't get myself started til 900 (good ol' procrastination) and Heather called. I talked to her for awhile (she was walking back to her apartment from a college church group thingy) and then I finally got to work. I've just recently finished my Math (and I'm still behind technically) but I have to start studying for my History exam, which is SUPER important. I had to blog, though - You see, I care about you that much!
I hope you had a good day, and I'll blog at ya later - - -
- - - OPERATION EXCELLENCE: "The flawless and passionate execution of every detail, on every shift, by every staff member, to ensure that absolute guest satisfaction is our highest priority at Johnny Carino's." (It's our motto. Our creed.)
GOODNIGHT (although, not so much for me),
JUSTIN
So I didn't get outta bed til 1100 and I did NOT feel like doing anything. I browsed the internet and then hopped in the shower around noon. I ate lunch (leftover mac and cheese) and watched four episodes of CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM (I'm now into season 3). During the final two episodes that I watched, I was working on some math homework. Sooner than I could say "This inequality makes less sense than the last one," it was 300 and I had to get ready for WORK!
I got dressed in my snazzy outfit (long-sleeved black dress shirt, black slacks, black socks, and my cool - not really - non/slip shoes) and left around 340. I was there a bit early, but it didn't matter, as there were already A LOT of people standing outside the restaurant. It helped my nervousness that they all looked just like me :) We were ushered inside after a quick dress code check - I'm used to those ha ha - and were like sardines for a good hour or so. The restaurant looks crazy awesome inside! I freakin' thought I was in Italy! They introduced the VIP's of the place and finally sent us to our respective areas: Chefs in one room, Hosts and Table Tenders in another, and Servers and Bussers in the main room. We discussed a few things for about an hour and then we were sent on our way. Two hours for a brief meeting isn't bad. My schedule for the next four days is rather hectic. I'm working 400-930 on Thursday and Friday and 500-930 on Saturday and Sunday. That's 20 hours roughly of work! Makin' Bank!
I like the crew and the setup. I'm excited to get going, but just as nervous as excited, so there you go. I'll have more JOHNNY CARINO'S updates over the next week, as it will be my life. You may even get some inside information (like what really tastes the best and such). You'll just have to tune in to find out.
I came home and played basketball outside with the little bro for awhile. We had fun and didn't fight once - this is a miracle! It was finally dinner time around 730 and then it was homework time. I couldn't get myself started til 900 (good ol' procrastination) and Heather called. I talked to her for awhile (she was walking back to her apartment from a college church group thingy) and then I finally got to work. I've just recently finished my Math (and I'm still behind technically) but I have to start studying for my History exam, which is SUPER important. I had to blog, though - You see, I care about you that much!
I hope you had a good day, and I'll blog at ya later - - -
- - - OPERATION EXCELLENCE: "The flawless and passionate execution of every detail, on every shift, by every staff member, to ensure that absolute guest satisfaction is our highest priority at Johnny Carino's." (It's our motto. Our creed.)
GOODNIGHT (although, not so much for me),
JUSTIN
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Slow and Steady is Boring
Today was a VERY slow day. It actually feels like it's much later than the late time that it already is. What do I mean, you ask? I feel like I've been awake forever. I don't like it.
I woke up, very unenthusiastically, at 700 and got ready for school. I was at school and in my desk at 745, not really ready for the day that awaited me.
PHILOSOPHY: Took a quiz, and that's about as eventful as it got. I got 'em all right today, which was nice. She lectured. And lectured. And lectured. And lectured. And, you get the point? It's not so bad if it's interesting, but when it's not, O MY GOSH!!! Everyone had the weighted down eyes and it looked like a funeral in the class, it was so silent. O boy.
HISTORY: Not a real class today, as we have all the notes necessary for Thursday's first exam. Jaffe went over the exam (what to expect, how to prepare) and then our term paper, due in November. Sounds interesting. I shouldn't have a problem doing this one. I'm almost excited for it. Almost.
MATH: Also kinda boring today. Found out that my group all got a 100 percent on Thursday's exam. That was exciting, to say the least. Again, George and I had to entertain ourselves with constant jokes and laughter. It worked, for the most part.
I came home, ate lunch, and again resorted to the dilly-dallying until 400 when my mom and I headed to Palmdale to go shopping for my uniform stuff. I had to get non-slip shoes, black socks, and a couple pair of black pants and collared black shirts. We went to the new Super Wal-Mart (it is, in fact, super - super BIG, that is) and Kohl's and were quite successful. Tomorrow is the beginning of a new job. I am marginally excited at this point. I'll bet I'll be a bit more pumped tomorrow afternoon - I go in at 400.
Once we got home, we ate dinner (hot dogs and mac and cheese - yummy! ha ha) and hung out for a bit. I watched some TV, most notably the season 2 premiere of HOUSE. It was a great beginning to what promises to be a great season. LL Cool J guest-starred as the main patient in this episode and did a dang convincing job too. Kudos to him.
Now I REALLY need to go to bed, as I got only about 5 hours of sleep last night. Lazy days and lazy minds combined equals tiredness. And, in fact, I am tired. So I will now go to bed.
Tomorrow promises to be exciting, interesting, and, well, exciting! Can't wait to relay it all out to all four of you. You see, that's a joke. Get it? . . .
Well, I've been listening to my beloved THE KILLERS all afternoon and evening. They are amazing! If you don't like them, I say you are just silly. If you do like them, yay for you, cuz you have certainly treated yourself well. That is all on that.
Goodnight world - Thanks for a boring day
- - - "Dreams aren't what they used to be
Some things slide by so carelessly"
- - - "Smile Like You Mean It" by the aforementioned THE KILLERS
JUSTIN
I woke up, very unenthusiastically, at 700 and got ready for school. I was at school and in my desk at 745, not really ready for the day that awaited me.
PHILOSOPHY: Took a quiz, and that's about as eventful as it got. I got 'em all right today, which was nice. She lectured. And lectured. And lectured. And lectured. And, you get the point? It's not so bad if it's interesting, but when it's not, O MY GOSH!!! Everyone had the weighted down eyes and it looked like a funeral in the class, it was so silent. O boy.
HISTORY: Not a real class today, as we have all the notes necessary for Thursday's first exam. Jaffe went over the exam (what to expect, how to prepare) and then our term paper, due in November. Sounds interesting. I shouldn't have a problem doing this one. I'm almost excited for it. Almost.
MATH: Also kinda boring today. Found out that my group all got a 100 percent on Thursday's exam. That was exciting, to say the least. Again, George and I had to entertain ourselves with constant jokes and laughter. It worked, for the most part.
I came home, ate lunch, and again resorted to the dilly-dallying until 400 when my mom and I headed to Palmdale to go shopping for my uniform stuff. I had to get non-slip shoes, black socks, and a couple pair of black pants and collared black shirts. We went to the new Super Wal-Mart (it is, in fact, super - super BIG, that is) and Kohl's and were quite successful. Tomorrow is the beginning of a new job. I am marginally excited at this point. I'll bet I'll be a bit more pumped tomorrow afternoon - I go in at 400.
Once we got home, we ate dinner (hot dogs and mac and cheese - yummy! ha ha) and hung out for a bit. I watched some TV, most notably the season 2 premiere of HOUSE. It was a great beginning to what promises to be a great season. LL Cool J guest-starred as the main patient in this episode and did a dang convincing job too. Kudos to him.
Now I REALLY need to go to bed, as I got only about 5 hours of sleep last night. Lazy days and lazy minds combined equals tiredness. And, in fact, I am tired. So I will now go to bed.
Tomorrow promises to be exciting, interesting, and, well, exciting! Can't wait to relay it all out to all four of you. You see, that's a joke. Get it? . . .
Well, I've been listening to my beloved THE KILLERS all afternoon and evening. They are amazing! If you don't like them, I say you are just silly. If you do like them, yay for you, cuz you have certainly treated yourself well. That is all on that.
Goodnight world - Thanks for a boring day
- - - "Dreams aren't what they used to be
Some things slide by so carelessly"
- - - "Smile Like You Mean It" by the aforementioned THE KILLERS
JUSTIN
Monday, September 12, 2005
Procrastination: O How You Haunt Me
Well today was a Monday like any other. A little bit o' fun. A little bit o' work. A little bit o' nothing. Sounds good, right? It was fine. . .
I woke up around 900 and hung out in bed waking up (I hate getting out of bed before I want to do so) til almost 1000. I showered and got myself dressed and such. Today is Heather's mom's birthday, so I was heading to her work with Chelsea and Jacque. We brought her flowers and a Happy Birthday balloon. We chatted for a half hour or so and then left. I came home and dilly-dallied til 130 or so. Finally, I decided to work on some homework.
Since I start at Johnny Carino's on Wednesday and that is the night I normally do my film homework, I decided to do it today. So I read all the notes online and then popped in RUMBLE FISH, a 1983 film by acclaimed director Francis Ford Coppola (the guy who did the GODFATHER movies). It was ok. I was bored and confused most of the time, but the hour and a half went pretty quickly. I posted my answers on the discussion board and took the quiz, which meant I am done with that class for another week!
I had dinner with my mom and dad (Carl's Jr. - ha ha) while watching "Friends", which is one of my all-time favorite shows. It was fun to kick back with them. It's been awhile.
The rest of the night was me trying to do my Philosophy essay. It is due tomorrow, and I really didn't wanna start it, despite the subject being of interest to me. The essay was discussing the validity of Socrates' statement "The unexamined life is not worth living". It had to be 1-2 pages, so that certainly wasn't hard. I just couldn't get myself to start it. Finally, I did, and hammered it out. It took me awhile, but only because I am easily distracted, especially when I am very willing to be distracted. Monday Night Football is a very good distraction too! It's done (2 full pages) and now I'm doing this. Fun times.
Well, this is now complete. Today wasn't so bad, I guess. Tomorrow I have school, so I gotta get up at 700. Sad times.
Well, that about does it for today. No revelations, evaluations, or remarks about the country today. I think I can go ONE day without something like that :)
Have a good Tuesday all - type at ya later.
- - - "If you're going to lead people, you have to have somewhere to go."
- - - The Motorcycle Boy (Mickey Rourke) in RUMBLE FISH
Later,
JUSTIN
I woke up around 900 and hung out in bed waking up (I hate getting out of bed before I want to do so) til almost 1000. I showered and got myself dressed and such. Today is Heather's mom's birthday, so I was heading to her work with Chelsea and Jacque. We brought her flowers and a Happy Birthday balloon. We chatted for a half hour or so and then left. I came home and dilly-dallied til 130 or so. Finally, I decided to work on some homework.
Since I start at Johnny Carino's on Wednesday and that is the night I normally do my film homework, I decided to do it today. So I read all the notes online and then popped in RUMBLE FISH, a 1983 film by acclaimed director Francis Ford Coppola (the guy who did the GODFATHER movies). It was ok. I was bored and confused most of the time, but the hour and a half went pretty quickly. I posted my answers on the discussion board and took the quiz, which meant I am done with that class for another week!
I had dinner with my mom and dad (Carl's Jr. - ha ha) while watching "Friends", which is one of my all-time favorite shows. It was fun to kick back with them. It's been awhile.
The rest of the night was me trying to do my Philosophy essay. It is due tomorrow, and I really didn't wanna start it, despite the subject being of interest to me. The essay was discussing the validity of Socrates' statement "The unexamined life is not worth living". It had to be 1-2 pages, so that certainly wasn't hard. I just couldn't get myself to start it. Finally, I did, and hammered it out. It took me awhile, but only because I am easily distracted, especially when I am very willing to be distracted. Monday Night Football is a very good distraction too! It's done (2 full pages) and now I'm doing this. Fun times.
Well, this is now complete. Today wasn't so bad, I guess. Tomorrow I have school, so I gotta get up at 700. Sad times.
Well, that about does it for today. No revelations, evaluations, or remarks about the country today. I think I can go ONE day without something like that :)
Have a good Tuesday all - type at ya later.
- - - "If you're going to lead people, you have to have somewhere to go."
- - - The Motorcycle Boy (Mickey Rourke) in RUMBLE FISH
Later,
JUSTIN
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Evaluation Sucks
Today was not unlike any other day. Today, though, carried with it an interesting evening that truly left me reeling. You'll see. There's a lot on my mind. . .
I woke up too late to go with the family to church this morning. I was only marginally disappointed. I was tired anyway, so I was partially afraid that I'd fall asleep during said service. So, instead, I worked on my Math homework for Tuesday and watched some football (Week 1 everyone!) comfortably in my recliner. The family got home around noon with lunch from our favorite Mexican restaurant CASITA LOPEZ. We ate and then soon after that it was time for me to go meet a couple friends at the movies.
It turned out that it was only my friend Justin and I that would enjoy the movies today. We saw TRANSPORTER 2, a great sequel to a great action movie. Let me say this: The movie sucked. Awful acting, (except for Jason Statham, the Transporter himself, who I would watch as Alice in Alice in Wonderland cuz he is so dang cool) not-so-great plot, completely impossible stunts, and a dialogue that was just ridiculous. BUT, the movie rocked my socks! Statham is just the coolest guy to appear in movies, maybe ever. I say he (and specifically this character of Frank Martin) is cooler than James Bond. 'Nuff said. The action sequences, though a little iffy on the fathomable scale, are just so awesome, that I could care less. Great all-around-film (just cuz it's fun, a B+ on the scale) and I would beg you to go treat yourself to 90 minutes of fun. Do it.
Afterwards, Justin came back to hang for an hour and a half. We did some online stuff, and just chatted about some random things. He left and I didn't have much to do until 600 when the weekly poker game was gonna happen. I went and picked up my buddy Cy, and we headed to the game. It was at a woman's house that it had never been before, thus there were new players tonight. A big group of people (eight) were gonna play, and I was excited, cuz most of 'em didn't know much about poker, except for me, Cy, and two others. Free money, y'all! The only problem is that luck plays a large role in poker - OK, so there is SOME skill involved. Trust me. But there is quite a bit of luck involved. This i KNOW - and it sucks when novices win because of it. I finished in 4th out of 8, and gladly, as I really just wanted to get home.
I was frustrated, though, because I was shown how annoyed I get at people in general. I really don't like people. Period. It's an issue that I'm not really working on, but probably should, and yet and still, I don't. Apparently, I show that I'm frustrated, annoyed, or just plain pissed off when I actually am. Turns out, I'm not "FAKE". It was so bad tonight, that my confidant and poker bud next to me called me a most unfortunate name (donkey + 2 halves; get it?). This actually annoyed me, cuz I like when those I know support me. Guess that always doesn't happen. I know I probably sound childish, but you know what, I am a certain way. People may not GET this, but it's just me, and I'm not changing for some "know-it-all" with flashier techniques and chips. In my opinion, Mr. Know-it-All-who-has-never-played-with-this-group-and-is-trying-to-take-it-over-with-flash-and-intellect-and-self-proclaimed-excellence can go screw himself. But that's just me.
So, on my way home, I got to thinking. Am I gonna be alone always? Sure, I'll have Heather. This I do not doubt. But, will I have friends who I can call when I'm in trouble? My motto for as long as I can remember has been "I don't care if people don't like me" and I mean it. If you don't like me, it doesn't mean anything to me. My worry, now, is that people are picking up on this, and figuring that they'll do me a service and not like me. I would hate to think that I'm THAT tough to be around. Maybe people just can't deal with my criticism (never correcting, though - I hate that) and sarcasm. Maybe I'm just too cynical. Maybe I've been watching too many different shows and such with people like this, and have been adopting habits. These are all possible, but I think that I am truly my own person. I see things as they are. I'm real. I'm observant. I speak my mind (but not all the time - my tongue has teeth marks in it) and I really don't care what you think. Maybe I should. Who knows? Maybe this is just an 18-year-old's issue, and I'm not the only one considering this. Needless to say, when I evaluate myself, I usually figure that a majority could be right (though not always) and maybe I am just that difficult. Part of me really wants to not care, and that's the part that usually wins. I'm not changing who I am anytime soon, but it's definitely cause for concern.
Whew. That's a lot to unload. These are just a few of the issues that cloud my mind on a day like today. I am truly never at a loss for thoughts.
Another week is about to begin, and a busy week it will probably be. Hang tough throughout the week. Remember that the weekend grows a day closer everyday. That's logic ladies and gentlemen!
Sleep good and I'll talk at ya again tomorrow. Same Bat time. Same Bat channel.
- - - "I want to live where soul meets body
And let the sun wrap its arms around me
And bathe my skin in water cool and cleansing
And feel, feel what its like to be new
Cause in my head there’s a greyhound station
Where I send my thoughts to far off destinations
So they may have a chance of finding a place
Where they’re far more suited than here"
- - - "Soul Meets Body" by Death Cab for Cutie
Night,
JUSTIN
I woke up too late to go with the family to church this morning. I was only marginally disappointed. I was tired anyway, so I was partially afraid that I'd fall asleep during said service. So, instead, I worked on my Math homework for Tuesday and watched some football (Week 1 everyone!) comfortably in my recliner. The family got home around noon with lunch from our favorite Mexican restaurant CASITA LOPEZ. We ate and then soon after that it was time for me to go meet a couple friends at the movies.
It turned out that it was only my friend Justin and I that would enjoy the movies today. We saw TRANSPORTER 2, a great sequel to a great action movie. Let me say this: The movie sucked. Awful acting, (except for Jason Statham, the Transporter himself, who I would watch as Alice in Alice in Wonderland cuz he is so dang cool) not-so-great plot, completely impossible stunts, and a dialogue that was just ridiculous. BUT, the movie rocked my socks! Statham is just the coolest guy to appear in movies, maybe ever. I say he (and specifically this character of Frank Martin) is cooler than James Bond. 'Nuff said. The action sequences, though a little iffy on the fathomable scale, are just so awesome, that I could care less. Great all-around-film (just cuz it's fun, a B+ on the scale) and I would beg you to go treat yourself to 90 minutes of fun. Do it.
Afterwards, Justin came back to hang for an hour and a half. We did some online stuff, and just chatted about some random things. He left and I didn't have much to do until 600 when the weekly poker game was gonna happen. I went and picked up my buddy Cy, and we headed to the game. It was at a woman's house that it had never been before, thus there were new players tonight. A big group of people (eight) were gonna play, and I was excited, cuz most of 'em didn't know much about poker, except for me, Cy, and two others. Free money, y'all! The only problem is that luck plays a large role in poker - OK, so there is SOME skill involved. Trust me. But there is quite a bit of luck involved. This i KNOW - and it sucks when novices win because of it. I finished in 4th out of 8, and gladly, as I really just wanted to get home.
I was frustrated, though, because I was shown how annoyed I get at people in general. I really don't like people. Period. It's an issue that I'm not really working on, but probably should, and yet and still, I don't. Apparently, I show that I'm frustrated, annoyed, or just plain pissed off when I actually am. Turns out, I'm not "FAKE". It was so bad tonight, that my confidant and poker bud next to me called me a most unfortunate name (donkey + 2 halves; get it?). This actually annoyed me, cuz I like when those I know support me. Guess that always doesn't happen. I know I probably sound childish, but you know what, I am a certain way. People may not GET this, but it's just me, and I'm not changing for some "know-it-all" with flashier techniques and chips. In my opinion, Mr. Know-it-All-who-has-never-played-with-this-group-and-is-trying-to-take-it-over-with-flash-and-intellect-and-self-proclaimed-excellence can go screw himself. But that's just me.
So, on my way home, I got to thinking. Am I gonna be alone always? Sure, I'll have Heather. This I do not doubt. But, will I have friends who I can call when I'm in trouble? My motto for as long as I can remember has been "I don't care if people don't like me" and I mean it. If you don't like me, it doesn't mean anything to me. My worry, now, is that people are picking up on this, and figuring that they'll do me a service and not like me. I would hate to think that I'm THAT tough to be around. Maybe people just can't deal with my criticism (never correcting, though - I hate that) and sarcasm. Maybe I'm just too cynical. Maybe I've been watching too many different shows and such with people like this, and have been adopting habits. These are all possible, but I think that I am truly my own person. I see things as they are. I'm real. I'm observant. I speak my mind (but not all the time - my tongue has teeth marks in it) and I really don't care what you think. Maybe I should. Who knows? Maybe this is just an 18-year-old's issue, and I'm not the only one considering this. Needless to say, when I evaluate myself, I usually figure that a majority could be right (though not always) and maybe I am just that difficult. Part of me really wants to not care, and that's the part that usually wins. I'm not changing who I am anytime soon, but it's definitely cause for concern.
Whew. That's a lot to unload. These are just a few of the issues that cloud my mind on a day like today. I am truly never at a loss for thoughts.
Another week is about to begin, and a busy week it will probably be. Hang tough throughout the week. Remember that the weekend grows a day closer everyday. That's logic ladies and gentlemen!
Sleep good and I'll talk at ya again tomorrow. Same Bat time. Same Bat channel.
- - - "I want to live where soul meets body
And let the sun wrap its arms around me
And bathe my skin in water cool and cleansing
And feel, feel what its like to be new
Cause in my head there’s a greyhound station
Where I send my thoughts to far off destinations
So they may have a chance of finding a place
Where they’re far more suited than here"
- - - "Soul Meets Body" by Death Cab for Cutie
Night,
JUSTIN
The Law of Undulation
So you know what that is, right? The thing that's a roller coaster. For every high, you get a low, and it's as low as your high was. You get it? So, yeah, it's definitely true. Today sucked.
I woke up around 1100 and stayed in bed watching college football til noon. I hopped on the computer and talked with Heather for awhile (you'll notice that these moments are the best of my days) and we laughed at pictures and videos on www.funnyjunk.com - they were, in fact, funny. This only lasted so long though. She had to do homework and I had, well, nothing, but I wanted to be productive with her time, so I let her go.
I showered and called my friend Cy (his blog is at www.insidecy.blogspot.com) around 330 to see what was going on today. He said nothing was planned, and so I took that to mean that nothing was gonna happen. I watched 5 straight episodes of CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM and am now completely done with season 2. Season 5 begins in a week or so, but it's not a show that has an ongoing plot, so I can watch the new ones, and still catch up in the meantime, and not be lost. I like the show. It's really funny!
Even though I was doing funny-type things, I wasn't necessarily having fun. I rotated from downstairs with the family (dad was at work, but mom and siblings are around) to my computer pretty much all evening. Around 1100 or so I was on the computer again and Heather came on. We just finished talking, so that was fun. We played backgammon, checkers, and other assorted games via our messenger thingy and that was good times. She's great!
So now I'm tired, and yet, I don't wanna go to bed. I should want to, but I don't. I don't know.
Tomorrow is Sunday, and I might go see TRANSPORTER 2 with a couple friends (see, a plan!) so that should be ok. Poker usually happens Sunday nights, so we'll see if that happens. Tomorrow has GOT to be better than today!
You know, for all the bitching I do about my boring days, it still is head-and-shoulders above all those unfortunate people down in the Southeast. I pity them and am saddened greatly by all that has occurred. It's interesting how, even in moments of catastrophe, our country is so divided. Seriously, who gives a crap whether the government acted slow or not enough or whatever. Hanging out in the past is not gonna make this any easier. I say that people like Kanye West, who unintelligently said that "George Bush doesn't care about black people", need to get off their asses and give some of their millions to these people. I know he was on the NBC thing to raise money, (that's where he said that) but what is he doing? His most recent album (just released last week) sold over 860,000 copies! In one week! Cmon Kanye, how about you sell your bling and help someone get some of their life back. I would, but I have less than $300 to my name, so therein lies the problem. Our family has put together some clothing items that we are sending to try and do what we can. Do what you can people. I admire a guy like Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling. He has taken a family of 7 on to himself. He is putting them up in a hotel, and I assume is doing much to help them live day-to-day. He did this anonymously through a website, (of course once they found out who he was, it got out, but still) and I think that's great. Ok, freakin' Celine Dion is giving $1 million! Keep it up woman! I am NOT a fan of your work, but more power to ya!
Maybe someone's heart will go on. . .
Okay, so that was a bad joke. But now, I feel better; both about my day and myself. Sure, I was completely unproductive today, and will probably resent it later this week when I'm up to my neck in stuff to do, but at least I have stuff to do. I am thankful that it wasn't the California coast that was hit with this storm. I really am. You see, then I would have a legitimate reason to bitch, and I know that that's the last thing I need to be doing. Life lesson: The less bitching you do, the better.
So there you have it - a Saturday in the books.
O yes - happy September 11 day everybody (it's after midnight now). Just when you thought our country didn't have enough on its hands. Wow. Four years has flown by.
Sleep well folks - have a blessed Sunday.
- - - "Sky of blackness and sorrow (a dream of life)
Sky of love, sky of tears (a dream of life)
Sky of glory and sadness (a dream of life)
Sky of mercy, sky of fear (a dream of life)
Sky of memory and shadow (a dream of life)
Your burnin' wind fills my arms tonight
Sky of longing and emptiness (a dream of life)
Sky of fullness, sky of blessed life (a dream of life)"
- - - "The Rising" by Bruce Springsteen
Until Later,
JUSTIN
I woke up around 1100 and stayed in bed watching college football til noon. I hopped on the computer and talked with Heather for awhile (you'll notice that these moments are the best of my days) and we laughed at pictures and videos on www.funnyjunk.com - they were, in fact, funny. This only lasted so long though. She had to do homework and I had, well, nothing, but I wanted to be productive with her time, so I let her go.
I showered and called my friend Cy (his blog is at www.insidecy.blogspot.com) around 330 to see what was going on today. He said nothing was planned, and so I took that to mean that nothing was gonna happen. I watched 5 straight episodes of CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM and am now completely done with season 2. Season 5 begins in a week or so, but it's not a show that has an ongoing plot, so I can watch the new ones, and still catch up in the meantime, and not be lost. I like the show. It's really funny!
Even though I was doing funny-type things, I wasn't necessarily having fun. I rotated from downstairs with the family (dad was at work, but mom and siblings are around) to my computer pretty much all evening. Around 1100 or so I was on the computer again and Heather came on. We just finished talking, so that was fun. We played backgammon, checkers, and other assorted games via our messenger thingy and that was good times. She's great!
So now I'm tired, and yet, I don't wanna go to bed. I should want to, but I don't. I don't know.
Tomorrow is Sunday, and I might go see TRANSPORTER 2 with a couple friends (see, a plan!) so that should be ok. Poker usually happens Sunday nights, so we'll see if that happens. Tomorrow has GOT to be better than today!
You know, for all the bitching I do about my boring days, it still is head-and-shoulders above all those unfortunate people down in the Southeast. I pity them and am saddened greatly by all that has occurred. It's interesting how, even in moments of catastrophe, our country is so divided. Seriously, who gives a crap whether the government acted slow or not enough or whatever. Hanging out in the past is not gonna make this any easier. I say that people like Kanye West, who unintelligently said that "George Bush doesn't care about black people", need to get off their asses and give some of their millions to these people. I know he was on the NBC thing to raise money, (that's where he said that) but what is he doing? His most recent album (just released last week) sold over 860,000 copies! In one week! Cmon Kanye, how about you sell your bling and help someone get some of their life back. I would, but I have less than $300 to my name, so therein lies the problem. Our family has put together some clothing items that we are sending to try and do what we can. Do what you can people. I admire a guy like Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling. He has taken a family of 7 on to himself. He is putting them up in a hotel, and I assume is doing much to help them live day-to-day. He did this anonymously through a website, (of course once they found out who he was, it got out, but still) and I think that's great. Ok, freakin' Celine Dion is giving $1 million! Keep it up woman! I am NOT a fan of your work, but more power to ya!
Maybe someone's heart will go on. . .
Okay, so that was a bad joke. But now, I feel better; both about my day and myself. Sure, I was completely unproductive today, and will probably resent it later this week when I'm up to my neck in stuff to do, but at least I have stuff to do. I am thankful that it wasn't the California coast that was hit with this storm. I really am. You see, then I would have a legitimate reason to bitch, and I know that that's the last thing I need to be doing. Life lesson: The less bitching you do, the better.
So there you have it - a Saturday in the books.
O yes - happy September 11 day everybody (it's after midnight now). Just when you thought our country didn't have enough on its hands. Wow. Four years has flown by.
Sleep well folks - have a blessed Sunday.
- - - "Sky of blackness and sorrow (a dream of life)
Sky of love, sky of tears (a dream of life)
Sky of glory and sadness (a dream of life)
Sky of mercy, sky of fear (a dream of life)
Sky of memory and shadow (a dream of life)
Your burnin' wind fills my arms tonight
Sky of longing and emptiness (a dream of life)
Sky of fullness, sky of blessed life (a dream of life)"
- - - "The Rising" by Bruce Springsteen
Until Later,
JUSTIN
Saturday, September 10, 2005
Pier One, Popcorn, and Pining
So today was maybe one of the best days ever.
I slept in a bit too late, (1000) and got myself ready in a hurry. I ran a few errands that I had to do, and then it was off to Long Beach. I got out of town around 1145 and pulled up to Heather's apartment at 115. She began to cook lunch (homemade rice bowls - just like "The Crazy Chicken") and then we ate while listening to COLDPLAY (their album, "Parachutes"). She told me all about her day at school and the things that were going on. I really like listening to her talk.
We left her apartment around 230 and headed to a nearby park. We played frisbee for a bit and swung on the swings (when's the last time you did that?) which was loads of fun. We could only do this for so long, so we headed to PIER ONE IMPORTS to shop for a birthday present for her mom (Monday is the day). We were there for about a half hour and then headed to a store called WOW. It appeared to be a combination of THE GOOD GUYS and TOWER RECORDS. I don't know exactly, though. We browsed for a bit and then headed next door to BARNES AND NOBLE. More browsing ensued without a single purchase. I was kinda proud of us actually.
Then it was to the movies for the 445 showing of "RED EYE" at the AMC THEATRES located between the PIER ONE and the BARNES AND NOBLE. Convenient, is it not? So we watched the movie (Good movie; intense; short; not drawn out; clever; a B on the grading scale) with some popcorn and then the adventure began.
We were gonna head to an Art Museum that was reopening today. It was Free Friday or something, and it was supposed to be really nice. I followed the directions to where it was, and it was right around the Long Beach Convention Center (I saw Jimmy Eat World and Taking Back Sunday there!) and the Performing Arts Center. Turns out, there's crazy traffic and crazy people trying to park in every parking garage for an assumedly-sold-out-show. The performer: Jerry Seinfeld. No joke. I guess he was performing tonight down there, and we were o so close, yet o so far away. We drove around for a good 20 minutes looking for this Art Museum but it was to no avail. I commented that an adventure like this should end (and does in the movies) with Seinfeld himself running into us and pointing us in the right direction after a quick bite to eat.
This did not happen.
So we went all the way back to her apartment, or at least near it, for dinner. We went to a little place called CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN. Maybe you've heard of it? Yeah, so we ordered a Margherita Pizza to split and it was pretty awesome. Our dinner conversation was great. We were in tears we were laughing so hard. I say this only to make you jealous. It may not work, but it should.
We went back to her apartment and watched "MONSTER-IN-LAW". Funny film for what I saw. I had to leave before the end (house rules), but Heather assured me that it ended well and was funny throughout.
I HATE LEAVING HER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So anywho, I got home in an hour and twenty minutes. I didn't go over 80 mph for an extended amount of time the whole way home. Sure I did to pass someone, but cmon, ya gotta speed up to pass 'em. I really don't like coming home on the 405/5/14 that late, but it's a small price to pay for spending a great day with my great gal. I miss her already!
I'm ready for bed. I'm certainly tired enough. I was supposed to have my first day of training tomorrow at JOHNNY CARINO'S, but the restaurant's opening got pushed back again. Training starts Wednesday now. I think we should get a check for waiting for this thing to open. But, that's just me talking.
Sleep well Internet-users. Have a blessed Saturday.
- - - "Don’t you know what I’m thinkin’?
Drivin’ 405 past midnight.
You know I miss you
Don't you know that I miss you?"
- - - "If you Don't Don't" by JIMMY EAT WORLD
Goodnight,
HUSTEEN
I slept in a bit too late, (1000) and got myself ready in a hurry. I ran a few errands that I had to do, and then it was off to Long Beach. I got out of town around 1145 and pulled up to Heather's apartment at 115. She began to cook lunch (homemade rice bowls - just like "The Crazy Chicken") and then we ate while listening to COLDPLAY (their album, "Parachutes"). She told me all about her day at school and the things that were going on. I really like listening to her talk.
We left her apartment around 230 and headed to a nearby park. We played frisbee for a bit and swung on the swings (when's the last time you did that?) which was loads of fun. We could only do this for so long, so we headed to PIER ONE IMPORTS to shop for a birthday present for her mom (Monday is the day). We were there for about a half hour and then headed to a store called WOW. It appeared to be a combination of THE GOOD GUYS and TOWER RECORDS. I don't know exactly, though. We browsed for a bit and then headed next door to BARNES AND NOBLE. More browsing ensued without a single purchase. I was kinda proud of us actually.
Then it was to the movies for the 445 showing of "RED EYE" at the AMC THEATRES located between the PIER ONE and the BARNES AND NOBLE. Convenient, is it not? So we watched the movie (Good movie; intense; short; not drawn out; clever; a B on the grading scale) with some popcorn and then the adventure began.
We were gonna head to an Art Museum that was reopening today. It was Free Friday or something, and it was supposed to be really nice. I followed the directions to where it was, and it was right around the Long Beach Convention Center (I saw Jimmy Eat World and Taking Back Sunday there!) and the Performing Arts Center. Turns out, there's crazy traffic and crazy people trying to park in every parking garage for an assumedly-sold-out-show. The performer: Jerry Seinfeld. No joke. I guess he was performing tonight down there, and we were o so close, yet o so far away. We drove around for a good 20 minutes looking for this Art Museum but it was to no avail. I commented that an adventure like this should end (and does in the movies) with Seinfeld himself running into us and pointing us in the right direction after a quick bite to eat.
This did not happen.
So we went all the way back to her apartment, or at least near it, for dinner. We went to a little place called CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN. Maybe you've heard of it? Yeah, so we ordered a Margherita Pizza to split and it was pretty awesome. Our dinner conversation was great. We were in tears we were laughing so hard. I say this only to make you jealous. It may not work, but it should.
We went back to her apartment and watched "MONSTER-IN-LAW". Funny film for what I saw. I had to leave before the end (house rules), but Heather assured me that it ended well and was funny throughout.
I HATE LEAVING HER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So anywho, I got home in an hour and twenty minutes. I didn't go over 80 mph for an extended amount of time the whole way home. Sure I did to pass someone, but cmon, ya gotta speed up to pass 'em. I really don't like coming home on the 405/5/14 that late, but it's a small price to pay for spending a great day with my great gal. I miss her already!
I'm ready for bed. I'm certainly tired enough. I was supposed to have my first day of training tomorrow at JOHNNY CARINO'S, but the restaurant's opening got pushed back again. Training starts Wednesday now. I think we should get a check for waiting for this thing to open. But, that's just me talking.
Sleep well Internet-users. Have a blessed Saturday.
- - - "Don’t you know what I’m thinkin’?
Drivin’ 405 past midnight.
You know I miss you
Don't you know that I miss you?"
- - - "If you Don't Don't" by JIMMY EAT WORLD
Goodnight,
HUSTEEN
Friday, September 09, 2005
Pretty White Kids With Problems
Yes I am aware that this is a "MAD TV" skit. I just finished watching the season 3 premiere of "THE O.C." though. I think the title fits well.
Woke up at 7 and was in my desk at 745. Man, I love being a guy. A quick rundown of the day at school:
PHILOSOPHY: Despite the 15 minute headstart, I was unable to finish today's quiz. No one did. She kinda took it from us prematurely, but no one was gonna object. O well. I don't know yet how I did, as someone across the room graded it. I'll find out Tuesday. Today's class was actually the best one yet, as we got into groups and discussed some questions regarding human knowledge. I enjoyed the interaction with people I had never met before. I was all of a sudden insanely conscious of how I was coming off to these people. Who knows what they thought!
HISTORY: Again, same old History. More great puns from Jaffe (he had a "burning" desire to discuss the Salem Witch Trials - enter groan) and we now have all the notes necessary to take our first exam, which will be next Thursday. That will be a true test of what college is like. Can you feel the heat?
MATH: Exam #1. We are able to work on our tests in groups of no more than four. Mine is made up of the Desert Christian clan (me, George, and Angela) and we flew through the test. There were eleven questions, but we only had to answer ten. We did the first ten, and crossed out number 11. We were the first done by a good 20 minutes, and we feel like we got 'em all right. Not a bad way to begin Math, eh?
I got home, played with my computer, watched some TV, (including 2 more episodes of "CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM") and eventually had dinner with the family. After dinner, I sat my butt on the living room couch and watched the first regular season NFL game of the year. I am in a football pool, (where we make predictions on each game - there is a weekly pool and a cumulative pool - money can be won; that's all you need to know) and that only adds to my excitement for the season. I really enjoy watching football. So I watched a majority of the New England Patriots win over the Oakland Raiders (I picked that) and then returned to my computer.
After a brief stint on the computer, (just cruisin the 'net) I went downstairs and watched "THE O.C.", which I had TIVO'd earlier in the night. Okay, so about the show. I am embarassed to say I watch it. I don't necessarily like it. But, for some reason, the show continues to garner my attention. I have watched it consistently from the beginning, and I believe that THAT is the reason why I continue to watch it. There is no way that there is that much drama going on in Newport, CA, but I've been known to be wrong before. I don't think this is one of those times.
Now I'm tired and ready for bed. I'm heading out at 1130 tomorrow for beautiful Long Beach, where the high is in the low 70's. But I'm not going for the weather. Heather has a fun day planned for us, and I'm looking forward to all the aspects of it. I'm just glad to be in her company. O man, I'm antsy! Sleeping might prove to be difficult.
I hope you all are sleeping good by now, and that I brought a smile to your face while you read this. That is my goal: to make someone else smile. Because, you see, my life is just that smile-worthy :D
- - - "We've been on the run
Driving in the sun
Looking out for #1
California here we come
Right back where we started from
Hustlers grab your guns
Your shadow weighs a ton
Driving down the 101
California here we come
Right back where we started from
California! Here we come!
On the stereo
Listen as we go
Nothing's gonna stop me now
California here we come
Right back where we started from
Pedal to the floor
Thinkin' of the roar
Gotta get us to the show
California here we come
Right back where we started from
California! Here we come!
- - - "California" by Phantom Planet (the O.C. theme song)
Goodnight,
JUSTIN
Woke up at 7 and was in my desk at 745. Man, I love being a guy. A quick rundown of the day at school:
PHILOSOPHY: Despite the 15 minute headstart, I was unable to finish today's quiz. No one did. She kinda took it from us prematurely, but no one was gonna object. O well. I don't know yet how I did, as someone across the room graded it. I'll find out Tuesday. Today's class was actually the best one yet, as we got into groups and discussed some questions regarding human knowledge. I enjoyed the interaction with people I had never met before. I was all of a sudden insanely conscious of how I was coming off to these people. Who knows what they thought!
HISTORY: Again, same old History. More great puns from Jaffe (he had a "burning" desire to discuss the Salem Witch Trials - enter groan) and we now have all the notes necessary to take our first exam, which will be next Thursday. That will be a true test of what college is like. Can you feel the heat?
MATH: Exam #1. We are able to work on our tests in groups of no more than four. Mine is made up of the Desert Christian clan (me, George, and Angela) and we flew through the test. There were eleven questions, but we only had to answer ten. We did the first ten, and crossed out number 11. We were the first done by a good 20 minutes, and we feel like we got 'em all right. Not a bad way to begin Math, eh?
I got home, played with my computer, watched some TV, (including 2 more episodes of "CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM") and eventually had dinner with the family. After dinner, I sat my butt on the living room couch and watched the first regular season NFL game of the year. I am in a football pool, (where we make predictions on each game - there is a weekly pool and a cumulative pool - money can be won; that's all you need to know) and that only adds to my excitement for the season. I really enjoy watching football. So I watched a majority of the New England Patriots win over the Oakland Raiders (I picked that) and then returned to my computer.
After a brief stint on the computer, (just cruisin the 'net) I went downstairs and watched "THE O.C.", which I had TIVO'd earlier in the night. Okay, so about the show. I am embarassed to say I watch it. I don't necessarily like it. But, for some reason, the show continues to garner my attention. I have watched it consistently from the beginning, and I believe that THAT is the reason why I continue to watch it. There is no way that there is that much drama going on in Newport, CA, but I've been known to be wrong before. I don't think this is one of those times.
Now I'm tired and ready for bed. I'm heading out at 1130 tomorrow for beautiful Long Beach, where the high is in the low 70's. But I'm not going for the weather. Heather has a fun day planned for us, and I'm looking forward to all the aspects of it. I'm just glad to be in her company. O man, I'm antsy! Sleeping might prove to be difficult.
I hope you all are sleeping good by now, and that I brought a smile to your face while you read this. That is my goal: to make someone else smile. Because, you see, my life is just that smile-worthy :D
- - - "We've been on the run
Driving in the sun
Looking out for #1
California here we come
Right back where we started from
Hustlers grab your guns
Your shadow weighs a ton
Driving down the 101
California here we come
Right back where we started from
California! Here we come!
On the stereo
Listen as we go
Nothing's gonna stop me now
California here we come
Right back where we started from
Pedal to the floor
Thinkin' of the roar
Gotta get us to the show
California here we come
Right back where we started from
California! Here we come!
- - - "California" by Phantom Planet (the O.C. theme song)
Goodnight,
JUSTIN
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
As Clear as an Unmuddied Lake
Today was interesting. Today was odd. Today was not an overall great day. It was ok.
I woke up at almost 1000 and puttered around for awhile. My monitor was supposed to be coming via UPS today, and I was kinda waiting for it. I got in the shower finally, and wouldn't ya know, it comes while I'm in the shower. Once I'm all clean and such, I took the boxes upstairs to my room and began setting up my monitor and speakers. My monitor is a 19'' MONSTER and its pretty freakin awesome! My speakers are sufficient, as I'm not planning on blaring the music THAT loud.
I read my lesson plan (called a Module) for my online film class and set up the movie. This week's film was the ultra-violent, ultra-bizarre, and ultra-everything-else "CLOCKWORK ORANGE", written and directed by the now-deceased Stanley Kubrick. I watched it, occasionally interrupted by everything possible, in about three hours (its a little over 2 hours in length) and then posted my comments on the internet discussion board for my points. I guess I liked the movie. It was really crazy, and there were several parts that blew my mind (I guess it was originally rated X upon its release, but was later edited to make it R). I might watch it again; if I'm bored. Tonight's title is a quote from the movie. The main character used it several times and I like the sound of it.
The rest of my evening has been revolving around my computer. At this exact moment I hate it. It is just causing me and my mom headaches at this point. Hopefully it will start to cooperate. I do like having a computer in my room though. It's pretty cool.
I have my first MATH exam tomorrow, and I'm only partially ready. I really need to finish this last lesson, but I can't figure out a few of the problems, and it's driving me batty. I should be fine tomorrow, but who knows? We'll just have to wait and see. We'll wait together, hows about?
I'm struggling right now. I miss Heather a lot! Let's just put it at that. I miss her. But hark, Friday is but a day away, and I get to go down to see her then! Maybe there IS light at the end of this week's tunnel. Again, we'll see.
- - - Even the best fall down sometimes
- - - Even the wrong words seem to rhyme
- - - Out of the doubt that fills my mind
- - - I somehow find
- - - You and I
- - -Collide
- - - Howie Day - "Collide" (fantastic song)
Goodnight world,
JUSTIN
I woke up at almost 1000 and puttered around for awhile. My monitor was supposed to be coming via UPS today, and I was kinda waiting for it. I got in the shower finally, and wouldn't ya know, it comes while I'm in the shower. Once I'm all clean and such, I took the boxes upstairs to my room and began setting up my monitor and speakers. My monitor is a 19'' MONSTER and its pretty freakin awesome! My speakers are sufficient, as I'm not planning on blaring the music THAT loud.
I read my lesson plan (called a Module) for my online film class and set up the movie. This week's film was the ultra-violent, ultra-bizarre, and ultra-everything-else "CLOCKWORK ORANGE", written and directed by the now-deceased Stanley Kubrick. I watched it, occasionally interrupted by everything possible, in about three hours (its a little over 2 hours in length) and then posted my comments on the internet discussion board for my points. I guess I liked the movie. It was really crazy, and there were several parts that blew my mind (I guess it was originally rated X upon its release, but was later edited to make it R). I might watch it again; if I'm bored. Tonight's title is a quote from the movie. The main character used it several times and I like the sound of it.
The rest of my evening has been revolving around my computer. At this exact moment I hate it. It is just causing me and my mom headaches at this point. Hopefully it will start to cooperate. I do like having a computer in my room though. It's pretty cool.
I have my first MATH exam tomorrow, and I'm only partially ready. I really need to finish this last lesson, but I can't figure out a few of the problems, and it's driving me batty. I should be fine tomorrow, but who knows? We'll just have to wait and see. We'll wait together, hows about?
I'm struggling right now. I miss Heather a lot! Let's just put it at that. I miss her. But hark, Friday is but a day away, and I get to go down to see her then! Maybe there IS light at the end of this week's tunnel. Again, we'll see.
- - - Even the best fall down sometimes
- - - Even the wrong words seem to rhyme
- - - Out of the doubt that fills my mind
- - - I somehow find
- - - You and I
- - -Collide
- - - Howie Day - "Collide" (fantastic song)
Goodnight world,
JUSTIN
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
All Surfer Words Apply
This includes rad, tubular, far-out, gnarly, awesome, and stoked. These describe my mood after today. You'll see why. . .
So I went to school today. I woke up at 7 and was at school at 745. Here is a quick summary of the classes today:
PHILOSOPHY: Took a quiz (80 out of 95) and listened to an extremely boring lecture. Today was the first day I felt like falling asleep. I think my head did that bob thing a few times actually. I hope this class gets more interesting.
HISTORY: Same old, same old. Lecture was interesting and the topic and the teacher is entertaining. I like this class more everyday; especially with the preceding class the way it is.
MATH: Not bad I guess. We had to do a group project thing dealing with loans and payments and such. I was glad to have my new caluclator (thanks mom); it is freakin' amazing! Although the assignment wasn't all that difficult, the company was. A girl, who I had not 5 minutes before claimed to be a person I didn't like, was in my group, along with my DCHS alumni Angela. O the tests we are put to. I now see God's wacky sense of humor. I get the joke. I guess I'll laugh later. I contained myself (for the most part, I guess) but did manage one quote that even surprised me. This girl asked me why I was checking all her answers before I put them down on my paper. "You don't trust me?" she asked. My witty reply: "Trust is something you earn, not something you deserve." I know it sounds scripted, and maybe it came from watching too much HOUSE, but still, that is, verbatim, what I said. I patted myself on the back later.
I came home to my new computer! And for lack of a better joke: "Dude! I got a DELL!" Or at least I thought I did. Of 4 boxes, I only received 2 (the computer and the printer). This means the monitor and the speakers are coming tomorrow, most likely, and it meant that disappointment was an understatement about how I felt inititally. I was excited, sure, but also bummed (ooh, bummer, there's another one!). My mom suggested we bring the main computer's monitor upstairs and use it to set everything up (brilliant). We did and got a majority of it ready to go. Once my monitor comes in, it should just be a quick plug-in and I'll be ready to go. I can't wait! I'm, in a word, stoked.
So, yeah, most of my afternoon was composed of cleaning up my desk area to make room for my computer and then messing with the beast itself. Good stuff. Later, I watched another couple HOUSE episodes (needed a refill) and began Season Two of CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM which came in the mail today via blockbuster.com (we're cancelling it in favor of the much-quicker netflix). I really like this show. It's all improv, but you'd never know it, with the way they act. It's really fantastic, and hilarious to boot. More great stuff.
All this to say I have very little to complain about. Sure I miss my Heather, but I always do, so there's nothing new there. Fortunately enough, there are no new things that have come to discourage me. I'm gonna hang in there and be just fine; and be as cynical as always.
- - - "Wanting to believe the best about people doesn't make it true"
- - - Dr. House
(I thought this went well with my own statement in math class - I still am unsure if it actually came out, but now I remember the excitement I felt, and yes, I did say it out loud.)
Sleep well people and have a good middle-of-the-week-day (that means Wednesday)
JUSTIN
So I went to school today. I woke up at 7 and was at school at 745. Here is a quick summary of the classes today:
PHILOSOPHY: Took a quiz (80 out of 95) and listened to an extremely boring lecture. Today was the first day I felt like falling asleep. I think my head did that bob thing a few times actually. I hope this class gets more interesting.
HISTORY: Same old, same old. Lecture was interesting and the topic and the teacher is entertaining. I like this class more everyday; especially with the preceding class the way it is.
MATH: Not bad I guess. We had to do a group project thing dealing with loans and payments and such. I was glad to have my new caluclator (thanks mom); it is freakin' amazing! Although the assignment wasn't all that difficult, the company was. A girl, who I had not 5 minutes before claimed to be a person I didn't like, was in my group, along with my DCHS alumni Angela. O the tests we are put to. I now see God's wacky sense of humor. I get the joke. I guess I'll laugh later. I contained myself (for the most part, I guess) but did manage one quote that even surprised me. This girl asked me why I was checking all her answers before I put them down on my paper. "You don't trust me?" she asked. My witty reply: "Trust is something you earn, not something you deserve." I know it sounds scripted, and maybe it came from watching too much HOUSE, but still, that is, verbatim, what I said. I patted myself on the back later.
I came home to my new computer! And for lack of a better joke: "Dude! I got a DELL!" Or at least I thought I did. Of 4 boxes, I only received 2 (the computer and the printer). This means the monitor and the speakers are coming tomorrow, most likely, and it meant that disappointment was an understatement about how I felt inititally. I was excited, sure, but also bummed (ooh, bummer, there's another one!). My mom suggested we bring the main computer's monitor upstairs and use it to set everything up (brilliant). We did and got a majority of it ready to go. Once my monitor comes in, it should just be a quick plug-in and I'll be ready to go. I can't wait! I'm, in a word, stoked.
So, yeah, most of my afternoon was composed of cleaning up my desk area to make room for my computer and then messing with the beast itself. Good stuff. Later, I watched another couple HOUSE episodes (needed a refill) and began Season Two of CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM which came in the mail today via blockbuster.com (we're cancelling it in favor of the much-quicker netflix). I really like this show. It's all improv, but you'd never know it, with the way they act. It's really fantastic, and hilarious to boot. More great stuff.
All this to say I have very little to complain about. Sure I miss my Heather, but I always do, so there's nothing new there. Fortunately enough, there are no new things that have come to discourage me. I'm gonna hang in there and be just fine; and be as cynical as always.
- - - "Wanting to believe the best about people doesn't make it true"
- - - Dr. House
(I thought this went well with my own statement in math class - I still am unsure if it actually came out, but now I remember the excitement I felt, and yes, I did say it out loud.)
Sleep well people and have a good middle-of-the-week-day (that means Wednesday)
JUSTIN
Monday, September 05, 2005
So did anyone Labor today?
I know I sure didn't. Today was relaxing and full of food and doing nothing. And I know that I'm not the only one that this is true for. Come on now, you know you didn't work today!
I woke up at 900, ate some breakfast, and did the normal computer thing for awhile. I eventually took a shower and got dressed and all that jazz and headed to Heather's around 100 for a little barbecue shindig. It was just a small gathering (me, Heather, her mom, her sister Chelsea, Chelsea's friend Jacque, and Jacque's brother Phil) and it was fun. We had yummy carne asada from the Vallarta (man, the Mexicans know how to cook meat!) and enjoyed the food and conversation.
The unfortunate part about all this is that after it was over at 330, Heather had to head back to Long Beach. Thus, I moped home and sat in a solemn mood all afternoon. I watched a couple episodes of HOUSE, did some internet stuff, and just kinda wasted my afternoon away. I coulda done my film homework, but I still have two more days for that. That's plenty of time.
I did get to chat with my friend Emily tonight on AIM, which was fun. She is a sophomore down at USC. She's cool to talk to and she got me to laugh, which was nice. I'm heading to bed here soon, cuz I have school tomorrow. Up at 700; Woohoo!
Sleep well you internet addicts - you know you are. Don't deny it.
And now, a good Labor Day quote:
- - - "The only liberty an inferior man really cherishes is the liberty to quit work, stretch out in the sun, and scratch himself."
- - - H.L. Mencken
JUSTIN
I woke up at 900, ate some breakfast, and did the normal computer thing for awhile. I eventually took a shower and got dressed and all that jazz and headed to Heather's around 100 for a little barbecue shindig. It was just a small gathering (me, Heather, her mom, her sister Chelsea, Chelsea's friend Jacque, and Jacque's brother Phil) and it was fun. We had yummy carne asada from the Vallarta (man, the Mexicans know how to cook meat!) and enjoyed the food and conversation.
The unfortunate part about all this is that after it was over at 330, Heather had to head back to Long Beach. Thus, I moped home and sat in a solemn mood all afternoon. I watched a couple episodes of HOUSE, did some internet stuff, and just kinda wasted my afternoon away. I coulda done my film homework, but I still have two more days for that. That's plenty of time.
I did get to chat with my friend Emily tonight on AIM, which was fun. She is a sophomore down at USC. She's cool to talk to and she got me to laugh, which was nice. I'm heading to bed here soon, cuz I have school tomorrow. Up at 700; Woohoo!
Sleep well you internet addicts - you know you are. Don't deny it.
And now, a good Labor Day quote:
- - - "The only liberty an inferior man really cherishes is the liberty to quit work, stretch out in the sun, and scratch himself."
- - - H.L. Mencken
JUSTIN
A Reign Must Always End
I know it's late. I wasn't gonna post tonight. But, I'm kinda not tired and hoping that this will cause me to be so. We'll see.
I went to church this morning with the family and Heather. Our Assistant Pastor spoke today, as this was the last week that our Senior Pastor is on a brief summer vacation. He did a good job, and it was an interesting sermon, to be sure.
Afterwards, Heather headed to Palmdale to catch up with her grandparents, and she was gone until 400. Meanwhile, I did my other math lesson (with my new calculator - ooohh, I have a graphing calculator!) while I watched STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI (that's Episode 6 for those of who you don't know). That's right, while I did the lesson. I can multitask ladies and gentlemen. Then I popped in the bonus features disc of MILLION DOLLAR BABY and watched those.
When Heather came back we curled up together and fell asleep. These are among my favorite memories: Napping. I sleep best when she is around. We woke up around 515 and I got myself ready to go to my Poker game. While I was to be gone, Heather and my mom and sister were going to scrapbook. Fun, eh? So I went to play poker.
It was fun, I suppose. There were only 4 of us, as a few of our regulars weren't able to make it. We played for over 2 hours before someone finally busted out (unfortunately, me) and then it was only 20 minutes or so before the game was over. I was content with my play tonight, but I just didn't get the cards tonight. I had the chip lead at one point, but I doubled up one guy twice in a row (I had better cards both times) and that destroyed my stack. My reign as champion has temporarily ended, but I plan to regain control of my throne soon. Hopefully, next week.
I came home and me and Heather ate some pizza, watched some HOUSE, and EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND, and now it's bedtime for me. I'm tired now. I think I'll be able to sleep.
Happy Labor Day everyone - my recap of the holiday's happenings will be tonight's blog. I promise I'll do it before 2 in the morning. Goodnight for now and sleep well world.
- - - "You can't win 'em all."
- - - "That doesn't mean I don't want to!"
JUSTIN
I went to church this morning with the family and Heather. Our Assistant Pastor spoke today, as this was the last week that our Senior Pastor is on a brief summer vacation. He did a good job, and it was an interesting sermon, to be sure.
Afterwards, Heather headed to Palmdale to catch up with her grandparents, and she was gone until 400. Meanwhile, I did my other math lesson (with my new calculator - ooohh, I have a graphing calculator!) while I watched STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI (that's Episode 6 for those of who you don't know). That's right, while I did the lesson. I can multitask ladies and gentlemen. Then I popped in the bonus features disc of MILLION DOLLAR BABY and watched those.
When Heather came back we curled up together and fell asleep. These are among my favorite memories: Napping. I sleep best when she is around. We woke up around 515 and I got myself ready to go to my Poker game. While I was to be gone, Heather and my mom and sister were going to scrapbook. Fun, eh? So I went to play poker.
It was fun, I suppose. There were only 4 of us, as a few of our regulars weren't able to make it. We played for over 2 hours before someone finally busted out (unfortunately, me) and then it was only 20 minutes or so before the game was over. I was content with my play tonight, but I just didn't get the cards tonight. I had the chip lead at one point, but I doubled up one guy twice in a row (I had better cards both times) and that destroyed my stack. My reign as champion has temporarily ended, but I plan to regain control of my throne soon. Hopefully, next week.
I came home and me and Heather ate some pizza, watched some HOUSE, and EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND, and now it's bedtime for me. I'm tired now. I think I'll be able to sleep.
Happy Labor Day everyone - my recap of the holiday's happenings will be tonight's blog. I promise I'll do it before 2 in the morning. Goodnight for now and sleep well world.
- - - "You can't win 'em all."
- - - "That doesn't mean I don't want to!"
JUSTIN
Saturday, September 03, 2005
When you wake up at noon. . .
It's true. I woke up at Noon today. When that is the way your day begins, not much can truly be expected. I didn't do much of anything actually.
I went to Heather's around 230 I guess and spent the rest of the day with her. We went to Barnes and Noble so she could buy a couple recreational reading books, but that about did it for the activeness. We played some more cards, watched some HOUSE, and ate dinner around 630. We went with her mom to the Palmdale Ampitheatre thing for just about 45 minutes. This group called the Blind Boys of Alabama sang for a long time. They were a black gospel group thing. They were good, but they seemed to ramble (yes, from me, the ultimate rambler) on for longer than they were supposed to. We left shortly after they finished. Some lady was supposed to sing after a 30 minute intermission - No Thanks!
So now it's bedtime. I hope all of you (yes you!) had a good Saturday and enjoy your Sunday. Sleep well and have sweet dreams. If they're half as good as mine, then you'll be having great ones! Good night world
- - - "Can I get a witness?!?!"
- - - The Blind Boys of Alabama
JUSTIN
I went to Heather's around 230 I guess and spent the rest of the day with her. We went to Barnes and Noble so she could buy a couple recreational reading books, but that about did it for the activeness. We played some more cards, watched some HOUSE, and ate dinner around 630. We went with her mom to the Palmdale Ampitheatre thing for just about 45 minutes. This group called the Blind Boys of Alabama sang for a long time. They were a black gospel group thing. They were good, but they seemed to ramble (yes, from me, the ultimate rambler) on for longer than they were supposed to. We left shortly after they finished. Some lady was supposed to sing after a 30 minute intermission - No Thanks!
So now it's bedtime. I hope all of you (yes you!) had a good Saturday and enjoy your Sunday. Sleep well and have sweet dreams. If they're half as good as mine, then you'll be having great ones! Good night world
- - - "Can I get a witness?!?!"
- - - The Blind Boys of Alabama
JUSTIN
Friday, September 02, 2005
Nut'n Like Bee'n There
This, ladies and gentlemen, is the ridiculously idiotic and sophomoric catchphrase of the 2005 Antelope Valley Fair and Alfalfa Festival. Not they were any better in the past (among the past entries was "Space Suits and Cowboy Boots" - cmon!) but I especially don't like this one. It's just one man's opinion though.
I woke up and had a completely unproductive morning/afternoon. Heather was on her way home, but I wouldn't be able to see her until almost 600, so you would think that I would preoccupy myself with many things. You would think wrong. The one thing I did that I'm quite glad about is a math lesson. Two math lessons are unofficially due on Tuesday, and I figured that I would be spening a lot of time with my lady friend this weekend, so I got one lesson out of the way. This was a little over an hour of my afternoon. The rest of the afternoon was made up of computer browsing, channel surfing, and magazine reading (this week's Entertainment Weekly came in the mail today - Fall TV Preview). Not the most desireable time, but I made up for it in the evening.
Heather showed up around 600 and we chatted with my mom and sister for a bit. Then it was off to the Fair. Heather wanted to go, and I was willing to accompany her. As it turns out, the Fair isn't as good as we thought. We looked for a good dinner place for about the first hour. We settled on a steak quesadilla and roasted corn (two different booths). We walked around, watching a couple of minutes of random shows to pass the time. We found the animals finally, which was actually the reason Heather wanted to go. She is a huge animal-lover and it was worth the price of admission to see her face light up while petting the baby goat or holding the little chick in her hands. She brings a smile to my face so quickly and so easily, it's crazy. I really miss her when she is away.
We did a couple more kinda shows (where we'd sit for a bit and watch and applaud half-heartedly) and then we payed a total of $4 to see a gigantic horse and a gigantic steer. They were, in fact, gargantuan! Biggest things I've ever seen. I have not been that uncomfortable in a long time, I'll just put it that way. That steer scared the crap out of me and it was tied up and in a pen. Goodness gracious!
We rode the ferris wheel (a must for any Fair visit) which is something I'm not that excited about. I can pretend to be big and bad, but get me on a ferris wheel, and all I want is to get the heck off and be back on solid ground. One of the few dreams that I can remember from my life (I can only recall a few and I'm not sure why) is one involving me on a ferris wheel and it breaking off the restraints or whatever and rolling away like a gigantic tire. Scary stuff. We made it okay, though, and the ground and I were together again. We had not one, but two, desserts (Dippin' Dots and a Churro) which made us both feel like running again, for fear of becoming like the rest of Obese America. Then we laughed at ourselves for that silly thought, because we realized that we have self-control! :D
One thing I realized while at the Fair was that I am quite happy and content with who I have become already and who I am turning into. The people who live in this town are just ridiculous. If people from outside the Antelope Valley come to this thing (hey, it's possible) then our teenagers and young adults are giving off a seriously bad light to this town. And maybe it's the correct light, because our town just might be that bad. Or is it humankind in general? That's my guess. I said this evening to Heather: "You know, it's people like that that make me rethink the whole creation thing and consider the fact that maybe we did come from monkeys. Because seriously, look at them. I would consider him to be in the initial stages of it all, actually, and maybe we're in the final stages." I'm kidding of course, but it's true. Teenagers, as a group, are animals. I would rather hang out with feces-slingin chimpanzees then with some of these juveniles. And this is not to say I'm perfect or beautiful or flawless (that's perfect, but you get the point). I'm just saying that I'm happy with me. It's not everyday that you can say that. So I'm gonna say it today.
That was enough Fair for us and we headed out at 1000. It was a fun night, but mainly because it was just the two of us again hanging out. We both really miss it, and it is certainly enjoyable. She headed home after chatting with my mom about pedicures and such and realizing that she was tired (a long day will do that to you). Tomorrow will be a good day. I can feel it.
I'm not tired, but I'll probably go to bed soon. I hope all of you guys had a good day, and I'll be back with another day of my life tomorrow night. I know it's hard, but just try to contain your excitement. Good night all - Have good dreams, and not bad ones involving ferris wheels.
- - - "If you ever start feeling like you have the goofiest, craziest, most dysfunctional family in the world, all you have to do is go to a state fair. Because five minutes at the fair, you'll be going, 'You know what, we're alright. We're dang near royalty."
- - - Comedian Jeff Foxworthy
JUSTIN
I woke up and had a completely unproductive morning/afternoon. Heather was on her way home, but I wouldn't be able to see her until almost 600, so you would think that I would preoccupy myself with many things. You would think wrong. The one thing I did that I'm quite glad about is a math lesson. Two math lessons are unofficially due on Tuesday, and I figured that I would be spening a lot of time with my lady friend this weekend, so I got one lesson out of the way. This was a little over an hour of my afternoon. The rest of the afternoon was made up of computer browsing, channel surfing, and magazine reading (this week's Entertainment Weekly came in the mail today - Fall TV Preview). Not the most desireable time, but I made up for it in the evening.
Heather showed up around 600 and we chatted with my mom and sister for a bit. Then it was off to the Fair. Heather wanted to go, and I was willing to accompany her. As it turns out, the Fair isn't as good as we thought. We looked for a good dinner place for about the first hour. We settled on a steak quesadilla and roasted corn (two different booths). We walked around, watching a couple of minutes of random shows to pass the time. We found the animals finally, which was actually the reason Heather wanted to go. She is a huge animal-lover and it was worth the price of admission to see her face light up while petting the baby goat or holding the little chick in her hands. She brings a smile to my face so quickly and so easily, it's crazy. I really miss her when she is away.
We did a couple more kinda shows (where we'd sit for a bit and watch and applaud half-heartedly) and then we payed a total of $4 to see a gigantic horse and a gigantic steer. They were, in fact, gargantuan! Biggest things I've ever seen. I have not been that uncomfortable in a long time, I'll just put it that way. That steer scared the crap out of me and it was tied up and in a pen. Goodness gracious!
We rode the ferris wheel (a must for any Fair visit) which is something I'm not that excited about. I can pretend to be big and bad, but get me on a ferris wheel, and all I want is to get the heck off and be back on solid ground. One of the few dreams that I can remember from my life (I can only recall a few and I'm not sure why) is one involving me on a ferris wheel and it breaking off the restraints or whatever and rolling away like a gigantic tire. Scary stuff. We made it okay, though, and the ground and I were together again. We had not one, but two, desserts (Dippin' Dots and a Churro) which made us both feel like running again, for fear of becoming like the rest of Obese America. Then we laughed at ourselves for that silly thought, because we realized that we have self-control! :D
One thing I realized while at the Fair was that I am quite happy and content with who I have become already and who I am turning into. The people who live in this town are just ridiculous. If people from outside the Antelope Valley come to this thing (hey, it's possible) then our teenagers and young adults are giving off a seriously bad light to this town. And maybe it's the correct light, because our town just might be that bad. Or is it humankind in general? That's my guess. I said this evening to Heather: "You know, it's people like that that make me rethink the whole creation thing and consider the fact that maybe we did come from monkeys. Because seriously, look at them. I would consider him to be in the initial stages of it all, actually, and maybe we're in the final stages." I'm kidding of course, but it's true. Teenagers, as a group, are animals. I would rather hang out with feces-slingin chimpanzees then with some of these juveniles. And this is not to say I'm perfect or beautiful or flawless (that's perfect, but you get the point). I'm just saying that I'm happy with me. It's not everyday that you can say that. So I'm gonna say it today.
That was enough Fair for us and we headed out at 1000. It was a fun night, but mainly because it was just the two of us again hanging out. We both really miss it, and it is certainly enjoyable. She headed home after chatting with my mom about pedicures and such and realizing that she was tired (a long day will do that to you). Tomorrow will be a good day. I can feel it.
I'm not tired, but I'll probably go to bed soon. I hope all of you guys had a good day, and I'll be back with another day of my life tomorrow night. I know it's hard, but just try to contain your excitement. Good night all - Have good dreams, and not bad ones involving ferris wheels.
- - - "If you ever start feeling like you have the goofiest, craziest, most dysfunctional family in the world, all you have to do is go to a state fair. Because five minutes at the fair, you'll be going, 'You know what, we're alright. We're dang near royalty."
- - - Comedian Jeff Foxworthy
JUSTIN
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Pocahontas was not a Buxom Indian Woman
Just a quote from my history teacher today. I thought it was funny. He was discussing how when John Smith was in Jamestown that Pocahontas was actually 5 or 6 years old, not, as he put it, a buxom indian woman. His description was priceless, I thought. Plus, it does grab your attention, doesn't it?
I woke up at 7 and got ready for school. A brief summary of each class:
PHILOSOPHY - Took a quiz (got em all right) and got back my essay from last week (45 out of 50 - meh I guess that's ok). Our teacher lectured all period, which is never boring, but not always interesting. O well. Everyone has there boring class.
HISTORY - Discussed the settling of some colonies. Fun class today. Great Pocahontas reference. Also, I made a potential friend. A girl named Esther sat behind me and I helped her on the notes from Tuesday. She's nice, and I gave her my email. I found out that she has a distanced relationship (like me) and is planning on going to Cal State University at Northridge next semester (like me, only for me it's in 2 years). That was cool.
MATH - Wow, today went by fast. The two hours flew today. It probably helped that George and I were laughing half the period at random things, but still, it was better today. We'll see how the next 14 weeks are. . .
I came home and was on the computer for a little bit, but then I had a couple errands to do. I took back a movie to Blockbuster for my sister, and then went to the nearby Barber Shop to get my ears lowered (that means hair cut). The lady moved fairly quickly, and did a good job. It was easy (I get a Number 5 all the way around - don't ask me what that means) and I was able to head home a few pounds lighter.
After a shower, I went to my room to relax. I watched some TV (another episode of HOUSE)and honestly tried very hard to fall asleep. I didn't accomplish this feat until a little after 500, but was then awoken less than 20 minutes later for dinner. I ate dinner (my brother is home - my dad picked him up today) with the famliy and then went on the computer.
Cy and I made plans to go to a dollar movie later on, and I left for his house a bit after 800. We hung out for a bit, and then left a little after 900. We went to the new-fangled 99 CENT store to get some candy (me - Zours; him - Sour Punch Straws) and discussed the unfortunate size of the sign on the front wall of the building. It is way disproportionate. It needs to be way bigger. Just a side note.
Then we went to CINEMARK 12, ("The Cheapest Seat in Town") for the 925 showing of CRASH. If you have not seen this movie, see it. Trust me. It's amazing, incredible, astounding, brilliant, unbelievable, and near-perfect in every way, shape, and form. Go to the imdb page (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0375679/) to learn more about it. It's top notch entertainment though. Do yourself a favor, and view this film. You won't be disappointed.
Now I'm home, counting down the hours until I get to see my Heather. She is coming home after her last class of the day gets out around 1130. I can't wait!!!!
Sleep well children - tomorrow is Friday. And you know what they say about Friday, so let's thank God, shall we?
- - - "It's the sense of touch. In any real city, you walk, you know? You brush past people, people bump into you. In LA, nobody touches you. We're always behind this metal and glass. I think we miss that touch so much, that we crash into each other, just so we can feel something."
- - - Don Cheadle's character in CRASH (opening monologue of film)
Love one another y'all,
JUSTIN
I woke up at 7 and got ready for school. A brief summary of each class:
PHILOSOPHY - Took a quiz (got em all right) and got back my essay from last week (45 out of 50 - meh I guess that's ok). Our teacher lectured all period, which is never boring, but not always interesting. O well. Everyone has there boring class.
HISTORY - Discussed the settling of some colonies. Fun class today. Great Pocahontas reference. Also, I made a potential friend. A girl named Esther sat behind me and I helped her on the notes from Tuesday. She's nice, and I gave her my email. I found out that she has a distanced relationship (like me) and is planning on going to Cal State University at Northridge next semester (like me, only for me it's in 2 years). That was cool.
MATH - Wow, today went by fast. The two hours flew today. It probably helped that George and I were laughing half the period at random things, but still, it was better today. We'll see how the next 14 weeks are. . .
I came home and was on the computer for a little bit, but then I had a couple errands to do. I took back a movie to Blockbuster for my sister, and then went to the nearby Barber Shop to get my ears lowered (that means hair cut). The lady moved fairly quickly, and did a good job. It was easy (I get a Number 5 all the way around - don't ask me what that means) and I was able to head home a few pounds lighter.
After a shower, I went to my room to relax. I watched some TV (another episode of HOUSE)and honestly tried very hard to fall asleep. I didn't accomplish this feat until a little after 500, but was then awoken less than 20 minutes later for dinner. I ate dinner (my brother is home - my dad picked him up today) with the famliy and then went on the computer.
Cy and I made plans to go to a dollar movie later on, and I left for his house a bit after 800. We hung out for a bit, and then left a little after 900. We went to the new-fangled 99 CENT store to get some candy (me - Zours; him - Sour Punch Straws) and discussed the unfortunate size of the sign on the front wall of the building. It is way disproportionate. It needs to be way bigger. Just a side note.
Then we went to CINEMARK 12, ("The Cheapest Seat in Town") for the 925 showing of CRASH. If you have not seen this movie, see it. Trust me. It's amazing, incredible, astounding, brilliant, unbelievable, and near-perfect in every way, shape, and form. Go to the imdb page (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0375679/) to learn more about it. It's top notch entertainment though. Do yourself a favor, and view this film. You won't be disappointed.
Now I'm home, counting down the hours until I get to see my Heather. She is coming home after her last class of the day gets out around 1130. I can't wait!!!!
Sleep well children - tomorrow is Friday. And you know what they say about Friday, so let's thank God, shall we?
- - - "It's the sense of touch. In any real city, you walk, you know? You brush past people, people bump into you. In LA, nobody touches you. We're always behind this metal and glass. I think we miss that touch so much, that we crash into each other, just so we can feel something."
- - - Don Cheadle's character in CRASH (opening monologue of film)
Love one another y'all,
JUSTIN
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