Preview (EDIT)

Since I'm on Thanksgiving break, I've got a lot of free time to do stuff. So when I'm not working on what school work I've got or relaxing, I'm working on some projects I've been planning. Here's one: Here's what's going to be going inside of it:

EDIT: So my dad's power sander crapped out on me. I went out and bought a new one, which was actually quite affordable. In any case, that put me back quite a bit, but I still have a bit of free time before the pre-winterbreak buckle down. Expect updates eventually.

Comfort food

Man, this week has been weird. It's been one of the chillest weeks in awhile, but I still couldn't chill. I've been irritated 24/7, from last sunday to this sunday. How ridiculous. I don't think I've ever had a week like this before. On top of all of that, we're all sucking down lung fulls of ash from those terrible fires. Oi Vey. Times like these make me glad In N Out exists. Gosh, that stuff's my comfort food. My mood has increased for the better exponentially even as I suck up the dregs of my large soda. Just a heck of a week with a heck of an ending. Speaking of comfort food, I'm so glad Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Better times for sure!


The only really awesome thing about this week has been the Left 4 Dead demo. I'm lovin' it! For a zombie survival fan, this game's right up my alley. Big team work, big zombie smashing. What more could you want? I just can't wait til tuesday when the real thing comes out. So, if you want to pick up a fun team based game, go pick up Left 4 Dead. You will not be disappointed. And just because I can, the greatest zombie smasher of all time:

Get off my internetz

There is more than one thing I regret to have ample experience in. Discussions over the internet seem to be a recurring nightmare in my various escapades through the interweb. I always seem to get wrapped up in some pointless argument, which I did not understand until now. If anything, I liken online discussions to car crashes. You can't help but rubberneck. It's chaotic, disorganized and ridiculous. I think it's safe to say that the internet brings out the worst in people. Discussions almost always turn into slug fests and all out bashing. I've been witness to the "very best" turning feral in an instant. It's insane. I think part of this stems from the fact that you aren't having a discussion face to face. If it were that way, you'd definitely have inhibitions about saying whatever it is that you please. Seriously, Saints turn into douches when you add internet to the equation.

I wish someone would make me moderator of the web. I would throw down the ban-hammer so hard and so often that industries would cease to exist and trolls, lurkers, and spammers alike would quake at my passing. In any case, I'm tired of getting into that kind of CRAP. I mean seriously, some of the stuff being said is scuffle worthy! Long story short, there exists a code of conduct in proper discussion that apparently did not translate into the interweb. It's a real shame. I mean if you want to talk smack of that caliber, at least man up and say it in person...and possibly prepare for a smack down/ your inevitable demise. People turn into bullies man! Seriously! I'm convinced that you cannot state a compelling argument via the internet. Further more, intelligent discussion is not possible. Somebody getting digitally butt-hurt is inevitable.

Then there is always bickering whether someone was intentionally being a jerk or hurtful or what not because the text can't seem to express the subtle facial expressions/tone of voice. I HAVE NO EMOTICON TO EXPRESS WHAT I'M FEELING RIGHT NOW! (well, it was something along those lines at least) Seriously, I wish we would leave the in depth, pissy-fit-worthy discussions for in person. In any case, Get off my internetz. Now! Your local internet provider are belong to us!

Follow up on Changes

So here's an update on things:

Got my truck back. Runs pretty well, the acceleration is still a little dodgy and making turns is something to be desired, but I think I just need to break in the new transmission. Put it through it's paces yesterday night driving to Vanguard via streets from CSUF. It actually wasn't a bad drive at all. I didn't realize that Angel stadium and the block of orange are like 10-20 minutes down State college. It was pretty cool.
The volleyball game was pretty intense. Am I right to assume Vanguard and Loma are big rivals? It was crazy in any case. It also happened to be the 2nd time I've had the urge to assault a game official. Going for 3 on the 25th? I also got to see some friends I don't see on a regular basis. It was good times.

I think the stress has subsided now, which is so great. I've been working on what was listed on the last post. Not easy, but it's been pretty good so far. Anyway, Is any one else psyched that halloween is on a friday this year? Meh, I'll probably end up editing this anyway. I'm tired, so here it is for you all.

Ch-Ch-Changes!

So this week has been pretty eventful. It's involved a lot of thinking, doing, and just crap happening. Let's start with something that should touch any one regardless.

TRANSPORTATION!

My poor truck began to suffer from some transmission trouble Tuesday afternoon. I can't shift gears properly and can only accelerate at a snail's pace. $1400 to get the transmission dismantled and put back together (Including labor). So far I've been getting around with the family vehicles. I so feel like a tank operator driving the yukon around, but we'll see how long those cars are available to me. So there goes some of my freedom. I miss you truck!

I also have been evaluating some of my investments lately; intrinsically and relationally and whatever else I invest in even! There are just some things I can't afford to spend money on because it's practically useless/expendable. Not really the hardest decision to make for me. I've also 86'd some video games/console. It was a hard decision to make, but I think I'm going to get rid of my Wii system. I just never really got excited about the system and the games. I'm sorry to say, but the new Zelda game didn't even get me into it. So there goes that.

So there are a number of relationships I need to re-evaluate my investments in. God comes to mind as the top of my list. I think having a relationship with God gets lost in the day to day business of going to school and coming home and doing work and so forth. Sometimes it seems hard to sit down and "chit chat".

I must confess that I've never been good at sustaining relationships. It's really tough for me actually. I think a lot of it is having someone who is concerned about you on the other side of the table. That's the great reason for working to keep a relationship going, and after understanding that about God it makes the whole thing worth while. I've got a book to basically tell me that God is concerned about me and wants to be involved in my life. It should practically be a no-brainer to put some time into developing that. Things like to get in the way, but it's something I've been working on.

I think I've been neglecting a couple of other relationships too. Sometimes I get too busy or too lazy to sit down and chat with some people or even pull up the aim window. Half the time I have no idea what's going on with everyone else. Good information to know for sure. Something I want to make a habit out of. Changes for the better for sure.

Redemption

The greatest news just reached my ears a couple minutes ago!
24 Season 7: Redemption!

NOVEMBER 23!!

YESSSS

Here's to not waiting till January! From what I've seen it looks very interesting. So once again, November is the month of epicness.

1) Switchfoot's new album "BEST YET" (4th)
2) Nerf Night (7th)
3) 24 (23rd)
4) Quantum of Solace (whenever that is)
5) Left 4 Dead (thank you kevin!)


Anyway, I'm totally excited for November!

Ghost

Interviewing A Monster

Ghost

Subject: unnamed poltergeist

Interpreter: Dr. Charles Stern

Location: London, England

The staff on hand at The Institute of the Study of Disembodied Entities did everything they could to make me as comfortable as possible. For this reason, my current surroundings startle me. Dr. Stern escorted me into a small, white-walled chamber they refer to as "the freezer." He politely motions me to a seat and takes one across from me as his staff lock us in. His calm demeanor betrays the severity of the situation. Seconds after the door closed, the room became deathly chill. In fact, it was so cold that the one-way mirror built into the wall accumulated frost. We knew our disembodied friend had arrived.
The walls began to shake so violently it was as if the room were about to split open. The wails started after wards, performing the opening notes of a grizzly concerto completely composed of howling and screaming. The source of these disturbances made us aware of it's presence when my clipboard suddenly shot out of my hands and circumnavigated the room at a very high velocity. All this time, Dr. Stern retained his composure and stared at me curiously. At his word, the clip board slowly descended into my lap. The screams died down and were replaced with the low howling and whispers of "leave this place","abandon all hope", and "you are not welcome". At that, our interview began.

I deeply regret having you witness that, but in order to know a ghost, you must "experience" one. It is in the nature of a ghost to harass and berate. They are almost single minded in wanting to cause discomfort and harm. It's practically all they do. They are very selfish and possessive, believing no one else is worthy enough to live in the house they haunt or own the possession they protect.

The key thing to note regarding ghost is they have no real substance. They cannot physically stand in some one's way. This is the reason why they rely so heavily on these "scare tactics". They do not possess the means to change someone and steer them away, or even towards their haunted home for that matter. They try so very hard to keep people away from their homes even though they do not own them.

Studies have shown that some ghosts even invite people. This is debatable since the fashion in which they "invite" is so similar, if not exactly the same as the one they use to keep people away. For this reason, we have come to the conclusion that ghosts can only scare people away. It may not always be their intention, but that is all they are capable of.

The Poltergeist grows restless at this remark and beings to pound on the walls

As you can see, they are incapable of accepting the fact that their efforts are in vain. Another important fact to note regarding these apparitions is they cannot be reasoned with. They are terribly stubborn as evidenced by the incessant wailing and pounding. The fact that they are easily insulted goes without saying.

Dr. Stern raises his voice as the pounding gets louder.

Whatever the case may be, be cautious when dealing with a spectre. Some have a tendency to get violent. They are very irrational and unpredictable.

At this point in the interview, my pen flies from my hand and begins to gravitate around my face, thrusting literally millimeters from my retinas

Let's conclude our interview here then. Our unseen guest is obviously riled up.