Still Alive
Hey, I'm not dead. Things are going well for me but my focus has shifted away from writing to speaking. 
I have also reached a point in my life where I must absolutely strive to not burden anyone with anything and to freely stand strong alone. So, I'm focusing on that too.
'Cause that is how a man does it.
Ooooh, how sexist. Please, spare me the "pleasantries".
Anywho, be back in a long while. Unless something really interesting happens.
Settling In
It seems my mind has not quite left summer mode. Just simply writing my thoughts here and expressing myself has become a drag with all the running around I have to do regarding applications to various things. What things? Well, I'm more comfortable not telling anyone about it (and it is not as typical as you might think!).
Well, when life has calmed down and I have settled down in a particular groove of things, I may be back here and more active on Facebook and what-not. (Though, time away from the computer has been way better).
I think I need to start getting back to my regular schedule at the gym to get my endorphin levels back up (I seriously think I'm chronically deficient or something). It certainly helps the brain to focus and it's way better than the ridiculous notions I'm hearing about of non-ADHD students taking ADHD drugs to help give them an "edge".
It was nice catching up with past supervisors, instructors, and various faculty and hearing words of encouragement for whichever of the many doors I have open I happen to choose. I was a bit wary of following through this long-term plan I thought out, but it was a relief to hear reassurance that it was sound.
Oh, and The Big Bang Theory is an awesome show. I'm all caught up and ready for 3rd season. Sad how I can understand so much of the dialogue (especially the complexities of String Theory and its many requisite dimensions). I'm such a nerd.
Today, I had a really nice dream of an adventurous date and I remember so much of it. It's been a long while since I had that. It was definitely a much needed "defrag" of my brain and hope many more of those happen again. It's certainly a good source of ideas - albeit in a perfect world with a perfect girl. Haha.
And now... my hands grow heavy and wearyyyyiuhisfdkjs...
Buh-bye now!
---
It's extremely difficult for you (or anyone) to get on my bad side. So don't feel guilty. You haven't done anything.
New Background for Fall
To reflect the passing of the summer, here's a new background image. The days have gotten shorter and will get an hour shorter soon. Besides, with school during the day, the night life is where it's at.
If you wish to get a clearer view of the 1680x1050 image, right click and choose something like "View Background Image" (depending on your browser's capabilities). It's me at a concert giving the peace sign with my characteristic right middle finger that people can identify me by. Special thanks to A.Y. for taking the picture at the spur of the moment and D.Y. for the awesome camera that produced such a workable night shot with minimal noise (nothing that a little Photoshop-ing won't fix).
Here's to another busy year. I'll do my best in taking on a more active role in keeping in touch this year. Just so you can't say I didn't try. Maybe.
Just the Beginning
So the theme this year at ACF goes back to the basics: love. That's great cause basic is exactly what I need. (I think I made an unintentional pun there).
It was surprising to see a lot of old faces visiting. And I lucked out on the blanket game, getting someone I know already.
But there's the realization that there is a lot of history I'm walking in to - a history that I was largely absent from because of my... I'll just say... old narrow ways. The old faces know me and I know them but aside from that, in the moment of meeting eyes, there's a mutual realization that there is not much to say but the emptiness of what could've been way back then.
It does not mean I'll just dive headlong in to this. I know my place and it's important to be real and honest and respect boundaries.
Game? Well, I learned I can't play two games at once well and one is more important than the other to me, which makes it so much easier on me. It saves me the time of sifting through annoying mind games to see who is being real and who just "likes the attention". Though, I have learned from merely being at the right place at the right time and saying the right things, that anything can happen. Regardless, it remains not my main focus cause I still have the luxury of time.
All in all, right now I'm comfortable with going at my own pace and finding my own way.
"I sent you a car, a boat, and a helicopter." - that story really described a lot so thanks for that.
And the final message from Bruce Almighty, "Be the miracle."
Cause and Effect
Right place, right time, and say the right thing. A string of coincidences and seeing faces I had not seen for almost a decade always makes me ponder about the significance. I mean, I think a lot has to go right for such moments to happen. One extra red light, one missed elevator, and one look in the wrong direction could mean all the difference. You've heard all this before.
For me recently, an old lady, late at night in London, asks, "Don't you want to be free?" Totally random, right? Nonetheless, I was at the right place, at the right time, for her to say the right thing that got me thinking and reflecting.
"More than you'll ever know," was what I wanted to say but like any sane person, I kept walking.
And well, ultimately, here is this post as I share an old video dug up and preserved by digital technology. A video that couldn't be shared with the world back then since Youtube didn't exist... A video that shows a high school project teaching me cause and effect, which I later extrapolated to the butterfly effect.
And I guess... a cause to your effect. But who knows what would happen if I wasn't there at that time and place or if she said some other random drivel. This post probably wouldn't be here and you wouldn't be witnessing the awesomeness of my group's high school project.
Obama’s Speech to Students
Those who thought this was controversial need to be educated. Show me the hidden political agenda in telling kids to endure hardships, work hard, and stay in school. I guess those who protested this speech are in favor of their kids failing, dropping out, and leeching off welfare. Oh wait, now THAT would be the "socialism" they were all afraid of indoctrinating the youth with. Way to go, morons over at Faux News/Fox Noise.
On another note, I wonder, where are Canada's inspiring leaders today? Too busy playing partisan politics to give a damn about what the people really need it seems.
"You can't let your failures define you. You have to let your failures teach you. You have to let them show you what to do differently next time."
Thanks Obama, I'm pumped for the coming challenges ahead (while my leaders run their smear campaigns). This speech could very well have inspired the future inventor of cold fusion power or the researcher who discovers the cure for cancer. You never know.
P.S., X-Box fanboys must be jumping for joy. /facepalm
Song of the Week #54: Matthew Good – Last Parade
From Matthew Good's latest album Vancouver, "Last Parade".
Lyrics:
It feels like time to let it go
It feels like time to break or show
It feels like time to cut your breaks
Shut your mouth, do something, anything
It feels like time to fuck or leave
It feels like I choke you just to breathe
It feels like time ain't time at all
Just black out, wake up foreign, wander home
Take me out, lay me down
Let the dirt fall all around me
Baby, ain't it good to be back home?
They're burning futures in the mountains
All lit up, yeah, you can count yours
Baby, ain't it good to be back home?
It feels like just another day
Like one more dead town's last parade
We're taking pictures of a tidal wave
On the shore grinning a hundred feet away
It feels like time ain't time at all
Just black out, wake up foreign, wander home
The Onion: Facebook, Twitter Revolutionizing How Parents Stalk…
...their college-aged kids:
Funny thing is, this satire is more on the side of being accurate. Use these sites responsibly, kids!
Beware the E-Mom's! They are real. Trust me; I've seen them first-hand.
"DEAR JEFF, YOU DIDN'T CALL THIS WEEKEND BUT THAT'S OK. I HOPE YOU ARE HAVING FUN WITH YOUR FRIENDS. SINCERELY, MOM."
