*I just want to say first off that I am posting this while listening to the new cd from Muse. I have only listened to it from start to finish a few times but already I am singing along to the words. It's really good, but not good in the way I thought it was going to be. I thought it was going to be rocking circa Stockholm Syndrome, but it has a very solid sound throughout. A lot of people have said it, but it really comes through -- the comparisons to Queen. If you barely like Queen, you will like this cd. Just sayin.
As I mentioned in my last post, I have had a couple things I have wanted to get out of my head and into my blog. One of these things is something I don't think I have ever talked about just because I haven't really wanted to get into it, but this post is politics related. (If you are reaching to close this window already, my apologies)
Last Friday marked 8 years since that dreadful day in New York that rocked the entire nation. The Pentagon was hit too, but it's clear that NY is the city that bears the saddened hearts on 9/11. I remember the day like it was yesterday, and probably always will. I was a freshman in high school, sitting on the steps of my football field (don't let me fool you, I didn't actually play football) during weight training chilling with a friend when the coach came up and said that the Pentagon was hit. We went inside and watched TV to see the images of the towers being hit. I wish I could say that right there my world was changed forever. That I became saddened, frightened, and furious at the same time. I wish I could say these things, but I can't. My reaction was "this is getting boring seeing these same images over and over again." I really didn't grasp it. In my defense, I was a fresh teenager on my way to 14. I guarantee if another attack happened, my freshman in high school cousin would probably not be as emotional as the majority of people. However, a few weeks later I saw a video on the internet and it was showing other people's reactions. Family members that lost loved ones that were either in the building or part of the men and women who tried to help. That's what it took -- a few weeks. And then the emotions came.
Fast forward 8 years later and those emotions are still there. Except instead of anger, there is confusion. Instead of patriotism, there is embarrassment. Confusion because 8 years later and we are still fighting a war with no end in sight and no true reason for going in the first place. I know this is a very touchy subject and I have respect for all sides. I have plenty of family and friends in all branches of the military, and I am proud of them for their decision to serve and I will support them no matter where they go. I just wish we had answers to all the questions we have.
However, even though I have been talking about a subject as serious as 9/11, that is not the main point of this post. Above, I talked of embarrassment replacing patriotism. Don't take this to mean i'm not proud to be American, because I love it here. (And best believe when the World Cup starts next year you will be seeing me wave my flag proudly). But it is killing me to see how the country that I live in and support is acting towards our newest president. Before I go any further, I will put it out there -- I voted for Barack Obama. I believe not only in his words, but I agreed with most of his policies. So you may say I am biased for what I am about to say, but the way some people are acting right now is appaling. It is bad enough to have citizens come to town hall meetings and shout down people with misinformation. It was even worse to have a person who came a hair away from being the vice president of this country (don't even get me started on Palin -- that is a whole nother story) post on FACEBOOK about "death panels." But the worst thing of all occured last week when during a speech, a representative from South Carolina shouted "You lie!" to Obama. Now here is where I will show why I have stayed away from political posts. I don't know all the details. So I'm not even going to try. However, I will say it is one thing to have your opinions, it is another to shout them at YOUR president.
The other thing that has really gotten me heated lately is when Obama addressed children in schools, some districts gave parents the choice for their kids to opt out of the speech. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? How are we allowing this. I read one blog post where she spoke of the principal's decision was "we don't want to show favoritism to any party." You do realize that, while he is a democrat, he is also the president. And not the president of the democratic party. He is THE president.
Here is also why I stay away from these posts. I know my opinions are skewed. I watch the Daily Show religously. I know it can be stupid at times, but there are certain segments they show that point out how absurd the Republican party has become. And I firmly believe it is because they lost. And that's what sickens me. I didn't vote for McCain. But if he would have won, I would be giving him my support. Why? Because he would be OUR president, just like Obama is. I didn't like Bush. I felt like he was vague about a lot of stuff. However, I had respect for him as our president, as he was democratically elected to be. If he came to Auburn (which he did, but before my time), I would go and I would be excited to go. I wouldn't have been thinking "what can I shout at him" or "what kind of crazy sign can I make comparing him to Hitler?"
It's just sad to me. Sad that we can't come together at a time that we really need to. But I may not be good at explaining myself, so I will let my good friend Jon Stewart do it for me.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
It's Good To Be Back
I feel like I haven't had a real post in forever. If you count the Inglorious Basterds review, it hasn't been since the 20's of August. Now, that may not seem like a long time, but there was a time that I was going at it, churning out about 4-5 blogs a week. I don't know what happened, I guess I hit a stump. But that stops now... sort of.
This past weekend I wanted to sit down and give an update on all things Mr O. However, I was realizing that there was quite a bit I had to say and I was about to stuff it into one mega post. But I have done that before and got some good advice on maybe splitting them up and giving each subject its own attention. So that is what I'm going to do. So for this next week, I am dedicating myself to a post a night. To get these things off my chest. But there is a catch at the end.
After this week of blogging, I am done for a while. No, I am not necessarily taking a break, but I will admit I am in a slump and instead of not writing anything, I will be posting short videos for a while. These videos are going to consist of the ones we took we took during our road trip back in May. Some may be boring, some I feel are entertaining. But I do feel it will be cool to see the progression of the trip. And there are plenty of videos so when it's done I should come back with lots to talk about. So look out for those (and hopefully enjoy them) starting next week.
But now, let's start this week of blogging off with an update on my post from last week. This whole "getting it off my chest thing" is good because I want to talk about it once and then move on. It's sort of therapeutic that way. But here goes...
I know everybody has been in this situation. You hang out with someone from the opposite sex for long enough and sooner or later one or the other starts to have feelings. Maybe not 100% does it happen that way, but it's very rare that it doesn't. And even if you don't, everybody around you thinks you guys like each other anyway. I have been on both ends. The blogger from "this is me; consequently" is my bfff. We are that rare exception in that we have been friends and only friends and it has never gotten complicated and never will. We have the brother/sister thing going on where we each have to approve of the others significant others. And trust me, I have shown my disapproval before. But recently, with another friend, I found myself on the other end.
JB went to the same high school I attended, though I was leaving as she was entering. She made her way to Auburn last year, any by way of a mutual friend, we became casual friends at first. Soon, it became where we were hanging out with each other almost 4 nights a week on average. One thing that pulled us to each other was that we were both going through pretty serious break ups at the time and we kind of helped each other out. Just in a "hey, I know what you're going through" kind of way.
I had always thought she was attractive, but not enough to make a move. And at one point, I realized I needed a friend more than I needed someone to get with. So that's what we did. We became each other's best friend. I have been there for her during each asshole she has hooked up with and she has been there for me each time I relapsed so to speak with my ex and the one time I almost moved on to somebody new. However, my friends would ask about us. One specifically said "when are you going to hook up with her" and my answer was "it's not like I haven't thought about it, but we are just better friends."
Here might be the most lighthearted part of this post. The two of us decided to watch "Made of Honor" and I realized it was killing me to watch it with her. The more I watched it, the more I realized that the two people in that movie was us. To make things worse, Taylor Swift's newest song kind of reflects my situation (I know, weird that I am using her as a reference). But once again, we would sit in the car and jam out to it and that's when I started to notice I had feelings for her. I began to notice that when she would tell me about how these guys are doing her wrong, I just wanted to yell to her that I would be better than any of them. Whenever I would think of the girl I would like to be with, I realized it wasn't just a mystery person, but an image of her face that came to mind.
So, I decided I had to tell her. Mainly, because of those two dreaded words, "What If." The next day after I posted that blog, I went to her house. It got awkward for a few minutes cuz I didn't know how to start. But then I just took a deep breath and launched into it. Told her how I came to realize I liked her as more than a friend and that I knew it wasn't just me missing anybody, but that I liked being around her, and when I wasn't, I just looked forward to the next time I was.
When I was done, she said "Well I guess this is where I'm sposed to say something" followed by "I don't really know what to say." Needless to say, she didn't feel the same way. But it was cool. In my speech, I had said that if her reaction was that she doesn't feel the same, could we just go back to the way it was, and that's exactly what we did. Five minutes later, we were on youtube checking out some stupid videos. The next day, I went to her house and we jammed to some music she had. Nothing had changed. A week later, and everything is the same as it was two weeks ago. Which is great.
So in the end, though I didn't get the results I wanted, I'm glad I did it. I don't want to sound cocky, but I feel like she is missing out on finally being with that "great guy" she wants to be with. Maybe I am overlooked because I'm not exactly as "cute" as the other guys she has seen. I acknowledge the fact that I am not going be the guy at the party that all the girls want to hook up with. But I also know, once again without being cocky, that I am a better guy that 85% of those that the girls just want to hook up with. But going back to the end result, it felt good to take a chance. Though I wish she would have said something. At least a "that's really great to here, but I'm sorry I don't feel the same." But I got nothing. Like it was understood. That was the only part that sucks. But it could be a lot worse, so I'm not complaining.
So with that said, her story is done. It doesn't bother me. I went for something, didn't get it, and moved on. Simple as that. I still have her as a great friend, so I'm content. And who knows, maybe "that girl" will still come along someday. I'd sure as hell like to hope so.
If you actually read all this, Thank You. Seriously. Now I am off to listen to the rest of the new Muse cd.
Random lyric of the day:
To ten million fireflies
I'm weird cuz I hate goodbyes
I got misty eyes as they said farewell (said farewell)
But I'll know where several are
If my dreams get real bizarre
Cuz I saved a few and I keep them in a jar
This past weekend I wanted to sit down and give an update on all things Mr O. However, I was realizing that there was quite a bit I had to say and I was about to stuff it into one mega post. But I have done that before and got some good advice on maybe splitting them up and giving each subject its own attention. So that is what I'm going to do. So for this next week, I am dedicating myself to a post a night. To get these things off my chest. But there is a catch at the end.
After this week of blogging, I am done for a while. No, I am not necessarily taking a break, but I will admit I am in a slump and instead of not writing anything, I will be posting short videos for a while. These videos are going to consist of the ones we took we took during our road trip back in May. Some may be boring, some I feel are entertaining. But I do feel it will be cool to see the progression of the trip. And there are plenty of videos so when it's done I should come back with lots to talk about. So look out for those (and hopefully enjoy them) starting next week.
But now, let's start this week of blogging off with an update on my post from last week. This whole "getting it off my chest thing" is good because I want to talk about it once and then move on. It's sort of therapeutic that way. But here goes...
I know everybody has been in this situation. You hang out with someone from the opposite sex for long enough and sooner or later one or the other starts to have feelings. Maybe not 100% does it happen that way, but it's very rare that it doesn't. And even if you don't, everybody around you thinks you guys like each other anyway. I have been on both ends. The blogger from "this is me; consequently" is my bfff. We are that rare exception in that we have been friends and only friends and it has never gotten complicated and never will. We have the brother/sister thing going on where we each have to approve of the others significant others. And trust me, I have shown my disapproval before. But recently, with another friend, I found myself on the other end.
JB went to the same high school I attended, though I was leaving as she was entering. She made her way to Auburn last year, any by way of a mutual friend, we became casual friends at first. Soon, it became where we were hanging out with each other almost 4 nights a week on average. One thing that pulled us to each other was that we were both going through pretty serious break ups at the time and we kind of helped each other out. Just in a "hey, I know what you're going through" kind of way.
I had always thought she was attractive, but not enough to make a move. And at one point, I realized I needed a friend more than I needed someone to get with. So that's what we did. We became each other's best friend. I have been there for her during each asshole she has hooked up with and she has been there for me each time I relapsed so to speak with my ex and the one time I almost moved on to somebody new. However, my friends would ask about us. One specifically said "when are you going to hook up with her" and my answer was "it's not like I haven't thought about it, but we are just better friends."
Here might be the most lighthearted part of this post. The two of us decided to watch "Made of Honor" and I realized it was killing me to watch it with her. The more I watched it, the more I realized that the two people in that movie was us. To make things worse, Taylor Swift's newest song kind of reflects my situation (I know, weird that I am using her as a reference). But once again, we would sit in the car and jam out to it and that's when I started to notice I had feelings for her. I began to notice that when she would tell me about how these guys are doing her wrong, I just wanted to yell to her that I would be better than any of them. Whenever I would think of the girl I would like to be with, I realized it wasn't just a mystery person, but an image of her face that came to mind.
So, I decided I had to tell her. Mainly, because of those two dreaded words, "What If." The next day after I posted that blog, I went to her house. It got awkward for a few minutes cuz I didn't know how to start. But then I just took a deep breath and launched into it. Told her how I came to realize I liked her as more than a friend and that I knew it wasn't just me missing anybody, but that I liked being around her, and when I wasn't, I just looked forward to the next time I was.
When I was done, she said "Well I guess this is where I'm sposed to say something" followed by "I don't really know what to say." Needless to say, she didn't feel the same way. But it was cool. In my speech, I had said that if her reaction was that she doesn't feel the same, could we just go back to the way it was, and that's exactly what we did. Five minutes later, we were on youtube checking out some stupid videos. The next day, I went to her house and we jammed to some music she had. Nothing had changed. A week later, and everything is the same as it was two weeks ago. Which is great.
So in the end, though I didn't get the results I wanted, I'm glad I did it. I don't want to sound cocky, but I feel like she is missing out on finally being with that "great guy" she wants to be with. Maybe I am overlooked because I'm not exactly as "cute" as the other guys she has seen. I acknowledge the fact that I am not going be the guy at the party that all the girls want to hook up with. But I also know, once again without being cocky, that I am a better guy that 85% of those that the girls just want to hook up with. But going back to the end result, it felt good to take a chance. Though I wish she would have said something. At least a "that's really great to here, but I'm sorry I don't feel the same." But I got nothing. Like it was understood. That was the only part that sucks. But it could be a lot worse, so I'm not complaining.
So with that said, her story is done. It doesn't bother me. I went for something, didn't get it, and moved on. Simple as that. I still have her as a great friend, so I'm content. And who knows, maybe "that girl" will still come along someday. I'd sure as hell like to hope so.
If you actually read all this, Thank You. Seriously. Now I am off to listen to the rest of the new Muse cd.
Random lyric of the day:
To ten million fireflies
I'm weird cuz I hate goodbyes
I got misty eyes as they said farewell (said farewell)
But I'll know where several are
If my dreams get real bizarre
Cuz I saved a few and I keep them in a jar
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Mr O vs. Not Posting Updates to Cliffhanging Situations
Dear Lola,
I am publicly declaring my love for your red headed little blog. I love the questions that you usually leave me as it makes me a little more interesting, I like to think.
I apologize for not leaving that many comments. I usually take a day or two to get there and then I am overwhelmed by how much love you have already gotten. However, I am making up for it.
This is for you.
(Ok, it's actually for anybody who has good taste).
Sincerely,
Mr O
I am publicly declaring my love for your red headed little blog. I love the questions that you usually leave me as it makes me a little more interesting, I like to think.
I apologize for not leaving that many comments. I usually take a day or two to get there and then I am overwhelmed by how much love you have already gotten. However, I am making up for it.
This is for you.
(Ok, it's actually for anybody who has good taste).
Sincerely,
Mr O
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Breathe In, Breathe Out
Tomorrow, if the opportunity comes through, I am going to do something I have been putting off for a long time.
I've racked my head with it for weeks now. Figuring out what I'm going to say, how I'm going to say it, if I should even say it. But it's been tugging at me too long and I feel I have to get it out and let whatever happens, happen.
This can go one of three ways:
1) I will be the happiest person in the world
2) I will have made the biggest mistake ever and regret this day forever
3) Nothing will happen. Nothing will change. And that will be fine.
Details later. But for now, let's hope for 1 or 3.
Random lyric of the day:
So you don't know where you're going
But you want to talk
And you feel like you're going where you've been before
You'll tell anyone who will listen but you feel ignored
Nothing's really making any sense at all
I've racked my head with it for weeks now. Figuring out what I'm going to say, how I'm going to say it, if I should even say it. But it's been tugging at me too long and I feel I have to get it out and let whatever happens, happen.
This can go one of three ways:
1) I will be the happiest person in the world
2) I will have made the biggest mistake ever and regret this day forever
3) Nothing will happen. Nothing will change. And that will be fine.
Details later. But for now, let's hope for 1 or 3.
Random lyric of the day:
So you don't know where you're going
But you want to talk
And you feel like you're going where you've been before
You'll tell anyone who will listen but you feel ignored
Nothing's really making any sense at all
Friday, September 4, 2009
What are you doing Saturday?
Cuz me, I will be hanging out with 87,000 of my closest friends:
Pics from the past:
Pics from the past:
Bolt Speedman
Two quick names. That's how fast this blog is going to be...
WHOOSH: Guitar Hero 5 is pretty fun. Even though they are not guitar heavy, jammin to Coldplay and Brand New is pretty sweet. Most fun song so far? "You Give Love A Bad Name" by Bon Jovi.
WHAM: Saw a stand up show that the university put on tonight. Daniel Tosh from Tosh.O came and he was very entertaining. A little dark, but very entertaining.
KABLAM: Remember that show? Good times. But seriously, where have all my bloggers gone? Including myself. I need to stop putting lists and stuff. I actually do have some interesting stuff to talk about (roommate situation going to shit, my ex-girlfriend being back and how that is playing out, the fact that I might have feelings for one of my best friends) all would make for good blog posts, and I need to do it. Because in a weird way, it helps getting it off my chest to people I may not ever meet face to face. But I guess I can say that I've been busy. (Warning: I'm about to shout out my blogging circle) And that's what everyone else will say. I mean, don't get me wrong. Guys like the Tirader and Tennyson are holding it down. Faker just came back and Mr C is doing his thing like always. But I am missing the girl with the pink teacup (like everyone else), jeanette's constant posting, and I don't even remember the last time I read a post from Melissa. Add Natalie and MissH to this list, and it just seems like the world is one big stress ball recently. Here's hoping everyone is doing good. I just miss you guys.
Fin.
*Post title is in reference to a recent episode of Fantasy Factory
Random lyric of the day:
She's a pretty girl. She's always falling down.
And I think I just fell in love with her,
But she won't ever remember, remember.
And I can always find her at the bottom of a plastic cup.
Drowning in drunk sincerity.
A sad and lonely girl.
Quit crying your eyes out.
Quit crying your eyes out and, Baby come on.
Isn't there something familiar about me?
The past is only the future with the lights on.
Quit crying your eyes out, Baby.
WHOOSH: Guitar Hero 5 is pretty fun. Even though they are not guitar heavy, jammin to Coldplay and Brand New is pretty sweet. Most fun song so far? "You Give Love A Bad Name" by Bon Jovi.
WHAM: Saw a stand up show that the university put on tonight. Daniel Tosh from Tosh.O came and he was very entertaining. A little dark, but very entertaining.
KABLAM: Remember that show? Good times. But seriously, where have all my bloggers gone? Including myself. I need to stop putting lists and stuff. I actually do have some interesting stuff to talk about (roommate situation going to shit, my ex-girlfriend being back and how that is playing out, the fact that I might have feelings for one of my best friends) all would make for good blog posts, and I need to do it. Because in a weird way, it helps getting it off my chest to people I may not ever meet face to face. But I guess I can say that I've been busy. (Warning: I'm about to shout out my blogging circle) And that's what everyone else will say. I mean, don't get me wrong. Guys like the Tirader and Tennyson are holding it down. Faker just came back and Mr C is doing his thing like always. But I am missing the girl with the pink teacup (like everyone else), jeanette's constant posting, and I don't even remember the last time I read a post from Melissa. Add Natalie and MissH to this list, and it just seems like the world is one big stress ball recently. Here's hoping everyone is doing good. I just miss you guys.
Fin.
*Post title is in reference to a recent episode of Fantasy Factory
Random lyric of the day:
She's a pretty girl. She's always falling down.
And I think I just fell in love with her,
But she won't ever remember, remember.
And I can always find her at the bottom of a plastic cup.
Drowning in drunk sincerity.
A sad and lonely girl.
Quit crying your eyes out.
Quit crying your eyes out and, Baby come on.
Isn't there something familiar about me?
The past is only the future with the lights on.
Quit crying your eyes out, Baby.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
WW: Cali Beach Scene
This is one of my favorite pictures. It was at some beach in LA during my trip in 2005. Want to read more about my feelings for California? Check out my guest post at the lovely Lisa's blog.
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