Saturday, March 10, 2007
Dad and son bonding...
LONG day... went to Sears with my dad for laundry detergent and new tree limb clippers since my dad doesn't like our old ones. My dad and I went to the Ford dealer to look at the 2008 Escape Hybrid/ 2007 Mustang/2007 Ford Fusion/2007 Ford Ranger because a friend of mine from my old church works there and told me he could get me a good deal. He could. I'm just not ready to buy and am not sure if I want new or used and not sure how much I want to spend or what I want... kinda thinking small SUV/truck. Then we went to the post office to get the mail. Came home and we both cut up our old swimming pool liner that has just been sitting at the side of the house since we haven't had enough room to put it in the trash cans. The liner was so heavy and the material is really thick that it is made out of. We got about half of it in the trash can. Guess we'll work on it next weekend. Then we filled up 5 trash cans using the tree limb clippers to cut out dead/dying oleanders.This afternoon I vacuumed my car, cleaned the doors and dashboard with cleaner, then conditioned the seats in the car. Tommorow I will wash the car and dry it. I hate dirty cars!Then I went to the gym and worked out my legs tonight. The gym really doesn't have a good selection of machines for working out your legs.Now I'm just working on homework and watching the movie Sahara since I have nothing else to do. Sahara so far is not that great and I'm losing interest quickly.
Posted by Mike at 9:02 PM 0 comments
Labels: My day
It's a good weekend to watch movies
It is 90 degrees out rihgt now at 11:49 and we're supposed to hit 97 today. It's definitely a good day for a movie, so here are some of my favorite movies...MY FAVORITE MOVIESBuddy Holly Story--- I love the 50s, love his music, his style, and love hearing his story. Frequency--- I love Dennis Quaid. Everytime I watch this movie I catch something new in it and have a billion new questions. The whole time travel thing... very cool.Grease--- I love the music, the cars, the clothes, the high school experience... it's just so happy. I love that a lot of LA stations are now playing the Grease soundtrack on the radio. I have the whole dialogue in the movie memorized and it's one of those I can watch over and over. La Bamba--- Love the music and Ritchie Valens' story.Forrest Gump--- It's a great (but long) story.Pie in the Sky--- It is cheesy, but I like it.Sum of All Fears--- good story.Donnie Darko--- Recently saw it for my 2nd time, but there are soooo many things in it to see and it's one of those that everytime you watch you'll see something new.Ladder 49--- I love a good story. Joaquin Phoenix= very hot.October Sky--- Love the setting, love the whole rocket deal, love how everyone is against Homer (Jake Gyllenhaal!), love Ms. Riley.The Island--- Though I had a hard time believing machines would question why they were in their surroundings, but I totally liked the idea of being able to buy replacement organs, then everything that ensued etc.Speed--- Love the action, the whole bus and bomb thingBasically I like a good movie that tells a story, biography, action, drama, something historical, or something of that sort. There are others I can't think of right now that don't fall into this category and probably will post those later when I recall.
Posted by Mike at 11:48 AM 0 comments
Labels: Movies, Thoughts
Friday, March 9, 2007
Shane from Real Housewives of OC
Posted by Mike at 4:47 PM 1 comments
Labels: Guys, TV
Big brother (red light cameras)
Drove to school with the neighbor girl today. Today we talked about those evil red light cameras since the light was changing from green to yellow as I drove through one of those red light cameras today. I couldn't stop. I was already in the intersection when the light went yellow. My neighbor agreed with me on just about everything I had to say about the red light cameras.They are popping up ALL over!!! Other cities have them, then in January my city installed them. I just saw a report on the internet that said in my city in January there were 10,000 red light violations caught by those cameras at 14 different intersections. The ticket for a red light violation caught by the camera is $351.I don't like red light cameras. I am a good driver, but just the thought, just from what I've experienced, I don't like them. I would argue they trigger more accidents. The reason... you're driving, the light changes, you have to slam on your breaks to avoid going into the intersection and being caught by the camera, then there is a car behind you not paying attention, and they can slam into you. That is one of my paranoias.The second... sometimes you are approaching the intersection and may be doing 55mph (that is the speed limit at several of the intersections where they have these cameras installed) and sometimes it is hard to stop in such a short time going such a high rate of speed... you have to really judge whether to go through the intersection or not.I know all the intersections they are installed at. In fact, I go through 6 of the intersections just to get to college 10 miles away. 5 of the others I go through on a regular basis at least once a week. I am good and don't speed up just to make a yellow light, if I can, I stop. I just hate that the red light cameras add a whole nother dimension... can I slow down in time to not be caught and avoid the $351 ticket? Usually I can. Then there are other times the light changes on you when you are in the intersection and I just can't help but think it's technology and it can break down and is not perfect, so they may snap a picture when it is unncessary and I'd get a ticket.I question whether all the cameras work. They are a huge distraction. They flash everytime they take a picture and that is distracting... especially at night, I've seen drivers just in the past few weeks run an intersection because of that they hit the gas after they've seen the flash. I've seen the cameras flash when nobody is in the intersection. I also wonder when they are set to flash and snap a picture of a car that is running a yellow/red light.My parents have been warned that at anytime they can expect a ticket for me going through one of those red light cameras.
Posted by Mike at 4:45 PM 1 comments
Labels: Neighbors, Thoughts
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Reliving my childhood through music
I love GoCountry105 even though it has only been on air 2 weeks. They play such a variety of country music and it is like I'm reliving my childhood, which makes it so special. I have not heard so many of these songs in YEARS. A lot of them my grandma used to sing to me when I was little. She would always have country music on because "only country music helps you sleep," and she always had to hear the latest country songs so she could learn how to square dance to them. I guess that is where I developed my liking for country music. My parents and sister actually despise country music and call it "toothache music," has a twang, the people sound like they need immediate nasal surgery, and the music is overall depressing. They love their oldies and I love them too, but I also have a special place in my heart for country.I thought I would just post some of the songs I have heard lately on there that have brought back good memories...Achey Breaky Heart- Billy Ray Cyrus (everytime they played this my grandma would come through the bedroom singing in "and if you kill my heart, my achey breaky heart..." ALWAYS...)Passionate Kisses- Mary Chapin Carpenter (my grandma used to sit in the swing outside the kitchen with me and sing this to me)Cadillac Ranch- Chris LeDouxDon't It Make My Brown Eyes Green- Crystal Gale (my grandma sang this in the swing to my sister, not me, but it still brings back memories)Daddy's Hand's- Holly DunnEighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses- Kathy Mattea (she sang that also to my sister when she was 2 or 3... she'd wrap her in the sleepy blanket and take her out to the swing and swing her and sing this song)Somewhere Over the Rainbow- (she'd sing this song all the time... every morning when she would open up the curtains in the bedroom when it was time to wake up)Oceanfront Property and All My Ex's Live in Texas- George Strait (My grandpa used to try and tell me that my grandma had a lot of ex-boyfriends and husbands in Texas, I'd question her, found out it was a lie)Why Haven't Heard I From You- Reba McEntire (not one of my favorites, but my grandma would always sing the chorus, and I remember that. I also always imagined a nun looking like Whoopi Goldberg singing this on a street corner)all Lorrie Morganall Shenendoahall Eddie Rabbitt ( I love a Rainy Night)all Alabama (Mountain Music and 40 Hours Week, specifically)While I might not like all of these songs (I could really do without Billy Ray and Reba), but as my grandma ages and since she is no longer living near us (thanks to my stupid aunt), these songs are so much more important to me since they bring back so many memories. I love thinking all of these songs bring back memories.My parents would drop my sister and I off at my grandma's house when I was little about 6:00a.m. so they could go to school and teach. We would sleep in my grandma's bed until about 8 or 9a.m., she would always have KFROG on softly in the background. My grandma's house has a strange setup and you have to walk through this bedroom to get to the kitchen and living room, bathroom, and other bedrooms, so she was always walking through. I can remember being in the bedroom with the radio sitting next to the desk, my sister and me trying to sleep on the bed, her walking through, dancing to the songs, singing along, and stuff like that. I can still hear her voice. I remember about 6:40a.m. KFROG always had the birthday wheel where they would call out a birthday and if it was yours, you could call in and win. My grandma would always come in the room about this time and hope to hear hers or someone she knew, if so she'd call them to tell them to call in and win, or call in to try and win if it were hers. I always remember my grandma coming in and commenting about Earl Pitts and how stupid the guy was about 7:40 in the morning and how he was always sick. I also remember whenever my grandma's barked outside while we were trying to sleep, she'd open up the door in the kitchen and it was really loud, then she'd yell "shhh, the baby's asleep."I kind of want to go through now and write down a lot of the memories I have of my grandma from when I was little, but I'll do that later.
Posted by Mike at 5:49 PM 0 comments
Labels: family, Memories
I found my perfect job... and payroll
Went to work today. There was a big meeting with all the teachers involved in the program I tutor for, so there were subs. There was also a big English department meeting. What did that mean? There was a lack of subs... the school lacked 8 subs today, so teachers were having to sub for other teachers. In 2nd period today there was no sub, so we were locked out of the classroom. Finally a campus supervisor walks by and says he is the sub. He opens up the classroom, we go in, then he looks around and the kids are running wild. Us tutors just sit there and figure since he's going to be the teacher today, he can control the students. Finally after like 10 minutes and 2 kids ready to take each other on in a fight he says he doesn't know what he should do. I was being a smart ass and will admit it, and told him you're the campus supervisor... shouldn't you be supervising and shouldn't you have controlled the kids as they came in the room... raise your voice... demand respect? He just said "oh." That's my perfect job... $14 an hour to be completely clueless... the job is a complete joke... just ride around in a golf cart all day... call kids out of class to give them a Saturday school... walk around with a walkie talkie... occasionally patrol the school... The only real qualification is to know CPR. The campus supervisors don't even follow school dress code... one of the girl campus supervisors wears strapless shirts, super short shorts, you can see her rose tattoo. I did see the principal today. I wore a maroon polo shirt and blue jeans. He smiled, asked me how my day was going. He also said hi to Loud Mouth Coworker who was wearing a t-shirt and basketball shorts... he did look at her like you could tell he was upset about the way she was dressed.Anyways, the campus supervisor asked me to get control and I did... raised my voice, went around quieting the kids down one by one, said I'm calling roll, if I don't hear you, you're absent, if you talk during roll, you're absent, you're getting a referral. I started going down the list calling names and they were loud. The loudest ones I called out, told them to come to the front, then told the campus supervisor to make out the referrals. He asked me how to do that... NO KIDDING... he is the campus supervisor... he gives them all the time I'd think. I showed the campus supervisor what to say, then he signed them, then called another campus supervisor to take the kids to the office with their referrals. I know referrals aren't always the solution, but I know with this teacher they are because he'll see they got them, then the kids will really shape up... they should know by now not to mess around with this teacher. He'll make their lives hell. He requires a parent conference after a referral, that the parents attend class with their child, and that is embarrassing for them. Then after the attendance they got wild, so I again raised my voice, told them to shut up and quietly get into their groups to start tutorial. Most did, a few didn't, then refused to work. The other tutors and I told them that they were getting "0s" for the day, gave them their "0," and by this time our job tutoring was done... it was very short due to the campus supervisor at the beginning of the period. I wonder what the sub note will look like... they're going to be in a lot of trouble I know.The other big thing today was I raised a little hell at payroll because I can't have my check put directly into my checking or savings account. I went with Loud Mouth Coworker since she had to pick up her check also. When we got there I said I wanted to find out about putting my check directly into my checking account. The lady then called another lady to tell me I couldn't do that. I asked why not, I said I had the bank's routing number right there with me, I had the forms from the bank, now why not? Her response was all classified employees have to pick up their checks or have them mailed. I said that was ridiculous and asked to speak to the payroll manager. Payroll mananger told me that I can't because the program I tutor for comes from special funds, so our salary comes from a source other than the district's general payroll. I said regardless, my paycheck still comes through the payroll office to be picked up, so why can't it be sent directly to the bank? She said she didn't know and will have to look into that. In the meantime I'm going to go through the district phone directory and see who I can call about that.
Posted by Mike at 2:14 PM 0 comments
Labels: Thoughts, Work
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Shoe fetish part 3
Since I have never owned a pair of Converse or anything similar I decided that's what I want instead of the white shoes like I posted earlier. It is a little hard to believe a California boy like me never owning a pair. In fact, I feel incomplete. I'm thinking now of these shoes below since they are blue and I have this thing where shoes have to match the pants. One of the kids I tutor works at Vans and she said if I go to the mall when she is working tommorow she gets an employee discount and family and friends get 30% off. They'll only be about $25.
Posted by Mike at 9:26 PM 0 comments
The big day at the dentist and a rant on my sister
I hate the dentist and orthodontist. I got my first retainer when I was 4 and had it until I was 7 to correct my underbite. I take care of my teeth and never/rarely have any cavities, so I shouldn't have many reasons to hate the dentist but I do...They always deliver such bad news...- my new dentist (thankfully he goes to my old church, so I trust him) told me I chipped a tooth in the back of my mouth, my old dentist didn't do anything about it, then it snapped, and I needed a crown, then it was knocking into another tooth creating a bigger problem. - They told me I have to wear retainers until I'm 25 at least. I've had retainers for the past 6 years at least, then when I was little had one about 3 years.- My old dentist, the same guy as above also misread my x-rays and filled 2 teeth that didn't have cavities and didn't do a good job at it. He didn't take into account my retainers or the fact that he didn't file them down and so I'm dealing with that, but think it was fixed today. I complained and the dentist has since been demoted thankfully.- They use the drill... that's reason enough... can't stand the sound.- They took out my wisdom teeth... that was sooo bad... I was sick for a week... laid in bed... did nothing... just slept and watched TV.- When they talk about your teeth they talk in technical terms and so you always have to ask what they are talking about when they talk back and forth between the nurses... if it is in my mouth I want to know about it. I told the nurse who cleaned my teeth today that I like when she speaks in plain English and she did.So how did my dental appointment go today? GREAT!!! Yes... no drill... my teeth look fabulous... no plaque/tartar buildup. I'm a great flosser. I had no cavities. I made such a big deal of it, but I really do hate the dentist. The nurse was so funny, she was telling me about her college experience and being screwed over like me and expected a response about everything and was asking me questions and I couldn't respond since she had the suction and water thing going in my mouth. She was cool though. I even got to choose if she used mint, cherry, bubble gum, or gummy bear flavored polish. I chose gummy bear.Other things from today:- The weather today was so gloomy, but I love it. It was supposed to be 87 today, but then they said on TV this morning rain was appearing in the area, but most was evaporating. Either way we had a few sprinkles and it has this gloomy look and cool feel outside, yet it is hot and the hot weather perfect for thunderstorms. It is almost like we could have a spring storm.- Got a call from 2 big names about possible internships... good deal.- Had a group presentation today on the importance of online training for companies and my group did a great job... really... I think the best in the class because of the content and the many areas we covered. I'm not just trying to boost my ego. The teacher was very impressed and we were the only group that got a round of applause at the end. I was the real leader in the group and pretty much told the group we need to cover this, this, this, and this, but also we need to say this, they listened, I said you do this, this, this, and it came together. Yes. I did do my share of the project. I wrote about the importance and history of online education vs. traditional education.- Sister has been sick for the past 4-5 days with something... she's been congested, coughing, and has a headache. Basically, I think a cold. She refuses to stay home from school because she is stupid to be truthful. She is scared of missing a day of school and getting too behind and so on. She is a senior, she is not going to miss too much. While it's good she wants to be there, she doesn't realize that she is making herself worse and the people around her. I was different though when I was a senior... any way... any excuse I could find to ditch or stay home from school I would. It's only natural... right? Anyways, my parents even told her to stay home... they're teachers. That gives you an idea... they always want their kids in school. She doesn't take care of herself, then wonders why she is sick. I take care of myself... take my vitamin C. Good stuff. She called me on my cell to say she was sick at school, my dad had an important meeting and couldn't pick her up, my mom didn't even get the message at school my sister was sick, but couldn't do anything, both teach an hour away, and so could I come pick her up. My response was NO. Don't hate me, but my reasoos are sound. She should know better, while I did feel somewhat sorry for her, I really did not feel it was necessary to pick her up. I already cater to her in ways I shouldn't have to... taxi her to school, take her places when my parents aren't home to, I do stuff around the house, I help out, she doesn't, I never get a thank you from her for anything I do for her, so I'm taking a stand and refuse to do anything for her other than take her to school. What has she done for me? I really don't get along with my sister at all. Maybe next time she'll realize that she shoudl have stayed home. Maybe she'll realize the world doesn't revolve around her and nobody will cater to her her entire life, maybe she'll realize sometimes when you're sick, you just have to suck it up and deal with it. I have already talked to my sister a billion times... yelled at her... talked to her nicely... it's done no good about how she needs to take responsibility to get her license among other things. I hope she realizes this as a consequence of not having her license. This would have been the 5th time this year she got sick at school and wanted me to come get her. I'm tired of it. I understand when you're sick you don't want to be stuck at school and it might have been mean for telling her no, but I can't jump for her every need. I am very nice I think for doing what I do. Oh well... basically I told her you're smart, think of how you can get home, you have a mind, use it. I didn't say to call her friend, but she thankfully got the idea from my message. I'm glad she called her friend to take her home. It was 1:30 when she called, I had class and a dentist apppointment immediately afterward. I wasn't going to cancel the dentist or leave my class for her.UPDATE: Told my parents why I refused to pick my sister up and they completely supported me.
Posted by Mike at 7:33 PM 1 comments
Labels: My day, Sister, Thoughts, Weather
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Basketball Game
Went to the basketball game with Loud Mouth Coworker and her boyfriend. It could have been a great game, but our team sucked tonight. WE DID WIN!!! The score was 79-70. It was looking like we wouldn't up until the 4th quarter. At the end of the 2nd quarter the score was 24 to 48. We made some sloppy plays in the 3rd quarter, but managed to catch up somewhat. 4th quarter the score was 45 to 62 and our team knew what we had to do by then, and got it done. We couldn't make any freethrows. I only recall us making about 3. The other team seemed to get all of their freethrows. The opponents defense was a lot better than ours. Only 2 more games we must win to go to state I found out. I'm hoping we make it...I really enjoyed the band. We have a band director who is relatively new at the school... this is his 3rd year. He is seriously a great band director. I mean he got us to the Rose Parade this year, then they play soooo many different songs. I'd swear the only song the old band director knew was the USC fight song, and while I love my Trojans, it became old fast. Tonight the band played 2 Beach Boys songs, "Fun Fun Fun" and "California Girls." They also played "In the Middle" by Jimmy Eat World, "All the Small Things" by Blink-182, and "Basket Case" by Green Day. Seriously... they were soooooo good!!! It was well worth arriving early just to see them. I'm always in awe of people with musical talent and to hear them playing songs like that, very cool.I got in free and got to sit on the chairs on the floor for staff. It's called connections. :) Loud Mouth Coworker talked to the campus supervisors this morning to say her and I would be at the game and she refused to pay to get in. Our favorite campus supervisor told us to call him on his cell phone when we got there, then he'd get us in. He did. Then since we're staff at the school we got to sit on the chairs reserved for school staff. The district superintendent sat next to me. I even saw the principal, who not even 8 hours earlier told me that I dress too casual. He came up, shook my hand, asked me how I was... I told him great. He then said hi to the superintendent and introduced me to her (I've met her before, but she wouldn't recall) and told her what an asset I was to the program I tutor for. He didn't know my name and you could tell as he was talking to the superintendent. He was struggling to figure out my name and so I told the superintendent who I was, then she said she was thankful for all I do... kids are so important... and so on. I'd say the principal was kissing up to the superintendent.
Posted by Mike at 9:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: School, Work
I dressed too casual for a Tuesday
I had to go to the principal today to get some forms from him that he signed. I walked into his office and then he asked who I was, I told him who I was. Then he said "you work here." I said, "yes." Then he said that he is glad I'm helping out, but hopes that I dress a little more professional in the future. Casual Friday isn't here just yet. I just kind of acknowledged that and thought, ok, whatever. He could have called me out on not wearing my staff ID, which I refuse to wear. My picture is SOOOOOO bad. I was never told when I was hired at work how to dress other than as long as I follow the same dress code students do. I do. I usually dress relatively nice... button down shirt, polo, or a nice t-shirt (not a basic t-shirt, but Point Zero brand etc), then a pair of jeans or khakis or something. Today I wore blue jeans with a gold wash to them and a western style button down shirt. I don't think what I wore to work was too casual. I think I dress relatively nice, I think I did today. I'm going to continue to dress like I do. My problem was the way the principal approached the subject made me mad. I thought I'd open up the forum here and let everyone put in their 2 cents... did I dress too casual? These are the Point Zero shirts I talk about above... guess they're too casual now.I understand I'm kind of a teacher/in a school environment so I should dress somewhat professional, and I do. All of the teachers dress nicely at the school I work at. Maybe the problem is I don't dress like the teachers. I dress like all of the other tutors/instructional aides... jeans and a polo, t-shirt, or something. I'd say 95% of the male teachers at the school I work at wear Dockers and a nice shirt or a shirt and tie EVERYDAY. The female teachers wear dresses, pants or skirt and a nice blouse, or some sort of that everyday. Jeans are only allowed on Friday and you have to wear a school t-shirt, button down shirt, or polo when you do. If I were a teacher, I'd probably be sporting the nice shirt or shirt and tie everyday because I think it is important to dress nice and show you demand respect and take your job seriously. My parents both dress nice everyday (in fact last Thursday was the first time my dad ever wore jeans to school and that was because he was only going to be at work 2 periods). But I'm not a teacher- I'm a tutor/instructional assistant.I told the teacher who is in charge of the program I tutor for that the principal made a fuss of my t-shirt and jeans. I told her I didn't have a problem with what the principal said, I agree it is important to dress professional, but I wasn't sloppy or anything and was told as long as I follow the student dress code I'm ok. I just told the advisor if us tutors are supposed to dress nicer, then everyone should be told. Most of my coworkers wear blue jeans and a shirt, workout clothes, or sweats everyday, typical student type clothes... I'm guilty of it. I told her that I understand we should dress nice to set a good example, but I don't like the way the principal came across and that was my main thing. We both don't like this new principal, so I decided to share it with her... normally I would have just sucked it up, then not really cared what he said... and I still don't care. My advisor was not surprised the principal commented on this, but she said we can dress however we want as long as we follow the dress code she doesn't care, so I am going to continue to wear my blue jeans and t-shirt when I please. The principal did not hire me. In fact, out of spite I feel like wearing blue jeans again on Thursday and a t-shirt.I actually had a great day at work, despite the little thing with the principal. I am about ready to go start dinner since Tuesdays are my night to cook. We're trying a new thing tonight... parmesan pork chops and rice. Sounds good. I was planning on going to the gym tonight, but I found out that tonight's basketball game may be our last playoff game, so I am going to go. We're playing a team from San Diego and their stats are practically identical to ours and the players are about the same height wise, so it will definitely be a good game. I think if we win, we go to state. The game would then be the 24th in Sacramento. I was talking to my coworkers today and if we win 3 of us will drive up to Sacramento (8 hours away) to see them play, then spend the night up there, then drive back the next day. The school I work at/graduated from is about 8 years old and we've already been to state once AND WON.
Posted by Mike at 1:27 PM 3 comments
Labels: My day, Work
Monday, March 5, 2007
Unexpected dinner with the neighbors
It usually happens about once a year... there is a major accident on the highway I live off of where a car will hit a power pole and the electricity will go out. That happened tonight. A car hit a pole about 1/2 mile away and knocked out power right after I drove through the area. Thankfully I didn't caught in the backup from the accident since I just missed it.I had just walked in the door coming from school at 4:55, my dad had just put steaks in the broiler and had hash browns going on the stove. Then the power went off... broiler, TV, and everything went out. The stove is gas, so it stayed on. I said to my dad I guess there was an accident and a few minutes later we heard all the emergency vehicles. My dad had me fire up the barbecue since it was too late to put the steaks back in the fridge. I like barbecued steaks better, so that was cool.The neighbor girl who I go commute with on Friday was out walking with her parents, so my mom and I went over to talk to them. We said we were making the best of the situation and having dinner outside barbecuing some steaks. They said they thought that was a good idea and said we should bring our food down when we're done, the neighbor would throw together a salad. They asked if they could use our barbecue for their steaks and so they brought them up, made them, and we brought our steaks hash browns, some garlic bread, and pineapple down to their house. My dad had to make a 2nd batch of hash browns, but it was ok. Our patio table and chairs is only enough for 4 people, but they do tons of entertaining so have a 8 person patio table. We sat around and talked for at least 2 hours just catching up. The power came on about 7:30 or so.It was quite fun!
Posted by Mike at 8:04 PM 1 comments
Labels: My day, Neighbors
Monday, March 5, 2007
My day through cell phone conversations
I didn't fall asleep until after 2:00.m. even though I was in bed at 11:00p.m. I was just not tired. This morning I got a call on my cell phone from my aunt in Oklahoma at 5:52a.m. She wanted to talk to my mom about some family issues. My mom doesn't keep her cell phone on (only on her way to school, then it goes off when school begins, then she turns it on right after school until she gets home). The rule we basically have is if my mom isn't available on her cell phone to call mine so my aunt doesn't get charged by calling us at home. I keep my cell phone on all the time, so I heard it ring, got up (I usually get up around that time... but try to sleep until 6:30), and answered it. I talked to my aunt about 30 minutes since my mom was busy getting ready for work and couldn't talk. It was also upsetting just because of all the family problems wrapped up in it this issue, which I'll avoid. Basically it turns out my aunt wanted to know if she could care for my grandma this summer if my mom or me would be willing to drive back to Oklahoma to help her for a few weeks. The answer was yes, but it took 30 minutes to figure that out and the whole thing just upsets me, so this morning didn't start off well and didn't get much better. About 8:10 my best friend in Mississippi called me on my cell because I wasn't on the computer so we couldn't talk on IM. I talked to him while getting dressed here at home, then driving to school, up until the time I walked in the classroom at 9:00a.m. It's a good thing he has Cingular also, or the call would have been much shorter. It's always nice to talk on the phone though and hear someone, as opposed to the computer. This was definitely the highlight of my day.I got a call from my dad at 11:20 as I was eating lunch. He said he was trying to deal with the VA office who has no record of my existence, even though they have been paying my tuition for the past 2 years and had questions he couldn't answer. I thought we were done dealing with this after my dad sent in all the forms they required as proof I am alive like transcripts. This has been going on at least 2 months. Nope... they wanted actual dates. They wanted the date I began my senior year of high school, the date I graduated from high school, the date I started college, the date each quarter began and ended, and they had to be exact all the way up until right now. Like I know of the top of my head... thankfully I carry my planner and computer with me most places, so I pulled out my laptop and got the dates for everything off the internet. We filled out the forms twice, the VA Office has a copy of them, but San Diego refuses to acknowledge they had them and were threatening to hold my tuition. I had to call down to San Diego for that and spent a good 40 minutes on the phone. I hate talking on my cell phone and probably sound like a little old man who complains about everything. I only use my cell phone for emergencies. I admit I use my phone more than everyone else in the family since I talk to my coworkers. I deal with things like the VA office and stuff, schedule and coordinate everything... that is afterall why my parents call me their social secretary, which is one of the reasons I have a cell phone. I just hate talking on the phone, especially the cell phone and I guess it is because I hate seeing people on their cell phones. I hate the feeling of being wired when you're in public and your phone suddenly rings, then have to draw attention by answering it. I hate the fact that people are so impersonal/unfriendly when they are on their cell phone. I hate people who don't know cell phone ettiquette. I don't really want to hear about what you did last night, that Bobby dumped you, or whatever the case may be. I hate people who are so attached to their phones. I hate when people are on their phones they become so oblivious to everything else. I always carry my phone with me, but I avoid using it at all costs... as I've said before, it is for emergencies (to coordinate who is picking up my sister (which I don't do anymore), if I'm are at the store and want to be sure we have everything we need for dinner or see if anyone wants something else, to tell my parents I'll be late) or something like that.
Posted by Mike at 5:02 PM 1 comments
Labels: My day
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Shoe fetish part 2
My dad says he is not going to fund my shoe fetish. I have enough shoes. He doesn't understand that I'm getting rid of 2 pairs and the importance of color coordination. He says if I want to fund my shoe fetish, I have to buy the shoes. He said part of the reason is the shoes I want like all of my shoes I posted in my earlier post look like what I already have. I own a lot of skate shoes... I know that... but they look reasonably good on me I think. My dad said for me to look at others... I'm willing... but can't find any... not that I tried. Dang. Guess I need to bother him a little more. These are only $49 and I usually wear them for at least a year...
Posted by Mike at 9:30 PM 0 comments
A productive day...
I went to another church today. I used to go there when I was about 5 and below. I remember the congregation being a lot older and that was certainly the case. The service was not called "contemporary" like the one I attended last night at my old church. This one was traditional with traditional hymns and songs, then there were a lot of age ranges. There was A SINGLE offering. The message was alright, the pastor is definitely a lot better than the guy at the other church. The message was about Romans. I saw a couple of my neighbors there and one of my sister's friend's family. I asked them if there is anything for college age kids and there really isn't. I liked the service and people a lot better than last night... but I want somewhere with a college program since one of my goals is to interact with people my age.Afterward I came home, went to the grocery store with my dad. We ran into our neighbors and talked and talked and talked. We went to the hardware store to get stuff to repair our drip system. I came home and repaired our drip system, so that's cool... now I don't have to hand water. I went to my grandma's house to turn on her drip system, but forgot to get her chainsaw so we could use it at our house since ours broke. This afternoon I also washed my car. It needs washed again. It was so dirty/muddy because I live on a dirt road and have a dirt driveway, then the rain last week didn't help. That won't be for long though. Once we're done adding onto our house we're going to pay to have the county pave our road. I would love that... maybe I could get by washing the car every 3 weeks or so. Instead, I wash it every week and usually only dry it after I wash it once or twice a month. I also washed my mom's car. I had to meet with my debate group for my Environmental Science class at my college to discuss our debate and who will talk about what. IT IS SOOO STUPID... the debate is totally pointless. It is 10% of our grade though, I need lots of points to help my grade, so I'll suck it up and do it. I have all my research done so it shouldn't be much work. I'll put that together tonight and I'm setting a goal to not spend more than 40 minutes on it.I just got done talking to a guy online who I've known for the past several months who found me on a website I belong to. He is 28, bi, in the closet, has only been with 1 other guy, and wants to meet up. The age difference really doesn't bother me even though I've only been with people my age. He wants to meet me at Starbucks in the next few weeks or something, then if we click we'll see what happens. He only wants to jack and try oral. I'm down with that. I also like making out, but he isn't into that, but he is willing to do it. I hadn't talked to him in about a month. He is an accountant and is working 12-16 hour days. I hope we get to hang out soon. Tonight I plan on vacuuming my room. I feel productive and love that feeling!
Posted by Mike at 5:11 PM 0 comments
Labels: My day, Sex and religion
Shoe fetish
My dad said he thinks I have a shoe fetish. I sent him an e-mail to an online website I want to order shoes from. I need new shoes. I am trying to replace my old worn beige pair with another beige, white, or blue pair. I really want a pair that will look good with my blue jeans, which none of mine do. I sent about 10 different shoes I'd be content with and he could order whatever pair he wanted. My dad got the e-mail, laughed, then told my mom that he thinks I have some sort of shoe fetish since I have so many pairs and am always wanting more. I told my dad no, shoes don't turn me on, nice shoes are a plus on a person, but shoes don't do anything for me sexually. My mom agreed I don't have a shoe fetish.I have a brown pair, greenish brown, beige (not for long), black (not for long), a new pair of black, a pair of dress shoes, some flip flops, and my favorite new pair of brown shoes. I wear a lot of brown/beige/green if you couldn't tell. Anyways, I told my dad I didn't and explained to him why I want more shoes. I only have a pair to match each pair of pants I have. It makes sense. How can you wear black pants/jeans, then a blue shirt, and beige shoes? It just doesn't work with me... the shoes stick out that way since they don't match. How can you wear beige pants, an orange shirt, and black shoes? It just doesn't work... I'm sorry. Shoes have to, have to, have to match the outfit. My shoe collection: While we're at it, these are my new favorite shoes... I get so many complements everytime I wear them:http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/16025188/c/12070.html
Posted by Mike at 10:48 AM 3 comments
Labels: Thoughts
Saturday, March 3, 2007
I went to church
I just got back from church. It was my old church, at their new location. The church was HUGE!!! The sanctuary is stadium seating. The sanctuary was nice, but the outside of the building I can truthfully say is UGLY. I saw many old faces, but I'm not sure they recognized me since I wasn't there with the family.This is the sanctuary aboveI went with the intent to be critical of the service... what I liked/didn't like, so I can decide if I really want to go back for the regular service. I'm still going to try out the college night, but the regular service is such a turn off... I'll explain...Likes: - relaxed atmosphere wiith stadium seating- drinks/food are allowed in the sanctuary- hearing God's word- the music (even though it is not great, it has improved somewhat) the music pastor still plays country music despite the fact that he hates it, it's funny, it makes him sound like a hypocrite, and he acknowledges it- the dramas/skits that help draw you in and explain what the pastor is going to talk about (that was one of my favorite parts when I used to go to church regularly)- TV monitors in foyer and bathrooms as well as audio to hear the service - it is very family friendlyDislikes: - 3 offerings (NO LIE) this was a MAJOR turnoff and just makes the church look money hungry. The first offering came seconds after the music ended and it was for the building of future church buildings, then the 2nd came after the drama/skit for outreach and reaching lost people, then the 3rd came at the end of the service right after communion and was the general offering. - EVERY MESSAGE THE PASTOR DELIVERS IS ABOUT MONEY... I'm serious... I kind of got that feeling before I left the church, but I see it is still true.... tonight the message was about what God wants from us in return for his love... what did it center around? MONEY... the average credit card debt, people who buy hamburgers at McDonalds using their credit cards, the amount the average person in the church gives, how it is so important to sacrifice for the church and how it helps build your relationship with God, but how money plays apart in that. The pastor says he is comfortable talking about this (and I can tell), how he isn't asking us to give more, but how finances are so important in the Christian life, but I mean it is ridiculous... I am not lying... every service is about this... it is so depressing, but he does give some good advice... to avoid debt and stuff like that you should set aside 30% of your paycheck invest it and then live off 70%... chances are you won't know the 70% is gone. I see why in this conservative area with church and money he is so popular, but I don't go to church to learn about money and finances.- casual dress- I think to go to church you should dress up (at least put on a nice shirt, pants), it is kind of a big deal, it is God's house, you should show some respect. I disagree with the pastor who encourages casual dress since God only cares that you are there, not what you look like. The pastor was wearing Dockers and a golf shirt, but he doesn't wear jeans. There were people there who looked like they were out mowing the lawn before they came... some were in baggy shorts and t-shirts. I was definitely overdressed in my black jeans and this shirt. I happen to have my camera with me, so I'm posting a pic to see:
Posted by Mike at 6:46 PM 1 comments
Labels: Sex and religion
Busy weekend
We have been having GREAT weather here in So. Cal... the low 30s at night and mid 60s during the day. It is PERFECT. It has been somewhat windy the past few days, but it is just perfect. The 60s are perfect... not too warm or too cold. You can get by wearing a light long sleeved shirt or t-shirt. I love the 30s at night since you do have to bundle up if you go out and I have lots of winter clothes since there is so much winter weather in California, so my long sleeve shirts are getting good use right now. (No, really... the entire top row of my closet is jackets, long sleeved shirts, heavy shirts, sweater type shirts, fleece, and stuff like that... maybe it's because I get cold easily). I have more winter than summer/spring clothes. I just love winter clothes. I really wonder how I'd manage in snow being from California and everything, I definitely want to experience truly cold weather, though I may freeze.Gas prices are crazy!!! Many places have hit $3.00 in L.A. It is went up 10 cents in the past week to $2.75. I am sure it'll be $3.00 in the near future unfortunately. Though I can't cut back on a lot of the driving I do, I definitely will reconsider short trips to the grocery store etc. and may walk. It is only a mile or 12 minutes away on foot.Long story short... switching banks is a pain especially when the bank tries to stop you from leaving. They offered to give me a free toaster to not switch banks, then had the manager talk to me about the difficulties in switching banks, and then even tried to tell me I needed parent approval (HELLO... I'm 20 and my parents aren't on my account). I had no problem telling the lady I didn't like the people or service at the bank, then when I call them I can't get a live person, and how I don't like some of the things they've done to me like changing my account number and messing up my social security number when I just needed a replacement card when my magnetic strip on my ATM wore off. Most banks would simply send a new card... not them. I told the manager I was not going to argue or play her games, I was firm on my decision on wanting to leave, I didn't have time to sit around and play. Its not as if I'm leaving the bank completely... my savings account is still there and so is my credit card (which is linked to savings).The only reason I had to close out the checking account is because when there is less than $0.50 in it I get charged $5.00. I've never been charged and don't plan on being. My checking account doesn't even have a lot of money in it... less than a week's paycheck and it always stays that low intentionally so I'm not tempted to spend so much money. If it is something little, then I use my checking account, anything over $50 I use credit... it forces me to ask myself how badly I want something, then I pay my bill off at the end of the month. My new bank has a better checking account deal... no fees whatsoever. They always have a lot higher rates on CDs and stuff like that, plus they gave me a cool discount card they have for places like McDonalds, the car wash, Jack in the Box, etc. My new bank is in the next city over, out of my way, and in the middle of nowhere. I can't do direct deposit for my paycheck it SUCKS. I am definitely going to be ruffling a few feathers in payroll next time I pick up my check next week about why I can't have it put on auto deposit. When I came home I picked up some branches outside, then put some stuff in the trash we've been trying to throw out, and did some watering, so I feel somewhat productive today.I'm here at my aunt and uncle's house babysitting my little 2nd cousin right now. My aunt and uncle are in Vegas, my cousin is at work and her daughter is in a play at her coollege tonight (my other 2nd cousin), so that left me to babysit. The billion other relatives are seeing my cousin's play tonight. My cousin I am babysitting is 10, she is SOOOOOO shy, and she spends all her time playing with cats, or watching movies, so this should be an easy evening. My plans for tonight include working on finishing my resume and cover letters, going to church, and working on homework.
Posted by Mike at 3:27 PM 0 comments
Labels: My day
Friday, March 2, 2007
Perfect score...
Your Language Arts Grade: 100%
Way to go! You know not to trust the MS Grammar Check and you know "no" from "know." Now, go forth and spread the good word (or at least, the proper use of apostrophes).Are You Gooder at Grammar?Make a Quiz
Posted by Mike at 9:17 PM 0 comments
Labels: School
Friday, March 2, 2007
My thoughts exactly!
I've been commuting to school on Friday's with my neighbor who just transferred to my school. We have the same schedule on Friday's this quarter and didn't know it until we would follow each other each Friday all the way to and from school. Today was her day to drive, so I walked down to her house. Now just so you know before I go into the story about today my neighbor and I aren't too close... we've known each other our entire lives, but never had the same group of friends etc., so we never hung out, but we know a lot about each other since our parents are good friends.We got in her car, were leaving, then I saw the neighbor with the Christian stickers who I blogged about the other day getting in her car getting ready to leave. I made a comment about how that lady can't drive and for being a Christian she really doesn't show it. My neighbor said that lady really isn't friendly to be around in person or on the road. I said that it's sad that Christians act that way and whatnot and what a turnoff it is. She said that was what ticked her off so much about Christians. I was a little surprised, since she had a more Christian upbringing than me... her dad was actually her youth pastor in addition to his day job. I asked if she went to the church she used to go to and she said no, so I asked why. She said that her biggest thing is Christians not living true to their word (like the neighbor), the fact they are resistant to change and they can't see the other side of an issue, or worry that the Bible says something is bad so you can't, the fact the Bible is the end all and of all, then since the kids are taught to live by the 10 Commandments and whatnot, a child isn't able to do things on their own, live, and experiment, and stuff like that, so she basically has turned away from the church. I said I agree with a lot of what she said and left it at that. She then asked if I still go to the church I used to. I told her no, I was upset with a lot that happened at the church, but am planning on going tommorow night. The conversation then changed to issues in the Bible. We happened to be listening to STAR 98.7 where Valentine and Lisa were talking about a survey about a 90% failure rate of living together before marriage and the problems and the moral/biblical issues, which was Valentine's main concern and his whole issue when he married his wife. My neighbor says there is nothing wrong with it since it is a test run for marriage and compatibility. I said no- I think it's because you're with your boyfriend and whatnot and you want to move in you feel this way (she has been going out with the guy 3 years I think). She said yes, but her parents say no because the Bible would disapprove. We went on about that for a while and basically came to a conclusion that for some people it works, but for others it shouldn't... it shows you about what a person is really like, but also you are less willing to probably stick around if you're not married, so you won't try to work an issue out if you aren't married, and stuff like that. She said she is one of those who believes as long as it is not spelled out in the 10 Commandments it is ok. She says she wouldn't be commiting adultery, fine, it's ok, whatever. I don't know... I haven't really thought about this issue since it is not important in my life... I mean I have some beliefs on this, but when I'm looking at my life right now whether I'm gay, straight, or bi, it's not important since I may end up living with a guy, so this isn't something that really matters to me. Props to Valentine and Lisa Foxx for talking about this since that spurred what I've been wanting to talk about lately with someone, which I got to do with the neighbor. The issue was about virginity, sex before marriage, and the Bible. Valentine was talking about how this was one of the reasons he didn't live with his wife before marriage since he was worried people would assume he was getting sex, people would be disappointed he was living with someone, but also that he was having sex, and his parents and hers would have disapproved about both of those issues. I said to my neighbor I think that's a lot about what I feel. She said that was where she was to. You want sex, you want to try new things and experiment, which is a part of growing up, you want to test the boundaries, but both of us are bound by Christian beliefs and our parents. Then when something does happen you don't want others to look at you badly for being Christian and doing something wrong, you don't want the shame from your parents for when you do something wrong, and you don't want to feel bad that you are sinning. I don't think I'm a bad person for being a Christian, I don't think I'm rebelling against my parents because I'm not. I live by their rules in the house, I help around my house, do my share. I'm wanting more freedom, wanting to experiment, wanting to try new things, grow up on my own, and yes, some of what I do may be sinful, but a part of it is about growing up, and it was so great to talk to my neighbor about that. I'm trying to build my relationship with God right now. ALL OF THIS IS EXACLTY WHAT I'VE HAD GOING THROUGH MY MIND LATELY. THIS WAS SO GREAT!!!I left out some of the details when I was talking to her about me and guys, and the want to experiment since I'm not sure how open she is with her parents, or the fact that anything could come back to me, so I didn't drop any hints or say anything I would regret. BUT ALL OF THIS STUFF HAS BEEN GOING THROUGH MY HEAD!!! I mean I feel bad about doing something whether it be sex related, being with a guy, whatever. I kind of want to tell other people, but I don't want the shame and ridicule from parents or society, which could be hurtful, upsetting, and could definitely cause a lot of problems in my life. I'm scared on some things, fine. Right now I guess I feel perfectly fine being a "closet case", but I mean to have all of these thoughts perfectly compounded today was great.We got to the whole virginity thing and she thinks the virginity thing is just a psychological thing that society builds up in you... ooooh it's bad to lose it outside of marriage and you're a bad person if it happens, but you can still live by the Bible, God will still love you if you do commit adultery before marriage. He forgives after all.. Then I said that I'm still debating about the Bible and I mean it is in there saying no adultery before marriage and whatnot, but I don't really know... that's my main sticking point. How comfortable am I going against everything I've been taught? I then asked her to define virginity since we seemed to be on the same page on a lot of things and I was trying to get a specific answer and not get the conversation to go in a different direction. She was silent a few minutes and then said it is what you make it. For someone who has been raped, they might not want to think they lost their virginity at 13, so virginity is what you make of it. If you are out having oral and everything, you might say you're a virgin because you haven't experienced penetration. Others take the stricter Christian viewpoint and say anything sex related, but it is really what you make of the definition, which is what I've actually been thinking about myself lately. I want to thank all of you who I've discussed the issue about lately. We were almost late to class since we sat in the car talking about this, which wasn't great since I had a midterm in my first class, which was a killer, but that's another story. It was great to hear all of this and hear someone going through the same issues/had the same ideas.My horoscope in the newspaper was wrong this morning...Capricorn: avoid religious and political discussions with others because they could become overheated. Oh yes! (Make your words sweet in case you have to eat them later.)... It's a good thing I left out details with my neighbor... whew...
Posted by Mike at 4:01 PM 2 comments
Labels: My day, Sex and religion, Thoughts
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Myspace
I have a myspace... I have no problem admitting it... everyone does... it's not some sort of taboo. I like giving and receiving comments, posting photos, finding old friends, keeping in touch with people, spying on my coworkers with it (it makes for some pretty fun conversation at work), whatever. It's fun. I usually sign on twice a day to check it out, usually when I open up my e-mail, do my usual blog hopping and so it's apart of my routine. The kids I tutor overheard one of my coworkers mentioning that I changed my myspace background colors... as if that's a big deal, but as I said above we spy on each other with it. I changed it from what I'll call Best Buy blue to cardinal red (USC red... GO TROJANS!!!). I didn't tell anyone, I just changed the colors because the blue was hard on the eyes, but it's nothing flashy... I don't have some super cool blinking background picture, all the graphics, and flashy test, it's just simple background colors. I like it nice and simple.Since the kids I tutor overheard me and all of them are on myspace they of course wanted to know my myspace address. I have no clue what it is... it's not something I have memorized, though maybe I should since so many people ask. In desperation I told the kids this: I said if you really want to find me, you'll have to search... show off your internet skills, since you're apart of the internet generation you guys should be experts and this should be no problem... use the search or browse button on myspace, find the other tutors, then find me since I'm in all of their top 8's. I told them I want to see who will actually be able to find me the quickest and make it sort of a game. I think I made a few of them mad... did I mention the kids don't like my sense of humor? Heh. I think it was fun and I didn't expect them to be able to find me since I purposely made it hard to find me since I just don't like the idea of family being able to find me easily, though I have nothing to hide. I guess that is what I like about this blog... the anonymity where I can share my thoughtsOne of the kids found me tonight and sent me a message on myspace. He was mad since I didn't use my real name, so he couldn't find me when he searched. He also didn't know my e-mail... had he asked I probably wouldn't have told him (I'm mean). He couldn't spell most of my other coworkers names, therefore couldn't find them. The kid then told me that he had to search through men only in our zip code and within a 10 mile radius or something, there was no guy in our zip code with my name, and then I was on something like the 40th page and the name I had listed is not my real name, so he thinks I was screwing with him just to make him look like a fool. The kid was intent to find me... I thought it was hilarious. I wrote back and told him I thought that was pretty hilarious he went to that extent to find me and I think he is addicted to myspace, he needs to take a break from the computer. I guess now he has bragging rights. I'm sure now he'll tell everyone else in the class and I can expect a billion friend requests in the near future. :-\
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