Power does not corrupt. Fear corrupts... perhaps the fear of a loss of
power. -John Steinbeck, novelist, Nobel laureate (1902-1968)
Don't wait for the Last Judgement. It takes place every day. -Albert Camus,
writer and philosopher (1913-1960)
We are not the same persons this year as last; nor are those we love. It is
a happy chance if we, changing, continue to love a changed person. -William
Somerset Maugham, writer (1874-1965)
Dictionary: Spell binder. -Joseph F. Morris
Literature is the language of society, as speech is the language of man.
-Louis de Bonald, philosopher and politician (1754-1840)
So things have been going pretty well lately. No school, so I can't complain. To Kill A Mockingbird is taking over my life. I'll get it done, hopefully with a little extra time left over. I guess staying up until 3 and waking up at noon kinda affects my progress, too. About 100 pages left. As far as the papers go, I'm good at improvising. Don't know where that skill came from, but it does come in handy. Club practice on the first of the year. Everyone was complaining, but I can't honestly think of a better way to start the year. All I know is, I have a lot of work to do, and I think Ric will push us all. At least I hope.
Don't you just hate it when you feel like you've done something wrong, but you don't really know what it is? Something that may make someone close to you leave. I really don't feel that I've changed any, in my outlook on life, anyway, and I just hope that I didn't say something stupid that I now regret. Or if it's just the fact that they don't want to have anything to do with me, well, I wish they would tell me. That would be better than wondering. Something just isn't quite right, and I sure hope it isn't anything that I've done. If so, I wish I could know what it was. I guess I just overthink things. At least I hope so.
Might go to Barnes & Noble with Wendy tomorrow. That should be interesting. I love that store. Will pick up an application and fill it out once I get my schedule figured out.
And one thing that is making my days better is knowing that I'm going to be able to use my Frank Lloyd Wright planner. He really is my hero.
Enough for now. I'll either go read or sleep. More later.
There's a sign on my door
Says I'm not here anymore, cause I've been missing for so long
I can't remember where I've gone
I wish to hell that I could cry, I'd feel better
Count me in, I'm one of the Low Millions
Like her, like him, just one of the Low Millions
I'm disconnected to myself
There isn't anybody else
That I can point to that I know
Who isn't being torn by the undertow
I wish to hell that I could cry, I'd feel better
Count me in, I'm one of the Low Millions
Like her, like him, just one of the Low Millions
I'm an alien in my own skin
I'm fishing where the ice is thin
I'm holding it all up with safety pins
I'm sitting on nitroglycerin
I wish to hell that I could cry, I'd feel better
Count me in, I'm one of the Low Millions
Like her, like him, just one of the Low Millions
Friday, December 30, 2005
Monday, December 19, 2005
Dust of Snow
***Disclaimer: As approximately 94.87695% of these posts are written in the late hours of the night or the wee hours of the morning, anything I say cannot be used against me. I am prone to memory loss, misuse of the English language, and random pieces of thoughts that often make no sense during the day, so at night, those conditions are magnified tenfold. Typing errors are exempt as well.
With that being said, it's Quote Time:
Dictionary: The universe in alphabetical order. -Anatole France, novelist,
essayist, Nobel laureate (1844-1924)
Extreme justice is extreme injustice. -Marcus Tullius Cicero, statesman,
orator, writer (106-43 BCE)
The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of
those who have much, it is whether we provide enough for those who have too
little. -Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd US President (1882-1945)
These are not books, lumps of lifeless paper, but minds alive on the
shelves. -Gilbert Highet, writer (1906-1978)
Life is a foreign language; all men mispronounce it. -Christopher Morley,
writer (1890-1957)
For all our conceits about being the center of the universe, we live in a
routine planet of a humdrum star stuck away in an obscure corner ... on an
unexceptional galaxy which is one of about 100 billion galaxies. ... That
is the fundamental fact of the universe we inhabit, and it is very good for
us to understand that. -Carl Sagan, astronomer and writer (1934-1996)
Now that I've been able to catch up with all the quotes, it is more enjoyable to read about five of them instead of the usual 50,000. I only leave a few out...some of them are just really nonsensical or random. So this is the cream of the crop.
In regard to the disclaimer above, I would like to make a Disc 2 of the Counting Crows soundtrack of my life. It really was late, and I was thinking about doing a Disc 2 then, but I was wiped. So here it is now:
Miami - Such a great song...especially the end. And my name's in it, too! :D "She can pull the sunlight through me" <- Love that line!
Sullivan Street - The second song I ever heard by the Crows, in complete contrast to Mr. Jones. It surprised me so much, the emotion of it all. It only ensured my love of the band.
Raining in Baltimore - There are so many days when I feel like this song. Again, Adam is extremely deep. "It's raining in Baltimore/fifty miles east/where you should be/no one's around"
Perfect Blue Buildings - So visual "Asleep in perfect blue buildings/beside the green apple sea" And another emotion he manages to express: "Wanna get me a little oblivion/try to keep myself/away from me"
All My Love - Always been a favorite of mine, don't know how I managed to forget it. Definitely one of my top favorite lines: "Well, it was cold when I awoke/and the day was halfway done/nearly spring in San Fransico/but I cannot feel the sun"..."If I could give all my love to you/I could justify myself/but I'm just not comin through/you're a pill to ease the pain of all the stupid things I do"
Up All Night - HOLY CRAP! How did I forget this one?! Seriously, possibly my favorite line ever, definitely one of the top: "I've been up all night/I might sleep all day/get your dreams just right/and let em slip away"
I Wish I Was A Girl - Such a sweet song. Surprise, another favorite! "I wish I was a girl/so that you could believe me/and I could shake this static every time I try to sleep/I wish for all the world/that I could say/hey, Elizabeth, you know/I'm doin alright"
St. Robinson In His Cadillac Dream - My song of the moment...has been for about three weeks. Can't get it out of my head. Awesome lyrically. Fave line: "And I keep thinking tomorrow is coming today/I am endlessly waiting"
Catapult - While it is a good song, I really can't say that I understand or have experienced the full extent of it. That's why I put it last - hopefully, it will be part of the future.
If I forgot any, it was completely unintentional, as far as I know. Once again, it's late.
So, life's been interesting lately, but when is it not? It's been good for the most part. Lots of laughs, and I'm thankful for that. When the day starts going downhill, there's usually someone there to brighten it up. I'm undecided about everything. But I guess that's leaving my options open? That's with school, everything. Most lately, though, I've experienced an immense amount of dislike for people who lie. It's just amazing how full of shit they really are. It makes you want to ask them, "Where do you come up with this?" I guess it is my fault, partly, for falling for it. Another softer side of me is now becoming calloused, and I begin to worry that if something really good comes along, I won't be able to believe it. Maybe that's just part of life...becoming numb. Or just disbelieving. I won't fall for it again. The end.
With that being said, I'm surprised at how relatively easy it is to stay out of drama (with girls, mostly), it's just an indifference, really. Friends with everyone. It's not too difficult (knock on wood). I'm extremely excited about Christmas! Only one more day of school for me (again, knock on wood...the finals thing)!!!! And I'll just be sleeping and reading and cleaning and relaxing and spending time with family. What more could you ask for?!?!
Tiredness is setting in...that's a sign that I need to be going.
Found this poem and loved it - it really describes how my days go. You just see something out of the ordinary that makes your whole day a little better.
Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!!!
The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree
Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued
-Robert Frost
With that being said, it's Quote Time:
Dictionary: The universe in alphabetical order. -Anatole France, novelist,
essayist, Nobel laureate (1844-1924)
Extreme justice is extreme injustice. -Marcus Tullius Cicero, statesman,
orator, writer (106-43 BCE)
The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of
those who have much, it is whether we provide enough for those who have too
little. -Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd US President (1882-1945)
These are not books, lumps of lifeless paper, but minds alive on the
shelves. -Gilbert Highet, writer (1906-1978)
Life is a foreign language; all men mispronounce it. -Christopher Morley,
writer (1890-1957)
For all our conceits about being the center of the universe, we live in a
routine planet of a humdrum star stuck away in an obscure corner ... on an
unexceptional galaxy which is one of about 100 billion galaxies. ... That
is the fundamental fact of the universe we inhabit, and it is very good for
us to understand that. -Carl Sagan, astronomer and writer (1934-1996)
Now that I've been able to catch up with all the quotes, it is more enjoyable to read about five of them instead of the usual 50,000. I only leave a few out...some of them are just really nonsensical or random. So this is the cream of the crop.
In regard to the disclaimer above, I would like to make a Disc 2 of the Counting Crows soundtrack of my life. It really was late, and I was thinking about doing a Disc 2 then, but I was wiped. So here it is now:
Miami - Such a great song...especially the end. And my name's in it, too! :D "She can pull the sunlight through me" <- Love that line!
Sullivan Street - The second song I ever heard by the Crows, in complete contrast to Mr. Jones. It surprised me so much, the emotion of it all. It only ensured my love of the band.
Raining in Baltimore - There are so many days when I feel like this song. Again, Adam is extremely deep. "It's raining in Baltimore/fifty miles east/where you should be/no one's around"
Perfect Blue Buildings - So visual "Asleep in perfect blue buildings/beside the green apple sea" And another emotion he manages to express: "Wanna get me a little oblivion/try to keep myself/away from me"
All My Love - Always been a favorite of mine, don't know how I managed to forget it. Definitely one of my top favorite lines: "Well, it was cold when I awoke/and the day was halfway done/nearly spring in San Fransico/but I cannot feel the sun"..."If I could give all my love to you/I could justify myself/but I'm just not comin through/you're a pill to ease the pain of all the stupid things I do"
Up All Night - HOLY CRAP! How did I forget this one?! Seriously, possibly my favorite line ever, definitely one of the top: "I've been up all night/I might sleep all day/get your dreams just right/and let em slip away"
I Wish I Was A Girl - Such a sweet song. Surprise, another favorite! "I wish I was a girl/so that you could believe me/and I could shake this static every time I try to sleep/I wish for all the world/that I could say/hey, Elizabeth, you know/I'm doin alright"
St. Robinson In His Cadillac Dream - My song of the moment...has been for about three weeks. Can't get it out of my head. Awesome lyrically. Fave line: "And I keep thinking tomorrow is coming today/I am endlessly waiting"
Catapult - While it is a good song, I really can't say that I understand or have experienced the full extent of it. That's why I put it last - hopefully, it will be part of the future.
If I forgot any, it was completely unintentional, as far as I know. Once again, it's late.
So, life's been interesting lately, but when is it not? It's been good for the most part. Lots of laughs, and I'm thankful for that. When the day starts going downhill, there's usually someone there to brighten it up. I'm undecided about everything. But I guess that's leaving my options open? That's with school, everything. Most lately, though, I've experienced an immense amount of dislike for people who lie. It's just amazing how full of shit they really are. It makes you want to ask them, "Where do you come up with this?" I guess it is my fault, partly, for falling for it. Another softer side of me is now becoming calloused, and I begin to worry that if something really good comes along, I won't be able to believe it. Maybe that's just part of life...becoming numb. Or just disbelieving. I won't fall for it again. The end.
With that being said, I'm surprised at how relatively easy it is to stay out of drama (with girls, mostly), it's just an indifference, really. Friends with everyone. It's not too difficult (knock on wood). I'm extremely excited about Christmas! Only one more day of school for me (again, knock on wood...the finals thing)!!!! And I'll just be sleeping and reading and cleaning and relaxing and spending time with family. What more could you ask for?!?!
Tiredness is setting in...that's a sign that I need to be going.
Found this poem and loved it - it really describes how my days go. You just see something out of the ordinary that makes your whole day a little better.
Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!!!
The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree
Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued
-Robert Frost
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Telling It
First things first:
Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do
only a little. -Edmund Burke, statesman and writer (1729-1797)
Be good and you will be lonesome. -Mark Twain, author and humorist
(1835-1910)
If only I could so live and so serve the world that after me there should
never again be birds in cages. -Isak Dinesen (pen name of Karen Blixen),
author (1885-1962)
We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we
created them. -Albert Einstein, physicist, Nobel laureate (1879-1955)
Words are the soul's ambassadors, who go / Abroad upon her errands to and
fro. -James Howell, writer (c. 1594-1666)
A Word A Day just makes me happy every morning, although, I usually pay more attention to the quotes than remember the words, but I really love it all.
So I've been on this poetry kick lately. For my birthday, I requested and recieved A Treasury of American Poetry, and I've just started to read it. I just randomly open up to a page and read. I figure that's the best way to do it, that way I just get a large variety. Don't always find what you're looking for that way, but you do come across some interesting stuff. Most of it, I don't understand. Takes time, I guess. I would love to write poetry, but in all honesty, I think I'm afraid to. Not necessarily of what I have to say, just how it will sound. I just haven't acquired the complete flow of speech yet. And reading the best poems probably doesn't make me sound any better. Reading it is better than nothing, though, and maybe I'll be able to compile everything and write something really good one day.
"I love that word 'relationship'. Covers all manner of sins, doesn't it?" Word to Hugh Grant on that one. Actually, I just thought it'd be a good intro, even though it really doesn't describe what's going on, but that's okay. So, yes, it's been a year since I've "officially" gone out with anyone. There were two or three in-between but amounted to absolutely nothing, and really aren't even worth mentioning. So there's days when I think that a boyfriend would be really nice. And other days, I think, "What was I thinking?" Right when I'm on the verge of a relationship, or even thinking seriously about one, I always think, "Oh crap. What have I gotten myself into?" And that's not the best or most comforting thought to think. I hate the phone call everyday thing, and obviously, suffocating relationships. That's why the relationship that ended a year ago didn't last. Can't deal with that. And honestly, I'm picky as hell. Nothing ever suits me. And when I think there's a possibility, the guy wants to be friends with me. I swear. And somehow I have this innate ability to attract guys that are my friends. Not a good thing. At all. I really don't know what it is. There's pressure for some people, I'm sure, to be in a relationship because everyone else is. I honestly would just like someone who cares about me. But, in the end, what are the odds that it would actually end up in marriage? So why waste time now and just end up hurting each other? So, all logical reasons point to "no, you don't need a boyfriend...wait until a later date". And yet, surprisingly, there's still an illogical part of me that refuses to acknowledge logic...and here I am.
I guess what puts everything into perspective is knowing that I can love people in a way that isn't a teenage-hormonal boyfriend-girlfriend love, but really a deep, thankful, unexplainable kind of love. That people are that important to you that it actually makes it something more than love, or maybe that really is love in its purest form.
Wrestling meet showcased some drama, but it's a great feeling just being at peace with everything and not being a part of it. I actually had the thought that I might miss high school once I graduate, and that thought is a very rare one. So I'll enjoy it while I'm here.
Logged on Countingcrows.com tonight and read on the messageboard what songs by the Counting Crows that people would put on the soundtrack to their life. I'd like to give it a spin (trying to go in order):
A Long December - my all-time favorite song ever. The chords at the beginning...leave me speechless. Knew that it would be my favorite song the first time I heard it, but once I really listened to it, it was almost scary. Like Adam had written it for me. It's my life...past and present. I lived that song, and it is everything.
Round Here - Long and complicated story, but definitely a song of my life.
Amy Hit the Atmosphere - Well, it's got my name in it! ;) Seriously, another song that you just have this connection with.
Holiday in Spain - This lyric gets me every time "I may take a holiday in Spain/Leave my wings behind me/Flush my worries down the drain/Fly away to somewhere new"
Anna Begins - Such a real song. How Adam does it, I'll never know. This line always makes me hope someone will think the same thing about me "Every time she sneezes/I believe it's love" ("Oh Lord, I'm not ready for this sort of thing"...how more real can you get?)
Have You Seen Me Lately (VH1 Storytellers) - They completely changed the song for the performance and put a whole different message in it. Always finding myself thinking how true the lyrics are...
Mr. Jones - Because you just gotta have a feel-good song every once in awhile!
Barely Out of Tuesday - Once again, Adam is a genius. How he puts my feelings into words, I'll never know.
August and Everything After - He says so much in this song, it's unbelieveable. You can take every single line, piece by piece, and each is its own poem and truth.
Mrs. Potter's Lullaby - So many descriptions in this song. It's life. "If dreams are like movies/then memories are films about ghosts/you can never escape/you can only move south down the coast"
Chelsea - So sad and true, yet he manages to add that hopefulness
Goodnight Elizabeth - "I hope that everybody can find a little flame/me, I just light myself on fire/and walk out on a wire once again"
Omaha - What to say about Omaha? It's always been one of my favorites..."It's the heart that matters more"...and all the visuals in the song
Colorblind - Such a peaceful song...describes love to the fullest
Goodnight L.A. - "What brings me down now/is love/cause I can never get enough/of love" I really can't say it any better than Mr. Duritz...he is astonishing.
Well, I'm getting quite tired, and even though there is more to be said, I think I'll put it on hold for now. Who knows? It may turn into an even more interesting, fully-developed idea. Poetry now, poetry later.
To speak out clean.
Let the words be
not wonderful but the plainest
nouns, the skinniest verbs
that are themselves
the poem, not merely holding
it together.
The shape of poetry:
the shape of the words, the words their own shapes,
the shape of many words together.
All right.
Poetry is the soup,
not the can or kettle
wrapped around it.
Telling it, telling it clean
is the meat.
Today the words are right.
They are right here.
I find what I mean
to tell myself the truth.
--Nancy Sullivan
Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do
only a little. -Edmund Burke, statesman and writer (1729-1797)
Be good and you will be lonesome. -Mark Twain, author and humorist
(1835-1910)
If only I could so live and so serve the world that after me there should
never again be birds in cages. -Isak Dinesen (pen name of Karen Blixen),
author (1885-1962)
We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we
created them. -Albert Einstein, physicist, Nobel laureate (1879-1955)
Words are the soul's ambassadors, who go / Abroad upon her errands to and
fro. -James Howell, writer (c. 1594-1666)
A Word A Day just makes me happy every morning, although, I usually pay more attention to the quotes than remember the words, but I really love it all.
So I've been on this poetry kick lately. For my birthday, I requested and recieved A Treasury of American Poetry, and I've just started to read it. I just randomly open up to a page and read. I figure that's the best way to do it, that way I just get a large variety. Don't always find what you're looking for that way, but you do come across some interesting stuff. Most of it, I don't understand. Takes time, I guess. I would love to write poetry, but in all honesty, I think I'm afraid to. Not necessarily of what I have to say, just how it will sound. I just haven't acquired the complete flow of speech yet. And reading the best poems probably doesn't make me sound any better. Reading it is better than nothing, though, and maybe I'll be able to compile everything and write something really good one day.
"I love that word 'relationship'. Covers all manner of sins, doesn't it?" Word to Hugh Grant on that one. Actually, I just thought it'd be a good intro, even though it really doesn't describe what's going on, but that's okay. So, yes, it's been a year since I've "officially" gone out with anyone. There were two or three in-between but amounted to absolutely nothing, and really aren't even worth mentioning. So there's days when I think that a boyfriend would be really nice. And other days, I think, "What was I thinking?" Right when I'm on the verge of a relationship, or even thinking seriously about one, I always think, "Oh crap. What have I gotten myself into?" And that's not the best or most comforting thought to think. I hate the phone call everyday thing, and obviously, suffocating relationships. That's why the relationship that ended a year ago didn't last. Can't deal with that. And honestly, I'm picky as hell. Nothing ever suits me. And when I think there's a possibility, the guy wants to be friends with me. I swear. And somehow I have this innate ability to attract guys that are my friends. Not a good thing. At all. I really don't know what it is. There's pressure for some people, I'm sure, to be in a relationship because everyone else is. I honestly would just like someone who cares about me. But, in the end, what are the odds that it would actually end up in marriage? So why waste time now and just end up hurting each other? So, all logical reasons point to "no, you don't need a boyfriend...wait until a later date". And yet, surprisingly, there's still an illogical part of me that refuses to acknowledge logic...and here I am.
I guess what puts everything into perspective is knowing that I can love people in a way that isn't a teenage-hormonal boyfriend-girlfriend love, but really a deep, thankful, unexplainable kind of love. That people are that important to you that it actually makes it something more than love, or maybe that really is love in its purest form.
Wrestling meet showcased some drama, but it's a great feeling just being at peace with everything and not being a part of it. I actually had the thought that I might miss high school once I graduate, and that thought is a very rare one. So I'll enjoy it while I'm here.
Logged on Countingcrows.com tonight and read on the messageboard what songs by the Counting Crows that people would put on the soundtrack to their life. I'd like to give it a spin (trying to go in order):
A Long December - my all-time favorite song ever. The chords at the beginning...leave me speechless. Knew that it would be my favorite song the first time I heard it, but once I really listened to it, it was almost scary. Like Adam had written it for me. It's my life...past and present. I lived that song, and it is everything.
Round Here - Long and complicated story, but definitely a song of my life.
Amy Hit the Atmosphere - Well, it's got my name in it! ;) Seriously, another song that you just have this connection with.
Holiday in Spain - This lyric gets me every time "I may take a holiday in Spain/Leave my wings behind me/Flush my worries down the drain/Fly away to somewhere new"
Anna Begins - Such a real song. How Adam does it, I'll never know. This line always makes me hope someone will think the same thing about me "Every time she sneezes/I believe it's love" ("Oh Lord, I'm not ready for this sort of thing"...how more real can you get?)
Have You Seen Me Lately (VH1 Storytellers) - They completely changed the song for the performance and put a whole different message in it. Always finding myself thinking how true the lyrics are...
Mr. Jones - Because you just gotta have a feel-good song every once in awhile!
Barely Out of Tuesday - Once again, Adam is a genius. How he puts my feelings into words, I'll never know.
August and Everything After - He says so much in this song, it's unbelieveable. You can take every single line, piece by piece, and each is its own poem and truth.
Mrs. Potter's Lullaby - So many descriptions in this song. It's life. "If dreams are like movies/then memories are films about ghosts/you can never escape/you can only move south down the coast"
Chelsea - So sad and true, yet he manages to add that hopefulness
Goodnight Elizabeth - "I hope that everybody can find a little flame/me, I just light myself on fire/and walk out on a wire once again"
Omaha - What to say about Omaha? It's always been one of my favorites..."It's the heart that matters more"...and all the visuals in the song
Colorblind - Such a peaceful song...describes love to the fullest
Goodnight L.A. - "What brings me down now/is love/cause I can never get enough/of love" I really can't say it any better than Mr. Duritz...he is astonishing.
Well, I'm getting quite tired, and even though there is more to be said, I think I'll put it on hold for now. Who knows? It may turn into an even more interesting, fully-developed idea. Poetry now, poetry later.
To speak out clean.
Let the words be
not wonderful but the plainest
nouns, the skinniest verbs
that are themselves
the poem, not merely holding
it together.
The shape of poetry:
the shape of the words, the words their own shapes,
the shape of many words together.
All right.
Poetry is the soup,
not the can or kettle
wrapped around it.
Telling it, telling it clean
is the meat.
Today the words are right.
They are right here.
I find what I mean
to tell myself the truth.
--Nancy Sullivan
Monday, December 05, 2005
The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock
So, yes, I have been neglecting to use this for its original intention, but as of right now, that's changing.
I'm almost in a state of shock at the incredibly good mood I've been in. Everyone always tells me that they can never tell that I'm having a bad day. And I always thought it was pretty obvious, but I smile even when I'm upset, so in theory, that kind of confuses people as to my actual state. I'm not in a bad mood all the time; I suppose the more fitting word would be incontent. There's always something wrong. Always. Something I could have done better, should have done, didn't work hard enough on, and so on. People in Trig were studying biorhythms and I wonder if those may actually hold some fact. I don't know anything about them, but it seems to be a believeable theory. So, I guess I'm just at the tip of mine now. It could also have to do with the fact that something good might happen. But at the same time, something bad might happen, or just might not happen at all. It's quite the dilemma, and seeing that past experiences have led both directions, it's hard to choose which way to go. For now, I guess I'll be content and allow whatever may happen to happen as it so chooses.
So, this is quite an odd post, seeing that I'm not in a foul/pessimistic mood while writing it. Quite the contrary. Maybe it's because I only got 5 hours of sleep and I'm a little dilusional?
Anyway, the word of the day was "prufrockian" referring to one of my favorite poems "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" by T.S. Eliot. I'm planning to write my interpretation of it in the near future, so be on the lookout for that, in the mean time, here's the original poem in its entirety.
S`io credesse che mia risposta fosse
A persona che mai tornasse al mondo,
Questa fiamma staria senza piu scosse.
Ma perciocche giammai di questo fondo
Non torno vivo alcun, s'i'odo il vero,
Senza tema d'infamia ti rispondo.
Let us go then, you and I,
When the evening is spread out against the sky
Like a patient etherized upon a table;
Let us go, through certain half-deserted streets,
The muttering retreats
Of restless nights in one-night cheap hotels
And sawdust restaurants with oyster-shells:
Streets that follow like a tedious argument
Of insidious intent
To lead you to an overwhelming question...
Oh, do not ask, "What is it?"
Let us go and make our visit.
In the room the women come and go
Talking of Michelangelo.
The yellow fog that rubs its back upon the window-panes
The yellow smoke that rubs its muzzle on the window-panes
Licked its tongue into the corners of the evening
Lingered upon the pools that stand in drains,
Let fall upon its back the soot that falls from chimneys,
Slipped by the terrace, made a sudden leap,
And seeing that it was a soft October night
Curled once about the house, and fell asleep.
And indeed there will be time
For the yellow smoke that slides along the street,
Rubbing its back upon the window-panes;
There will be time, there will be time
To prepare a face to meet the faces that you meet;
There will be time to murder and create,
And time for all the works and days of hands
That lift and drop a question on your plate;
Time for you and time for me,
And time yet for a hundred indecisions
And for a hundred visions and revisions
Before the taking of a toast and tea.
In the room the women come and go
Talking of Michelangelo.
And indeed there will be time
To wonder, "Do I dare?" and, "Do I dare?"
Time to turn back and descend the stair,
With a bald spot in the middle of my hair---
[They will say: "How his hair is growing thin!"]
My morning coat, my collar mounting firmly to the chin,
My necktie rich and modest, but asserted by a simple pin---
[They will say: "But how his arms and legs are thin!"]
Do I dare
Disturb the universe?
In a minute there is time
For decisions and revisions which a minute will reverse.
For I have known them all already, known them all;
Have known the evenings, mornings, afternoons,
I have measured out my life with coffee spoons;
I know the voices dying with a dying fall
Beneath the music from a farther room.
So how should I presume?
And I have known the eyes already, known them all---
The eyes that fix you in a formulated phrase,
And when I am formulated, sprawling on a pin,
When I am pinned and wriggling on the wall,
Then how should I begin
To spit out all the butt-ends of my days and ways?
And how should I presume?
And I have known the arms already, known them all---
Arms that are braceleted and white and bare
[But in the lamplight, downed with light brown hair!]
Is it perfume from a dress
That makes me so digress?
Arms that lie along a table, or wrap about a shawl.
And should I then presume?
And how should I begin?
. . . . .
Shall I say, I have gone at dusk through narrow streets
And watched the smoke that rises from the pipes
Of lonely men in shirt-sleeves, leaning out of windows?...
I should have been a pair of ragged claws
Scuttling across the floors of silent seas.
. . . . .
And the afternoon, the evening, sleeps so peacefully!
Smoothed by long fingers,
Asleep...tired...or it malingers,
Stretched on the floor, here beside you and me.
Should I, after tea and cakes and ices,
Have the strength to force the moment to its crisis?
But though I have wept and fasted, wept and prayed,
Though I have seen my head [grown slightly bald] brought in upon
a platter,
I am no prophet --- and here's no great matter;
I have seen the moment of my greatness flicker,
And I have seen the eternal Footman hold my coat, and snicker,
And in short, I was afraid.
And would it have been worth it, after all,
After the cups, the marmalade, the tea,
Among the porcelain, among some talk of you and me,
Would it have been worth while,
To have bitten off the matter with a smile,
To have squeezed the universe into a ball
To roll it toward some overwhelming question,
To say: "I am Lazarus, come from the dead,
Come back to tell you all, I shall tell you all"
If one, settling a pillow by her head,
Should say, "That is not what I meant at all.
That is not it, at all."
And would it have been worth it, after all,
Would it have been worth while,
After the sunsets and the dooryards and the sprinkled streets,
After the novels, after the teacups, after the skirts that trail along the floor
---
And this, and so much more?
It is impossible to say just what I mean!
But as if a magic lantern threw the nerves in patterns on a screen:
Would it have been worth while
If one, settling a pillow or throwing off a shawl,
And turning toward the window, should say:
"That is not it at all,
That is not what I meant, at all."
. . . . .
No! I am not Prince Hamlet, nor was meant to be;
Am an attendant lord, one that will do
To swell a progress, start a scene or to
Advise the prince; no doubt, an easy tool,
Deferential, glad to be of use,
Politic, cautious, and meticulous;
Full of high sentence, but a bit obtuse;
At times, indeed, almost ridiculous---
Almost, at times, the Fool.
I grow old...I grow old...
I shall wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled.
Shall I part my hair behind? Do I dare to eat a peach?
I shall wear white flannel trousers, and walk upon the beach.
I have heard the mermaids singing, each to each.
I do not think they will sing to me.
I have seen them riding seaward on the waves
Combing the white hair of the waves blown back
When the wind blows the water white and black.
We have lingered in the chambers of the sea
By sea-girls wreathed with seaweed red and brown
Til human voices wake us, and we drown.
-- T. S. Eliot
I'm almost in a state of shock at the incredibly good mood I've been in. Everyone always tells me that they can never tell that I'm having a bad day. And I always thought it was pretty obvious, but I smile even when I'm upset, so in theory, that kind of confuses people as to my actual state. I'm not in a bad mood all the time; I suppose the more fitting word would be incontent. There's always something wrong. Always. Something I could have done better, should have done, didn't work hard enough on, and so on. People in Trig were studying biorhythms and I wonder if those may actually hold some fact. I don't know anything about them, but it seems to be a believeable theory. So, I guess I'm just at the tip of mine now. It could also have to do with the fact that something good might happen. But at the same time, something bad might happen, or just might not happen at all. It's quite the dilemma, and seeing that past experiences have led both directions, it's hard to choose which way to go. For now, I guess I'll be content and allow whatever may happen to happen as it so chooses.
So, this is quite an odd post, seeing that I'm not in a foul/pessimistic mood while writing it. Quite the contrary. Maybe it's because I only got 5 hours of sleep and I'm a little dilusional?
Anyway, the word of the day was "prufrockian" referring to one of my favorite poems "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" by T.S. Eliot. I'm planning to write my interpretation of it in the near future, so be on the lookout for that, in the mean time, here's the original poem in its entirety.
S`io credesse che mia risposta fosse
A persona che mai tornasse al mondo,
Questa fiamma staria senza piu scosse.
Ma perciocche giammai di questo fondo
Non torno vivo alcun, s'i'odo il vero,
Senza tema d'infamia ti rispondo.
Let us go then, you and I,
When the evening is spread out against the sky
Like a patient etherized upon a table;
Let us go, through certain half-deserted streets,
The muttering retreats
Of restless nights in one-night cheap hotels
And sawdust restaurants with oyster-shells:
Streets that follow like a tedious argument
Of insidious intent
To lead you to an overwhelming question...
Oh, do not ask, "What is it?"
Let us go and make our visit.
In the room the women come and go
Talking of Michelangelo.
The yellow fog that rubs its back upon the window-panes
The yellow smoke that rubs its muzzle on the window-panes
Licked its tongue into the corners of the evening
Lingered upon the pools that stand in drains,
Let fall upon its back the soot that falls from chimneys,
Slipped by the terrace, made a sudden leap,
And seeing that it was a soft October night
Curled once about the house, and fell asleep.
And indeed there will be time
For the yellow smoke that slides along the street,
Rubbing its back upon the window-panes;
There will be time, there will be time
To prepare a face to meet the faces that you meet;
There will be time to murder and create,
And time for all the works and days of hands
That lift and drop a question on your plate;
Time for you and time for me,
And time yet for a hundred indecisions
And for a hundred visions and revisions
Before the taking of a toast and tea.
In the room the women come and go
Talking of Michelangelo.
And indeed there will be time
To wonder, "Do I dare?" and, "Do I dare?"
Time to turn back and descend the stair,
With a bald spot in the middle of my hair---
[They will say: "How his hair is growing thin!"]
My morning coat, my collar mounting firmly to the chin,
My necktie rich and modest, but asserted by a simple pin---
[They will say: "But how his arms and legs are thin!"]
Do I dare
Disturb the universe?
In a minute there is time
For decisions and revisions which a minute will reverse.
For I have known them all already, known them all;
Have known the evenings, mornings, afternoons,
I have measured out my life with coffee spoons;
I know the voices dying with a dying fall
Beneath the music from a farther room.
So how should I presume?
And I have known the eyes already, known them all---
The eyes that fix you in a formulated phrase,
And when I am formulated, sprawling on a pin,
When I am pinned and wriggling on the wall,
Then how should I begin
To spit out all the butt-ends of my days and ways?
And how should I presume?
And I have known the arms already, known them all---
Arms that are braceleted and white and bare
[But in the lamplight, downed with light brown hair!]
Is it perfume from a dress
That makes me so digress?
Arms that lie along a table, or wrap about a shawl.
And should I then presume?
And how should I begin?
. . . . .
Shall I say, I have gone at dusk through narrow streets
And watched the smoke that rises from the pipes
Of lonely men in shirt-sleeves, leaning out of windows?...
I should have been a pair of ragged claws
Scuttling across the floors of silent seas.
. . . . .
And the afternoon, the evening, sleeps so peacefully!
Smoothed by long fingers,
Asleep...tired...or it malingers,
Stretched on the floor, here beside you and me.
Should I, after tea and cakes and ices,
Have the strength to force the moment to its crisis?
But though I have wept and fasted, wept and prayed,
Though I have seen my head [grown slightly bald] brought in upon
a platter,
I am no prophet --- and here's no great matter;
I have seen the moment of my greatness flicker,
And I have seen the eternal Footman hold my coat, and snicker,
And in short, I was afraid.
And would it have been worth it, after all,
After the cups, the marmalade, the tea,
Among the porcelain, among some talk of you and me,
Would it have been worth while,
To have bitten off the matter with a smile,
To have squeezed the universe into a ball
To roll it toward some overwhelming question,
To say: "I am Lazarus, come from the dead,
Come back to tell you all, I shall tell you all"
If one, settling a pillow by her head,
Should say, "That is not what I meant at all.
That is not it, at all."
And would it have been worth it, after all,
Would it have been worth while,
After the sunsets and the dooryards and the sprinkled streets,
After the novels, after the teacups, after the skirts that trail along the floor
---
And this, and so much more?
It is impossible to say just what I mean!
But as if a magic lantern threw the nerves in patterns on a screen:
Would it have been worth while
If one, settling a pillow or throwing off a shawl,
And turning toward the window, should say:
"That is not it at all,
That is not what I meant, at all."
. . . . .
No! I am not Prince Hamlet, nor was meant to be;
Am an attendant lord, one that will do
To swell a progress, start a scene or to
Advise the prince; no doubt, an easy tool,
Deferential, glad to be of use,
Politic, cautious, and meticulous;
Full of high sentence, but a bit obtuse;
At times, indeed, almost ridiculous---
Almost, at times, the Fool.
I grow old...I grow old...
I shall wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled.
Shall I part my hair behind? Do I dare to eat a peach?
I shall wear white flannel trousers, and walk upon the beach.
I have heard the mermaids singing, each to each.
I do not think they will sing to me.
I have seen them riding seaward on the waves
Combing the white hair of the waves blown back
When the wind blows the water white and black.
We have lingered in the chambers of the sea
By sea-girls wreathed with seaweed red and brown
Til human voices wake us, and we drown.
-- T. S. Eliot
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Leaving on a Jet Plane
Here goes:
Throw your dreams into space like a kite, and you do not know what it will
bring back, a new life, a new friend, a new love, or a new country. -Anais
Nin, author (1903-1977)
If you want to work on your art, work on your life. -Anton Chekhov,
short-story writer and dramatist (1860-1904)
If writers were good businessmen, they'd have too much sense to be writers.
-Irwin S. Cobb, author and journalist (1876-1944)
The greatest masterpiece in literature is only a dictionary out of order.
-Jean Cocteau, writer, artist, and filmmaker
Words are things; and a small drop of ink / Falling like dew upon a thought,
produces / That which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think. -Lord Byron,
poet (1788-1824)
Creative activity could be described as a type of learning process where
teacher and pupil are located in the same individual. -Arthur Koestler,
novelist and journalist (1905-1983)
Worth begets in base minds, envy; in great souls, emulation. -Henry
Fielding, author (1707-1754)
Insanity - a perfectly rational adjustment to an insane world. -RD Laing,
psychiatrist and author (1927-1989)
Because we don't understand the brain very well we're constantly tempted to
use the latest technology as a model for trying to understand it. In my
childhood we were always assured that the brain was a telephone
switchboard. (What else could it be?) And I was amused to see that
Sherrington, the great British neuroscientist, thought that the brain
worked like a telegraph system. Freud often compared the brain to hydraulic
and electromagnetic systems. Leibniz compared it to a mill, and now,
obviously, the metaphor is the digital computer. -John R. Searle,
philosophy professor (1932- )
Words strain, / Crack and sometimes break, under the burden, / Under the
tension, slip, slide, perish, / Decay with imprecision, will not stay in
place, / Will not stay still. -T.S. Eliot, poet (1888-1965)
When I was young, I admired clever people. Now that I am old, I admire kind
people. -Abraham Joshua Heschel, theology professor (1907-1972)
War would end if the dead could return. -Stanley Baldwin, statesman
(1867-1947)
I think there is only one quality worse than hardness of heart, and that is
softness of head. -Theodore Roosevelt, 26th US President (1858-1919)
Words are chameleons, which reflect the color of their environment.
-Learned Hand, jurist (1872-1961)
Alrighty then! Been a bum lately, but I like it!
Leaving On A Jet Plane is such a great song. I'm not one to always go by the popular songs of musicians, but I really do love it.
Life's been crazy lately, but when is it not?
Club starts tomorrow!!!
All my bags are packed I'm ready to go
I'm standin' here outside your door
I hate to wake you up to say goodbye
But the dawn is breakin' it's early morn
The taxi's waitin' he's blowin' his horn
Already I'm so lonesome I could die
So kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you'll wait for me
Hold me like you'll never let me go
Cause I'm leavin' on a jet plane
Don't know when I'll be back again
Oh babe, I hate to go
There's so many times I've let you down
So many times I've played around
I tell you now, they don't mean a thing
Every place I go, I'll think of you
Every song I sing, I'll sing for you
When I come back, I'll bring your wedding ring
Now the time has come to leave you
One more time let me kiss you
Close your eyes I'll be on my way
Dream about the days to come
When I won't have to leave alone
About the times, I won't have to say
So kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you'll wait for me
Hold me like you'll never let me go
Cause I'm leavin' on a jet plane
Don't know when I'll be back again
Oh babe, I hate to go
Throw your dreams into space like a kite, and you do not know what it will
bring back, a new life, a new friend, a new love, or a new country. -Anais
Nin, author (1903-1977)
If you want to work on your art, work on your life. -Anton Chekhov,
short-story writer and dramatist (1860-1904)
If writers were good businessmen, they'd have too much sense to be writers.
-Irwin S. Cobb, author and journalist (1876-1944)
The greatest masterpiece in literature is only a dictionary out of order.
-Jean Cocteau, writer, artist, and filmmaker
Words are things; and a small drop of ink / Falling like dew upon a thought,
produces / That which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think. -Lord Byron,
poet (1788-1824)
Creative activity could be described as a type of learning process where
teacher and pupil are located in the same individual. -Arthur Koestler,
novelist and journalist (1905-1983)
Worth begets in base minds, envy; in great souls, emulation. -Henry
Fielding, author (1707-1754)
Insanity - a perfectly rational adjustment to an insane world. -RD Laing,
psychiatrist and author (1927-1989)
Because we don't understand the brain very well we're constantly tempted to
use the latest technology as a model for trying to understand it. In my
childhood we were always assured that the brain was a telephone
switchboard. (What else could it be?) And I was amused to see that
Sherrington, the great British neuroscientist, thought that the brain
worked like a telegraph system. Freud often compared the brain to hydraulic
and electromagnetic systems. Leibniz compared it to a mill, and now,
obviously, the metaphor is the digital computer. -John R. Searle,
philosophy professor (1932- )
Words strain, / Crack and sometimes break, under the burden, / Under the
tension, slip, slide, perish, / Decay with imprecision, will not stay in
place, / Will not stay still. -T.S. Eliot, poet (1888-1965)
When I was young, I admired clever people. Now that I am old, I admire kind
people. -Abraham Joshua Heschel, theology professor (1907-1972)
War would end if the dead could return. -Stanley Baldwin, statesman
(1867-1947)
I think there is only one quality worse than hardness of heart, and that is
softness of head. -Theodore Roosevelt, 26th US President (1858-1919)
Words are chameleons, which reflect the color of their environment.
-Learned Hand, jurist (1872-1961)
Alrighty then! Been a bum lately, but I like it!
Leaving On A Jet Plane is such a great song. I'm not one to always go by the popular songs of musicians, but I really do love it.
Life's been crazy lately, but when is it not?
Club starts tomorrow!!!
All my bags are packed I'm ready to go
I'm standin' here outside your door
I hate to wake you up to say goodbye
But the dawn is breakin' it's early morn
The taxi's waitin' he's blowin' his horn
Already I'm so lonesome I could die
So kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you'll wait for me
Hold me like you'll never let me go
Cause I'm leavin' on a jet plane
Don't know when I'll be back again
Oh babe, I hate to go
There's so many times I've let you down
So many times I've played around
I tell you now, they don't mean a thing
Every place I go, I'll think of you
Every song I sing, I'll sing for you
When I come back, I'll bring your wedding ring
Now the time has come to leave you
One more time let me kiss you
Close your eyes I'll be on my way
Dream about the days to come
When I won't have to leave alone
About the times, I won't have to say
So kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you'll wait for me
Hold me like you'll never let me go
Cause I'm leavin' on a jet plane
Don't know when I'll be back again
Oh babe, I hate to go
Monday, November 14, 2005
One Tree Hill
So much to say...finding difficulty trying to decide where to begin.
Well, in all actuality, things have been quite good lately. Really nothing to complain about. Was in a slight state of self-evaluation tonight, in that my mom taking away my calculator was supposed to be a punishment. Holy crap, what has my life come to? That I'm that worried about my grades that I get my calculator taken away (because I threw it...oops :O Most kids would say, "Fine, take it". Guess I'm not "most kids". Which leads to another thing. So I'm sitting here and see this girl and think to myself, "She's a little overdone today...don't guys usually go for the natural look?" and lo and behold that very second, the guy in front of me turns around and says to the guy sitting next to me, "She's hot!" Sigh. Of course, in the end, what can you really expect? So, in the event that you happen to be a guy that's reading this, and you happen to care more about the actual person and their mind rather than their outward appearance, please let me know. Because I sure as heck have yet to find a guy that doesn't. Hmm. Again, what can you expect? Then, you're suddenly on the brink of a relationship and think, "Oh dang...I really have too much going on, I don't have time for this". So, it's just a vicious cycle. Yes, it'd be nice to have someone, but it really isn't an absolute necessity. High school.
Other than that, school's okay. Classes aren't too ridiculously hard. Still stress way too much over homework, what's new? But, hey, I already have colleges e-mailing me! :) Illinois Institute of Technology, Washington University, Tulane University, and a whole buncha others. So maybe it'll pay off in the end. I sure hope so. It'll be good to try something new...to get away for a bit. Ironically enough though, I'm finding it unbelieveable how much you can miss someone. Just having a void that isn't filled and life isn't quite the same. Not at all. I guess you have to look at it with the cup-half-full view and realize that if you never knew them, then you wouldn't have anything to miss. That it had that big of an impact. Maybe that's why "One Tree Hill" is the song that I'm feeling right now. I appreciate it more than ever.
Christmas is in 40 days! YAY! Can't wait at all!!! My absolute favorite time of year. DVDs are the main thing on my list this year, and a car would be nice. Especially for club practice and meetings after school and all that. Hope club goes well this year. Should be interesting. I guess I don't know too much else. Early bed (10:30/11) tonight...
We turn away to face the cold, enduring chill
As the day begs the night for mercy love
The sun so bright it leaves no shadows
Only scars
Carved into stone
On the face of earth
The moon is up and over One Tree Hill
We see the sun go down in your eyes
You run like river, on like a sea
You run like a river runs to the sea
And in the world a heart of darkness
A fire zone
Where poets speak their heart
Then bleed for it
Jara sang - his song a weapon
In the hands of love
You know his blood still cries
From the ground
It runs like a river runs to the sea
It runs like a river to the sea
I don't believe in painted roses
Or bleeding hearts
While bullets rape the night of the merciful
I'll see you again
When the stars fall from the sky
And the moon has turned red
Over One Tree Hill
We run like a river
Run to the sea
We run like a river to the sea
And when it's raining
Raining hard
That's when the rain will
Break my heart
Well, in all actuality, things have been quite good lately. Really nothing to complain about. Was in a slight state of self-evaluation tonight, in that my mom taking away my calculator was supposed to be a punishment. Holy crap, what has my life come to? That I'm that worried about my grades that I get my calculator taken away (because I threw it...oops :O Most kids would say, "Fine, take it". Guess I'm not "most kids". Which leads to another thing. So I'm sitting here and see this girl and think to myself, "She's a little overdone today...don't guys usually go for the natural look?" and lo and behold that very second, the guy in front of me turns around and says to the guy sitting next to me, "She's hot!" Sigh. Of course, in the end, what can you really expect? So, in the event that you happen to be a guy that's reading this, and you happen to care more about the actual person and their mind rather than their outward appearance, please let me know. Because I sure as heck have yet to find a guy that doesn't. Hmm. Again, what can you expect? Then, you're suddenly on the brink of a relationship and think, "Oh dang...I really have too much going on, I don't have time for this". So, it's just a vicious cycle. Yes, it'd be nice to have someone, but it really isn't an absolute necessity. High school.
Other than that, school's okay. Classes aren't too ridiculously hard. Still stress way too much over homework, what's new? But, hey, I already have colleges e-mailing me! :) Illinois Institute of Technology, Washington University, Tulane University, and a whole buncha others. So maybe it'll pay off in the end. I sure hope so. It'll be good to try something new...to get away for a bit. Ironically enough though, I'm finding it unbelieveable how much you can miss someone. Just having a void that isn't filled and life isn't quite the same. Not at all. I guess you have to look at it with the cup-half-full view and realize that if you never knew them, then you wouldn't have anything to miss. That it had that big of an impact. Maybe that's why "One Tree Hill" is the song that I'm feeling right now. I appreciate it more than ever.
Christmas is in 40 days! YAY! Can't wait at all!!! My absolute favorite time of year. DVDs are the main thing on my list this year, and a car would be nice. Especially for club practice and meetings after school and all that. Hope club goes well this year. Should be interesting. I guess I don't know too much else. Early bed (10:30/11) tonight...
We turn away to face the cold, enduring chill
As the day begs the night for mercy love
The sun so bright it leaves no shadows
Only scars
Carved into stone
On the face of earth
The moon is up and over One Tree Hill
We see the sun go down in your eyes
You run like river, on like a sea
You run like a river runs to the sea
And in the world a heart of darkness
A fire zone
Where poets speak their heart
Then bleed for it
Jara sang - his song a weapon
In the hands of love
You know his blood still cries
From the ground
It runs like a river runs to the sea
It runs like a river to the sea
I don't believe in painted roses
Or bleeding hearts
While bullets rape the night of the merciful
I'll see you again
When the stars fall from the sky
And the moon has turned red
Over One Tree Hill
We run like a river
Run to the sea
We run like a river to the sea
And when it's raining
Raining hard
That's when the rain will
Break my heart
Do You Believe in Magic
Do I really need to explain? Good quotes, good place to put them...sounds like a winning combination to me!
For me, words are a form of action, capable of influencing change. -Ingrid
Bengis, writer and teacher (1944- )
In some circumstances, the refusal to be defeated is a refusal to be
educated. -Margaret Halsey, novelist (1910-1997)
I have lost all sense of home, having moved about so much. It means to me
now--only that place where the books are kept. -John Steinbeck, novelist,
Nobel laureate (1902-1968)
The power to command frequently causes failure to think. -Barbara Tuchman,
author and historian (1912-1989)
When people are fanatically dedicated to political or religious faiths or
any other kind of dogmas or goals, it's always because these dogmas or
goals are in doubt. -Robert T. Pirsig, author and philosopher (1928- )
Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know. -Ernest
Hemingway, author and journalist, Nobel laureate (1899-1961)
The life of every man is a diary in which he means to write one story, and
writes another, and his humblest hour is when he compares the volume as it
is with what he vowed to make it. -J.M. Barrie, novelist and playwright
(1860-1937)
Interpretation is the revenge of the intellect upon art. -Susan Sontag,
author and critic (1933-2004)
Words are like money; there is nothing so useless, unless when in actual
use. -Samuel Butler, writer (1835-1902)
Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the fiber of a
free people. A nation does not have to be cruel to be tough. -Franklin D.
Roosevelt, 32nd US President (1882-1945)
The more powerful and original a mind, the more it will incline towards the
religion of solitude. -Aldous Huxley, novelist (1894-1963)
Nothing so soothes our vanity as a display of greater vanity in others; it
makes us vain, in fact, of our modesty. -Louis Kronenberger, writer
(1904-1980)
Several excuses are always less convincing than one. -Aldous Huxley,
novelist (1894-1963)
Modern English is the Wal-Mart of languages: convenient, huge, hard to
avoid, superficially friendly, and devouring all rivals in its eagerness
to expand. -Mark Abley, journalist (1955- )
In the case of good books, the point is not how many of them you can get
through, but rather how many can get through to you. -Mortimer J. Adler,
philosopher, educator and author (1902-2001)
Fun stuff, huh?
Well, that's a post in itself, time for some homework, but it looks as though I'll be posting again later. For now, here's my fave song of the moment:
Do you believe in magic in a young girl's heart
How the music can free her, whenever it starts
And it's magic, if the music is groovy
It makes you feel happy like an old-time movie
I'll tell you about the magic, and it'll free your soul
But it's like trying to tell a stranger 'bout rock and roll
If you believe in magic don't bother to choose
If it's jug band music or rhythm and blues
Just go and listen it'll start with a smile
It won't wipe off your face no matter how hard you try
Your feet start tapping and you can't seem to find
How you got there, so just blow your mind
If you believe in magic, come along with me
We'll dance until morning 'til there's just you and me
And maybe, if the music is right
I'll meet you tomorrow, sort of late at night
And we'll go dancing, baby, then you'll see
How the magic's in the music and the music's in me
Yeah, do you believe in magic
Yeah, believe in the magic of a young girl's soul
Believe in the magic of rock and roll
Believe in the magic that can set you free
Ohh, talking 'bout magic
Do you believe like I believe
Do you believe in magic
For me, words are a form of action, capable of influencing change. -Ingrid
Bengis, writer and teacher (1944- )
In some circumstances, the refusal to be defeated is a refusal to be
educated. -Margaret Halsey, novelist (1910-1997)
I have lost all sense of home, having moved about so much. It means to me
now--only that place where the books are kept. -John Steinbeck, novelist,
Nobel laureate (1902-1968)
The power to command frequently causes failure to think. -Barbara Tuchman,
author and historian (1912-1989)
When people are fanatically dedicated to political or religious faiths or
any other kind of dogmas or goals, it's always because these dogmas or
goals are in doubt. -Robert T. Pirsig, author and philosopher (1928- )
Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know. -Ernest
Hemingway, author and journalist, Nobel laureate (1899-1961)
The life of every man is a diary in which he means to write one story, and
writes another, and his humblest hour is when he compares the volume as it
is with what he vowed to make it. -J.M. Barrie, novelist and playwright
(1860-1937)
Interpretation is the revenge of the intellect upon art. -Susan Sontag,
author and critic (1933-2004)
Words are like money; there is nothing so useless, unless when in actual
use. -Samuel Butler, writer (1835-1902)
Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the fiber of a
free people. A nation does not have to be cruel to be tough. -Franklin D.
Roosevelt, 32nd US President (1882-1945)
The more powerful and original a mind, the more it will incline towards the
religion of solitude. -Aldous Huxley, novelist (1894-1963)
Nothing so soothes our vanity as a display of greater vanity in others; it
makes us vain, in fact, of our modesty. -Louis Kronenberger, writer
(1904-1980)
Several excuses are always less convincing than one. -Aldous Huxley,
novelist (1894-1963)
Modern English is the Wal-Mart of languages: convenient, huge, hard to
avoid, superficially friendly, and devouring all rivals in its eagerness
to expand. -Mark Abley, journalist (1955- )
In the case of good books, the point is not how many of them you can get
through, but rather how many can get through to you. -Mortimer J. Adler,
philosopher, educator and author (1902-2001)
Fun stuff, huh?
Well, that's a post in itself, time for some homework, but it looks as though I'll be posting again later. For now, here's my fave song of the moment:
Do you believe in magic in a young girl's heart
How the music can free her, whenever it starts
And it's magic, if the music is groovy
It makes you feel happy like an old-time movie
I'll tell you about the magic, and it'll free your soul
But it's like trying to tell a stranger 'bout rock and roll
If you believe in magic don't bother to choose
If it's jug band music or rhythm and blues
Just go and listen it'll start with a smile
It won't wipe off your face no matter how hard you try
Your feet start tapping and you can't seem to find
How you got there, so just blow your mind
If you believe in magic, come along with me
We'll dance until morning 'til there's just you and me
And maybe, if the music is right
I'll meet you tomorrow, sort of late at night
And we'll go dancing, baby, then you'll see
How the magic's in the music and the music's in me
Yeah, do you believe in magic
Yeah, believe in the magic of a young girl's soul
Believe in the magic of rock and roll
Believe in the magic that can set you free
Ohh, talking 'bout magic
Do you believe like I believe
Do you believe in magic
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Name
I can't help it...I read these quotes and find inspiration...therefore, I must post them! Here we go:
New opinions are always suspected, and usually opposed, without any other
reason but because they are not already common. John Locke, philosopher
(1632-1704)
Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and
pretty soon you have a dozen. John Steinbeck, novelist, Nobel laureate
(1902-1968)
A timid question will always receive a confident answer. Henry Lytton
Bulwer, diplomat and author (1801-1872)
A quiet conscience sleeps in thunder. English proverb
Questions show the mind's range, and answers its subtlety. Joseph Joubert,
essayist (1754-1824)
To know another language is to have a second soul. Charlemagne, King of the
Franks (742-814)
The voice of conscience is so delicate that it is easy to stifle it; but it
is also so clear that it is impossible to mistake it. Madame De Stael,
writer (1766-1817)
There is no man so good, who, were he to submit all his thoughts and
actions to the laws, would not deserve hanging ten times in his life.
Michel de Montaigne, essayist (1533-1592)
Vocations which we wanted to pursue, but didn't, bleed, like colors, on the
whole of our existence. Honore de Balzac, novelist (1799-1850)
Lower your voice and strengthen your argument. Lebanese proverb
There is a field beyond all notions of right and wrong. Come, meet me
there. Rumi, poet and mystic (1207-1273)
You can't do anything about the length of your life, but you can do
something about its width and depth. H.L. Mencken, writer, editor, and
critic (1880-1956)
Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found
words. Robert Frost, poet (1874-1963)
In words are seen the state of mind and character and disposition of the
speaker. Plutarch, biographer and philosopher (circa 46-120)
Poetry is the clear expression of mixed feelings. W.H. Auden, poet
(1907-1973)
The shorter a word, the more meanings it has. Paul A Delaney, meteorologist
Laws too gentle are seldom obeyed; too severe, seldom executed. Benjamin
Franklin, statesman, author, and inventor (1706-1790)
I have never started a poem yet whose end I knew. Writing a poem is
discovering. Robert Frost, poet (1874-1963)
And this would be the story of my life:
Find that guy who doesn't care if you laugh too much,
chew gum with your mouth open, sing horribly, cry at
the movies, or act insane when you two fight...all it
does it make him love you even more.
This is great:
I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way they handle these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as "making a life." I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back. I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to believe I'm the only one. I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
And truth:
Sometimes, the things that are the hardest
to let go of .. are the things that you never
really had.
Fast-forwarding through iTunes to find a song to put on here, and it was Name...which I love...and quite ironic at that...hmmm...
And even though the moment passed me by
I still can't turn away
Cause all the dreams you never thought you'd lose
Got tossed along the way
And letters that you never meant to send
Get lost or thrown away
And now we're grown up orphans
That never knew their names
We don't belong to no one
That's a shame
But if you could hide beside me
Maybe for a while
And I won't tell no one your name
Scars are souvenirs you never lose
The past is never far
Did you lose yourself somewhere out there
Did you get to be a star
And don't it make you sad to know that life
Is more than who we are
You grew up way too fast
And now there's nothing to believe
And reruns all become our history
A tired song keeps playing on a tired radio
And I won't tell no one your name
And I won't tell em your name
I think about you all the time
But I don't need the same
It's lonely where you are come back down
And I won't tell em your name
New opinions are always suspected, and usually opposed, without any other
reason but because they are not already common. John Locke, philosopher
(1632-1704)
Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and
pretty soon you have a dozen. John Steinbeck, novelist, Nobel laureate
(1902-1968)
A timid question will always receive a confident answer. Henry Lytton
Bulwer, diplomat and author (1801-1872)
A quiet conscience sleeps in thunder. English proverb
Questions show the mind's range, and answers its subtlety. Joseph Joubert,
essayist (1754-1824)
To know another language is to have a second soul. Charlemagne, King of the
Franks (742-814)
The voice of conscience is so delicate that it is easy to stifle it; but it
is also so clear that it is impossible to mistake it. Madame De Stael,
writer (1766-1817)
There is no man so good, who, were he to submit all his thoughts and
actions to the laws, would not deserve hanging ten times in his life.
Michel de Montaigne, essayist (1533-1592)
Vocations which we wanted to pursue, but didn't, bleed, like colors, on the
whole of our existence. Honore de Balzac, novelist (1799-1850)
Lower your voice and strengthen your argument. Lebanese proverb
There is a field beyond all notions of right and wrong. Come, meet me
there. Rumi, poet and mystic (1207-1273)
You can't do anything about the length of your life, but you can do
something about its width and depth. H.L. Mencken, writer, editor, and
critic (1880-1956)
Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found
words. Robert Frost, poet (1874-1963)
In words are seen the state of mind and character and disposition of the
speaker. Plutarch, biographer and philosopher (circa 46-120)
Poetry is the clear expression of mixed feelings. W.H. Auden, poet
(1907-1973)
The shorter a word, the more meanings it has. Paul A Delaney, meteorologist
Laws too gentle are seldom obeyed; too severe, seldom executed. Benjamin
Franklin, statesman, author, and inventor (1706-1790)
I have never started a poem yet whose end I knew. Writing a poem is
discovering. Robert Frost, poet (1874-1963)
And this would be the story of my life:
Find that guy who doesn't care if you laugh too much,
chew gum with your mouth open, sing horribly, cry at
the movies, or act insane when you two fight...all it
does it make him love you even more.
This is great:
I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way they handle these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as "making a life." I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back. I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to believe I'm the only one. I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
And truth:
Sometimes, the things that are the hardest
to let go of .. are the things that you never
really had.
Fast-forwarding through iTunes to find a song to put on here, and it was Name...which I love...and quite ironic at that...hmmm...
And even though the moment passed me by
I still can't turn away
Cause all the dreams you never thought you'd lose
Got tossed along the way
And letters that you never meant to send
Get lost or thrown away
And now we're grown up orphans
That never knew their names
We don't belong to no one
That's a shame
But if you could hide beside me
Maybe for a while
And I won't tell no one your name
Scars are souvenirs you never lose
The past is never far
Did you lose yourself somewhere out there
Did you get to be a star
And don't it make you sad to know that life
Is more than who we are
You grew up way too fast
And now there's nothing to believe
And reruns all become our history
A tired song keeps playing on a tired radio
And I won't tell no one your name
And I won't tell em your name
I think about you all the time
But I don't need the same
It's lonely where you are come back down
And I won't tell em your name
Sunday, October 23, 2005
The End
Somehow, it's just not possible. When something is part of your life for so long - you live it every single day, and suddenly it's gone, it's hard to cope, to really realize that it's gone. The season wasn't supposed to end the way it did. The quote, "What you expect to happen rarely ever does" certainly rings true. So third place isn't the end of the world, or 8 losses compared to 23 wins. But it feels like it. Chalk it up to a ten-hour day and 3 matches (9 games total) in a row. It's extremely challenging mentally and physically. More than anything, I'm going to miss it. The bus rides, the sweating disgustingly and uncontrollably, the drills, the staying after school, the pregame warmups, the victories - everything. And the stupid stuff...like when we stopped to eat in Sedalia and Vejay and Serena and Jayme and I went over to the Long John Silver's/A&W and they were out of hamburgers and Vejay got mad and found the Root Beer fountain with the barrell and was amazed by it - even though she didn't like Root Beer, and then we all got pirate hats and wore them in Taco Bell to eat...stuff like that that's gonna make me miss it more than anything. I can't say that the switch to Libro wasn't necessary, because it was for me, but it was somewhat of a surprise. I just wish that I could have done better. Libro is an unforgiving position mentally, because even if you have a perfect pass, the setter or the hitter can easily bobble it, thus making your work seem unsuccessful. And of course, in the event of a bad pass, that's your fault, too. Next year is a long way off, and I've realized (with some help) that there's obviously time for more hard work and improvement. For the time being, I'm gonna be devastated though, seeing that now I have nothing to do. Club is starting up in about 2 weeks, but it's just not the same. Hopefully Ric will be a good coach ;) (knock on wood). It will be interesting, nonetheless. Guess I'll just have to deal with the nothingness for a little while, and sooner or later, I'll be grateful for the rest and relaxation. And time to take Molly for a walk, or ride my bike. When one door closes, another opens, right?
Some things in this world
They don't make sense
Some things you don't need
Until they leave you
They're the things that you miss
Some things in this world
They don't make sense
Some things you don't need
Until they leave you
They're the things that you miss
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Fire and Rain
Reading other people's blog posts, I feel that my writing ability is seriously lacking...so what am I going to do? Post other people's quotes! ;) Actually, it's more of a clean-up my inbox kind of thing - I find myself inspired every morning by the quotes at the end of the A Word A Day e-mails, so I figured creating a collection of them would be the proper thing to do:
You can tell whether a man is clever by his answers. You can tell whether a
man is wise by his questions. -Naguib Mahfouz, writer (1911- )
Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life. -Immanuel Kant,
philosopher (1724-1804)
It's good to have money and the things that money can buy, but it's good,
too, to check up once in a while and make sure that you haven't lost the
things that money can't buy. -George H. Lorimer, editor (1868-1937)
The most important discoveries will provide answers to questions that we do
not yet know how to ask and will concern objects we have not yet imagined.
-John N. Bahcall, astrophysicist (1935-2005)
People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want
you to share yours with them. -Dave Barry, author and columnist (1947- )
A sneer is the weapon of the weak. -James Russell Lowell, poet, editor, and
diplomat (1819-1891)
In this age, the mere example of nonconformity, the mere refusal to bend
the knee to custom, is itself a service. -John Stuart Mill, philosopher and
economist (1806-1873)
The high minded man must care more for the truth than for what people
think. -Aristotle, philosopher (384-322 BCE)
Learning is weightless, a treasure you can always carry easily. -Chinese
Proverb
To read without reflecting is like eating without digesting. -Edmund Burke,
statesman and writer (1729-1797)
The greatest compliment that was ever paid me was when one asked me what I
thought, and attended to my answer. -Henry David Thoreau, naturalist and
author (1817-1862)
Insanity in individuals is something rare - but in groups, parties, nations
and epochs, it is the rule. -Friedrich Nietzsche, philosopher (1844-1900)
No one means all he says, and yet very few say all they mean, for words are
slippery and thought is viscous. -Henry Brooks Adams, historian (1838-1918)
The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds
left undone. -Harriet Beecher Stowe, abolitionist and novelist (1811-1896)
An idea is not responsible for the people who believe in it. -Don Marquis,
humorist and poet (1878-1937)
Destroying species is like tearing pages out of an unread book, written in
a language humans hardly know how to read, about the place where they live.
-Holmes Rolston III, professor of philosophy (1932- )
Those quotes usually make my morning!
The next CD on my list to purchase is James Taylor. Don't know which one yet, but does that really matter? Listening to Fire and Rain for now...
Just yesterday morning they let me know you were gone
Susanne, the plans they made put an end to you
I walked out this morning and I wrote down this song
I just can't remember who to send it to
I've seen fire and I've seen rain
I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end
I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend
But I always thought that I'd see you again
So won't look down upon me, Jesus
You've got to help me make a stand
You've just got to see me through another day
My body's aching and my time is at hand
And I won't make it any other way
I've been walking my mind to an easy time
My back turned towards the sun
Lord knows when the cold wind blows it'll turn your head around
Well, there's hours of time on the telephone line
To talk about things to come
Sweet dreams and flying machines in pieces on the ground
I've seen fire and I've seen rain
I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end
I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend
But I always thought that I'd see you one more time again
Thought I'd see you one more time again
There's just a few things coming my way this time around
Thought I'd see you, thought I'd see you
Fire and rain
You can tell whether a man is clever by his answers. You can tell whether a
man is wise by his questions. -Naguib Mahfouz, writer (1911- )
Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life. -Immanuel Kant,
philosopher (1724-1804)
It's good to have money and the things that money can buy, but it's good,
too, to check up once in a while and make sure that you haven't lost the
things that money can't buy. -George H. Lorimer, editor (1868-1937)
The most important discoveries will provide answers to questions that we do
not yet know how to ask and will concern objects we have not yet imagined.
-John N. Bahcall, astrophysicist (1935-2005)
People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want
you to share yours with them. -Dave Barry, author and columnist (1947- )
A sneer is the weapon of the weak. -James Russell Lowell, poet, editor, and
diplomat (1819-1891)
In this age, the mere example of nonconformity, the mere refusal to bend
the knee to custom, is itself a service. -John Stuart Mill, philosopher and
economist (1806-1873)
The high minded man must care more for the truth than for what people
think. -Aristotle, philosopher (384-322 BCE)
Learning is weightless, a treasure you can always carry easily. -Chinese
Proverb
To read without reflecting is like eating without digesting. -Edmund Burke,
statesman and writer (1729-1797)
The greatest compliment that was ever paid me was when one asked me what I
thought, and attended to my answer. -Henry David Thoreau, naturalist and
author (1817-1862)
Insanity in individuals is something rare - but in groups, parties, nations
and epochs, it is the rule. -Friedrich Nietzsche, philosopher (1844-1900)
No one means all he says, and yet very few say all they mean, for words are
slippery and thought is viscous. -Henry Brooks Adams, historian (1838-1918)
The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds
left undone. -Harriet Beecher Stowe, abolitionist and novelist (1811-1896)
An idea is not responsible for the people who believe in it. -Don Marquis,
humorist and poet (1878-1937)
Destroying species is like tearing pages out of an unread book, written in
a language humans hardly know how to read, about the place where they live.
-Holmes Rolston III, professor of philosophy (1932- )
Those quotes usually make my morning!
The next CD on my list to purchase is James Taylor. Don't know which one yet, but does that really matter? Listening to Fire and Rain for now...
Just yesterday morning they let me know you were gone
Susanne, the plans they made put an end to you
I walked out this morning and I wrote down this song
I just can't remember who to send it to
I've seen fire and I've seen rain
I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end
I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend
But I always thought that I'd see you again
So won't look down upon me, Jesus
You've got to help me make a stand
You've just got to see me through another day
My body's aching and my time is at hand
And I won't make it any other way
I've been walking my mind to an easy time
My back turned towards the sun
Lord knows when the cold wind blows it'll turn your head around
Well, there's hours of time on the telephone line
To talk about things to come
Sweet dreams and flying machines in pieces on the ground
I've seen fire and I've seen rain
I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end
I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend
But I always thought that I'd see you one more time again
Thought I'd see you one more time again
There's just a few things coming my way this time around
Thought I'd see you, thought I'd see you
Fire and rain
Thursday, August 18, 2005
New Frontier
Have you ever noticed that you don't realize how much you use something until it's gone? Yeah, that's what happened with my internet. It just decided to quit working, so we called the 1-800 number and they said it would take 4-48 hours for the ticket to go through. It was definitely on the longer end of that estimation. But it's here now, so it's all good.
Lots going on, but it doesn't really seem like it. Hard to explain. Probably because there's only one thing consuming all my time, and that would be volleyball. My day consists of waking up, eating, 5 1/2 hours of volleyball, coming home and getting cleaned up, possibly reading, eating again and then sleeping. Monotonous if you ask me. Not that I don't love it. Actually, love doesn't even begin to describe it. Ironic, as I'm sitting here icing my shoulder...life is funny. Also experiencing the many joys of shin splints and sore calves and check this - the tops of my feet even hurt - but it's worth it. Drama once again places itself on the threshold of the new season, but I'm willing to bet that sooner or later it will come to an end. That or someone is going to end up shot (you didn't hear it from me ;) ). Just one of those things. Inevitable, really. Have to find away around it (or through it for that matter). On the upside, I found myself among the top 4 passers on the team - surprised myself with that. Just a JV practice today, which had its own positives and negatives. 3 1/2 hours with no break, but we didn't have a second session, so it all evens out. Same goes for tomorrow, although everyone will be practicing. Not much more to say on this subject, other than two-a-days will be over next week!!!
Watched The Butterfly Effect today. What a movie. Liked it but didn't. Another one of those things. A "thinker movie" for sure. Listened to Pyromania - have to say that in the minimal amount of time I ever watch TV, Vh1's I love the 80's inspired me with that one. CD player is completely screwed up when it comes to burned CDs though. UGH. It'll only play about halfway through. What a pain. Finally reached the milestone 305 out of 400 pages. Slow going, but enjoying every minute of it. What a great book.
Thought I'd get on here and write tons, but apparently, there is nothing else left to be said. So I shall continue with my literary education and living life! Till next time...
Come on children, mind the gap
Miracle people with marvelous hair
And a knack to do anything better than anyone
I got a home with electrical air
And I live in a world
Smaller than anyone
I got a line on the new frontier
I got a line on the new America
All of the people are vanishing here
I could be huge if I could just get
From the outside of everything
To the inside of you
Purest Aluminum people
Are walking the streets of London
So hysterical
Nobody here gets a word that I say
And the problems I'm told
Are more than medical
I got a friend from the new frontier
And Galen, she says, "This is not America
You need a girl with electrical hair
And the word that you wanted was al-u-mini-um"
From the outside of everything
To the inside of you
I'm at the end of the new frontier
Here at the edge of the flat earth ending
At the end of the world where the light is bending
Lots going on, but it doesn't really seem like it. Hard to explain. Probably because there's only one thing consuming all my time, and that would be volleyball. My day consists of waking up, eating, 5 1/2 hours of volleyball, coming home and getting cleaned up, possibly reading, eating again and then sleeping. Monotonous if you ask me. Not that I don't love it. Actually, love doesn't even begin to describe it. Ironic, as I'm sitting here icing my shoulder...life is funny. Also experiencing the many joys of shin splints and sore calves and check this - the tops of my feet even hurt - but it's worth it. Drama once again places itself on the threshold of the new season, but I'm willing to bet that sooner or later it will come to an end. That or someone is going to end up shot (you didn't hear it from me ;) ). Just one of those things. Inevitable, really. Have to find away around it (or through it for that matter). On the upside, I found myself among the top 4 passers on the team - surprised myself with that. Just a JV practice today, which had its own positives and negatives. 3 1/2 hours with no break, but we didn't have a second session, so it all evens out. Same goes for tomorrow, although everyone will be practicing. Not much more to say on this subject, other than two-a-days will be over next week!!!
Watched The Butterfly Effect today. What a movie. Liked it but didn't. Another one of those things. A "thinker movie" for sure. Listened to Pyromania - have to say that in the minimal amount of time I ever watch TV, Vh1's I love the 80's inspired me with that one. CD player is completely screwed up when it comes to burned CDs though. UGH. It'll only play about halfway through. What a pain. Finally reached the milestone 305 out of 400 pages. Slow going, but enjoying every minute of it. What a great book.
Thought I'd get on here and write tons, but apparently, there is nothing else left to be said. So I shall continue with my literary education and living life! Till next time...
Come on children, mind the gap
Miracle people with marvelous hair
And a knack to do anything better than anyone
I got a home with electrical air
And I live in a world
Smaller than anyone
I got a line on the new frontier
I got a line on the new America
All of the people are vanishing here
I could be huge if I could just get
From the outside of everything
To the inside of you
Purest Aluminum people
Are walking the streets of London
So hysterical
Nobody here gets a word that I say
And the problems I'm told
Are more than medical
I got a friend from the new frontier
And Galen, she says, "This is not America
You need a girl with electrical hair
And the word that you wanted was al-u-mini-um"
From the outside of everything
To the inside of you
I'm at the end of the new frontier
Here at the edge of the flat earth ending
At the end of the world where the light is bending
Sunday, August 07, 2005
August and Everything After
It's just been one of those August and Everything After days. Decided to pick a special line from each song on the album, and this is what I came up with:
She says she's tired of life
She must be tired of something
Get right to the heart of matters
It's the heart that matters more
We all want something beautiful
Man, I wish I was beautiful
Gonna get me a little oblivion baby
Try to keep myself away from me
And every word is nonsense but I understand and
Oh lord, I'm not ready for this sort of thing
Maybe someday, I won't be so lonely
And I'll walk on water every chance I get
Oh, it seems night endlessly begins and ends
After all the dreaming I come home again
Past the shadows that fall down wherever we meet
Pretty soon I won't come around
Love is a ghost train howling on the radio
"Remember everything" she said, "when only memory remains"
There’s things I remember and things I forget
I miss you I guess that I should
We were perfect when we started
I’ve been wondering where we’ve gone
Lyrically and musically, Adam is a genius. Glad he's around. August and Everything After is my favorite album ever.
Finally got the pictures posted on the Xanga...they still aren't working completely, but it's better than nothing. Monday found me at conditioning for volleyball tryouts bright and early (8 AM - the crack of dawn), but there were no volleyballs (?) And yes, there is a downside to being a girl. Ended up staying home that night because I didn't feel the best. Tuesday was the same drill as far as waking up, but I had to get registered for school. Saw George, Shae, Julia, and a bunch of other people. This year should be fun. Conditioning after that - I missed the mile...ooooooops! Helped the wee ones at Trinity with volleyball camp that night. Got to see Mal and Nicole, haven't seen them in forever! Wednesday - up early, conditioning, helped the kids again. Thursday, had conditioning and then came home and rode the bicycle, played volleyball, Alex and Chris and Keith came over from next door and visited. That was interesting. I FINISHED READING MY BOOK!!! It has to have been one of the longest books I've ever read - 498 pages. There are no words to describe it, really. It's absolutely beautiful. New favorite book! Friday I finally had a day off, woke up around 10 or 11. Geoff invited me to The Frantic Vim concert, and it was definitely something new! Quite a deal. Had a good time. Today was Holly's 30th birthday in St. Louis - she was surprised! Frank, her husband, wrote her the sweetest poem ever. Guys that write poetry for you = so sweet. Seriously, who doesn't want a guy to write poetry for them?!?! Absolutely charming. Got to see a bunch of family and Sadie and Cole, of course. Didn't get to stay up there because we would've gotten back too late on Sunday and tryouts are Monday. I need my adrenaline badly. I still have a whole day...hopefully it'll show up. And the mental preperation begins...
That's all for now
Keep it real
They're wakin up Maria cause everybody else has got some place to go
She makes a little motion with her head
Rolls over
And she says she's gonna sleep for a couple minutes more
I've said "I'm sorry" to Maria for all the cold hearted things that I have done
I've said "I'm sorry", by now, at least once to just about everyone
She says, "I've forgotten what I'm supposed to do today"
And it slips my mind what I'm supposed to say
We're getting older and older and older
And always a little further out of the way
You look into her eyes and it's more than your heart will allow
In August and Everything After, you get a little less than you expected, somehow...
She says she's tired of life
She must be tired of something
Get right to the heart of matters
It's the heart that matters more
We all want something beautiful
Man, I wish I was beautiful
Gonna get me a little oblivion baby
Try to keep myself away from me
And every word is nonsense but I understand and
Oh lord, I'm not ready for this sort of thing
Maybe someday, I won't be so lonely
And I'll walk on water every chance I get
Oh, it seems night endlessly begins and ends
After all the dreaming I come home again
Past the shadows that fall down wherever we meet
Pretty soon I won't come around
Love is a ghost train howling on the radio
"Remember everything" she said, "when only memory remains"
There’s things I remember and things I forget
I miss you I guess that I should
We were perfect when we started
I’ve been wondering where we’ve gone
Lyrically and musically, Adam is a genius. Glad he's around. August and Everything After is my favorite album ever.
Finally got the pictures posted on the Xanga...they still aren't working completely, but it's better than nothing. Monday found me at conditioning for volleyball tryouts bright and early (8 AM - the crack of dawn), but there were no volleyballs (?) And yes, there is a downside to being a girl. Ended up staying home that night because I didn't feel the best. Tuesday was the same drill as far as waking up, but I had to get registered for school. Saw George, Shae, Julia, and a bunch of other people. This year should be fun. Conditioning after that - I missed the mile...ooooooops! Helped the wee ones at Trinity with volleyball camp that night. Got to see Mal and Nicole, haven't seen them in forever! Wednesday - up early, conditioning, helped the kids again. Thursday, had conditioning and then came home and rode the bicycle, played volleyball, Alex and Chris and Keith came over from next door and visited. That was interesting. I FINISHED READING MY BOOK!!! It has to have been one of the longest books I've ever read - 498 pages. There are no words to describe it, really. It's absolutely beautiful. New favorite book! Friday I finally had a day off, woke up around 10 or 11. Geoff invited me to The Frantic Vim concert, and it was definitely something new! Quite a deal. Had a good time. Today was Holly's 30th birthday in St. Louis - she was surprised! Frank, her husband, wrote her the sweetest poem ever. Guys that write poetry for you = so sweet. Seriously, who doesn't want a guy to write poetry for them?!?! Absolutely charming. Got to see a bunch of family and Sadie and Cole, of course. Didn't get to stay up there because we would've gotten back too late on Sunday and tryouts are Monday. I need my adrenaline badly. I still have a whole day...hopefully it'll show up. And the mental preperation begins...
That's all for now
Keep it real
They're wakin up Maria cause everybody else has got some place to go
She makes a little motion with her head
Rolls over
And she says she's gonna sleep for a couple minutes more
I've said "I'm sorry" to Maria for all the cold hearted things that I have done
I've said "I'm sorry", by now, at least once to just about everyone
She says, "I've forgotten what I'm supposed to do today"
And it slips my mind what I'm supposed to say
We're getting older and older and older
And always a little further out of the way
You look into her eyes and it's more than your heart will allow
In August and Everything After, you get a little less than you expected, somehow...
Another Survey
| Basics | |
| Name: | Amy Michelle Backes |
| Birthplace: | J-Town |
| Birthdate: | August 22, 1989...yes, that's right...I'm gonna be 16 on the first day of school >:o |
| Current City of Residence: | Same place I was born... |
| Family Members: | Mom, Fajah (Dad), and Wendy |
| Favorites | |
| Color: | Orange |
| Beverage: | Milk, Root Beer, or Water |
| Movie: | The Green Mile, Love Actually, American Beauty |
| Musical: | The Wizard of Oz? I really don't know - musicals aren't my thing |
| Board Game: | Trouble |
| Computer Game: | Solitaire |
| Game to Roleplay: | Charades |
| Animal: | Ladybugs, Otters! The one at the zoo in Michigan was adorable! |
| Sport: | Volleyball, love to watch guys soccer! |
| Book: | The Lords of Discipline (finally finished!), Sherlock Holmes |
| A Day In The Life.. | |
| School: | Have to go... |
| Typical Mood: | Upbeat |
| Usually Found?: | Singing while listening to music, the computer, outside running, riding my bike, playing volleyball |
| Collects: | Lipgloss, Precious Moments, stuffed animals (used to, anyway), awesome purses |
| Have You Ever | |
| Been kissed: | Yes |
| Done drugs: | No |
| Eaten an entire box of Oreos | Not in a single day, but I can definitely do some damage |
| Eaten sushi: | Nope |
| Been on stage: | Tons |
| Been in a car accident: | No |
| This or That | |
| Cold or Hot: | Hot |
| Blue or Red: | Red |
| Rain or Snow: | Rain |
| Wool or Cotton: | Cotton |
| Private or Public School: | Attended both, liking the public schools, but I would probably be a different person if I hadn't gone to a private elementary and middle school. |
| Chocolate or Plain Milk: | Either, usually plain, but chocolate is good with bagles or popcorn |
| Celsius or Farenheit: | Fahrenheit |
| Spring or Fall: | Spring |
| Science or History: | History |
| Math or English: | ENGLISH by a loooong shot...like infinity +1 |
| "Love Life" | |
| Do you like somebody?: | Yep |
| Do they know?: | They should |
| Do you want them?: | To be around them and spend time with them, yes |
| Are they hot?: | Definitely |
| Random | |
| Who do you e-mail the most? | I get e-mails, but I really don't send any...it's all AIM for me |
| Who do you IM the most? | Lauren |
| Who are you talking to now?: | No one |
| Are you currently in love?: | Great phraseology on that one! |
| Is this survey lame?: | Nope |
| Isn't bzoink! nifty? =) : | Heck yes! |
| In 24 hours have you... | |
| ...Showered?: | Soaked, yes |
| ...Had a serious talk?: | Oh yes |
| ...Hugged someone?: | Definitely |
| ...Gotten along with your parents?: | Almost always do |
| ...Fought with a friend?: | Nope |
| ...Done something kind for someone? | Hope so |
| Do You Like To... | |
| Give hugs?: | Without a doubt |
| Give back rubs?: | I like to be on the receiving end of those |
| Take walks in the rain?: | Oh yes |
| Cook?: | Nope...I'm terrible |
| Eat?: | More than I should |
| Sleep?: | I love to |
| Who..? | |
| ..Knows you the best?: | My momma |
| ..Have you known the longest?: | Rachel |
| ..Do you know the most about?: | Lauren |
| ..Do you consider your friend?: | Everyone that considers me their friend...I'll be friends with anyone |
| ..Is most likely to end up in jail?: | That remains to be found out |
| ..Can you go to with your problems?: | They know who they are...and I'm thankful |
| ..Do you want to get to know better?: | Someone |
| ..Do you spend the most time with?: | Lauren |
| Have You... | |
| ..Been to a concert?: | Backstreet Boys - 4th and 5th grade, The Frantic Vim yesterday, some other crap in between |
| ..Loved someone so much it made you cry?: | Most definitely...more than once |
| ..Cheated on a test?: | Nothing important...definitely not a habit |
| ..Ever stalked someone?: | Nope |
| ..Done something you regret?: | Who hasn't? I just try to live life without regrets, although it's impossible. Not really without regrets, just without the "What ifs?" |
| ..Been in an online relationship?: | I talk to people online...no online relationships though |
| Random Questions | |
| Single or Hooked?: | Single |
| What is your worst habit?: | Eating, chocolate especially |
| Scariest moment?: | When I was about 5 some teenage guys stole my neighbor's truck that he had been playing with. Jeremy and I were the only two outside. I thought they were going to kidnap us. |
| Do you swear too much?: | Nah, but I need to stop before it starts |
| How do you feel about homosexuality?: | I personally don't agree with it, but it's a person's own choice and right to decide. I don't have anything against anyone that is. |
| Where are you right now?: | My room, on the computer |
| Are you sitting by anyone?: | Nope...all by my lonesome |
| What song are you listening to?: | "That's What She Said" Brian Littrell from Backstreet Boys - a blast from the past - such a sweet song |
| What is the last thing you said?: | "Night" |
| What's on your mousepad?: | Dell logo |
| What are the last four digits of your phone number?: | 8252 |
| What was the last thing you ate?: | Chocolate cake |
| If you were a crayon, what color would you be?: | Orange! |
| How many buddies do you have on your list?: | 98 |
| What's the weather like right now?: | It's dark...it was warmish today |
| What do you feel like doing?: | Sleeping, or running, or eating |
| What is your favorite quote?: | "I think this boy's cheese has done slid off his cracker" (Big smile :D) |
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Songs...
1. Name one song you hate to admit you like.
"Born to Make You Happy" Britney Spears
It's just one of those songs that gets stuck in your head and you can't do anything about it. Back in the good ol' pop days.
2. Name two songs that always make you cry.
"Collide" Howie Day
Every single time I hear it...the driver's ed car, open gym...it completely sucks. I seriously can not listen to it.
"Run" Snow Patrol
I just heard it 5 minutes ago for the first time since March 19 and it hit me like a brick wall. It doesn't help that it's over 5 minutes long, either.
"Wonderful" Everclear
"Goodbye Girl" David Gates
Oh lord. Yep, fall apart every single time I hear it.
"Tears in Heaven (unplugged)" Eric Clapton
I don't exactly cry but get emotional for obvious reasons.
"I Will Remember You" Sarah McLachlan
"Weep not for memories"...the irony of it all.
"Don't You (Forget About Me)" Simple Minds
I cried the first time I heard it, and really haven't listened to it since.
3. Name three songs that turn you on.
Anything John Rzeznik sings! ;) Only kidding...can't really say that songs do that.
4. Name four songs that always make you feel good.
"Semi-Charmed Life" Third Eye Blind
"Everyday" Dave Matthews Band (more the video than the song)
"New Frontier" Counting Crows
"Madeline" Hanson
"Don't Fear the Reaper" Blue Oyster Cult
"Sister Golden Hair" America
"Out of My Heart" BBMak
"Short Skirt, Long Jacket" Cake
"Adrienne" The Calling
"The Weight" The Band
"Story of a Girl" Nine Days
"Singing in my Sleep" Semisonic
5. Name five songs you couldn't ever do without.
"A Long December" Counting Crows
"Love Boat Captain" Pearl Jam
"Come to Jesus" Mindy Smith
"Gates of the Country" Black Lab
"Yellow Ledbetter" Pearl Jam
"August and Everything After" Counting Crows
"Man of the Hour" Pearl Jam
"Let Go" 12 Stones
"Omaha" Counting Crows
"Name" Goo Goo Dolls
"This Time Around" Hanson
"Far Behind" Candlebox
"Mrs. Potter's Lullaby" Counting Crows
"I Am Mine" Pearl Jam
"Counting Blue Cars" Dishwalla
"Have You Seen Me Lately" Counting Crows
"Collide" Howie Day
"Best I Ever Had (Grey Sky Morning)" Vertical Horizon
Um, I think I kind of exceeded the limit, but if I don't stop, I'm gonna be here all night...
"Born to Make You Happy" Britney Spears
It's just one of those songs that gets stuck in your head and you can't do anything about it. Back in the good ol' pop days.
2. Name two songs that always make you cry.
"Collide" Howie Day
Every single time I hear it...the driver's ed car, open gym...it completely sucks. I seriously can not listen to it.
"Run" Snow Patrol
I just heard it 5 minutes ago for the first time since March 19 and it hit me like a brick wall. It doesn't help that it's over 5 minutes long, either.
"Wonderful" Everclear
"Goodbye Girl" David Gates
Oh lord. Yep, fall apart every single time I hear it.
"Tears in Heaven (unplugged)" Eric Clapton
I don't exactly cry but get emotional for obvious reasons.
"I Will Remember You" Sarah McLachlan
"Weep not for memories"...the irony of it all.
"Don't You (Forget About Me)" Simple Minds
I cried the first time I heard it, and really haven't listened to it since.
3. Name three songs that turn you on.
Anything John Rzeznik sings! ;) Only kidding...can't really say that songs do that.
4. Name four songs that always make you feel good.
"Semi-Charmed Life" Third Eye Blind
"Everyday" Dave Matthews Band (more the video than the song)
"New Frontier" Counting Crows
"Madeline" Hanson
"Don't Fear the Reaper" Blue Oyster Cult
"Sister Golden Hair" America
"Out of My Heart" BBMak
"Short Skirt, Long Jacket" Cake
"Adrienne" The Calling
"The Weight" The Band
"Story of a Girl" Nine Days
"Singing in my Sleep" Semisonic
5. Name five songs you couldn't ever do without.
"A Long December" Counting Crows
"Love Boat Captain" Pearl Jam
"Come to Jesus" Mindy Smith
"Gates of the Country" Black Lab
"Yellow Ledbetter" Pearl Jam
"August and Everything After" Counting Crows
"Man of the Hour" Pearl Jam
"Let Go" 12 Stones
"Omaha" Counting Crows
"Name" Goo Goo Dolls
"This Time Around" Hanson
"Far Behind" Candlebox
"Mrs. Potter's Lullaby" Counting Crows
"I Am Mine" Pearl Jam
"Counting Blue Cars" Dishwalla
"Have You Seen Me Lately" Counting Crows
"Collide" Howie Day
"Best I Ever Had (Grey Sky Morning)" Vertical Horizon
Um, I think I kind of exceeded the limit, but if I don't stop, I'm gonna be here all night...
Monday, July 25, 2005
25 Reasons Why I Love Lance
The Tour de France has reached its end, and so has the career of possibly the greatest athlete of our generation (or even history), Lance Armstrong. Lance is my hero and inspiration, and here's why I love him (in no particular order):
1. He was diagnosed with cancer, had a 4 in 10 chance of living, and did.
2. He made yellow rubber bracelets and sold 50 million of them for $1 each to raise money for cancer research.
3. He won not just one, two, three, or even four Tour de Frances, but 7 consecutively.
4. He made a Tour fan out of me.
5. He's doing something that he loves for a living.
6. He wrote a book that wasn't all frills, but the truth about his battle with cancer and his Tours.
7. He's the reason I'll always wear my LiveStrong.
8. Once you realize all he's gone through, and yet he goes out and wins the most difficult sporting event in the world, your life doesn't seem so bad.
9. He's retiring so he can spend more time with his kids.
10. While competing in a Tour, he used a line from Good Will Hunting. ;)
11. He's the cause for increased bike sales in the United States.
12. He's retiring when everyone still thinks he could have won another.
13. He's the reason many have survived cancer, because they were able to hear his story and fight and win their own battle.
14. He's 34 years old and has accomplished more than anyone will in their entire lifetime.
15. He is driven unlike anyone.
16. This quote: "On Wednesday, October 2, I was diagnosed with testicular cancer...For now, I must focus on my treatment. However, I want you all to know that I intend to beat this disease, and further, I intend to ride again as a professional cyclist."
17. He chose to ride on, through the crowds of people spitting on him, screaming insults, and hurling objects at him.
18. He brought good programming back to cable and is the only reason I would watch TV, if only for 3 weeks (CBS Sportsline).
19. He listens to Pearl Jam and U2!!!
20. He's realized that life does go on, even after beating cancer.
21. He's friends with some of his toughest competition.
22. He's the reason I would check olntv.com every single day to see what was happening in the race.
23. He's been riding bikes since he was a child.
24. He makes you want to try that much harder, give it a little bit extra, to push yourself more than you usually would.
25. He's my hero.
1. He was diagnosed with cancer, had a 4 in 10 chance of living, and did.
2. He made yellow rubber bracelets and sold 50 million of them for $1 each to raise money for cancer research.
3. He won not just one, two, three, or even four Tour de Frances, but 7 consecutively.
4. He made a Tour fan out of me.
5. He's doing something that he loves for a living.
6. He wrote a book that wasn't all frills, but the truth about his battle with cancer and his Tours.
7. He's the reason I'll always wear my LiveStrong.
8. Once you realize all he's gone through, and yet he goes out and wins the most difficult sporting event in the world, your life doesn't seem so bad.
9. He's retiring so he can spend more time with his kids.
10. While competing in a Tour, he used a line from Good Will Hunting. ;)
11. He's the cause for increased bike sales in the United States.
12. He's retiring when everyone still thinks he could have won another.
13. He's the reason many have survived cancer, because they were able to hear his story and fight and win their own battle.
14. He's 34 years old and has accomplished more than anyone will in their entire lifetime.
15. He is driven unlike anyone.
16. This quote: "On Wednesday, October 2, I was diagnosed with testicular cancer...For now, I must focus on my treatment. However, I want you all to know that I intend to beat this disease, and further, I intend to ride again as a professional cyclist."
17. He chose to ride on, through the crowds of people spitting on him, screaming insults, and hurling objects at him.
18. He brought good programming back to cable and is the only reason I would watch TV, if only for 3 weeks (CBS Sportsline).
19. He listens to Pearl Jam and U2!!!
20. He's realized that life does go on, even after beating cancer.
21. He's friends with some of his toughest competition.
22. He's the reason I would check olntv.com every single day to see what was happening in the race.
23. He's been riding bikes since he was a child.
24. He makes you want to try that much harder, give it a little bit extra, to push yourself more than you usually would.
25. He's my hero.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Random Thought and Questions
Taking that extremely long and pointless survey made me think of some other odd stuff. So, here it goes:
You know that question, "If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?" What is the point of that question?
Who invented Geometry and WHY WEREN'T THEY STOPPED?!?!
How many new web pages are created in a day?
At what temperature does plastic melt?
If Survivor had never been shown, would there still be reality television?
How do suction cups work?
Is the sky blue because the ocean reflects on it, or is the ocean blue because the sky reflects on it, or neither?
Why does our gym not have air conditioning?
How do dryers automatically shut off when you open them?
How many times a day are toilets all around the world flushed?
How come all of the bands I want to see aren't on tour?
Why aren't there any women in the Tour de France?
Will I ever listen to every single CD I have?
Why do my knees hurt when I run a lot?
What would I say if I ever met one of my favorite famous people?
Who invented the seperators that you put in between your toes when you polish them?
Will Xanga and Blogspot always have every single post that I've created, or will they eventually delete them?
Why do people like The O.C. and country music?
Why would anyone want to live in Missouri?
Will I ever be able to post pictures without having to use a secure website and have it screw up?
Will Wal-Mart one day be powerful enough to take over the world?
What would happen if politicians weren't corrupt, or suddenly, every single scandal was brought to light?
Why did Ken Jennings lose?!?!
Why do blue pens always run out at inopportune times?
Why are musicians always cooler when no one else knows who they are?
How come you still get sore, even after you're "in shape"?
Why do people like The Shawshank Redemption more than The Green Mile?
What is Adam saying at the beginning of "New Frontier"?
How do people still write songs after so many have been written? Is there an infinite amount of songs to be written?
If you've ever gotten the e-mail that says, "100 people choke to death on ballpoint pens each year", is that really true?
Why do you think you know someone, just to turn around and find out that you don't know them at all?
Why is root beer always better when you get it at A&W?
How come candles never burn the way you want them to?
If you leave sweat on you instead of wiping it off, will you stop sweating?
Why do I have to go right now and get ready for open gym?
You know that question, "If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?" What is the point of that question?
Who invented Geometry and WHY WEREN'T THEY STOPPED?!?!
How many new web pages are created in a day?
At what temperature does plastic melt?
If Survivor had never been shown, would there still be reality television?
How do suction cups work?
Is the sky blue because the ocean reflects on it, or is the ocean blue because the sky reflects on it, or neither?
Why does our gym not have air conditioning?
How do dryers automatically shut off when you open them?
How many times a day are toilets all around the world flushed?
How come all of the bands I want to see aren't on tour?
Why aren't there any women in the Tour de France?
Will I ever listen to every single CD I have?
Why do my knees hurt when I run a lot?
What would I say if I ever met one of my favorite famous people?
Who invented the seperators that you put in between your toes when you polish them?
Will Xanga and Blogspot always have every single post that I've created, or will they eventually delete them?
Why do people like The O.C. and country music?
Why would anyone want to live in Missouri?
Will I ever be able to post pictures without having to use a secure website and have it screw up?
Will Wal-Mart one day be powerful enough to take over the world?
What would happen if politicians weren't corrupt, or suddenly, every single scandal was brought to light?
Why did Ken Jennings lose?!?!
Why do blue pens always run out at inopportune times?
Why are musicians always cooler when no one else knows who they are?
How come you still get sore, even after you're "in shape"?
Why do people like The Shawshank Redemption more than The Green Mile?
What is Adam saying at the beginning of "New Frontier"?
How do people still write songs after so many have been written? Is there an infinite amount of songs to be written?
If you've ever gotten the e-mail that says, "100 people choke to death on ballpoint pens each year", is that really true?
Why do you think you know someone, just to turn around and find out that you don't know them at all?
Why is root beer always better when you get it at A&W?
How come candles never burn the way you want them to?
If you leave sweat on you instead of wiping it off, will you stop sweating?
Why do I have to go right now and get ready for open gym?
Sunday, July 17, 2005
An Extremely Long and Pointless Survey
Created by xfallingforyoux and taken 92110 times on bzoink! | |
| ABOUT YOU | |
| Your full name: | Amy Michelle Backes |
| Age: | 15 (16 in a month at 5 days) |
| Height: | 5' 2 1/2" (gotta have the 1/2) |
| Natural hair colour: | Sandy blonde, I suppose |
| Eye colour: | Hazel |
| Number of siblings: | 1 |
| Glasses/contacts?: | Nope |
| Piercings: | Ears |
| Tattoos: | - |
| Braces?: | Once upon a time... |
| FAVOURITE | |
| Colour: | Orange |
| Band: | Counting Crows/Pearl Jam/Goo Goo Dolls |
| Song: | "A Long December" "Love Boat Captain" "Man of the Hour" "August and Everything After" |
| Stuffed animal: | Too many to count, but I would have to say Simba from the Lion King...had it forever :D |
| Video game: | Tetris, and I totally dominate that game - my record was 143 |
| TV show: | CBS Sportsline Tour de France coverage |
| Movie: | The Green Mile & Love Actually |
| Book: | The Lords of Discipline (haven't finished it yet) |
| Food: | Chocolate |
| Game on a cell phone: | Tetris (duh!) |
| CD cover: | "No Code" Pearl Jam |
| Flower: | Daisy |
| Scent: | Curious |
| Animal: | Ladybugs, Molly my dog! |
| Comic book: | Garfield |
| Cereal: | Kix |
| Website: | olntv.com and motherfungus.4t.com |
| Cartoon: | Rocko's Modern Life |
| DO YOU | |
| Play an instrument?: | Used to...piano and flute |
| Watch TV more than 60 hours a week?: | No! |
| Like to sing?: | Not in front of people |
| Have a job?: | It feels like it |
| Have a cell phone?: | Yes! 230-9033 |
| Like to play sports?: | Volleyball...and just messing around with other sports |
| Have a boyfriend/girlfriend?: | As of now, no |
| Have a crush on someone?: | Crush sounds so immature... |
| Live somewhere NOT in the united states?: | No |
| Have more than 5 TVs in your house?: | 5 exactly |
| Have any special talents/skills?: | I'll get back to you on that one |
| Excercise daily?: | Try to, don't always though |
| Like school?: | Sometimes |
| CAN YOU | |
| Sing the alphabet backwards?: | No...but I know someone who can! (In awe) |
| Stand on your tip toes without wearing shoes?: | Not really |
| Speak any other languages?: | Not now, but I will next year! |
| Go a day without food?: | Never tried |
| Stay up for more than 24 hours?: | Yes |
| Read music, not just tabs?: | Use to, don't know if I can anymore |
| Roll your tongue?: | Yep |
| Eat a whole pizza?: | No |
| HAVE YOU EVER | |
| Snuck out of the house?: | Sadly, no |
| Cried to get out of trouble?: | Sadly, yes |
| Gotten lost in your city?: | With my mother driving, of course |
| Seen a shooting star?: | Yep |
| Been to any other countries besides the united states?: | Canada, baby! |
| Had a serious surgery?: | When I was born I had club feet - had surgery when I was 1 and had to wear casts |
| Stolen something important to someone else?: | Nope |
| Solved a rubiks cube?: | No, but I've seen someone do it! |
| Gone out in public in your pajamas?: | To take out the trash |
| Cried over a girl?: | No |
| Cried over a boy?: | No |
| Kissed a random stranger?: | No |
| Hugged a random stranger?: | I think so |
| Been in a fist fight?: | No |
| Been arrested?: | No |
| Done drugs?: | No |
| Had alcohol?: | No |
| Laughed and had milk come out of your nose?: | Yes |
| Pushed all the buttons on an elevator?: | Of course! |
| Gone to school only to find you had the day off because of a holiday/etc?: | Yeah, we had a snow day |
| Swore at your parents?: | Oops |
| Been to warped tour?: | Nope |
| Kicked a guy where it hurts?: | Yes...all in fun though |
| Been in love?: | Good question |
| Been close to love?: | I love my family and other people that are close to me |
| Been to a casino?: | Yes |
| Ran over an animal and killed it?: | Nope |
| Broken a bone?: | Negative |
| Gotten stitches?: | Yep |
| Had a waterballoon fight in winter?: | No, but that is a really good idea |
| Drank a whole gallon of milk in one hour?: | No |
| Made homemade muffins?: | Nope |
| Bitten someone?: | Maybe when I was like 2 |
| Been to disneyland/disneyworld?: | No :( |
| More than 5 times?: | Well, if I haven't been there, I couldn't have possibly gone more than 5 times |
| Been to niagra falls?: | No, but I want to (heard it was overrated, though) |
| Burped in someones face?: | Well, I burp on average, 10 times a day |
| Gotten the chicken pox?: | A minor case when I was a wee one |
| WHENS THE LAST TIME YOU | |
| Brushed your teeth: | This morning |
| Went to the bathroom: | Like 3 hours ago |
| Saw a movie in theaters: | I seriously don't remember...it's been forever |
| Read a book: | Reading one right now...so, this afternoon |
| Had a snow day: | I don't think we had one this school year... |
| Had a party: | My birthday |
| Had a slumber party: | Oh lord... |
| Made fun of someone: | Wendy, this morning |
| Tripped in front of someone: | Last night at the wedding reception when I was walking in that ridiculously long dress |
| Went to the grocery store: | Couple weeks ago |
| Got sick: | It's been a long time |
| Cursed: | This morning (it slipped!) |
| PICK ONE | |
| Fruit/vegetables: | Fruit |
| Black/white: | White |
| Lights on/lights off: | Lights on |
| TV/movie: | Movie |
| Car/truck: | Car |
| Body spray/lotion: | Lotion |
| Cash/check: | Cash!!! |
| Pillows/blankets: | Pillows |
| Headache/stomach ache: | Stomach ache |
| Paint/charcoal: | Paint |
| Chinese food/mexican food: | Mexican |
| Summer/winter: | Summer!!! |
| Snow/rain: | Rain |
| Fog/misty: | Misty |
| Rock/rap: | Rock!!! |
| Meat/vegetarian: | Meat...steak, duh!!! |
| Boy/girl: | Being a girl, loving boys! |
| Chocolate/vanilla: | Vanilla...if it's ice cream - chocolate anything else |
| Sprinkles/icing: | Icing |
| Cake/pie: | Cake |
| French toast/french fries: | They are different meals, so both! |
| Strawberries/blueberries: | Strawberries |
| Ocean/swimming pool: | Ocean to be by, swimming pool to swim in |
| Hugs/kisses: | If its the candy, then kisses, if not, then both |
| Cookies/muffins: | Cookies! |
| p33n/bewbz: | What does that mean? |
| Wallet/pocket: | Pocket (or purse!) |
| Window/door: | Window |
| Emo/goth: | Neither, I suppose, although I'm not quite sure what Emo is |
| Pink/purple: | Purple |
| Cat/dog: | Dog |
| Long sleeve/short sleeve: | Short sleeve |
| Pants/shorts: | Shorts |
| Winter break/spring break: | Winter break because of Christmas/spring break because of the weather! |
| Spring/autumn: | Spring |
| Clouds/clear sky: | Blue sky with white clouds |
| Moon/mars: | Moon |
| FRIENDSHIP | |
| How many friends do you have?: | Lots |
| What are their names?: | It would take too long |
| Do you have a best friend?: | Lauren is pretty much my sister/my other half |
| Have you ever liked one of your friends?: | If it means a guy friend, then not really |
| Do you have more guy friends or more girl friends?: | I think it's about even |
| Have you ever lost a friend?: | Yes |
| Have you ever gone to an amusement park with a friend?: | Six Flags 8th grade!!! |
| Whats an inside joke between you and a friend?: | Hege, shoot you dead twice, the shorts!, squirrel in the classroom (that was a lot of people), the fly, card games, let's go kill her with a fork! this could go on forever... |
| Have you ever gotten in a big arguement with a friend?: | Not really |
| Whats the nicest thing youve ever done for a friend?: | Saved her from some very stupid guys at Big Surf... |
| Whats the nicest thing a friend has ever done for you?: | Threw a rock at my head |
| Do you miss any of your old friends?: | Yeah, ones that live out of state that I don't see any more |
| What friend have you known the longest?: | Rachel |
| Do you regret anything youve done to a friend?: | Yes |
| If so, what is it?: | Eating all of Lauren's food, beating her at ping-pong, and making her stay up too late |
| How often do you spend time with your friends?: | Not enough |
| Do any of your friends drive?: | Getting there... |
| Has a friend of yours ever died?: | My Grandpa was my friend |
| Whats the dumbest thing youve done with a friend?: | Two words: BIG SURF!!! |
| What do you think your friends think of you?: | I really don't want to know! |
| LOVE AND ALL THAT CRAP | |
| Have you ever been in love?: | I love people, but I don't think I've been "in" love |
| If you have, with who?: | - |
| Are you single?: | Yes |
| Are you in a relationship?: | - |
| If so, for how long?: | - |
| Do you believe there is someone for everyone?: | I have yet to find out |
| What is your idea of the best date?: | The beach, but there are no beaches around here, so just talking, mall, movies, the park, I suppose |
| What was your first kiss like?: | Let's not go there |
| How old were you when you got your first kiss?: | Just turned 15 |
| Do you think love is a load of shit?: | Some days |
| Whats the best experiance youve ever had with the opposite sex?: | Realizing that a guy might actually understand me |
| If you are single, have you had any boyfriends/girlfriends before?: | Yes |
| Have you ever been dumped?: | No |
| Have you ever dumped someone?: | Yes |
| Whats the most sexual thing youve done with the opposite sex?: | Kissed |
| WORD ASSOCIATION | |
| Slippers: | Feet |
| Hat: | Head |
| Hard: | Hat |
| Free: | Coupons |
| Space: | Stars |
| Taste: | Tongue |
| Good charlotte: | Rock |
| Red: | Love |
| Deep: | Purple |
| Heart: | Red |
| Cord: | Pants |
| Cheese: | Yellow |
| Rain: | Fun |
| Work: | Sucks |
| Pedal: | Bike |
| Head: | Hair |
| Bed: | Pillow |
| Fluff: | Molly |
| Hardcore: | Rap |
| Race: | Nationality |
| Knife: | Cut |
| Jump: | Knees |
| I.... | |
| am: | insane |
| want: | "Everything and nothing at the same time..." |
| need: | Ben & Jerry's Cookie Dough |
| crave: | Chocolate |
| love: | Volleyball, friends, conversations |
| hate: | People that are mean for no reason |
| did: | Go to West Plains for team camp |
| feel: | Tired |
| miss: | Someone |
| am annoyed by: | Pop-ups and commercials |
| would rather: | Be listening to music |
| am tired of: | Country music |
| will always: | "Love you" That song by Whitney Houston...kind of annoying, actually |
| SILLY STUFF | |
| What is your favourite genre of music?: | Rock |
| What time is it now?: | 8:52 |
| What day is it?: | Sunday, July 17, 2005 |
| Whens the last time you called someone?: | This afternoon |
| How much money do you have right now?: | $1 |
| Are you hungry?: | Not really |
| Whatcha doin?: | Typing this |
| Do you like parades?: | Sure |
| Do you like the moon?: | Without a doubt |
| What are you going to do when youre done with this?: | Pack for Mizzou camp...my mom's gonna kill me if I don't |
| Isnt cup a funny word when you repeat it over and over?: | NO! |
| If you could have any magical power what would it be?: | To make other people see and understand what they can't or don't |
| Have you ever had a picnic?: | Of course |
| Did you ever have one of those skip-its when you were young?: | I wanted one really bad but never got one |
| What about sock em boppers?: | Same |
| Are you wearing any socks right now?: | Of course not...I never do unless I'm wearing tennis shoes |
| DO YOU THINK YOU ARE | |
| funny?: | Sometimes |
| pretty?: | Sometimes |
| sarcastic?: | Sometimes |
| lazy?: | All the time |
| hyper?: | When I'm around certain people |
| friendly?: | Always (unless it's one of those off-the-wall days where I just feel like crap) |
| evil?: | No |
| smart?: | Yes |
| strong?: | Somewhat (more than most girls, I suppose - that's talking about physically strong - like benching!) Emotionally - no...I cry in just about every movie I see |
| talented?: | At some things |
| dorky?: | Definitely, but who isn't? |
| ASSOCIATE THESE WORDS WITH SOMEONE YOU KNOW (or dont know) | |
| high: | Don't really know anyone that gets high...unless I just don't know that they do |
| skip: | Lauren (although, she stole it from me) |
| dance: | Amber |
| lonely: | The guy that sings "Lonely" |
| pen: | Katie because she stole mine |
| flower: | Holly because I took hers |
| window: | Wendy...that's her nickname from some kid at school |
| psycho: | Wendy and Lauren |
| brain freeze: | Caroline...the water! |
| orange: | Me |
| sassy: | Elizabeth Hurley in "Austin Powers" |
| jelly: | Wendy...she wanted some for a biscuit today |
| FOR OR AGAINST | |
| suicide: | Against...watch the video "Jeremy"...just live on and prove yourself, don't let people get to you |
| love: | For "All you need is love, love, love is all you need" |
| drunk drivers: | Against |
| airplanes: | For |
| war: | Against the war in Iraq |
| canada: | For |
| united states: | For, although, the media is a bit depressing...things are getting worse and worse |
| rock music: | For!!! Without a doubt! |
| gay marriage: | - |
| school: | If you actually learn something useful, for; if you have fun, for; otherwise, against |
| surveys: | For...unless they are over the telephone by stupid telemarketers |
| parents: | For (the majority of the time) |
| cars: | For |
| killing: | Against |
| britney spears: | I won't say anything : x |
| coffee: | Don't like it, but that doesn't mean other people can't |
| pants: | Against! :D I like shorts |
| WOULD YOU EVER | |
| Sky dive?: | Maybe |
| Play strip poker?: | Depends...probably not |
| Run away?: | Haven't tried |
| Curse at a teacher?: | In good fun...only if they knew I was joking around. Otherwise, no |
| Not take a shower for a week?: | No...that's gross |
| Ask someone out?: | Ask them to go places, yes, but I'm a little traditional as far as the guy "asking out", but that's not saying I absolutely wouldn't |
| Lie to someone to make them think better of you?: | Nah...I really don't have anything to lie about |
| Visit a foreign country for more than a month?: | Would like to...France, Austrailia, Italy, just about anywhere |
| Go scuba diving?: | Sure |
| Write a book?: | I thought about writing books...it would take forever! |
| Become a rockstar?: | More like a movie star for me... |
| Have casual sex?: | No!!! |
| LAST QUESTIONS | |
| What shampoo do you use?: | Matrix Sleek Look |
| Whens the last time you did something sexual with the opposite sex?: | Never |
| What kind of computer do you have?: | Dell |
| What grade are you in?: | 10th |
| Do you like to throw popcorn at people in the movies?: | Who doesn't? (Actually, I never have!) |
| Or just make out?: | Nah... |
| How many posters do you have in your room?: | Zip |
| How many cds do you have?: | Just my own, about 150 or so...but I borrow some of my dad's to put on iTunes though |
| What time is it now?: | 9:19 |