`!@#$%^&*()_+{}|":?><

I have two funny stories for your reading pleasure. Well, I think they're funny.

1.) This past weekend I finally purchased a new entertainment center, something I've been meaning to do for quite some time. The K-Marche was having a sale, and I found one that looked not only suitable but quite presentable. And I couldn't beat the price, $49.99, with a stick. [Sidenote: Before I continue, I would like to say this about K-mart. Yes, it's another saltine box store, much like Target and Wal-mart. Yes, it's probably pushing out local businesses, and that is a tragedy. However, their prices are almost always lower than either Target or Wal-mart, and their service, at least in my experience, is far superior. On this past occasion, I was assisted by a Housewares Associate named Michael. A Customer Service Rockstar if ever there was one.] But back to the matter at hand. I pay for my entertainment center and Michael kindly carries it to my car. I suppose that's why I didn't realize that it was nut-droppingly heavy. So, when I get home, I'm struggling just to get it out of the back seat of my car, and I'm dreading the 50 feet to my apartment door. I decided the best course of action would be to drag it by the industrial-stapled top flap (you know the giant staples that unerringly find their way into your delicate extremities?). It wasn't comfortable, and it wasn't easy, and by the time I got to the porch steps I was sweating and wheezing. But, at that moment, one of the nice young men who live on the floor above me, happened up the walk. I was saved! Or so I thought. We exchanged pleasantries -

Me: Hey.
James: Hey, how's it going?
Me: Great!
James: That looks heavy.
Me: Yeah, I think it probably weighs about 75 pounds.
James: Dude, that sucks.
[End Scene]

No offer to help. Nothing. He walks into the building without so much as a backwards glance. WTF?! Honestly, it was such a comical moment, I just had to laugh.

2.) We have a new policy at work: only senior staff members can pick up and deliver the mail. So, when the morning mail comes in, whoever is sitting at the front desk calls up to one of us, and we go down and retrieve the mail. Last week, I get the call and I go down stairs to get the mail. I'm standing there having a nice little chat with the mailcarrier while I sign for a package and he busts out with: "So, are there any hidden passageways in this building?" I told him no, or at least that I didn't know of any. "Do you think there are any secret rooms?" Again, I responded in the negative, but I was thinking that the conversation was getting a bit odd. He waits a few moments before busting out the piece de resistance: "Any buried treasure?" It was all I could do to not say, "Yar, matey, that's not for you to know."

Web comics: A Commentary

From Penny Arcade's September 27th blog:

"Platinum Studios, whose chairman Scott Rosenberg has something of a history in the print comics industry, is now - according to the New York Times - going to dip his tip into the moist world of webcomics. The most savory quotable goes:

"We want to make a statement that it is safe to do this, that people can do this."

Good, because as it stands only rabid weasels are reaping the benefits of digital distribution - it's about time human beings got into the game. It's either a statement of profound naivete or profound hubris. Saying that you're going to make the web a place for comics is like suggesting that you plan to colonize the Earth. If they want to break down the walls that keep artists from publishing online, well, I hope they brought a wall with them, because we don't really have anything like that here. I suppose we could special order.

This definitely has a "gold rush" feeling to it, and it's far from over. There is so much excellent work being done online and then being parceled out for practically nothing that it was only a matter of time before the city slickers caught wind of our potent local sauce. When they - and Platinum may prove more benevolent than the shadow lords in their wake - when they come for your life's work, at least try to negotiate visiting rights. "

The moral of the story? Big business thinks that they can do it bigger and better. They think they can reinvent the wheel, and pass it off as something new. Show them they're wrong! Lend your support to online comics that have been bringing you the awesome for YEARS!

How time flies...

And now I'm thirty. It all happened so fast. Thirty will feel strange on my tongue for a good spell, I think. Twenty-nine had a nice ring to it; it has a magical, mystical quality. You're on the border between worlds, really, and it feels like anything can happen.

The Land of Youth: Here it is still acceptable to drink until drunk and wake up with a hangover, wear all the current and most outlandish trends (2 inches of ass crack, anyone?), have nigh-unto-anonymous sex. Not to say that any of these are good things, but when you reach

The Land of Adulthood: Suddenly, the aforementioned shenanigans are accompanied by "She's too old to wear that" and "I'm too old for this" and "I would, if my knees didn't hurt so bad." At this point, I'm a little over a third of the way through my life. It's weird and sobering to think about.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not unhappy about being older. I think my thirties will be good years. But it is a bit surreal.

SERIOUS oversight

Errata, post no. 45, "Hello Again:"

A painfully serious oversight was brought to my attention by none other than Sister Misty. In post number 45, item 3, I stated that now that Ryan has left for Utah, none of my college friends remain in the Northwest. Not only does that leave out Misty and Nick, but also Jules. I have no excuse. Most sincere and deepest apologies all around. I will punish myself accordingly.

I love you guys!

Synonymous to?

Lately, I've noticed that when someone does me a solid, I can't just say "thank you." Apparently, I have to throw in a "bless you" for good measure. I don't even know what happens; it just pops out. Yesterday I said it to the cute barista who spotted me a penny for my grande Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino; a few days before that I said it to the guy who always donates whatever change is leftover from his Gift Shop purchase (I need to come up with a catchy pseudonym for him). So my question is this:Is it equally as possible to be possessed by a divine force as a demonic one?

Although, upon further reflection, I suppose that when one only says "bless you" the deity implied is uncertain. It's like short for "May _____ bless you." I could be saying "May the Goddess bless you." Or, even better, "May the Noodly Saviour bless you." There's no way to know without asking really. So, I guess that I shouldn't worry about it so much.

Hello again

To say that I've been remiss in my blogging of late would no doubt be what the wittier amongst you might call the "understatement of the year." I have all sorts of excuses, none of which will truly excuse the lack of preponderous posting (alliteration!). But what can I say? Life happens.

However, without further ado, dear reader, prepare to be...UPDATED!

1. I successfully made it though another History Day national contest, and quite adeptly, if I may say so myself. Having made it through one national contest made it that much easier; we were able to see where we went wrong last year, and correct those mistakes this year. It also helped immensely to have another staffer (Mark) along for the ride this year; he was a real trooper and we literally couldn't have done it without him. In any case, a good time was had by all, and our praises were sung mightily.

2. I've begun my Latin lessons with Brother Peter. Things seem to be going relatively well so far, though Brother Peter can be a real hardass when it comes to memorizing paradigms, the bane of my existence. I know that I should memorize them, but there are so many! I still get frustrated with myself when I have a hard time with a particular concept or chapter, but so far those times have been few and far between. It helps to have a support system too, someone who tells me how smart I am. But more on that in item 6 (how's that for a tickler?).

3. Ryan finally left for Utah to study Wildlife Ecology. And I don't use "finally" in the exasperated way, as in: "Finally, he's gone! Now I can spend my weekends alone, playing video games without any friendly interruptions." No, it just seemed as though he would never leave, i.e. I couldn't believe that he was leaving. But now he's gone, and there are now officially none of my college friends living in the Northwest. Don't get me wrong. I still have friends here, friends that I love and enjoy. But all my "college buddies" are gone. Ryan is in Utah, and Brad and Becky are back in Minnesota. It's sort of lonely in Washington now...which brings me to item 4.

4. I'm still moving forward with my grad school plans (see item 2), but I really need to get my rear in gear if I want to keep to my timeline. To that end, I plan on picking up transcripts soon (i.e. when I'm next in Roseburg...see item 5), and begin working on my applications, especially my Statement of Purpose, which I've heard can be a real pain/time consumer. So far the schools that remain on my list are: Oregon State, University of Oregon, Portland State University, and Johns Hopkins University in Maryland. I'm not sure that I want to go as far as MD for grad school, but if they offer me the big bucks I may have to reconsider.

5. I'm turning 30 in about two weeks. It's a milestone, and I plan to celebrate by getting very drunk. Ok, not really. I'll be at my parents' house, and that's not really a side of myself that I want to share with the people who conceived and gave birth to me. But I am excited. Not only will my parents and Cleo and Jerry be there; but my Uncle Dave and Aunt Hannah are coming down from Spokane; family friend, Sam; and my brother is flying in from P-town, ID.

I'm not sure what else to say, except that I'm incredibly happy and content. And, seeing as how my fingers are beginning to cramp, I think I'll call it quits for today. Enjoy!

Moving...again

Letterman style...

The Top Ten Things I Will Miss About the House of Huzzah

10. Second story living
9. Walking to the Tumwater Safeway, by far the nicest Safeway in the "tri-city" area
8. Birds, especially Sam the Eagle
7. Having extra cash
6. Cable
5. Dishing
4. Guuuurrrrrllll
3. Free blackberries
2. Watching squirrels make and raise their babies

and the number one thing I will miss about the HoH...

1. Ms. Mary. 'Nough said. Love you, girl.