Currently in Earphones: "Serenata" by Immediate Music
Yes, I'm still here. A few hectic weeks at school when I realized all my projects were coming up followed by being sick, followed by....I don't know, being lazy. As of now, need to finish up my 3rd part of my Anthro Paper, then work on my final project for Communications. Got my Latin paper to write, but that's not due for another two weeks.
Anja wants to come visit during spring break, makes me happy. We two are chugging along just fine, watching movies, hanging out and the like. Am also happy to note that she'll be here in Davis longer than I expected; she won't be bouncing off to Ireland after her trip to Germany with her family (in May?) because she's not going, just her dad. That means she'll probably be here for the rest of the school year. Makes me happy :).
That's all for now, pardon the simple syntax of my sentences, I just got up.
Enough. More Later.
- James
P.S. Whoa! I just realized that I missed the anniversary of my Blog! Cheers and the like for a year of scribing!
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Friday, February 03, 2006
"We have here; a bovine interlude."
Currently in Earphones: "Kill Bill Vol.2" Soundtrack, CutThroat Island Soundtrack by John Debney.
Quick update for y'all. The most notable thing happening this week was the sudden loss (that is, non-death-related departure) of my Communications 3 Professor, Mr. Paul Duax, full story here...yes that was MY class he pulled this in.
I'm saddened by his leaving, and even feel somewhat betrayed that he chose to leave at this time, when I'm taking this class with the combined aspects of my high-level enjoyment of his lectures and the need for this as a requisite of my Communications major. Rather ironic that when I broke the story to Anja, it was the first time I'd mentioned his name and her response was "Oh, I know him, known him all my life and went to school with his children!" The one time I have an excuse to talk to him and introduce myself with more than a "Hi, my name is..." happens just after he tells us he's never going to see us again (in the context of the class, that is).
In other news, I went and saw the group Leahy at Mondavi with Anja and Preston last night. They were quite a group, and we had a lot of fun. Poor Preston had quite a day and dozed off a bit during a number or two, but they got rollicking enough by the end that we all got energized. They are all siblings, and Preston and I noticed a pan-family idiosyncracy among the guys of the group (who all happened to play fiddle): they all had a little twitch they did with their bow-arms just before they started playing, presumably picked up from getting their sleeves out of the way. I enjoyed Wicked Tinkers more, but Leahy had their appeal. After all, it takes some skill to play fiddle and tap-dance at the same time.
Meanwhile, back at school, I'm starting to worry a little about taking 18 credits. I'm sure it will be fine, but all of a sudden seeing my Latin term paper (nothing too special), my continuing Anthro Fieldwork Paper, and some various communications projects come screaming onto my docket of "Projects you need to start worrying about now" has got me a little twitchy. I'll make some headway on them this weekend.
By the way, the soundtrack to "CutThroat Island," a little known '95 film with Matthew Modine and Geena Davis has now hit my top 10 list of "Most Cool-Ass Soundtracks out There." They released a special 2-disc expanded version of the score in '04, which was kinda nice given that I only just heard about this soundtrack at the end of '05. However, that didn't preclude all the local media stores from not carrying it, much like most of my odd little movie-music obsessions. I would describe it as the quintessential swashbuckling score; big, brash, sweeping, and full of energy. Though somewhat lacking a hummable theme, as opposed to Klaus Badelt and the Media Ventures Crew in Pirates of the Caribbean or virtually ANY John Williams piece, I would argue that Debney's score has more "Avast, me hearties, raise the Jolly Roger, yo-ho-ho, pieces of eight, etc etc" in it, in comparison to the others. Listen to the samples (that Filmtracks so nicely provides) in the first link of this paragraph and tell me I'm wrong!
Two final parting shots: One, the title of this post is verbatim from my Latin Professor today, introducing section 7 of Livy's Ab Urbe Condita, look it up if you don't believe me. Second, yes, I know it's uncharacteristic of me to make my posts link city, but I figure I might as well give those who are interested a leg up when they invariably get those "Who-with-the-WHAT-now?" thoughts that spring up when I rant on and on about obscure soundtracks.
Enough, More Later.
- James
Quick update for y'all. The most notable thing happening this week was the sudden loss (that is, non-death-related departure) of my Communications 3 Professor, Mr. Paul Duax, full story here...yes that was MY class he pulled this in.
I'm saddened by his leaving, and even feel somewhat betrayed that he chose to leave at this time, when I'm taking this class with the combined aspects of my high-level enjoyment of his lectures and the need for this as a requisite of my Communications major. Rather ironic that when I broke the story to Anja, it was the first time I'd mentioned his name and her response was "Oh, I know him, known him all my life and went to school with his children!" The one time I have an excuse to talk to him and introduce myself with more than a "Hi, my name is..." happens just after he tells us he's never going to see us again (in the context of the class, that is).
In other news, I went and saw the group Leahy at Mondavi with Anja and Preston last night. They were quite a group, and we had a lot of fun. Poor Preston had quite a day and dozed off a bit during a number or two, but they got rollicking enough by the end that we all got energized. They are all siblings, and Preston and I noticed a pan-family idiosyncracy among the guys of the group (who all happened to play fiddle): they all had a little twitch they did with their bow-arms just before they started playing, presumably picked up from getting their sleeves out of the way. I enjoyed Wicked Tinkers more, but Leahy had their appeal. After all, it takes some skill to play fiddle and tap-dance at the same time.
Meanwhile, back at school, I'm starting to worry a little about taking 18 credits. I'm sure it will be fine, but all of a sudden seeing my Latin term paper (nothing too special), my continuing Anthro Fieldwork Paper, and some various communications projects come screaming onto my docket of "Projects you need to start worrying about now" has got me a little twitchy. I'll make some headway on them this weekend.
By the way, the soundtrack to "CutThroat Island," a little known '95 film with Matthew Modine and Geena Davis has now hit my top 10 list of "Most Cool-Ass Soundtracks out There." They released a special 2-disc expanded version of the score in '04, which was kinda nice given that I only just heard about this soundtrack at the end of '05. However, that didn't preclude all the local media stores from not carrying it, much like most of my odd little movie-music obsessions. I would describe it as the quintessential swashbuckling score; big, brash, sweeping, and full of energy. Though somewhat lacking a hummable theme, as opposed to Klaus Badelt and the Media Ventures Crew in Pirates of the Caribbean or virtually ANY John Williams piece, I would argue that Debney's score has more "Avast, me hearties, raise the Jolly Roger, yo-ho-ho, pieces of eight, etc etc" in it, in comparison to the others. Listen to the samples (that Filmtracks so nicely provides) in the first link of this paragraph and tell me I'm wrong!
Two final parting shots: One, the title of this post is verbatim from my Latin Professor today, introducing section 7 of Livy's Ab Urbe Condita, look it up if you don't believe me. Second, yes, I know it's uncharacteristic of me to make my posts link city, but I figure I might as well give those who are interested a leg up when they invariably get those "Who-with-the-WHAT-now?" thoughts that spring up when I rant on and on about obscure soundtracks.
Enough, More Later.
- James
Saturday, January 28, 2006
"Yer right about that, Ronnie, hand us your knife..."
Currently in Earphones: Equilibrium Soundtrack by Klaus Badelt (finally!!!)
Took this from Anja's, because I figure I need another post.
[ ] I am shorter than 5'4.
[x] I think I'm ugly sometimes.
[x] I have many scars.
[x] I tan easily.
[ ] I wish my hair was a different color.
[ ] I have friends who have never seen my natural hair color.
[ ] I have a tattoo.
[x] I am self-conscious about my appearance. Well, kinda
[x] I've had braces.
[x] I wear glasses.
[ ] I would get plastic surgery if it were 100 safe, free of cost, and scar-free.
[ ] I've been told I'm attractive by a complete stranger.
[ ] I have more than 2 piercings.
[ ] I have piercings in places besides my ears.
[ ] I have freckles.
Family/Home Life
[ ] I've sworn at my parents.
[ ] I've run away from home.
[ ] I've been kicked out of the house.
[x] My biological parents are together.
[ ] I have a sibling less than one year old.
[x] I want to have kids someday. But give me my freedom for the next ten years at least!
[ ] I've had a child.
[ ] I've lost a child.
School/Work
[x] I'm in school.
[ ] I have a job.
[ ] I've fallen asleep at work/school.
[ ] I always do my homework.
[x] I've missed a week or more of school.
[x] I've been on the Honor Roll within the last 2 years. So much fluffy High School Honor Roll mentions made me feel that the Dean's Honor list was just as meaningless, until my parents found out.
[ ] I failed more than 1 class last year.
[ ] I've stolen something from my job.
[ ] I've been fired.
Embarrassment
[ ] I've slipped out a "lol" in a spoken conversation.
[x] Disney movies still make me cry. Only if the word "Pixar" is mentioned. Those guys are geniuses!
[ ] I've peed from laughing.
[x] I've snorted while laughing.
[x] I've laughed so hard I've cried.
[ ] I've glued my hand to something.
[x] I've laughed till some kind of beverage came out of my nose. Milk, of course
[ ] I've had my pants rip/drop in public
Health
[x] I was born with a disease/impairment. Does Asthma count?
[x] I've gotten stitches.
[x] I've broken a bone. My wrist and my arm.
[x] I've had my tonsils removed.
[x] I've sat in a doctor's office with a friend. Does significant female other count?
[x] I've had my wisdom teeth removed.
[ ] I had a serious surgery.
[x]I've had chicken pox.
Traveling
[ ] I've driven over 200 miles in one day.
[ ] I've been to Canada.
[ ] I've been to Mexico.
[ ] I've been to Niagara Falls.
[ ] I've been to Japan.
[ ] I've Celebrated Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
[x] I've been to Europe.
[ ] I've been to Africa.
Experiences
[x] I've gotten lost in my city. Rouen goofed the heck outta me
[x] I've seen a shooting star.
[ ] I've wished on a shooting star.
[x] I've seen a meteor shower.
[x] I've gone out in public in my pajamas.
[ ] I've pushed all the buttons on an elevator
[ ] I've kicked a guy where it hurts.
[ ] I've been to a casino.
[ ] I've been skydiving.
[ ] I've gone skinny dipping.
[ ] I've played spin the bottle.
[ ] I've drank a whole gallon of milk in one hour.
[ ] I've crashed a car.
[ ] I've been Skiing.
[x] I've been in a play.
[x] I've met someone in person from the internet.
[ ] I've caught a snowflake on my tongue.
[ ] I've seen the Northern Lights.
[ ] I've sat on a roof top at night.
[ ] I've played chicken.
[x] I've played a prank on someone.
[x] I've ridden in a taxi.
[x] I've seen the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
[x] I've eaten Sushi.
[ ] I've been snowboarding.
Relationships
[ ] I'm single
[x] I'm in a relationship.
[ ] I'm engaged.
[ ] I'm married.
[ ] I'm a player, what can I say?
[ ] I've gone on a blind date.
[x] I've been the dumpee more than the dumper.
[x] I miss someone right now. My Anja
[x] I have a fear of abandonment.
[ ] I've cheated in a relationship.
[ ] I've gotten divorced.
[x] I've had feelings for someone who didn't have them back.
[x] I've told someone I loved them when I didn't. In retrospect. But even then, who knows?
[ ] I've told someone I didn't love them when I did.
[x] I've kept something from a past relationship.
Sexuality
[ ] I've had a crush on someone of the same sex.
[ ] I've had a crush on a teacher.
[x] I am a cuddler.
[ ] I've kissed in the rain.
[ ] I've hugged a stranger.
[ ] I have kissed a stranger.
Honesty/Crime
[x] I've done something I promised someone else I wouldn't
[x] I've done something I promised myself I wouldn't.
[ ] I've snuck out of my house.
[ ] I have lied to my parents about where I am.
[ ] I am keeping a secret from the world.
[x] I've cheated while playing a game. I have the vague sense that I have, but can't remember specifics
[ ] I've cheated on a test.
[x] I've run a red light. ...on a bike
[ ] I've been suspended from school.
[x] I've witnessed a crime. A Police officer getting shot on the street where I live in my hometown, or at least, the aftermath.
[x] I've been in a fist fight. ...that lasted all of ten seconds
[ ] I've been arrested.
[ ] I've shoplifted.
Drugs/Alcohol
[x] I've consumed alcohol. Wine or Champagne in polite company, and only a taste
[ ] I regularly drink.
[ ] I've passed out from drinking.
[ ] I have passed out drunk at least once in the past 6 months.
[ ] I've smoked weed.
[ ] I've taken painkillers when I didn't need them.
[ ] I've eaten shrooms.
[ ] I've popped E.
[ ] I've inhaled Nitrous.
[ ] I've done hard drugs.
[x] I have cough drops when I'm not sick. Once, when I was a kid: they taste good, damnit! There wasn't any candy and I had a sweet tooth
[ ] I can't swallow pills.
[ ] I can swallow about 5 pills at a time, no problem.
[ ] I have been diagnosed with clinical depression. Wouldn't be surprised.
[x] I shut others out when I'm depressed.
[ ] I take anti-depressants.
[ ] I'm anorexic or bulimic.
[ ] I've slept an entire day when I didn't need it.
[ ] I've hurt myself on purpose.
[ ] I'm addicted to self harm.
[ ] I've woken up crying.
Death and Suicide
[ ] I'm afraid of dying.
[x] I hate funerals.
[x] I've seen someone dying.
[x] Someone close to me has attempted suicide. Yeah, that made my night...
[ ] Someone close to me has committed suicide.
[ ] I've planned my own suicide.
[ ] I've attempted suicide.
[ ] I've written a eulogy for myself.
Materialism
[ ] I own over 5 rap CDs.
[x] I own iPod or MP3 player. Why use it when you have a perfect beauty of a laptop?
[ ] I have an unhealthy obsession with anime/manga.
[ ] I own multiple designer pants and shirts, costing over $100 a piece.
[ ] I own something from Hot Topic. They have some cool T-shirts, but ehhh....
[ ] I own something from Pac Sun.
[ ] I collect comic books. And Manga.
[ ] I own something from The Gap.
[ ] I own something I got on e-bay. Amazon, yes, eBay, no.
[ ] I own something from Abercrombie.
Random
[x] I can sing well. I can carry a tune, which is more than most people
[ ] I've stolen a tray from a fast food restaurant.
[x] I open up to others easily. Depends on who they are
[x] I watch the news. In whatever form I can get it.
[x] I don't kill bugs. Awww, poor little fellahs!
[x] I hate hearing songs that sacrifice meaning for the sake of being able to rhyme.
[ ] I curse regularly. People freak out when I do..."James, how could you?"
[x] I sing in the shower. And get standing ovations from my housemates. Boo-yah!
[x] I am a morning person. Depends on the day. Weekday, hell yes. Weekend, no way.
[x] I paid for my cell phone ring tone. My brick has a custom ring
[x] I'm a snob about grammar. Moreso than others.
[ ] I am a sports fanatic.
[ ] I twirl my hair
[ ] I have "x"s in my screen name
[ ] I love being neat Half the time. When it suits me
[ ] I love Spam
[ ] I've copied more than 30 CD's in a day. Does 10 gig worth of music from my Comp to my player count?
[x] I bake well. Cook well, yes. Baking too, I suppose.
[ ] My favorite color is either white, yellow, pink, red or blue.
[ ] I would wear pajamas to school.
[ ] I like Martha Stewart.
[x] I know how to shoot a gun. Well, had some practice with some Airsoft pistols.
[ ] I am in love with love.
[ ] I am guilty of tYpInG lIkE tHiS. Ahh yes, for when presentation masks the fact that you have absolutely nothing to say.
[ ] I laugh at my own jokes.
[ ] I eat fast food weekly.
[x] I believe in ghosts. In my imagination, but not in reality.
[x] I am online 24/7, even as an away message. Most of the day, but not nights
[ ] I've not turned anything in and still got an A in a certain class.
[ ] I can't sleep if there is a spider in the room.
[x] I am really ticklish.
[ ] I love white chocolate. Chocolate isn't white, it's black.
[ ] I bite my nails.
[x] I play video games. Now and then, used to quite a bit.
[x] I'm good at remembering faces. When I put my mind to it.
[x] I'm good at remembering names. When I put my mind to it.
[x] I'm good at remembering dates. When I put my mind to it.
[x] I have no idea what I want to do for the rest of my life. One step at a time, eh?
A more informative and better post coming up next.
Enough, More Later.
- James
Took this from Anja's, because I figure I need another post.
[ ] I am shorter than 5'4.
[x] I think I'm ugly sometimes.
[x] I have many scars.
[x] I tan easily.
[ ] I wish my hair was a different color.
[ ] I have friends who have never seen my natural hair color.
[ ] I have a tattoo.
[x] I am self-conscious about my appearance. Well, kinda
[x] I've had braces.
[x] I wear glasses.
[ ] I would get plastic surgery if it were 100 safe, free of cost, and scar-free.
[ ] I've been told I'm attractive by a complete stranger.
[ ] I have more than 2 piercings.
[ ] I have piercings in places besides my ears.
[ ] I have freckles.
Family/Home Life
[ ] I've sworn at my parents.
[ ] I've run away from home.
[ ] I've been kicked out of the house.
[x] My biological parents are together.
[ ] I have a sibling less than one year old.
[x] I want to have kids someday. But give me my freedom for the next ten years at least!
[ ] I've had a child.
[ ] I've lost a child.
School/Work
[x] I'm in school.
[ ] I have a job.
[ ] I've fallen asleep at work/school.
[ ] I always do my homework.
[x] I've missed a week or more of school.
[x] I've been on the Honor Roll within the last 2 years. So much fluffy High School Honor Roll mentions made me feel that the Dean's Honor list was just as meaningless, until my parents found out.
[ ] I failed more than 1 class last year.
[ ] I've stolen something from my job.
[ ] I've been fired.
Embarrassment
[ ] I've slipped out a "lol" in a spoken conversation.
[x] Disney movies still make me cry. Only if the word "Pixar" is mentioned. Those guys are geniuses!
[ ] I've peed from laughing.
[x] I've snorted while laughing.
[x] I've laughed so hard I've cried.
[ ] I've glued my hand to something.
[x] I've laughed till some kind of beverage came out of my nose. Milk, of course
[ ] I've had my pants rip/drop in public
Health
[x] I was born with a disease/impairment. Does Asthma count?
[x] I've gotten stitches.
[x] I've broken a bone. My wrist and my arm.
[x] I've had my tonsils removed.
[x] I've sat in a doctor's office with a friend. Does significant female other count?
[x] I've had my wisdom teeth removed.
[ ] I had a serious surgery.
[x]I've had chicken pox.
Traveling
[ ] I've driven over 200 miles in one day.
[ ] I've been to Canada.
[ ] I've been to Mexico.
[ ] I've been to Niagara Falls.
[ ] I've been to Japan.
[ ] I've Celebrated Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
[x] I've been to Europe.
[ ] I've been to Africa.
Experiences
[x] I've gotten lost in my city. Rouen goofed the heck outta me
[x] I've seen a shooting star.
[ ] I've wished on a shooting star.
[x] I've seen a meteor shower.
[x] I've gone out in public in my pajamas.
[ ] I've pushed all the buttons on an elevator
[ ] I've kicked a guy where it hurts.
[ ] I've been to a casino.
[ ] I've been skydiving.
[ ] I've gone skinny dipping.
[ ] I've played spin the bottle.
[ ] I've drank a whole gallon of milk in one hour.
[ ] I've crashed a car.
[ ] I've been Skiing.
[x] I've been in a play.
[x] I've met someone in person from the internet.
[ ] I've caught a snowflake on my tongue.
[ ] I've seen the Northern Lights.
[ ] I've sat on a roof top at night.
[ ] I've played chicken.
[x] I've played a prank on someone.
[x] I've ridden in a taxi.
[x] I've seen the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
[x] I've eaten Sushi.
[ ] I've been snowboarding.
Relationships
[ ] I'm single
[x] I'm in a relationship.
[ ] I'm engaged.
[ ] I'm married.
[ ] I'm a player, what can I say?
[ ] I've gone on a blind date.
[x] I've been the dumpee more than the dumper.
[x] I miss someone right now. My Anja
[x] I have a fear of abandonment.
[ ] I've cheated in a relationship.
[ ] I've gotten divorced.
[x] I've had feelings for someone who didn't have them back.
[x] I've told someone I loved them when I didn't. In retrospect. But even then, who knows?
[ ] I've told someone I didn't love them when I did.
[x] I've kept something from a past relationship.
Sexuality
[ ] I've had a crush on someone of the same sex.
[ ] I've had a crush on a teacher.
[x] I am a cuddler.
[ ] I've kissed in the rain.
[ ] I've hugged a stranger.
[ ] I have kissed a stranger.
Honesty/Crime
[x] I've done something I promised someone else I wouldn't
[x] I've done something I promised myself I wouldn't.
[ ] I've snuck out of my house.
[ ] I have lied to my parents about where I am.
[ ] I am keeping a secret from the world.
[x] I've cheated while playing a game. I have the vague sense that I have, but can't remember specifics
[ ] I've cheated on a test.
[x] I've run a red light. ...on a bike
[ ] I've been suspended from school.
[x] I've witnessed a crime. A Police officer getting shot on the street where I live in my hometown, or at least, the aftermath.
[x] I've been in a fist fight. ...that lasted all of ten seconds
[ ] I've been arrested.
[ ] I've shoplifted.
Drugs/Alcohol
[x] I've consumed alcohol. Wine or Champagne in polite company, and only a taste
[ ] I regularly drink.
[ ] I've passed out from drinking.
[ ] I have passed out drunk at least once in the past 6 months.
[ ] I've smoked weed.
[ ] I've taken painkillers when I didn't need them.
[ ] I've eaten shrooms.
[ ] I've popped E.
[ ] I've inhaled Nitrous.
[ ] I've done hard drugs.
[x] I have cough drops when I'm not sick. Once, when I was a kid: they taste good, damnit! There wasn't any candy and I had a sweet tooth
[ ] I can't swallow pills.
[ ] I can swallow about 5 pills at a time, no problem.
[ ] I have been diagnosed with clinical depression. Wouldn't be surprised.
[x] I shut others out when I'm depressed.
[ ] I take anti-depressants.
[ ] I'm anorexic or bulimic.
[ ] I've slept an entire day when I didn't need it.
[ ] I've hurt myself on purpose.
[ ] I'm addicted to self harm.
[ ] I've woken up crying.
Death and Suicide
[ ] I'm afraid of dying.
[x] I hate funerals.
[x] I've seen someone dying.
[x] Someone close to me has attempted suicide. Yeah, that made my night...
[ ] Someone close to me has committed suicide.
[ ] I've planned my own suicide.
[ ] I've attempted suicide.
[ ] I've written a eulogy for myself.
Materialism
[ ] I own over 5 rap CDs.
[x] I own iPod or MP3 player. Why use it when you have a perfect beauty of a laptop?
[ ] I have an unhealthy obsession with anime/manga.
[ ] I own multiple designer pants and shirts, costing over $100 a piece.
[ ] I own something from Hot Topic. They have some cool T-shirts, but ehhh....
[ ] I own something from Pac Sun.
[ ] I collect comic books. And Manga.
[ ] I own something from The Gap.
[ ] I own something I got on e-bay. Amazon, yes, eBay, no.
[ ] I own something from Abercrombie.
Random
[x] I can sing well. I can carry a tune, which is more than most people
[ ] I've stolen a tray from a fast food restaurant.
[x] I open up to others easily. Depends on who they are
[x] I watch the news. In whatever form I can get it.
[x] I don't kill bugs. Awww, poor little fellahs!
[x] I hate hearing songs that sacrifice meaning for the sake of being able to rhyme.
[ ] I curse regularly. People freak out when I do..."James, how could you?"
[x] I sing in the shower. And get standing ovations from my housemates. Boo-yah!
[x] I am a morning person. Depends on the day. Weekday, hell yes. Weekend, no way.
[x] I paid for my cell phone ring tone. My brick has a custom ring
[x] I'm a snob about grammar. Moreso than others.
[ ] I am a sports fanatic.
[ ] I twirl my hair
[ ] I have "x"s in my screen name
[ ] I love being neat Half the time. When it suits me
[ ] I love Spam
[ ] I've copied more than 30 CD's in a day. Does 10 gig worth of music from my Comp to my player count?
[x] I bake well. Cook well, yes. Baking too, I suppose.
[ ] My favorite color is either white, yellow, pink, red or blue.
[ ] I would wear pajamas to school.
[ ] I like Martha Stewart.
[x] I know how to shoot a gun. Well, had some practice with some Airsoft pistols.
[ ] I am in love with love.
[ ] I am guilty of tYpInG lIkE tHiS. Ahh yes, for when presentation masks the fact that you have absolutely nothing to say.
[ ] I laugh at my own jokes.
[ ] I eat fast food weekly.
[x] I believe in ghosts. In my imagination, but not in reality.
[x] I am online 24/7, even as an away message. Most of the day, but not nights
[ ] I've not turned anything in and still got an A in a certain class.
[ ] I can't sleep if there is a spider in the room.
[x] I am really ticklish.
[ ] I love white chocolate. Chocolate isn't white, it's black.
[ ] I bite my nails.
[x] I play video games. Now and then, used to quite a bit.
[x] I'm good at remembering faces. When I put my mind to it.
[x] I'm good at remembering names. When I put my mind to it.
[x] I'm good at remembering dates. When I put my mind to it.
[x] I have no idea what I want to do for the rest of my life. One step at a time, eh?
A more informative and better post coming up next.
Enough, More Later.
- James
Sunday, January 15, 2006
I am a Consumer Whore!
Currently in Earphones: "Stargate" soundtrack by David Arnold.
...And how! I just realized for the first time about a day ago how Amazon.com has me by the balls. Not only do they have endless recommendations based on what you buy and what you say you own, but in an unholy conjunction with Soundtrack.net and Filmtracks.net work to produce the most sinister of money holes to pull and tug at my wallet.
Case in point: I had just used my little bit of fun money I allot myself to buy a soundtrack and a book off of Amazon, and no sooner had I sold another portion of my soul to the great consumer gods than I stumble across a review of a soundtrack on Filmtracks that squees with joy over the greatness that is John Debney's score to Cutthroat Island. I make the mistake of listening to some sample clips and am likewise reduced to a quivering mass of overwhelmed fanboy as the best sounding swashbuckler music graces my ears for a tantalizing 30 seconds a pop. I must have this soundtrack. However, I did not snap it up, surprising myself with the sheer willpower of waiting for my next round of fun-cash to come to maturity.
Laugh if you want, but I was both elated and horrified at the pure, unadulterated want that ran through me. I'm glad I was able to weather that burst of consumerism and not blow the cash immediately, but it was honestly frightening to feel that. I mean, my cash flow for the time being isn't positive, or even a slowed negative. I suppose it could be worse: I could have more expensive hobbies, I could be extremely cash strapped, I could be a lesser man and give in to my whims more often. Still, I wish I didn't have to be frugal to the point of paranoia. Ahh well, this is life.
In other news, school is well. Communications 3 looks to be more fun than a barrel of monkeys: a topic that intrigues me and a kick-ass professor. Cultural Anthropology retains an intriguing topic, Latin 101 is a tad easier but with an odd prof, and Classics 30 is pure candy. Lots of reading to do, but nothing organized time can't handle.
Also, started an Internship with my old Anthropology prof. I'm organizing a huge set of field data on Titi monkeys done by a late Grad student. Well, so far this consists of taking written field notes and transferring them to a virtual map of the area, assigning coordinates to the fact that at 19:14:33 on 3/19/02 monkey A began calling at 20 m S of 10T:0153. Whee! With hope I shall be able to work with the 40 hours of footage for a change of pace after getting the hang of the data entry.
Baroque Ensemble is back in action, once I get the date of next performance I shall pepper it to all interested parties. Anja is also back in action with a better schedule, though now we have 3 cellos (herself included) which is an insanely large bass section in baroque terms.
Speaking of Anja, we went and saw a production of Metamorphoses, a contemporary play based on Ovid's collection of myths. I believe my parents saw it at the Berkeley Rep a few years back, but it was a very interesting play: You know its fun when the story of Phaethon is transliterated to "Dad, give me the keys to your car!"
Ahh, but now 'tis time for me to wax the poetic lover, probably much to the dismay of my more realist-minded housemates. My poor Anja has just had her wisdom teeth out and is kind of in-and-out of recuperation. She rallied enough to watch Sin City with me and the day afterward to go see the play, but alternately she just had to take the drugs and go sleep off the pain. I haven't gotten what I consider a good, full few hours with her yet, but I hope to get at least a little more before school starts again. Ahh, if only I could hold her in my arms for a night without break. Once again, I emphasize, not sexually, but merely sharing the sweet company of one another. My other housemates have the luxury of whiling away the night in pleasant repose with their loves, yet I cannot, for my love's family wishes a curfew that must be honored. It is so hard to leave my lady when she must finally go, were it not for my respect for her and her own I would sweep her back, bundle her up and fall asleep by her side. I long for her and miss her as I'm sure she misses me. Now I can only await her recovery and hope for better future days.
Enough. More Later,
- James
...And how! I just realized for the first time about a day ago how Amazon.com has me by the balls. Not only do they have endless recommendations based on what you buy and what you say you own, but in an unholy conjunction with Soundtrack.net and Filmtracks.net work to produce the most sinister of money holes to pull and tug at my wallet.
Case in point: I had just used my little bit of fun money I allot myself to buy a soundtrack and a book off of Amazon, and no sooner had I sold another portion of my soul to the great consumer gods than I stumble across a review of a soundtrack on Filmtracks that squees with joy over the greatness that is John Debney's score to Cutthroat Island. I make the mistake of listening to some sample clips and am likewise reduced to a quivering mass of overwhelmed fanboy as the best sounding swashbuckler music graces my ears for a tantalizing 30 seconds a pop. I must have this soundtrack. However, I did not snap it up, surprising myself with the sheer willpower of waiting for my next round of fun-cash to come to maturity.
Laugh if you want, but I was both elated and horrified at the pure, unadulterated want that ran through me. I'm glad I was able to weather that burst of consumerism and not blow the cash immediately, but it was honestly frightening to feel that. I mean, my cash flow for the time being isn't positive, or even a slowed negative. I suppose it could be worse: I could have more expensive hobbies, I could be extremely cash strapped, I could be a lesser man and give in to my whims more often. Still, I wish I didn't have to be frugal to the point of paranoia. Ahh well, this is life.
In other news, school is well. Communications 3 looks to be more fun than a barrel of monkeys: a topic that intrigues me and a kick-ass professor. Cultural Anthropology retains an intriguing topic, Latin 101 is a tad easier but with an odd prof, and Classics 30 is pure candy. Lots of reading to do, but nothing organized time can't handle.
Also, started an Internship with my old Anthropology prof. I'm organizing a huge set of field data on Titi monkeys done by a late Grad student. Well, so far this consists of taking written field notes and transferring them to a virtual map of the area, assigning coordinates to the fact that at 19:14:33 on 3/19/02 monkey A began calling at 20 m S of 10T:0153. Whee! With hope I shall be able to work with the 40 hours of footage for a change of pace after getting the hang of the data entry.
Baroque Ensemble is back in action, once I get the date of next performance I shall pepper it to all interested parties. Anja is also back in action with a better schedule, though now we have 3 cellos (herself included) which is an insanely large bass section in baroque terms.
Speaking of Anja, we went and saw a production of Metamorphoses, a contemporary play based on Ovid's collection of myths. I believe my parents saw it at the Berkeley Rep a few years back, but it was a very interesting play: You know its fun when the story of Phaethon is transliterated to "Dad, give me the keys to your car!"
Ahh, but now 'tis time for me to wax the poetic lover, probably much to the dismay of my more realist-minded housemates. My poor Anja has just had her wisdom teeth out and is kind of in-and-out of recuperation. She rallied enough to watch Sin City with me and the day afterward to go see the play, but alternately she just had to take the drugs and go sleep off the pain. I haven't gotten what I consider a good, full few hours with her yet, but I hope to get at least a little more before school starts again. Ahh, if only I could hold her in my arms for a night without break. Once again, I emphasize, not sexually, but merely sharing the sweet company of one another. My other housemates have the luxury of whiling away the night in pleasant repose with their loves, yet I cannot, for my love's family wishes a curfew that must be honored. It is so hard to leave my lady when she must finally go, were it not for my respect for her and her own I would sweep her back, bundle her up and fall asleep by her side. I long for her and miss her as I'm sure she misses me. Now I can only await her recovery and hope for better future days.
Enough. More Later,
- James
Monday, January 09, 2006
Buh-guh!
Currently in Earphones: "Loops of Fury" by The Chemical Brothers. "Song 2" by Blur.
Yes, I'm still alive. I shall update when my new quarters classes get into better swing and I have more to write about. You've not heard the last from me.
Enough. More later.
- James
Yes, I'm still alive. I shall update when my new quarters classes get into better swing and I have more to write about. You've not heard the last from me.
Enough. More later.
- James
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Back to Lethargy
Currently in Earphones: "Nil Se'n La" and "Dulaman" by Clannad, selected songs from Soundtracks too numerous to mention.
And another Quarter done, and I find myself back in the comparitive quiet of my home town.
Finals passed rather unceremoniously, the tests themselves were a lot easier than I expected. Basically said to my Comp. Lit. final after I was finished with it "Now make me a sammitch, Biyotch!" only to be hit from behind with a cruddy grade on my second paper. Linguistics passed without much note, and I was immensely relieved to see that all the passages on our Latin final were ones I was well acquainted with, then consequently pwned it. All in all, I feel I did well, we'll see if the final grades support my hypothesis.
Had a fantastic gift exchange with the housemates last night: received a great scarf from Preston, the "Backdraft" soundtrack from Toes, and a gift certificate for Amazon.com from Tim and Melissa. Toes did his usual burst of brilliance in getting for Bishop/The House a set of four carbine-like, cock-action Nerf Dart guns, and we had an awesome firefight as soon as we ripped the weapons from their packages. I hope we have many epic battles to come with those babies. The only downside to the great fun had by all was the lateness to which it dragged, and my subsequent insomnia, of which I'm going to pay dearly for later tonight after getting up so early in the morning. That's one night I won't soon forget.
Finals week gave ample time to see my Anja, and I spent many an hour blissfully in her arms. Though she has this week off of work, depending on how her chores shape up, she may or may not be able to visit the Bay. I'd dearly love for her to, as I dearly love to see her whenever she and I are able, but should other things take precedence, it shall shape up as it does. Until I see her next, I have only the sweet memory of her warm grin and smiling eyes to keep me company, but it is enough, along with her words. My heart is hers.
Enough. More later.
- James
And another Quarter done, and I find myself back in the comparitive quiet of my home town.
Finals passed rather unceremoniously, the tests themselves were a lot easier than I expected. Basically said to my Comp. Lit. final after I was finished with it "Now make me a sammitch, Biyotch!" only to be hit from behind with a cruddy grade on my second paper. Linguistics passed without much note, and I was immensely relieved to see that all the passages on our Latin final were ones I was well acquainted with, then consequently pwned it. All in all, I feel I did well, we'll see if the final grades support my hypothesis.
Had a fantastic gift exchange with the housemates last night: received a great scarf from Preston, the "Backdraft" soundtrack from Toes, and a gift certificate for Amazon.com from Tim and Melissa. Toes did his usual burst of brilliance in getting for Bishop/The House a set of four carbine-like, cock-action Nerf Dart guns, and we had an awesome firefight as soon as we ripped the weapons from their packages. I hope we have many epic battles to come with those babies. The only downside to the great fun had by all was the lateness to which it dragged, and my subsequent insomnia, of which I'm going to pay dearly for later tonight after getting up so early in the morning. That's one night I won't soon forget.
Finals week gave ample time to see my Anja, and I spent many an hour blissfully in her arms. Though she has this week off of work, depending on how her chores shape up, she may or may not be able to visit the Bay. I'd dearly love for her to, as I dearly love to see her whenever she and I are able, but should other things take precedence, it shall shape up as it does. Until I see her next, I have only the sweet memory of her warm grin and smiling eyes to keep me company, but it is enough, along with her words. My heart is hers.
Enough. More later.
- James
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
You can shoot me later....
Currently in Earphones: "Training Montage" by Ed Shearmur, from The Count of Monte Cristo Soundtrack.
And now it's time for some pretentious art-student-y poetry by yours truly. Rest assured this blog will revert to it's better content afterward (or not).
Enough. More Later.
- James
And now it's time for some pretentious art-student-y poetry by yours truly. Rest assured this blog will revert to it's better content afterward (or not).
As I exit, I touch the door,
Feel its warmth, and for a moment,
She is there.
I catch an almost-scent of her,
See her shadow in my minds eye,
And then it’s gone.
Later,
I see her words on the screen,
Feels like the first time, though it’s only been
A day.
I
Rest my head on the desk
Trying to feel her soft touch through
The wood.
Enough. More Later.
- James
Saturday, December 10, 2005
::hums a few bars::
Currently in Earphones: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Soundtrack by Patrick Doyle.
Ahh, December is upon us!
Nothing to terribly interesting in the past week. Went and saw Narnia on opening night with Julia and Crew. Overall, it was an alright movie. The creature effects were amazing, as usual, seeing that WETA Workshop + ILM = doubleplusgood. All in all, it tried to be Peter Jackson's LotR, but it lacked the depth and gravity that that fantastic trilogy possessed. And even though people rave about the performance of the actress who played Lucy, I say that it was commendable, but only in light of the rather standard performances of the other main actors. Definitely go see it, but don't expect anything fantastic.
(Oh, and as fitting as it is to have Liam Neeson voicing Aslan, the fact that this is his umpteenth time playing a mentor figure, it's getting kind of old)
Classes are finally over, and it's on to finals! Luckily, my finals are in the middle of the week, giving me plenty of time to study and plenty of time to rest up before heading home afterward. I'd love to be able to stay at least until the 18th, but getting down to the bay with all the stuff I plan to bring back down might necessitate a 'rent driving up, which probably isn't an option on Sunday. Ahh well, we'll see what happens.
Anywho, in more recent events, had a nice dinner and a movie with Anja last night. We went to Sophies Thai and had some rather spicy dishes (still delicious), then went and saw the remake of Pride and Prejudice with Keira Knightly. Fantastic adaptation, I must say, though having never read the books, I cannot make any points to how true the movie was to them. I know that Anja mentioned to me that she didn't particularly care for the Austin books, but enjoyed the movie, and I feel rather the same. I found the story to be so-so: it wasn't bad, just didn't quite hit any particular notes for me. The movie, however, was quite enjoyable, and Anja and I finally got to spend some good time together afterwards. ::sighs::
Gadfry, now that it's Christmas, I'm doing the present dance once again. This time, however, I might end up having to get creative, now that my money supply is under a tighter budget, given my need to pay rent and food for a living. My father will be pleased to know that I am continuing searching for a job for next quarter, and have applied online to another student job offered by the UC. I am also going to pay a visit to Bogey's Books and the other local bookstores to see if they need help. Regardless, I've still got some gifts to get before I let the old Debit card cool off.
Let's see, what else? Oh yeah, the HP soundtrack for the newest movie isn't half bad, despite the switch from John Williams to Patrick Doyle. I know, "Wow, that's all James has to say about a soundtrack? Usually he gushes on and on about them!" Yeah, well, I didn't say I'd fallen in love with this one, just that it's pretty neat. I'll probably be more highfalutin when the Narnia Soundtrack comes out on the 13th.
Oh, and one of these days, I hope I may be able to fall asleep in my Anja's arms. No hanky panky, mind you, but merely to have a calm, relaxing, peace you get when you fall asleep looking into each others eyes. One of these days, I hope.
Enough. More Later.
- James
Ahh, December is upon us!
Nothing to terribly interesting in the past week. Went and saw Narnia on opening night with Julia and Crew. Overall, it was an alright movie. The creature effects were amazing, as usual, seeing that WETA Workshop + ILM = doubleplusgood. All in all, it tried to be Peter Jackson's LotR, but it lacked the depth and gravity that that fantastic trilogy possessed. And even though people rave about the performance of the actress who played Lucy, I say that it was commendable, but only in light of the rather standard performances of the other main actors. Definitely go see it, but don't expect anything fantastic.
(Oh, and as fitting as it is to have Liam Neeson voicing Aslan, the fact that this is his umpteenth time playing a mentor figure, it's getting kind of old)
Classes are finally over, and it's on to finals! Luckily, my finals are in the middle of the week, giving me plenty of time to study and plenty of time to rest up before heading home afterward. I'd love to be able to stay at least until the 18th, but getting down to the bay with all the stuff I plan to bring back down might necessitate a 'rent driving up, which probably isn't an option on Sunday. Ahh well, we'll see what happens.
Anywho, in more recent events, had a nice dinner and a movie with Anja last night. We went to Sophies Thai and had some rather spicy dishes (still delicious), then went and saw the remake of Pride and Prejudice with Keira Knightly. Fantastic adaptation, I must say, though having never read the books, I cannot make any points to how true the movie was to them. I know that Anja mentioned to me that she didn't particularly care for the Austin books, but enjoyed the movie, and I feel rather the same. I found the story to be so-so: it wasn't bad, just didn't quite hit any particular notes for me. The movie, however, was quite enjoyable, and Anja and I finally got to spend some good time together afterwards. ::sighs::
Gadfry, now that it's Christmas, I'm doing the present dance once again. This time, however, I might end up having to get creative, now that my money supply is under a tighter budget, given my need to pay rent and food for a living. My father will be pleased to know that I am continuing searching for a job for next quarter, and have applied online to another student job offered by the UC. I am also going to pay a visit to Bogey's Books and the other local bookstores to see if they need help. Regardless, I've still got some gifts to get before I let the old Debit card cool off.
Let's see, what else? Oh yeah, the HP soundtrack for the newest movie isn't half bad, despite the switch from John Williams to Patrick Doyle. I know, "Wow, that's all James has to say about a soundtrack? Usually he gushes on and on about them!" Yeah, well, I didn't say I'd fallen in love with this one, just that it's pretty neat. I'll probably be more highfalutin when the Narnia Soundtrack comes out on the 13th.
Oh, and one of these days, I hope I may be able to fall asleep in my Anja's arms. No hanky panky, mind you, but merely to have a calm, relaxing, peace you get when you fall asleep looking into each others eyes. One of these days, I hope.
Enough. More Later.
- James
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Bits and Pieces
Currently in Earphones: "Unleashed" Soundtrack by Massive Attack.
::staggers in:: Whah! Nothing to terribly big to update about.
Lesse, on Tuesday I got to meet with Robert Todd Carroll, the author of the Skeptics Dictionary. Very nice fellow, and I made sure to thank him profusely for his time. I'm glad that he was joyed to see that he had a fan who actually went out and bought a copy of the book (it's also free online) and now have a personally signed edition of the SkepDic on my shelf, Score!
Yeeesh, I just realized that Preston and I have our final scene due in 3 days. Probably should start working on that one.
Today is gonna be interesting: after our big Cioppino shindig yesterday and relative carefree-ness, now I have to hunker down to Latin Homework, a Comp. Lit. Paper, the Scene with Preston, and the remnants of my laundry. Joy.
Goodness, goodness, goodness. My Poor Anja. I've spent some good time with her this week, though she's always seemed on the edge of collapse. Having to get up at 6:30 am every day for has not been kind to her. And as much as I enjoy my time with her (and relish her desire to spend time with me), I'm gonna need to straighten out and not let her stay over so long in the evenings. It was better at the party last night; We (she and I) managed to collectively send her home before midnight. Unfortunately, she still didn't sleep very well and woke with a migraine. ::whines like a puppy:: I just want to squirrel her away and make her sleep for a few days; I get worried when I see her spiraling down the fatigue pit. It usually culminates in her getting sick/a migraine and crashing. I feel helpless and slightly guilty, because at least one of the nights with minimal sleep is usually due to our time together. I wish I could do something.
Enough. More Later.
- James
::staggers in:: Whah! Nothing to terribly big to update about.
Lesse, on Tuesday I got to meet with Robert Todd Carroll, the author of the Skeptics Dictionary. Very nice fellow, and I made sure to thank him profusely for his time. I'm glad that he was joyed to see that he had a fan who actually went out and bought a copy of the book (it's also free online) and now have a personally signed edition of the SkepDic on my shelf, Score!
Yeeesh, I just realized that Preston and I have our final scene due in 3 days. Probably should start working on that one.
Today is gonna be interesting: after our big Cioppino shindig yesterday and relative carefree-ness, now I have to hunker down to Latin Homework, a Comp. Lit. Paper, the Scene with Preston, and the remnants of my laundry. Joy.
Goodness, goodness, goodness. My Poor Anja. I've spent some good time with her this week, though she's always seemed on the edge of collapse. Having to get up at 6:30 am every day for has not been kind to her. And as much as I enjoy my time with her (and relish her desire to spend time with me), I'm gonna need to straighten out and not let her stay over so long in the evenings. It was better at the party last night; We (she and I) managed to collectively send her home before midnight. Unfortunately, she still didn't sleep very well and woke with a migraine. ::whines like a puppy:: I just want to squirrel her away and make her sleep for a few days; I get worried when I see her spiraling down the fatigue pit. It usually culminates in her getting sick/a migraine and crashing. I feel helpless and slightly guilty, because at least one of the nights with minimal sleep is usually due to our time together. I wish I could do something.
Enough. More Later.
- James
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Have you held your fermata today?
Currently in Earphones: "Siuil A Run (Walk My Love)" as performed by Celtic Women, "The Queen of Argyll" as performed by Silly Wizard.
To counteract the rather bleak previous post, I'll post some lyrics to my current favorite song, "The Queen of Argyll" Here ya go:
So guys, you know how it feels to find a woman like that right? Just blows you away? This song always puts a smile on my face because it reminds me of that feeling. I'd sing it to a depressed female friend to restore her faith in the male component of humanity.
On another cool note, I've corresponded with Mr. Robert Todd Carroll, author of "The Skeptics Dictionary," a must have for all you healthy disbelievers out there. Turns out Mr. Carroll lives in Davis, and I asked him if he could sign my hard copy of the dictionary, to which he gracefully has agreed to. I look forward to next week!
And on yet another cool note, Anja is coming to visit me during break! She can now finally see that my parents are great people and we're not all crazy!
Enough. More Later.
- James
To counteract the rather bleak previous post, I'll post some lyrics to my current favorite song, "The Queen of Argyll" Here ya go:
Gentle men it is my duty
To inform you of one beauty
Though I'd ask you of a favor,
Not to seek her for a while
Though I own she is a creature
Of character and feature
No words can paint the picture
of the Queen of all Argyll.
Chorus:
And if you could have seen her there,
Boys if you had just been there
The swan was in her movement,
And the morning in her smile.
All the roses in the garden,
They bow and ask her pardon
For not one could match the beauty
Of the Queen of all Argyll
On that evening that I mention,
I passed with light intention
Through a part of our dear country
Known for beauty and for style
Being a place of noble thinkers,
Of scholars and great drinkers
But above them all for splendour
Shone the Queen of all Argyll
So my lads my needs must leave you,
My intention's not to grieve you
Nor indeed would I decieve you,
Oh I'll see you in a while
I must find some way to gain her,
To court her and to tame her
I fear my heart's in danger
From the Queen of all Argyll
To inform you of one beauty
Though I'd ask you of a favor,
Not to seek her for a while
Though I own she is a creature
Of character and feature
No words can paint the picture
of the Queen of all Argyll.
Chorus:
And if you could have seen her there,
Boys if you had just been there
The swan was in her movement,
And the morning in her smile.
All the roses in the garden,
They bow and ask her pardon
For not one could match the beauty
Of the Queen of all Argyll
On that evening that I mention,
I passed with light intention
Through a part of our dear country
Known for beauty and for style
Being a place of noble thinkers,
Of scholars and great drinkers
But above them all for splendour
Shone the Queen of all Argyll
So my lads my needs must leave you,
My intention's not to grieve you
Nor indeed would I decieve you,
Oh I'll see you in a while
I must find some way to gain her,
To court her and to tame her
I fear my heart's in danger
From the Queen of all Argyll
So guys, you know how it feels to find a woman like that right? Just blows you away? This song always puts a smile on my face because it reminds me of that feeling. I'd sing it to a depressed female friend to restore her faith in the male component of humanity.
On another cool note, I've corresponded with Mr. Robert Todd Carroll, author of "The Skeptics Dictionary," a must have for all you healthy disbelievers out there. Turns out Mr. Carroll lives in Davis, and I asked him if he could sign my hard copy of the dictionary, to which he gracefully has agreed to. I look forward to next week!
And on yet another cool note, Anja is coming to visit me during break! She can now finally see that my parents are great people and we're not all crazy!
Enough. More Later.
- James
Saturday, November 19, 2005
...Darkness the right hand of Light.
Currently in Earphones: "Estuans Interius" from Carl Orff's Carmina Burana.
Enough. More Later.
- James
And the Angel of Mercy looked down on the past,
And staggered backward upon the heat of the blast,
Then the Monster of Jealousy whispered horrid and chill;
The Angel’s wings were stained black and forever were still.
Enough. More Later.
- James
Thursday, November 17, 2005
The Dance of Blades
Currently in Earphones: "The Count of Monte Cristo" Soundtrack by Edward Shrearmur.
OK, so this has been a while and coming, but here ya go.
The Fencing crew left from Davis around 9:30ish Friday morning. Since we were planning on staying over with the Poly crew, we had twice as much stuff, so the majority of our fencing equipment went with Aljay in his truck. The trip down was relatively uneventful, and we arrived there in the early afternoon.
I tell ya, the Poly crew's (Patrick, Ryan, and housemates) house was situated very oddly. It's a flat that was once a duplex, but had the middle wall knocked out to create a very interesting configuration of rooms and doors. Patrick had a habit of coming in by a different door every time he returned to the house, and we'd always start when he popped up seemingly out of the woodwork. All in all a very nice place, though waaay out in the boonies between a junk yard and PG&E outpost.
The upshot of being in such and odd place was what has been dubbed "Spooling." Right next to their driveway is this giant open-walled shed with large wooden spools (we think that they used to hold cables for PG&E) which vary in size but are perfect for balancing and moving about on like giant wheels. You would stand on top of one and walk forward to move backwards and backward to move forwards, kind of like a clown balancing act. Well, we had a lot of fun seeing how fast and how far we could go on them, jousting on them, and generally goofing around on them. I didn't partake because I wasn't in the mood for any big injuries, seeing that the next day we had the Tourney. It was a fun spectacle to watch, in any case.
The next day we all had a leisurely breakfast, which was the upshot of not being a novice. Novice fencers usually have the earliest call in a tourney, because they take up the most room and usually take a good amount of time to finish up. However, given that we were not Novice fencers anymore, we didn't have to make that call, and instead got to sleep in and enjoy ourselves. The one snag was that we were given mis-information about when the Advanced Foil registration closed, and both Toes and Preston missed out on doing foil as a result. It wasn't too big a deal, because Sabre was both their forte and Toes could still do Epee.
I unfortunately got stuck with some sharks in the pools for Epee (viz, way more advanced fencers than I) including the great Tom Ellison, and only made it 1-4 (That is, won one bout and lost 4 bouts out of 5). The annoying part was that my one victory was against our club president, Fez, who is an excellent Foilist (made 3rd place in the entire tourney) but is just getting in to Epee.
Then, wonder of wonders, before I knew it I won my first ever Direct Elimination. I was going up against a (Santa Cruz?) girl named Alexa who had fenced Epee for 3 years, and yet she had all of the problems I had. After my first bout in the pools in which I got my ass handed to me, TC took me aside and gave me some advice. I was (and still am, to an extent) fencing like a musician; I was too nice, thinking too much, and not having a very competitive edge. TC told me, and I paraphrase "You fence, don't you? Got all the equipment and all? Then by golly, you're an athlete!" To this, I realized he was right, I AM and athlete, and there was a mentality there that wasn't sinking in. "You've got to go in there ready to win," TC told me (paraphrasing again), "because that's what it means to be an athlete. And relax, let your actions just happen. Right now when you're attacking you're like a musket, ::imitates a delayed musket fuse and shot:: you're taking too much time. You need to be more like a contemporary rifle, ::ch-chick-BOOM!!::" In any case, this advice went directly toward my first D.E. bout.
Alexa was a nice enough girl, but after the first few touches, I realized that she had no drive. She would sit in En guard and defend, but make sparse actions against me. As much as I wanted to be nice, I ended up just taking advantage of her (errr, well, not in that way, obviously). I went in relaxed, and just let the touches happen. ::ch-chick-BOOM!!:: got a handshot, ::ch-chick-BOOM!!:: got a beat to her arm, ::ch-chick-BOOM!!:: got another handshot. In the end it was just touch and go. Granted, there wasn't a whole lot of opposition, but it was darn good practice. I walked away with the bout in my favor.
My second D.E. was much more difficult, but twice as much fun. I finally met the twin Epeeists of Cal poly, the two tall and very nordic looking Trent and Troy. I was up against Trent for my second D.E. and met him beforehand via Mr. Ryan Curtis. Trent was fun fellow, right up my alley, and we joked and talked before the match. Both Fez and Ande had given me advice as to Trent's style, so was somewhat prepared when we both hooked ourselves up to the strip.
Since both of our height advantages were null (we're roughly the same height) we both played very cautious, padding just out of each other's distance and gauging each other. The first few touches were back and forth, Trent usually waiting for a counter-attack to my attack and giving little offence. He got a shin-shot off on me, which gave me the idea to copy it. I feinted toward his hand a few times a touch afterward, then zoomed into a crouch and got him squarely on the shin. I resisted the urge to say "Didn't see that one comin', did ya!!" As the match went on, we were basically going point for point. Cody and some of the Davis crew were cheerin' me on on the sidelines. In the end, Trent won, but not before I made him sweat by getting up to 7-7 in a 10 touch match. I was leading when we stopped for our minute break, but my mind then went out the window and his came back to him for the second half. All in all, a great match. I truly said when we shook hands "Whoo! That was a great match! What fun!" We were all smiles.
If there were any other matches to mention, I'm afraid I missed them, being so occupied with Epee. However, Both Toes and Preston placed in the top 8 for Sabre, and also got medals for team Sabre. All in all, Davis did really well, and rocketed up to Second place for the Big Cup. Huzzah to all!
We decided to zoom back to Davis Saturday night rather than Sunday morning, which in retrospect was rather tiring. I regret not hanging out with the Poly crew more afterwards, but Homework called, and we can always do it when they come up for the Davis Tourney.
P.S. I have been in the company of Anja for at least an hour each time for the past few days. I'm getting the niggling suspicion that she fancies me ;). I'll say this, I've enjoyed her company very much, but to iterate what we do here would be improper. Oh, and she's been nice enough to get me some Lady Grey tea, of which you can read an interesting factoid here. My only complaint is that I need to make sure I get enough sleep. No more 8am classes for me, ever! (if I can help it).
Enough. More Later.
- James
OK, so this has been a while and coming, but here ya go.
The Fencing crew left from Davis around 9:30ish Friday morning. Since we were planning on staying over with the Poly crew, we had twice as much stuff, so the majority of our fencing equipment went with Aljay in his truck. The trip down was relatively uneventful, and we arrived there in the early afternoon.
I tell ya, the Poly crew's (Patrick, Ryan, and housemates) house was situated very oddly. It's a flat that was once a duplex, but had the middle wall knocked out to create a very interesting configuration of rooms and doors. Patrick had a habit of coming in by a different door every time he returned to the house, and we'd always start when he popped up seemingly out of the woodwork. All in all a very nice place, though waaay out in the boonies between a junk yard and PG&E outpost.
The upshot of being in such and odd place was what has been dubbed "Spooling." Right next to their driveway is this giant open-walled shed with large wooden spools (we think that they used to hold cables for PG&E) which vary in size but are perfect for balancing and moving about on like giant wheels. You would stand on top of one and walk forward to move backwards and backward to move forwards, kind of like a clown balancing act. Well, we had a lot of fun seeing how fast and how far we could go on them, jousting on them, and generally goofing around on them. I didn't partake because I wasn't in the mood for any big injuries, seeing that the next day we had the Tourney. It was a fun spectacle to watch, in any case.
The next day we all had a leisurely breakfast, which was the upshot of not being a novice. Novice fencers usually have the earliest call in a tourney, because they take up the most room and usually take a good amount of time to finish up. However, given that we were not Novice fencers anymore, we didn't have to make that call, and instead got to sleep in and enjoy ourselves. The one snag was that we were given mis-information about when the Advanced Foil registration closed, and both Toes and Preston missed out on doing foil as a result. It wasn't too big a deal, because Sabre was both their forte and Toes could still do Epee.
I unfortunately got stuck with some sharks in the pools for Epee (viz, way more advanced fencers than I) including the great Tom Ellison, and only made it 1-4 (That is, won one bout and lost 4 bouts out of 5). The annoying part was that my one victory was against our club president, Fez, who is an excellent Foilist (made 3rd place in the entire tourney) but is just getting in to Epee.
Then, wonder of wonders, before I knew it I won my first ever Direct Elimination. I was going up against a (Santa Cruz?) girl named Alexa who had fenced Epee for 3 years, and yet she had all of the problems I had. After my first bout in the pools in which I got my ass handed to me, TC took me aside and gave me some advice. I was (and still am, to an extent) fencing like a musician; I was too nice, thinking too much, and not having a very competitive edge. TC told me, and I paraphrase "You fence, don't you? Got all the equipment and all? Then by golly, you're an athlete!" To this, I realized he was right, I AM and athlete, and there was a mentality there that wasn't sinking in. "You've got to go in there ready to win," TC told me (paraphrasing again), "because that's what it means to be an athlete. And relax, let your actions just happen. Right now when you're attacking you're like a musket, ::imitates a delayed musket fuse and shot:: you're taking too much time. You need to be more like a contemporary rifle, ::ch-chick-BOOM!!::" In any case, this advice went directly toward my first D.E. bout.
Alexa was a nice enough girl, but after the first few touches, I realized that she had no drive. She would sit in En guard and defend, but make sparse actions against me. As much as I wanted to be nice, I ended up just taking advantage of her (errr, well, not in that way, obviously). I went in relaxed, and just let the touches happen. ::ch-chick-BOOM!!:: got a handshot, ::ch-chick-BOOM!!:: got a beat to her arm, ::ch-chick-BOOM!!:: got another handshot. In the end it was just touch and go. Granted, there wasn't a whole lot of opposition, but it was darn good practice. I walked away with the bout in my favor.
My second D.E. was much more difficult, but twice as much fun. I finally met the twin Epeeists of Cal poly, the two tall and very nordic looking Trent and Troy. I was up against Trent for my second D.E. and met him beforehand via Mr. Ryan Curtis. Trent was fun fellow, right up my alley, and we joked and talked before the match. Both Fez and Ande had given me advice as to Trent's style, so was somewhat prepared when we both hooked ourselves up to the strip.
Since both of our height advantages were null (we're roughly the same height) we both played very cautious, padding just out of each other's distance and gauging each other. The first few touches were back and forth, Trent usually waiting for a counter-attack to my attack and giving little offence. He got a shin-shot off on me, which gave me the idea to copy it. I feinted toward his hand a few times a touch afterward, then zoomed into a crouch and got him squarely on the shin. I resisted the urge to say "Didn't see that one comin', did ya!!" As the match went on, we were basically going point for point. Cody and some of the Davis crew were cheerin' me on on the sidelines. In the end, Trent won, but not before I made him sweat by getting up to 7-7 in a 10 touch match. I was leading when we stopped for our minute break, but my mind then went out the window and his came back to him for the second half. All in all, a great match. I truly said when we shook hands "Whoo! That was a great match! What fun!" We were all smiles.
If there were any other matches to mention, I'm afraid I missed them, being so occupied with Epee. However, Both Toes and Preston placed in the top 8 for Sabre, and also got medals for team Sabre. All in all, Davis did really well, and rocketed up to Second place for the Big Cup. Huzzah to all!
We decided to zoom back to Davis Saturday night rather than Sunday morning, which in retrospect was rather tiring. I regret not hanging out with the Poly crew more afterwards, but Homework called, and we can always do it when they come up for the Davis Tourney.
P.S. I have been in the company of Anja for at least an hour each time for the past few days. I'm getting the niggling suspicion that she fancies me ;). I'll say this, I've enjoyed her company very much, but to iterate what we do here would be improper. Oh, and she's been nice enough to get me some Lady Grey tea, of which you can read an interesting factoid here. My only complaint is that I need to make sure I get enough sleep. No more 8am classes for me, ever! (if I can help it).
Enough. More Later.
- James
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Hold on to your hats....
Currently in Earphones: "One Speed" from the Chronicles of Riddick Soundtrack by Graeme Revell.
Don't go away, y'all, I'll update in the next few days with the previous goings on of the Cal Poly Tourney.
Dunno if you ever watched Peewee's Playhouse as a kid, but I'll always remember the various commercial break cuts/ditties: "After theeeese messages, we'll be riiiight...back!"
(And those frikin' odd Twix commercials, I'm scarred for life)
Enough. More Later.
- James
Don't go away, y'all, I'll update in the next few days with the previous goings on of the Cal Poly Tourney.
Dunno if you ever watched Peewee's Playhouse as a kid, but I'll always remember the various commercial break cuts/ditties: "After theeeese messages, we'll be riiiight...back!"
(And those frikin' odd Twix commercials, I'm scarred for life)
Enough. More Later.
- James
Sunday, November 06, 2005
A Woman's Heart.
Currently in Earphones: "Children of Dune" Soundtrack by Brian Tyler.
So yeah, went with Anja to see "A Woman's Heart" at Mondavi last night, was pretty impressed. I'm glad that she and I share the same opinions, though.
First, the first half I found much better than the second, maybe because I'm more of a traditionalist and like the modal and instrumental pieces. It got off to a great start with the amazing Cara Dillion, who had an amazingly sweet and melodious voice. That she started off with her own rendition of "Black is the Color" made my day; it's one of my absolute favorite songs. After a few more nice vocal pieces, Sharon Shannon came down on Accordion and played some wicked reels and jigs of her own making. I really liked how she combined the quick beat and traditional lines with some more classical phrases in her compositions, but needless to say she had everyone bouncing in their seats.
The second half was ok. First off there was Maura O'Connell, this fantastically quirky woman with a lusty alto. She had this huge shock of (looked to be brunette from my vantage point) hair and goofily frumpy clothing, but boy was she having fun! She'd dance around and romance the microphone like a gutsy blues singer. And did she ever have an amazing lung capacity! She held on to notes for what seemed like forever. I liked her soulful repertoire, particularly her "Love you in the Middle," which still touched me even though it's a middle-aged love ballad. Finally there was Mary Black, who although was the more well-known of them all, wasn't particularly impressive. Sure, she had a nice voice, but it was hard to understand her. As Anja so adroitly pointed out, she didn't enunciate and sometimes seemed to be singing around her brouge. Although they all finished out with a few numbers which featured all of them, what was the crowd favorite was the first encore number: Sharon Shannon came out with her squeezebox and sparked the place off with some great fast-moving (Jigs? Reels?). The final pieces afterward seemed underwhelming after such a high-energy finish, but all in all, I liked it all.
The concert last night rekindled Anja's desire for the green land, and I support her whole-heartedly in her desire to spend either a summer or a year there. All I know is that, if she wishes to choose the course that will make her happy, I shouldn't have to play a role. If she really wants to spend a year there, I can't be the one factor holding her back. Goodness knows she's putting herself through enough that she can even go to Ireland. If she does choose for the full year, then I only say this to her: If you find someone else, no doubt better than I, I only ask that you not forget me. Love is not a shackle, and as I love you so should I not greedily bind you to me. You must do what makes you happy, the last thing you need are the desires of a foolish man holding you back from better things.
Enough. More Later.
- James
So yeah, went with Anja to see "A Woman's Heart" at Mondavi last night, was pretty impressed. I'm glad that she and I share the same opinions, though.
First, the first half I found much better than the second, maybe because I'm more of a traditionalist and like the modal and instrumental pieces. It got off to a great start with the amazing Cara Dillion, who had an amazingly sweet and melodious voice. That she started off with her own rendition of "Black is the Color" made my day; it's one of my absolute favorite songs. After a few more nice vocal pieces, Sharon Shannon came down on Accordion and played some wicked reels and jigs of her own making. I really liked how she combined the quick beat and traditional lines with some more classical phrases in her compositions, but needless to say she had everyone bouncing in their seats.
The second half was ok. First off there was Maura O'Connell, this fantastically quirky woman with a lusty alto. She had this huge shock of (looked to be brunette from my vantage point) hair and goofily frumpy clothing, but boy was she having fun! She'd dance around and romance the microphone like a gutsy blues singer. And did she ever have an amazing lung capacity! She held on to notes for what seemed like forever. I liked her soulful repertoire, particularly her "Love you in the Middle," which still touched me even though it's a middle-aged love ballad. Finally there was Mary Black, who although was the more well-known of them all, wasn't particularly impressive. Sure, she had a nice voice, but it was hard to understand her. As Anja so adroitly pointed out, she didn't enunciate and sometimes seemed to be singing around her brouge. Although they all finished out with a few numbers which featured all of them, what was the crowd favorite was the first encore number: Sharon Shannon came out with her squeezebox and sparked the place off with some great fast-moving (Jigs? Reels?). The final pieces afterward seemed underwhelming after such a high-energy finish, but all in all, I liked it all.
The concert last night rekindled Anja's desire for the green land, and I support her whole-heartedly in her desire to spend either a summer or a year there. All I know is that, if she wishes to choose the course that will make her happy, I shouldn't have to play a role. If she really wants to spend a year there, I can't be the one factor holding her back. Goodness knows she's putting herself through enough that she can even go to Ireland. If she does choose for the full year, then I only say this to her: If you find someone else, no doubt better than I, I only ask that you not forget me. Love is not a shackle, and as I love you so should I not greedily bind you to me. You must do what makes you happy, the last thing you need are the desires of a foolish man holding you back from better things.
Enough. More Later.
- James
Friday, November 04, 2005
Indeed...
Currently in Earphones: "Doom Service" "Door of Destiny" "Hellstorm" "Power Struggle" by Klaus Badelt.
I froze. What was I to do? Had I heard correctly? What a time for fatigue to dull my senses. If it was, 'twas so out of left field that I had no time to think, only to react. I made my choice, then realized that it was I who was bass ackwards. Damnit! Shame filled me. I was like the dog that cringed away from a friendly hand after being hit too often. Only the hand was her silvery laughter; pure and sweet, without malice, and my mistake made me cringe. One does not merely unlearn years of humility and shame in a moment, and as much as I wanted to be purified then and there, still I tremble. Have patience with me, Cara Mea, and hopeless though we are, I may yet have courage.
Enough, More Later.
- James
I froze. What was I to do? Had I heard correctly? What a time for fatigue to dull my senses. If it was, 'twas so out of left field that I had no time to think, only to react. I made my choice, then realized that it was I who was bass ackwards. Damnit! Shame filled me. I was like the dog that cringed away from a friendly hand after being hit too often. Only the hand was her silvery laughter; pure and sweet, without malice, and my mistake made me cringe. One does not merely unlearn years of humility and shame in a moment, and as much as I wanted to be purified then and there, still I tremble. Have patience with me, Cara Mea, and hopeless though we are, I may yet have courage.
Enough, More Later.
- James
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Swords, Cloaks and Late Night Happenings.
Currently in Earphones: Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Soundtrack.
Man, this weekend was packed.
First off, got up in the wee hours of the morning Saturday to head to UC Santa Cruz for the Tourney. We piled into Bishop's car and raced down, listening to our newest incarnation of the "Beer For Bishop" compilation that's taking our friends by storm, and singing our lungs out all the way (aside from the occasional nap).
Arrived at the UC and unpacked. It was a small tourney in one of their indoor multipurpose courts, nice and comfy. Now, I had never fenced Epee in any sort of tournament before, so I was prepared to get my ass handed to me. TC counseled me as such, and also said "You can be the thorn. As long as you can get some points off on them, it's all good. Just be a nusiance. Come to think of it, we should totally get you a coat of arms!" Well, first match off the bout (to five points) my opponent got a point, 0-1 his favor. Then 1-1, then 1-2, then 2-2. Then all of a sudden it was 3-2, then 4-2, then 5-2! Bout! I'd won! TC was very impressed, as was I. And that was my victory for the day. Everything else was the other fencer whipping the heck outta me. But I got some good pointers from Mr. Ryan Curtis, one of the Cal Poly crew and an excellent Epeeist. My only regret was having my pools include more lefty-fencers than righties.
Things went very swimmingly afterward. Toes fenced both Saber and Foil, and to our surprise not only did well in pools, but knocked out at least 2 D.E.s in each. He even managed to best Bishop, not an easy feat, which was rather bittersweet. On one hand, Bishop had taught Toes well enough to best him, and on the other, he had been beaten.
But the real kudos goes to Preston, who amazed us all.
So there we were, the second round of D.E.s for Saber, and Preston was up against a USFA C Ranked Fencer from Berkeley (for those of you who don't know, A rank fencers are top of the heap). It was a match to 10 touches, and Preston was getting nailed. It was 8 points to Preston's 1 point, and things were looking grim. Ryan, Patrick, TC and some assorted Davis fencers were on the sidelines yelling encouragement, and TC says at this point "Preston! Do something DIFFERENT!!!"
Preston then pauses, cocks his head to the side and thinks for a moment, and then Ryan shouts "BEGGARMAN!" Now, the Cal Poly people have also heard Beer for Bishop, and know as well as all of us that Beggarman is a song with a very fast tempo. We almost see the dawning comprehension bloom in Preston as the judge says "Ready, Fence!" He immediately starts hopping about "like a leprechaun on meth," as he so eloquently retold, and totally throws the Berkeley fencer off guard, landing a neat clean point.
There's a collected vibe of "Cool! It Worked!" that runs through the air, and Preston jigs it up for a point or two more and starts to gain the upper hand. Patrick then shouts "HEART OF THE OCEAN!" in much the same vein: a song with a slow tempo. At the "Ready, Fence!" the Berkeley fencer immediately tenses up, waiting for the fast and furious. It never comes. Preston calmly advances forward in tempo and clunks him upside the head.
This goes on until they are tied: it's 8-8 and the excitement is buzzing. The entire Salle is watching the match, it seems. Preston is mixing it up like mad and we're right there along with it. The other fencer and his coach are grinding their teeth in frusteration. Then it's 8-9, Preston's favor. Then Preston relaxes just enough to get careless. Now it's 9-9, La Belle: Match Point. Tension is thick in the air. We all hold our breath as we hear the familiar "Ready, Fence!" and Preston and the other charge full on at each other. The sound of blades keen through the air as they swing, and our hearts stop for the nanosecond between the time we hear the box go off and we look at the indicator lights. One Light. A Clean Hit.....Preston's Point.
The Davis/Cal Poly Crowd goes absolutely apeshit. Cheering, hooting, howling, and much back slapping and congratulations ensue as he gets unhooked from the strip. As the Berkeley fencer consulted with his coach, we could almost here them saying "What the hell is a Beggarman?!?!?" An amazing match. Though Preston didn't manage to win the following bout afterwards, it remains the high point of the day. We didn't go away empty handed though; through a technicality we won 3rd place Team Saber. We didn't have any girls at all show up, which was sad in itself, but it also disqualified us from any team scoring (That is, the collective points of all who fence advanced Foil/Saber/Epee). However, there were only two groups who qualified to win Team Saber, and since we placed highest after them, we won third by default. The trophy is on our mantle; Preston earned the right to keep it.
So After staying up for 20 hours on Saturday for all the Tourney related activities, I hobbled through Sunday and most of Monday in recovery. Monday night, though, was a total blast. The great Aljay held a Halloween party at his place (conveniently located on the same street that Anja resides) and we all went out trick-or-treating. Of course, being a bunch of college kids, we devised a new way of making it more legitimate. We had Mike, one of the more musically talented in our party, bring his accordion, and he taught us a very catchy song that he and others had devised earlier. It's a crazy little ditty, and it goes something like this...
Man, this weekend was packed.
First off, got up in the wee hours of the morning Saturday to head to UC Santa Cruz for the Tourney. We piled into Bishop's car and raced down, listening to our newest incarnation of the "Beer For Bishop" compilation that's taking our friends by storm, and singing our lungs out all the way (aside from the occasional nap).
Arrived at the UC and unpacked. It was a small tourney in one of their indoor multipurpose courts, nice and comfy. Now, I had never fenced Epee in any sort of tournament before, so I was prepared to get my ass handed to me. TC counseled me as such, and also said "You can be the thorn. As long as you can get some points off on them, it's all good. Just be a nusiance. Come to think of it, we should totally get you a coat of arms!" Well, first match off the bout (to five points) my opponent got a point, 0-1 his favor. Then 1-1, then 1-2, then 2-2. Then all of a sudden it was 3-2, then 4-2, then 5-2! Bout! I'd won! TC was very impressed, as was I. And that was my victory for the day. Everything else was the other fencer whipping the heck outta me. But I got some good pointers from Mr. Ryan Curtis, one of the Cal Poly crew and an excellent Epeeist. My only regret was having my pools include more lefty-fencers than righties.
Things went very swimmingly afterward. Toes fenced both Saber and Foil, and to our surprise not only did well in pools, but knocked out at least 2 D.E.s in each. He even managed to best Bishop, not an easy feat, which was rather bittersweet. On one hand, Bishop had taught Toes well enough to best him, and on the other, he had been beaten.
But the real kudos goes to Preston, who amazed us all.
So there we were, the second round of D.E.s for Saber, and Preston was up against a USFA C Ranked Fencer from Berkeley (for those of you who don't know, A rank fencers are top of the heap). It was a match to 10 touches, and Preston was getting nailed. It was 8 points to Preston's 1 point, and things were looking grim. Ryan, Patrick, TC and some assorted Davis fencers were on the sidelines yelling encouragement, and TC says at this point "Preston! Do something DIFFERENT!!!"
Preston then pauses, cocks his head to the side and thinks for a moment, and then Ryan shouts "BEGGARMAN!" Now, the Cal Poly people have also heard Beer for Bishop, and know as well as all of us that Beggarman is a song with a very fast tempo. We almost see the dawning comprehension bloom in Preston as the judge says "Ready, Fence!" He immediately starts hopping about "like a leprechaun on meth," as he so eloquently retold, and totally throws the Berkeley fencer off guard, landing a neat clean point.
There's a collected vibe of "Cool! It Worked!" that runs through the air, and Preston jigs it up for a point or two more and starts to gain the upper hand. Patrick then shouts "HEART OF THE OCEAN!" in much the same vein: a song with a slow tempo. At the "Ready, Fence!" the Berkeley fencer immediately tenses up, waiting for the fast and furious. It never comes. Preston calmly advances forward in tempo and clunks him upside the head.
This goes on until they are tied: it's 8-8 and the excitement is buzzing. The entire Salle is watching the match, it seems. Preston is mixing it up like mad and we're right there along with it. The other fencer and his coach are grinding their teeth in frusteration. Then it's 8-9, Preston's favor. Then Preston relaxes just enough to get careless. Now it's 9-9, La Belle: Match Point. Tension is thick in the air. We all hold our breath as we hear the familiar "Ready, Fence!" and Preston and the other charge full on at each other. The sound of blades keen through the air as they swing, and our hearts stop for the nanosecond between the time we hear the box go off and we look at the indicator lights. One Light. A Clean Hit.....Preston's Point.
The Davis/Cal Poly Crowd goes absolutely apeshit. Cheering, hooting, howling, and much back slapping and congratulations ensue as he gets unhooked from the strip. As the Berkeley fencer consulted with his coach, we could almost here them saying "What the hell is a Beggarman?!?!?" An amazing match. Though Preston didn't manage to win the following bout afterwards, it remains the high point of the day. We didn't go away empty handed though; through a technicality we won 3rd place Team Saber. We didn't have any girls at all show up, which was sad in itself, but it also disqualified us from any team scoring (That is, the collective points of all who fence advanced Foil/Saber/Epee). However, there were only two groups who qualified to win Team Saber, and since we placed highest after them, we won third by default. The trophy is on our mantle; Preston earned the right to keep it.
So After staying up for 20 hours on Saturday for all the Tourney related activities, I hobbled through Sunday and most of Monday in recovery. Monday night, though, was a total blast. The great Aljay held a Halloween party at his place (conveniently located on the same street that Anja resides) and we all went out trick-or-treating. Of course, being a bunch of college kids, we devised a new way of making it more legitimate. We had Mike, one of the more musically talented in our party, bring his accordion, and he taught us a very catchy song that he and others had devised earlier. It's a crazy little ditty, and it goes something like this...
"Please give us some Candy,
Starving college students need food!
Please give us some Candy,
Our Stomachs will surely thank you!
Please give us some Candy,
Boy, that would surely be keen,
And we hope that you may have
a Fantastic Halloween!"
Needless to say, we brought a smile to many a face, and tons of extra candy from all the appreciative people as we went door-to-door caroling, as it were. It brought smiles to our faces to hear family after family go "This has been the highlight of our evening!" We even had one house where a husband and wife answered the door, and just before we were about to break into song, the woman said "Wait! I just put our 8 month old to sleep..." ::we all deflate:: "...but I'm gonna go get him up, he should see this!" ::we all resume:: A kind soul even gave us $20 with the admonishment "Go get yourselves a pizza!" We all agreed it was Mikes, what with carrying his accordion around. In any case, we had a blast, and were totally making plans for next year: we'll have more instruments the next time (I on my fiddle, of course)! It was the best Halloween I've had in ages.
Of the time I got to spend with my dear Anja, I will only say this: Although I may be lacking for sleep because of it, the time I spend with her has been the best. The only thing I wish to be able to happen now is for us to fall asleep in each other's arms without care for the next day. I cannot say this enough: I care for her more than I can put in words. I am hers.
But soft, I have homework to do!
Enough, More Later.
- James
Starving college students need food!
Please give us some Candy,
Our Stomachs will surely thank you!
Please give us some Candy,
Boy, that would surely be keen,
And we hope that you may have
a Fantastic Halloween!"
Needless to say, we brought a smile to many a face, and tons of extra candy from all the appreciative people as we went door-to-door caroling, as it were. It brought smiles to our faces to hear family after family go "This has been the highlight of our evening!" We even had one house where a husband and wife answered the door, and just before we were about to break into song, the woman said "Wait! I just put our 8 month old to sleep..." ::we all deflate:: "...but I'm gonna go get him up, he should see this!" ::we all resume:: A kind soul even gave us $20 with the admonishment "Go get yourselves a pizza!" We all agreed it was Mikes, what with carrying his accordion around. In any case, we had a blast, and were totally making plans for next year: we'll have more instruments the next time (I on my fiddle, of course)! It was the best Halloween I've had in ages.
Of the time I got to spend with my dear Anja, I will only say this: Although I may be lacking for sleep because of it, the time I spend with her has been the best. The only thing I wish to be able to happen now is for us to fall asleep in each other's arms without care for the next day. I cannot say this enough: I care for her more than I can put in words. I am hers.
But soft, I have homework to do!
Enough, More Later.
- James
Monday, October 24, 2005
Chug-a-chug-a-chug
Currently in Earphones: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Soundtrack by John Williams.
Whoof! Blazin' right along!
Need only 200 words more for my Ling. Paper. I'll finish it tomorrow and not have to worry about it for the next few days. Now all I need to do is continue with Latin, catch up with some Comp. Lit. busywork and start THAT essay, etc. etc. Manageable stuff.
Had a very heartening day at fencing. Earlier on I was seriously doubting that I'd do well at all at the upcoming Santa Cruz Tourney (Yes, Mom and Dad, you're welcome to come if you'd like to haul yourselves down to Santa Cruz. I'll send you more info when I get it). I had missed the last two practices to work and Baroque Ensemble, and previously had been beaten into the ground by Matt Rock. Now, I learned two things this practice: 1. I am a fair hand with an Epee (once I get some tactics in) and 2. I need some foundation before any of Rock's tactics settle in.
Cathy, Matt's girlfriend, explained it very well to me: He's not a very good teacher in that he instructs you as if you were about to go fence somewhere his level. Now, that's all well and good, to be learning some advanced stuff, but if you're fresh into Epee (or not wanting to be really, really good this instant) it's not so cool. However, as Thoreau once said (and I paraphrase), "If you build your castles in the air, worry not. That is where they should be. Now put foundations under them."
The foundation came from TC, who graciously allowed me some private time to polish the hunk of raw ore that is my Epee skill with him. I was greatly relieved to hear that I could ask him for some time for private tutelage and that he would grant it, should he have the time. I also was able to fence Seymon and score a good amount of hits against him. Matt should be happy to know that I feinted distance against him, intentionally falling short to lull him closer, then going in for the kill. BOO-YAH!
Incidentally, there's a new fencer named James (now I REALLY need a nickname!) who's fenced Epee for 4 years in High School. The only thing is that he now has to get a foil base from TC before he's allowed to fence Epee again. Seems like a nice guy.
My poor, dear Anja. She has been wrestling with a twingy migraine for a week or so now and it had her against the ropes, but now it managed to throw her out of the ring. She skipped school today because of that and her jaw kept locking up. My mom has kindly pointed out some articles on the subject which I've dutifully forwarded to Anja. I hope she finds something to help her get better, but it's difficult with her difficulty swallowing pills. She's been telling me that she's really up for a change of scene, and I offered her a visit/stay for a bit in the Bay when Thanksgiving come around. Mom, Dad, I hope you don't mind if she does like to take up the offer, though it's probably not going to be so. She has the usual Family Gathering to go to, but she'll make an attempt to shrug it off, though I'm not sure how successful it will be. I care for her very much.
But soft, I have homework to finish!
Enough. More Later.
- James
Whoof! Blazin' right along!
Need only 200 words more for my Ling. Paper. I'll finish it tomorrow and not have to worry about it for the next few days. Now all I need to do is continue with Latin, catch up with some Comp. Lit. busywork and start THAT essay, etc. etc. Manageable stuff.
Had a very heartening day at fencing. Earlier on I was seriously doubting that I'd do well at all at the upcoming Santa Cruz Tourney (Yes, Mom and Dad, you're welcome to come if you'd like to haul yourselves down to Santa Cruz. I'll send you more info when I get it). I had missed the last two practices to work and Baroque Ensemble, and previously had been beaten into the ground by Matt Rock. Now, I learned two things this practice: 1. I am a fair hand with an Epee (once I get some tactics in) and 2. I need some foundation before any of Rock's tactics settle in.
Cathy, Matt's girlfriend, explained it very well to me: He's not a very good teacher in that he instructs you as if you were about to go fence somewhere his level. Now, that's all well and good, to be learning some advanced stuff, but if you're fresh into Epee (or not wanting to be really, really good this instant) it's not so cool. However, as Thoreau once said (and I paraphrase), "If you build your castles in the air, worry not. That is where they should be. Now put foundations under them."
The foundation came from TC, who graciously allowed me some private time to polish the hunk of raw ore that is my Epee skill with him. I was greatly relieved to hear that I could ask him for some time for private tutelage and that he would grant it, should he have the time. I also was able to fence Seymon and score a good amount of hits against him. Matt should be happy to know that I feinted distance against him, intentionally falling short to lull him closer, then going in for the kill. BOO-YAH!
Incidentally, there's a new fencer named James (now I REALLY need a nickname!) who's fenced Epee for 4 years in High School. The only thing is that he now has to get a foil base from TC before he's allowed to fence Epee again. Seems like a nice guy.
My poor, dear Anja. She has been wrestling with a twingy migraine for a week or so now and it had her against the ropes, but now it managed to throw her out of the ring. She skipped school today because of that and her jaw kept locking up. My mom has kindly pointed out some articles on the subject which I've dutifully forwarded to Anja. I hope she finds something to help her get better, but it's difficult with her difficulty swallowing pills. She's been telling me that she's really up for a change of scene, and I offered her a visit/stay for a bit in the Bay when Thanksgiving come around. Mom, Dad, I hope you don't mind if she does like to take up the offer, though it's probably not going to be so. She has the usual Family Gathering to go to, but she'll make an attempt to shrug it off, though I'm not sure how successful it will be. I care for her very much.
But soft, I have homework to finish!
Enough. More Later.
- James
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Yet Another Quick Update
Currently in Earphones: "The Mermaids Tears" and "The Rowan Tree Trilogy" by Jeff Victor, "The Dragon's Breath" by David Arkenstone, "Skellig" by Loreena McKennitt.
Things are chugggin' right along.
I should probably get a job: luckily the University has all sorts of student jobs. What's lookin' best right now is being a Shelver at Shields Library. My only qualms are the hours: weekends, must keep all hours during Finals week, and an extra 7 hours during the last two weeks of the quarter. I'll meditate on it for a day or two, but I'm guessing I'm gonna be going for it. Goodbye, free time....At least it's money.
Gotta get working on my Linguistics Paper. The first part is due in a week.
The UCD Drama dept is having their second annual costume sale this weekend, should be fun. We're going to camp out early in the morning to get some good pickings.
8am classes blow. I'm never going to take them again if I can avoid it. At least Drama 10 is interesting enough to merit me dragging my butt outta bed at 6:30 that I may be there, scrubbed and satiated, on time.
Some Latin for my dear Anja: "Rosa Rubicundior, Lilio Candidior, Omnibus formosior, semper in te glorior!" Te amo, Cara Mea.
Enough. More Later.
- James
Things are chugggin' right along.
I should probably get a job: luckily the University has all sorts of student jobs. What's lookin' best right now is being a Shelver at Shields Library. My only qualms are the hours: weekends, must keep all hours during Finals week, and an extra 7 hours during the last two weeks of the quarter. I'll meditate on it for a day or two, but I'm guessing I'm gonna be going for it. Goodbye, free time....At least it's money.
Gotta get working on my Linguistics Paper. The first part is due in a week.
The UCD Drama dept is having their second annual costume sale this weekend, should be fun. We're going to camp out early in the morning to get some good pickings.
8am classes blow. I'm never going to take them again if I can avoid it. At least Drama 10 is interesting enough to merit me dragging my butt outta bed at 6:30 that I may be there, scrubbed and satiated, on time.
Some Latin for my dear Anja: "Rosa Rubicundior, Lilio Candidior, Omnibus formosior, semper in te glorior!" Te amo, Cara Mea.
Enough. More Later.
- James
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Hip Hip....HUZZAH!
Currently in Earphones: "Sahara" soundtrack by Clint Mansell. "The Dragon's Breath" by David Arkenstone.
Wow, so that's what a renaissance fair is like.
Roll call of who all was there: From the Casa de Espada de Davis (our house), Myself, Preston (with his current interest, Kyong Hwa), and Robert (with his girlfriend Lisa). And group no. 2, dear Anja and her friends Lisa and Michelle.
I have been to the Dickens fair before. But that, at worst, was a bunch of pretentious, annoying idiots who liked flouncing about in Victorian costume and sawing away at unconvincing accents.
Okay, so the reason for this negative turn was a particularly annoying event early on during the Ren Fair today, but other than that, the day was cool.
Now, I knew that there are usually a few loonies who take everything to the extreme and make some weird crap go down, usually involving an unsuspecting civilian-dressed person who's just there to soak it in. I've had similar encounters before, so I was ready for some strange shit. But this one just rattled me...
Sascha and I were play-fencing with empty hands, just having a glorified poking war. Now, this dude, who was over-acting to begin with (but who had some suavitude to him) sidles up to us and makes a big show of "Don't stab women, embrace women!" (with the usual flowery elocution) in demonstration to me and with the various ladies in our party. Who should he grab but Anja?
So I'm not getting angry or anything: I've got some stability because I was expecting this, but I'm off balance all the same because he's not letting me get a word in edgewise. He's leading me on to calling him out ("Here, you hold her, like this, etc...[to Anja] You see his face? I see jealousy there!") and there is no malice or otherwise, he's doing it all in play. But once again, for the life of me, he wasn't letting me collect my wits to deliver anything diplomatic or (if I was fast and lucky enough) witty.
He was playful enough to keep putting a hand to the side of my face in demonstration ("You hold women!"), with which I kept gently grabbing and pushing aside. Between these vocal salvos and otherwise, I was struggling to find words of my own to rebuff the cur. Now, it looked as though he was a nice enough guy, so I wasn't interested in chewing him out, but I eventually gave up and played into the short way out. I let all expression fall from my face, took a good grip on his hand, and said softly "Unhand my woman!" Not the words I would have used had I the choice, for he was baiting me towards such a cro-magnon-like response.
But it did the trick, and he bowed in apology before I could stammer out "or I shall have to challenge you to a duel!" I would have duelled him in all earnestness, yet still in play, as I had no interest in actual blood sport. As we left we were all laughing about it naturally, but I still felt I had some matter of honor to settle, some reason left unexplained. That, unfortunately, was what stuck with me, that un-balanced-ness.
Not to say that there were other good things that I forgot. There was an uproariously funny troupe called The Sound and the Fury who did their own play, "Testiculese and ye Sack of Rome," the self-advertised "dirtiest play of the faire." It was basically a long string of sex jokes, but well put together and well executed. To mention some off-color material, they used a joke with word-play on "vas deferens" in the punchline, which elicited a good giggle from myself and the rest, to which the performers replied: "Ahh, a College-age group!"
Saw the Jousting tournament, which had all the theatricality (and better jokes) as any of those "Camelot"-dinner-and-a-floor-show actors-whacking-each-other-with-swords performances, but had real, honest-to-goodness, no-holds-barred jousting. Real whacks and everything. Nothing too spectacular, but you could tell when a hit landed: "CRAASH!!"
We picked up some great, hearty food. Preston with a full leg of turkey, and the rest with some beautifully rich soup in a bread bowl. We watched some Morris Dancers and Scots/Irish dancers while chonkin' on the grub, and it was then that we actually met back up with Anja and co.
What had happened: The house crew (viz, Preston, I, et. al.) got separated from the Anja crew as we were looking through all the booths, and we decided to head over to the Jousting match and hope to meet up with them on the off-chance that they were going there too. After the match, we went back to the food area and ate, during which we found each other again.
After that we wandered about some more, and eventually caught the middle of "The Bold and Stupid Men," a well done act about how to be overtly and comically chivalrous. There was some fun theatrical swordplay, but it was also clear that the fellows were no slouches with blades. As Preston remarked later: "There were some well done technical disengages and takes, and even one of the more theatrical 'circular-disarm' moves, though with quite a bit of skill in it." Normally I'm not up for any kind of audience participation, but in a play like this (and with the already theatrical quality of most of the audience) it was a joy to watch the two men instruct people in how to POSE...like a man, STRUT...like a man, and BOW to a lady...like a man!
We goofed about in the various clothing booths for a little afterward, and my only regret was not trying on some of the loose-sleeved, renaissance men's shirts that merited their own booth. The various cloaks were cool enough, but I think I'll be able to get stuff like that at the upcoming Costume Sale in the UCD Drama dept.
Poor, dear Anja. She came down with a migraine part way through the day. I went into my customary "low-alert" mode: ears pricked and eyes open in order to help ease any aggravating stimuli that might make things worse. This, of course, pretty much only entailed me with keeping the sun out of her face and being as gentle as possible. Having a mom who gets migrains has, I hope, tuned me in at least a little to that kind of stuff.
Turns out that her group didn't click very well with the rest of us. Anja was put in the awkward position of trying to at least reconcile her two charges, a feat which I heard later didn't turn out very well. In any case, she's feeling pretty crummy today, so after I do my few chores and homework I hope to be able to ease her.
To end on a nice note, she came back to our house (along with our other guests, though not the other two in Anja's crew) and we all cooked dinner. I won't go into too much detail of the short time we had with each other afterward, but it was so nice to be standing in each others arms, and feeling this sort of magic rise out each other by being on the same brainwave: listening to the above mentioned Celtic song and looking into each others eyes.
Reader, I worried earlier when getting to know Anja. I worried that I might not come to love her. I cared and still care for her very much, yet as I have discovered, there seems to be a fine line between loving and caring for someone. Maybe I'm still settling the differences between Passionate love and Companionate Love, as so nicely outlined by our Psych. Profs. But I tell you, Reader, whatever stoicism that has stilled my heart in the past is gradually dissolving. For once, I have hope.
But enough of my prattling. I'm sure you're anxious to be getting back to your life after such a lengthily post.
Enough, More Later.
- James
Wow, so that's what a renaissance fair is like.
Roll call of who all was there: From the Casa de Espada de Davis (our house), Myself, Preston (with his current interest, Kyong Hwa), and Robert (with his girlfriend Lisa). And group no. 2, dear Anja and her friends Lisa and Michelle.
I have been to the Dickens fair before. But that, at worst, was a bunch of pretentious, annoying idiots who liked flouncing about in Victorian costume and sawing away at unconvincing accents.
Okay, so the reason for this negative turn was a particularly annoying event early on during the Ren Fair today, but other than that, the day was cool.
Now, I knew that there are usually a few loonies who take everything to the extreme and make some weird crap go down, usually involving an unsuspecting civilian-dressed person who's just there to soak it in. I've had similar encounters before, so I was ready for some strange shit. But this one just rattled me...
Sascha and I were play-fencing with empty hands, just having a glorified poking war. Now, this dude, who was over-acting to begin with (but who had some suavitude to him) sidles up to us and makes a big show of "Don't stab women, embrace women!" (with the usual flowery elocution) in demonstration to me and with the various ladies in our party. Who should he grab but Anja?
So I'm not getting angry or anything: I've got some stability because I was expecting this, but I'm off balance all the same because he's not letting me get a word in edgewise. He's leading me on to calling him out ("Here, you hold her, like this, etc...[to Anja] You see his face? I see jealousy there!") and there is no malice or otherwise, he's doing it all in play. But once again, for the life of me, he wasn't letting me collect my wits to deliver anything diplomatic or (if I was fast and lucky enough) witty.
He was playful enough to keep putting a hand to the side of my face in demonstration ("You hold women!"), with which I kept gently grabbing and pushing aside. Between these vocal salvos and otherwise, I was struggling to find words of my own to rebuff the cur. Now, it looked as though he was a nice enough guy, so I wasn't interested in chewing him out, but I eventually gave up and played into the short way out. I let all expression fall from my face, took a good grip on his hand, and said softly "Unhand my woman!" Not the words I would have used had I the choice, for he was baiting me towards such a cro-magnon-like response.
But it did the trick, and he bowed in apology before I could stammer out "or I shall have to challenge you to a duel!" I would have duelled him in all earnestness, yet still in play, as I had no interest in actual blood sport. As we left we were all laughing about it naturally, but I still felt I had some matter of honor to settle, some reason left unexplained. That, unfortunately, was what stuck with me, that un-balanced-ness.
Not to say that there were other good things that I forgot. There was an uproariously funny troupe called The Sound and the Fury who did their own play, "Testiculese and ye Sack of Rome," the self-advertised "dirtiest play of the faire." It was basically a long string of sex jokes, but well put together and well executed. To mention some off-color material, they used a joke with word-play on "vas deferens" in the punchline, which elicited a good giggle from myself and the rest, to which the performers replied: "Ahh, a College-age group!"
Saw the Jousting tournament, which had all the theatricality (and better jokes) as any of those "Camelot"-dinner-and-a-floor-show actors-whacking-each-other-with-swords performances, but had real, honest-to-goodness, no-holds-barred jousting. Real whacks and everything. Nothing too spectacular, but you could tell when a hit landed: "CRAASH!!"
We picked up some great, hearty food. Preston with a full leg of turkey, and the rest with some beautifully rich soup in a bread bowl. We watched some Morris Dancers and Scots/Irish dancers while chonkin' on the grub, and it was then that we actually met back up with Anja and co.
What had happened: The house crew (viz, Preston, I, et. al.) got separated from the Anja crew as we were looking through all the booths, and we decided to head over to the Jousting match and hope to meet up with them on the off-chance that they were going there too. After the match, we went back to the food area and ate, during which we found each other again.
After that we wandered about some more, and eventually caught the middle of "The Bold and Stupid Men," a well done act about how to be overtly and comically chivalrous. There was some fun theatrical swordplay, but it was also clear that the fellows were no slouches with blades. As Preston remarked later: "There were some well done technical disengages and takes, and even one of the more theatrical 'circular-disarm' moves, though with quite a bit of skill in it." Normally I'm not up for any kind of audience participation, but in a play like this (and with the already theatrical quality of most of the audience) it was a joy to watch the two men instruct people in how to POSE...like a man, STRUT...like a man, and BOW to a lady...like a man!
We goofed about in the various clothing booths for a little afterward, and my only regret was not trying on some of the loose-sleeved, renaissance men's shirts that merited their own booth. The various cloaks were cool enough, but I think I'll be able to get stuff like that at the upcoming Costume Sale in the UCD Drama dept.
Poor, dear Anja. She came down with a migraine part way through the day. I went into my customary "low-alert" mode: ears pricked and eyes open in order to help ease any aggravating stimuli that might make things worse. This, of course, pretty much only entailed me with keeping the sun out of her face and being as gentle as possible. Having a mom who gets migrains has, I hope, tuned me in at least a little to that kind of stuff.
Turns out that her group didn't click very well with the rest of us. Anja was put in the awkward position of trying to at least reconcile her two charges, a feat which I heard later didn't turn out very well. In any case, she's feeling pretty crummy today, so after I do my few chores and homework I hope to be able to ease her.
To end on a nice note, she came back to our house (along with our other guests, though not the other two in Anja's crew) and we all cooked dinner. I won't go into too much detail of the short time we had with each other afterward, but it was so nice to be standing in each others arms, and feeling this sort of magic rise out each other by being on the same brainwave: listening to the above mentioned Celtic song and looking into each others eyes.
Reader, I worried earlier when getting to know Anja. I worried that I might not come to love her. I cared and still care for her very much, yet as I have discovered, there seems to be a fine line between loving and caring for someone. Maybe I'm still settling the differences between Passionate love and Companionate Love, as so nicely outlined by our Psych. Profs. But I tell you, Reader, whatever stoicism that has stilled my heart in the past is gradually dissolving. For once, I have hope.
But enough of my prattling. I'm sure you're anxious to be getting back to your life after such a lengthily post.
Enough, More Later.
- James
Friday, October 14, 2005
Attack in Prep
Currently in Earphones: "Ghosts Love Score" by Nightwish.
This is a prep attack for an inevitable Sunday post entailing the ensuing Renaissance Fair.
::plays the Song of Storms backwards::
This should be fun!
Oh, Reader: Her name is Anja. Dear, sweet, beautiful Anja. By her loving caresses do I let my hardened heart be softened. In her soft brown eyes do I lose myself, and within her loving embrace do I forget my troubles. Her name is Anja.
Enough, More Later.
- James
This is a prep attack for an inevitable Sunday post entailing the ensuing Renaissance Fair.
::plays the Song of Storms backwards::
This should be fun!
Oh, Reader: Her name is Anja. Dear, sweet, beautiful Anja. By her loving caresses do I let my hardened heart be softened. In her soft brown eyes do I lose myself, and within her loving embrace do I forget my troubles. Her name is Anja.
Enough, More Later.
- James
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