I Finally got some new Furniture!

Today I went to Ikea and bought a new bookcase for my room.  After I arranged all of my schoolwork into binders I realized that I didn't have the shelving for the binders, plus the one tiny case that I had for my books proved insufficient.  I've looked at solutions to my book storage problem for a while and today I purchased myu newest piece of bedroom furniture.  Here it is:

Simple yet functional.  I'm happy with it, and I love the medium brown shade for the wood.  Once I start bringing in money I'll likely add a bed and a wardrobe to compliment the medium brown book case.  I'm looking for something small and functional.  Here it is, it's called the Engan and it's from Ikea:

I don't have a ton of stuff to hang up so I figured this wardrobe would do the trick.  I love the mirror on the door because it saves space.  By the way, if you're reading this post and you have any opinions about my choices please chime in.  The last element that I want to add to my bedroom is a new bed.  Well, I really want to get a new memory foam mattress as well, but all in do time.  A mattress is one thing that I don't mind spending good money on.  I figure we sleep for a third of our lives, so I may as well sleep on something that's really comfortable.  I'm a really light sleeper and I think it's largely due to my soft mattress.  I've gotten numerous complaints about it from people who have spent the night in my bed.  Anyway, first a bed frame because I currently do not even have one of those.  That's right, I just sleep with my box spring on the floor.  I used to think it was cool and now I just want a real bed.  It's funny how I've become such an old man.  Do you see how I excited I am about furniture? I'm crazy, I know this.  Here's the bed:

Off to do Chest and Back.  Last time I tried this workout I got sick, so hopefully I'll make it through this time.  I've been going crazy with no work to do, but the one nice thing is that I have the time to workout daily.  It's always important to find the positive aspects of any situation. 

Movie Reviews

As promised I have a couple additional movie reviews for your reading pleasures.  Let me begin with a movie titled Knight and Day featuring Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz (One of my favorite leading ladies in Hollywood).  I just had an epiphany: I think I'll do a dual Cameron Diaz review and include Bad Teacher in here.  Ok, so I'll begin with Knight and Day.  For those of you expecting great action, plot, and directing, you'll likely be disappointed here.  I honestly don't know why I expected more from this film but I thought it would be a nice mix of action and comedy.  The plot was mediocre and unoriginal and the acting was bearable, not great.  Throughout the movie Tom Cruise wore that annoying Tom Cruise smile that he can never shake, and after a while you're just thinking, "Dude you're getting shot at 24/7. Stop smiling!"  Diaz was gorgeous as always and of course the director put her in a bikini at one point, but overall this movie fell short of my expectations.  A couple of solid car chases (one in Spain) and one cool fight scene on a train but besides those scenes a lot of lack-luster filler material.  If you thought that these two heavy Hollywood hitters would lead to a solid movie, you'll be sorely disappointed.  Avoid this one if you can.

On to Bad Teacher.  Cameron Diaz was funny throughout the movie, and she actually addressed a real world problem for teachers these days which is being forced to teach their classes so that students will pass the state-mandated standardized tests.  Anyway, she was funny, and her struggles throughout the movie represent what a lot of Americans are currently going through due to the recession.  All good up until now right? So here's what killed this movie for me: Justin Timberlake.  His character was horrendously written and the acting didn't help much.  He was just this super annoying and geeky do-gooder who substituted because he wanted to give back to the community.  I was surprised because I've like JT in other movies like Alpha Dog and The Social Network, but in Bad Teacher his character and acting were just pathetic.  I think the writers are to blame more for this one, but overall his character ruined the movie for me.  I expected a lot more from this one.  I'm starting to think that Cameron Diaz really isn't that talented of an actress or she just had terrible luck in choosing movies.  What happened to the good old days of My Best Friend's Wedding and There's Something About Mary?  I miss you Cameron, come back to us with some better movies.

You're probably thinking that I hate every movie I see right? Wrong! Here's a movie that I really liked and I advise all of you to see: The Adjustment Bureau  starring Matt Damon and Emily Blunt (aka Gorgeous).  The movie features the theme of fate and concludes that we all live our lives according to a plan that most times cannot be changed.  Not only does the movie feature an interesting plot with plenty of twists and turns, but there are great effects with the scene changes and cinematography.  I'm a big Matt Damon fan and I credit his acting ability as the main driving force for my watching this movie.  Some actors rarely make a bad movie and Matt Damon is one of those actors.  As I flipped through the on demand menu for the three premium channels in my cable package I went back and forth on this movie for a while.  I thought it would be a sleeper, but it kept my attention from start to finish and featured scenes and conflicts that many people can relate to.  The only thing this movie didn't have too much of is comedy, but honestly it didn't need it.  Overall this movie was solid all around because it made you think.  As the viewer you were forced to not only guess what would happen in the plot but you're forced to relate the on-screen scenarios to your own life asking yourself "What would I do?"  If you haven't seen it yet I highly recommend The Adjustment Bureau.  I also now have a new crush on Emily Blunt. 

Forgive me Readers for I have Slacked

Let me begin by saying that it's nice to once again have the time and mental strength to write for pleasure.  I stuck to my resolution of writing every day, but unfortunately a lot of that writing involved lesson plans and assignments for my students.  It's time for me to return to writing for pleasure.  After all, I do still want to write professionally (even though I have abandoned so many other career ideas).

Insert furious face here.  I just deleted a well written paragraph about what's currently engulfed my life.  Besides watching TV and exercising daily (finally back to it) I've finally had the time to organize all of my things-most specifically my papers from school.  I've done a decent job preserving schoolwork from Preschool through Graduate School, and I made a goal of organizing everything into binders with dividers (Can you tell I'm a teacher).   It took more time than I anticipated, and I threw out a ton of insignificant papers-filled up one of those large paper leaf bags-but I finally finished and everything is now organized.  Now I just need to go to Ikea and buy larger bookshelf so that I can put all of my books and newly organized academic papers on display.  I also had the chance to go through lots of other junk such as toys and other possessions, and I posted numerous things on craigslist while my employment status sits in limbo.  If you're curious about what I'm selling please let me know, and I'll tell you what I have.

So where do I go from here? Blurb about the holidays or movie reviews.  Maybe the horrendous year for football.  Decisions decisions.  People usually fancy my movie reviews so I'll start there.  Let me preface by saying how excited I am to write my Girl with the Dragon Tattoo review, but one of my good friends who reads my blog has yet to see the movie so a review will only happen after she sees the film.  Then again, a good review shouldn't be a spoiler, but I'd rather make sure that my readers go in with a completely clear and open mind.  Aren't I such a good friend? One of my finer qualities.  Anyway, here we go.  I've seen a bunch of movies lately so I'll do some now and some later.

I recently orders Road House (1989) starring Patrick Swayze, and it was awesome.  If you like Swayze as the ass-kicking cool guy then you'll love this movie.  Even if you don't, he lends a great chapter to the encyclopedia of bad-asses throughout this movie.  Swayze plays a "Cooler" or a head bouncer who is recruited for a job in an up-and-coming bar.  This bar lies in a town controlled by the wealthiest citizen, and the owner struggles to break away from the tyrannical rule of Brad Wessly.  The movie features plenty of great bar fights, one-liners, and pretty ladies.  Sure the movie is cheesy at times and has moments that make you say "That would never happen," but that's why it's a movie and not real life.  I highly recommend this movie to any Swayze fans, and for people who want to see the smaller guy win the fight.  I approve of Road House.  

Next up is a newer film that I recently watched titled Crazy Stupid Love.  Now this movie features Emma Stone, so I'm naturally conditioned to love it.  With those feelings side I'll say that the movie started off slow, but featured two major twists that changed my mind on it by the end.  Of course Ryan Gosling has to show off his abs and make me and many other hard working but unsuccessful exercisers violently jealous, but his transformation throughout the movie showed the dynamic aspect of the plot and storyline.  Steve Carrell was awkward and funny as always, and Julianne Moore lent her veteran acting experience to round out a solid cast.  Kevin Bacon did a nice job playing a d-bag home-wrecker, and I don't know why but it's just so easy to hate Kevin Bacon.  He's probably the nicest guy in the world but on camera he is easily one of the most hate-able actors in Hollywood.   He's got a great commercial though.  Let me try to find it an insert it below for those of you who've never seen it. 

Ok that's enough for now.  I have to go and do Kenpo X.  I don't know how but some people don't love that workout.  I think it's easily the best P90X workout.  Anyway Happy Holidays.  More soon.

Flash Fiction Lesson Next Week!!!!

I get to teach a lesson on flash fiction in creative writing next week. Ballin'!!!!  I'm pumped, should be excellent.  I'm excited to share my work, but at the same time I don't want to model too much or they'll just copy what I've given them.  I'm pumped for this.  Now I just need to find some legit literature no it so I can make it look all professional.  Shouldn't be too difficult.  I'm so ahead on schoolwork right now which is really good being that Saturday is my bday and who should have to do work on their birthday. 

I've recently gotten hooked onto the show Shameless on Showtime.  It's really good; a buddy of mine recommended it a while back and I've recently gotten the chance to check it out.  I don't know if it's for everyone but I find it highly entertaining.  The general premise of the show involves a poor family of six children attempting to survive despite the fact that their degenerate, alcoholic father squanders away all of his government allocated money and disability payments on booze.  The oldest sister Fiona (Emmy Rossum) is the female lead and for all intensive purposes, the matriarch of the Gallagher family.  Fiona's other siblings attempt to contribute with whatever odd jobs they can but getting by on a daily basis provides a constant struggle for this unconventional and certainly dysfunctional family.  I could see somebody who grew up in poverty or in a household with an abusive alcoholic not taking kindly to this show but I personally find it highly entertaining.  As usual I've also developed a slight crush on the female lead, as I do with most shows and movies that I enjoy (and sometimes even those that I don't enjoy i.e Rosie Huntington-Whitley in Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon).  I'm excited just thinking about when I can get home and watch the next episode. 

I subscribed to livingsocial.com and I've been very happy with the results so far.  If you haven't subscribed and you are a fan of saving money then I highly recommend you do so.  It's free and provides great deals for quality services such as restaurant outings, yoga classes, bike tune-ups and more.  I'm pretty sure that I'm going to purchase a deal for five yoga classes at $25 for a yoga studio on main street in Manayunk.  Most classes range from $10-15 per class so that's saving at least 50%.  I'm excited to give it a shot.  A good friend of mine recommended livingsocial months ago and I finally developed the motivation to click twice and register.  I hope that you find your motivation quicker than I did because this site is free and offers tons of great deals. 

Bahh two more hours until my scheduled meeting with my adviser here at the B&N in Exton.  Let me tell you, this is one of the nicest bookstores I've been to in a while.  It's so clean and organized.  Borders Wynnewood I miss you dearly but this store puts ours to shame.  It's so clean and crisp; even the cafe is way nicer.  All the book and magazine sections are so neat and clean.  Too bad this place is so far away from home otherwise I would totally come here more often.  This may have to be may far away escape.  Hopefully if I get a job around here I can move into an apartment and then be closer just to this store.  Hahaha wow that's pathetic, oh well what can I say I'm now totally dependent on having a huge bookstore close by.  I've become addicted to the luxury and now that I don't have it I'm going through withdrawal.  And as I'm writing this post I see one of my old regulars from the Cafe.  How serendipitous.  Love book stores.  I'm convinced that I'll meet my future wife either in a bookstore or dancing at a bar/club (I credit Sam with that theory).  I have a yearning to write creatively.  Do I want to write another scene from a play or should I go for something else?

My favorite Chili Pepper song, Under the Bridge,  just started playing on Pandora.  It's raining and windy but otherwise a glorious day.  It's all about positivity.  Ever since I had a solid pep talk from a couple of people last week I've woken up saying "Today will be a great day," every single day.  That shit works people, no joke.  I'm about to make myself a wooden plaque and put it above my bedroom door so that I can see it every morning when I wake up.   

Maybe I will write another scene...

     Josh, 17,  borrowed his parents car on a Friday night.  His parents told him to be home, but he knew that meant 5 am because they'd be in bed and asleep by 10 pm.  Josh knew it would be a wild night for him and his friends.  There was a huge party downtown and then a rave in one of the old barns near Josh's house.  They guys hit the party downtown first, trying to find some girls who may want to go to the rave after.  Josh drinks and smokes some unknown things.  The last thing he remembers is driving to the Rave.  He wakes up alone and in the driver's seat of his car at 4 am.  He's somewhere in between the rave and his house.  Josh decides to run home before his parents wake up. 

      Josh creeps into the house while his older brother Toby is in the kitchen with his girlfriend Piper.

Toby: Mornin' little brother.  Fun night?


Josh: Um...yeah sure.  Mom and Dad up yet?

Toby: No way man, it's Saturday.  They won't be up 'til like 7 or 8.  What are you worried about, getting caught?

Piper: Relax Joshy, Tobes and me have been sneakin' out late since we were 16.  You're fine.

Josh: Yeah, I guess so.  I'm gonna go crash, I'll see you guys later.

Toby: Yo bro, hang on.  Piper and I were gonna go grab some breakfast.  You wanna come with?

Josh: Nah man, I'm good.  Just tryin' to get some sleep.  I'm wiped out you know?

      Josh turns to go upstairs to bed.

Toby: Cool man.  Josh! Aren't you forgetting something?

Josh: Huh?

Toby: Keys bro.  Don't hold out on me.  You got the car all night.  How did you think we were gonna get there anyway? By walking? Dude diner's like five miles away.

Josh: Yeah...um....problem is there's almost no gas in it.  You'll have to fill up. 

Toby: That's fine, I just got paid.  Keys?!

Josh: Shit bro, I can't I mean I can but, shit.

Piper: You alright Joshy? What's goin on? You in some kind of trouble?

Josh: Tobes I didn't mean to be an idiot, I swear-

Toby: STOP!  Toby runs outside to look at the car and then runs back in.  What the hell did you do with the car?

Josh: Dude, don't be mad.  I crashed it on the way back from the rave.  It's in the woods between Sherlock and Mayview Rd.  I'll tell mom and dad. 

Toby: You idiot.  Why'd you crash? Were you wasted?  Why would you drive wasted? I don't even do that right Pipes?

Piper: Josh this may be the wrong time but was anyone else in the car?

Josh: I don't think so, I mean it was dark but nobody else was in the car and I didn't see any blood. 

Piper: Ok, Josh why don't you go upstairs.  Wait, give me your cellphone.

Toby: What are you tryin' to pull. 

Piper: Trust me ok.  Josh give me your phone, go upstairs and get into bed. 

Josh: Whatever you do just don't dig me into deeper shit then I'm already in. 

Toby: Don't worry bro, can't really get any worse right? Yeah I probably shouldn't have said that.  Oh well, it's cool man just go get in bed.

     Josh goes upstairs and goes to bed.  At 10 am his parents come in to wake him.  

Josh's Dad: Wake up son.  Toby told us what happened.  There are a couple of police officers downstairs who want to talk to you.  Why don't you get dressed and downstairs.

Josh: Police? What why?

Josh's Mom: It's ok hunny.  Toby told us everything, it's going to be ok.

Josh: Ok, um, just let me get dressed I'll be right down.

     2 Minutes Later. Josh is walking down the stairs and Toby stops him.


Josh: Thank you very fucking much for your help.  The police dude?

Toby: Oh hey Josh.  They found your phone in the car.  I think you got a text, check your messages (wink).

Josh: Huh? (Josh opens his messages.  He has one from a random prepaid cellphone that reads: You stopped at the rave to pick up your friend Bill.  We called Bill he's on board.  You got out of the car for a second to see where he was, someone hopped in, and stole the car.  You heard the car was ditched at the High School so you walked all the way there.  When you realized it wasn't there it was already 2 am.  At that point you walked home.  You left your phone in the car.  When you got home you told us about it and we said we'd call the cops.  Delete this now and stick to the story. ) As Josh closes his phone he is face to face with two police officers.

Police Officer 1: Hi Josh, we've got some questions for you.  Shouldn't take too long.

Josh: Ok sure.

Police Officer 1: So you say the car was stolen from the Rave at the old Miller's Barn.  What time was that at?

Josh: Ummm, I think around 12:45-1 am.  I don't really know cuz I don't wear a watch and I left my phone in my car.  My bro just gave it back to me. 

Police Officer 2: Why were you out that late? You're curfew is midnight according to your parents.  Plus as a junior driver you shouldn't be out past 11:30 anyway.

Josh: I actually had gotten home but my buddy Bill called me saying he needed a ride.  He doesn't usually ask favors so I figured it was urgent.  I thought no big deal I'll just pick Bill up and take him home.

Police Officer 2: Ok so you get there and then what happened?

Josh: I parked out front and got out of the car for a second to look around for Bill.  I left it running like a dumbass but I didn't see anyone around so I didn't think it was a big deal.  I was probably just looking around for a minute or so and then I heard the door slam shut.  I turned around and the dude flipped on the high beams blinding me; I never got a good look.  Then he tore off back the way he came. 

Police Officer 1: So where was Bill during all this?

Josh:  I don't know, I never met up with him.  He was probably messed up and just got a ride from someone else and forgot to tell me. 

Police Officer 2:  So you knew the car was stolen, why didn't you borrow someone's phone and call the police?

Josh:  I didn't see anyone around so I started walking home. 

Police Officer 1: Nobody around, but it was a Rave.  There should have been lots of people?

Josh: Yeah, I guess it was a weak turnout.  I mean you guys didn't bust one last night, did you?
 
Police Officer 2: There were a couple big parties on campus we had to bust up, I guess we missed the rave.  Ok so you're walking home. You don't live far from Miller's Barn, why's it take you three hours.

Josh: As I was walking I ran into my buddy Bill.  He got a ride from some random people.  He said that he had just come from the High School and he saw my parent's car ditched there.  His ride was going the opposite way so I said I'd just walk there and get my car.  By the time I got there the car was gone and I had walked an hour there.  I just turned around and walked home after that.


Police Officer 1: So genius, why didn't you borrow Bill's phone and call us, or your parents, or anyone.

Josh: Let me ask you something? If you were 17 and were about to be caught for losing a car would you be rushing to tell your parents or the authorities?

Police Officer 2: Hah that's a good point kid.  Still why didn't you call?

Josh: I saw my shot to get my car back; without telling my parents.  I figure some punks took it for a joyride and then ditched it.  At that point I hoped I could just get it home and nobody would know. 

Police Officer 1: Ok so you get there, no car.  Then what?

Josh: I came home. What else could I do?

Police Officer 2: And that's when you told your brother about what happened.  He told you to take it easy and he called us.  End of the story right?

Josh: I guess, I mean that's all I've got for you.

Police Officer 1: So you know nothing about this anonymous tip we got from a prepaid cellphone about the exact location of the car. 

Josh: This is the only cellphone I have and it's not prepaid.   You can even check the call history.

Police Officer 1: Ok give it here.

     Josh realizes he never deleted the text message.  It's over, he knows he's caught.

Police Officer 2: Oh here give me that.  Ok call history, nope no calls to the station.  Last call was to a Bill.  Looks like that part holds up.

Police Officer 1:  Well kid, it adds up.  Weird night but your story adds up to what your brother told us and what that Bill kid said.

     Piper sticks her head around the corner and winks at Josh.  

Police Officer 1: One last thing?

Josh: Yeah?

Police Officer 2: Do you know who this girl is? Hold up a Driver's license with the photo of an eighteen year old girl named Amber Strofsky.  

Josh: No, who's that?

Police Officer 2: We found her body in the trunk of your car.  No leads, yet.  We'll have to take some prints from you but it must have been the guys who stole your car.  Ok Josh?

Police: Ok Josh?

To be continued...

Another Short Scene

        Dan just bought the perfect engagement ring for his girlfriend Joanne (Jo).  On the morning of the day that he's planning his proposal he checks the box to find that his ring is missing.  Dan runs around his apartment frantically checking everywhere but he can't find the ring.  He begins to panic and then decides that he must do the only sensible thing he can:  retrace his steps before the end of the day.  Jo's at work for the day so Dan knows that he has the day to find the ring.  He's already told Jo that he has something special planned for dinner that night so it's not like he can put it off; plus she may know that it's coming because they've dated for five years.

     Dan calls the Jewelery Store where he bought the ring praying that he left the ring there.

Clerk: Robinson's diamonds this is Jenny how can I help you?

Dan: Hi Jenny this is Dan Stein; I was in yesterday to pick up the engagement ring for my fiance.  By any chance did I leave the ring in the store when I left.

Jenny:  I don't think that anyone left any jewelery behind yesterday.  I was here all day yesterday.  Let me check if anyone else found anything.   

Dan: (To Himself) I can't fucking believe this.  Seriously? Why today of all days?

Jenny: Hi, Dan?

Dan: Yes, I'm here.  Please tell me I left it there.

Jenny: Sorry, no luck.  I'm sure it's around your house or car somewhere.  Sometimes people take them out of the box to shine them up before they propose; I know we advise that.

Dan: Yeah I did that but I swear I put it back in the box.  I'll just have to keep looking, thanks for your help.

Jenny:  No problem, I'm sure you'll find it soon.

     In a panic Dan calls his best friend Carl to ask for help.  

Carl: Hey man what's up? You ready to lose all of your freedom to one chick for the rest of your life.

Dan: On any other day I'd appreciate your cynical and sometimes disturbing humor but not today Carl.  I lost the fucking ring.  What the hell am I gonna do man?  That thing cost like ten grand and I know Jo expects something special tonight.  Shit she probably even knows that I'm gonna pop the question tonight.  What do I do bro?

Carl: It's cool man we'll figure this out.  First of all, did you retrace your steps from the store?  Check your car all your pockets and turn your place upside down?

Dan: I've already turned my place upside down.  Here stay on the phone I'll go out to my car and see if it fell between the seats or something. 

     Dan goes out to his car retracing all of his steps and begins searching under the seats and everything.

Carl: Did you call the place?  See if maybe you left it there?

Dan: Did it my man.  No such luck.  You think it's worth it to walk the street in front of the place?  I figure if I dropped it in the street it'd be gone anyway.

Carl:  Good call.  I mean worth a shot but it's a long shot.  I don't think the ring just jumped out of the box onto the sidewalk and it's not like you had it out playing with it right?

Dan: Of course not, the thing never left the box until I took it out to shine it. 

Carl:  Hmmmm, this is a tough one man.  Look this may be kind of crazy but Jo's known for playing practical jokes on you.  You think maybe she found it this morning and just put it on?  I mean honestly dude I wouldn't put it past her. 

Dan:  Ok hang on I'll call her...wait, what the hell am I gonna say?  "Oh hey by any chance did you go into my drawer, pull out the ring, and start wearing it?"

Carl: Dude just go down to her office and surprise her with lunch or flowers.  You always pull cheesy bullshit like that you romantic sap.  And ten grand, seriously?  What is that like your life savings plus a loan from the mob?  You don't have the kind of cash.

Dan:  We've been together for five years Carl.  I've been savings since around the six month point.  I love this girl man, she's the one for me.  I'd pay ten times what I paid for a ring if I had it.

Carl:  don't make me cry bro.  This shit is just too beautiful.

Dan: Haha fuck off dude, but thanks for your help.  I'm gonna go to the office and surprise her.

Carl:  Good luck man.  And don't worry, it'll work out for the best.

Dan: Later man.

     Dan gets in his car and goes to the flower shop to buy a bouquet.  He figured he'll surprise her with flowers and a lunch date.  That way he'll be able to spot the ring on her finger if she took it.  When he arrives at the building Dan takes the elevator up to Jo's floor.  He's been there plenty of times before and heads straight for her office.  On the way he sees Jo's secretary Rebecca.

Dan: Hey Becca, Jo in there?

Becca: Oh Dan, flowers, you're such a sweet guy.  I think she's in a meeting I'll tell her your here.

Dan:  No it's cool I'll just go in and surprise her.

     Dan tries the door and notices that it's locked.  He also finally notices that the blinds are down, something he's never seen before.  

That's weird, you sure she's in here?

Becca:  I was sure she said that she said she was interviewing for the new junior analyst position over lunch.  I'll just call in.  Hi Jo, Dan's out here.  He brought flowers.  Ok I'll tell him.  She says she'll be out in a minute.

Dan: Ok, no problem. 

    A minute later a young man exits and quickly moves down the hallway.  Dan notices that his tie is loose and off to the left.  The man didn't have anything in his hands either, no portfolio, resume, or anything else.  Like he left in a hurry.  Then Jo comes out of the office.  He hair looks disheveled, and her shirt is unbuttoned a bit. 

Jo: Hey babe! Flowers, oh you shouldn't have. 

Dan: What the hell was that Jo? Door locked, blinds down, and then you walk out here with sex hair.  Do you think I'm a fucking idiot?

Jo: What are you talking about?

Dan: That little shit practically sprints down the hallway and you walk out here looking all flustered.  Your caught just admit it.

Jo:  You really think I would cheat on you?

Dan: Not until about thirty seconds ago.

Jo: What are you gonna do about it?

Dan:  This is where I tell you to go fuck yourself and I chase that little shit down and beat his ass in. 

Jo:  You want your ring back?

Dan: As a matter of fact...wait a sec you have the ring?  I've been looking everywhere for it. 

Jo:  Looks like you found it.  Oh by the way, Carl says GOT YA!  HAHAHA you should see how red your face is right now.

Dan: Wait a minute slow down.  Are you saying this whole day, this whole thing is one big prank? 

Jo: Haha yeah babe.  I'm sorry I just had to.  I guess you left the ring on the table by accident last night and when I got up in the middle of the night to get a drink I saw it.  It was so pretty so I had to put it on.  Instead of waking you up I figured I'd punish you a little for being so irresponsible with it. 

Dan: So you cheated on me as punishment?

Jo: Wow, Bec he still doesn't get it.  It was all one big hoax.  Bec and Carl were both in on it.  Even Scott was in on it. 

Dan: Who's the hell is Scott?

     The young guy who previously emerged from the office comes back laughing hysterically.  Dan finally starts to realize how badly he was tricked. 

Scott:  Dude, I'm sorry, but you should have seen your face.  You looked like a raging bull.  I thought for a second there you were gonna spear me. 

Dan: I still kind of want to.

Jo:  I'm sorry babe, you know me, I couldn't resist. 

Dan:  I don't even know what to say.  You almost gave me a heart attack. 

Becca:  I'm sorry Dan, we all thought it would be funny so we went along with it.

     Dan doesn't know what to say so he just looks around the room.  Everyone looks like they feel horrible about it.  then a twinkle catches his eye.  It's the ring on Jo's finger.  Her smile turns to a frown, and she looks like she might cry.

Jo: Babe I'm sorry, don't be mad ok? Nothing happened.

Dan:  Well you're wearing the ring, so that means "yes" right?

Jo: Like you'd even have to ask, of course babe. 

      Dan goes over and hugs and kisses Jo.  The whole office claps for them.

Dan:  Don't ever fucking do that to me again, ok?

Jo:  You kidding? This is only the beginning.  You know what you signed up for with me. 

     Fin

*I'm too lazy to edit, forgive the grammatical errors*

Overdue Movie Reviews

I haven't done a movie review in a while so I'll try to cover a few at once.  First I'll begin with a movie that I really enjoyed.  I watched Happy Thank You More Please not too long ago, and I really enjoyed it.  The movie can be awkward and unconventional but features a few very unique scenarios.  The main character is very dynamic.  It's easy to love or hate him, but his change throughout the movie is interesting to see.  It's tough for me to review this movie without giving away too much.  If you're interested in seeing the life of some young, struggling people in New York City and the obstacles that they encounter during their everyday lives in their professional and personal lives, then you'll probably enjoy this movie.  It's a funny, sad, and feel good movie all wrapped into one.  It specifically touched me because the male lead is a writer who struggles to publish his first novel, and the second female lead is Kate Mara who I absolutely adore.  Definitely see Happy Thank You More Please. 

I finally got a chance to see Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon.  I'll be honest, this one didn't do anything for me.  Cool concept and story line but I think the first two movies just left little to be desired with this third movie.  It just seemed like a case of same shit different day.  I never thought I'd say this but Rosie Huntington-Whitley was such an upgrade from Meghan Fox in both her looks and her acting.  Bravo Michael Bay; topping Meghan Fox was no easy feat. This was supposed to be the best action movie of all-time and definitely fell short of that title.  X-Men: First Class definitely topped it with the acting and action.  I was disappointed because I really have enjoyed the Transformers series but the third one just fell short for me.  It was so predictable and repeated a lot from the first two movies.  What I'm starting to see is that it's really hard to top the first movie in an action movie series.  It's like they put so much awesomeness into the first movie and then they really can't do much more with the second or third.  Oh well, hopefully the Avengers movie will be awesome.

I swear I watched another movie recently.  Oh well I guess not.  I was all excited to play touch football tonight and it was just cancelled...bummer.  Another time I guess. 

A Modern Day Courtship

     Ben shows up to his watering hole, the local Starbucks, for his ritual of Saturday morning paper       grading.  He doesn't tell anyone but Ben frequents this Starbucks in particular because of a good looking Barista named Shana.  Ben's never made any attempts to pursue Shana, but if the chance presented itself Ben wouldn't hesitate. On this particular day fate stepped in.

Shana: Hey Ben, how's it goin?

Ben: I'm well how about you?

Shana: Doing well thanks.  The usual today? Grande Cafe Misto?

Ben: You got it.  Great memory.  So what's new with you?

Shana: Not much, you know same old.  Trying to go back to school but I'm not sure what I want to do so just working as much as I can for right now.

Ben: That's great.  I'm sure you'll find your direction sometime soon.  How much do I owe you?

Shana: That'll be $2.70.

Ben: Here's $3; keep the change.

Shana: Thanks Ben, good to see you.

Ben: You too, good luck with school.

Shana: Thanks.

      Ben sits down next to an older gentleman to wait for his drink.

Sam: Hows it going today?

Ben: I'm well thanks.  Just grading papers, you?

Sam: Can't complain, just a great lookin' Saturday.  Papers huh? You a teacher?

Ben:  Yes sir, 10th grade English.

Sam: Wow 10th grade, good for you.  I remember years ago when my kids were in 10th grade.  They can be a handful at that age.

Ben:  Haha some days they definitely can be.  It's a good age though, I don't mind them...on most days.

     Both men laugh.

Shana: Ben, your misto's ready.

Ben: Thanks Shana, take care.

Shana: Thanks you too, don't work too hard.

Ben: I'll try not to.

     Ben goes back to his seat.

Sam: Real sweet girl that one.

Ben: Sigh.  Yeah she's great.

Sam: Pointing to Ben's finger.  I don't see a ring, you married.

Ben: Nope, free as a bird.

Sam: No girlfriend either?

Ben: Nothin'.

Sam: You're kidding me right? Good lookin' guy like you? Girls should be bustin' down your door.

Ben: It baffles me too (Both men laugh).  Oh well what can you do.

Sam: What about her? You two seem to get along alright. Motions to Shana.  She smiles back.

Ben: I'd love to, but I don't think she seems me that way.  I'm just a customer you know?

Sam: You're crazy kid.  Look, I'm gonna have to be frank with you because apparently those in your generation have trouble growin' a set of balls.  You like this girl, and she's nice to you.  It's simple, you ask her out to dinner and a movie and see if somethin' happens.  If not, no harm done.  Worst comes to worst you have to find a new watering hole. 

Ben: Trust me man, she's not interested.  I know girls.

Sam: You don't know shit kid.  Now I'm gonna call her over in a minute and you better nut up. 

Ben: Don't. Seriously don't...You're bluffing anyway. 

     Sam motions Shana over.  

Sam:  Hey dear can you come here for a second.  I think there's somethin' wrong with my buddy, uh what'd you say your name was?

Ben: Hmph. Ben.

Sam: Yeah, Ben.  Sorry friend, you tend to forget things in your old age.  Now if you two will excuse me for a second I need to use the restroom.

Shana: I'm sorry Ben, something wrong with your drink.

Ben: Umm....no actually the drink is fine; great as usual.  Actually, I was wondering...would you maybe want to join me for dinner or a movie sometime?

Shana: I'm sorry Ben, company policy is we can't date customers.

Ben: Oh ok, nevermind.  Forget I said anything.

Shana: Hahaha.  I'm fucking with you Ben.  Yeah that'd be fun.  Here give me your phone, I'll put in my number. 

Ben: Oh sure, here you go.  Drops his phone.

Shana: Haha, you alright there?

Ben: Yeah, sorry, you just took me by surprise. 

Shana: Honestly Ben, it's about time.  I wondered when you were finally going to pull the trigger.  That or I figured you had a girlfriend. 

Ben: Nope, no girlfriend.

Shana: Good to know.  Here you go (Hand him back his phone) now you have my number.  I'm off Thursday and Saturday nights.  Call me.

Ben:  I will.

     Shana walks away smiling. Sam comes back over.

Sam: What'd I miss kid?

Ben: Smiling like an idiot.  I got her number. 

Sam: Way to man up kid. 

Ben:  I'm sorry I never caught your name.

Sam: Seriously, you don't know who I am.  Do I need to pull out my boy and arrow.  Cupid's the name, love's the game.

Ben: Puzzled...Ok...

Sam:  Geez kid, can't anyone in your generation take a joke.  I'm Sam, good to meet you.

Ben: Oh, haha, nice to meet you too Sam.  And thanks. 

Sam:  Happy to be of service.  If you ever need a kick in the butt to get moving come find me.  I'm usually hanign' around these parts.

Ben: I'll do that.

Sam: You better.  Now, go tear some kids a new one with those papers.  Someone's gotta whip these idiots in shape.  God knows what's gonna happen to this country when one of these jokers is in office. 

Ben: Haha, don't worry.  I'll whip them into shape.

      Fin

I'm currently facing the greatest academic challenge I've ever faced.  It's killing me, mentally and physically.  This is literally kicking the shit out of me.  The way I see it I've got two choices.  Lay down and take it like a bitch, or grab it by the throat and fight back.  Personally I prefer the latter.  In years passed I may have taken the former; put my tail between my legs like a scared dog and moved on to the easier path.  No more.  I am the person that I am because I'm a fighter, not a scared little shit.  It's time to stop getting my ass kicked and start dishing out a beating.  It starts now. 

Dead Tired

I'm not writing, obviously.  For those of you who wonder why the answer is student teaching.  It's kicking my ass, beating me into submission, and draining me of all energy.  I come home exhausted to the point that all I want to do is eat and sleep.  I'm usually awake until at least 10 pm but usually closer to 12 am lesson planning, preparing, grading, organizing, and completing any other teacher-like tasks.  It sucks, I mean I love it when I'm there but I hate all of the additional work.  Plus I'm not working out as much as I'd like to be. 

Monday was my worst day yet.  I was evaluated by my supervisor and it didn't go very well.  It took a lot for me to keep it together but I did.  On Tuesday I took in all of my critiques and put together what was my best day yet.  It's pretty rare to go from your worst to best in just one day.  I was so happy on Tuesday because of the turn around.  Today was good too, but not as good as Tuesday.  Overall I'm feeling good about teaching, I just wish I wasn't so beat every day.  Oh well, bed time, just wanted to fill in the few readers I have left.  Until next time good night.  Hopefully I can put up a short fictional piece this weekend. 

My Attempt at Fictional Scene Writing

Waiting 

The wax paper on the bed stuck to my calves as I sat in the cold windowless room.  It probably stuck because I was sweating, while I waited for the supposed expert in the white coat to come back in the room.  I always hated hospitals and especially doctor's offices.  They're always so dark, windowless, and cold; so cold.  And since everything's made of metal or tile you always feel the chills running through your skin.  

I began to look around the cramped room for two reasons: boredom and the need to get my mind off of my present situation.  Besides the cold examination table/bed the room consisted of a seat and a small rolling doctor's stool.  You know, that tiny stool that they would roll back and forth on, writing down different observations on their charts and then coming back to get a better look at you.  By the door I could see the bio-hazard box where used needles go, and next to that a bottle of hand sanitizer and paper towels.  It's always interesting to see the different posters on the wall.  In this particular office there was one featuring both a male and female anatomy.  There was also an advertisement for flu shots beginning in the fall.  Going for my Flu shot was the last thing on my mind at that point, who even knew if I would make it to winter.

And then there was the smell; that consistent smell that every doctor's office has.  It's so artificial, synthetic, and even unnatural.  All of the linoleum, latex, and soap combined into that unnaturally clean smell that makes you so uncomfortable that you're self-conscious over a sneeze or a cough.  Besides the fact that hospitals usually mean that there's something seriously wrong with you, the smell always bothered me the most.  It's almost as if the synthetic smell of the hospital is a metaphor for the unnatural facade that is a hospital.  Doctors always act like everything's going to be fine when it's not, it's never going to be just fine.  They act like they have all of the solutions, when in reality I knew that ultimately I was screwed.  

Plus there are all of those stupid regulations.  For instance, I'm surprised they even let you enter the building without insurance credentials.  The second you enter the office they take your card and your copay, as if to say ,"We don't care how sick you are, no money means no care."  I often wonder when the day will come that uninsured people will enter the Emergency Room only to be left to die on the hospital floor in order to save the hospital a couple thousand dollars.  And then there are those stupid gowns.  I looked down at mine wondering why I even threw the stupid smock on.  The doctor's going to part it anyway to take a look at all of my parts so why not just sit there naked, behind a curtain or something.  If their rationale is that the gowns are supposed to keep you warm that's a joke.  How is a table cloth with holes for my arms that's about 1/2 millimeter thick supposed to keep me warm?  The goosebumps covering my body would argue with that rationale.  And just as I was about to say "forget it" and take the stupid thing off the doctor walked in.

He was a youthful looking man, probably in his mid forties.  He wore glasses and had his hair combed back in what I always considered the stereotypical doctor's haircut.  They always give you this smile-well usually unless they're so burned out that they no longer care about bedside manner.  You know it's a fake smile too; a smile that says, "I'm supposed to stay positive but in reality you're screwed, just like me, we're all screwed in the end."  Doctors usually stick their hand out too for the usual handshake greeting, but it always seems like they hate doing it.  I don't blame them, I wouldn't want to touch a sick person.  At least, not without gloves on.  The interaction is always so forced and stiff that sometimes I feel like doctors will be the first people to be replaced by robots.  At least robots wouldn't have to deal with the emotions of getting to know someone, caring for them, only to eventually see all of their patients meet their end.  It must be tough being a doctor; if I wasn't expecting to hear the news of my soon to be demise I might have felt for this guy a little bit.  

"So I have here the test results from your biopsy..." and then he just looks at me like, "do you really want to hear this?"  Obviously I want to hear this, that's why I'm here.  

"Just give it to my Doc; don't beat around the bush."  Just by the look in his eyes I knew that was the beginning of the end for me.  

*To those of you who read this it is completely fictional and not about me so don't panic and contact me.  I'm just attempting at writing something deep, with plenty of sensory details.*

My Knee Hurts

I just banged my knee so hard on my coffee  table.  Wow, most excruciating pain I've felt in quite some time.  I've got a pretty high pain tolerance but this was bad.  I seriously thought I shattered my knee cap.  It was like I kneed a solid wood corner with full force (unintentionally of course) resulting in a total dead leg.  I'm lucky we have a couch right there (then again most coffee tables are right next to a couch but I'm just giving you a setting here) because I collapsed.  It was like total dead leg, me on the couch wailing like a little girl pain.  Looking back on it it's funny the things going through my head.

First was the injury.  I thought worst case scenario would be shattered knee gap and/or ligament damage i.e torn ACL, MCL, or PCL.    Best case scenario bruised knee.  I was about to reach for my phone and call for either a family member or an ambulance that's how bad it was.  When I calmed down a bit I decided instead to wait another thirty seconds and see if the pain would subside, and then I would attempt to get up and walk around.  Good thing it wasn't serious because when I got up to walk around I didn't fall flat on my face and I only experienced some minor tenderness as I bent my knee back and forth a few times. 

While simultaneously thinking about the injury I  was also thinking about the implications on my everyday life.  My first thought was student teaching.  Would I be able to stand and run class discussions or would I have to constantly sit down?  And would I have to get an elevator key and assistance to get my things from one classroom to the other.  Basically it would make student teaching even harder than it already is, hence would be a royal pain in my ass.  Then I thought about P90X and Tony.  Basically ever workout requires you to be on both feet moving around and a serious knee injury would make it quite difficult for me to continue with the program.  Then again, there is that guy in the plyo video with the prosthetic leg, but he's pretty badass.  I don't think I've reached that level of BA just yet.  Again, same as student teaching, P90X is hard enough, not trying to add on any more difficulty with having to exercise while recovering from a serious knee injury. 

Right now I'm feeling alright, some tenderness but nothing serious.  I'm in Starbucks about to do some work on student teaching, either procedural stuff like resume work or lesson planning, I haven't decided yet.  I'm not super-motivated but that'll have to change.  I really wanted to go to The Willows today.  I didn't go to my favorite escape once this past summer, as if that's any indication of how busy I kept myself this summer.  Maybe I'll swing by and walk around for a little bit on my way home, it's been too long.  But anyway, I really hope this won't be one of those injuries where I'll wake up tomorrow and I won't be able to bend my leg. 

I wonder if this is an example of the big guy bringing me back down to reality, showing me I'm not indestructible.  Not like I think that anyway, but sometimes I feel like he just likes to remind us of who's in charge every now and then.  Wow that makes me sound like a total religious nut, don't worry I'm not, more spiritual than anything.  Super religious people freak me out and make me feel really uncomfortable.  It's like oh hey I devote my life to god so therefore I'm better than you.  Sorry peeps but if God wanted us to devote our lives to him/her/non-gendered being I think this world would be more like a prison than a playground.  Then again, maybe my new found knee pain is just karma swinging back around.  Not cool, just because I try to be a good person all the time doesn't mean I should receive excruciating pain when I mess up every now and then.  I'm only human after all.  So to whoever runs this little merry-go-round known as karma, I demand a retrial and some goodness thrown my way.  For instance, winning that $1500.00 scholarship I applied for would be nice.  Make it happen karma boss, Yonni needs a payday.  Alright then time to go and be a professional...this ought to be a challenge.  

I'll Write it all

Last day at Borders was today.  End of an era for me.  So sad that it had to end on such a sour note but oh well, life goes on right?  So that sucked, but on a positive note, college football returned today.  Oh how I love football, college and pro, and it always makes me feel so good knowing that football is back.  Especially since there was almost no pro football this year. 

Weekends like this one make me wish I had a shore house.  So many people are down the shore right now, grilling and enjoying the end of summer with their families.  It's always better at the beach. Maybe that'll be another addition to my wish-list, shore house.  Of course, I need a regular house first.  I could just buy my regular house close to the shore solving both problems.  In time I'll realize my full potential and make that paper so that I can buy whatever baller mansion I choose.  I'm really looking forward to sleep right now.  Kind of sad to say on a Saturday night but student teaching has really kicked my ass.  I've never wanted to get my eight hours moreso than this past week. 

I feel so stiff right now, like my writing is all forced unnatural.  I'm not liking it either, the words should just flow from me.  It sucks how a lack of energy combined with a mediocre day leads to poor writing.  Wine would probably help fuel a better product but sadly I have none right now.  Wouldn't that be cliche, seeing me sitting by a typewriter with a bottle of red at my side, in a dimly lit room that's barely furnished.  Hardwood floors with no rugs, one silly lop-sided painting on the wall that really doesn't make any sense, almost like someone gave it to me and I didn't know what to do except for put it up in my bedroom/study.  I imagine I'd be in jeans and an undershirt because when I lounge around the house I'm in jeans.  Lots of people prefer sweatpants or pajama pants but not this guy.  I actually find jeans comfortable.  The clock would read 1:45 a.m and I'd be scratching my head and beginning to pull out my hair over all of the drafts I'd started that ended up as paper balls near the trash can.  Here's where I'd break away from the cliche though, no ciggarette smoking.  Instead I'd do pushups and pullups to keep myself awake and sharp.  Sidenote:  funny how lately I haven't even enjoyed hookah or drinking, it's like my healthy lifestyle has made my body allergic to smoking and drinking (not that I did them often before but now it's very rare).  I wouldn't mind being the cliche struggling writer, as long as I was being published. 

Then again, maybe I'll just completely revolutionize that whole classic writer image.  I want to be really eclectic with my writing.  Novels, children's books, stand up comedy, plays, movie scripts, poems, short stories, flash fiction, movie reviews, sports reporting, and more that I don't feel like thinking about right now.  I want to do them all, I want to write in all of those forms and write well.  I've got to start getting a stand-up routine down so that I can make it to a comedy club soon and start to practice.  I like to think I'm a funny guy, and I know I have skin thick enough to take any boos and other forms of ridicule that would come my way from an unhappy crowd.  I'm starting to lose it, the Zs are coming for me.  No more brain strength, must go now before I pass out.  More tomorrow, hooray for long holiday weekend.   

Napping Required

I haven't been this tired since I started Insanity in the spring.  I'm not a napper, not in the least, but this week all I've wanted to to is sleep as soon as I've gotten home.  Crazy right?  Super energetic five year old me, all of a sudden tired.  I can't imagine how the people who usually don't have a ton of energy are doing.  Still I'm really enjoying my student teaching experience and I'm really looking forward to the challenges that are soon to come this semester.  I know that's a total cookie cutter answer but it's mostly true. 

Yesterday for about a minute and a half I was super excited.  I went onto apple.com/trailers and saw that there was Hunger Games trailer up.  Trailer my butt, it's a total teaser...so disappointing.  If you're a huge fan don't fall for this trap it'll only make you angry and you'll detest the advertisers for the movie.  Not like you even need to advertise it, it's going to gross hundreds of millions in the opening weeks.  Either way I'm very excited for the movie but angry about the teaser.  Give me a real taste for god's sake, none of that crap that's up there right now.  They did the same thing with the Dark Knight Rises  trailer too.  All scenes from the previous movies and then a tiny little clip of Gordon on a Hospital bed and Bane up close.  Then again, you really don't need to sell me on the next Batman movie.  Dark Knight already did that and now I'm just excited to see what they can come up with next. 

I'm hungry, time to go find food and clean more room.  Also, in the past couple of weeks I've fixed three different doors in my house, each of which required a separate repair.  Maybe if this teaching thing goes south I can open a handyman business.  It's good to have many talents, and I'm glad that I'm decently handy with household repairs.  There I go, tooting my own horn again.  Forgive me readers but my mind and body are so drained.  I'll generate something of substance soon. 

Let the Student Teaching Begin

Only the first day of student teaching and already I have so much to do.  This is my reward for being uber-productive: having to follow through and complete my productivity.  No worries, I know this will benefit me in the long run.  I'm pretty tired, probably because I didn't get very good sleep last night.  No worries, I'll make sure to be in bed early tonight.  That means I need to get crackin' on school work very soon which leaves me so little time to blog.  Oh well, I knew this is how it would be and I'm cool with it. 

Overall today went well. I was really nervous this morning but as the day went on I grew more comfortable at the school.  I think it's going to be a really good semester and I'm really looking forward to start teaching next week (right now I'm just observing and getting the hang of things).  I don't know what else to say, today was a pretty simple day, not much more complex than my observation day in May.  The school day actually flew by and this week will be nice because it's only a four day week due to labor day.  Nice way to ease my way in, no?  Still, lots of work to do already with calendars, seating charts, and changes to my units.  And-here-we-go, as the Joker would say. 

Not much else going on here.  No movies or books to review, sadly.  Sure I could review Antigone or Maus II but I may bore you.  Antigone is great if you're into classical studies of drama and Maus II is a wonderful graphic novel that is also a biography about a Holocaust survivor.  For the next month these two texts will consume my life.  As you can see, I already have nothing to write about except for student teaching.  Oh, and the fact that I wish I had money coming in right now.  Expenses just keep popping up and there's nothing I can do about them.  For instance, my computer screen has been pretty dirty so I went to Staples to buy a cleaner and it was like 20 bucks for a spray and a microfiber rag.  Sure it looks really nice now but that stuff piles up.  I can't wait until I'm making real money again, it will be wonderful.  Wow this post was lame haha.  Oh, I'm really excited for the creative writing class, and I'm hoping that the students will inspire me and that I can equally inspire them.  And today I found out that my co-op is a writer too and she's working on publishing novels, so cool right?  Ok time to get down to business, here I come schoolwork. 

Summer's Over, Student Teaching is Here

My writing may be sparse over the next few months.  Tomorrow I embark on my journey as a student teacher.  I'd say I'm a combination of scared and anxious.  What sounds better scanxious or anxcared?  I think anxcared because sanxious sounds like skank and we all know I am not a skank.  Actually you've got to throw excited into the mix.  I am very excited about teaching, I just need to accept the fact that I'm going to mess up, I'm not going to be perfect, and that's ok.  It's always been tough for me to accept the fact that I'm not going to get most things right on the first try, but no worries.  I figure as long as I work hard, keep my head up, and listen to my co-op then I'll be fine. 

It's crazy how much my schedule is going to change now.  I'll be up at 5:30 am every morning, out of the house by 6:30, which means I should be in bed no later than 10pm.  It's like high school all over again only in high school it was usually more along the lines of 11 pm bedtime 6:30 wake up, still about the same split.  I'm going to have to be super productive with my time if I want to keep up with my workouts.  It's going to have to be like get home, workout, shower, and then sit down and grade/plan/do whatever I have to do.  I mean  I'm a pretty productive guy and my time management is good, but I feel like now I'm going to have to kick it into overdrive. 

Today I splurged a little and bought some stuff on my wish list, I figured why not.  Yesterday was school supplies, today was me supplies.  I went to TJ Maxx and bought new boxers (old ones are starting to get holes in them and don't really fit), socks (ankle and long ones, I'm short on both), headphones that wrap around my ear so they won't fall off when I'm running (haven't done that in a while but you never know when I'll resume-I'm using lots of parentheses oh well, love parentheses), and then as I was leaving I saw a pair of Calvin Klein jeans that I just had to get.  They're dark blue, no wash, perfect for dressing it up a little bit.  For instance I could wear them with a button down and tie on 'Jeans Fridays' or I could pair them with a nice button down and a blazer for a semi-fancy dinner out.  I'm trying to design an effective jeans arsenal for myself, part of which I have down.  I figure I need four pairs: Blue medium wash for everyday wear and casual outings like Friday night at the bar, Light wash for summertime and having fun, (have those too), dark blue wash for dressing it up, and black for when I want to look bad-ass and rebellious.  So far I've got everything except for black so I'd say I'm on the right track.  Sometimes I think I could add grey to the arsenal, you know like a dark grey jean with a slight wash, cool right? kind of new school.  I just like to be prepared for all occasions. 

So much to do these next couple of days, I better get to bed so I get a good night's sleep.

Skip Sucker Punch Unless...

Today I finished watching Sucker Punch; I watched it over a two-day period.  If that's any reflection of how much I liked it.  Honestly it wasn't a terrible movie, started off well but then it dropped off a bit; plus a very confusing plot.  Some good action scenes filled with beautiful women kicking ass; always a good thing.  The special effects were pretty cool too.  It could have just been my TV but the movie was kind of dark at times, a little too dark for my taste.  I get that the director wants to show that it's night time or that there's little to no light in the chosen setting, but what good is a movie that you can't even see at times.  To those of you who like movies with hot girls kicking ass and special effects similar to those in 300 and Sin City, go ahead and watch this movie.  Otherwise you may want to skip this one.  I'd say Sucker Punch  falls into the category of movies carried by special effects and similar movies.  The advertisers and studios attached things like, 'From the geniuses that brought you 300 and Sin City,' and suckers like me believed this movie would be good.  It's really a shame what Hollywood is doing these days.  They make so many crap movies that they sell using links to other good movies, or they put together a cast packed with A-listers and then skimp on the writing and directing. 

As most of you know we're expecting some inclement weather in the form of hurricane Irene.  In response everyone's running to the grocery store loading up on water, batteries, and non-perishables in preparation for the flooding and losses of power.  Once again we see the phenomenon in the American culture of reactive measures instead of proactive measures.  These hurricanes swoop in every year and blast the Atlantic and Gulf coasts for millions is not billions of dollars in damage.  And what have we done in response?  Hunkered down in our basements and shelters, waited until they pass, and then clean up all of the damage.  It just seems senseless to me for us to sit around and just wait to be smacked by these things.  We've put a man on the moon, why can't we create some type of technology to stop these devastating storms from happening.  Something to push them back out to sea or a bomb to drop in the middle and just break up the storm.  Ok I know these ideas sound a little crazy but seriously, with all of the advances in science and technology why are we not actively trying to find proactive measures to stop hurricanes from ever reaching catastrophic levels of destruction?  I just think there's got to be some way we can use our knowledge of science and technology to take action against these storms before they strike. 

It's funny how the only thing that bothers me about the storms is the possibility of no power for more than a day.  All I want to do right now is unit plan and no power means no computer and no computer means no unit plans.  Plus all of the other fun stuff I use my computer for like P90X, music, plus all of my uses for the internet (banking, news, sports, aka everything).  I've recently realized that I could possibly live without a TV but definitely not without a computer.  My computer is my life, kind of like Lisbeth Salander.  Except I don't have an awesome Macbook Pro with a seventeen inch screen but no worries, I'll get there one day.  Just another luxury to add to the wishlist along with a motorcycle.  Yes, I am slowly turning into the male version of Lisbeth Salander; minus the hacking, goth look, and investigative skills.  Time to go get work done before Irene takes away that possibility. 

Today Was a Good Day

I made a decision at work today: I would no longer let the liquidation make work a miserable experience for me.  Ever since I found out that we were liquidating I've really hated coming to work and I think I make it pretty obvious.  I used to never mind my job but for the past month I've been welcoming my last day of work.  Being that I work 5 days a week for about 8 hours a day I think it's taken a toll on me.  I've even gotten these new headaches that I'm convinced are directly related to my distaste for being at work, tension headaches I think.  Anyway, I was at register today and I was thinking, 'This isn't me.  I'm not a miserable person, I'm a happy guy.  Who cares if this place is closing, I should be happy regardless.'  And that's all it took.  No need to brood or frown, or be negative because it doesn't matter.  Sure it's a shame that a bookstore is going bye bye but I don't think it reflects societies shift from reading paper books.  People still read and I think we have a bright future, the human race that is (as long as Bachmann and Palin have nothing to say about it). I just thought I was sick of being at work and hating it, so I stopped.  Hence it was a good day. 

Besides that I ended my day with some preseason football and Jersey Shore with Kyle.  Love the show and the beach.  I got to enjoy the beach yesterday and it was lovely.  Island beach state Park is majestic, definitely the nicest beach in Jersey.  The water is actually blue, not brown, and the beach is clean and generally uncrowded.  I absolutely love it there and it's perfect for the kind of beach going I prefer.  My beach day is all about games, reading, swimming, and snacks.  I don't need the boardwalk or the crowds, just a cooler, a book, and a frisbee and I'm good to go.  Cards can be fun too, as Devon taught me earlier this year.  Such a fan of the state park, I'm excited to go back next year. 

Unit planning has been difficult but I'm looking to make some good progress tomorrow and this weekend.  Hopefully the incumbent hurricane Irene won't knock out power for too long so I can get some good work done on Sunday.  No work Sunday should mean that I'll be productive, then again I'm easily sidetracked.  Let us hope that I can keep my focus. 

I really wanted to buy an e-reader at work today.  They're down to $53.00 but I really need to save my money for student teaching.  Plus I don't buy too many books being that I can get everything I need from the library.  Such a conundrum because I know I'd use an e-reader I just don't have to have one.  My mom offered to buy me one but I feel bad asking her to spend money on me.  We'll see what happens, as of right now I think I'm going to hold back but I may change my mind tomorrow when I get paid.  I just feel like you shouldn't spend money you don't have.  That's how people get into credit card debt, spending money they don't have.  Right now I'm happy to report that I have no CC debt and I'd like to keep it that way.  So tough to work in a bookstore with great deals when you have no money.  Oh well, at least I'm getting used to living on very little money.  It's good not to have excess, I guess.  Who knows.  I'm debating on watching Sucker Punch now.  I'll probably give in even though I want to wake up early and get stuff done after being well rested.  Now I'm just rambling so on that note goodnight all. 

I Can't Wait to be Done With my job

I haven't written in a couple of days and I really haven't felt compelled.  Maybe that just reflects how uneventful my life has been lately.  Basically the past week has consisted of three activities: unit planning, working out, and work.  Unit planning is going well, my co-op has been helping me out a lot along the way.  Working out has been the same but I haven't been eating as well as I want to.  I need to start watching my diet a little bit again if I really want to achieve my goals.  And then there's work, oh the dreaded work.  Wow it's been terrible.  Bitchy people, pointless work, just an overall negative environment. 

Take today for instance.  I come into work and I'm asked to move the calendars from one location in the store to another.  Why?  I don't know, but being the good employee that I am I do so.  At first I thought that it was so that the calendars would have more room and they'd look more organized in a more spacious section.  Alas, there wasn't any more room in the new section.  I spent all this time organizing the calendars so that all of the same ones would be together, and in the end it was pointless because they were all on top of each other because there wasn't enough room.  About halfway through my task I got so mad because I realized how pointless it was to move the unorganized calendars from one section to another section where they would once again be unorganized.  I think from now on I'm just not going to listen to what anybody asks me to do and I'll just decide for myself what's most important. 

I really don't have anything else to say.  I'm so boring lately.  Tomorrow I'm going to the shore for what will be the last time this summer.  I'm happy with my shore trips this year, both here and in Israel.  I love the beach and I'm glad that I was able to spend a considerable amount of time there this past summer.  Weather should be good so it should be another great day.  Too bad I'll be doing a little more work than usual-I'll be bringing materials for unit planning-but no worries I'll still have plenty of time for fun.  Plus I have this whole weekend and Monday to work on unit plan stuff so I'm alright with taking some time off tomorrow. 

I'll get Sucker Punch in the mail tomorrow from Netflix.  I recently watched Arthur which I loved and I can't remember if I wrote a review about it (I'm also to lazy to check).  I don't know if I can give a bias-free review on Arthur because I love Russell Brand and in my mind he can do no wrong.  Whenever he opens his mouth he cracks me up, even if he does essentially play the same role in every movie he does.  The only thing that changes is whether or not he's on drugs, but I think he can be just as entertaining sober as he is wasted (then again on screen isn't he always sober? let's hope).  If you like Russell and comedies that have that cute aspect see Arthur, but don't expect it to blow you away.  I'm curious to watch the original now and see which one I prefer; but I'm pretty sure the newer version will win out because once again, in my eyes Russell can do no wrong.

Love Apple Hate AC

I'd love to be a book/movie/societal critic.  Free-lance writer/critic, what a dream job.  Anyone hiring?  I mean seriously I basically do it already on an amateur scale.  Ladies and gentlemen I'm ready to go pro.  I mean how great would it be to travel around the world and write about different topics.  Oh wait, there's a job like that, it's called being a journalist.  Why didn't I pursue that again?  Who knows.  I'm probably sounding off about careers right now because I'm preparing for the career I'm most qualified for, teaching, and I'm struggling.  I'm attempting to work on a unit plan for the Greek play Antigone and it's not going as well as I'd hoped.  I just need to get the skeleton structure and calendar down and then I'll be good to go because lesson plans aren't too hard to construct.  No worries, it'll get done I just wish I wasn't struggling so much.  It's probably my hiatus from school that's making me so inefficient right now.  I haven't been ion school since late April/early May and my brain is letting me know.  Of course, I haven't been totally letting my brain turn to mush, with all of my leisure reading, but actual schoolwork is such a foreign concept right now.  The breaks are great, but sometimes I wonder if they're too long.  High school breaks will be considerably shorter though, as in a month and a half short.  Either way it's always hard to get back in the swing of things whether it's a 4 month layoff or a two week vacation. 

I'm so tired, oh wait I'm at Starbucks, maybe I should get a coffee?  Yeah that's be smart, good thinking genius.  On the way out I'll have a strong espresso drink in my hand.  Or maybe I should just wait until I get home and make coffee then, which is of course free and I should be saving money.  The day that I won't have to spend lots of time thinking over a 3 dollar coffee purchase will be a great day.  Oh financial independence where are you in my life?  My wish list isn't even that long, but I think I'm going to make a purchase sometime soon.  Screw it, I'm getting laptop speakers today.  I really want them and they're not too expensive.  Laptop speakers and headphones: the next two purchases.  For headphones I think I'm going to go for the ones that wrap around your ears because they seem good for running.  Whenever I run with the ipod headphones the fall out of my ears, anyone else have that problem? 

Ok societal critique time.  I hate blackberries (the phones not the fruits) with a passion.  I highly regret my decision to ignore the advice of my friend Shawn a year and some months ago when he told me not to get a berry and go for the droid instead.  I can't stand this phone.  Last week it would just randomly shut off and reboot.  Sometimes it just stops taking emails and the only way I know is when I go a whole day and receive nothing.  The internet is slow, it drops calls very often, oh and did I mention I'm on my third phone.  The keypad on my first phone stopped working and then the rolly ball that acts as a mouse broke on my second phone.  Within one year I was on my third phone.  I didn't drop it, damage it, or get it wet in any way, the phone just crapped out on me, twice.  This phone makes me never want another smartphone but then I think of the beauty of the iphone.  I've never had one person complain about their iphone, everyone who has them loves them.  I didn't get the iphone or droid because I didn't think I'd need all of the extra features and the faster browsing, but it seems like both phones work better than the berry.  Oh well, only another nine months and then I'll be done.  Or sooner, that is if my dad cuts me off when I expect him too (January, can't wait {sarcasm}). 

What is it about Apple, I mean did Steve Jobs make a deal with the devil or something?  They come out with every awesome thing first.  Their computers are the best, the developed the best cell phone first, and the best tablet first.  That company eats, sleeps, pisses, and sweats awesome by the second.  I think the geniuses behind apple's technology should be running this country, just saying.  I mean these people produce the best product on the market before anyone else.  How is that possible?  You'd think that logic would mean that the competition would see the technology and then fix any errors in it.  Then again, when there are no errors to fix what can you do.  Steve Jobs for president, just saying (hope he's well now, I know he took a leave of absence due to his health sometime last year and it wasn't his first). 

Back to unit planning, I just felt withdrawal from not posting in a day or two.  I'm getting cold, maybe I'll go home and work out on my porch.  That sounds like a great idea.  I need to get outside and enjoy this beautiful day.  Plus the AC in here is making my nose run.  It's amazing how my tolerance for AC has gone down.  I can't stand it anymore, looks like I'm destined for a lifetime of sweating.  Or a lifetime of headaches in hoodies, either way.  What if I wrote a book about people who get headaches due to AC and titled it headaches in hoodies?  I just like the sound of it, probably not the most informative title but whatever.  Sound off done, back to work...on a Saturday (frown). 

Out Like a Light

bahh so groggy, I think it's from these migraine meds I'm taking now.  Oh yeah, I have migraines.  What I thought were cluster headaches (self-diagnosis) are slightly more serious.  I'm not a fan of prescription medication, never have fun, but in this case I'll make an exception.  I think the only thing worse then a bad headache is a bad stomach virus and lucky I don't get those as frequently as I used to.  Wow I'm making myself out to be a medical wreck when in reality I'm quite healthy.  Hopefully the meds will help and the headaches will cease but then I got one tonight. The meds are also supposed to help with sleep.  That much I think is true because last night I slept like a log and it was glorious.  I woke up feeling so excellent and I didn't want to get out of bed.  I rarely have that feeling anymore and it was a very nice change of pace. I'm pretty sure that tonight I'll once again be sleeping like a log.  My mind is slowly shutting down.  It's like when you shut down your computer but it slowly has to close all of the programs or it installs all of your updates before shutting down.  That's like my brain right now, just one big super computer with a bar that's slowly filling up and when it's filled:  lights out.  I predict I have another 15 minutes or so in me before the chemicals force my body into a state of unconsciousness.  Wow where were these meds when I had an 11 hour flight from Tel Aviv?  I haven't done flash fiction in a while and my mind is shutting down quicker than I anticipated so here we go. 

Have migraines.  Nice surprise.  Prescription filled. 

New meds.  Great sleep.  Rare feeling. 

Day off.  Starbucks trip.  Usual routine. 

More reading.  Greek tragedies.  Planning started. 

Worked out.  Legs back.  Dead tired. 

Need energy.  More coffee? Bad idea. 

Brain finished.   Last words.  Out hot.  (Because it's summer otherwise it'd be out cold)

Which Salander is More Badass?

What do you think?  Rooney Mara or Noomi Rapace, which actress do you think makes the more Badass Lisbeth Salander.  I'll have to wait for the American movie to come out to make my judgement but I think Rooney Mara is going to do a great job.  Don't get me wrong, Noomi Rapace was amazing and her role as Lisbeth really carried the Swedish movies, but I have a feeling that Ronney Mara is going to blow us away as Lisbeth Salander.  So please, readers, share your thoughts.  Who do you think looks more badass, Rooney Mara or Noomi Rapace.  I have two pictures of each below.  First is Noomi Rapace.

And now Rooney Mara Below

Let me know what you think.  In any case I love the books, liked the Swedish movies, and can't wait for the American versions.  Can you tell I'm obsessed?

A Hall Pass to Bugs and Thunderstorms

It sounds so serene outside right now, I love the sounds of summer nights.  As much as I always say that the worst part about summer is the bugs, their noises at night make you feel like the world is so much more alive.  In the winter nights are cold and silent, except for the occasional siren or gust of wind on those cold and windy nights.  For the life of me I will never understand winter people.  I'm leaning more towards the autumn seasons myself only because air conditioning gives me headaches and in the summer I have to sleep with air conditioning or I'll sweat to much which really leads to me not sleeping well.  Last night I slept really well to the point that this morning I just kept on sleeping, not wanting to get up.  It was cool enough that I didn't need AC which was such a relief.  I can't stand the rain either but it's nice because when temps get really high the rain comes along and cools things off.  Funny how the two things that I don't like most about summer, bugs and rain/thunderstorms, are actually starting to grow on me. 

It's been monsooning the past couple of days.  Luckily I've been trapped in the liquidation hellhole so I haven't had to brave the floods, only observing them from inside the confines of my employment prison.  Yesterday the water actually began to leak through the ceiling-joy-and who was called to mop up the leak in the former cafe...yours truly.  I wouldn't normally mind this duty being that when I worked in the cafe I mopped nearly every night that I closed, but yesterday I was not the least bit alright with my task.  First of all it was gross and smelly rain water, not the warm and soapy water that I was used to.  And second of all, I was wearing my off-white chucks.  I started wearing my chucks to work as soon as I was switched over to the bookside because when working as a book seller there is far less of a chance that cafe beverages will spill on your shoes, hence why I used to wear crappy shoes when I worked in the cafe.  I like my chucks in fact, I love my chucks as much as you can love footwear.  Good thing they only cost $40 bucks so if I have to replace them I won't be breaking the bank.  Then again, I should probably blame myself for buying off-white shoes which can so easily be stained.  I don't care, I needed a lighter pair of shoes in my arsenal of footwear.  I already have black H&M faux Keds so I figured all black chucks weren't necessary.  Oh well, they didn't suffer too much and I can always wash them.  Can you tell that I obsess over shoes?  Also can you tell that the majority of my life was spent in a household with two females.  Don't worry, my mom's shoe collection dwarfs mine.  Plus I'm not really a sneaker guy, more a shoe for every occasion guy.  I'm going to stop this discussion now before people start jumping to false conclusions...

I watched Hall Pass yesterday or the day before.  Actually it was Saturday.  It was funny at times but I must say I expected more going into it.  A few great scenes and a lovely new phrase from Jason Sudeikis-fake chow-relating to a certain sex act.  If you're intrigued I'll fill you in on a non-public forum.  Pretty good overall but not great, and no real curve balls.  The previews basically filled you in on the main premise and there were a couple of gut busting scenes but for the most part I was disappointed.  Maybe it's that I just don't find Jason Sudeikis very funny.  He's like the new 'it' guy in comedy right now but I don't know; so far he doesn't really do it for me.  Sure I liked him in this movie and in Going the Distance but he still has a ways to go before vaulting up into the ranks of guys like Will Ferrell and Vince Vaughn.  Oh and then there's this actor who plays a baseball player, Tyler Lee Hoechlin, who of course is shirtless for a number of scenes in the movie, most notably a love scene.  If you're a guy and you have body image issues just turn away because he'll make you hate yourself so much more.  Just saying, I was just like 'F-you man, why do you have to have every single cut.'  If you're thinking, 'wow you totally just admitted you have at least  a slight insecurity about the way you look,' then you would be correct.  But hey, no worries, that's why I'm working out.  Don't get me wrong, I feel good about myself and my looks, but I want to feel great about my looks.  Anyway, the movie didn't kill it for me like I hoped it would.  Still, I have a weird sense of humor.  If you're looking for a laugh and you've got some time to kill give it a shot, just don't expect it to be in your top five all-time comedies.