Last Post of 2007

It's true!

Adult Swim's contract to show Futurama ends tonight. :( I really love that show and it's so sad that I won't be able to watch it all the time. It's been really nice to watch the marathons on all weekend, but the last episode they're showing ends tonight at 10. I'm going to try and find the seasons on DVD so I can watch them whenever I want.

So at work yesterday morning, I ended up fixing my knee in the worst way possible. My foot got caught on a box when I was climbing over one of the conveyor belt things in the stockroom that I have to climb over to get to my stock.I hit right by my knee really hard and it instantly swelled. Here's what it looks like now. The weird black things are because my camera phone sucks, haha.

Pretty bad right? My theory is all the pressure that had built up in my knee got released into the bruise, because my knee is 100% better now.

On a super happy note, I get to see Theron tonight. He's picking me up from work and coming over for the night. I'm so glad that both of us have tomorrow off to be able to spend together. After that, I know for sure that I'll be able to see him on the 10th for dinner and after he moves back into his dorm a week later. And no, it's not because he's sooo sweet that I have to see him sparingly.

Well I'm off to shower before work. Enjoy your last day of the year!

Damn Knee

That's right, my left knee officially sucks.

Ugh. All night it was difficult to sleep because of my knee. This morning, I knew I was in real trouble though. When it hurts to get up and go to the bathroom because your knee doesn't want to move, that's pretty sad.

Long story short, I ended up wrapping my knee and crying in my mom's room... then unwrapping my knee because it didn't make it any better and probably hurt it worse. The pain kept getting worse, as did my fears about my knee. It's never really hurt quite this bad before - even when it was -50 degrees Fahrenheit and I had to be outside.

Lately it's been feeling as though my leg from the kneecap down was dead, although I had full control over it and it worked. I remember when I was little and first learning about all the other children with JRA who had to be in a wheelchair before age 8. I was determined to stay out of one. Right now, my biggest fear is that I'll be in one sooner than my 40s, 50s, or 60s... much much sooner.

The thought of having to continue school in a wheelchair absolutely frightens me. Carroll isn't wheelchair accessible at all... not many schools are these days, which is a pretty sad commentary on our world. So then I'd lose my scholarships there. Gah, I don't even want to think about it anymore.

I ended up taking one of my dad's hydrocodone pills. I hate taking them, but the pain was just so bad. I don't like being high, feeling that way. It feels wrong.

I hope it feels better in the morning. I wish Theron was here to hold me and tell me I'll be okay. I always seem to be stronger with him around, braver too.

Crimma

Christmas was super fun.

Christmas Eve, we went to my grandparents' house and everyone was way more well behaved than usual. My alcoholic cousin was even not drinking as much! She spiked his Game Fuel, which, believe me, tastes a lot better without the vodka. Ugh. Theron was very quiet the whole time, but everyone seemed to like him a lot.

Theron's house was nice and calm compared. I didn't expect to get so much from his family, and I really felt welcomed. Theron got me a Nightmare Before Christmas ornament and a cute animal picture Love book... and the cutest card ever.

It hit me after a comment my mom made and the resulting conversation about it in the car with Theron that this is the best thing that could've happened to me. That man out working right now, earning money to no doubt try and spoil me with, he's like a dream, a dream come true. He makes me smile the biggest I ever have, laugh the hardest - everything is better. I feel like a princess, like everything that has ever happened to me - no matter how unpleasant - has led me here. And I don't even care if we end up together - god, it would be so nice, and I would love nothing more - but if we don't, I know that I'll be okay, that we'll be okay. It was so hard after Nando and I broke up and I didn't think I'd find anyone as good. I thought that I'd end up falling back into being who I was before, a person I didn't like. But when I walked into that room and saw Theron sitting there, my knees buckled and I felt dizzy. I knew there was something special about him, about his gorgeous eyes, his amazing smile, and his witty jokes.

Part of me feels so lonely right now because I know I won't get to see him for a week at least.And I know he's sad too, I can feel it. But I know that if we can make it through the rest of the winter, despite jealousy or loneliness or any of that, that we'll be fine.

I love you Theron Jay, no doubt about that. Nothing is ever gonna change it. Don't worry.

The future is far away right now and there's no telling what it'll bring. All you can do is enjoy the time that you have here and hope that it turns out the way that you dream.

Christmas Full of Sunshine

The other night at work I got a lamp that simulates real sunshine. It has got to be one of the best things I've ever gotten myself. I've had it on all day when I'm in my room since I got it It's definitely a lot cheaper than going tanning and doesn't result in cancer...

On another note, I'm going up to Theron's house for Christmas this year. He's coming over tonight so we can open presents with him and then we're going to my grandparents house to have dinner and open presents over there, and then we leave for his house. Tomorrow his dad's family and his mom's sister and boyfriend are coming over. I'm excited to be a part of their family Christmas.

Before I get to the crappy part of the last couple of days, I just want to wish you all Merry Christmas!
<3

Ah, and now to my family drama...
After a three hour talk with Mike the other night, he decided to play a game with Kelsey called who can hit the softest. Well, all of us being innocent, we thought it was gonna be a nice game. So she barely touches him, he says "You win" and hits her as hard as he fucking can. She has a terrible bruise on her arm, most of it not having any color yet because of how hard he hit her. We were all upset when he hit her, but didn't realize how very hard it was. I'm not entirely sure of the outcome last night, but there was a serious fight between my parents and him about hitting her and being respectful.

I hope he leaves. Nothing has been peaceful since he got here, and all he does is cause more drama than we've ever had here.

Jamie Lynn Spears

Ah... yes, I have decided to throw my hat in the ring of people talking about the poor, 12-weeks pregnant, 16-year-old sister to the infamous Britney.

In her interview with OK! Magazine, Jamie Lynn indicates long time boyfriend Casey Aldridge as the father of the baby. A good boyfriend, he tries to be around her whenever possible, even driving out to the studio during filming of her hit Nickelodeon series Zoey 101 to see her and watch her work. He tries to impress her family whenever he can, and has done a great job - they embrace the 18-year-old as a member of their family.

There have been talks about Casey being charged with statutory rape. This is not the case. He is in the three year age range where it is okay to be having relations with Jamie Lynn. Seeing his closeness to her family, I doubt that would've happened anyway. The Spears family would have to have pressed charges for anything to happen to him.

There are varying opinions on her pregnancy, her television career, and her decision to keep the baby. Here are my answers to these ponderings.

Certain people have taken the stance that the Spears family is terrible, that Jamie Lynn should've learned from her sister's mistakes. First off, since no one making these statements knows the family personally, attacks on the family are not from a reliable source and merely crap, really. I don't care who the family is or what they've gone through, you do not simply blame the family. Secondly, Britney - although she's probably a terrible mother - did NOT get pregnant at age 16. Since they were not in the same position and situation, Jamie Lynn would not have learned anything from her sister, except maybe how NOT to parent.

Despite the "mistake" Jamie Lynn has made, as others have been calling the little bundle of joy to be, I am sure that she will not follow in her sister's footsteps for a few reasons,

• Although only 16, she has a relatively good head on her shoulders.
• She has not enjoyed the same level of fame as Britney, and therefore has not gotten into the same problems with the same addictions and same bad group of friends.
• She has a well-mannered boy at her side, who seems to love her for who she is and not for the money and fame she has, unlike K-Fed

How would everyone be reacting if, instead of hearing all about her being pregnant and keeping the baby, we were hearing about her alleged abortion? I know that everyone is worried about how children are going to react to this, but how would they react to her abortion? Instead of merely explaining pregnancy, then parents would have to explain the art or ridding oneself of a child in the most painful and gruesome way. None of that takes into account the young Ms. Spears' health.

Parents are all worried now, because they actually have to parent their tweens and teens a bit. Instead of ignoring sex, now it's getting pushed into their faces and they have to talk about it with their youngsters. Those who were counting on their children's faith to defer them from sex now have an example for their children, but they need to speak on more than the abstinence-only stance of the U.S. government. Children are going to do what they want to do, what their bodies want to do, what feels good. As someone who has recently come out of the teen stage of life, I can speak to that more than most adults can. The biggest thing with teenagers is that they defy authority - if your parents say you can't do something, then it's obviously because they don't want you to have fun, they hate you, or they just don't understand the situation. The "Just Say No" method never has worked, isn't going to work. Fear is not the way to rule, but education is a different story. Teaching kids how to protect themselves will go much farther in reducing the rates of teenage pregnancy and STIs. Comprehensive education is what we need, taking models from other countries like the Netherlands and Germany. The rest of that point will be made a different day.

A lot of people have been pulling for Nickelodeon to pull the remaining episodes of Zoey 101. Here's what I don't get with that.

1. All the episodes for this season have been filmed, and will not feature an obviously pregnant Jamie Lynn.
2. This is the fourth and final season.
3. The studio would be losing money if they did that - D'OH!

The first two reasons also apply to people who are choosing to tell their children the show has been canceled. The other thing about that is your kids are going to find out that the show wasn't canceled, and are gonna watch it eventually, whether at a friend's house or when you're not at home. Sorry folks, ignorance once again isn't the answer.

To those who are bashing little Jamie Lynn:
Let me paint a picture for ya.
You're 16-years-old, going steady with an awesome boy. Like almost all teenagers, things get a little heavy and sex ensues. Let's even say a condom was worn and didn't break. It feels so good and is so much fun, the two of you continue to have sex protected.
Statistically, 1 in every 100 women gets pregnant with a condom, due to human error or minor imperfections in the condom.
You find out, after missing your period, that you're pregnant. Your best friend, who was with you while buying the test and taking it, is the only one who knows. You have a career in show business and know that this could just be that nail in the coffin that sends you back to unknown parts of Louisiana forever. You know that your family will be so disappointed in you, especially since they regard you as the good daughter.
What would YOU have done in that situation?
Would you have taken the easy way out and gotten an abortion? After all, only you and your best friend would know...
Or would you have called your boyfriend that night and told him, then told your family at Thanksgiving? Scheduled an interview to publicly announce your pregnancy and your decision to keep the baby?

Although I'm pro-choice, it makes me happy to think that this young lady, despite all she has to lose, is stepping up and taking responsibility for her actions. And I'm very proud of Casey for choosing to stand by her, despite all that he has to lose as well. I will not say it is heroic, as some are describing it. I will say, however, that it is so noble, so loving, and so selfless of the two of them to make this venture into parenthood together at such a young age.

And to Jamie Lynn:
I highly doubt you will read this, but I want you to know that I support your decision and I am behind you 110%. I never was a big fan of yours before, but I will not stand by while people are ridiculing you and your decision. It is your life, and not a part of television or the lives of children all over the world.
Do what is best for you and for your little family to be, sweetheart. Good luck.

Wheeeeee!

So I had a great past few days.

Theron's mom invited me for Christmas. I'm excited. I think it'll be fun. All his family seems to like me pretty well, and I'm hitting it off great with both his mom and his sister Brynne. Hopefully I don't offend or make a huge faux pax in front of everyone... Eeek!

Sledding was super fun! I can't wait until I can go up there again. It's like a roller coaster, but on snow and without long lines.

I found the most awesome cookbook at Half Price Books the other day. It's called "Wookies Cookies: A Star Wars Cookbook." It's kid-centered and in it are recipes for such items as Twin Sun Toast, Princess Leia Danish Dos, Hoth Chocolate, Yoda Soda, and of course, Wookie Cookies.

The introduction includes cooking tips, and these awesome quotes...

"Consider, young Jedi: Why bake a plain old cookie when you can bake a super-Chewie Wookie Cookie?"

"Go forth, young Jedi! May your Hoth Chocolate be sweet, may your Dark Side Salsa be spicy, and may the Force always be with you!"

And one of the best features of the book are the stickers in the back for use with your Tupperware. Great sayings such as

• Use the fork, Luke
• Eat this you must. Help you, it can.
• Please feed the Wookie.
• It's no Jedi mind trick. It's just good food.
• Give in to your dark cravings.

appear, as well as normal "Food Data" stickers. Apparently there are several Star Wars cookbooks now, and I'm in the process of tracking some of them down.

Bon Appetit!

Almost done

So I just have my Calculus final in the morning and I'm done with the school year.

Sadly, it's the final I've been dreading... Ugh.

I've studied the whole book a few times over now as well as my notes. I'll do it a few more times tonight, but I think I'm ready... hehe.

After my final tomorrow, I'm going up to Theron's house for a few days. We're going sledding on Wednesday... it'll be my first time, and hopefully I won't break anything vital.

Needless to say, I won't be posting for a few days, and I don't necessarily have time to post that much today. But, I felt the need to at least write something... and delay my studying.

Any of you who haven't yet seen Rent need to. I don't care if it's the play or the movie, but you have to see it. I myself have only seen the movie, but I have the OBS too. It's kind of adult themed, so I'd say definitely PG-13 at least, depending on how you raise your kids. It deals with AIDS, homelessness, sexuality, friendship and betrayal, true love, and more. It's just all in very harsh conditions and more real life than most kids are used to and need to be exposed to.

Here's a great site for the lyrics to the songs, and if you wanna watch the song parts of the film or the 10th anniversary Broadway showing with the original cast, look Rent up on youtube.

My favorite songs are:
Today 4 U
I'll Cover You
La Vie Boheme (I & II)
One Song Glory
Santa Fe
Seasons of Love
Out Tonight
Tango: Maureen
Take Me or Leave Me
Your Eyes

Here is my favorite song, I'll Cover You:

ANGEL
Live In My House
I'll Be Your Shelter
Just Pay Me Back
With One Thousand Kisses
Be My Lover - I'll Cover You

COLLINS
Open Your Door
I'll Be Your Tenant
Don't Got Much Baggage
To Lay At Your Feet
But Sweet Kisses I've Got To Spare
I'll Be There - I'll Cover You

BOTH
I Think They Meant It
When They Said You Can't Buy Love
Now I Know You Can Rent It
A New Lease You Are, My Love,
On Life - Be My Light

Just Slip Me On
I'll Be Your Blanket
Wherever - Whatever - I'll Be Your Coat

ANGEL
You'll Be My King
And I'll Be Your Castle

COLLINS
No You'll Be My Queen
And I'll Be Your Moat

BOTH
I Think They Meant It
When They Said You Can't Buy Love
Now I Know You Can Rent It
A New Lease You Are, My Love
On Life

All My Life
I've Longed To Discover
Something As True As This Is

COLLINS
So With A Thousand
Sweet Kisses

(ANGEL
If You're Cold
You're Lonely)

And I'll Cover You
With A Thousand
Sweet Kisses

(ANGEL
You've got one
nickel only)

I'll Cover You

ANGEL
With A Thousand
Sweet Kisses

(COLLINS
When You're Worn
Out And Tired)

I'll Cover You
With A Thousand
Sweet Kisses

(COLLINS
When Your Heart
Has Expired)

I'll Cover You

BOTH
Oh Lover I'll Cover You
Ya, ya, ya, ya, ya-a-a-a
Oh Lover I'll Cover You

Cookie Dough

and sparkling apple juice don't mix. Maybe a ham sandwich would fare better?


I'm having a lazy day.

Last night I finished The Time Traveler's Wife. It has to be the best book I've ever read. I was so entangled in Care and Henry's lives that now I feel so lonely. Sure, now I'm going to read the Amber Chronicles, but it's not the same. Clare isn't waiting and hoping for Henry to return; Henry isn't narrowly escaping death and maim. Ah, the depression that strikes once people you feel so close to are out of your life for good. It's almost like they're both died... or perhaps I'm Clare, waiting by the window for my Henry to come back in the form of a movie.

The most productive thing I've done today is take a shower. I just feel no need to get out of bed and do something important. I'll do some cleaning and laundry here in a few, then put music on my stepbrother's mp3 player so he doesn't bug me anymore about it. Maybe study for Calculus? Eh, maybe not. I'll try anyway.

What does my weekend hold?

Well, in the morning I have to stop by my education classroom to pick up the last of my graded assignments and get my final grade. Then Theron and I are probably going to run to Half Price Books to grab his sister's Christmas present. Sunday I get to finish my Christmas shopping with extra discounts at work.

Monday night my 'little brother' Will goes back to Chicago. He's going to Concordia next semester, so I won't get to see him as often. So sad. :(

I don't like school-less time. I feel like I have no purpose. Maybe it'll be better with working. I hope.

The Guru Granth Sahib

I had the weirdest dream last night, brought on by studying for my Asian Religions final and excitement for next semester, no doubt.

I was in a Sikh temple, doing a site visit. It seemed more like next semester to me, but it could've been later on in life. Anyhow, there were speaking in Punjabi, and I was listening intently for any hint of a word or two I might know.

All of the sudden, someone breaks in through a stained glass window in the ceiling. Dressed in all black and hanging from repelling cords, this thief was going after the most prized possession in the gurdwara - the Guru Granth Sahib!

The man reading from the holy book and the other man who was supposed to be keeping the air above the Guru moving and clean both hit the floor, fearing for their lives. All the women and children tried to hide under the pews, and the men, despite having their ceremonial swords, were scared for dear life.

That's when I decided to take matters into my own hands...

All the sudden, I was not dressed in my everyday attire, but in a super suit - a mix between Indiana Jones and a Ninja, basically. I threw my lasso at the intruder's foot, only to have him kick it away. By this time, he had the Guru in hand, and was trying to make his escape.

I had a brilliant idea.

Using my (non-existent) math skills, I calculated exactly where I needed to strike in order to free the book from the man's hands. With lasso in hand, I threw a ninja star at the man's wrist, causing the book to fall from a height of around 20 feet in the air. Everyone gasped. This book is not just considered a holy book, but a person, a Guru. If it hit the floor, would it be okay?

I caught the book with my lasso and pulled it towards me. "She's got it, she's got the Guru
Granth Sahib!" I held it tight for a brief moment, then gave it to a young mother near me.

I went in pursuit of the perpetrator.

He was climbing back up towards the top of the window through which he came. I began to climb the rope after him, ceremonial sword in mouth style.

I'm always surprised at my physical abilities in my dreams...

He reached the top just before me, despite my best efforts to climb as fast as humanly (or ninja-ly) possible. Once outside, however, he had nowhere to go.

Whatever happened next is such a blur that I don't remember it, but all I know is I apprehended the perp, saved the day, and was offered much Indian food in return. I got to be all over the news as a hero, and the next day as I walked into my religion class, everyone cheered for me and my bravery.

In other news...

My Asian Religions final quiz went well. I feel like I only missed about two questions.

I know what I'm getting most people for Christmas now, except Theron... What do I get someone who means so much to me? Material things don't seem to be enough.

And I'm hungry. With that, I'm off to get some grub. Ciao!

A Weekend of Time Traveling

First off, I squared everything away with Susan. She just had forgotten to give me the days off, so I took an extra one off too and lied about my finals.

If I had been super smart, I'd have requested the 20th off as well, for Theron and my anniversary. Maybe I'll call in, maybe by then we'll have spent almost a full week together and we'll be annoyed with each other so it'll be good to work again. Nah. The only time we really get annoyed with each other is when there are outside influences/people making things harder on one or the both of us.

My weekend went well for everything that was going on. Theron was at home, and I was stuck putting up with my stepbrother.

He's a great guy and all, but annoying as hell. My parents are fighting more due to his presence because now dad is torn between new and old family, similar to when we moved here. We never get time to ourselves now. If he's not constantly asking me about Buddhism or trying to impress/woo? Kelsey and I with his amazingness, then he's just standing in the same room, watching TV he's not really even interested in. He smokes too much, interrupts and doesn't let you return to the subject you were on, acts like he knows everything about everything, tries to relate completely unrelatable things, is too sensitive, and is stupid to put it mildly. Maybe it's just because I grew up in an intellectual home, but yikes. On top of all that, the kid (he's almost 24, but definitely more like 10) is going through withdrawals for sure from pot and drinking and his girlfriend/"family", but I think maybe even more than that. Apparently the day before he got himself kicked outta his girlfriend's house, he smoked several ounces of pot alone. He picks on Kelsey constantly, more than a brother should in my opinion.

I'm not scared of him, because I know I could take him, but it worries me the amount of time Kelsey and he are probably going to end up spending alone together as school ends for me and I start working more. I'm worried for her, for her well-being. I swear, if he even eyes her differently, he's gone in every sense of the word.

Work this weekend wasn't so bad. Saturday was hectic, and I don't care for Steve's way of handling stress and only having one or two people on the floor. Poor Nando was trying to do almost everything alone, and I can't let him do that. Sure, the kid messed me up good for a few months, but I learned a lot from him and grew tremendously as a person. He's one of my closest friends, and I can't let him do too much like that alone, not when it's this busy.

Sunday went much better. I had a few conversations with Grrr about scheduling and working and just life in general. We're doing much better. She was not upset at all at me being up at the service desk and helping Nando to run things smoother. Maybe without me there on certain days, she sees how much I do to help. I finally got to work on some of my PLCs for once. I got a good chunk of things done. It was a pretty productive weekend, as far as work goes.

So Theron's got me reading The Time Traveler's Wife. It's gotta be the best book written ever. Period. It is so sweet. I recommend it to anyone who is in love, misses love, has to deal with long periods of absences of love... pretty much anyone. Don't look it up on Wikipedia though, because it's got spoilers. I don't know about you, but I'm halfway through this book and I want to read the whole thing without hints (except the ones that Theron has given me). They're making a movie, but I'm leery of how it'll translate. The book is organized quite neatly, by whose perspective things are from (Clare or Henry) and what ages and where Henry is.

Knowing that he cried reading this book is helping me to understand that it's okay to cry. I'm not a weak person for doing so. I don't always have to be strong, stoic. I'm getting in touch with my emotions, which has been a little difficult, I'll admit, but definitely a necessity. When I have kids, I want to be able to raise them right, which means being fully aware of and in touch with myself.

Here's a little teaser from the book...

"Well, you know, I'm not kidding about wanting that much sex. I mean, I realize that it's not practical. But I've been wanting to tell you: I feel so different. I just...feel so connected to you. And I think that it holds me here, in the present. Being physically connected to you..."
-Henry

Work

What do I do?

At work I asked for my finals week off, which is merely Wednesday (so I can study) thru Tuesday (my Calc final). But, of course, I didn't get it.

I'm supposed to work on Thursday right after my final, and close on Saturday night (11pm now), and then, although the schedule isn't up for next week, I'm sure I'd have to be there before we open (6am as is my usual Sunday shift).

I know that I need this time off so that I can be free from the stresses of work and simply focus on school. I don't particularly need this job, especially with the managers always picking on me (Barb). They act like I never do enough. They want me to simply stay in my domestics department, and not help out anywhere else. However, if I did that, the store would run quite poorly and customers would complain even more than they do now and most would stop shopping there.

I'd hate to leave all my wonderful friends behind, but I can't put school as a second priority, or I'll end up like Grrr. :'(

I've heard advice that I should talk to both Barb and Susan together and try to work something out.

But, what do you think, my mass populous of friends and random people?
Leave a comment on this note, or write me a message, and tell me what you would do in this situation.

<3

A Day Which Will Live in Infamy

To the Congress of the United States

Yesterday, Dec. 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with the government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.

Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleagues delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.

Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island.

This morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.

As commander in chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.

Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us.

No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.

I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces - with the unbounding determination of our people - we will gain the inevitable triumph - so help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, Dec. 7, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.


Today marks the 66th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, thus thrusting an otherwise uncooperative United States into World War II.

The first ship attacked was the USS Arizona, which is a memorial site for the 1,177 service men killed from the ship. The ship continues to leak oil (approximately 1 quart per year) in Pearl Harbor.

I myself had no clue that so many other places where attacked, even with my extreme background in international affairs and the like. I think that it's so sad that the United States education system really only focuses on the United States. Any international programs, as in the high school I went to, simply don't have enough funding or resources to teach enough. But I digress.

As it is such a solemn day, filled with so many deaths, I'd like to take the time to stop and acknowledge any service men and women reading this. I cannot express in words my gratefulness to you for your sacrifices every day in order to keep this nation and all who live here safe and free.

On a similar note, I had an interesting thing happen the other day. I was getting lunch, on another of my prep snow drives. When I drove past the place where we were going to get lunch, searching for a parking spot, I spotted a soldier, maybe a recruiter, I'm not sure. All I know is that it was someone brave in real camouflage, with the beret and the whole deal. After finding a parking spot, and walking back over towards Rose's Subs, the man was gone. I wish that there had been a way to stop in the middle of the street and thank him for being so brave and so courageous. Alas, there wasn't.

Please remember our troops families this Christmas. No, I'm not asking you to give anything. All I'm asking is that you remember them. Christmas day, at your big family function, if you pray, pray for them. If you don't, then at least have them in your thoughts. If you know someone who has served or is serving, make an effort to tell them you care about them.

Movie news

So as a youngster, I was confident in the fact that I would start a famous newsletter, or blog I suppose, about celebrities and such - heavier on the news and not the gossip though. I definitely don't want to become the next Perez Hilton (although the hair is semi-snazzy). So here's the important stuff going on in the entertainment world.

First off, a new Terminator trilogy is starting up, starring Christian Bale... Ugh. I love him so much, but the Terminator trilogy? I thought he was better than to get involved in a series that had been over-filmed... Ha. Hopefully this will be an update akin to Batman Begins. The rumor mill has it that he's set to play John Connor, but that has yet to be revealed officially.

The ever-beautiful, ever-giving Angelina Jolie is set to star in a new spy movie. It is based on real-life intelligence operative Kathi Lynn Austin's experiences in arms trafficking and terrorism. Think feminine Bourne Identity.

Edward Norton, who is wanting to get more involved in films that make a difference (perhaps a close friendship with Fight Club co-star Brad Pitt is to blame?), is set to star in the new Leaves of Grass. It's a challenging role, playing twins, but I'm confident Norton can pull it off.

In super-happy news, the writer's strike is hopefully ending soon, as mediators say they feel that they are close to a deal.

And in Burton news... Sweeny Todd, the crazy musical based on a serial killer barber, has been filmed, edited, and is set to be released just before Christmas (Dec 21). With an all-star cast including Burton regulars Johnny Depp (Sweeny Todd) and Helena Bonham Carter (Mrs. Lovett). Alan Rickman and Borat's Sacha Baron Cohen are also set to star. For more film information, go to IMDB.

Whelp, hope you enjoyed the movie update. Regular posting to return sometime in the future.

Bummed out, but not about Zork!

For some reason, I'm bummed today. I shouldn't be though.

I mean, I stayed awake through calculus this morning with very little waining. I have all my homework done for the rest of the semester except for calculus, which I'm caught up on. My job isn't as bad as I think it is. I have an awesome family. My boyfriend is amazingly wonderful and adorable.

So what's wrong with me???

I have some thoughts on the subject...

1. I am currently emotional for a biological reason.
2. The holidays are coming up, and although I've done fairly well so far this year, I know that my SAD is going to kick in soon.
3. Finals are coming up :(
4. I miss my extended family and our huge holidays.
5. Work and stress from that.
6. Being so busy.
7. Being so sick, even if I don't show it.
8. Having a lot of acquaintances and friends, but not best friends.
9. Feeling like I'm losing control over certain aspects of my life, and not knowing how every thing is going to turn out.
10. My tendency to over-analyze things and assume people's thoughts/words/actions are different that they really are.
11. Although it is a ways off, thinking about graduate school and where I should go.
12. Knowing that winter break is coming up and the only thing I have to do until school starts again is work my butt off.
13. Knowing that after finals, my little brother will be back in Chicago until he starts at Concordia in the spring.
14. Knowing that winter break is coming up and that Theron will be home and not around, and that we'll both be working a lot, so I might not get to talk to him that much, let alone visit.

I hate it when I get bummed out. It's like everything will be going great, but my brain just freaks out on me.

Maybe after I eat something in a bit, it'll be better. I don't eat enough in the daytime, and I'm sure it throws off my metabolism.

On a happy note, the spell checker on here says I have spelled everything correctly. Coolio. Well, now it's mad because it doesn't recognize coolio.

Whatever computer, whatever. I'll do what I want.

Know what game I miss? Zork. Not the crazy picture one - no, that's not Zork. The Zork that runs on an old 386 with the green monitor and that overworked computer smell. Ahhh. I remember playing that for hours on end, trying to draw out maps so that I knew where I was going in the crazy maze of rooms below the locked cellar door.

Luckily, I found a site where I can download it. I'll try it later in the math lab, so tenatively it works. I would assume it does, because it's from the maker of the trilogy.

Oh! And here's a site where you can just play online too! You can save your game too. That'll make beating the game soooo much easier, to not have to start over so much. It's kinda slow, but super fun. There are a few more sites out there, but they require you to save on your computer - they're not easily transfered that way. However, those sites are faster.

Go play Zork, you dork!

Beavers and Ducks

Ever watch that movie Bandits? Yea? Well, this isn't about that awesome quote... although it is quite hilarious.

Over the weekend, the Beavers and Ducks played the 111th Civil War game. Like is the usual trend, the Beavers defeated the Ducks in a close game (38-31).

This game took two overtimes to finish.

At the official end of the game, the Beavers and Ducks had tied it up. By the end of the first overtime, they had each scored another goal.



Towards the end of the last overtime, however, wide receiver James Rodgers (a freshman on the team) rushed 25 yards for the winning touchdown. This gave him a total of 45 yards rushing in 5 attempts. With the exception of the Cincinnati game, in which he did not play, and the UCLA game, in which he failed to gain yards, he is a consistent and promising player. Consistently he rushed the ball 30+ yards a game. In the game against Stanford, he gained 60 yards in 3 attempts. His greatest contribution was in the Washington game, where in 8 attempts he gained 85 yards. If his playing continues to be consistent, he is going to be a great NFL candidate out of college.

Justin Roper, a red-shirt freshman and the fill-in-QB, pretty much summed up the feeling of the whole town of Eugene after a loss to the Beavers:

"It's kind of bittersweet. I'm glad I got to play and contribute, but a loss to Oregon State is the worst you can have."

With Dixon out of the game, most Duck fans had hopes of a good game, but knew in reality that they would probably get beat good. Roper, after all, is no Dennis Dixon, and has only played in 3 games thus far. Dixon, in the fashion of Joey Harrington before him, has become an amazing QB. I think the saddest thing is that he got hurt towards the end of his senior season. Nonetheless, he's sure to get some good NFL offers.

Another sub proved to be helpful - for the Beavers. Senior running back Matt Sieverson, in for an injured senior running back Yvenson Bernard, gained 142 yards in 27 carries - obviously an integral part of the win.

So, what does this mean bowl-wise for the two rivalry Pac-10 teams?
This means OSU (8-4) will take on Maryland (6-6) in the Emerald Bowl on Friday, December 28th. Kickoff at 5:30pst.
And for beloved Oregon? They're bowl-ing too. The 8-4 team will take on South Florida (9-3) in the Sun Bowl, set for December 31st at noon.

In other fun news, this is the first time in nearly 50 years that the platypus trophy will be awarded to the Beavers (for the win, of course).



Tune in and watch my home-state teams battle for their respective Bowl-titles! :)