I came home after a particularly trying day and was pleasantly surprised to find an episode of Bob Ross on TV. Bob told me that there are no mistakes, only happy accidents, and made me smile with his stories of 'happy little trees' that live rrriiiigghhhttt over there. Just when you think the painting is done - BAM! - he boldly adds another tree or bush, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. My bad mood disappeared by the end of the episode.
Due to the calming effects of Bob Ross, it is now my life goal to buy a Bob Ross Master Painting Set and paint my very own Bob Ross mountain scene! I think once I have achieved this goal, I will have reached what Maslow called 'self-actualization.'
God bless!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
The Art of Procrastination
My procrastination skills were honed in undergrad when I would suddenly develop an obsession with a celebrity during midterms and finals. I had phases involving David Bowie, Prince, and sadly...Celine Dion. There was also an online Mah Jong phase that pissed the hell out of my roommates because of the loud sound effects. Oh yes, and the Chupachups game that has been taken off the website, thus ending that obsession :(
As a grad student, my procrastination has become a bit more complex and in some cases - purposeful. Also, procrastination is not restricted to midterms and finals - it has now become an all-consuming and constant activity. For example, I made the decision to bring my NES with me and aim to beat every game I own. In addition, The Discovery Channel has provided a variety of shows to become obsessed with such as Deadliest Catch. I now know more about crab fishing than I ever wanted to or thought possible. I not only watch the show, but go to the official websites of the boats and crew and sadly, have contemplated getting swag.
Allow me to share with you my current and future obsessions.
CURRENT OBSESSIONS
Deadliest Catch - this show is on honestly about 15 hours a day on the Discovery Channel. My favourite ships are the Northwestern, Time Bandit, and the Cornelia Marie. I keep Captain Phil in my thoughts and hope he makes a speedy recovery.
Tennis (natch): The Rogers Cup is going on right now but unfortunately there is no coverage on TV in the states. No problem - I have a live score tracker open on my computer during the day so I can check it constantly! Current favourite players: Ernests Gulbis, Marat Safin, Marcos Baghdatis, and Fernando Gonzalez.
Marble Madness: This game is going to kill me. I still make it right to the end and then run out of time. I'm not sure what to do other than play it relentlessly every day.
FUTURE OBSESSIONS
Dr. Mario: I've already beaten this game on 'slow' but there's still 'medium' and 'fast' to go!
Chicago architecture: Next summer I plan on doing the architecture riverboat cruise [it's cheap for students]. In the meantime I'm going to read a book given to me by G which features really old photos of buildings in Chicago.
Shark Week: Beginning Sunday, Discovery Channel will start showing shark-related shows. This will complement Deadliest Catch nicely. * I have now officially resumed my obsession with Great White Sharks. I still cannot believe they are real.
As a grad student, my procrastination has become a bit more complex and in some cases - purposeful. Also, procrastination is not restricted to midterms and finals - it has now become an all-consuming and constant activity. For example, I made the decision to bring my NES with me and aim to beat every game I own. In addition, The Discovery Channel has provided a variety of shows to become obsessed with such as Deadliest Catch. I now know more about crab fishing than I ever wanted to or thought possible. I not only watch the show, but go to the official websites of the boats and crew and sadly, have contemplated getting swag.
Allow me to share with you my current and future obsessions.
CURRENT OBSESSIONS
Deadliest Catch - this show is on honestly about 15 hours a day on the Discovery Channel. My favourite ships are the Northwestern, Time Bandit, and the Cornelia Marie. I keep Captain Phil in my thoughts and hope he makes a speedy recovery.
Tennis (natch): The Rogers Cup is going on right now but unfortunately there is no coverage on TV in the states. No problem - I have a live score tracker open on my computer during the day so I can check it constantly! Current favourite players: Ernests Gulbis, Marat Safin, Marcos Baghdatis, and Fernando Gonzalez.
Marble Madness: This game is going to kill me. I still make it right to the end and then run out of time. I'm not sure what to do other than play it relentlessly every day.
FUTURE OBSESSIONS
Dr. Mario: I've already beaten this game on 'slow' but there's still 'medium' and 'fast' to go!
Chicago architecture: Next summer I plan on doing the architecture riverboat cruise [it's cheap for students]. In the meantime I'm going to read a book given to me by G which features really old photos of buildings in Chicago.
Shark Week: Beginning Sunday, Discovery Channel will start showing shark-related shows. This will complement Deadliest Catch nicely. * I have now officially resumed my obsession with Great White Sharks. I still cannot believe they are real.
So What's New?
Honestly, nothing really. I'm just begging for this semester to be over. Of note:
1. Roger Federer lost the opening round game at the Rogers' Cup. I totally lost my shit when I read this. Also, Marat Safin lost the second round match. This means the ass-candy/man-meat percentage of the tournament has fallen dramatically. This is a dark day indeed.
2. Saw The Dark Knight based solely on Marc's recommendations. Here are my thoughts:
a) I wished 'Gotham' didn't look SO much like Chicago. I could point out my school, specific bridges etc which totally didn't let me suspend belief.
b) Batman talked like he was wearing a retainer. I started laughing at one point.
c) How stupid are the people of Gotham? First, they continue to live in a city that is infested with insane villains. Second, they're so easily duped that Batman is really evil. They deserve everything that's coming to them.
d) The Joker was the best character, I couldn't take my eyes off of him. I wish the movie was based solely on the Joker and that certain scenes were longer (ie: him hanging out of the police car).
e) It goes without saying, but Aaron Eckhart is a beautiful, beautiful man.
3. I just discovered Jeff Buckley. If you aren't familiar with his work, please download his album Grace and begin with his cover of Hallelujah.
1. Roger Federer lost the opening round game at the Rogers' Cup. I totally lost my shit when I read this. Also, Marat Safin lost the second round match. This means the ass-candy/man-meat percentage of the tournament has fallen dramatically. This is a dark day indeed.
2. Saw The Dark Knight based solely on Marc's recommendations. Here are my thoughts:
a) I wished 'Gotham' didn't look SO much like Chicago. I could point out my school, specific bridges etc which totally didn't let me suspend belief.
b) Batman talked like he was wearing a retainer. I started laughing at one point.
c) How stupid are the people of Gotham? First, they continue to live in a city that is infested with insane villains. Second, they're so easily duped that Batman is really evil. They deserve everything that's coming to them.
d) The Joker was the best character, I couldn't take my eyes off of him. I wish the movie was based solely on the Joker and that certain scenes were longer (ie: him hanging out of the police car).
e) It goes without saying, but Aaron Eckhart is a beautiful, beautiful man.
3. I just discovered Jeff Buckley. If you aren't familiar with his work, please download his album Grace and begin with his cover of Hallelujah.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Beck Ticket!
Jeezie creezie, what a morning this was. JTL and I woke up at the butt crack of dawn to order me a Beck ticket (yes, singular because no one else likes him)during the presale at 10am today. Normally I'm very anti-A.M., but for Beck I'll do pretty much anything.
Even though I'm sure I'm the only Beck fan to be ordering tickets right at 10am, I didn't want to take the chance that the evil ticket-scalping robots would snatch up all the tickets. So JTL devised a plan involving communication via Skype and both of us ordering tickets simultaneously. Excessive, I know.
However, an unforeseen wrench was thrown into the mix: apparently I needed a promotional code to get the presale tickets. Being oblivious to this, I couldn't get the tickets. I refused to admit defeat. So JTL and I frantically scoured the internet in search of this stupid code. After a few heart-pounding minutes I found it!
BAM! I got me a ticket and breathed a sigh of relief. More than likely, this is the only ticket that has been sold thus far. Whatever. I'M GOING TO SEE BECK!
Sad note: The price of tickets (pre-gouging) was $37.50. With taxes, fees, and raping charges, the final price from Ticketwhore was $55.60! That's going to sting for awhile.
Even though I'm sure I'm the only Beck fan to be ordering tickets right at 10am, I didn't want to take the chance that the evil ticket-scalping robots would snatch up all the tickets. So JTL devised a plan involving communication via Skype and both of us ordering tickets simultaneously. Excessive, I know.
However, an unforeseen wrench was thrown into the mix: apparently I needed a promotional code to get the presale tickets. Being oblivious to this, I couldn't get the tickets. I refused to admit defeat. So JTL and I frantically scoured the internet in search of this stupid code. After a few heart-pounding minutes I found it!
BAM! I got me a ticket and breathed a sigh of relief. More than likely, this is the only ticket that has been sold thus far. Whatever. I'M GOING TO SEE BECK!
Sad note: The price of tickets (pre-gouging) was $37.50. With taxes, fees, and raping charges, the final price from Ticketwhore was $55.60! That's going to sting for awhile.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Infomercials in Chicago
I'm sure I've mentioned how I sometimes stay up really late and watch infomercials because I can't sleep. I'm also sure that some former housemates of mine know that sometimes I voluntarily watch infomercials such as the Magic Bullet and Dr. Ho during the day because I just...like to...Anyway, I came across some choice ones that I thought I'd share.
1. The Ped Egg. I actually bought this because after watching the commercial so many times, it just made sense. Amazingly, it actually works and my feet are no longer sharp.
2. Model trucks. I can't find the exact link for this one but it was for little model trucks that were all painted and had moving parts like a trunk and doors. It's bizarre that adults even buy these but what is more strange is that they come with a certificate of authenticity...Why? Are the authenticity police going to ask for your proof? Will friends judge you if you buy non-authentic toys? And authentic of WHAT exactly? Moving on...
3. Commemorative $20 bill. This one is the best, not only because it's absolutely tasteless but because I have a link to their website that shows the infomercial! Just...just watch: http://www.911twenty.com/
1. The Ped Egg. I actually bought this because after watching the commercial so many times, it just made sense. Amazingly, it actually works and my feet are no longer sharp.
2. Model trucks. I can't find the exact link for this one but it was for little model trucks that were all painted and had moving parts like a trunk and doors. It's bizarre that adults even buy these but what is more strange is that they come with a certificate of authenticity...Why? Are the authenticity police going to ask for your proof? Will friends judge you if you buy non-authentic toys? And authentic of WHAT exactly? Moving on...
3. Commemorative $20 bill. This one is the best, not only because it's absolutely tasteless but because I have a link to their website that shows the infomercial! Just...just watch: http://www.911twenty.com/
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
27
So it was my 27th bday this past Sunday. Being 27 seems very very wrong to me and I can't say I'm pleased but...on the plus side despite life's best efforts, I didn't die! Here is a brief recap of my life this past year:
- was homeless
- became a squatter extraordinaire
- got accepted to grad school
- moved to Chicago
- almost died in car accident
- almost died in hit-and-run accident
- overtook Meg White as the worst female drummer in rock
- realized various Nintendo goals
- tried and failed at salsa dancing
It's going to be hard to top 26. Here is how I started 27:
G graciously came to visit for the weekend. We spent the 4th of July walking around the Chicago river downtown, then played some tennis [badly] then went on the roof of my building to watch fireworks. Although they were neat, Ottawa's show was WAY better. The neat thing was that as you scanned the horizon you could see fireworks going off in suburbs and other states. It's hard to describe but it was beautiful. Friends came over to drink at my place, some Nintendo was played, and then we hit the bars.
Saturday we went to the Planet-arium where we watched 2 IMAX movies, found out that Jim Lovell is from Chicago, and that children should be banned from all public places. We came home and napped, then went for drinks at the top of the Hancock Tower [champagne!].
My actual bday began with WIMBLEDON. The match of the century was played over 8 hours between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. I couldn't watch the whole thing, but my mom kept calling me on my cell to give me updates until I ran out of minutes. I couldn't watch because I was at ...church!
No, didn't convert. I went to see a hilarious comedy show called "Best Church of God" which everyone is now mandated to see when coming to visit. Our sermon was "you're free to do whatever you like, as long as it's what god tells you to do." The show is literally like a church service complete with hymns, collection plates [several] and the body and blood of christ! [beef jerky and kool-aid].
Afterwards a bunch of us went out for brunch, and then G and I went to the Field Museum to learn about dinosaurs, evolution, and natural disasters. After G caught his flight home I went out for free ice cream.
Curious story:
Someone asked me how old I was and when I said "27" they replied, "wow, you look pretty good for your age."
Is it just me, or isn't that something you would say to someone who is like...45? It made me feel like a dinosaur. I think I've hit some sort of aging milestone.
I got a few neat gifts but the jewels in my crown this year came courtesy of G:
MARBLE MADNESS [which is currently ruining my life in a good way] and Dr. Mario. Many thanks to him for making the weekend awesome.
So I think that's about it really. Back to the grind. Keeping the wrinkles at bay.
Various pictures from the weekend...
Views from my school downtown:
Chicago River:
Skyline as seen from the Planet-arium:
- was homeless
- became a squatter extraordinaire
- got accepted to grad school
- moved to Chicago
- almost died in car accident
- almost died in hit-and-run accident
- overtook Meg White as the worst female drummer in rock
- realized various Nintendo goals
- tried and failed at salsa dancing
It's going to be hard to top 26. Here is how I started 27:
G graciously came to visit for the weekend. We spent the 4th of July walking around the Chicago river downtown, then played some tennis [badly] then went on the roof of my building to watch fireworks. Although they were neat, Ottawa's show was WAY better. The neat thing was that as you scanned the horizon you could see fireworks going off in suburbs and other states. It's hard to describe but it was beautiful. Friends came over to drink at my place, some Nintendo was played, and then we hit the bars.
Saturday we went to the Planet-arium where we watched 2 IMAX movies, found out that Jim Lovell is from Chicago, and that children should be banned from all public places. We came home and napped, then went for drinks at the top of the Hancock Tower [champagne!].
My actual bday began with WIMBLEDON. The match of the century was played over 8 hours between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. I couldn't watch the whole thing, but my mom kept calling me on my cell to give me updates until I ran out of minutes. I couldn't watch because I was at ...church!
No, didn't convert. I went to see a hilarious comedy show called "Best Church of God" which everyone is now mandated to see when coming to visit. Our sermon was "you're free to do whatever you like, as long as it's what god tells you to do." The show is literally like a church service complete with hymns, collection plates [several] and the body and blood of christ! [beef jerky and kool-aid].
Afterwards a bunch of us went out for brunch, and then G and I went to the Field Museum to learn about dinosaurs, evolution, and natural disasters. After G caught his flight home I went out for free ice cream.
Curious story:
Someone asked me how old I was and when I said "27" they replied, "wow, you look pretty good for your age."
Is it just me, or isn't that something you would say to someone who is like...45? It made me feel like a dinosaur. I think I've hit some sort of aging milestone.
I got a few neat gifts but the jewels in my crown this year came courtesy of G:
MARBLE MADNESS [which is currently ruining my life in a good way] and Dr. Mario. Many thanks to him for making the weekend awesome.
So I think that's about it really. Back to the grind. Keeping the wrinkles at bay.
Various pictures from the weekend...
Views from my school downtown:
Chicago River:
Skyline as seen from the Planet-arium:
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