I'm... I'm... (sighs). I'm just happy I have my laptop back.
A week or two ago, my Macbook Pro went dead. I assumed total power failure, but the hard disk was intact, and most likely everything else as well.
Turns out, a combination of third party (cheaper) batteries and a malfunctioning power cord left the computer unable to boot. Being that I still had a month of warranty, I got a new power cord and battery out of it.
Working this through the Alaska Mac Store was... trying. Their store isn't "Apple," but rather, a private business that works with Apple to complete warranty work and ship parts to and from Alaska to support the Alaska Mac Store's customers. This means: zero chance of instant gratification, even for the simplest things.
It took the tech 15 seconds to figure out that the laptop would boot with a different power cord. However, in order for them to replace the cord, they had to keep it for four days to wait for their "purchasing" employee to take a shift, put in the request for the new power cord with Apple, and have Apple overnight a battery and power cord, then wait another day for a tech to "install" the power cord and battery.
I can take care of probably 95% of the problems I have with my various computers. For the other 5%, I have yet to find a place in town that's impressed me with their level of service. At no point did the Mac Store call to update me on the status of my laptop. Granted, it was probably the lowest priority they had among their support tickets, and I wasn't technically a direct paying customer (Apple likely reimbursed them for their time), but phone calls are cheap, and quick, and as the sole method of communication between you and the client, should be used. At my work, if we haven't called or emailed a customer to notify them of work done, that particular task is considered incomplete.
There's also the question of why they had to a) keep my computer, and b) force me to give up my password to run their diagnostic tool. If the problem is glaring without even having to log in to the computer, there should be no reason to spend extra time on the Mac Store's part trying to find something.
(Also, I changed my password to one of my trash passwords before I gave it over. Fuck them.)
I have important shit on my computer. Like everyone does. Things you don't want to lose, but also things you don't necessarily want strange individuals perusing. I have literally years worth of work stored in my various source code repositories. I have my ideas for writing. I have 10K+ pictures of friends and family. Things that I would very much consider intellectual capital in a business sense.
Take, for instance, a tool like foremost (foremost.sourceforge.net). Initially used by the Air Force for data forensics, it was apparently released to the public some time ago. Its function is simple: based on user commands, look for well-known data boundaries in a given file. File formats like JPG, GIF, PDF, etc., all have signature starting bits and signature ending bits, making for data boundaries that can be scanned for in any given set of bits. This means that, unless a hard drive partition is encrypted, someone without a) access to the computer with a password or b) knowledge of the underlying filesystem, can reliably extract items from a drive image. They can do it quickly, and without ever touching the filesystem such that it would indicate that the drive had been scanned at all.
The scary thing is that this works even after you've deleted files. File deletion, by default, and unless explicitly told differently, is not removing anything from the drive, it is only removing the reference to a file. This means that even if your computer forgets about something, that file, and its well-known boundaries, still exist on the drive.
Granted, the file may eventually be overwritten, either completely, or partially, hopefully corrupting the file beyond retrieval. And formatting a drive (to some degree, depending on your paranoia, and your system defaults) will usually blow away files.
My point is: I've had lots and lots of things on my computer. I've done backups and recoveries for other people. I make it a point to delete people's files the moment I'm assured they've performed their own backups (not only do I want the space back, but I don't want to know anything about people they wouldn't tell me in person). Tools like foremost mean that it's not only what I have on my computer currently, but anything I've ever had and didn't have the time to write zeroes over that I have to worry about. Things that have nothing to do with me, but ultimately would come back to me if indeed they were found to be suspect.
Which comes to why they would be searching in the first place. In 2008 (consumerist.com), it was reported that a Best Buy Geek Squad found child porn on some guy's computer. That the guy was collecting child porn is horrible and disgusting. However, nothing was cited as to the legality of the search performed on the guy's computer. One might assume it was a routine search, or maybe it was on the desktop, or maybe it was being backed up and the Geek Squad employee just happened to notice bad things being transferred. More likely, though, it was an automated tool, say, to aid the Geek Squad employees in finding files that would need to be backed up (ask yourself "Where are all of my important files, exactly?", and you'll see what I mean).
I know about these types of things because it's my job. And maybe I'm a little paranoid. But when the Mac Store asked me to sign and initial my agreement to having my computer scanned by the "Apple Diagnostics Tool," and then releasing them of all liability, particularly in a support case which had absolutely no reason to perform such a scan... I got super nervous.
TL;DR: Trust no one.
(Also, it felt like I was handing over my child-that-I-cared-for-like-a-piece-of-equipment to a bunch of emo kids. Seriously. Get a haircut.)
(nods) Yeah.
Mac Haus in Spenard I've got beef with as well. One of my clients took their computer in after a hard drive failure. They set her up with a new hard drive, and reinstalled the original operating system.
They did not, however, suggest upgrading (for a relatively cheap cost of $30) to the most recent Mac OS X (which includes firewalling, automated backups, protected memory, things necessary for a singular business computer connected directly to the Internet). If anything, it would have been an up-sell for them, and their clients would have been happier. Instead, they gave my client a pamphlet on an incredibly expensive hard drive recovery service in the lower-48, and wished her luck.
I understand there are concerns about liability, or process, or just certain support issues that private businesses don't want to get into (hard drive recovery is a particularly nasty one). But again, there's a basic level of service when it comes to dealing with people's computers, business or otherwise, that one should aspire to to keep happy customers, or at least, establish their trust.
I don't mean to get on my high horse here, but I just wanted to point out that where I live instead of being in a now defunct 24-hour diner my mac store is a massive glass box with NOTHING INSIDE except for a giant floating Apple and a staircase to a huge network of showrooms and repair desks underground. And it is in the most expensive retail district in the country. Just sayin'.
I fixed up the "Settings" page a bit. Previously, it looked like hell, and wasn't super intuitive. Now, it's a little more coherent, is formatted more like the rest of idkfa, and can dynamically show you what threads will look like by default (which, hopefully, leads people to play with the settings a bit more).
January 8th Show
I did not perform in this show, so I got to sit back with a beer and take some extensive notes, which was a good change! However, I'd first like to say that I thought this was a pretty excellent show, although Kristen (not of the Rutledge variety - Dugan) brought up a great point for the meeting we had yesterday - without clear vision, she hasn't given a shit about the quality of the improv, she just got on stage to have fun. I think that aptly describes the show: good on fun, short on improv. Now that I've indicated I'm sitting in a tower, I'll go game by game:
Intro: I thought the intro was a little weird, as it felt like it came out of nowhere. I think a better music ramp-up would have helped (more energy), or music going on at a low volume in the background instead of crickets, then played more loudly as the players enter. Fine delivery, John, but it felt like the audience wasn't ready and it got kinda awkward. Way to push through.
Beastiality Rap: Game went over fine, although you definitely have to kill it for a team when someone in the audience says, "That was a stretch." But with teams, the audience got into - great! Specific references during the game were also awesome.
Freeze-Tag: This game could have used a bit better pacing (faster), but it had some great moments from Kristen and Eric.
Growing/Shrinking Machine: This game ramped up perfectly, but the ramp down lagged and killed the energy. Not bad overall. Ryan turning Warrens negativity to a positive ("Yeah, cuz I'm you're bitch.") was a great save.
First Line/Last Line: Very good ask-fors and explanation by host to keep energy. However, this was the weakest game of the night. Talking heads with no objective but zingers is not good improv (although Eric can pound out zingers). Also good job by host bringing up energy after a game didn't go over so well.
Chain Murder: This game went over well, although I would have preferred it to be timed. However, the miming was varied and overall quite good, which is the only way this game can be good! Nice job. Audience grab was awkward but handled well.
Diamond: Love this game. Warren did excellent using the stage. Mallory, I felt like you morphed into one of the scenes rather than hanging on to your idea. Overall, I liked it a lot, crescendo was great.
Group Therapy: Planning ask-fors is a great way to make the games run smooth and keep energy, good job John. This game was fine, and went a little long... but okay. Still, could have used an energy boost when it ended. ASIDE: Warren and Kristen were fucking around during this game, made me angry.
Foreign Movie Dub: Oh, Poonjobi. Lol. This game went pretty great, fine improv, but should have been ended sooner (after first dance).
Entrances & Exits: The ask-fors on this one were fine, although a little formulaic. The scene was pretty good, albeit a bit gaggy. Had a decent objective. Warren was a nice opposite to the other players. Wish it wouldn't have ended on a zinger, but might have been the only way.
Switch to the Right: Another scene of characters in a line with talking heads... albeit the characters were fairly distinct. Fine objective, but not wrapped up... another one-liner.
Irish Drinking Song: Bartender ask-for was brilliant, I want that every time. The song sucked. It was funny enough, but totally fell apart. A definite regression to gag-prov.
Freudian Slips: Good objective offer from Kristen, and good pick-up from Mal. One of the funnier lines was a non-Freudian, Mal's "I have ssen some shit." Hilarious. Great audience interaction after game, John.
ID Symphony: I usually hate this game, but I thought it went well, mainly because Mal got into it and others mixed it up.
Weekend at Bernies: Warren used the stage well again. Decent objective for short scene. Jason did not have enough energy for the last go through, this game needs to end with a bang!
Anyone else got thotz?
Book club choices for a meeting on Monday, February 21st!
We'll discuss the whole book.
The Children of Húrin, by JRR Tolkein (Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages (www.amazon.com))
Wastelands: Stories of the Apocalypse, by various authors (Oversize Paperback: 331 pages (www.amazon.com))
The Last Temptation of Christ, by Nikos Kazantzakis (Paperback: 506 pages (www.amazon.com))
Alright, I'm calling it, because Libby is pretty ambivalent towards the whole thing, but told me to "count her vote for what everyone else was voting for". And since the only three votes so far have been for Wastelands, we will read that!
Anyone at idkfa can feel free to read this as well, we have discussions on here! It'd be awesome.
So, I'm going to a hotel. It's hard to describe. Think Isengard meets Alyeska, on a mountain island in Resurrection Bay.
As I'm waiting to check in, I decided to walk around the hotel. I go to the top floor, which, based on the altitude, I liken to being at the top of a skyscraper.
Then the earthquake starts. The building lurches, glass buckling under extreme angles. The building holds, however. The earthquake stops, long enough for me to stand up and see the tsunami coming at us.
The wave hits the building and sheers it off of its foundation. The building falls backward onto the slope of the mountain. I come to, barely alive in a pool of water and destruction in what's left of the top floor of the hotel.
I stumble out. I happen to notice a number of people calling out from the top of the chairlift building a few hundred yards up the mountain.
I find my sister among the survivors. She is trying to contact our parents on her phone. There is no response.
I think about the trajectory of the wave. The direction it was going, there's no way it could have worked its way up to Anchorage, or at least, not without losing considerable energy after bouncing off the shoreline a few times. Had the wave reached Anchorage, it would have been mostly diminished.
I look at the trash scattered around. I notice a soda can, one of the new ones with LCD and cell phone circuitry as part of the packaging. I flashes a message about Pepsi, and social network updates as news of the earthquake hit the rest of the world.
It starts to sink in. I'm trapped on an island. My family, though they no doubt survived the wave, may not have survived structural damage or landslides or crevasses.
"Earthquake Death Toll Numbers in the Thousands" flashes across the red and white label. I disconnect the Pepsi's power source from the packaging. I might need it later to get a message out, if there's anybody listening.
---
4:21am.
SPDCA:
This is marking a frustrating trend.
For the past week and a half, I've been waking up a little past 4 in the morning. After about 5-10 minutes, I can usually get back to sleep. But whatever my brain was supposed to be doing then, it's definitely getting interrupted.
I've endeavored to get my sleeping habits back in order after the holidays. However, I was sleeping relatively better when I was staying up until midnight and frantically rolling out of bed around 7:10 to get ready for work.
my work currently has a "Biggest Winner" challenge going on. It started monday. It ends the first monday in April. the buy in is $30. 3rd place wins back their buy-in, 2nd place doubles their buy in, and 1st place takes the rest.
i joined it. i also joined weight watchers online and started doing all the keep-track stuff.
i had a doctor's appointment in december. the doc put me on high blood pressure medicine. i'm 26. i weigh 300 pounds. i have some serious changes i need to make in my lifestyle.
basically, i've been irresponsible with my health. i used to go cross country skiing all the time, i used to hike mountains all the time. i haven't been on a serious ski workout for years. 2010 closed as the second year i never climbed a mountain.
this is going to be a lot of work. but i've reached the point where i have to stop procrastinating about this.
please help me out on this - if we're ever out to lunch or dinner or something, remind me i have to be wise about what i choose to eat. i can't do this alone.
YOU CAN DO IT!! Good Luck!! I'll cheer you on from afar. I think what you're doing is great. It will definitely suck at first, but it will get easier. Just don't give up. Just keep reminding yourself that your health is worth the effort, and you are worth the effort.
I had to make some changes to my own lifestyle a while back because I really was abusing my body and being completely unhealthy. It was really difficult and it took a while to make it into a habit, but I have come a long way. If you ever need a pep talk, Gchat me!
So this is a little old news, but i want to point out that in the Hallelujah Chorus video put together by Quinhagak's fifth and sixth graders, the teacher is wearing a three wolf moon shirt in what seems to be a non-joking manner.
link to the video:
http://www.youtube....atch?v=LyviyF-N23A (www.youtube.com)
(at least, that should be the video)
You don't see the teacher until the very end.
I think I just found out what Alex Ramuglia has been doing with his spare time. He is a model for mini glitter hats!
http://www.orienta...p;categoryId=389891 (www.orientaltrading.com)
I was looking at Oriental Trading Company to see if they have any sales of tiny gift boxes for wedding party favors when I came across this and I just couldn't resist. Am I the only one who thinks this looks a LOT like him?
This is so creepy... WAHS Choir Teacher accused of sexually abusing three students (www.adn.com)
I went to elementary school with this guys wife and was good friends with her back then. Granted I haven't talked to her in many years other than occasional quick comments/notes on facebook, but still...
How does this sort of thing happen? His wife seemed (to an outsider) so happy and in love with him. He did really sweet things for her all the time. They had their first baby just before Thanksgiving. Meanwhile, he's fooling around with high schoolers! While they were married, before she was pregnant, and while she was pregnant.
It makes no sense to me at all
a) why someone would cheat on a spouse, especially so early on in a marriage and while moving the relationship forward (buying a house, having a baby). I know people cheat all the time, but it is still hard for me to comprehend.
b) why someone would have a sexual relationship with a minor knowing full well that it could lead to serious jail time and will have huge repercussions on all aspects of life. I don't understand how a 15 year old or 17 year old could be attractive to a 29 year old. yuck.
c) why a teacher would have a sexual relationship with his student. It will only ruin his career fore the rest of his life...
This whole situation has me really disturbed, especially since I know his poor wife.
The male sex drive is not something to underestimate. I personally wouldn't sacrifice a lot for illegal sex, but I've known people that I bet would. In this case, though, it's pretty hard to believe.... but sometimes people get mindfucked by their position in life.
I read about this earlier today, and I found it pretty hard to believe as well. Then again, my younger sister is currently dating a guy twice her age, which I find fucking bizarre. Weird shit happens all the time. I'm just glad he got caught.
Eureka Man is so far mostly interesting.
I say "mostly," because at what seems like the mid-point of the book, it stops being about Archimedes, and starts describing the journeys taken by some of the critical texts from which we know about Archimedes. Which means for the last 3 chapters I've been reading about papyrus, parchment, scribes, and the repeated sacking of entire cultures' intellectual capital.
Having a little trouble staying awake, is all.
2010-2011 New Years celebration at John and Mallory's place. We are all very lucky nobody went to the hospital.
 (picasaweb.google.com) |
| 2010-2011 New Years (picasaweb.google.com) |
Inexplicably, my shoulder is very sore. I'm going to have to puzzle that out.
Here is my contribution. Most of my pictures of the fireworks chaos didn't turn out well. But it is still quite amusing to look through them all.
 (picasaweb.google.com) |
| New Years 2011 (picasaweb.google.com) |
I'll get my pics up when I get my camera back from Katy's purse. I know there are a few more gems in there to share.
Josh you were there at some of the best times. Good photos of the rockets actually taking off. I will treasure by beer bottle launch pic forever. That and when I pushed Libby into the snow and you got her face down in it. Nice one.
I at least am thankful I wasn't hurt. It seems like I was probably in the high risk category of being injured with the fireworks in my hands and all.
For some reason, I read "High Risk Category" and immediately thought of Kenny Loggins' "Danger Zone":
Revvin' up your engine
Listen to her howlin' roar
Metal under tension
Beggin' you to touch and go
Highway to the Danger Zone
Ride into the Danger Zone
Headin' into twilight
Spreadin' out her wings tonight
She got you jumpin' off the track
And shovin' into overdrive
Highway to the Danger Zone
I'll take you
Right into the Danger Zone
You'll never say hello to you
Until you get it on the red line overload
You'll never know what you can do
Until you get it up as high as you can go
Out along the edges
Always where I burn to be
The further on the edge
The hotter the intensity
Highway to the Danger Zone
Gonna take you
Right into the Danger Zone
Highway to the Danger Zone
Did you see that there was a guy in Eagle River who blew off one of his hands with a firework? Apparently he put the mortar into the canister/launcher upside down, and for some reason was still holding it - at least that's what I gathered from the ADN article. I'm glad we were all smart enough to not be too near those big ones when they went off.
And apparently there are TONS of emails and letters being sent to the assembly and mayor. Hopefully they don't repeal this year. Good thing we had our fun while it lasted.
Two things:
1. I believe you drove at a later point in the evening, in which case you weren't very drunk (or at least I hope you weren't). This is a moot point, as my main point is...
2. I lit of my fair share of fireworks as well, a drunk person can certainly light fuses - my point is that it would be much safer to have someone actually sober handling or at least overseeing it, so that mistakes aren't made (and risk is mitigated). Like the poor bastard with the blown up hand, I'm sure if someone sober had been around him it wouldn't have happened. Or, perhaps the front yard explosion wouldn't have happened if someone had said, "Erik, let me take that to the street, I don't think letting a drunk asshole light that on a deformable surface is a good idea."
In any case, I had fun, and am glad no one got hurt... but I certainly don't want to put any of my friends in that situation again! I mean, I like JD. Lol.
You all are lucky, someone apparently blew his hand off lighting fireworks. The best part are the comments.. adn (www.adn.com)
And finally my pictures.
 (picasaweb.google.com) |
| From New Years 2010 (picasaweb.google.com) |
http://picasaweb.google.com/johnlaurance/NewYears2010?feat=directlink (picasaweb.google.com)
This picture (picasaweb.google.com) is quite possibly the funniest part of the whole night that only Erik, David, and I know about. I almost had a heart attack from laughing so hard because Erik ate through the wrapper on the chocolate bar when I put it in his face.
Unfortunately I was drinking water as I was clicking through these, and I almost spit it right onto my keyboard when I came to this picture: http://picasaweb.g...5559909876311250146 (picasaweb.google.com) That is fucking hilarious.
[Edit: Robbie wants us to fill this out. Get all introspective, people. Introspect hard. ]
1. What did you do in 2010 that you'd never done before?
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
4. Did anyone close to you die?
5. What countries did you visit?
6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
7. What date from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
9. What was your biggest failure?
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
11. What was the best thing you bought?
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
13. Whose behavior made you appalled?
14. Where did most of your money go?
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
16. What song will always remind you of 2010?
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
- i. happier or sadder?
- ii. thinner or fatter?
- iii. richer or poorer?
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
20. How did you spend Christmas?
22. Did you fall in love in 2010?
23. How many one-night stands?
24. What was your favorite TV program?
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
26. What was the best book you read?
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
28. What did you want and get?
29. What did you want and not get?
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
34. What kept you sane?
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
37. Who did you miss?
38. Who was the best new person you met?
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010:
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
Yay! I know this is silly, but I remember looking back at previous years entries on old idkfa and being grateful that there was some record of my exact headspace at the turning of the year.
1. What did you do in 2010 that you'd never done before? Moved cross-country.
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I did, I think. I don't generally make them, but last year I was pretty successful at it.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? I guess not.
4. Did anyone close to you die? Bea Arthur. I did go to a lot of funerals, though.
5. What countries did you visit? Huh, none! Not even Canada.
6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010? Well, a job would be a start. An equity card. An agent.
7. What date from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? Sept. 25- moving day!
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? MDing at a pro house, moving, finishing up the MDing at the church.
9. What was your biggest failure? Communication with friends who I'm not geographically near, I'd say.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? I finally fixed my bad problems early in the year.
11. What was the best thing you bought? Clearly my accordion.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? A couple of my SF friends made some really impressive and adult strides in their careers.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled? My NY friends are so flakey, it kills me.
14. Where did most of your money go? Into my bank account. Boo-ya.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Moving, coming to Alaska, boys.
16. What song will always remind you of 2010? The entire City and Colour album. That was kind of my AK soundtrack this summer.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
- i. happier or sadder? This remains to be seen.
- ii. thinner or fatter? Thinner.
- iii. richer or poorer? Somehow richer.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of? Practice, of course. Also, writing and reading.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of? Surfing the net.
20. How did you spend Christmas? Working at churches, then playing music for old people with my sister, then eating so much Indian food that we almost vomit.
22. Did you fall in love in 2010? This also remains to be seen.
23. How many one-night stands? Er, depends on how you count it, but one or two.
24. What was your favorite TV program? OMG I found Party Down which was life changing. And rewatched Battlestar. And discovered It's Always Sunny.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? Nope.
26. What was the best book you read? I enjoyed Never Let Me Go. Really liking Spot of Bother which I'm reading now.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery? City and Colour. Miniature Tigers. Janelle Monae. Got way into Sufjan, too. And kind of rediscovered Regina Spektor.
28. What did you want and get? Adventure, time with friends and family, a beautiful apartment in the greatest city in the world.
29. What did you want and not get? Regular work in NY.
30. What was your favorite film of this year? Didn't really see many. Inception, of course, is up there.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? 26, and not much. Little celebrations with different people over a weekend.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Some big NY job, but in time I'm optimistic about this.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010? Early in the year, lots of vaguely adultish looking collared shirts. For the summer, ugly uniform. Lately? Not nearly as cool as everyone else in NY.
34. What kept you sane? The TBTL podcast, strangely.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Broadway boys: Gavin Creel, Andrew K-B, Cheyenne.
36. What political issue stirred you the most? None. I was weirdly a-political. Didn't really care much about the healthcare bill, the election, or even DADT.
37. Who did you miss? The people who are where ever I'm not. Like now, everyone in SF and ANC.
38. Who was the best new person you met? James.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010: Truth takes time.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"This is how it worksYou're young until you're not
You love until you don't
You try until you can't
You laugh until you cry
You cry until you laugh
And everyone must breathe
Until their dying breath"
-Regina Spektor, On the Radio
1. What did you do in 2010 that you'd never done before?
I think the one that stands out the most is that I changed jobs from one company to another.
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
didn't make any 2010 resolutions
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
nope
4. Did anyone close to you die?
no one close to me.
5. What countries did you visit?
america and america
6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
i would like to have a healthier life.
7. What date from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
8/31/10
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
creating, maintaining, and following a very detailed budget, giving me a much clearer picture on my income/expenses.
9. What was your biggest failure?
not spending enough time with the people i care about.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
nothing remarkable or out of the ordinary.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
iPhone 4
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
no comment
13. Whose behavior made you appalled?
no comment
14. Where did most of your money go?
paying down auto loan and credit card debt
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
trip to Colorado to go to a wedding, trip to seattle to go to a wedding
16. What song will always remind you of 2010?
F*** You! by Cee Lo
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
- i. happier or sadder? about the same
- ii. thinner or fatter? fatter
- iii. richer or poorer? hard to tell. i'm more financially secure than last year.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
chores
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
procrastination
20. How did you spend Christmas?
with family
22. Did you fall in love in 2010?
nope
23. How many one-night stands?
nope
24. What was your favorite TV program?
not applicable
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
nope
26. What was the best book you read?
Principles of the Mechanical Engineering Exam
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Ratatat and Peter Mulvey, among others
28. What did you want and get?
i got accepted into the MBA program at UAA
29. What did you want and not get?
a condo
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
inception is high on the list.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
i turned 26. spent friday night with friends and sunday with the family
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
free grad school
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
clothed
34. What kept you sane?
soccer
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
i'll go with scott mcadams. classy guy.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
the tea party
37. Who did you miss?
one of my buddies who lives in fairbanks
38. Who was the best new person you met?
one of my coworkers, ezra, is a pretty cool guy.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010:
you never know what you have until its gone
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
is this the real life, or is this just fantasy?
1. What did you do in 2010 that you'd never done before? I finally traveled abroad for the very first time.
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year? Yes and yes. Same ol' though- eat better, and work out more.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Yes, my sister Joy. Baby girl Josie.
4. Did anyone close to you die? I wasn't terribly close to any of them, but some good people were lost this year.
5. What countries did you visit? Australia.
6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010? Hmmm, motivation. To learn how to play the guitar, that is.
7. What date from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? Engaged on 9/10/10.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Gettin' rid of student debt.
9. What was your biggest failure? Not learning to play the guitar… seriously, I can't put this off anymore.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Nope, Nothing major.
11. What was the best thing you bought? Greek yogurt changed my life. But the Mac Mini is pretty awesome.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? My sister Joy works terribly hard and always has the best attitude. She has a lot of things to celebrate this year.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled? I guess the Jersey Shore folks are the first to come to mind.
14. Where did most of your money go? Student loans.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Engagement, fer sho :)
16. What song will always remind you of 2010? Alejandro
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
- i. happier or sadder? Happier
- ii. thinner or fatter? Thinner
- iii. richer or poorer? Richer
18. What do you wish you'd done more of? I would've increased my overall productivity. You know, hobbies that produce things, like music, or scarves, or ice sculptures.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of? Complaining.
20. How did you spend Christmas? With the Hanus', eating and getting to know Brandon's new girlfriend. But mostly eating.
22. Did you fall in love in 2010? I fall in love everyday. Aww cheese.
23. How many one-night stands? One or two.
24. What was your favorite TV program? Mad Men
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? Hate's a strong word. I may or may not have a strong annoyance for a coworker, but nothing out of the ordinary.
26. What was the best book you read? Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim. But to be honest, I really just read one David Sedaris book per year to fill my reading quota.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery? Florence + The Machine
28. What did you want and get? A Wine Styles membership :)
29. What did you want and not get? A tattoo.
30. What was your favorite film of this year? Jackass 3D. Oh, FILM. Black Swan.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? 25, my first murder mystery party. Everyone dressed up and looked great! My friends are awesome.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010? Less cardigans, smaller pants.
34. What kept you sane? John.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? John Hamm.
36. What political issue stirred you the most? Was Joe Miller ever an issue?
37. Who did you miss? My whole family, pretty much.
38. Who was the best new person you met? I was fortunate enough to meet so many, I can't pick just one.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010: I've come to fully appreciate the virtues of patience and gratitude.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year: "If there's a god, he is laughing at us, and--our--foot--ball team."
1. What did you do in 2010 that you'd never done before?
I went skydiving. And if this question said will never do again that would also apply
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Didn't make any new year's resolutions
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Joy & Joe gave birth to Josie
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Although we could have been closer, a death shook our local BP community
5. What countries did you visit?
Australia
6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
A budget
7. What date from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
9-10-10, the day I proposed to a pretty girl
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Other than the obvious #7, for work feeling like I completed my work performance contract in 2010, for hobbies hosting a Scared Scriptless show
9. What was your biggest failure?
Being sensitive to other's rather than trying to push my opinion on the situation
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I did pretty all right in 2010, I recommend Vitamin C and D every morning
11. What was the best thing you bought?
I am a big fan of stuff we collect from our trips (Australian Art, Cat Poo Coffee, Improv Book)
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
To be honest, I have been impressed with all my friend's this year, Looking back, I believe 2010 was a step forward for most
13. Whose behavior made you appalled?
This was the year I fell into the 'I hate the media' crowd, so if you can conglomerate into a single entity...
14. Where did most of your money go?
Big ticket items were loans, vehicle, Australia
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Going to Vegas both times
16. What song will always remind you of 2010?
What the fuck user on idkfa would use Kesha here? This user would...
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
- i. happier or sadder?
Happier
- ii. thinner or fatter?
Barely thinner, I went down, then went back up, still didn't care
- iii. richer or poorer?
Poorer liquid cash wise...
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
I always feel like I should do more active stuff more often, I felt more so this year because we didn't get in a lot of frisbee
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
NOT CHIPS AND QUESO!!! Less talking about career path and direction, it's getting old
20. How did you spend Christmas?
With my loving family here in Anchorage
22. Did you fall in love in 2010?
A little bit more every day...
23. How many one-night stands?
None that I can remember, but that makes about five nights this year up for grabs
24. What was your favorite TV program?
Breaking Bad
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I hated less this year and demoted previous hate to current anoyances
26. What was the best book you read?
Drunkard's Walk
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
KESHA, OF COURSE
28. What did you want and get?
Horus Heresy, sweet sweet nerdery
29. What did you want and not get?
More scene work in improv
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
Kick Ass, followed closely by Social Network, Toy Story 3, Black Swan and King's Speech
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
25, I was surprised by friend's willing to tear their ACL/MCL to prove their friendship for me
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Extinction of cats
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
Same ole same ole
34. What kept you sane?
Friends and family
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Armando Galarraga
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
The whole concept of political issues and opinions stirred me this year I suppose
37. Who did you miss?
Aaron Hughes, I didn't get to see the next twilight movies with him
38. Who was the best new person you met?
Met lots of new, cool people
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010:
Measuring yourself against others is an endless battle that leads nowhere
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
'It felt so good when I did it with my penis.'
That's right, you heard me.
I'm going to go with you on the Ke$ha tip. I mean, she's a hack, but Tik Tok is damn catchy. And this is an awful music video (www.youtube.com) to a great song.
Did you see her on SNL? It was like the most awkward performance ever. She is not good on stage, apparently.
1. What did you do in 2010 that you'd never done before?
Worked the entire year! I've never had a job quite this long.
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Can't remember all of them, but I didn't keep any, and I didn't make any this year.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My sister Rachael gave birth to a Brody Johnson. I was in Kwajalein.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
A few folks died, and it was pretty sad. None too terribly close, but tragic nonetheless.
5. What countries did you visit?
The Marshall Islands! Crazy place.
6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
Maybe some home gym equipment. Or enrollment in a higher degree program. I still want more.
7. What date from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
October 5, I'd imagine. My one year anniversary at work!
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting rewarded for being awesome at my job.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Hurt my knee and acted like a bitch for a while, so gained some weight and lost some youth. Also, didn't practice guitar nearly enough.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
See that stupid knee injury, above.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My macbook! What a sweet machine. Albeit expensive as all hell.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
I'm sure there are lots of people I can't think of... but Ms. Libby built a shed, amongst other things. Some kind of woman, as Josh once said. Maybe Aaron also, trying to reinvent himself and all (change for the better! succeed, sir!)
13. Whose behavior made you appalled?
Most of the GOP.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Music, as is the never-ending saga.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Getting some playtime and concert-time after Kwaj-time! It was a great break.
16. What song will always remind you of 2010?
Crying Like a Bitch by Godsmack
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
- i. happier or sadder?
Probably happier
- ii. thinner or fatter?
Fatter. Must.... run....
- iii. richer or poorer?
Mmmm, richer. We'll see how long that lasts.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Exercised, taken out my bike or motorbike much, much more.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Sorted trash. High point of my professional career.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
With family and Libby.
22. Did you fall in love in 2010?
Libby tries to make me hate her SO MUCH.
23. How many one-night stands?
I don't cuddle.
24. What was your favorite TV program?
Netflix instant-watch. JK! THE WALKING DEAD.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Libby.
26. What was the best book you read?
Trying to think of this year and not last year's book club. I'll just say American Gods, albeit rated only a 3.5/5.... there was probably something better. Blood Meridian if that was this year.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
OooooOOOooOooOoOooooh.... records. I'm a little obsessed. As for a band, Seventh Wonder. They are beyond awesome.
28. What did you want and get?
A kindle! Libby can read minds.
29. What did you want and not get?
MMmmmmm I want so much. A lot of things I really didn't want or need. One thing was personalized license plates. But Libby needs a motorcycle soon.
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
Tough question. Scott Pilgrim vs The World kicked as, though. I watched it twice in two consecutive days... so maybe that one. Runner-ups: Kickass, Jackass 3D, Black Swan.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I had an awesome party with family and friends, then had an improv show and went out for karaoke afterwards. 26. My balls droop.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
If I got to see Mike's face when he learned that Kristen's birth control failed.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
Laaaaaaaaaaaaazaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay.
34. What kept you sane?
Libby. Music. Masturbation.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
The one with the titties. Or Warren Buffett... he's awesome!
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
FUCK YOU JOE MILLER. Don't even try and defend him, John.
37. Who did you miss?
All my buddies down in the pacific northwest.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
So... many... maybe Leeann. She's made work a lot more fun. But now she's moved cubies! Sad times.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010:
We're all lucky to be in the positions that we are.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"What is
What ever was
What ever is to come
What would
What ever should
It will remain as it never was"
The fact that you got hurt and were laid up for awhile is not what makes you sound like an old man, it is that you use A KINDLE. I thought kindles were only for arthritic paraplegics and homebound handsless veterans.
I forgot about Scott Pilgrim, though; I saw it, and it was awesome. And since my internet was down and there was a blizzard, I too watched it twice in as many days. Def best of the year. And pleasepleaseplease can we make a Sex Bob-omb-esque band? And did you know that the reason why they are so awesome is that Beck did all their music? I listen to the song they play against the twins on repeat.
Last- vinyl is soooooo 2007. Its all about cassette tapes now.
Dude, Kindles are THE FUTURE. Until they come up with higher resolution and a color screen that doesn't produce light.
Only problem is that graphics are pretty awful in Kindle. Reading Eureka Man, there are also many errors. I may complain to amazon, it's become a little distracting.
SCOTT PILGRIM was tiiiiiiiiiiiiiight. And Beck is pretty interesting. I will make a band with you in any formation you desire.
1. What did you do in 2010 that you'd never done before?
Summited Mt Rainier in August. 14412’ of rock and ice
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Didn’t make any last year and wont this year either
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Not personally
5. What countries did you visit?
Stayed in the old US of A this year
6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
Motivation to try to apply to dental school again or figure out what the hell I want to do with my life if I don’t go to school.
7. What date from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
8am August 15, When my dad and I made it to the summit
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Either Rainier, or biking 600 miles for the commuter challenge in May making me #100 in all of Seattle
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not fighting the insurance company harder to pay for the blown engine in my car.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Healthy as could be.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Mountaineering boots, I think I need to get a different size but still the best thing to keep me in the mountains. My ski gear is pretty badass though too, hmm…
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My wifes, for making each year we’ve been married better than the last.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled?
My parents. I know divorces are difficult but they need to stop their bullshit and not be dumbasses now that they’re single.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Mountaineering and other outdoor gear.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Climbing things and being outside in general
16. What song will always remind you of 2010?
Hallowed be thy Name, Iron Maiden
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
- i. happier or sadder? About the same
- ii. thinner or fatter? Again about the same, thou this past year I have been the skinniest since middle school
- iii. richer or poorer? About the same, though probably poorer due to the car repairs
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Climbing mountains
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Not climbing mountains
20. How did you spend Christmas?
With family
22. Did you fall in love in 2010?
In many ways I did
23. How many one-night stands?
Fewer than I can count
24. What was your favorite TV program?
Archer
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Not really.
26. What was the best book you read?
My reading has been atrocious this year, I can’t remember anything else I’ve read besides the book I’m currently on. Though I think I reread East of Eden in the spring which I still love.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Metal, Thank you Erik
28. What did you want and get?
Skis and all sorts of other outdoor gear
29. What did you want and not get?
A synthetic insulated jacket for when its too damp for my down jacket
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
Probably Scott Pilgrim
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Turned 25 and got impressively wasted. Thanks to Aaron
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Not having the car engine destroyed.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
Basically the same as the last 10 years or so, maybe I wear more sweaters now though.
34. What kept you sane?
Coming home to my wife and son and slipping into my nice quiet routine, interspersed with fun climbing adventures.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Celebrities are not real people. No fancies.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
The AK senatorial recount
37. Who did you miss?
My AK bro’s and their respective lady partners.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
I don’t recall really meeting anyone new this year
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010:
Just keep swimming
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
Death and she Life in Death,
They throw their dice for the crew
She wins the mariner and he belongs to her now.
Then...crew one by one
they drop down dead, two hundred men
She...she, Life in Death.
She lets him live, her chosen one.
1. What did you do in 2010 that you'd never done before? Ate vegetables every day for three months.
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year? Not really & nope.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Yes a friend of mine from grad school.
4. Did anyone close to you die? Yes.
5. What countries did you visit? I stayed in the USA in 2010.
6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010? A sleep schedule that I feel rested with.
7. What date from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? I can't just pick one.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Finding my spirituality again, I feel better feeling connected to something bigger than myself.
9. What was your biggest failure? Procrastinating away when I could have just gotten stuff done.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? None that are noteworthy.
11. What was the best thing you bought? My kindle.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? My mother's, she has more patience than anyone I know.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled? My sister, she was an a rampage this summer and I have yet to figure out why.
14. Where did most of your money go? Eating out with friends.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Harry Potter 7: Part I.
16. What song will always remind you of 2010? "Who you are when I'm not looking" by Blake Shelton
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
- i. happier or sadder? Happier
- ii. thinner or fatter? The same
- iii. richer or poorer? Poorer
18. What do you wish you'd done more of? Hiked more
19. What do you wish you'd done less of? Spent time with people I don't enjoy
20. How did you spend Christmas? With my parents in Anchorage
22. Did you fall in love in 2010? No. I'll keep my fingers crossed for 2011.
23. How many one-night stands? Zero.
24. What was your favorite TV program? "How I met your mother" and "Castle" are tied for that one. They knocked NCIS out of the top spot for the first time in 5 years.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? Nope.
26. What was the best book you read? Nalini Singh's "Angel's Kiss" was very good.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery? Classical music, Franz Shubert.
28. What did you want and get? More laughter in my life.
29. What did you want and not get? Someone to share that laughter with as a partner.
30. What was your favorite film of this year? "Killers" and "RED" are tied for that spot.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I went to a movie ("Kick Ass") and had gelato with a group of friends. I was 26.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Being done with school, soon--oh so soon it will happen.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010? Comfortable but professional.
34. What kept you sane? Music and fiction books.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Kevin Durand and Paul Bettany were tied this year for drool worthiness.
36. What political issue stirred you the most? Marriage for all.
37. Who did you miss? My sister. She seemed not her usual self in 2010.
38. Who was the best new person you met? A friend of a friend who has become the older brother my parents never gave me.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010: that it's doable, you just have to have faith that you are the one who can do it.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year: I think the line "Hold yourself together like a pair of bookends" from "Who you are when I'm not looking" works for me this year.
1. What did you do in 2010 that you'd never done before?
sky dived, drank really expensive coffee, swam in the Southern Ocean, donated my hair to locks of love, just to name a few.....
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
not into new years resolutions
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
no
4. Did anyone close to you die?
no
5. What countries did you visit?
Australia
6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
super powers
7. What date from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
no specific date just good memories
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
checking multiple items off my bucket list
9. What was your biggest failure?
not seeing my family more
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I'm way too sick way too often....
11. What was the best thing you bought?
waterproof hiking shoes
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
one particular youth I met at the Covenant House who is changing her life for the better
13. Whose behavior made you appalled?
Joe Miller, Glen Beck
14. Where did most of your money go?
my house and Australia
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Australia
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
- i. happier or sadder? happier
- ii. thinner or fatter? bout the same
- iii. richer or poorer? richer
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
fishing with my Dad
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
worrying about the future
20. How did you spend Christmas?
my amazing family
22. Did you fall in love in 2010?
yes
23. How many one-night stands?
none
24. What was your favorite TV program?
Party Down
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
yes but hate is a strong word, how does not respect sound instead?
26. What was the best book you read?
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (Thanks JOSH)
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Matt and Kim
28. What did you want and get?
new backpacking gear
29. What did you want and not get?
more vacation time
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
25 and I spent it with family and friends
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
my sisters living closer
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
What is fashion?
34. What kept you sane?
Mike and Rachel
37. Who did you miss?
my sisters
1. What did you do in 2010 that you'd never done before?
Saw the Pyramids
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I never keep them, so I don’t make them any more
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Nope
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No
5. What countries did you visit?
Canada, Egypt
6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
More consistent running routine
7. What date from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
October 16 – The football team my brother coaches won State! So proud of that boy and his dedication.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Ran my first ever 10k faster than I thought I would, that was pretty exciting
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not keeping in touch with friends and family as much as I should have
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nothing of note
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Ticket to Egypt
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My mom – she’s done a great job of adapting to her new home in Cairo and sacrifices so much for my dad
13. Whose behavior made you appalled?
Ugh – no need to get into politics
14. Where did most of your money go?
Mortgage/home repairs and wedding
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Getting engaged
16. What song will always remind you of 2010?
Ceelo’s F**k You
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
- i. happier or sadder? happier
- ii. thinner or fatter? Same? Maybe a tad fatter
- iii. richer or poorer? richer
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
travel
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
work
20. How did you spend Christmas?
Visited the soon-to-be-brother-in-law’s family in the morning. Then cooked a ham dinner at my house for Trav, my bro, and Trav’s roomie and played board games. Will have family Christmas this weekend!
22. Did you fall in love in 2010?
yeppers
23. How many one-night stands?
nil
24. What was your favorite TV program?
Castle – funny and has some good FireFly references!
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Nope, I don’t think I hate anyone
26. What was the best book you read?
Hmmmmm, how sad that I can’t remember many of the books I’ve read. The Holly Spring series was good.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Antoine Dodson
28. What did you want and get?
Faux-down gloves
29. What did you want and not get?
Less “on-call” time for work
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
Kick Ass comes to mind first
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Turned 25 – tore out a bathroom floor, went to a Super Bowl party, accepted a diamond ring from Trav, called my parents and brother
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
More vacation time!
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
Same old same old
34. What kept you sane?
Trav
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Didn’t pay close enough attention to them
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Stupid senatorial race
37. Who did you miss?
Courtney – Wisconsin is too far away, and not neat enough to visit often
38. Who was the best new person you met?
I dunno
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010:
Splitting time between two houses sucks
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
The best is yet to come
1. What did you do in 2010 that you'd never done before?
Went skydiving.
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I've never made nor kept one.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No one close
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No one close
5. What countries did you visit?
Australia
6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
More house plants
7. What date from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
No dates jump out at me, but specific moments will be cherished; John's face after skydiving. My own face while skydiving. Mal falling asleep at the climax of her awesome murder mystery party. Seeing Erik's halloween costume. Josh's cabin. Winning our summer soccer season. Too many for just one day.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Painting and drawing more
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not painting and drawing enough
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
The scumbags at 9735 Newhaven gave both my neck and elbow a work over.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Arches cold pressed 140lb
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Bradley Manning.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled?
The major "news" networks.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Vanguard. For fun? Eating out with friends.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Game of Thrones
16. What song will always remind you of 2010?
The Birth and Death of the Day
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
- i. happier or sadder? happier
- ii. thinner or fatter? thinner
- iii. richer or poorer? richer
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Drawing, painting, running
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Getting annoyed by small things.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
With the in-laws, watching football and bad movies.
22. Did you fall in love in 2010?
Absolutely
23. How many one-night stands?
Not applicable
24. What was your favorite TV program?
PATV
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Joe Miller
26. What was the best book you read?
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Re-discovering John Vanderslice
28. What did you want and get?
A digital SLR
29. What did you want and not get?
A shovel to Sarah Palin's face
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
Inception
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Turned 25 and house sat for the in-laws. Friends came over and played board games. Mal won.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Not getting clown raped at Halloween by that little bitch Erik.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
The same pair of khakis and solid color t-shirt.
34. What kept you sane?
A pleasant work environment.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Colbert/Stewart
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
9/11 First Responders Health Bill
37. Who did you miss?
My family, once consolidated to Texas, now scattered across the country.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
Got to know Lee and Mark W much more
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010:
Don't cross The Libby.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
If ever I should seem to take for granted
this lovely life that I have been handed,
darling don't just stand there, come knock me around.
Jets to Brazil
1. What did you do in 2010 that you'd never done before? Lived alone.
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year? None to keep, and no.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Sister-in-law: baby Connor! Some high school friends as well.
4. Did anyone close to you die? No one too close.
5. What countries did you visit? Didn't even make it out of state last year.
6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010? A savings account.
7. What date from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? November 29th-Happy Birthday baby Connor!
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Learning to live on a *very* tight budget.
9. What was your biggest failure? Extended family disharmony. i think its fixed now.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Yes. But, it was finally diagnosed correctly and being treated effectively!
11. What was the best thing you bought? Cystoscopy. With hydrodistention. (Do Not Google.) See number 10.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Nathan.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled? An old friend.
14. Where did most of your money go? Mortgage.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Becoming "Auntie Al."
16. What song will always remind you of 2010? Butterfly Woman, Chic Gamine
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
- i. happier or sadder? i'm always happy.
- ii. thinner or fatter? Fattest.
- iii. richer or poorer? about the same.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of? Playing outside.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of? Staying indoors.
20. How did you spend Christmas? Housesitting for my parents.
22. Did you fall in love in 2010? Not this year.
23. How many one-night stands? None.
24. What was your favorite TV program? True Blood.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? Does the Anchorage Museum count?
26. What was the best book you read? The Fifth Business, Robertson Davies. Enjoyed GoT sieries, George R R Martin too.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery? The Lost Fingers
28. What did you want and get? College roommate came to Alaska for a visit.
29. What did you want and not get? Wood flooring installation.
30. What was your favorite film of this year? Not such a movie person. i liked Girl with Dragon Tattoo, but i was also eating pizza while watching it.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? i turned 24 and had to work. Took minutes at 2+ hour board meeting. The president made me a cupcake!
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? More traveling to see people i love who live far away.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010? Yoga pants and cotton blends.
34. What kept you sane? The KITTIES!
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Bristol Palin.
36. What political issue stirred you the most? Voter Fraud. The Dancing with the Stars kind.
37. Who did you miss? Brother and sister and baby. Leah. Nathan.
38. Who was the best new person you met? Next door neighbor Cuyler: not creepy, good at killing wasps, and willing to help me lift things. Note: if i was able to visit baby Connor i have a feeling he'd win HANDS DOWN.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010: People are very different. Try to be nice anyway.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year: Farewell, till you know me well.
1. What did you do in 2010 that you'd never done before? Got cast as a dancer in a musical. WTF.
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year? No way.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? My former roommate hatched a baby! And dressed her up like an egg for Halloween.
4. Did anyone close to you die? Yes.
5. What countries did you visit? None.
6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010? Parties!
7. What date from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? The day Tango got hit by a car.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Getting a new job! And paying off my whole goddamn credit card.
9. What was your biggest failure? Not quitting smoking (again).
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Pulled a hamstring trying to do the splits.
11. What was the best thing you bought? Cheese.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Josh’s idkfa revival is super!
13. Whose behavior made you appalled? Mine
14. Where did most of your money go? Toward paying off my credit card and paying for my eyeballs.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? REEFER MADNESS
16. What song will always remind you of 2010? GAGA IS TIMELESS.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
- i. happier or sadder? happier
- ii. thinner or fatter? thinner
- iii. richer or poorer? richer
18. What do you wish you'd done more of? Dancing.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of? Drinking.
20. How did you spend Christmas? Eating cookies.
22. Did you fall in love in 2010? Yes.
23. How many one-night stands? I thought for a second maybe there weren’t any. But then I remembered that married army girl. And January. 2 or 3?
24. What was your favorite TV program? Flight of the Concords
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? No hating! Do I want to avoid someone I didn’t before? Maybe.
26. What was the best book you read? Ali Smith’s new short story collection.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery? Reefer Madness
28. What did you want and get? A new job!
29. What did you want and not get? My own apartment.
30. What was your favorite film of this year? Inception, I guess. Meh.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? Worked. 25. Wahhh adulthood is boring.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? A kitty.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010? Hand-me-downs and thrift store clothes.
34. What kept you sane? Prozac.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? GAGA
36. What political issue stirred you the most? DADT repeal. But it was a very nihilistic year.
37. Who did you miss? The idkfa-ers!
38. Who was the best new person you met? All of the Reefer Madness cast and crew.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010. Dogs are adorable and it is TERRIBLE when they get hit by cars.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year: Baby loves to dance in the dark…
Collection of great lines from the character Roman, from Party Down (sorta NSFW due to language):
http://www.youtube....re=player_embedded (www.youtube.com)
Probably my favorite exchange (www.youtube.com) in the entire series:
Roman: "Are you into scifi?
Porn Actress: "Yeah totally. I even did a scifi movie once... alien did me with his tentacle arms... it was cool."
Roman: "Sounds cool."
Porn Actress: "Yeah."
Roman: "I haven't seen that one. So what kind of stuff are you into?"
Porn Actress: "Oh, you know, all of it. I mean, what I really like is dragons."
Roman: "Dragons?"
Porn Actress: "Mmhmm, dragons."
Roman: (sighs, long pause, takes a drink) "...Dragons are fantasy. If there's magical talismans, or a magic sword, or... wizards, or fuckin' crazy, not-real animals, all these basic things that break the laws of reality, that shit's all fantasy... I'm into hard scifi. Fantasy is bullshit."
Porn Actress: "Mmhmm." (leaves)
Another pretty great one: (www.youtube.com)
Casey: "Hi, I'm Casey Klein."
Henry: "Hello."
Casey: "Hi." (notices Henry is wearing Ron's work shirt) "Ah, you're going for your own look."
Henry: "Yeah, yeah, I thought I'd go for the 'helpful gay pirate' kinda thing..."
Casey: "Oh, you don't look helpful."
Ron: "Actually, I learned this at the sensitivity seminar that we do not use that word. Okay? I mean. I'm not, but, we... we don't know who... may be."
Casey: "A pirate?"
Henry: "Helpful?"
Ron: "'Gay'"
A good excerpt from Party Down while I was running last night:
Kyle: I was thinking we could get together and do some screen study, ah a little cold read, um whatever you need help with...
Topless Waitress: Like how to be another sad ass unemployed wanna be actor in LA? I've got that down thanks.
Kyle: Whoa, that is not me. No no things are actually really happening for me.
Topless Waitress: Yeah, for you and the million guys just like you getting off the bus every day. I'm glad you think you are special but maybe one day when you are standing nude in a stranger’s house to pay your rent you may realize, I'm not special. I'm just another grain of sand on that endless fucking beach. But hey, if you are cool with your delusions congradu-fuck-ulations. Please don't try to sell me on your bullshit ok?
Roman: Woof, epic fail
I had two dreams last night. That itself is not unremarkable, nor is the fact that they were both nightmares. What puzzles me is that the first nightmare I had, I haven't dreamed that one for years. YEARS. The second one was brand new, which alarms me more.
Generally, while I have new dreams, I repeat my nightmares. It's part of my initial thought process within the dream that I recognize as a nightmare I've had before - "I've lived this dream before, I know I'll wake up, even though this might not end well."
So, it took a while for the second nightmare to build up to the point where I recognized it wasn't a dream, and that it was a nightmare, and that's when I got scared, because I did not remember having it before. I'm serious, the last time I remember having a new nightmare was my freshman year of college.
The first nightmare, we had to break into a military base and steal some sort of medical supplies for which we were getting paid a bounty. In this nightmare, shit goes to hell at the same time, every time. Just as we're leaving the base, agents capture us. The agents beat us, and I wake up every time after I'm handcuffed and getting thrown headfirst into the back seat of a car. I think the last time I dreamed this one was back in college.
The second nightmare, I learned I was the leader of a team hunting what appeared to be a yeti or abominable snowman. My best description of this yeti is basically Chewbacca from Star Wars, except instead of brown fur, it's a white that matches old, packed snow. What made the hunt ridiculous, even though yeti was white, we were hunting him in the summer, so he should have been easy to see. Eventually I start losing members of my team due to various dangers in the woods we're hunting in (falling off waterfalls, or getting caught by wolves, running off snipe-hunting style, whatever, etc). The dream ended when I turned around to check on a teammate, and rather than the teammate i was expecting, the yeti was in mid-lunge, about to tear my head off. Did the whole "wake-up-gasping-and-sitting-up" thing.
So that's how I'm starting my Tuesday. How about you?
So a while ago, somebody requested an iPhone app for idkfa. That hasn't happened.
What I am working on is a more iPhone friendly version of idkfa to use in Mobile Safari. That is, sort of a new skin and layout format that's better suited to a mobile device.
It looks like hell, and is nowhere near done (and, depending on my waning interest, may never be done), but it's something in the works.
You can check out the work so far at: http://idkfa.com/m/
Parenting is not something I'm really looking forward to. It's a difficult and thankless job. No one is trained. It's the ultimate fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants marathon. I imagine that it's fulfilling in the end, though. Or something? I mean, kids are fucking evil. Moral-less, utterly selfish. We gotta do it or else the species won't survive, though.
And kids are only evil until like age 7 or so.
Queue flashback from last January: Josh shoves the Christmas tree - ornaments, lights and all - violently into the crawlspace in one fluid motion. A miniature glass snowglobe rolls quietly after he slams the trapdoor shut. Sparing a backwards glance, Josh dreads having to open the beast for such a simple trinket. It is crushed underfoot, and he thinks no more of the holiday.
