AJ's Online Journal

Euphobia

Of all the fears that people have in this life, why would anyone be a Euphobic? Someone who is afraid of good news. How is this even possible? Can it really be "good" news if it scares that crap out of you? I would think that would be bad news. But I guess that would screw up your entire perception of good and bad, "What? My uncle got ran over while having sex with my wife in the middle of the street? Thats great! I'm not afraid! Rock on!" I think I would tend to be afraid of the bad news... ya know cause it's baaaaaad and all. But then, if I understand correctly, under the above situation one would be a counterphobic? Someone who prefers fearful situations. See, I'm from Arkansas and we call those people....freaks. I know it's not very scientific, but it minimizes the amount of phobias there are. If someone has the fear of flying we call them a freak, someone who has the fear of water we call them freaks, and someone who has a fear of homosexuals we call... well...Arkansan's. They aren't known to be very politically correct. Now don't get me wrong I don't say their behavior is correct, but being from Arkansas, I am taught to call those particular Arkansan's ... well.... freaks. :) See, you get it. :) Anyhoo, I was thinking today of all the things I am afraid of. None of which I will go into yet, but I think they all derive from the simple fact that I am afraid to experience fear. I can't really find a phobia for that, but while going down the list of phobia's, I thought, "Hey, I got it pretty easy. I can't imagine what it would be like to go through life afraid of... virgins. (Parthenophobia)" I mean seriously, one has to keep their eye out for those scary virgins. They travel in herds ya know. But as in any case... I guess I am grateful that I have the courage to face the fears I have in life. Though, I don't recall the last time I ran into one of them "virgins". Thank God! But if ya see one send them my way... as ya know... gotta face that fear and all. ;) So, I'm wondering if anyone has any fears that they face on a daily basis? I typically have a social fear... talking or conversing with strangers. Now it's not something that stops me from living my life, but still takes a lot of energy to confront that each and every day. So, I've shared... what are YOU afraid of? And don't say leaving comments on blogs. I don't buy that! Oh well, until next time....... FEAR NOTHING!!!!!!

Ok, so what exactly is this a fear of? :)

Turkey Day Reflections

I hope everyone had a good Turkey day. And for those that don't partake of given turkey carnage, I hope you had a good Tofurkey Day! We had a glorious time at our house. We had 7 people over who helped consume 6 bottles of wine along with all the turkey and "fixin's". This was my most international Thanksgiving ever. We had 3 Americans, 2 British, 1 Scot, and a Canadian. And I assume all had a grand ol' time. For a few it was there first Thanksgiving ever. And at last notice no one had died from the Pumpkin pie (knock on wood). So, all in all a very successful day.
Other than that, not much going on here. I am in the process of getting a new photo framed. It's a photo I actually took 3 years ago, but I recently inverted it, colorized it, and cropped it to come up with this creation entitled, "Passion". Enjoy the rest of your weekend and I will try and have something more interesting to talk about tomorrow. ;)

Photo by: Me

Wife Swap!

So when I think of a wife swap I think of a couple of seedy, over weight, slightly slack-jawed couples wanting to mix up their sexual relationships. Well, tonight I tuned into a British reality television show called, "Wife Swap". And as much as I was disappointed that it wasn't a swingers reality show, I was even more fascinated with it's concept. So, basically this show takes two families and .... swaps the wife's. Each has to live the others life for two weeks. During the first week they have to follow the others exact schedule and chore list. Then on the second week they can make changes. Very interesting concept. So on tonight's episode we have a lower class family with 8 kids with a beer drinkin', lazy ass husband and then a slightly higher class family with 2 kids and a hen-pecked husband. Oddly enough the lower class wife got severely jealous that her husbands "new wife" would steal him away and canceled the deal after 3 days. I mean what woman wouldn't want a smelly, jerk, drunk, smelling of cigarette smoke husband with 8 kids? Ooooh keep me back.... I'll take him! But not just the concept got my attention, I was also excited that there was absolutely no censorship. All the fucks and shits a grown adult can handle! And also, they wrapped up the entire show in one episode. I don't have to wait and watch for 6 months to find out the conclusion. All in all... a very cool show, as reality shows go. So, next time someone wants you to watch Wife Swap you don't have to think your being asked to watched some swingers go at it.
And on other notes.... I baked those Pumpkin Pies! And I was feeling pretty good about it too, until Monica told me that her 4 year old daughter Maddie has made Pumpkin Pie! Now I feel sort of silly, but in any case, I am still proud that I was able to contribute to this years Thanksgiving festivities. And I even made the crust! And heres a look at the final product....

Everyone have a Happy Thanksgiving! And might I add that I am very thankful to have you all in my life! Enjoy your day!

Where are all the Pumpkins?

Not much going on these days. Getting ready for the big Turkey Day! That's about it. Well, talk to ya later.... hmmmm.... ok maybe I can pull something out of my arse, since I didn't write anything last night. So, the past few days I have been on a mission to find pumpkin pie filling so I can make a .....ummmm, what do you call it.... oh yeah, a pumpkin pie. Ya know, my gift to the small Thanksgiving get together that we are having at our flat. And no, I have never made one before. But I must say, it can't be any harder than it has been to find pumpkin in England! After an exhausted search for two days I finally went to a specialty store and found it. A store that had all the basic American staples… fruit roll-ups, frosted flakes, and even Aunt Jemima's Pan Cake mix. Enough to please any uprooted American! I was just happy to find the Pumpkin Pie filling! Even though it was, get this, 5 bucks a can! Aren't they like 50 cents a can in the states? Somebody is makin' some straight up cash yo!
Anyhoo, on my way back home I decided to stop into the Virgin Mega store, and no not for Virgins, but to pick up a copy of Frankie and Johnny on DVD. Don't ask why...just got a sudden desire to watch it again. :) So, walked in to buy that one DVD and walked out with the “Frankie and Johnny” DVD... AND 10 OTHERS! Well ya see they were having a special, 5 DVD's for 30 pounds! And silly American AJ was thinking, "5 for 30? Rock on! I'll take 10!" But I didn't really stop and think about the exchange rate. Basically I was paying 10 bucks per DVD. Not that bad, but not that good. Anyhoo, I'm now home with my 2 cans of Pumpkin pie filling, a box of fruit roll-ups, and 11 new DVD's. Moral of this story? Sometimes you have to look hard for the things you want and sometimes you find the things you want in a Virgin Mega store...or something like that. I was never good at morals!

Just another weekend...

So, ummmm, I tried that whole driving on the left side of the street thing...

I swear that pool just jumped out in front of me!

JFK

So it's been forty years since the assassination of JFK. And so I began thinking about the musical Assassins by Steven Sondheim. How an assassination makes 2 people famous. It made Lee Harvey Oswald a household name and made John F. Kennedy an American icon. I remember reading a biography on JFK when I was in college and thinking how bad of a president he actually was. And in these times of bad presidents one must think about the similarities. JFK and George W. both products of huge political families. Both known partiers who younger in life had no interest in politics at all. Both with brothers who had more respect and expectations of being president than they did. Both running for office because it was expected and happened to be an opportune time. Both making some very bad decisions in office, from the bay of pigs to Iraq. And with all of these similarities why is JFK looked at in such a positive light? Because he was assassinated? I say yes, sadly. I think JFK did more good for the morale of American history than he ever did while being president. So, if one actually believes this scenario you must wonder if George W. would go down in history as an American hero if he was assassinated? I dare say yes. And thus, as much as I dislike Georgy, I hope no one does him the favor. And don't get me wrong, I respect anyone that gave their life for this country so therefore I'm glad JFK gets the respect due him, but I still think there are so many other presidents that are more deserving of praise. So, on this anniversary of JFK's death let us show our respect and pray that no one decides to rid the world of King George and forever make him praise worthy. But thats just my opinion. Sorry to be on a political rant today, but ya know, gotta mix it up now and then. Am I right?

Why oh why?

I'm off to the Pub tonight to celebrate a friends birthday so I don't have a lot of time to write. I just wanted to thank everyone for the cool comments on yesterdays entry. It was interesting to see how everyone viewed their life. So, thanks. And to leave you with a photo that makes me very happy that I'm not in this guys "movie". He recently set a world record by sticking 9 rattlesnakes in his mouth. Wow! My question is, "why God why?" To each his own I guess....

Got Snakes?

Movie in my Mind

Ya know, being so obsessed with theatre and movies I often end up day dreaming in such formats. I'm sure we have all thought about what our life would be like as a movie. Yes? No? Ok, I see how you are... make me out to be a big freak of nature. Thanks! Anyway, if you ever have, please indulge me. My question is this, do you ever just wonder what point in the movie you are living right now? Like are you living all of the turmoil the main character goes through right before something good happens or are you living the moment where the main character finds or loses their one true love? Ok this is an even better question, What kind of a movie is your life? A romantic comedy, a horror, drama, or even science fiction? I think it's a very unique way at seeing everything around you. I definitely think I'm living a romantic comedy. Things in my life are humorous, but not funny enough to be a full blown laugh fest. I've played the geeky love sick main character that can't seem to find that one true love, I've played the encouraging best friend side kick, and I've even been known to play the antagonist. I guess this is why romantic comedies are one my favorite genre's of film. I can't really say for sure if I have a true point to all of this... I'm sort of pulling it out of my ass as I go along. I guess I'm just trying to figure out where and who I am in my life long movie. I guess all in all I'm just hoping I am in a good spot with good things to come. I'm not really ready for the climax yet, I just want to keep riding the wave of rising action for a little while longer. Wow, I never realized how dirty story structures were. Well, except for the denouement, that's not very dirty. "Ooooh ooohhh honey...yes...yes...hitting my denouement...ahhhhh...and done. Thanks!" Well, I guess anything can be dirty if you make it so. Now, in conclusion, I'm wondering what kinds of movies you are out there making? Please share. Please!!! I'm bored! :) Anyhoo, I will leave you today with a sketch my friend Chris made for me on my last night in San Francisco. Cheers.

Happy Days!

So, these days I have been working from home doing freelance graphic design. And I must say working from home is pretty cool. At first I was afraid that I wouldn't get anything done, but not the case at all. When you have to go to work, the whole time you are thinking about going home so you really cut into productivity. But when you are already there... what else is there to think about? Well, I will tell you what one thinks about, I was home today watching Happy Days, as that is one of a few American shows that they show here. Others include Kate and Ally, Cheers, Bewitched, and oddly enough King of Queens. And while watching Happy Days I began to think how odd that show was. One of the most wholesome American shows. We have 50's high school comedy mixed with Cunningham family values. Now that is all fine and dandy until we introduce "The Fonz". The cool guy, the ladies man, the embodiment of everything young men strive to be. Oh but wait... let's dig into what The Fonz actually was. An older high school drop out mechanic who hung out at "Arnolds" to pick up young naive high school girls. No one ever questioned the ethics of this character or how truly creepy that would have been if it happened in real life. Typically if you see an old guy picking up teenage girls at the malt shop you would label him a creep, a Michael Jackson, or even worse a pedophile. And what parents would let their teenage kids hang out with an older mechanic friend? And think about how many girls The Fonz went out with. He probably would have been slapped with statutory rape law suits on every episode. Now don't get me wrong, I wish I could hit a juke box and have it play my favorite song, and even more I wish I could snap my fingers and have girls come running. That would be sooo coool! But no matter how desperate I could ever possibly get I would never go down to the high school hangout for a date. I'm sorry that's just weird. But then again, I just might, I repeat I might be over analyzing this just a bit. After all, it is just a television show. But it does make one think.....

MMMMMMMM Ostrich!

So, last night Julie and I went down our hill to a very cute Italian restaurant. Now not cute as in I might want to date it or something, but just small and lovely (to use a popular brit word). Now on this particular night I was feeling pretty adventurous so when I saw an item called "Ostrich Mignon" I said, "What the Hell. Bring me some big bird yo!" Ok, I really didn't say it like that. I think I might have said, "Yo, Big Bird Represent!", or something. But thinking back on it I probably just said, "I'll take the Ostrich Mignon please."
Ok, first of all, when is Ostrich an italian dish? And come to think of it, I didn't even know it was a choice of meal anywhere. But alas, I ordered it anyway. And when it was served in a very pleasant arrangement, glazed apples spread all around, I was eager to dig in! My first reaction was, "Tastes like beef". Very thinly sliced and very tender. I admit it had a little "something" that I couldn't put my finger on, but it was still enjoyable nonetheless. And after a bottle of South African Red Wine I was feeling even better about it. So there ya go... I ate Ostrich. I guess that's another one off the list. Next one to try is Panda Bear. :) Ok, just kidding.... or am I? Muhahhhhahhahhahh!!!!!
And now in loving memory....

The Vowel A

So, I'm wondering why Americans don't speak American? Why must we say we speak English? I recently was asked if I speak English and I had to stop and think, "Do I?" Obviously we have the same words for the most part, but we use/say them differently and even have different slang. I mean if Americans can try to legitimize Ebonics, surely they can see their own language as unique? For instance I went to a cafe for lunch this weekend, "I will take the tomato and basil soup, please", I said. And I got a weird confusing look back like, "Was that English?" So, after repeating myself for the third time I made the universal sign for bowl and then a light went off in the waitress's head. "Oh, Tomahto and bahsil soup!" , she exclaimed as if she had just discovered the cure for cancer. "Yes", I replied, thinking that my pronunciation wasn't that different. I mean, yes, I am an American from the south no less so I did use hard A's when asking for the soup. Obviously, just the simple pronunciation of a vowel makes me a novice at the real English language. I admit, for the most part, I have enjoyed the extra attention of being an American in London. British automatically think Americans are idiots so when they actually talk to me they are pleasantly surprised. But to be honest, I don't know if they are surprised because I come across as some what intelligent or because they are surprised that I don't drool when I talk. Either way I'm glad I can represent America in such a positive manner. :) I'll keep you posted on my English lessons. So, until tomorrow.... "Cheers".

Look kids, Big Ben-Parliament! (Photo by: Unknown)

We have Internet down...

I repeat we have internet down. So, I'm here sitting at an internet cafe because our home service is down and won't be fixed until Monday. Ye Gods! And Ye Gods I just used the phrase Ye Gods! So, alas, no weekend internet! How will I ever survive? Oh well, just wanted to let you know so I don't get any panicked phone calls, "Where the hell are ya, man? I can't survive with out my daily dose of AJ stupidity!" And, ya know, I did feel guilty there for a second, but then I realized no one has been leaving comments so my conclusion being, no one is even reading! See how bright I am? I'm glowing with brightness! :) Oh well.... for those random people that stroll through this page without so thoughtfully leaving comments.... see ya Monday! And for everyone else, "Screw you", because you won't be seeing this anyways! Again, the brightness glows. :)

Something new...

Well, today I wanted to keep it light and simple but I decided screw you! I want to share a poem I wrote instead. So, if you are wanting something light and funny, stop reading now and click here!
And for those who are a glutton for punishment keep reading. I recently realized that I hadn't written a poem in like 3 years. That seems like a long time to me for some reason. Maybe because, you know, 3 years ago I was in my twenties and 3 years ago it was a whole other millennium! So anyway, I pulled out the old folder where I keep stuff that I have written and discovered the poem I am sharing with you today. Now this poem is rather confusing as I wrote it after a heavy night of drinking and well... to tell you the truth I don't remember writing it at all. Drunk AJ left a note so sober AJ would know when and why he wrote this. Unfortunately drunk AJ didn't leave a note saying what this actually means. So please, try and struggle through it and share any thoughts or interpretations you might have. Click here!

Photo by: Me

Headline: "AJ Cooks!"

Well, once again, I did something very amazing and completely out of character... I cooked! Cooked I said. Ya know, with a pan... and fire. I can't really explain why really. And it really wasn't anything special, like my normal cooking endeavors, pop tarts and anything microwavable. I made a tomato, mushroom, and cheese omelet. I know what you are saying, "Geez anyone can make an omelet! What are you stupid or something?" Well, stupid is as stupid does... so I'm told. Any of you that know me well enough to actually know my eating habits are probably picking your jaw up off the floor. Aren't you so proud of me? I'm all grow'd up! I'm all grow'd up!
And sad to say, thats all I really have for this entry. Let it forever be known that November 12th is AJ cooking day. I shall do this once a year and maybe in 20 or 30 years it might actually even taste good!
So, in conclusion, tonight was the first clear night we have had in London so I am enclosing a snap shot of the view from our flat. Enjoy!

Veterans Day

So, to give everyone a break from my long rants and silly thoughts I am enclosing a song in honor of Veterans day. And no don't be frightened.... I'M not going to sing! Just a very nice classic as sung by a very cool jazz singer named Eva Cassidy. Please take a few minutes to listen... and reflect if you so desire. Talk to ya tomorrow!
Click here

Did anyone ever notice there are two views of this famous photo?

Bitch Session

Ok, time for a little bitch session and I'm not talking about me and the holm boyz kickin' it with a forty and some ho's from Oak town. Just a nice little story about a guy and his flight to London. And yes I do remember my last entry and asked everyone to focus on the good things, but like Monica pointed out, life wouldn't be exciting without the ups and and the downs. But I still stand by my point that we all focus more on the downs. But anyhoo, I did make it to London and thats what this entry is suppose to be about. So, Matt took me to the airport at about 1:00pm yesterday. I had two big ass suitcases, a heavy ass backpack, a little wheely bag, and a pillow. Thats a lot of crap to have to move around! I get to the check in point and apparently one of my bags is 8 pounds overweight! Thats right... "From this corner weighing in at a hefty 78 pounds, traveling 5500 miles, the bag from hell, the heavy hitter, former heavy weight bag of the world, A.J.s suitcase of disaster!". So, the airport lady type person says, " That will be an extra $384.00!" I'm a little shocked. "Since when does it cost $384.00 to ship 8 pounds?", I ask? I'm wondering then why they don't charge passengers by their weight? My tickets would be sooooo cheap! I'm liking this idea. Meanwhile, the clerk has a grrreat idea, "You can ship a third bag for $124.00!" Ok, so I can definitely see this isn't going to work out. I am a bit annoyed that on my trip to Austin I had the same bags and not only did the guy not care about the weight, he let me check a third bag for free. I did repay that Karma by slipping him a twenty, but I was far from getting this woman to budge. So, I opened up my suitcase in the middle of the airport and removed 3 pairs of pants, 3 shirts, and a jacket to get it down to a cool 70 pounds. This made her very happy because she just stood there smiling at me all the while the minutes were ticking by and my flight was about to leave. So, I finally check the two big suitcases, but I am left to carry my heavy ass backpack, my wheely bag, a pillow, and all of this loose clothing! I am thinking there is no way they will let me walk onto a plane with this much crap. So, I decided to stuff all of the clothing into my pillow case so it looks like I have 1 carry on, a backpack, and a pillow, even though my pillow now weighed ten pounds and looked a lot like Sputnik. (Spherical yet quite pointy in parts) Nonetheless, I was now on my way! Now I had to catch a very small plane to go to Chicago for my connecting flight. On the plane trying to put away all of my carry on items, and trying to avoid the girl in crutches that has her legs blocking the isle AND my seat, I some how brush up against her right leg. "Ahhhhhhhhh!!!!! Watch it!!!!", she screams. "Sorry. I'm so sorry." I quickly respond even though I didn't even think I had touched her. And when it comes to trying to get passed her into my seat next to her she makes a big ordeal, "Geeez.....ugh... this is what I wanted to avoid!" And as most of you know, I don't like to be yelled at so I beat the hell out of her with her own crutches! Ok, that doesn't sound like me at all! What wimpy thing do I do? Nothing! I'm silent, give her space, and turn down drink service so I won't have to get up to go to the bathroom and bother her! "Yeah, that will show that bitch!", I think to myself. So, 3 silent hours later we land in Chicago where we were given this message, "It seems that our gate isn't open yet, so we will just park here and wait. Shouldn't be more than 10-15 minutes." Meanwhile one and a half hours later we pull into the gate. People all scrambling to grab their shit and try and make their connecting flights, which most have already missed. Mine will be tight as well... I have 25 minutes to make mine, but alas, I have to wait for cranky crutchy girl. So, as she gets up to hobble off the plane I notice that it's not her right leg that's hurt, but the left! You know, the one that was on the opposite side of her when I so violently ran into her? *Insert profanity here* So, I finally make it off the plane and as most of you know when you fly a small plane the airport treats you like a bastard child and hides your plane out by the old tool shed. We have to walk across runways to make it to our terminal. And this particular terminal for the bastard children is always the farthest away from any connecting flight as you can get. So, rushing my way across the small aiport that is Chicago OHare I hear, "AJ McEver please report to gate c-16. AJ McEver please report to gate c-16 as your plane is going to leave your skinny ass". After thinking that the skinny ass comment was unnecessary I notice that I am only 1 gate away and thus will be ok! Which I was! Made the flight...barely! Now I just had a 7 and 1/2 hour plane flight ahead of me! You know, to add onto the 4 and a 1/2 I had just spent on one. So anyway, after numerous failed attempts at sleeping I eventually watched Charlies Angels-Full Throttle....... twice! It really wasn't that good, but it did help pass the time. And so now I sit at my new home in London and am very grateful that my trip is over! See how that all works out? I'm up and then down and then back up again! I could say that it's my "find the silver lining personality", but most likely I am just loopy from the lack of sleep. Mmmmmmmmm........ loopy. And on that note......

Looooooooooooops!!!! So very pretty looooops!!!! Must sleep now...

Shiny Happy People

Where in the world are all the happy people? I've seem to have misplaced them all. I have noticed that there is something in EVERYBODYS life that makes them some what unhappy. Why is this? I don't recall the last time I met someone who was utterly and completely HAPPY! You ask people, "How's it going", and usually what follows are things that they HAVE to do or how stressed they are or how their pet Goat Fredster isn't eating his goat Iams. Why is it so easy to let those things guide our thoughts? What makes it so difficult to be happy because we have good friends, we have our health, or even that we have a place to live? Being a feeler I always feel very compassionate about the things going wrong in everyones life. I however today want everyone to seriously leave me a comment about the thing or things you are thankful for. Just for one second let's all put down the negative energy we all have and just focus on what we have good in our life. I mean seriously, we all could be in much more horrible circumstances. Think about the last time you couldn't afford to feed yourself, or the last time you had to sleep in the street, or the last time you had a loved one die from something so trivial that could have been cured if only you could have afforded health care. Think about the people who do have those problems and then realize how lucky we all are. I know I am being very "preachy", but I just wanted to say, even though I have my share of problems, I still feel very lucky. I am very thankful to have such good friends and loved ones that care for me. And pretty much if you are reading this... you are one of those people. So, just let me say thank you. Thank you India. So, now, seriously, tell me what you are thankful for.... I'm waiting!
As this is my last USA entry and I'm feeling a little sad as I will miss everyone. I just want to remind you to try and keep in touch. I know I don't always do it, but I have tried to make this blog an outlet to make it easier for us to keep in touch. So, have fun while I'm gone.... and please , "Don't worry about a thing now baby, cause every little thing is going be alright!"

Mmmmmmmmmmmmm......... Happy.

Darwin

Ok, so I'm sitting on the couch yesterday watching Austin news and I saw something that gave me a very good feeling about moving away from the States. I know the whole backwards state of Kansas has banned the teaching of the theory of Evolution, but now Austin is trying to do it? What is this country coming to? And let me first say, I'm all for censorship to protect kids and other delicate human beings, but probably not the censorship you are thinking. If a person has a problem with a movie, show, painting, or even idea.... great! Voice that opinion! You are an American and you have that right! People have died to give you that right. But I have to draw the line when it comes to individuals making the decision of censorship for the rest of us. I think no matter how awful or disgusting something might be, if it doesn't physically hurt anyone, then it's my right to watch it, see it, or even think about it all I want. People have also died to give me that right. So, if I was a parent that believed in creationism or anything else religious this is how I would deal with it... I would first put my kids in a school that taught what I believed. I know a lot of these people probably can't afford that so I would take the next "logical" approach and talk to my childs teacher and instruct them to let me know when they discuss certain topics, that way when little Johnny and Suzy get home from school I can sit down and tell them, " Evolution is just a theory. Our family believes that a higher being created us so get those evil Darwin thoughts out of your head!" Or maybe even this, " We are nothing more than just a brain cell in some larger being. So don't piss off the great being by learning Darwins theory!". My point being is that just because I believe something doesn't mean my way is the only way. And who am I to say that I know whats better for everyone? I don't! And I know that a lot of religious fanatics are just pissed that public schools dont teach religion and this is a way to make their point, but this is ridiculous, it's a scientific theory. You can't just pick one theory and not teach it. Why not just get rid of science all together? It was once deemed the devils religion anyway, right? Which, to go on a non-sequitur here but what do these people tell their Children about the theory of gravity? Does God hold our feet on the ground, until we do something bad then she lets go so Satan can pull us down into hell? Hmmm... that sounds good to me. But anyway, my point is this, no one has the right to take freedom away from any other person and thats exactly what censorship is. Feel free to censor yourself all day long, but when you try to censor someone else.... then I have a problem!!!
So, that should wrap up that little rant.... sorry I went on so long. And please feel free to write your own comments, but if I don't agree with them, I will just delete them so no one else can read them. ;)

My spoon is too big!

So, still in Austin doing the things that a slacker does. Mainly, well..... nothing. Thus, not writing in my journal consistently. I mean do you really want to read about me rolling off the couch in the early afternoon, scratching my ass for a bit, grabbing a beer out of the fridge, and spending a good few hours thumbing through Matt's most recent Maxim magazines? Ok, so they weren't Maxim.... yes they were playboy..... ya know, I'm a guy and all! Damn, you got me! Fine, fine fine.... they were RedBook magazines ok! Theres nothing wrong with a healthy 30 year old guy reading about menopause, bunions, and 3 ways to prepare beef tenderloin. I'm secure in my masculinity!! But I digress.....
We did venture out to experience the third Matrix movie today. We went to a movie theatre that had tables at your seats so you could buy food and beer. I can't think of a better way to watch a movie on the big screen, other than having one at my own house so I could sit around in my boxers. I know, I know... that paints a most wonderful mental picture doesn't it? But anyway, back to the Matrix.... very very very cool! I won't spoil it for you, but I would definitely tell you to see it, as most of you will without me even telling you to so really I should just shut up!!!
So, I am off to continue my slacker week. Have fun in yours and I will have fun in mine! And now some random fun? A very odd, yet funny, cartoon that I think you can view at this url, http://j-z-s.com/

My spoon is TOO big!

Mission Impossible

So, I'll make this a short entry as I am using other peoples network connections this week. I'm such a internet whore. I'll use your connection and never even call. Bastard! So, I made my way to Austin without much of a hitch. I did realize I left my Homer Simpson beer bottle opener at my old house in San Francisco, but I have it on good authority from my doctor that I should be OK. Matt and I went and hung out at Dave and Busters last night. Good fun. Steak, beer, football, and video games. What more could you want? Well, let me rephrase... what more could you legally have?
So, slept in until noon. That was very nice. Layed around all day and expected to have a very relaxing day doing nothing. That is until Matt had to go to work so he passed me off to Jeff. Ok, I should be more optimistic... ok, so Matt went to work and the next person to receive quality time with me was Jeff. First on our list of things to do was a top secret mission sent down by Agent Amy. Objective; Seek out and obtain synthetic breast milk! I know, I know.... very difficult, but you forget who I am. I am Sparticus! We achieved our objective and baby Sydney was fed on time without incident. And that was my day! Keep this all on a down low... ya know... can't have everyone knowin' all my covert activities.

-Commander AJ out.

28 Days

So, how was your Halloween? Mine was interesting, but uneventful. So lets count down my last 28 Hours as a San Francisco resident. Halloween, on a strong recommendation from a friend, I bought the 28 Days DVD, the "scariest thing since the exorcist!" And well it was as scary as the exorcists....... final credits maybe. This movie was one of the most disappointing films I have seen in a fort night. Not only was it not scary, but the films 3 alternate endings on the DVD should have told me they were having trouble developing the story. Or really lack of story. I honestly think they were writing as they were filming. Which makes me wonder what the hell the director did during the initial pitch. " Ok, we have some monkeys infected with rage and uhhhhhh ........hmmmmm .......28 days later things are bad.... and ummmmm ..... well we really haven't worked out the ending yet, but we have 3 or 4 ideas..... maybe." And whats even more scary is the the producer was, "Grrrreat! Film it! Take my money and make this masterpiece!!!" Very scary indeed.
So, now going into today, my last day in San Francisco. I woke up this morning walked to the rental car place to get the car. I find out that there is no possible way I can return the car the next morning before I go to the airport. I must return it by 6pm! Ok, no problem.... so I head home to meet the guy who bought my bed from me. After helping him tie it to the roof of his land rover, I was off to load the car with my stuff. Up and down the stairs I finally get the car loaded, and I'm off to Tiburon to drop some things off at Julie's house. Actually this part of my day was great. I cranked up the radio, rolled down the windows, and enjoyed a beautiful San Francisco day. It was clear, cool, and going over the Golden Gate there were hundreds of sail boats in the bay. Very beautiful. Made me a little sad that I was leaving. So, I get to Tiburon and unload the car. Julies mom decides I need food so I happily sit and consume my share of the entire contents of her refrigerator. From what I hear this is a typical occurrence at a Jewish mom's house. Very sweet and enjoyable, but set me back a few hours. So, I head back to the city... load up the rest of my stuff and head, this time, to Berkeley to drop my stuff off at a friends empty house. Yes, I realize I have stuff everywhere! I have stuff in Miami, Springfield, Fort Smith, San Francisco, Tiburon, Berkeley, and now London. I'm like a big kid that doesn't know how to pick up after himself. I leave my shit everywhere! So, I finally get my stuff unloaded and start making the trip back across the bay. It's 5:28! This trek has been known to take over an hour! I am so fucked! I amazingly made it to the city by 5:52 and pulling into Enterprise at 5:56, but alas there's some guy blocking the driveway yelling, "Piss fucking bitch run bars crazy damnit trashcan piss ahhhhhh fuck what greta piss fuck damn it!" Well, I was in a hurry so when he made a big enough gap in the driveway I zoomed in and parked and walked into the office at 5:59. Ughh! Now I just had to go home, do laundry, clean up what was left of my room, and write in my blog. All this before I get up to go to the airport at 4:30 in the damn morning. I know I am bitching here, but I'm very excited that I'm done and I now get to go to Austin for a week and finally back to London! Yeah! So, now my day is done, as so is my life in San Francisco. I had a great time, but now I'm off to a new adventure in a new land. Wish me luck and please keep me posted on what you are doing!!!Peace out yo's! Here's a final look at a piece of San Francisco.

Photo by: Me