Day 73

Of course what better trend to follow the previous post, then experience the devil attacking me today.

The morning was okay, nothing too special other than some enjoyment with the new Batman game, as well as a bowl of Cocopuffs and extraneous eBay shopping. I wanted to spend the day cleaning out my car, like intense cleaning. I cleaned the windshield, vacuumed, dusted, wiped down, and even went as far as taking the thirty minutes it took to unscrew my seat and remove that, cleaning thoroughly underneath it. My project went so long, I missed my first class, so I went inside to make some soup. In what I am calling an act of God, (or maybe the devil), my cell phone, which was under the cabinet, away from anything and everything, would still not be safe.... that is, from me opening the cabinet, and having a bottle of hot sauce fall, hit the counter, actually bounce, non shattering, and then landing a second time on my phone that was hidden and tucked underneath the normal drop zone, resulting in a severe dent and cracks that created a web of anger over my Droid. Why? Why? Why? The odds of that happening, are so rare, I assure you that couldn't happen again if I tried. Someone wants me to get a new phone...

The stress of my phone makes me realize I have a short essay due for Spanish class (I'm still going to this one), so I hustle to my computer and do the essay. Bill Gates and his Microsoft Word program are racist; I say this because Word is the most unfriendly and ignorant word processor when it comes to a foreign language. Long live Apple.

I was running late, so I sped off to class, forgetting about the loose seat. The minute I stepped on the gas, I nearly flipped backward, almost causing a horrific accident. I can see the eyewitness statements.... "Yah, he just stepped on the gas and then did like a back flip in his car... just disappeared." I had to drive to school in what felt like a rocking chair on wheels. If I would have gotten in an accident, I would have died. Not even the seat belt could save me. Spanish class came and went, very short class, and I killed time in the lab before going to Chads. (Ahh, it was my last supper at Mcdonalds as well.... November 1st my healthy spree begins).

A perfect way to end a stressful day. Juice, pizza, eggs, and a fun game that lasted until 1:00AM. I was laughing so hard I lost my voice, and even as I type this, my throat is still coarse.
Chad - "A nose in need keeps the boogies away".
Mike - "Chad, this is why you should NOT work in marketing".

- Today's Face -

Day 72

This morning's church service got to me. If you're reading this, you may or may not believe in God, or even a higher power. Although this blog isn't meant to convince you of the existence of one, it is here to share the experiences that I undergo that are from a higher power. So I tell you, church today was deep. I truly felt the Holy Spirit. I was overcome by emotion and feelings. I'm not worthy to even be living for the things I've done, and yet I am. Thank you God.

After church, I went to my grandma's house with my sister for some class A dinner, courtesy of grandma. Pork with mango-honey-chipotle sauce, baked beans, pasta blended with other herbs, and more. We chatted and enjoyed the feed before us, and then me and Shelby went to Target to I could take advantage of an amazing deal Target had. Buy 2 video games, get one free. I'm not a huge video gamer, but I know  a deal when I see one. What started as a simple ploy to buy two video games I didn't want, re-sell them on ebay, and then keep the free one and it would actually be free, turned into a 20 minute, calculator used, store associate assisted, frenzy of how much money would I save. Thirty minutes later, we left with 3 games, a Target credit card, and a $120 debt I need to kill. I'll sell the new Battlefield 3 game (in huge demand currently), keep Batman, and Shelby got Sims, but paid me the difference. As of now I am still out $100 exactly.

That evening I attended the Cornerstone Choir Chorale Concert (goodness that's alot of C's). Melissa's brother Matt was singing in it, and who doesn't like a bunch of guys and gals dressed up singing their little lungs out. I enjoyed the music, and then drove Melissa back to my house where we watched Dexter. Let me just say right now, if any of you readers have not seen Dexter, it is probably the best show on T.V. I'm not just saying that... like it really is. I would debate and fight that until I died. It's achieved countless emmy's, a stunning 9.2/10 on imdb, and the sharpest writing I've ever experienced.
The show has inspired me in so many areas of my life, as well as given me a character to really relate to. If you read the blog about my Dexter premiere party, you'd understand.

Ended the night by going to see "Real Steel", the movie with Hugh Jackman involved with the robot-boxing circuit. I expected horrible, I got a pleasant little tale instead, about Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots. Not a bad film at all. Would I buy it? No.

- My Church this morning -

Day 71

Day 71, my favorite number. This stresses the importance of a favorite day. One to really remember. I succeeded in that.

The house is to myself this weekend, other than Shelby being in and out of the hair cut scene. Melissa came over after lunch (my lunch was soup), and we left for a road trip up north to Luddington to visit my parents at Poncho's Pond. We returned to the faithful Mazda for the trip, courtesy of my dad, who grants us it on such trips as Chicago (wish I wish I would have documented on here, but that was June.... different time, prior to the blog birth.) We drove for about two hours, stopped in Muskegon, cruised around Lake's Mall, and went into Chuck E. Cheese's to eat. Why the heck Chuck E. Cheese has a bouncer and a security gate is beyond me. We actually had to check in, wait behind a bouncer and rope, and then get approved by management to walk in. Chuck E. Cheese is setting their image par high, maybe too high. At this point, getting into the Amway Grand Black and White Affair is easier than getting a greasy piece of pizza at cheesy Chuckies. We did NOT eat there. We went to Arbys.

Arrives at Poncho's, hung out in the R.V. with my parents, then spent some time in the campground hot tub and pool. Ethan, my brother, although funny, can be a pest. We returned to the R.V. and ate steaks and potatoes, and then i watched footage from the "Mr. E Show", a comedy show my brother hosts every Friday at his school. I was shocked. He's growing up so fast..... he has a cult following, kids screaming his name, kids in line wanting to guest star on the Mr. E Show, it's great. At this point, my brother is more famous than I am. Congrats Ethan.

Returned home and changed into my Twilight costume for Matt's party, and met with Lauren who was there. The three of us drove out to Matt's house in Holland, where jello shots, Chex Mix, and fun ensued. I was the champion of flip cup on my team, never getting voted off, ending the game by playing for all 5 players. Yes, I was fine to drive and safe. : ) Good gang of Hollanders over there. I'll be seeing some of them next weekend.

- Matt's. Top, my friends. the bottom, Melissa caught in a violent inflatable beer bottle fight -

Day 70

In an amazing turn of events, I have this entire weekend off. I would go into work today, but that's it. A true T.G.I.F.

I did nothing meaningful or advancing for my life, other than play COD, feed the cat, and hang out around the house until about 1:20, when I had to leave for work. I had a meeting with the boss so I picked us up some donuts and went in to work. We killed a good hour and a half in this meeting, so the shift went by exuberantly fast.

Work was done, and I was a free man. Unsure of how to spend my freedom, I went home and hoped COD would help clear my mind. About an hour later, it did. I left and went and saw the film, "In Time" by myself. The story was semi rushed, forced at times, but the sub layers and multiple meanings were genius. I liked it for that reason alone, the lessons, the value of life and time, and the politically charged theme that would make any Occupy Wall-street fanatic piddle in their pants with excitement.

I came home surfed netflix, before heading to bed. A more restful, free Friday for me.

- In Time poster I'm getting for my room-

Day 69

What will probably become my favorite assignment was given out to me today in Com 101. My task... go out and break an unsaid rule of personal space. Don't get arrested, don't get hurt, but violate someone's space, idea, or comfort zone. Oh yes. I will surely run circles around the grading curve with this assignment.

After class I went to Meijer for a donut, juice, and the purple gloves that will finish off my costume. Meijer was less busy than usual this morning... I'm starting to figure out the shopping schedules of Jenison mothers and senior citizens very well.

Went home, did my thing, really wasn't here overly long. I left at about 3:15 and went to Mike's, so we could go to Halloween City and do a quick run through to make sure we got everything. Mike gathered up his last accessories, and I registered to win an iPad2. I can only hope. I've been looking at buying a new macbook and or imac, and I'm still set on Apple. Windows...... sigh.... poor Windows.

Worked a closing shift tonight, which hasn't happened in awhile. In the first house I was there, I couldn't even finish my dinner because of so many angry members, confused faces, and incorrect information and system execution. I was not happy.... in fact, I was so angered I called my boss and now tomorrow we are having a meeting, one that was already planned, but now, there's a new agenda. On a good note I started drinking my gallon of water a day.

Went over to Melissa's house to hang with her for a little while after work, and we explored the last two years of my facebook wall. It's crazy, you can only understand life by looking backward, but you must always go forward. I think about that frequently now.... am I moving forward? Or am I stuck in the root of the same daily grind. Do this, go here, buy this, say hi to him, hug her, goodnight. Repeat.
Repeat X25
I grow restless. I want something new. I'm a kid who's been sitting still way too long. As cliche and desperate child esque as it sounds, I want to fly away. Truly find the end of the horizon. Seek what I've missed. God will get me there.

- How I feel -

Day 68

I love waking up in a newly re-arranged room. It's like your body takes three seconds to realize that it isn't seeing and recognizing those first awakening senses it usually has, and there's a fragment of a freak out, followed by complete relaxation.

I stayed in my room and watched Kenan & Kel and updated my itunes library before leaving to get lunch at Qdoba with Ty. He came back from FL for an unofficial yet friend approved fall break. We caught up, filling in the lines of similar lives, then did some mall drop ins for oxfords and cardigans, though ended up getting Teavana samples and meeting up with Melissa. The three of us then went to Party City to get costume ideas, which I'm pretty sure no such ideas ever spurn. Ty dropped us off back at my car and he went on his way. Hopefully I'll be seeing him one more time before the state of oranges calls him back.

Melissa and I went to Goodwill to finish getting pieces for my costume (more time today due to a cancelled Com 203 class). Long story short, I made a cranky, whiny, cheap @#$ scene and I'm too embarrassed to show my face in that store again, even though the manager was a cranky, whiny, cheap @#@^^ herself. It's times like those where I ask myself, what would Larry David do?

Went to Spanish, learned more irregular verbs (Mis clases son facil; tambien Espanol es mas o menos. Escucho muy bien, hacer la clase muy facil.) I left class, put my time in the spanish lab, and then met Mike and Noah at the theater to go see Paranormal Activity 3. I never saw the 2nd, and was pleased with the first one, being a good indie suspense flick, so this one was an okay watch as well. Noah, I love you man, but when you think you are "whispering" in the theater to me,  I assure you, you are speaking in a normal, audible voice.

- Ty and I as mannequins, Old Navy -

Day 67

I learned something today in my Com 101 class. Creativity can be expressed in a group, but I personally believe it's better solo. A group constrains. It creates a person who has to lead and the rest, who can still equally input ideas and opinions, to trail, thus leaving the final content to their captain. This is not a good path to keep following. True creativity should be original, and start and end with one person. Groups of people, even friends can come and go, input, output, and help it come along, but it should be helmed by the creator... right? Needless to say I loathe group projects.... so many kids are embedded into a safe, in-the-box mindset that nothing new can get past them. They wont let it. Rather than rant, we'll leave it at that. In elementary school, through my life, I hate group work Someone's either lazy, doing all the work, leading without remorse, etc..... Group work weakens the mind. Personally speaking.

After class I got out and went to Meijer to grab the buy one get one deals they had running on organic juices. I also couldn't resist the desires I had for frosted dough, so I went into the bakery and just stared at 'em. Lined equally even, all staring at me. Free will was given to us by God, and we utilize the truth of that in everyday life, from where to move, what college to attend, all the way down to which doughnut to take. I had a Boston Creme. No creme in it. Shame Meijer. Shame shame.......

For the next two hours I rode around from Jenison all the way to Woodland Mall and beyond, hitting different thrift stores for costume pieces for the soon to come Halloween parties I have. I procrastinated on this big time. I went to six different stores today, only finding the treasures at one location. I'll return tomorrow. Went home and re-arranged the room. Hardcore. Threw out old things, narrowed down furniture, got a wooden rug, it's very me. I spent a good portion of the afternoon doing this.

Lastly, it's that Tuesday night again, so out with the drive to Holland for LIB 310. We had a guest teacher tonight, Dr. Lane, or "The Old Man" as he insists you call him. He spent time showing us how to come up with ideas, market them, design them, and sell them. He had more energy and spunk than me. The ladder of the design and marketing was done in groups, but the idea portion, came from the students. Each one of us, which is the way I like it, which makes the monogamous mark on the creativity check list.

- Free will in Donuts -

Day 66

On this surprisingly warm Monday, I got up and went to a surprisingly interesting day at work.
Today at work was the day we did locker recovery, which we found some treasures to say the least. Humans will go to such great lengths to hide what we don't want seen. Sometimes we can't even keep it in our house, so we hide it other places, like my work.

After work I went home where I had just enough time to explore the web, and then departed for school. I was very tempted to skip, and just go costume shopping instead, but I remained a good pupil and made it to both my classes.

After class I stopped at my Aunt's house where she served me some crazy good fish and ice cold wine and we chatted about life, particularly mine and where I'm going in life. All I think of sometime's is Whitesnake's "Here I Go Again on my Own".

Went home and watched Casper with my girlfriend. Tribute to darn good kids films from the 90's.
Did I mention I saw the Northern lights tonight? Yes, they were amazing. I've never seen anything like it, almost a creepish, visible maroon and pink wind that are floating over my house. I felt like I was on a different planet, probably Endor or something....

- Norther Lights -

Day 65

My body hated me this morning for sleeping on the floor, but a bed sacrificed to a friend is a good sacrifice. No, thats no movie quote, that's just me.

Went to church and learned about sin. We sat pretty high up, almost too high up. I felt disconnected at times from the sermon due to the vertical supply of space we had.

After church I dropped Mike off, and I went over to Melissa's for some amazing steaks and food. I played with her dog Bowser but got too rough, which resulted in her getting a scratch across her head, and then later bashing her finger into the wall, to which she screamed in pain / frustration. We then left for my house and met up with Mike and Tanya and then watched Dexter. After that, the night was ending, and a crazy cool storm rolled in, a storm that felt like summer. Probably the last storm of the year. Rain, lightning, and thunder. I loved it.

- I did not take this photo, but its cool -

Day 64

I'm staring to miss the Saturday's where sushi, donuts and coffee were a given, if not a luxury. I made do and did cereal and that was that.

Nothing to special, worked at 2:00, so I picked up a meal and drove to work, only to spend 6 hours on an ok saturday outside. Meh

After work I went to Mike's house and picked him and Tanya up, and we all drove to Chad's house to watch the game, have some drinks, get some food, and make some memories. Gideon and Erica came over too. It was a good night.

Mike stayed the night at my house.

- Mike & Tanya -

Day 63

I woke up at Mike's. He had to leave for work, so I stayed behind and slept an hour longer, before I went to work.

Today was an eight hour work day, due to me taking someone's shift that already stacked with mine. The result was me working like a regular human.... 8 hours. I guess I did it. 10-6. I got a lot done, and was able to catch up with work tasks and interact more with members. I don't think an 8 hour day would kill me if I had to do it again.

Got out of work and went home and showered, and a good shower it was. Soaked my hair in TeaTree mint conditioner and shampoo, making sure I was extra extra clean. Upon getting out, I decided to use no hairspray, but just comb my hair slightly over and go natural. Not bad.

I took Melissa out for dinner tonight. We were both craving steak, and Brann's it was. We both got steak, complete with rolls, broccoli, fries, cole slaw, and a sweet potato, plus 2 margaritas. The weather was cold (34 degrees), and the wind tasted of winter without the main ingredient... snow. I like driving around in my car and being warm inside.... November and December are my favorite months of the year. Although its cold, the snow is little to none, plus there's no nasty slushy roads or grayish skies, just more of a dying autumn if anything. Yes, November means meals, shopping, black friday, and December is my birthday, family Christmases, and gatherings. Once January 2nd hits, I'm reminded how much I hate that day.... January 2nd is my least favorite day.

- Melissa, myself, and Ruby -

Day 62

After my early morning communication class, I went home to, yes, you guessed it, more COD, kitten play-time, and food. I departed for work at 2:00 and worked until 5:00, then went to my friend Mike's house where we ate Subway and I watched him play Batman more...

At night, Tanya, Mike & I all went to Peppino's and Tanya picked up the drinks for us.

I need more exciting posts.... I know. Next week it's changing... I wont keep falling behind on days, I'm doing this thing. No stock images. Real pictures. Real messages. Real stories. Real me.

Blah blah!

- Blah Blah -

Day 61

After a night with still little sleep again, I slept in this morning until noon. It was like someone hit the refresh button on a frozen computer screen. I was good. Felt recharged, re-focused, re-imaged. I ate some Coco Puffs, played more COD, and worked on bits and pieces of a homework assignment that involves me writing out a myth.

I met Melissa for Mcdonalds (yes, I know, its bad.... I'm at one now still), and we talked and I conned her into eating some friends and getting their cappuccino. Mcdonalds, in my opinion, makes phenomenal coffee drinks, just under par to Starbucks. We stayed there for a bit, and then she left, leaving me to finish my homework, and then head off to class on another colder and rainier day than the previous.

I got to class and we discussed bias in news stories. After that I went to Spanish class where more fun and language learning ensued. I like Spanish, it's practical, but I'm leaning towards a semester of French 101 next year. After the class I stayed after for my Spanish lab, which involves me sitting on an imac I wish I had, and watching Spanish movies. I watched El Hombre de Arana, or Spider-Man as we know it. Same movie, different language.

Had to get gas tonight, considering I was on "E' on my fuel gage. I couldn't believe I made it, but I made the mistake of going to the busiest Speedway on Grand Valley's outskirts. I had to wait in a line to get overpriced gas at a station run by crazy teenagers. There I sat, in my car.... cold, no gas, thinking bad thoughts about the slow, pudgy people pumping their petroleum in front of me.

- Melissa "observing" her coffee. She's preeeeety -

Day 60

This morning I awoke from Mike's, completely frozen due to another open window that stayed that way the whole night. My tiny teeth chattered the entire time I got dressed. I left his house and stopped at Mcdonalds again (October has been Mcdonalds month.....in fact I'm sitting at one now typing this...) I grabbed a breakfast sandwich and a coffee. Took off for GVSU and felt the tease of winter beyond the horizon.

This Tuesday once done with GVSU, I had the whole day off. No Holland night class. No work. It was a mini holiday. I went home and hung around the house, just relaxed. I was running on very little sleep still, and turned on my heater and just played hours of COD. It was good. The kitten kept ripping my screen off my window again..... sigh and sigh.

At night my girlfriend made me go to B-dubs, and we went with our friend April from work. We had a few drinks, lots of wings, and enjoyed each other there for the night. I looked nicer than usual, because my girlfriend dressed me. I dont mind.....

- Miley Cyrus eats at B-dubs, so its cool -

-

Day 59

It was the 4th time I had to open on a weekday at work. This means getting up at 4:00a.m. This also means I got 3.6 hours of sleep. God bless the Folgers farmers. That was my I.V. for the entire morning.

The morning shift went by fast, got to experience a new crowd and appreciation for early birds. After work I went home, trying to avoid interaction with my bed, since I'm against naps, and my bed was a gentle siren, luring me into its chambers of silk. I played some COD and ate some food, before realizing the hot water and steam really made me tired. I fell onto my bed, caving into the need to rest. I set my alarm knowing I had school soon. I only had a 20 minute nap.

School was good, John Gonzalez from the Press spoke to us, and it was good to see him again (he guest starred on a MYGR Weekend episode), and Spanish was engaging and fun tonight. After class Mike brought chicken nuggets over and we watched the 3rd episode of Dexter, which is really shaping up to be an intense and ingenious plotted season. After Dexter, I went back to Mike's where I stayed the night, but watched him play the new Batman game, Arkham City. I kind of want this game now. It's like Grand Theft Auto, except your Batman, and you can explore Arkham City, and fight people, and climb buildings, and.... yah. I'm getting this game.

- Arkham City -

Day 58

I worked.

No church, no splendid stroll in the fall weather. Just 7 hours of indoors of work. Lonely, not a lot of interaction, just work. Minimal amount of homework got done as well.

After work I went home and Melissa came over. We watched Aladdin, as well as parts of Homeward Bound before we realized we couldn't take it seriously. It was a great movie growing up, still is, but some of those voice overs are so off. We also watched a small portion of my home movies, which just made me feel happy.

Shortest blog ever.

- Blue Steel -

Day 57

An entire Saturday all to myself. What to do, what to do....

I woke up (duh) and had breakfast. By breakfast, I mean coffee. I then went into my room and started the gigantic cleaning process. I cracked the window, letting in even colder air than the day before. It took a process of about two hours to do a thirty minute job, mainly because that darn kitten kept climbing my window and screaming to come in. My weak heart, and love for cats made me keep letting him in, only to throw him out later, and then he'd meow and scream again to come in. At one point, he cut through my screen in the corner and snuck in. He's a ninja kitten. He tried to sneak around and jump on my bed and sleep, and I let him, for about 30 minutes, until the vacuum came on. Cats + Vacuums = Cat Apocalypse.

After my room was situated, and I lined the marked on eBay with a few items, I went over to my friend Gavin's house. I've known Gavin for a little over two years now. He's studying to be a photographer, model, designer, I guess a triple threat to the industry. He's got an amazing eye for photos, as well as beauty in people and in the city. We stopped at Goodwill, Krispy Kreme (I had 3 donuts), and Plato's Closet. He lost his Jesus rosary... I don't know what happened to it. I guess someone's gonna literally find Jesus. He then snapped a few shots of me for his portfolio, and we concluded our adventures at 8: 15

Ended the night at Chad's with Mike and Sam, where we watched the Tiger's play the Rangers, unaware that their run was about to be done. In between the game, the beers, and the pizza from our friends at Jet's, we played Yahtzee and Clue. Mike won both of them. It was Professor Plum, in the living room, with the baseball bat ( a good murder weapon in tie with the Tiger's).

- Ninja Kitty -

Day 56

For Friday, I was watching the weather slowly become more and more touched with a winter chill, waiting for the inevitable that is only weeks away. Snow. Luckily, it was only around 50.

Had some breakfast with my grandparents, and even got to witness an animal fight with the zoo of animals we have at our house right now (4 dogs, 3 cats). All the dogs started attacking the kitten, to the point where the kitten was growling, and my grandpa had to intervene, pushing all of them out of the way. Poor kitty.... drifted around the house before leaving to go to work at 2:00. Only four hours spent on a Friday shift, and my night and the day to follow would be free, ensuring I have a great weekend. Upon getting out of work, I went home and hung out again with the family, before we all decided to then go out to Gun Lake Casino. I swear the machines have gotten tighter and tighter. 1 hour later, I'm out 40 bucks, and no one else walks away with winnings either....

- Band at the Casino -

Day 55

The last midterm, Com 101. I'm confident I scored in the B grade range, but I'll know Monday. A waste of a lot of gas and miles just to take an exam for twenty minutes. College, eh?

I went home after that, had a proper breakfast and did some COD before I went over to Mike's for an hour to play COD there. Left Mike's went to work 12-5, an unusual shift but thanks to my boss I nailed another member.

Went home to see my grandparents from Tennessee were here. They're cool cats, and they brought their two dogs, Oliver and Maddie with them. My dog is going to murder everyone. Poor Carmen. We had some pizza, and I put "Dragon's Fart", a barbeque mango hot sauce all over it. I dashed out and picked up my amazing girlfriend for what I believe is our first date... Went and saw the movie 50/50, which was alright.... the last thirty minutes really made the film. It made me wonder what it must be like to get cancer. I thought about all the people I'd say goodbye too, hug, make amends with, it was tough. Cancer blows.

After the movie, I went to Melissa's house, where another great night was spent growing and just, being ourselves. through all of life's issues, through all of the fears, and doubts, there is an abundant glow of goodness, that I hope will entrench us in months to follow. I like her. Alot. I hope she knows that.

- Us -

Day 54

I woke this morning, stetched, grabbed some pop-tarts, and hit the road, ready to head into work, only to discover I had left an hour early, for no reason. Crappety crap crap. Time spent settling an unfair overdraft fee and seeing my girlfriend were filled in that hour.

After work I went to school where I did exceptional on both midterms (25 out of 25 on my oral Spanish exam), so I left that night early and in a great mood. I returned home from a long day to eat an avocado bacon wrap and some vanilla pepsi. Thanks mom.

Mike came over later and picked me up, convincing me to get out of the house. We went to Chad's were we clanged some beers, watched the Tigers and South Park, and still avoided waking up Dee. Sure, we behaved immaturely, with me banging my elbows on the ground and Mike stomping down the stairs and flipping over a chair, but Dee slept through all the noise.... again.

Watched this music video today, I love it. Fantasy Art in it's finest form.

                                   - Song of Imaginary Beings -

Day 53

There is nothing wrong with being mad at God. Its okay. It's how you carry out yourself that could get you into trouble...

I started my morning off by going to the Apple Store to have them look at my recently purchased iMac that was broken. It was only $20, so even if I can't fix it, the money I'll make for selling parts will refund me and some. I left the mall and met Mike for lunch. McDonalds again. I'm sorry body.

I went home where it hit me. I feel trapped, almost rotting, like an expired food item in a fridge that no ones eating. If it's not selfish or bias, I'm good. I feel I don't deserve this. It's the healthy jug of juice in the fridge that sits there until it rots and expires, never being used, while the trashy, non-productive other foods are consumed instantly. Unable to be in my house, I left an hour early for my Holland class and drove to Holland. Mcdonalds for dinner. At this point I just don't care. I'll start the detox after Halloween. I spent time working on an escape plan. I say this not out of disgust, I love my family, but I need out. My life, my schedule, it's the same circle. No end. If you can't beat the system, get a new one. I applied to five agencies in Chicago for modeling and talent.

As usual, my creativity class is something to look forward to. It helps me tap into areas of my brain that have otherwise gone numb or clouded. I'm excited to see where the class continues to take me in the months to come. We watched a video right when we got out of Steve Jobs giving a college commencement speech, and a speech it was. I was near tears. It's like Steve Jobs, whether Christian or not, knew who I was, like he was talking to me. He's been called Moses in a turtle neck; a name that fits him well. A leader of imprisoned and neglected people. I feel almost obligated to support Apple products the rest of my life.

Ended the night at the Curragh in Holland. I love Holland, the downtown district twinkles an elegance that draws me in and doesn't want me to leave everytime I visit. It reminds me partially of downtown L.A., the street parking, the mom and pop stores, the art, the vibe in general. Grand Rapids, what is happening to you. I met up with my friend Matt there. I've known Matt for about six months. We met after he watched an episode of MYGR Weekend, and I'm glad he did. I have a lot of respect for him, something that I lose more and more of for people around me. Matt reminds me of myself sometimes.... the guy trying to do good, while life kicks us down. We may ot have kicked life back tonight, but the beers and food and the Tiger's game were good enough. One day we'll get our chance. Thanks Matt, appreciate the friendship.

- Matt & I, Holland MI -

Day 52

My sister's dog pooped this morning outside my bedroom.
I need to move out.

I stayed around the house for a little bit before Mike came and picked me up for a Wal-Mart run and some lunch at Costco. Mike was being a stellar boyfriend and buying his girlfriend clothes for work. We talked at Costco and then he dropped me back off, with enough time to play COD and do my Spanish homework.

School was good. Brief session of argument and debate class, and a spanish test. From there I darted home to find my sister moving more of her stuff in. Add her wild dog, screaming kids, and dogs barking. I can't take it. 30 minutes into the book I was reading, my dad riled up the dog, who jumped on top of me, slicing into my nipple and leaving 2 other scratches over my chest. With that I screamed at everyone, then boarded myself up in my last haven I know of. My personal cloudburn. I felt bad, but I need to get out. I'm loved, I'm not abused or neglected, but I feel misunderstood. There are times I feel like its a burden with me living here. I wouldn't doubt it, all signs point to an escape. I can't stand the corruption of other kids my age who can afford to live on their own, only to host palaces of debauchery and corruption. The bad get the good cards, and the good people get the bad cards. Injustice. My biggest motivator. I think I might have been pushed over the edge tonight.

Left with Mike and as I type, am about to depart for Grand Haven. I bought an iMac G5. It's broken, but my nerdy take-it-apart gengar has other plans. I got a free PS3, and with my tech savvy hands and screwdrivers, I not only restored it to a working condition, but put a custom hard drive in it, meaning the playstation 3 I own is more powerful than any ps3 you can buy in a store. I intend to get this iMac working again. If not, the resale value is insured that I get my money back. It's a win-win. I either gain an iMac, or I make some extra income, and add a geeky hobby to do while locked up in my tower, or dungeon.

Bring on the night drive. Music blaring, mind cleansing. God, show me the way.

- Thanks Ruby -

Day 51

Prayer. It was a great sermon this morning about the power of prayer, particularly when it's scoped out to engulf other people. Prayer is a power that can open eyes and change people, let alone the world. I have to imagine by the end of the service, God was feeling almost a massage like feeling with all the prayer requests that were tickling under his feet.

Went out to Q'doba afterwards with the gang, and then I headed home for a little bit and waited for Mike. Mke and Tanya finally got there, and we went and saw the movie "Abduction". Oh. My. Gosh. The film was a fecal farm of bad acting,  a story written by a mentally handicap person, and some of the most ridiculous scenes and action sequences I've seen. Jason Isaacs is such a great actor (Harry Potter, The Patriot), I was personally offended that he accepted this role in the film. The girl in it is nothing more than a hot  teenage girl that old men were pleasuring themselves to in the theater... she had NO purpose in the movie, other then Taylor Lautner could keep watching her butt. Aside from the random explosions, the bad guys just showing up everywhere the kid was, Taylor Lautner doing a flip off of a truck pulling up to a party (impossible and stupid), Amtrak trains being portrayed as luxury class travel (they aren't, I survived an Amtrak trip with my family. It's rails are the worse in the U.S.A.), guns being snuck into a major baseball game, and my favorite line in the movie, The kids wave down a random trucker.... "Hey, will you give us a ride to Virginia?" "Sure, get in". That line alone made it into my top ten favorite forced movie lines. Seriously, you should spend your money as toilet paper rather then seeing this film. I'm not being cynical, people around us were laughing at it too, and some were leaving through it.

After the movie, me and Mike went over to Chad and Sam's house where we grabbed dinner (I won a free Redbox DVD!!! thanks Mcdonalds... the odds of winning that are 1 in 187) and we drove up to Rockford, to visit one of the most haunted places in Michigan, Hell's bridge. A brief history of Hell's bridge: A priest named Elias taught up in the forests of northern Rockford hundreds of years ago. Shortly after his sermons, he would lead children into the woods, only to tie them up and drown them. Eventually he was caught and hung. The bridge that sits back in the woods is called Hell's bridge, which is around the original hanging site. Visitors have reported laughing, footsteps, and if you go in the water, hands grabbing you. That said, we drove almost an hour and finally found the abandoned, dirt road that would take us back to the woods. We all got out of the car and just listened. We heard what sounded like foot steps coming in directions. We panicked, jumping back into the car. No one wanted to venture out and find the river and bridge in the woods. After waiting, we gathered ourselves and ventured out into the woods. I found a bone on the ground, and although I was told it was a deer leg bone, I wondered what animal could take down a deer.... We walked for five minutes into the dark woods, alone, abandoned, sweat running down my goose bump ridden neck. We finally found the bridge. I remember I was so scared I couldn't even look around me. I just stared at the ground. We took turns crossing the bridge, I saw something glowing, hanging on the tree. We couldn't figure out what it was.

Skipping ahead, as if messing with the paranormal wasn't enough, we stopped at a Haunted graveyard. Grandville Cemetery. Me and Sam got out and walked around and then, I kid you not, 50 yards away, we spotted a glowing gravestone. We did a double take. It was an actual gravestone that looked like there was yellow glow paint around it. We ran over to find it but the glowing stopped. We then went back to where we stood and then saw it glowing again. Sam stood there while I ran towards it again, and she navigated me towards which one was glowing. After what appeared to be a weird and sick game, not being able to find the mysterious glowing gravestone (I swear, it was glowing. Like glow paint, lite-brite glowing), we found the stone that was doing it. I stood where she was and navigated her towards it. I read the name on the stone.... I don't know if it's significant, but I wondered if I was supposed to find this grave stone. I noted the man's name on the grave and I'll be doing research today.... eerie.

- Hell's Bridge -

Day 50

I slept in today, but nothing late mind you. Time for Crispix and kiwi for breakfast. I added oil to my car and cleaned it up slightly, the oil was practically a sample of the Sahara. Not a drop in my engine. I don't know where I've been driving lately, but the oil change date isn't until November 18. I've hit my 3,000 miles already, so the wheels have been spinning these last six weeks.

Worked from 2-8, and then showered after work in the locker rooms. I will never do this again. It's scary, I'm convinced the gym is haunted. I kept hearing weird noises in the dark, vacant locker room, and sounds echoing from the 40,000 gallon abyss in the pool room. I had locked myself in, but the unnatural don't use our human locks. I sound like a nerd, but there's just camera glitches, lights that pulsate, and sounds. No more.

Went to Mike's where all my friends were gathered for a Hawaiian themed party. Drinks, pina-coladas, plenty of Caribbean themed food, and friends were there. Had a blast drinking with Mike and his parents. I like his family a lot. If anyone tried to hurt me, I know his family would protect me, and kill the intruder. Also failed at a Mcdonalds run due to me not buying anything, but paying for everyone's food, no one eating the food, and the Mickie D's worker being a turd sandwich.

- At least this made me smile -

Day 49

What I did on my Friday?

First was breakfast. Reeses Puffs and kiwi. Add a fish oil omega pill, and I was feeling good.

Then came reading more of "Child 44". I can't put it down. Then came a day of relaxation. A day where I stayed around my house and did nothing more than just relax. It was an early Sabbath. I left early and went to the mall to look around before I had to be at work at 6:00.

Work was slow for a Friday night, but it was all good when my girlfriend showed up and surprised me ( I love this). We went over to Mike's and all of us went and saw "Donnie Darko". I had never seen it, and Rivertown was showing it for their cult classics weekend. Not a bad film. I liked it a lot. I found out I love high school movies. Any film that has taken place in a high school or school setting I have loved. Examples are High School Musical, Donnie Darko, The Breakfast Club, Napoleon Dynamite, Back to the Future, Scream, Mean Girls, Superbad. I love all these movies, mainly because the characters are so identifiable. Heck, my first full-length screenplay I wrote is about a high school drama class. I just connect with it. I need to watch Ferris Buehler.

- Cool bedroom -

Day 48

Awakened by the sad news of Steve Job's passing. I was actually surprised how sad I was by this. I'm sure it was early in the morning and the raw news of a legend passing had me on edge, but I held it together. He was a man who changed the world, all the products on the market today were started by this guy. He has and will change the American family, forever.

On a different note, finished the speeches today in school. Blah blah blah, informative speeches, some entertaining, some boring. I left school early since class got out early due to speeches, and went home where I showered, cleaned up my room, and then went to Panera to meet my girlfriend's sister for lunch. I like being able to connect to family members. I've never had that in any relationship. My ex's grumpy sister never took a liking to me, and there were no other siblings, and limited cousin sightings. I have a family of 7 to share this time. Mandy is Melissa's sister, I like her. Two good daughters.

Left from there and went to work, which was work... again. Melissa made me go get her subway after, which I did, and then I went home and waited for Mike to call me, and to find out him and Tanya are dating. This meant another fun night at Peppinos. Long behold, not only was it the Tiger's final game at Peppino's, but also their one-year anniversary, which meant free buffet and pizza all around. Tiger's won, Mike's dating a hottie, true Asian-Zing, and me and Melissa aren't going anywhere. Life is good.

- A pizza I'd like to get -

Day 47

I woke up slightly earlier than usual, only to enjoy more of the morning before work and school would consume my day.

I went to work at 10:00 and did the usual, plus caught up the book I'm reading (Child 44). Not much to say. Work is work. For the sake of saying something specific so I can look back on this and see something I did, today at work I cleaned a lot of the glass, as well as gave a tour to a small Asian man.

After work I prepared for school and went, only to find out my debate class was missing a professor and we just watched a video, a video that only half the class stayed for, and the rest of the class left halfway through when the video froze. The video was about deaf people, and it depressed me. Ended school with Spanish class, and horay for ethnicity!

After class I went over to my friend Ryan's house where he showed me his place, and then the two of us went to Brann's for some beer and pool. I like Brann's, but the 44th street Brann's is a butthole. Its dirty, packed with non-impressive clientel, and the manager kept hitting on me and at one point came up to me while I was playing pool and rubbed my belly. Apparently someone had a "sizzler". Despite the janky atmosphere, me and Ryan caught up and played 3 games of pool. I only won one game. I've known Ryan since the 5th grade, went to school with him for two years at Freedom Baptist. 10 years passed without me ever even hearing about him, until a couple months ago I ran into him at a bar downtown with some other friends. He's a good guy, very giving and funny. Need more beer nights like this.

After Brann's I went over to Melissa's house where she gave me some cool ties she bought me at a thrift store, as well as this kick-A military jacket that looks like it was worn by a 1960's Stalin guard, complete with patches. Need to find a night to wear this. I love it, I love it. Thanks beautiful.

- Hiel! The Red Curtain! -

Day 46

Speech class came, and the speech went with it. It was good. A simple yet informative speech on McDonald's and their gambling ploy with the Monopoly pieces. I did great, and the class gave me stares. Oh well.

After class I went downtown and met my girlfriend (I like this word) for lunch at Bite. We got their lobster bisque, which is truly an art prize entry in itself; the best lobster soup I've ever had. We talked there and were robbed of time to finish viewing the venues for ArtPrize, so we said goodbye and then Mike called me to see if I wanted to do a Woodland Mall / Plato's Closet run with him. I agreed, and for the next 3 hours we did just that. I bought a track jacket sweatshirt. Another warm necessity for the colder and colder nights we're getting.

After our shopping excursion, I went home and started to work on a project for my LIB310 class, and then Mike came over again and we talked before we headed up towards Gun Lake (again). We met up with my dad, Sam, and Chad. None of us really won anything.... all up at different points, but lost it. I only lost about five bucks. Not bad. My dad banked on blackjack. He had a good night. I guess I did too, money taken out of the equation, I was with people I cared about, and that means something.

- Napping on a couch @ Macy's -

Day 45

For the cold weather we've had on shelf supply, it got significantly warmer today than usual, resulting in a beautiful day.

I woke up and had to tear down my Dexter kill room. It was only once I stepped back into that plastic bubble that I saw the dog had come down and peed on the floor. Now luckily, it was on plastic sheeting, so the carpet stayed fine. However, a dog peeing is a dog peeing, and there were consequences that followed, and I'm a man who knows how to consequence. My dog got spanked, and when she bit me, she got slapped. (I'm not giving her Popeye blows, no need to call the shelter for animal cruelty.)

I hung around the house as usual for a Monday, cleaning my room, making a healthy lunch, and played COD. Around 3:30, I left for school. You have to understand, it was such a beautiful day. As I was driving, I realized "I can't go to my debate class on a day like this.... who wants to argue on a day like today?!" I drove into the sun, heading for Holland. I had contacted a guy on craigslist who was selling a plethora, yes, a true stock yard of posters and other movie memorabilia, so I called him and headed towards mini Dutch land.

On the way I stopped and grabbed a Xing Tea, which is priced at the gas station on Byron Road about 8 miles west for only $1.00 thats with tax and deposit. I made it into Holland and found this man's apartment. He was clearly a nerd, but that's cool, because in my own way, I'm one too. He showed me the stuff in his garage, which was only the tip of the iceberg. He then led me up to his apartment (after typing this I realize how sketchy craiglists sounds... strangers taking you up to their apartments) and we finished looking through everything up there. He's got comic books, posters, and autographs from Comic Con's galore. I was there for probably thirty minutes, and found some art I really liked. I paid the man, and was happy to know there are people nerdier (way nerdier) than me. I have my moments. Taking a minute to reflect on this man, this stranger: Here is a guy who probably didn’t have a lot of friends in high school. He was probably picked on. He was overweight, and well, he fit the role of the comic-book nerd. He felt special because he got to go to big comic book galas and meet writers, other fans, etc. That was the highlight of his year. At home, he’s more of a lone, yet spending the thirty minutes I did with him looking at his items and talking to him hopefully meant a lot to him. I like him to think that the world isn’t just a cold place. It’s inhabited by nice people too, but the bullies come into play. Bullying…. Let’s save this for another time.

I was still going to go to my Spanish class, and when I punched in GVSU on my GPS, it said it was 48  minutes away. I didn't believe that, mainly because, well, that just seemed too long. I was wrong. I hadn't realized I had gone so far south in Holland that I was nearing Hamilton, complete with signs for Benton Harbor and Niles around me. I drove through downtown Holland, still taking in the slowly setting sun, and enjoying the weather. Exactly as predicted, but with some minor trimming, 42 minutes later, I pulled into GVSU. I was only 4 minutes late for my class, but so was my professor. That worked out swell.

Went home that night and put together my speech for my class in the morning. I couldn't pick a topic, and it was only after I stopped at a McDonalds for a late night dine that I realized what I would choose. My speech topic is fast food gambling. Okay, I'm a nerd.

- Holland, on a day like today. no photo credit -

Day 44

Woke up at Mike's house, only to find his room was freezing. Mike and I like sleeping with the windows open, and even thought we closed it midway into the night, that was no help. The room was so cold in the morning my nipples could have torn through the blanket I had over me. It's a flaw in science that I couldn't see my breath.

We went to church and sat in our usual stoop in the balcony, accompanied by Chad and Tanya and Melissa drizzling in. After the service Melissa went home with her family and the rest of us went to Ming Ten, my favorite Chinese buffet in Grand Rapids. I had four plates, so the lunch was much merit to my body.

Afterwords me and Mike returned to his house and played Black Ops for about thirty minutes, then I ran some errands to prep for my party I was having that night. The party was for Dexter. If you've never seen the show, its a must. Winner of 2 Golden Globes, several emmys, and over 100 nominations, it's a genius blend of writing and drama, mixed with the subject of a lovable serial killer. Mike and I, with Tanya's help, turned the entire basement into a kill room. Plastic sheeting, fake blood, table, pictures of the notorious villains, everything. Then came time for the premiere. The first episode was really well done. Excited for the new season, and it runs through January 8. After everyone left, myself, Lauren, Chad and Sam all went to Applebee's to enjoy some extended conversations and friendship.

Ahh yes, finished Hithcock's "Rear Window" when I got home. A truly genius thriller, with the entire film shot out of a man's apartment window, looking through other windows, that tells a story of a man who killed his wife and a wheelchair bound photographer who must prove he's guilty. 

- My homemade killroom, Dexter Premiere -

Day 43

Due to a late night the previous night, I woke up at noon today, thus driving my Saturday morning into the bed, literally. I had to be at work in two hours, so I did what I could, and ate an omelet and went to work.

I started reading the book Child 44, which is excellent. It's well written and the pacing and visuals are deft. Mike let me borrow the book, and I'm glad he did. It's cool, because two people can read the same book, and they envision the characters, the setting, and the environment completely different. It's how our minds shape the book's atmosphere.

After work I met up with Tanya and Mike and we went to Gun Lake Casino, where Mike's parent's were also at. Tonight was good, we spent about an hour and 15 minutes there, and I killed it on my first slot machine. It's a winning to bid game, and its stacked with mini games on it as well. I did really well, I started with $5.00 and had that up to $60, but then that came back down to $40. I walked away with the 35 dollar gain. Later on, I played a few more games, and earned another $40.00, although I had still lost some. At the end of the night, I left the casino with a net gain of $35. 94. I'll take it.

Went back to Mike's house where I stayed the night. Good Saturday.

- I started watching Rear Window today, another movie I need to x off the Top 100 list -