Now At Last

I fixed the archives of this site. Now, you can revisit your old favorite entries! You know, the ones where I actually wrote about things, abstractions, whatever was in my head. I didn't realize how unimpassioned this has become, it's sad.

I wonder if it's because I'm scared of what would come out if I wrote.

A year ago today I flew to Scotland. I was in the street, under fireworks; I was new. I used this site mainly as a vent for academic frustrations, but truthfully I was having the best year ever. I didn't say that enough, just like I didn't often enough talk about how proud I was or how happy I was. The entire time. And it carried over, as a wonderful confidence, to summer and my return to Davis.

But,

Davis needs me to learn and work, though I feel I've lost the capacity to do either effectively. Davis needs me to make a plan, it's always looking over my shoulder, breathing in my ear. Davis needs me to pick up where I left off, though I didn't leave myself much. I'm only getting lonelier. And as always, I miss things, all kinds of things, but everything I've ever had - how could that be?

Tell me we all get scared. Tell me about mistakes and accomplishments. Tell me about the courage it takes to do either. Give me something. I am going to do the right thing, I will. Do you believe me? I will show you.

How Your Day Goes

When you're going down the street with a magazine-shaped black plastic bag, people think you are holding pornography.

That's why they look at you funny - even though it's really just the latest Harp.

And even though you bought Harp, you had originally intended to find Topic. But, you should know, they haven't carried Topic since November.


Finally, you wanted Topic so you could take a closer look at Sufjan's new facial hair.

Bad-ASS!

Carry On

This is teriffic! Those of you with iTunes and an obsession with Project Runway should must download Tim Gunn's podcast! He explains the latest episode in each one, perfect to listen to while you're sitting at the computer (playing solitaire, perhaps?).

Basically: Mom and Mel, open iTunes -> Music Store -> search for "Tim Gunn" -> subscribe

photo courtesy: who the hell knows

I Will Be Grateful For This Day I Will Be Grateful For Each Day To Come

First n' foremost: James is back, offensive as ever.

Melissa and I make mixes throughout the year; the ones up until now have come together quickly and only gotten better. I'm particularly proud of Summer Jams 2K6 (and the comment it earned: If those are "hits" you guys have "good taste." And since most of those songs suck...). But the back to school mix (tentatively titled Sometimes in the Fall, after Phoenix) proved incredibly difficult to compile. And finally, on the eve of the school year (for her, not me) it's here. I hope it doesn't sound as cobbled-together as it probably should.

If you all could tell me if the site's header "A Team of Scientists" shows up on your screen, that would be helpful. Because I can never see it, and might have to fix it.

Hey It Flared Up Again!

James, I may have thanked you for entertaining me, but I'm not thanking you for whatever allergen in your apartment is fucking with my eye. I know, I know, not your fault. But man, it hurts.

Because you wanted to know:

Foccacia
Basil Mayonnaise
Sausalito Turkey
Pepper Jack Cheese
Avocado
Tomato
Lettuce
Salt n Pepa
Oil

is perfect.

Hey, how about that Project Runway? I'm still torn about Jeffrey and I hate to say it, but it was Robert's time to go. Yawn. And I'm missing Alison. And I agree that it was Vincent's turn to win.


I melt

Hasta manana pendejos.

Woke Up New

My Yosemite adventure involved:


bears

jumping


aching


getting lost

hitchhiking

and the grandest, most sweeping landscape I've ever seen.


James is gone, and I'd like to point out that all of this summer's adventures wouldn't have happened if he hadn't visited. He deserves the most sincere thank-you: I'll remember this far beyond the thousand-or-so pictures we took. I feel like I've learned the value of going out and doing something new, that the reward is worth the often-daunting technicalities and logistics of making it happen.

My truck is no longer strictly base-model! I put in one of these, which enables me to control this while I'm driving. It's as easy as I hoped it would be, and sounds gorge. Too bad after I showed it off to Johnny and Matt I locked the keys in the car and drained the battery. Which meant I had to jump-start it, which meant I had to learn how to jump-start a car. Result: success without injury, I rule.

Thanks to James for letting me stay at his apartment entertaining me, and to Val for the nicest night of the trip down home.

Scott Thompson is Chairman of the Board

What a strange, somehow fulfilling day (and it's not over yet). I've driven in to work a total of four times, because 30 minute parking exists at the loading dock (I did not know this!). When I wasn't switching the samples in the office, I was helping Keith and Erin move out of their apartment. I'm glad I'm just moving next door, is all I'm gonna say. Also, I'm glad I have a truck.

As if they needed anything more to be the best sandwich in town, the Nugget gives out a little Tic-Tac mint with your sandwich. Like, so cute! Also, the workers are always in a good mood. I'm in love.

My 30 minutes is up, enjoy Carrot Top.

Here I Am (Rock You Like A Hurricane)

The Internet makes my head spin. Who the hell is Jared Leto? And better yet, who are those commentors? y'all see this too?

Our conquest of the Golden State now includes the Tahoe region. No bears sighted, to my dismay.

Santa Barbara
Forestville
Davis
Big Sur
Los Angeles
Tahoe
Yosemite

Yes, I know how to strike through fonts.

Yes, I work Saturday nights (and not much else lately - this will change).

There is talk of "GRE"s lately. I should take a "GRE," though I have no idea how to do this. And really, what's with all the testing? I want to go here, btw.

Why can't you find curries like in Scotland? Easiest, tastiest meal imaginable.

Finally, HOLYSHIT IT'S MID AUGUST.

August's Gloop

I bought apple jelly (never heard of it before), it's good on toast.

I am bored, which isn't supposed to happen.

I made cutoff shorts out of old jeans, nobody likes them but me.

I got a book from the library on the history of rock and pop, I haven't even started it and it's been a week.

My dear friends Keith & Erin have provided enough drama to wear me out, and I'm not even involved.

I'm playing tennis (I've got mean spin on my serve, though I don't necessarily want it right now), and I'm determined to get good.

I'm anxious about something.