Saturday, June 28, 2003
So many things, so little time
I've gotten lazy in the past two days, but look for a huge update tomorrow (later today...)
Thursday, June 26, 2003
Stop Sharing Now...
The La Times just ran an article about how record companies are going to begin targeting file sharers this month. I don't advocate stopping for ever, but I will not be on limewire this month...
Phonecalls From the Rice Rocket
With the heat pouring into Ithaca, and the sun up above, it truly had the makings of a great day.
Not that I would have known though. I spent the entire night reading (Seabiscuit for those of you playing the home version), and consequently began my day at 2:30 p.m. I then spent the next hour or so working up the energy to live when the phone rang. Thank God for Phonecalls.
It was Rachel, but it took me a minute to catch on in my heated state. Apparently she and Brian were headed to the gym, and she wanted to know if I was interested in tagging along. I did, and in less than 15 minutes, we were on our way.
The Rice Rocket (Rachel's car) was exceptionally hot, which is probably why Brian had his window rolled down. Of course, Rachel also had on the air conditioning. She yelled at him, I laughed. They're good people. As we drove, Brian and I both noticed that the women around campus were looking good. But we chalked it up to the weather and the fact that so many students are just visiting for the summer.
There wasn't much parking at the gym, but there really never is. Rachel parked in the corner of the lot and next to some sort of Asian car (A Mr2?), which prompted a discussion on the worst cars to buy...ever. I played along, not really knowing anything more than your basic six year old. Eventually the conversation phased out and we began to exercise.
Unless you haven't been able to see your feet in years, you probably know what happens at a Gym, and yesterday's visit was no different. Basically there are always people who lift more than you, and they always use your machine after you're done. There is nothing more degrading than watching the next person add 50 pounds, especially when it's a woman. But I like to tell myself I'm doing a lot of lifting for my build.
Though we may have left the gym after 6:30 p.m., the sun and heat were still parked outside and waiting. Brian moaned that we should have gone swimming in the gorges instead of working out, and I asked why we still couldn't. So after some discussion, we piled back into the rocket and headed down to C-Town for a little Cascadilla Gorge action.
We couldn't find a place to park. That and Rachel didn't really understand where we had to go, so eventually I shouted out, "make a right," from the back seat. We then drove down Dryden and parked behind Cascadilla.
The walk down into the gorge was beautiful, but it was also the best part of the trip. As it turned out, the water level was a bit shallow for swimming. We didn't care. We waded in anyway, and soon found ourselves skipping rocks. For some reason, skipping rocks is a bonding activity. As we all sunk our stones, Brian confessed that he had never learned how to do it beucase they didn't have rivers in Arizona. Thinking back on it, we didn't really teach him how to do it after he said that, but it was still nice to make small talk.
But that got old and we grew hungry. Climbing back out of the gorge, we examined the trail structure and figured that the old trail was much cooler than the current one. But then we got hungrier, so we made our way back to the rocket and were soon off to their apartment.
I stopped home to grab dry shorts, and I also grabbed a pack of hotdogs. If I had realized we'd be boiling them, I would have also grabbed the grill. Nonetheless, I have found that the company can be as important, if not more so, than the food; and, last night was no exception. We talked about movies, our LSAT class (Brian is in it, too), and farting contests. It was one of those things that just kind of makes you smile. Kind of like seeing a hot blonde...
Which is what we used to get Rachel to go to Hollywood Video, not that Rachel was interested. Brian actually wanted to get a movie for when his girlfriend came to visit (I got the idea she would be there later that evening, although I never asked), so I jokingly added that I could check out the hot blonde behind the counter. The joke never got old, atleast not with us. It got even funnier when she wasn't there. We headed to Wegmans afterwards, and I suggested that she might have two jobs, so maybe we would see her there. Rachel applauded my optimism in her typical fashion.
"Yeah, just keep telling yourself that," she cynically said.
Wegmans was Wegmans. I got eggs, juice and yogart. Kmart, however, was a maze. There, I just got lost.
We were looking at ball pumps so Rachel could inflate her soccer ball, and as usual I saw something shiny and got distracted. When I looked up, I realized that Rachel and Brian had left the aisle and were no longer within ear shot.
Great.
There I was, stranded in the aisles of Kmart. And the sporting goods section at that. Atleast they sold guns, so I could have survived if I was stranded. I felt like I was eight again (only this time it wasn't an Austrian supermarket), and nervously began to wander the aisles in search of the pair. All I could think about was how I was holding them up, and I didn't want to make them mad. They were, afterall, nice enough to feed me and cart my ass all over town with them. They were like family, but I feared I might have been wearing thin.
It must have just been the agent orange talking. My paranoia was absolved when I saw the two of them. They hadn't spent anytime looking for me, they were just finishing up their wandering. I was laughing when they finally walked up to me. Brian wanted to know what was so funny, and I told him I thought I was lost. I was unable, however, to transfer the emotions of the moment. I didn't care.
We went back and I ended up in the apartment. The kiddos had just polished off a delivery order from Wings Over Ithaca (good, but not quite Classic Pizza standards). They asked if I wanted some, but I told them I already ate. From the common room came a "good," and I heard Graham reach for the remaining wings. I didn't care, I just went about my business.
It turned out that the gang split up after that. Jason had a problem set, Kajsa had girl things to do, and Graham was going to watch Apollo 13. I really wanted to play Clue, but couldn't find anyone else besides Matt Nagowski . I ended up going with Graham to watch Apollo 13 instead.
Dan Sunshine had rented the projector from the engineering library, so we were watching in style. There was just one problem. We didn't have the movie.
When we arrived, the first thing they told us was to go get the movie. I thought we were headed back home (Graham owns it on video), but instead we went to C-Town Video. It didn't make sense to me, but they were engineers. Of course, when C-Town Video only had VHS, we had to go get our copy. But we also had to get our VCR. It turned out that for all of Ben's fancy AV equipment, he didn't own a VCR. I suppose nobody' perfect.
We grabbed our VCR and were all ready to go, but forgot. A tape was stuck in there. Two weeks ago, Jason and I watched the African Children's Choir, and never bothered to eject the tape. I guess Kajsa was having a party a few weeks later and found the tape wedged inside. As a result, we hadn't used the VCR in ages, and now it looked as though we were going to have to perform minor surgery.
Graham and I broke things down visually first. It didn't help. There weren't any moving levers that seemed to jam up the tape, and pressing random parts down didn't help either. Jason came out and couldn't understand why we just didn't accept the fact that it was stuck and watch the African Children's choir. In his mind, they were clearly superior. But he's also a Met's fan.
Just when I was running frantically around looking for a screwdriver, Graham started smacking the VCR. I yelled at him to stop, and when I did, the tape fell out. I was speechless. But it didn't matter, we were soon on our way.
The movie was uneventful, and afterwards I came back home to check up on my fantasy league. I'm currenly winning 7-3, but am marginally holding onto home runs. I own RBI, but he has runs. I need to keep this 7-3 to do some real damage, but a 6-4 would still be a win nonetheless. Hopefully my team's batting average pulls around. Then I can keep it 7-3 (or possibly make it 8-2).
I soon got ready for bed. 7:00 a.m., and the Polar bear swim club would greet me all too soon.
-- Today's Random Thought --
Two people from Lancaster visited yesterday. It's nice to know someone back home cares. Oh, and the offer is still open to anyone from back home to come and visit. It has been for two years.
The gorges are calling, and with a car (I'm assuming you won't come by camel), we can go see some of the waterfalls in the area. They are amazing.
But so is the roof of the Ag quad...
Not that I would have known though. I spent the entire night reading (Seabiscuit for those of you playing the home version), and consequently began my day at 2:30 p.m. I then spent the next hour or so working up the energy to live when the phone rang. Thank God for Phonecalls.
It was Rachel, but it took me a minute to catch on in my heated state. Apparently she and Brian were headed to the gym, and she wanted to know if I was interested in tagging along. I did, and in less than 15 minutes, we were on our way.
The Rice Rocket (Rachel's car) was exceptionally hot, which is probably why Brian had his window rolled down. Of course, Rachel also had on the air conditioning. She yelled at him, I laughed. They're good people. As we drove, Brian and I both noticed that the women around campus were looking good. But we chalked it up to the weather and the fact that so many students are just visiting for the summer.
There wasn't much parking at the gym, but there really never is. Rachel parked in the corner of the lot and next to some sort of Asian car (A Mr2?), which prompted a discussion on the worst cars to buy...ever. I played along, not really knowing anything more than your basic six year old. Eventually the conversation phased out and we began to exercise.
Unless you haven't been able to see your feet in years, you probably know what happens at a Gym, and yesterday's visit was no different. Basically there are always people who lift more than you, and they always use your machine after you're done. There is nothing more degrading than watching the next person add 50 pounds, especially when it's a woman. But I like to tell myself I'm doing a lot of lifting for my build.
Though we may have left the gym after 6:30 p.m., the sun and heat were still parked outside and waiting. Brian moaned that we should have gone swimming in the gorges instead of working out, and I asked why we still couldn't. So after some discussion, we piled back into the rocket and headed down to C-Town for a little Cascadilla Gorge action.
We couldn't find a place to park. That and Rachel didn't really understand where we had to go, so eventually I shouted out, "make a right," from the back seat. We then drove down Dryden and parked behind Cascadilla.
The walk down into the gorge was beautiful, but it was also the best part of the trip. As it turned out, the water level was a bit shallow for swimming. We didn't care. We waded in anyway, and soon found ourselves skipping rocks. For some reason, skipping rocks is a bonding activity. As we all sunk our stones, Brian confessed that he had never learned how to do it beucase they didn't have rivers in Arizona. Thinking back on it, we didn't really teach him how to do it after he said that, but it was still nice to make small talk.
But that got old and we grew hungry. Climbing back out of the gorge, we examined the trail structure and figured that the old trail was much cooler than the current one. But then we got hungrier, so we made our way back to the rocket and were soon off to their apartment.
I stopped home to grab dry shorts, and I also grabbed a pack of hotdogs. If I had realized we'd be boiling them, I would have also grabbed the grill. Nonetheless, I have found that the company can be as important, if not more so, than the food; and, last night was no exception. We talked about movies, our LSAT class (Brian is in it, too), and farting contests. It was one of those things that just kind of makes you smile. Kind of like seeing a hot blonde...
Which is what we used to get Rachel to go to Hollywood Video, not that Rachel was interested. Brian actually wanted to get a movie for when his girlfriend came to visit (I got the idea she would be there later that evening, although I never asked), so I jokingly added that I could check out the hot blonde behind the counter. The joke never got old, atleast not with us. It got even funnier when she wasn't there. We headed to Wegmans afterwards, and I suggested that she might have two jobs, so maybe we would see her there. Rachel applauded my optimism in her typical fashion.
"Yeah, just keep telling yourself that," she cynically said.
Wegmans was Wegmans. I got eggs, juice and yogart. Kmart, however, was a maze. There, I just got lost.
We were looking at ball pumps so Rachel could inflate her soccer ball, and as usual I saw something shiny and got distracted. When I looked up, I realized that Rachel and Brian had left the aisle and were no longer within ear shot.
Great.
There I was, stranded in the aisles of Kmart. And the sporting goods section at that. Atleast they sold guns, so I could have survived if I was stranded. I felt like I was eight again (only this time it wasn't an Austrian supermarket), and nervously began to wander the aisles in search of the pair. All I could think about was how I was holding them up, and I didn't want to make them mad. They were, afterall, nice enough to feed me and cart my ass all over town with them. They were like family, but I feared I might have been wearing thin.
It must have just been the agent orange talking. My paranoia was absolved when I saw the two of them. They hadn't spent anytime looking for me, they were just finishing up their wandering. I was laughing when they finally walked up to me. Brian wanted to know what was so funny, and I told him I thought I was lost. I was unable, however, to transfer the emotions of the moment. I didn't care.
We went back and I ended up in the apartment. The kiddos had just polished off a delivery order from Wings Over Ithaca (good, but not quite Classic Pizza standards). They asked if I wanted some, but I told them I already ate. From the common room came a "good," and I heard Graham reach for the remaining wings. I didn't care, I just went about my business.
It turned out that the gang split up after that. Jason had a problem set, Kajsa had girl things to do, and Graham was going to watch Apollo 13. I really wanted to play Clue, but couldn't find anyone else besides Matt Nagowski . I ended up going with Graham to watch Apollo 13 instead.
Dan Sunshine had rented the projector from the engineering library, so we were watching in style. There was just one problem. We didn't have the movie.
When we arrived, the first thing they told us was to go get the movie. I thought we were headed back home (Graham owns it on video), but instead we went to C-Town Video. It didn't make sense to me, but they were engineers. Of course, when C-Town Video only had VHS, we had to go get our copy. But we also had to get our VCR. It turned out that for all of Ben's fancy AV equipment, he didn't own a VCR. I suppose nobody' perfect.
We grabbed our VCR and were all ready to go, but forgot. A tape was stuck in there. Two weeks ago, Jason and I watched the African Children's Choir, and never bothered to eject the tape. I guess Kajsa was having a party a few weeks later and found the tape wedged inside. As a result, we hadn't used the VCR in ages, and now it looked as though we were going to have to perform minor surgery.
Graham and I broke things down visually first. It didn't help. There weren't any moving levers that seemed to jam up the tape, and pressing random parts down didn't help either. Jason came out and couldn't understand why we just didn't accept the fact that it was stuck and watch the African Children's choir. In his mind, they were clearly superior. But he's also a Met's fan.
Just when I was running frantically around looking for a screwdriver, Graham started smacking the VCR. I yelled at him to stop, and when I did, the tape fell out. I was speechless. But it didn't matter, we were soon on our way.
The movie was uneventful, and afterwards I came back home to check up on my fantasy league. I'm currenly winning 7-3, but am marginally holding onto home runs. I own RBI, but he has runs. I need to keep this 7-3 to do some real damage, but a 6-4 would still be a win nonetheless. Hopefully my team's batting average pulls around. Then I can keep it 7-3 (or possibly make it 8-2).
I soon got ready for bed. 7:00 a.m., and the Polar bear swim club would greet me all too soon.
-- Today's Random Thought --
Two people from Lancaster visited yesterday. It's nice to know someone back home cares. Oh, and the offer is still open to anyone from back home to come and visit. It has been for two years.
The gorges are calling, and with a car (I'm assuming you won't come by camel), we can go see some of the waterfalls in the area. They are amazing.
But so is the roof of the Ag quad...
Wednesday, June 25, 2003
Testing the waters
(Sorry about the delay, our router had issues)
I finally swam in the gorges yesterday, something I never really had an inkling to do. I also never thought I'd be doing it at 7:30 a.m.
Thanks to some prompting from the other Matt from Buffalo, and my sense of curiosity, I got up at 7:10 yesterday. After combing my hair, finiding swim trunks and eating a granola bar, I walked down the street to meet Matt. Nobody was home.
Or so I thought. After my fifth attempt at knocking, Matt finally answered the door and we were off. We started jogging around Stewart Avenue, and somehow our feet carried our drooping figures all the way to Lambda Chi. We were both exhausted — tired — yet burning with enthusiasm and alive with passion. It was a strange and wonderful sensation. It felt like being alive.
We waited for Andrew. He came out and we continued our progress, this time to the Watermargin Co-op. I expected to meet a sizable group there, but it turned out that only one person (Ann) managed to get out of bed. As she excitedly told us, she had been up since 6 a.m. That struck me as strange, but it fit the pattern. We had seen several other females out, and about that morning. We even passed three on one road. I guess getting up early isn't necessarily for the birds, just the girls. Of course, this is coming from a guy who just woke up at 2:36 p.m. today.
Past Fiji, there is a trail that leads to the gorges. We took it and soon were enticed by visions for the Gods. The sun, while still rising over everything else on campus, had already struck the gorge. It was such an amazing view; the water made the light dance on our faces.
The water was also amazingly cold, and though scary while knee deep in it, it was amazingly refreshing when completely submerged. I was timid at first, but eventually grew to love it. The only thing that kept me from a second swim was the fact that I felt my muscles lock up in the cold water, and while Matt was a lifegaurd, I didn't want to test his skills.
I went back home and took my customary 4 hour nap. Then it was time to get up and meet with the metro editor at the Ithaca Journal.
I left the house at 3:41, and made it there with about seven minutes to spare. I love living in C-Town, it's so close to the commons. Bruce Estes spotted me as I was signing in, so he ushered me upstairs and sat me down in John's office. It was 4 p.m. on the nose, but there was no sign of Mr. Carberry.
4:10 rolled around and a young asian woman came over to ask if I was related to someone (I don't remember the name, just remember that I wasn't related). It turns out that she went to Cornell, then Northwestern for grad school. Now she's back at the Journal and she loves it.
By 4:15, John showed up. He asked who I was, I introduced myself, and right away you could tell he had forgotten about our meeting. This look of panic and embarresment came over his face, but only for a few seconds. The next thing I knew, I was following him into the break room, where we talked over a can of pop.
Apparently he's going to start me off with some features, as well as training on how to pull up the police reports. From there, he'll move me to deadline if I do a good job. I'm not worried about hitting the deadline stuff, and I'm really excited about getting some news clips. Sports people, though they enjoy their jobs, work crazy hours. News always seems to go home earlier (atleast at the big papers).
We finished quickly, and he said he'd get back to me about my hours.
One thing everyone asked about at the Journal was how the new Daily Sun Building was. I told them what I knew, but confessed that I hadn't seen it at our "building warming" party during reunion weekend. Feeling guilty, I headed there after I finished with John, and conveniently ran into one of the students who works for business. She was also headed there, so she let me in.
The place was strange, and Ted Murray would surely call it a dump. The building itself is beautiful. The woodwork, paneling, and paint has all been redone. Our old desks, chairs, and shelves, however detract a bit from the new setting.
But I don't think I could have it anyother way. We've been using those desks and chairs since I've been there, and a radical, overnight replacement would mean sacrificing some of the character that is the Daily Sun. Students are going to mark up the desks, and tape gawdy pictures up anyway. You can't restrict that -- to do so is to restrict the creativity that flows from our staff.
I just sat in the sports bullpen for a while, flipping through old media guides and thinking about things to come. Eventually I wandred across the room to talk to Schroder. We had a nice chat about Sweden, the building, and what's going on with the new AE (although I can only speculate on rumors). Then it was time to go.
Outside, I just sat on the steps, nervously fumbling the card in my hand. I wanted to call Devon (that girl from my first post) and invite her to dinner. I figured we could eat on the commons, and then hit up the Jazz group that performs on Tuesdays. I don't know why I needed to call, I already knew the answer.
She was busy. Couldn't make it. Uncle died, or had to wash her hair or something like that. It's okay, I can get the hint. The disinterested, tone that speaks, "hold on, I'm trying to think of how to let you down easy becuase I like you as a person, just not as a person I'd like to date," spoke for itself. She even ended with the, "maybe we could do it another time," phrase. It's okay, I know there's no light at the end of the tunnel. Still, can't help but wishing there was. I liked this one.
Instead, I wandered back home. While sitting there, I realized I could still make it to the Kaplan LSAT review class if I hurried. So I did. After a quick lunch consisting of a hotpocket, I borrowed a pencil from Jason and headed up to College Ave. One check, two blocks, and three flights of stairs later, I was in the class and ready to go.
Well almost.
I had taken the Kaplan SAT Prep course after I had already taken the SAT once. But for this, I was flying blind. I had never done an LSAT before in my life, let alone even a practice question. And while I don't have asthma, I couldn't find my breath as I stared at that first page.
I worked through it though, and eventually found everything getting easier. I was also able to answer more questions for each additional section I took. Still, I can't wait for the tips they're going to teach us for those logic problems. They were a bitch.
I finished the class, walked out and headed home. There was a good looking girl in the class, and she walked out in front of me. Still, the thank you's I mumbled while she held the door for me was probably the most I'll ever say to her.
At home, I found Kajsa relaxing on the couch. Bill and Mary Ann (the 'rents!) had just called, so I pulled an ET and phoned home. They were glad to hear from me, and anxious to know what had happened on the "date," with the meeting, and at the class. They're also coming up on Sunday and I think they're bringing my cousins, Jacob and Alicia. I'm excited about it, especially since they're bringing the kids. Jacob is six, and Alicia is four. Together they'd be more trouble than they're worth if it wasn't for the funny things they do. I'm looking forward to visiting with them.
I ate dinner, watched sports center, and then blew a fuse. I think four different players had homered for me last night, not to mention Kevin Millar's 5 RBI. I am now Leading the best team in the league (Take that Persons) 8-2. The only thing I'm missing is stolen bases and batting average. Still, not by much. While I have a sizable lead in wins, saves, whip, ERA, RBI, and Homeruns -- I just need to hope I can have another night like last night. If so, I could easily see myself keeping the lead, or atleast walking away with seven (which is what happened last week). Take that Fisk Tisk Tisk. You can have Griffey, I'll have my record...
-- Random Thoughts of the Day --
I love how Rob leaves his away message while he's working (He's Datafly, and you should just check it out for yourself). And by the way, he's a photographer.
I can't believe 10 people read my site the other day ... can you tell your friends?
I finally swam in the gorges yesterday, something I never really had an inkling to do. I also never thought I'd be doing it at 7:30 a.m.
Thanks to some prompting from the other Matt from Buffalo, and my sense of curiosity, I got up at 7:10 yesterday. After combing my hair, finiding swim trunks and eating a granola bar, I walked down the street to meet Matt. Nobody was home.
Or so I thought. After my fifth attempt at knocking, Matt finally answered the door and we were off. We started jogging around Stewart Avenue, and somehow our feet carried our drooping figures all the way to Lambda Chi. We were both exhausted — tired — yet burning with enthusiasm and alive with passion. It was a strange and wonderful sensation. It felt like being alive.
We waited for Andrew. He came out and we continued our progress, this time to the Watermargin Co-op. I expected to meet a sizable group there, but it turned out that only one person (Ann) managed to get out of bed. As she excitedly told us, she had been up since 6 a.m. That struck me as strange, but it fit the pattern. We had seen several other females out, and about that morning. We even passed three on one road. I guess getting up early isn't necessarily for the birds, just the girls. Of course, this is coming from a guy who just woke up at 2:36 p.m. today.
Past Fiji, there is a trail that leads to the gorges. We took it and soon were enticed by visions for the Gods. The sun, while still rising over everything else on campus, had already struck the gorge. It was such an amazing view; the water made the light dance on our faces.
The water was also amazingly cold, and though scary while knee deep in it, it was amazingly refreshing when completely submerged. I was timid at first, but eventually grew to love it. The only thing that kept me from a second swim was the fact that I felt my muscles lock up in the cold water, and while Matt was a lifegaurd, I didn't want to test his skills.
I went back home and took my customary 4 hour nap. Then it was time to get up and meet with the metro editor at the Ithaca Journal.
I left the house at 3:41, and made it there with about seven minutes to spare. I love living in C-Town, it's so close to the commons. Bruce Estes spotted me as I was signing in, so he ushered me upstairs and sat me down in John's office. It was 4 p.m. on the nose, but there was no sign of Mr. Carberry.
4:10 rolled around and a young asian woman came over to ask if I was related to someone (I don't remember the name, just remember that I wasn't related). It turns out that she went to Cornell, then Northwestern for grad school. Now she's back at the Journal and she loves it.
By 4:15, John showed up. He asked who I was, I introduced myself, and right away you could tell he had forgotten about our meeting. This look of panic and embarresment came over his face, but only for a few seconds. The next thing I knew, I was following him into the break room, where we talked over a can of pop.
Apparently he's going to start me off with some features, as well as training on how to pull up the police reports. From there, he'll move me to deadline if I do a good job. I'm not worried about hitting the deadline stuff, and I'm really excited about getting some news clips. Sports people, though they enjoy their jobs, work crazy hours. News always seems to go home earlier (atleast at the big papers).
We finished quickly, and he said he'd get back to me about my hours.
One thing everyone asked about at the Journal was how the new Daily Sun Building was. I told them what I knew, but confessed that I hadn't seen it at our "building warming" party during reunion weekend. Feeling guilty, I headed there after I finished with John, and conveniently ran into one of the students who works for business. She was also headed there, so she let me in.
The place was strange, and Ted Murray would surely call it a dump. The building itself is beautiful. The woodwork, paneling, and paint has all been redone. Our old desks, chairs, and shelves, however detract a bit from the new setting.
But I don't think I could have it anyother way. We've been using those desks and chairs since I've been there, and a radical, overnight replacement would mean sacrificing some of the character that is the Daily Sun. Students are going to mark up the desks, and tape gawdy pictures up anyway. You can't restrict that -- to do so is to restrict the creativity that flows from our staff.
I just sat in the sports bullpen for a while, flipping through old media guides and thinking about things to come. Eventually I wandred across the room to talk to Schroder. We had a nice chat about Sweden, the building, and what's going on with the new AE (although I can only speculate on rumors). Then it was time to go.
Outside, I just sat on the steps, nervously fumbling the card in my hand. I wanted to call Devon (that girl from my first post) and invite her to dinner. I figured we could eat on the commons, and then hit up the Jazz group that performs on Tuesdays. I don't know why I needed to call, I already knew the answer.
She was busy. Couldn't make it. Uncle died, or had to wash her hair or something like that. It's okay, I can get the hint. The disinterested, tone that speaks, "hold on, I'm trying to think of how to let you down easy becuase I like you as a person, just not as a person I'd like to date," spoke for itself. She even ended with the, "maybe we could do it another time," phrase. It's okay, I know there's no light at the end of the tunnel. Still, can't help but wishing there was. I liked this one.
Instead, I wandered back home. While sitting there, I realized I could still make it to the Kaplan LSAT review class if I hurried. So I did. After a quick lunch consisting of a hotpocket, I borrowed a pencil from Jason and headed up to College Ave. One check, two blocks, and three flights of stairs later, I was in the class and ready to go.
Well almost.
I had taken the Kaplan SAT Prep course after I had already taken the SAT once. But for this, I was flying blind. I had never done an LSAT before in my life, let alone even a practice question. And while I don't have asthma, I couldn't find my breath as I stared at that first page.
I worked through it though, and eventually found everything getting easier. I was also able to answer more questions for each additional section I took. Still, I can't wait for the tips they're going to teach us for those logic problems. They were a bitch.
I finished the class, walked out and headed home. There was a good looking girl in the class, and she walked out in front of me. Still, the thank you's I mumbled while she held the door for me was probably the most I'll ever say to her.
At home, I found Kajsa relaxing on the couch. Bill and Mary Ann (the 'rents!) had just called, so I pulled an ET and phoned home. They were glad to hear from me, and anxious to know what had happened on the "date," with the meeting, and at the class. They're also coming up on Sunday and I think they're bringing my cousins, Jacob and Alicia. I'm excited about it, especially since they're bringing the kids. Jacob is six, and Alicia is four. Together they'd be more trouble than they're worth if it wasn't for the funny things they do. I'm looking forward to visiting with them.
I ate dinner, watched sports center, and then blew a fuse. I think four different players had homered for me last night, not to mention Kevin Millar's 5 RBI. I am now Leading the best team in the league (Take that Persons) 8-2. The only thing I'm missing is stolen bases and batting average. Still, not by much. While I have a sizable lead in wins, saves, whip, ERA, RBI, and Homeruns -- I just need to hope I can have another night like last night. If so, I could easily see myself keeping the lead, or atleast walking away with seven (which is what happened last week). Take that Fisk Tisk Tisk. You can have Griffey, I'll have my record...
-- Random Thoughts of the Day --
I love how Rob leaves his away message while he's working (He's Datafly, and you should just check it out for yourself). And by the way, he's a photographer.
I can't believe 10 people read my site the other day ... can you tell your friends?
Tuesday, June 24, 2003
The Supreme Court Takes on the Wide World of Sport
Okay, well maybe this entry isn't that extreme, but it would be cool to see Clarence Thomas do something other than fall asleep on the bench.
It seems as if Jeff Lehman has won the most important fight of his life. And to think, he hasn't even taken over at Cornell yet.
No, Slope Day hasn't been dissolved (not that Jeff wants that, being a Cornellian himself). Instead the Supreme Court ruled that the U Michigan Law School's admittance process is constitutionally acceptable. The whole of idea of using race to create a more diverse learning environment, while not making it the main factor of admittance is indeed cool. Unlike what Michigan was doing for its undergraduate process...
But I go to Cornell, and as the temps in Ithaca have now reached the mid, to high 80s, it's time to enjoy the greenery that is Central New York. Which I did in full today ... right after I slept until 10 a.m., and then played video games inside with the lights on ... and then went to the mall to catch a movie ...
I did go for a run at some point, but had to get pumped up for it first. Ever since my MP3 player died I just haven't been able to find the same motivation to get started. What I have found, however, is a close replacement.
Hitting up my itunes playlist, and using my illegally downloaded songs I have constructed a list of all the songs I would have listened to during my run. While lacing my shoes and rolling my ankles, I listen to the music. Then I sit in my chair and listen to them some more until something prompts me to move (Today it was the urge to visit the John). Then, when the urge to move hits, I ignore the intial urge, run out of my room, down the stairs, and I'm free.
Of course, I don't really start running until I've hit the back of Cascadilla, but who's really keeping track?
Anyway, I did the usual run, and capped it off with running the steps at the stadium. While out there I noticed the lacrosse cages were out, and immiately resolved to return after a quick dinner.
It's funny how those things never really turn out as planned. But atleast it fits the theme of the summer.
An hour later, while I was sitting on my lazy ass and slowly forgetting about the greens of Scheollkopf, Rachel called. She had just finished rehearsing (she's in some production at the plantations which you will no doubt read more about later) and was bored. Also being bored, I remembered the original plan and told her. She was excited.
So there we were. Two college students, two lacrosse sticks, and one soccer ball -- loudly making our way through collegetown and acrosse campus. The lights at Scheollkopf were out (they clearly didn't get the memo that we were coming...), but not those at Bartels hall. Like every other building at Cornell, Bartels was also open. So in we went.
The Ramin room called to us — it practically begged us to enter. The lights were on, nets were in place, and the whole thing was empty. Kristen would have loved it. And to think that she, Owen, and I used to drive to IHS to find a net to shoot on. It boggles the mind. More boggling however was how I wasted the opportunity to play soccer with Rachel. Still, considering that the room will probably be open again later, and that I enjoyed myself, I can't really complain about wasted opportunities.
So when a larger one presented itself, we took it.
With a misdirected cross just ten minutes into our "game," Rachel had unwittingly struck gold. The ball sailed outside, hit a canoe, and led us to the realization that the lights were on over Alumni Fields. It was as good as it gets for two kids looking to enjoy a summer night.
We passed, we crossed, we missed shots. Above all, we smiled, laughed, and enjoyed ourselves. It was so great to be with someone else who realizes that you don't need to be an athlete to enjoy a sport. Still, it took us sometime before we realized that all of our games were merely masking what we were really doing.
I'm talking about sprinting of course.
It makes sense too. Every sport is really just an attempt to make sprinting fun, becuase most people can't stomache lap after lap at the track.
So we gave in. Removing our shoes, we soon found ourselves doing a walk-trot-run exercise. And it felt great. Grass was flying everywhere (they had just cut the fields), and it felt cool and wet beneath my feet. My second skin was also proving to be a great cushion, softening the impact. Not that running on grass is that bad anyway.
We soon were feeling good enough to go home, and chatted about inflections on our way back. It was an enjoyable conversation, and perhaps something I'll write about sometime. But for now, what was said is said, and remains only in our memories of the past.
-- Today's random thoughts --
For those of you who are currently wondering (I noticed other blogs post this), I am listening to Mandy Moore's "I wanna be with you." No, I don't listen to "chick music" beucase I am in the closet, and I'm pretty sure it's not because I'm in touch with my sensitive side. I just think she's hot, and that if she were singing this song for me, I'd be a lucky SOB.
Also, mad props to fellow Western New Yorker Matt Nagowski. The man has given me a shout out on his site, which hopefully means you are new to the site (not that I'm really keeping track of visitors anyway -- I do this for me). Tomorrow I'm going to join his Polar Bear Swim Club. I did it at Camp, so it can't be so bad here. Besides, I'll be able to meet some more people, and that's always a good thing.
Finally, I'm going to call that girl I took a walk in the rain with. She is going away on Thursday, and while we may not have had a sense of direction on that walk it sure would be nice to get one now.
It seems as if Jeff Lehman has won the most important fight of his life. And to think, he hasn't even taken over at Cornell yet.
No, Slope Day hasn't been dissolved (not that Jeff wants that, being a Cornellian himself). Instead the Supreme Court ruled that the U Michigan Law School's admittance process is constitutionally acceptable. The whole of idea of using race to create a more diverse learning environment, while not making it the main factor of admittance is indeed cool. Unlike what Michigan was doing for its undergraduate process...
But I go to Cornell, and as the temps in Ithaca have now reached the mid, to high 80s, it's time to enjoy the greenery that is Central New York. Which I did in full today ... right after I slept until 10 a.m., and then played video games inside with the lights on ... and then went to the mall to catch a movie ...
I did go for a run at some point, but had to get pumped up for it first. Ever since my MP3 player died I just haven't been able to find the same motivation to get started. What I have found, however, is a close replacement.
Hitting up my itunes playlist, and using my illegally downloaded songs I have constructed a list of all the songs I would have listened to during my run. While lacing my shoes and rolling my ankles, I listen to the music. Then I sit in my chair and listen to them some more until something prompts me to move (Today it was the urge to visit the John). Then, when the urge to move hits, I ignore the intial urge, run out of my room, down the stairs, and I'm free.
Of course, I don't really start running until I've hit the back of Cascadilla, but who's really keeping track?
Anyway, I did the usual run, and capped it off with running the steps at the stadium. While out there I noticed the lacrosse cages were out, and immiately resolved to return after a quick dinner.
It's funny how those things never really turn out as planned. But atleast it fits the theme of the summer.
An hour later, while I was sitting on my lazy ass and slowly forgetting about the greens of Scheollkopf, Rachel called. She had just finished rehearsing (she's in some production at the plantations which you will no doubt read more about later) and was bored. Also being bored, I remembered the original plan and told her. She was excited.
So there we were. Two college students, two lacrosse sticks, and one soccer ball -- loudly making our way through collegetown and acrosse campus. The lights at Scheollkopf were out (they clearly didn't get the memo that we were coming...), but not those at Bartels hall. Like every other building at Cornell, Bartels was also open. So in we went.
The Ramin room called to us — it practically begged us to enter. The lights were on, nets were in place, and the whole thing was empty. Kristen would have loved it. And to think that she, Owen, and I used to drive to IHS to find a net to shoot on. It boggles the mind. More boggling however was how I wasted the opportunity to play soccer with Rachel. Still, considering that the room will probably be open again later, and that I enjoyed myself, I can't really complain about wasted opportunities.
So when a larger one presented itself, we took it.
With a misdirected cross just ten minutes into our "game," Rachel had unwittingly struck gold. The ball sailed outside, hit a canoe, and led us to the realization that the lights were on over Alumni Fields. It was as good as it gets for two kids looking to enjoy a summer night.
We passed, we crossed, we missed shots. Above all, we smiled, laughed, and enjoyed ourselves. It was so great to be with someone else who realizes that you don't need to be an athlete to enjoy a sport. Still, it took us sometime before we realized that all of our games were merely masking what we were really doing.
I'm talking about sprinting of course.
It makes sense too. Every sport is really just an attempt to make sprinting fun, becuase most people can't stomache lap after lap at the track.
So we gave in. Removing our shoes, we soon found ourselves doing a walk-trot-run exercise. And it felt great. Grass was flying everywhere (they had just cut the fields), and it felt cool and wet beneath my feet. My second skin was also proving to be a great cushion, softening the impact. Not that running on grass is that bad anyway.
We soon were feeling good enough to go home, and chatted about inflections on our way back. It was an enjoyable conversation, and perhaps something I'll write about sometime. But for now, what was said is said, and remains only in our memories of the past.
-- Today's random thoughts --
For those of you who are currently wondering (I noticed other blogs post this), I am listening to Mandy Moore's "I wanna be with you." No, I don't listen to "chick music" beucase I am in the closet, and I'm pretty sure it's not because I'm in touch with my sensitive side. I just think she's hot, and that if she were singing this song for me, I'd be a lucky SOB.
Also, mad props to fellow Western New Yorker Matt Nagowski. The man has given me a shout out on his site, which hopefully means you are new to the site (not that I'm really keeping track of visitors anyway -- I do this for me). Tomorrow I'm going to join his Polar Bear Swim Club. I did it at Camp, so it can't be so bad here. Besides, I'll be able to meet some more people, and that's always a good thing.
Finally, I'm going to call that girl I took a walk in the rain with. She is going away on Thursday, and while we may not have had a sense of direction on that walk it sure would be nice to get one now.
Monday, June 23, 2003
A morning filled with promise, an afternoon defeated by a nap...
Despite another terrible night of sleep, I was able to get up at 9 a.m. today and get to church on time. It was there where I was informed that the time had come for father Mike to leave. While this may impact some, for me the Cornell Catholic Community has always just been a place I go on Sundays. Still, they are conducting a national search for a new pastor at Cornell. I didn't realize we were so important.
I came home to check my fantasy baseball league (you know it's going to be an exciting day when this is the first thing you do...). I was winning 7-2 for the week, and it looks like the numbers should hold out. It'll be nice beucase the win would move me up a spot, a welcomed change from my dismal start. If I'm in sixth place by the end of the season, I'll have a shot at taking on the top half of the league for the playoffs. I think I could hold my own.
I finished up my business and ended up taking a nap. While the plan was to sleep for an hour and a half, get up, run, and then hit the gym -- things changed. As usual, I had issues getting out of bed. Eventually I got up around 3:45, helped make dinner, and watched Casino.
So far, I've left more of an imprint on the couch than anything else. So much for changing the world...
I came home to check my fantasy baseball league (you know it's going to be an exciting day when this is the first thing you do...). I was winning 7-2 for the week, and it looks like the numbers should hold out. It'll be nice beucase the win would move me up a spot, a welcomed change from my dismal start. If I'm in sixth place by the end of the season, I'll have a shot at taking on the top half of the league for the playoffs. I think I could hold my own.
I finished up my business and ended up taking a nap. While the plan was to sleep for an hour and a half, get up, run, and then hit the gym -- things changed. As usual, I had issues getting out of bed. Eventually I got up around 3:45, helped make dinner, and watched Casino.
So far, I've left more of an imprint on the couch than anything else. So much for changing the world...
Sunday, June 22, 2003
My days in Ithaca have become sluggish. Yesterday it seemed as if I couldn't get out of bed, and when I did all I managed to get done was laundry.
I went for a walk in the rain with a girl. It was amazing. We just talked, but like our feet, our conversation did not know where it was going. I doubt she'll see me again, though. Would you go on a second "date" with a guy who took you on a walk in the rain?
We parted ways. I went home and got online. Erin wanted to see the Hulk so we went. It was our second movie this week (the first being Hollywood Homicide). People say that the second time is never as good as the first, and in terms of movie viewing they're right. The second movie we saw this week didn't hold a candle to the first.
I'm almost done with 1992 from Jim Murray's book of columns. He's an amazing writer, but I just don't connect with some of the topics. I want to reccommend the book to all of our columnists. I probably will.
I went for a walk in the rain with a girl. It was amazing. We just talked, but like our feet, our conversation did not know where it was going. I doubt she'll see me again, though. Would you go on a second "date" with a guy who took you on a walk in the rain?
We parted ways. I went home and got online. Erin wanted to see the Hulk so we went. It was our second movie this week (the first being Hollywood Homicide). People say that the second time is never as good as the first, and in terms of movie viewing they're right. The second movie we saw this week didn't hold a candle to the first.
I'm almost done with 1992 from Jim Murray's book of columns. He's an amazing writer, but I just don't connect with some of the topics. I want to reccommend the book to all of our columnists. I probably will.