Merry Christmas
The week before Christmas was miserable for me. Let me explain. I have now realized that almost 90% of your christmas spirit comes from decorations and friends/family -- all things I did not have around me. Because I am newly on my own, I don't have any Christmas decorations -- in fact, the only thing I had was 1 Christmas card from my grandparents. As for the friends/family, my close, close, group of friends are now living all over the world. The closest friend/family is a three hour drive from me. In my mind, I kept thinking about what I had last year at this time -- before the "divorce." With all this in my mind, I was in a real melancholy state. Now you have the context, here are the events that pushed me over the edge.
The weekend before Christmas my mom came to visit. We had a fantastic time, then she went home. You know that feeling of when you have to say, "Goodbye" -- then the rest of the day just feels empty and quiet? Yeah -- empty, quiet, and alone. Now the events of the week -- I got really bad news from a close friend, could not sleep all week, my eyes were always red/puffy so I used my old eye drops that I now discovered have a side effect of dilating eyes (party of self-conscious +1), badly burnt my tongue, found a dent (looks like it is from a rogue shopping cart) on my car, bashed my shin into my platform bed (so hard it bled and bruised), I got two (yes, two) canker sores, my face broke out, I still hate my hair cut (and can tell I am losing/getting gray hair -- which is adding to the self-consciousness), and was forcing myself to "keep it together" because I still had work everyday.
When I finally got home to my mom's on Christmas Eve (after a long three hour drive), I walked through the door and said "Hi" and busted out crying. I just could not keep it in anymore. We sat around and talked for a few hours. My mom said it best, I had the holiday blues. I'm so used to being around people. When I was in a relationship I was always around someone, when that ended I was always around my mom, then I went traveling -- always around people. Now, I go to work and come home to an empty apartment -- it is really starting to get to me. Yes, now and then I get together with old friends -- but it is only once in a blue moon.
(Side note: If you know me, while I was writing this blog, my mom's cat (Chloe) just attacked Salem, and I unknowingly yelled, "Morgan, stop!" -- sigh). Anyways, enough blubbering.
Christmas Day, I felt slightly better (still kinda down, but I finally got over 5 hours of sleep). My mom and I opened gifts. I got furniture, home decorations, kitchen supplies, and a 40" flat screen TV (TV has been my closeted friend in Dallas; it talks to me and always has interesting topics to entertain me -- yeah, i'm anthropomorphizing my TV, that's how looney I have been). I got my mom a new Blue-ray DVD player that also streams Blockbuster and Netflix video on demand. I helped her set that up and for the rest of the day we watched movies. It was a perfect gift for her. She loves movies. Now with the Netflix VOD, she can watch unlimited movies anytime she wants all for only $9 a month -- perfect. We have already watched 5 movies.
Saturday I got a full night sleep. My mom and I have been running around catching the sales, mainly window shopping. Sunday, I am going to go visit some old college friends. Monday my mom and I are going down to Houston to shop and see my best friend at the hospital (I have not seen her in over two months -- since she went in for her transplant). Tuesday, I am going to the doctor to get the burn on my tongue checked out and get a general checkup. Then I will head back up to Dallas -- I have work on Wednesday.
For New Years, Pam and Briana invited me to a New Year's party they are going to in Denton -- now I have something to look forward to. My next post will be around New Years. It will include my new year's resolutions, how I plan on making friends in Dallas, and just a small blurb on my fantastic job (I told you I would never write about my jobs on my blog -- but because everyone keeps asking me about it, I will write a small general description). I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas/Happy Holidays!
I Got A Car!
Now that I have a job, I needed a car to get around and go to Dallas this Sunday. So, I got a car! I walked into the car dealership and after 4 hours with a headache, I came out the owner of a 2007 MAZDA3 i Sport 4dr Sedan. I got them to drop the price $1,188 and replace the brake-pads and tires. Supposedly, I have good credit so I got an interest rate under 7% (this is a good rate because I have an active co-loan on another car). I also got car insurance from Unitrin Direct. They gave me a better rate (~$700/6 months) then Geico (~$900/6 moths). I know that I am a single male under 25, but does car insurance really have to be so expensive? Will I suddenly drive safer on my 25th birthday? Oh well, I got a car!
Halloween Candy
Well, it must be almost Halloween in this material world of ours. I was at Walmart the other day (yes, Devon went to Walmart, pick up your lower jaw) and found the aisle of Halloween candy. You read right, aisle of candy. You have to understand, it does not come through well in the photo, this is about 80 feet (160 feet if you include both sides) of candy -- CANDY. This aisle is in addition to the normal (non-Halloween) aisle of candy. The best part, no prices are listed. And we all know it's proven that you buy more when no prices are listed -- I don't know if that is true or not, but it probably is.
Now think about this. As of July 2009, there were 883 Walmart stores in the USA. If every Walmart in the USA has this aisle of candy, how much candy is that? My other question is, what happens to the candy this is not purchased? I know some will go on clearance and get gobbled up (pun intended), but what about the stuff that isn't. Does it go back to the manufacture, get repackaged, and they try again? Is it resold next Halloween? Does it go to the dump? Or does it somehow magically end up in little-old-ladies' handbags?
Here are some fun facts I found online from my research. Austin, Charlotte, and San Antonio lead USA Halloween spending on candy and decorations, with $53 per household. Only 26% of homes gives out full-sized candy bars -- those that do are usually the "Ah, rich people... probably make [you] drink cider and bob for apples" (props to you if you know what movie this quote is from). Prohibition was a sweet age of revenge: Baby Ruths, Oh Henry!, Charleston Chew, Mounds, Milky Way, Reese's peanut butter cups, Bit-O-Honey, Mr Goodbar, Milk Duds, Butterfinger, and Snickers all debuted between 1920 and 1930. The average person will spend around $20 on Halloween candy this year. I ate Twizzlers while writing this blog.
Labor Day Weekend/Last Splash 2009
Friday I went to Austin Texas. I went for three reasons: get out of Bryan, see my good friend Sheldon, and finally go to Last Splash (for once out of my 7 years in Texas). I am glad to say that I accomplished all three. Friday night I went out in Austin. I met some really cool people that came down from Dallas for Splash. They had an extra ticket that they wanted to give me for the party boat at the lake, but I just could not except the generous offer (the ticket was over $60). I also met someone that was from Chicago (now living in Austin) -- I could not get over the accent -- so cute, with just the right amount of annoying. That night I also met up with Sheldon and slept at his place. I did not get to see him much -- I want to go back this week and spend the day with him.
The next day I was at the lake for over 8 hours. I was prepared for the day. I had my beach blanket, cooler, and lunch. Around 8 pm I went to have dinner, then to a club. The club experience was surreal. All I am going to say is that I got in free (which saved me $22) and I met around 15 amazing people. I was going to meet back up with Sheldon and spend the night again, but my phone died and I didn't have a charger -- I could not find him so I left the club and drove back to Bryan, getting home at 4-ish am. This is one of the songs from my trip. It's by Owl City, called "Fireflies."
Sunday I met up with Meryl (and my other friends Audrey & Glen) and we drove into Navasota, Texas, for their wedding venue open house. The place is amazing. It appears to be an old plantation complex that is now decorated in 1940s Hollywood glam. It's perfect for both couples.
After we got back from the venue, I was going to drive back to Austin for the Splash blow out bash at 10pm to 4am (someone I met at the last club said he would put me on the list at the door so I could get in free -- saving me another $40). But after some consideration, I was tired of driving and clubed out. So I spent the afternoon (to midnight) with Meryl's family and friends playing card games and a wonderfully prepared enchiladas dinner -- I think I made the right decision.
Tonight, I am meeting Briana (from my A&M days and whom I have not seen in almost 4 months) for dinner to reminisce and talk about our recent adventures.
Garage Assault
The events are slightly hazy. I cannot remember the exact order of how things panned out but I will try my best. I was parked in the TAMU north-side Garage. I got into the car, drove down the ramp and started going around the first floor to use the University Drive exit. Right before the exit I saw a white truck driving the wrong direction (the garage is one way). I stopped the car and made a what are you doing, shrugging shoulders gesture, trying to signal to the driver that he is going the wrong way.
He got out of his car and walked over to mine. I rolled down the window thinking he was going to ask what I was trying to tell him, or he had a question/needed directions. Instead, when he got to the side of the car he began punching me in the face. I believe he punched me 4 or 5 times, even thought it felt like 10 at the time. Shocked, I did not know what to do. My first reflex was to back the car up. So I put it into reverse and slammed on the gas. I went back maybe 10 feet, hitting a parked car (severely damaging the back passenger side body of my car -- I think I ran into a trailer hitch). All I remember the guy saying for sure that night was, "now look what you did" after I reversed into the parked car. I think because he was not punching me when he said that. I don't think I can remember what he said when he was punching me because all I could think about was the pain -- and I was in shock.
After he left, I drove to my friend's house. She called the police. In hindsight, I should have stayed in the garage and called the police myself. I did not know what do to. But I was so shocked I wanted out of the place where that all happened -- I felt so unsafe. I bled a lot. My white button down shirt was completely drenched in red. My friend, Loni, and her friends took good care of me while we waited for the cops to show. I extend all my gratitude to them -- thank you very much. Loni also went to my mom's house to get my mom. Thanks for that too Loni. Oh, and for cleaning up my blood from the porch this morning. Thanks again.
The police asked me questions about what happened, if I needed/wanted to go to the hospital (I was also told that I fainted three time probably from blood loss), and took photos of what I looked like. I remember one saying to take photos of my shirt. Like I said before the whole night is fuzzy. I have to thank the police too. They were very nice, calm, and seemed genuinely concerned. At about 4 am, when I was back at my mom's, Meryl and Audrey came over to see how I was. It was good to see trusted friends a few hours after -- calmed my nerves down.
I woke up today with another bloody nose. My nose is swollen, my teeth cut the inside of my upper cheek in a straight line following my teeth line, my eyes feel like they have pressure behind them, all I can taste is iron/copper, I have a headache, and, well, I feel like I was punched in the face. I guess it could have been worse.
The police called Shari this morning and said they got the footage from the garage. Once they get a clear picture of the truck's license plate they are going to find him and charge him with assault/Class A Misdemeanor.
Class A Misdemeanor Punishment -- Texas Penal Code section 12.21
Under Texas Law, a Class A Misdemeanor offense is punishable by:
- Confinement for a term not to exceed 1 years in county jail; AND/OR
- A fine not to exceed $4,000.
As for the car I hit, the police went back to the garage and put a note on the vehicle for them to call the police. Once they gather all the information the police will switch our two insurance informations and we just file a claim. The most interesting part of this experience is how I feel. I would expect to feel angry, hurt, frustrated, or sorry for myself, but of all things to feel, I feel guilty. I feel like it's my fault, like I did something wrong. I feel like I have inconvenienced everyone. People had to watch over me last night, Loni had to clean up a mess, the car needs to be fixed, someone else's car needs to get fixed, the police and an ambulance had to come, and I may have to go to court. What a mess. Well, I guess I will look on the bright side and try and find a life lesson from this -- I now have a deep empathy for people that get punched in the face for no apparent reason.
Rest in Peace, My Beagle of Music
I'm sorry but I am just thinking of the right words to say. I know they don't sound the way I planned them to be. But this is all I know. Dakota has passed away. She was with family and friends at the time. She was 13 in dog years (91 in human years). Dakota, Kota, Moda, Pumpkin, Dog, Daky, Beagle of Music, Sweetie, and all the other nicknames that were created over the passed years will forever be in my mind. It saddens me tremendously that I could not be in Texas to say my final goodbyes while she was still here. She was always there for me. When I was sad, crying, she would always walk over to me and lay next to me -- to comfort me. I wish I could have returned the favor this one last time. Before I left Texas, I sat with her on the floor. She laid next to me with her head on my thigh, looking at me with her deep brown eyes. I looked down at her, pet her head, and said she was a good dog and that I would be back soon. I did not realize that she would be the one that was not coming back. I know it was the most annoying thing for over 10 years, but I wish she could have greeted me one last time when I walked in the front door. I guess that is selfish of me. Bye Kota, I miss you -- you will always be remembered.
Week with Loni, Pam, & Ryan
I have not posted in about a week, so I think it is time for an update. Starting last Wednesday, I went out to a bar/club every night except 1 night, Saturday. Yes, that does means I went out on a Sunday night. This is what happened. I had been at home hanging out almost every night, not really seeing anyone. So last Wednesday, I decided I was going to get out of the house. I went down to Houston to see one of my friend's new house and went to the Galleria Mall for the afternoon. It was a nice trip. If you know Matt (of Matt and John), ask him about the 14 harmonicas -- he'll know what you are talking about. On the drive back to Bryan, Loni called me and asked if I want to go out to Northgate (our local bar/club street). I said okay and met Loni, Pam, and Ryan out at the clubs. It was a fun night -- just hangout with good friends. On this night we made plans for the week.
On Thursday we went back to Northgate and watched as Pam and Ryan finished their O'bannon's Tap House cards. It is a card with 75 beers from around the world. Every time you go in, you can purchase up to two beers off the card and then get your card stamped. When you have purchased every beer you get an O'bannon's beer stein and when you bring it in you get a discount on what they have on tap. Congratulations guys! After we celebrated we went to the midnight showing of Year One with Jack Black. It was better then what I thought, even though I had no idea what it was about before I saw it.
On Friday Loni and I went to Halo. Pam and Ryan were going to come, but they had a Wedding to attend in Houston early on Saturday morning. I guess it was because we had been going out so much, but we both were so exhausted. Loni and I just sat on the couches all night and left around midnight. We wanted to be out, but did not feel like being out -- does that make any sense? We did have fun people watching and chatting with each other. When talking, we cam up with an idea for a movie, Hansel and Gretel, to be directed by Tim Burton or even Guillermo del Toro (director of Pan's Labyrinth). Come to find out, Tim Burton beat us to it and make a short animated film of Hansel and Gretel back in the 1980's -- I guess great minds must think alike.
Saturday we all rested. I talked to Dominik over Skype (internet phone) for around 12 hours. I also found some new music. The best song, which fits with some of my life events and feelings right now, is called "Bridges" by Lucy Wainwright Roche. Good song. Needless to say, Saturday was a lazy day.
Sunday we drove to Austin to hang out, and go out, with some of Pam's really good friends. They just moved into a rental house in north Austin. The night was insane. We first went to a bar called Treasure Island where they had $1 triple wells. We then moseyed over to another bar, name unknown, with gigantic martinis that we all shared. Then we made our way to Chain Drive. Everyone had a lot of fun at Chain Drive -- I was worried because it is really off the beaten path (away from the other bars -- more of a neighborhood bar). I ended up talking to a guy which turned out to be an ex-convict. I even somehow managed to take a picture of his "drivers license" (it was a Texas government identification card -- looks a lot like a drivers license) and Texas Offender identification cards. How I managed getting a picture of these, I have no idea. How this even came up in conversation perplexes me. He was nice, from what I remember. By the end of the night, I had to much to drink.
Monday we all got up late. Most of Pam's friends all had work so they had left. But two of them came with us to the Alamo Draft House (a dinner theater -- shows movies and serves food). We saw Away We Go with John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph. I was really sweat. It is hard to explain, but I liked it. The food at the theater was good too. After the movie we went back to the house, changed into our bathing suits and went to Zilker Metropolitan Park: Barton Springs. For three house we hung out, tanned, and waded in the water of the creek. Very relaxing until we were almost attacked by a snake in the water. Loni saved us by throwing rocks in its direction. Oh yeah, we had dinner at Whole Foods on the way back to the house -- if you know what that is, then you know how good it was.
Tuesday we awoke to the moving truck arriving, the cable company installing TV and internet, and the plumber unclogging the bathtub -- all while the 4 of us were getting ready to head back to Bryan. It was a mad house. We finally said our goodbyes and got on the road at 11am. After a two hour drive, I arrived back home at 1pm -- then I took a nap. That is what I have been up to. I still have not heard anything from the Sacramento job -- but it has only been a week. Ryan and Pam are heading on a three month cross country road trip starting in a few days -- so exciting! Wish I could have gone with.
Graduation Photos!
A little while back a group of my studio mates went out and took graduation photos. I just got them recently and sent out my graduation announcements. Everyone received my iconic 2x3 photo -- me sitting in flowers -- and some received a 5x7 of the one posted here. The photo shoot went all day long. We went all over campus (campus gardens, entrance sign, landmark buildings, so on) taking serious photos, funny photos, and group shots. It was a fun day spending time with studio people outside the classroom.
I cannot believe that my college days are numbered. Less then 20 more days as a college student, then I will be a college graduate! Ugh, then I have to be a real member of society; a cog in the grand design. Which is perfectly fine with me, who said there is anything wrong with being a cog? It will be a new experience, right? Right.
On that note. This semester I have really been a college student. Don't get me wrong, I have been a college student for the past 6 years -- what I mean is that my other semesters have been so packed I never really did the iconic college student things. In the movies you see college students always partying, studying, going to the pool/tanning, hanging out, getting in some kind of trouble or love triangle. Once I said "like in the movies," and a person responded, "that only happenes in the movies, real people don't do that." I finally have a comeback for them, "it's my life, if I want it to be like the movies, I am going to make it like the movies." That reminds me, tomorrow I need to burst out into song like in a musical.
Anyways, problem is, in my major we don't really get to do that. We go to class all day, work around 20 hours a week (if you were so luckily, like me), then at night work on homework/projects. We would work at night on our projects for weeks at a time -- all night; our projects would take forever. Sometimes we would pull all nighters then present the next day. Some people in my studio sometimes pulled three day/nighters. By the time they presented we had to hold them up with a stick and string like a marionette. Remember, we also had our other classes that we had to study for, like the other majors, on top of studio class.
This semester has been very organized, calm, and collected. Two of my classes have finished three weeks before school ends. With all this "free-time" my studio has been 'living it up' like true college students -- mature college students. We have been going to play volleyball/tan, out to the clubs/bars, dinners/BBQs, and just hanging out -- just like in the movies. Some of us are also actively looking for jobs, some passively, some have jobs (about 1/3). With the economy the way it is right now, very limited full-time positions open, it is kind of futile looking. I guess it is prudent to at least get your name out.
Preparing to Graduate
Who knew that graduation meant you had so much to do? I'm not really talking about finding a job; I am talking about preparing to graduate. I have so much on my to-do-list suddenly -- not to mention the money. First I had to pay $40 just to process that I am graduating. Now, I need to order graduation announcements, senior pictures, cap & gown, official transcripts, degree audits, degree frames, so on. There are so many options to; for example, with graduation announcements: do I want the tri fold or single fold, embossed or script, ATM Monogrammed, leather bounded or cardstock? And that's not even going into envelope choices.
I even have something for you to do if you are planning to attend the graduation ceremony: http://graduation.tamu.edu/guests.html
Laissez les bon temps roulez!
Today is Mardi Gras. I do not really celebrate Fat Tuesday, but it is a yearly reminder of my trip a few years ago (wow, was it that long ago?) to New Orleans. Thinking about it today, I cannot help of thinking that New Orleans looks the most European of the USA cities. If you cannot get a chance to go to France, going to New Orleans is a good representation -- in architecture at least.
Also, during the Oscars last Sunday, JC Penny had a new ad. For some reason I like whoever does the JC Penny ads. I have two songs now from the JC Penny commercials in my iTunes. This time the song is an 'I am Jen' remix of "Unbelievable" by the Sleepy Rebels. My favorite line(s) says, "This all is too good to be true; I must be seeing things today. 'Cause everything keeps happen', in the most peculiar way."