Bohemian Like You

Brief Update

2010-12-03T05:23:00.000-08:00

I have another interview for a 英語喫茶店！！ Which is an English speaking cafe! Pretty much what I'd do is speak English to the people that come in and converse with them about to stuff to improve their English. Pays 1,000 yen/hour and looks like I should have a scheduled interview soon!
On top of that I've been recruited by Panasonic for a two hour interview to talk about one of their new razor products. 6,000 yen for two hours of work?! Hell yes I'm taking that.
On top of that I've been recruited by somebody to help him revise/edit his doctor's thesis. I think I'm up for the challenge and although the salary hasn't been negotiated I can probably work about 2,000-3,000/hour for this job and we'd meet twice a week for one hour sessions. BOOYAH!!!!!
I also have the interview for Gaba Corp (English teaching school) on Monday but we'll see how it goes. I will do my best!

now where was I....

2010-12-02T04:40:00.000-08:00

Ah yes. Before I lost my mind with calculus I was a fully functioning individual. I'd like to say I've recovered most of my former glory since then....most.
As some of you already know I've been religiously job hunting this past week. out of the dozens of applications I sent out I got reply.....a BIG reply from an English teaching organization. ME?! An English teacher??! Only in my wildest dreams could I have pictured this happening to me. However after a brief phone interview I was invited to attend a seminar on the company followed by yet another interview. The seminar was long, informative, and terrifying as all hell.
Everyone that was interviewing was much older than myself and I feel that I'm definitely underqualified for this position. However!!!! During the interview today I was invited to come back for yet another interview!!! During this one they will decide whether or not to hire me sooo I'll do my best to knock that interview out cold (no I will not be fighting the interviewer).
While being asked questions today I pushed my strength's (people skills, friendliness, eagerness to teach and overall desire to teach, etc) while playing down my weaknesses (lack of qualifications). One question I was particularly proud of was when he asked me about past teaching experience. Since I have none I talked up my training sessions with new employees at target. My multiple lectures, speeches, and papers I've written, and also that I've corrected many of friends paper's etc.
After explaining this he asked me again "so you really don't have any teaching experience do you?"
At which to I replied "By what you mean in your definition no"
I felt I handled every question very well. Well enough to get a third interview at least. Hopefully they will see that although I don't have the qualifications through a certificate I'm qualified due to my past life experiences.
In either case I might be out of my league but being able to play with the "big dogs" is both a challenge I welcome and is rather quite exciting.
So come what may I know I executed these interviews to the best of my capabilities and can use these experiences for later in life.
Annnd that is all :)

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-11-23T23:15:00.000-08:00

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. With the combination of personal issues, homesickness, overcoming culture shock, trying to get over a breakup, blahblahblah you know how it goes.
Anyways this one is going to be a little more on the rant/serious side of things because this really set me over the edge and if I don't unload somewhere I'm going to end up unleashing it unhealthily. Soooo here goes:

I failed my math midterm today.
Today, I woke up confident. I knew I was going to do good on the test because thanks for this man www.khanacademy.org I have been able to self teach my self calculus. Me. Although I've always been good at math I've never liked it. So from an early age, due to lack of adult supervision in my teen years, I've been able to effectively "skip" out on taking math courses for as long as I could. I've never taken calculus before, I've never taken pre-calculus before, and my algebra 2/Trigonometry class that I took in college I took in my first term of college, when I was 19 years old. So from then until now (being 23 1/2) I haven't taken math.
Me, who upon taking this course that it would be better to give up and fail because I didn't understand the lessons. Me, who after weighing the consequences decided that since I've never failed a class before that I sure as hell shouldn't start during my 4th year in school.
So for the last two weeks I have been digging into the youtube vaults until I came across Sai Kahn and his demonstrations on various subjects of academia. The man is a genius. and his teaching style is superb, the only problem is that he ISN'T my teacher and I SHOULDN'T have to learn from this man in the first place. But despite that, using the "practice exam" my teacher gave me, examples from the text book, and Sai Khan's teaching I was able to finally get (limits, derivatives, and implicit differentiation). I understand it for the first time in my life and I did it all by myself. No thanks to the stupid fuck of a teacher that can't get fired due to her being on a ten year.
Before I continue I just thought I'd tell you a little about my teacher who's name isn't worth memorizing or noting. She sits in front of the class and lectures word for word from the textbook using the exact same textbook examples. Word. For. Word.
I couldn't believe when I signed up for the class and since the drop period was only a few days long it was too late to drop it when I made the decision to do so. SO I was stuck.
So as I was saying earlier I woke up with confidence today. I KNEW I was going to do good on this test. I was going to do it! When I entered math class I sat with confidence, I looked at the test with confidence, and then it all slipped away.....
NOTHING that was on the practice exam was on the real test. NOTHING!!!!!! Not even the same formulas. So here's an 11 question test with which I cannot use a calculator, and the formula sheet she handed out was absolutely useless, USELESS!!!!!
I probably answered 5-6 correctly and bombed the rest. So that was my midterm. Usually teachers make much larger tests so if student don't do well in some aspects of math they can at least exceed on the others to make up for it...nope! 50% of my grade, weighing on 11 questions that I couldn't answer.
This class is a joke. This school is a joke. This country is a joke in terms of academics. I can't believe I worked so hard for three years to go to this shitty school. I can't believe people here just passively accept it as being okay. I'm furious that there is nothing I can do about it. And yes, I'm losing my mind.
Goodnight.

two posts because I suck

2010-10-27T21:45:00.000-07:00

Well it's been a while. I can say I've been having a bit of a hard time lately but I think I'm pulling myself out of it. As I say jokingly, "I think I'm on the up-swing!!!"
Soo here is what I MEANT to write last week and also a little something about today:

The Pumpkin Fiasco:
SO as you all know Halloween is quickly approaching. I've got a party to go to (where I will be dressing as God for the second time!), and ohhhh does it make me miss home. The colors are different here than they are back home. Also the air has a different feel to it. It's just too humid!!!! (It also doesn't help that a typhoon is on it's way as I type this).
Well in order to bring back some fond memories of home, late one night I mentioned in passing that it would be a lot of fun if we carved pumpkins together. I can't say it's one of my favorite things to do but I thought it would be a lot of fun considering the circumstances.
So my host mom suddenly gave this "light bulb turned on" look that she does on occasion that makes me rather nervous and says, "Well I actually have a pumpkin that I'm carving right now! Why don't you carve it for me?".
Great! I thought this would be a fun way to spend time with my host family. What was I possibly worried about before?! This is going to be a lot of fun! So I reply, "Sure, I'd love to!".
"Wait right here I'll be right back!", she says.
Then I realize what's happening. She wants me to carve the pumpkin right now?! It's ten pm!!! I'm just about to go brush my teeth......
Then in she comes with her pumpkin....The look on her face is sheer excitement. The pumpkin had already been half carved which left just a nose and mouth for me to do.
"Here are some templates", she says "so all you have to do is carve it".
So she hands me a swiss army knife and away I go. I was going to just do the run of the mill face when she says,
"This pumpkin cost me 25 dollars".
Sooooo now I was kind of stressed out. I'm about to butcher this poor woman's pumpkin she spent 25 dollars on. So I run back into my room, grab a sharpe, and trace the best damn face I can (keep in mind it's 10pm).
Doing my best not to fuck this up I carve a face and luckily it turned out okay......
But my host mom loved it and for the next several days had it placed outside where she could tell everyone she talked to about my pumpkin experience....

Phones:
Today I woke up rather late (I'm also a bit pressed for time because I have to be running in a little bit). I had my usual "crazy ass hairdo" that one gets when you throw yourself around in your sleep. When I finally got downstairs to eat breakfast my host mom was in the middle of her flower arranging class. The house was more crowded than usual so it was a good call I put on a shirt before walking out of my room. Since my host mom was busy she had me make my own egg with breakfast and showed me where everything was.
While I was making the egg she was saying a lot about something that I couldn't quite understand. It had to with charging her camera battery and for some reason she couldn't do it. So after helping her with that she told me to come and get her when it was done charging so I could take a picture of the pumpkin I mentioned earlier (At this point it's a little.......soft to the say least). So she goes back to her class when the phone rings. Now I usually don't answer the phone in the house because I'm awkward enough as it is on the phone in English, let alone my broken Japanese, and this was no exception.
After a minute my host mom returns and after I tell her she had a phone call. She then tells me, "It's okay if you answer the phone, just say 'Isohata's' and then bring the phone to me".
Well great! I've been wanting to practice my Japanese over the phone anyways so this would be a good way for me to do it. So after a few minutes the phone rings again but this time! I answer it. :D
Me: "Hello! This is Micah of the Isohata's!"
Other person: "Warrffbbblleeegraaarrabbbellleeaarrrbbbllee" (I couldn't understand what they said)
Me: "I'm sorry what? My host mom is teaching a class but wait a moment please"
Other person: "WAAARRRBLEEGARRBLEE!!!! Please get her for me"
Me: "Okay, just wait a moment please"

So I head into my host mom's classroom but then it occured to me....my hair is still crazy!!!! It looks as if I've been struck by lightning and now I'm about to walk into the middle of her class with a bunch of women I don't know in a country where looking good is crucial...fuck!!!!!!!!
So what else could I do?! I knock on the door of her class and one of her students opens the door and sees crazy haired me asking where my host mom is.
"Oh....uhhh.....she went downstairs into 'Hane Hane'" (the name of the tea shop that's downstairs).
Okay, well that place is usually empty so I guess it's okay. So I head downstairs, go to the door of Hane Hane, and it's filled with women I've never met before!!!! Well there's no way in hell I'm going in there!!!! This phone call can wait.
I turned around and placed the phone back, washed the dishes as quickly as I can and....the phone rings again....
So I go to answer it, but accidentally hit the wrong button on the phone and hangup on them. (PHEW!!!!!).
After that I washed the last of my dishes and quickly escaped into my room. Talking on the phone sucks!!!!!!!!!

Japanese Names

2010-10-09T05:48:00.000-07:00

Well I've been in Japan for almost 4 weeks now. I'm starting to get a feel for the Japanese way of life but one thing still eludes me. I've made a lot of new friends here and have been introduced to so many different individuals it's been great. My Japanese is flourishing from it and although there is still much I don't know I'm really getting into the flow of the language. However, I cannot for the life of me ever remember these names!!!! Hiroyuki, Tomogawa, Takki, Hitomi, Erika (okay that's easy to remember), Mayu, Miwa, Emi, and a host of other names just seem to flow into one ear and immediately right out the other. When I first got here they thought it was a fun to ask me "Do you remember my name?"
Nowadays that's died down (thank God) but the problem still persists. So now, whenever I see someone I just have to play the "I know you but I'm going to dance around your name" game.
Also, the "all Asians look alike" thing is sometimes not so far off. Sometimes I'll meet someone knew and before I introduce myself I think (dear God have I met this person before?!) They don't look familiar but that doesn't mean I haven't met them...So instead of taking action I just stand their awkwardly...they look at me, I look at them, back to looking at me, I quickly look away, repeat. Eventually they either build up the courage to introduce themselves (if they haven't already), say hello to me (if they already knew me), annnnd that's pretty much how it's been.
Not only that but I've yet to come up with any sort of sensible plan to remember these names....I'm screwed!!!! Oh why do Japanese names have to be like this?!

Patience

2010-10-04T05:23:00.001-07:00

Japan is truly an interesting place.
This culture is introverted yet quick to grab the newest, coolest, thing from abroad and make it their own.
They're open to new ways of thinking but yet close minded at the same time.
They're quick to advance in technology but slow to change as a country.
They're on time all the time and to be but a minute late is quite the offense. But at the same time they take their time with everything they do. Everything has to be perfect down to putting a stamp on a postcard or covering a bird cage with a blanket.

Now I don't believe in God but I do believe in something greater than man. You can call it whatever you want but I'm pretty sure everybody will be right on this because only you can determine your own faith....anyways!
I don't believe in God per say but let's have a flashback to the 4th grade in Mr. Clift's class. During one of our Bible sessions he talked about patience taking a lifetime to learn. He said that when he was younger he asked God to teach him patience and God had never forgotten.
So I, being who I am, on that same day I stepped outside of the classroom, either for recess or because the day was over, and I put my hands together and I prayed and I said "God, I want you to teach me patience". You see I was quite the impatient individual. I still am but I'll get to that. Back then I couldn't wait 5 seconds for something. I had to have it now!
If I couldn't get whatever it is I wanted in a reasonable amount of time I would usually give up and move onto something else.
Well over the years and through various events occurring in my life, my patience level has increased quite a dramatic amount.
I can now wait quite a long time for things and not have it bother me. Waiting 45 minutes on the side of a ride for a car to pick me up, Waiting several hours for a breakfast at a nice restaurant, waiting three years to come to where I am now.
So before coming to Japan I really feel like I've gotten quite a handle on my patience...well I was wrong, terribly, terribly wrong.
The Japanese people spend a grand amount of time waiting. While doing a group activity one day everyone waited in the hot sun for a good 45 minutes for other people to show even though the shade was so close...
The last time I was here I waited over two hours in heavy traffic, thirty minutes to find a parking spot, two and a half hours in a line and for what? to through five yen into an altar, clap my hands twice, and pray to the gods to favor me for the coming year.
At the swimming pool last Sunday it was so crowded that I had to swim behind some of the slowest swimmers ever, and everyone was okay with it! Walking down the street yields the same results. Everyone walks to slowly, everyone!!! Now I know I walk fast but wow, I'm like The Flash here!
Eating also seems to be a problem. I eat fast. There's no way around that. But man I am literally the fastest eater out of everyone, every time I eat with people. Every time!
I think the worst part is after a long day and I'm starving, it takes a very long time to make dinner...and also breakfast. Now my host mom is a fantastic cook and I would never rag on her cooking. It's just it takes. so. damn. long!
So needless to say God, Buddha, Shiva, Allah, or whatever you want to call it, has clearly not forgotten my childhood plea, and probably never will.
So either I'm blessed I have so my attention doted on me by this being or I'm cursed and forever doomed to live a life where I will never truly learn what it is I thought would take a very short amount of time when I was small, impatient child.

Japanese foods that suck...

2010-09-27T22:57:00.001-07:00

So as most of you know I love Asian food. From Thai curry to Japanese Natto each region of Asia has it's own unique flavors, cooking styles, and dishes. Japan by far has my favorite cuisine but there is some food here believe it or not that just outright sucks. So I want to try and dedicate some space on my blog to this shitty food as I encounter it.
Now I love Japanese food so I don't want you to think that I'm lumping it all into this category but there is some food that even I have a hard time stomaching (this coming from a guy who can down balout).
Today I want to talk about Mochi.
Mochi, as I knew it until today comes in a variety of colors and is filled with goodies such as Anko or Ice Cream and is quite the tasty dessert.

So when my host mom told me I'd be having mochi for lunch today I was rather curious...Why is that I'm having mochi for lunch? I wasn't about to question it but as I sat down I realized this kind of mochi wasn't filled with anything. It was just a solid cube of pounded glutinous rice (don't worry I'm not ragging on my host mom's cooking, it came from a package). So we then heated said brick in a toaster over and it began to grow, and grow, and grow....and......pop.......???
After 5 minutes in the toaster over I took said lump of goo and doused it with soy sauce. I'm not talking a little spritz I mean filling a bowl with the stuff and rolling it around in it, which is then wrapped with a piece of salty seaweed and eaten.
Now there's another Japanese food I have a hard time eating that I'll talk about later due to the amount of salt content but this seaweed wrapped ball of packed rice and salt was pretty rough. But I had to put my best foot forward and eat it....nono not just one....but three!!!!! THREE!!!!!!
As I was eating my host mom popped her head out and said "Isn't it delicious?!"
while trying to chew this was nearly impossible the best response I could give was "mufffmrrruuummpphhhmumphmuph"
well after two my host dad told me I didn't need to add more soy sauce in the bowl for the third mochi because there was already enough in it....so I replied "well I'm kinda full from the last two so if you want it.....?"
"No that's not what I said" he said, "You don't need to add more soy sauce...please....eat it".
Now I was trapped and had to eat a third mochi. With the best effort and with the biggest exertion of mastication ever I managed to down it as quickly as possible, with it slithering like a slug all the way down my throat.
Once again my host mom pops out of the kitchen saying "Isn't it delicious?!"...
I personally enjoy eating weird food but packed rice and copious amounts of salt....not my bff....but I managed a "yeah it's pretty good" back to her.
she then tells me how much she loves the stuff.....why wouldn't they eat the third piece?! :(
So if you're ever in Japan and you see this:
http://www.pjvoice.com/v51/photos/mochi.jpg
You're safe to eat it.....
but if you ever see this:
http://oohara.mt.tama.hosei.ac.jp/nk/jpegfiles/mochi.jpg
don't even think about eating it........it feels like a solid brick has been dropped in my stomach....because it has.

Japan....

2010-09-24T06:36:00.000-07:00

So I've been in Japan for 10 days now and it sure has been quite the ten days.
The first day was real rough and ended in me ralphing from the ninth story window of my hotel...I felt really bad for the passersby.
My Japanese wasn't exactly what I would call "up to par" and going out to dinner was mostly a giant awkward fest. What with the Japanese students being unable to communicate with me and vice versa (I refuse to use English!!!!).
the next couple of days were racked with orientation sess after orientation sess. Boring, but useful information.
After three days in the hotel I moved in with my host family, the Isohata's :).
They're some of the nicest people I've met. Sweet, friendly, willing to hear me out, despite the language barrier. I'm really glad they don't speak english though because this is how I'm going to become fluent, by only using Japanese.
I found a nice gym near my house with a pool I go swimming in twice a week. Next week I'm also going to resume training for the Tokyo Marathon. I'll find out next month whether or not I get in but I can't quit training.
Tocay, we had our last orientation session, where after meeting some pretty ladies (They're everywhere!!!!) I headed off with my new friends for Karaoke. After that my host mom arranged a meeting for me with a really famous yoga instructor. and Tuesday I'm going to her class.
Sure has been quite the experience thus far. The food is amazing, the people are great, and school starts in two days. Well that's the short of it.
Until next time.

two months in Glacier

2010-08-11T11:33:00.001-07:00

Well I've been in Glacier for two months and I have to say this has been one of the craziest and best summers of my life. I've met a lot of great people, did so many things I never thought I'd get to do, seen enough bears to last a lifetime, and am really figuring my shit out.
In just one month I leave to Japan, another part of my time away from home. I can't say I'm ready for such a dramatic shift from being in the middle of nowhere to suddenly being in the largest city in the world, but who really is?
I'm really going to miss this place but if things work out then maybe I'll be back.
In about a week people will start to slowly trickle away from Swiftcurrent. Some friends, some not so friends, but things are going to start changing soon. Change is hard but I'm ready for what may come.
Well the last few days have been pretty crazy. Yesterday was our talent show. A friend and I played a song we wrote and although we didn't win, we accomplished what we setout to do, have a good time and get some laughs.
Also, it's Ramadan...and that means....The Jordanians will be exceptionally cranky....ugh
I suppose that's it, you can watch the video of mine and Matt's performance on facebook.

Happiness

2010-07-09T10:23:00.000-07:00

I found God in a few mountains in Montana.

4th of July!

2010-07-05T14:41:00.000-07:00

The 4th of July.....I worked a long shift, got hella tips, and then heard about the rumor mill that they were having fireworks down at Babb (about 12 miles away) So me and about 12 other people all climbed into two cars and drove down to Babb, and the dive known as Charlie's bar. A native american hangout for those extra gangster Blackfeet. Anyways being mostly white doesn't exactly put you on the in crowd but I didn't really need to go inside since I was there to watch the fireworks...which had apparently already ended.
After my second runin with a crazy drunk lady deciding she was going to go for a ride with us, the 7 of us that decided to leave since there were no fireworks headed back in Erika's 5 seater Saturn. Upon entering the park I like to do this thing where Daniel, since the park box is closed pretends to look at my badge and well this is sounding silly but he pretends to look at it and decides whether or not to let me in.
This time....because it was funny, I drove off and left him at the station. After a couple of minutes I drove back to pick him up and he was talking with someone....a Police officer.....
I turned around, got out of the car and began to talk my way out of why I straight up left someone behind at the ranger station...why nobody was wearing seatbelts, why there were 7 of us in the car etc etc.
Well it worked....and they let us off with a warning. I went home at around 1 and woke up at 6 today for work.
This had to have been one of the better 4th of July's I've had.
Hope it was all well with you folks!!!

Forgot my bad day I DID SHANGRILAH!!!!!

2010-06-29T22:59:00.000-07:00

Soo this morning is my first day off in a week so I slept in and sleepily walked to the employee dining room or EDR for a quick breakfast and then I was off to figure out what exactly I was to do today. My co-worker Max told me he was going on a hike but I was really tired so I sorta blew it off until Josh mentioned that we were going to do Shangrilah. I didn't know what it was but I remember everybody talking about it and saying how amazing it was so I decided I better do it. So after a quick breakfast I changed really quick and headed off towards the hike that I had no clue about. I was told it would take about two hours so I didn't bring much food...that was a mistake.
At first the hike was really easy, just a simple trail that was on the way to Red Rock Falls but then we began cross countrying through the woods and along a stream. As we were hiking, on the mountain slope next to us we (me and my friend Josh who had been seperated from the rest of the group) encountered the biggest grizzly bear I have ever seen. Not that I've seen that many grizzlies but this one was BIG! We began hollering and shouting and waving as to not surprise it but instead I think it just made the bear a little more curious of us...sooo it stood there checking us out, and me knowing all too well that it could cover the 150 yards of distance between us in no time and me not being able to move very much due to the thickness of the underbrush. I had bear spray but it's not very comforting....Anyways the bear loped off around the side of the mountain...towards are companions who apparently encountered the bear as well.
Soooo after a long uphill haul we began freeclimbing the rock face of this mountain in order to enter the punchbowl of Iceberg Lake which was still a few miles off. After the rock wall a mile hike over ice and mud, followed by another rock wall. Along the way I saw several small lakes and all sorts of cool flowers and scenery.
Then, after climbing, and hiking, and waiting for the people who were scared shitless of this hike (with reason of course) we summit the side of this mountain peak and behold!!! SHANGRILAH!!!!!! The view was absolutely gorgeous!!! The way down however was....hairy. Skree. At the steepest angle I've ever encountered. SO like everybody else in the group we began making our way down. At one point almost getting hit bit a giant boulder that became dislodged. SO at the end of this skree field was a giant ice patch...I didn't want to go on it but I watched Josh slide down it so I thought it looked pretty cool so I made a steep cut towards the ice, and turned on my camera to film either my death or something cool.
So I'm making my way to the ice and BAM!!! the ice was slick and I lose my footing sending me in an uncontrollable slide towards the punchbowl valley. I narrowly avoid this rock, and that rock, and then slide right over one! It was the biggest addrenaline rush I've ever had!!! I was ALIVE!!! when I reached the bottom all I could d was laugh and shout and cheer. It was perfect. A little bruised, a little battered I hit the trail back to home. Oh yeah...I almost jumped into the frozen lake at the bottom before cutting out.
I spent the rest of the day playing guitar and fishing. It was a perfect end to a perfect day. I love this place and despite the stress of my job all i have to do is walk outside after my shift, breathe, look around and I'm allright. This is paradise and it's almost perfect. Almost :)

Long Day part 1

2010-06-28T11:29:00.000-07:00

June 27, 2010
Today was rough. But before I get to today I want to go over the last few days since they were pretty frickin’ cool. On my days off earlier in the week Erica, Daniel and myself all decided to venture into Canada for a couple of days to see the sights, visit various places and just do whatever. I bought a few things…namely a pillow and a new pair of pants for work, oh yeah and Kinder eggs. What are Kinder Eggs you ask? Well Kinder Eggs are a chocolate egg with a small toy inside that’s comparable to what you would find in a happy meal…only cooler. So I had never seen these before so I bought a couple since it was kind of fun and a bit of a joke between the three of us. Well what I didn’t know was that Kinder Eggs aren’t sold in the US for a reason…I mean it crossed my mind a few times as to why they have them in Canada and not here in the US but I was too enthralled in the idea of them to really consider it. So after staying a night in Fort Mclaud, Alberta we headed back across the border. Before this, a couple days before I was talking to Daniel as to why it’s better to not give extra information when being questioned by the police in hopes he would take it to heart since he kind of rambles when speaking with them. Well the Border Patrol Officer asked us if we bought anything and the first thing that Daniel mentioned was that we had Kinder Eggs. The border officer…not quite seeing the awesomeness and silliness in this got incredibly pissed that we were trying to bring something that was illegal over the border. ILLEGAL!!!!! KINDER EGGS!!!!! We asked him why and apparently we here in the states are too stupid to realize that there is in fact a toy inside the chocolate and not another edible piece of plastic. They would have searched the car….they would have confiscated them from us and probably fined us, but instead they made us turn around, go back into Canada, and throw them away. Erica was pissed so she threw all the toys in her shoes and we crossed the border again. They let us through and we successfully smuggled small plastic toys across the border despite the best efforts of the Border Patrol Agents. Since then I’ve been giving Daniel a hard time about it.
Well a few days went by and one night after work we decided to head out to get cell phone reception so Daniel could get his clock working again on his phone. I had never seen the moon so bright before. And after that, when we arrived at the point where we get cell phone service there was a fireworks show that I got to watch. It was a pretty amazing night….and Filip is hilarious.
Well that brings me to today…but I’m too tired to write about it so I’ll finish it tomorrow. Goodnight.

Life in Glacier Park

2010-06-21T11:21:00.000-07:00

Sooo all in all things have been going pretty well here. I like my new job. My bosses are really nice, the people I work with are cool, the area is really beautiful, I'm getting more free time than I've ever had before, and well it's just plain nice. The other day when asked how I was I said jokingly that I was "living the dream". It's something I used to say when I worked at Target. But I realized that I actually AM living my dream right now. I'm about to go live in Japan. I'm finishing up my degree. I'm a step away from paradise right now. It's just really cool.
I've also met some extraordinary people already and I've only been here a little more than a week. Things are just about perfect I'd say. Anyways that's all. Just thought I'd share it with ya.
The weather sucks but I might go fishing later....hopefully I won't have another deer encounter.

Deer problems

2010-06-21T11:18:00.000-07:00

Soooo I got attacked by a deer today. But before I get there let me explain how the day went down. The last several days have been rainy, cold as shit, and pretty miserable. I have been couped up in doors all the time playing guitar, doing yoga, hanging out with Daniel and Erica, etc. The Jordanians have been acting crazy as fuck….ugh……I could go on about them but I won’t start. Sooo today, finally, after several days of shit it was sunny, warm, and realllllly nice. So this new friend, Sasha, that I made at Many Glacier Hotel and I went for a hike to Iceberg lake some 5 miles away after my breakfast shift. I was tired so I slept in the common room for half an hour. Sasha was a cool guy…a little crazy…but cool. We talked about relationships and he gave me some good advice…and some not good advice, but good advice was mixed in so it was cool. After the hike I had 30 minutes to change and get to work. I had planned to go fishing with Josh and Pua after work but they bailed so I grabbed my roomy Sam and my other roomy’s girlfriend Anna who I just met today. Sooo we almost arrive at the fishing spot and the two Slovakian guys Rusty and Filip show up and since they like fishing a lot they decided to stick around too. A few casts in one spot and we see them all jumping in other areas. Sooo we head over there. I failed a few times and handed the pole off to a few other people. Rusty, on his first cast catches a fish. After a few more casts he catches another one!!! And then nothing…….soo Sam was getting cold and Anna had to meet her boyfriend so we all decide to cast one last time. Me, nothing. Filip, Nothing. Anna, Nothing. Rusty…….catches another fish. So after a lot of laughs and chatting we pass by a spot that earlier had a moose and calf. But instead there was a male deer. The buck didn’t heed much attention and Rusty and Filip wanted to check it out up close and take some photos. The last deer experience I had went well so I thought it’d be allright….until the deer got pissed off that we were too close. The fucking thing started shaking it’s head, left to right, left to right. I told everyone to back up…..despite the adrenalin coursing its way through was really funny. It did a lot of the same things Anthony the rabbit did before it charged (deer and rabbits are in the same family). So here we were, pissed off Bambi and all. I’m gonna break this down piece by piece for you guys. Bambi takes his head down real low shaking it from side to side doing a couple of ballerina kicks with its back legs, doing a couple mock charges. Had we ran it woulda chased us so despite the terror/hilarity I told everyone not to run but rather back away slowly. So what happens? Filip and Rusty B-line it for the Aspen grove behind us to try and climb the slippery motherfuckers. They didn’t do a very good job. Bambi on ‘roids began to mock charge Sam and Anna so in order to save their asses I pulled my bear spray and got between them and the deer. Bear spray works on bears to maybe it’ll through the deer off too right? Plus it’s the only thing I had…had I gun we would be eating venison for the next few days. After the deer does a couple more ballerina kicks it begans heading for Rusty and Filip. Since they climbed the crappiest trees they could find they weren’t very high up…and they were too far away for me to get there in time. I had to hope the deer wouldn’t charge them. Luckily the deer decided it too also had enough of our shit and sauntered off into the aspen grove. At this point hilarious laughter erupted from the whole group. What idiots we were thinking we could get that close to the fucking thing. Well I’ve learned my lesson and really don’t want to break a rib this summer. I’ve had enough pissed off Bambi to last a while. Goodnight.

Beginnings...

2010-06-09T13:49:00.001-07:00

The wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legends fade to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth comes again. In one Age, called the Third Age by some, an Age yet to come, an Age long past, a wind rose in the Mountains of Mist. The mist was not the beginning. There are neither beginnings nor endings to the turning of the Wheel of Time. But it was a beginning.
-Robert Jordan
And thus another beginning becomes of my life. I am ready.

It hurts.

2010-05-14T13:54:00.001-07:00

So Jenn and I broke up. I can't say what the future holds but right now it really hurts. I'm sure it does for her too. I just figured the best thing is to talk about it.

I'm not looking for advice just so everybody is clear. I've had enough bad advice through this to realize the only one that truly understands what is happening is myself and of course Jenn. I just think the best way to heal is to be open about it, think about what I did wrong, what I can learn from this, and what I can do to better myself from it.

I was never a good communicator. I'd always keep in inside or not share it because I was afraid of how it would impact the relationship. That made things tense. When feeling put in an emotional corner when talking about things I get completely silent and don't say a word. I tried to solve my own problems by myself with making it a team effort. This is what I should improve on. I feel like I've learned a great deal about myself, about relationships, about being happy, and about strength that I only hope to better in the future. I have no regrets, no hard feelings, no ill will at all.....and without sounding to emo I'm just in pain.

Well that's all I've got. Like I said I don't know what the future holds. I know it isn't as bleak as it feels right now.

Difficult Day Re-do

2009-12-27T06:44:00.000-08:00

Well I awoke in Siem Reap early, had a quick breakfast and made my way to the bus station, all packed up and ready to hit bangkok around lunchtime.
When I arrived at the station there was a bit of commotion about my bike. I didn't think anything of it because there is always commotion about it. The people seem to really like it. Well eventually one of the guys asks me if I'm bringing it on the bus. I mean I was planning on ditching the 33 year old vintage bike my dad let me borrow...but as a last thought I decided to bring it along you know?...riiiight. Anyways I explain to him that since I brought it from home of course I'm bringing it on the bus.
"Oh so sorry, you can't bring that on the bus."
"Why not?", I asked.
"Because the bus is very small"
"I've seem chickens, motorbikes, suitcases, cages, farm equipment and people sitting on the roof of the small buses....since when is a bicycle a problem?"
"You'll tear the upholstery"
At this point I was confused....Cambodian buses have upholstery?
So I explained to him that I needed to get on this bus, I had already made hotel reservations and I need to get to Bangkok today. I've already purchased my ticket and you knew I was bringing a bike. In fact, I've been taking buses the last few days, small buses mind you, and they've had no problem throwing a bike in there. The tires even come off! How handy is that?!
"Still cannot, you will damage the bus, and there is no room. You cannot ride the bus to Bangkok, not with this company.
After a few more minutes of this I at least managed to get a refund for my ticket and then sped my way to the central bus station 3 km out of town to try and catch another bus. After all this is Cambodia...if at first you don't succeed, find another way.
At the bus station I find a man selling tickets for the exact same company to the exact same bus. I explain my situation, throw him 2 extra dollars for my bicycle, and I was on the bus to Bangkok!...the exact same bus I would have ridden before....
It was a long three hours, but finally at the border I made my way with the masses through several checkpoints and immigration offices and eventually found myself in Thailand where sadly enough I encountered the exact same problem.
"The Cambodian's never told me you had a bicycle. You have to wait for the big bus, sit here 2 hours".
"I've already went through this and they said it was no problem. Why can't I get on this bus?"
"There's no room, you have to wait"
Realizing there was no convincing the guy I sat down while the beggar children danced around my bike trying to take my soda and various cycling instruments. It was funny watching them run and play and eat and drink and then all of a sudden a group of foreigners arrived and they would look all solemn like the kids on those infomercials do. holding out their hands, whimpering. One of them even picked up a baby and began chasing after a group with baby in tow. This one time a border patrol officer showed up with a stick and the whimpering, limping children suddenly changed pace into a dead run across the street.
Well after an hour went by they led me to another area where we sat down again...but at least there was food. The restaurant next to me was overpriced but I found a Thai market 100 yards away with some really good food.
So finally the bus arrives and we bust it to Bangkok, not even stopping for a bathroom break despite pleas from half the people on the bus. Thank God my stomach flu is gone....
So we get to Bangkok and me, tired, hungry, grumpy, and out of energy exits the bus. A taxi driver approaches me and asks me if I want a ride. I show him my bike and where I'm going and he says "200 Baht".
"But this is a meter taxi....."
"You give me 200 Baht for bycicle"
"Why would I give you 200 Baht when the taxi ride is like 60 Baht?"
"No deal, you have to cycle"
"Why can't I take the taxi?"
"200 Baht"
He did insist on drawing me a map that ended me up in buttfuck nowhere'sville however.
At this point I was about to lose it. Until today, nobody has had any problem with me whatsoever bringing a bike into a taxi, onto a bus, etc. but all of a sudden today is "Protect the interior of you vehicle day" or something.
I felt like collapsing I was so hungry, and worn out. So I found another taxi driver, maybe he will help me.
"How much you give me?"
"But this is a meter taxi..."
"NOOOOOOOoooooo"
"But I've ridden meter taxis before with my bike and it's been no problem"
"NO!"
Still dead lost I found a group of people and asked them where I was/where to go. The delligated amongst themselves for about 5 minutes before drawing me a map. Once again I got lost....
Bangkok is a confusing place you see. SOoooo I found another group of people and this time I hit gold. I felt like screaming but I kept my cool, these people are actually here to help me..
after about 20 minutes of dellegating between 2...then 3...then 4...and finally 5 Thai people they decide they can't draw me a map but rather just give me a map of Bangkok poiting out not only where I was but where I needed to go.
I was about ready to collapse, my string backpack was digging into my shoulders, several cars have almost turned me into a pancake, and still lost, I did my best to follow that map. I had to ask one more person before finding the road. Then all of a sudden familiarity sets in....I know where I am!?! I know where I am!!!! and I race to my guesthouse.
The receptionist/housekeeper remembered me too and greated me with a hearty hello...probably surprised I was still alive (and at that point I actually was too).
I did it. I came full circle. I rode to the Vietnam border and bussed it back. I survivedthe streets of Bangkok, Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap. I beat the packs of crazy dogs. I dodged the crazy traffic. Through heartache, sweat, blistering sunburns, near breakdowns, and moments of complete elation and euphoria I did it, and in a heartbeat I'll do it again.
This trip has singlehandedly been the one the best experiences of my life, and I can't wait for my next big adventure if God permits me to do so. If not, then I suppose I can at least say I've lived my life for all I can and hope to until the day I die.
After three more days I'll head to Tokyo for what I suppose is some actually relaxing. No more waking up at 6 am to beat the sun, no more running from wild dogs, no more crazy unknown. I think if I were to do this trip differently I wouldn't go to Japan. I want to spent my last days in Thailand, cycling. But there will hopefully be another chance to do so.

Homeless people in Cambodia

2009-12-26T03:52:00.000-08:00

I hate it. There's no social security for them so it's really heartwrenching to see a guy scooting past you with no legs on a hand powered wheelchair (what I mean is they pedal it like a bike with their hands) which was probably blown off by a landmine or cut off by the Khmer Rouge. So since they are missing the limb they can't work and are forced to beg on the streets. I think this enables a feeling of helplessness in them. I want to help them you know? But I can't give away money to everybody, and I don't like the idea of encouraging their helplessness. So I do my best to talk with them, and if I have it, offer them some food or whatever, but there's so many people out here like that and I don't like encouraging this "white guy gives away the bank" ideology that's floating around here. It's hard. Soooo I've been donating some money along my travels to temples and monks. They normally have things in place where people can sleep and eat for at least one meal for free sooo I figured that's the best way to do it so that way I'm not supporting some Yaba (crystal meth) habit or something. I've come across soooo many beggars today it's been really hard not to just bust out crying. I feel like empowering them is the best way to do something. Give them hope that they can succeed, hope that they can do something better, so I talk with them, and treat them like people and not ignore them. Then maybe they can feel better about themselves, motivate themselves, etc. I feel like treating them like real people is the best I can do right now, and maybe when I finish college I can come back with a job that helps encourage them. I dunno, wishful thinking maybe.
That being said. I had the plan this Christmas to buy some toys and hand it out to the poor kids....that plan failed when I realized how many children are destitute...I'd be broke and have a pretty big line left. But they seem happy enough without it so I feel the temples was a better choice.
That being said, I visited the famous Angkor Wat today. It was overcrowded, full of crazed vendors, and a-hole tourists (which I hope I'm not one of"), and crazy, 11th century temples dedicated to various Hindu gods. Angkor used to be a thriving metropolis of over 1 million people in what used to be a very powerful empire. From what I gathered, like most other empires, it collapsed from within before being invaded and sacked by many other rival armies including the Siamese and the Cham.
I started my tour around the Huuuuuuuuge area at Angkor Wat and then circled to Angkor Thom, a large walled city, and lastly to Ta Promh (sp) where one of the Tomb Raider movies was filmed. I saw a lot of smaller, more remote temples as well that I had no idea what they were since I was without guide, and guidebook thanks to my handy dandy bicycle.
Angkor Wat was impressive, huge, but it was very crowded and the moment I exited I was swarmed by maybe twenty ladies trying to sell their wears. I earned the nickname "superman" thanks to my red and black spandex cycling outfit, which unfortunetaly caught a lot of negative attention from the other tourists. They felt it necessary to insult me every chance they got about what I was wearing, I just had to do my best to save face since I feel it's important in this country.
Next was Angkor Thom. It was nice, I found some old trails and just started riding. I got pretty deep in the jungle where I saw some strange squirrel like animals, wild parrots, and a host of lizards, toads, and bugs....oh were there bugs. Angkor Thom was kinda sparce with only the wall of the city remaining and a few large reservoirs of water.
Around that time I was getting hungry and stopped in at a place for lunch. I had to haggle with the shopowner but I got a free soda and a two dollar discount on my lunch (3 bucks for curry/rice/ and a coke!). There I met some pretty cool Tuk Tuk drivers. It was interesting hearing their story. One guy was absolutely certain he would live in the US after he finished school, I was impressed with how motivated he was and I hope he makes it.
The next 3 hours were spent riding around, trekking my way into the Bayon (several square kilometre reservoir the Angkorian people used as a water supply), and generally just visiting other temples and haggling with vendors about acquiring water etc. They really like ripping us whities off but it's fun talking with them since I'm on a bike they seem to take more interest in me and I generally get a better deal than the next guy if I talk with them for a bit.
The last place I wanted to visit was the famed "Tomb Raider Temple", Ta Promh.
Once there I unfortunately found it quite crowded. I think if I would have done this tour in reverse I would have beaten the crowds....damn. anyways this temple was featured in a National Geographic article I read and seeing the photos really made me want to go there. There was one spot in particular where the roots of a tree surround this one entrance into a part of the temple. the whole temple was surrounded by jungle, consumed if you will. I spent some time walking around but my adrenaline started to rise and so I couldn't concentrate. I had to find that opening, I had to be like the monk on the cover of Nat. Geo. I'm sure I was quite a site since I was frantically walking around in my cycling outfit, gloves, helmet and all.
Finally, on my third time around the temple I spotted a tree, and it looked like it could possibly be the one, but how to get there? I began climbing into small crevaces, jumping across fallen stones, entering "Do Not Enter" areas to get there. Eventually I find a small walkway and made my way around the corner and there it was.......it was soo beautiful and so awesome it gave me shivers. It was however quite popular and surrounded by tourists but I didn't care. My camera battery about dead (I had been saving it for this moment) I had a man take a picture for me. First time, the camera died outright.....Second time, *snap* and I had my photo. about three pictures later my camera died for good.
Feeling Successful I made my way around the temple one more time taking in the sights, sounds, and smells (which was a quite a nice smell minus my stinky self).
The ride back into town was fun too. I raced motorbikes, weaved my way through rush hour traffic and dodged trucks, cars, and vans. All in all it was a good day. I even had ice cream for dessert!
Tomorrow I make my way back into Bangkok by bus (10 hours.....) and will head back to the hotel I started in. There I will figure out what to do with my bicycle and get the rest of my Christmas gifts for folk and maybe see a few more sights before heading off to part 3 of my adventure, Japan.
To be honest I really don't want to leave here. I want to find a job as an english teacher or something and just live my life here a while. Whatever the case I'll be back. I may have to finish school but I'll be back, and I will live here. I love this culture, and I've met so many interesting people it's been amazing and I can't wait to come back here again.

Stoooommmaccchh fluuuuuuuuu

2009-12-25T04:23:00.000-08:00

Yes I'm afraid so. I've been sitting on the toilet the last few hours. Luckily, I'm loaded with all sorts of lovely drugs and have been holding up quite well thanks to them!
Anyways I'm in Siem Reap now. Strangely enough Siem Reap means, "Siam Defeated"....meaning the Thai's. But if it weren't for the French the Thai's would still be in control of Angkor....huh...
Anyways, I arrived in Kampot by bicycle and the city is great! Real small, easy to navigate, lacking in motobikes, very nice place.
The next day I decided to go caving in the nearby caves. At the first place I met these small children, Sai and Khok, and they showed me around the place. It started out as just another silly tour...but then they realized I could climb.. So then they started taking me all over this cave up crevaces over walls through tiny openings in the cave. It was awesome. I went to another cave after that but it just wasn't as good.
After my adventure in caving I cycled to the resort city of Kep. Kep was a place where the Khmer elite would spend their days, until Pol Pot came to power in '75 and destroyed the place. There I visited a villa created by king Sihanouk. He was hoping to retire there but well...you know. I also had some yummy seafood at the oceanfront.
The next day I hopped a bus and made my way to Phnom Penh. I can't say I really that city. It's polluted, crowded, dangerous, full of people jumping at the chance to rob you blind...yeah my not kind of thing. So I only stayed one night to see the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng prison, also known as S-21. I can't say I enjoyed the experience, it was really messed up what the Khmer Rouge did, and the US supported it. Ugh, it was bad. Plus, all the skulls of the deceased are on display in this temple.
Sooo today I'm sick, and had to take a 6 hour bus ride to Siem Reap. Needless to say it was rough. However this city has a much nicer vibe to it than the bussling capitol. It's about half the size but dramatically cleaner and so far the people are quite friendly. As long as my health holds out I'll go and visit Angkor Wat tomorrow on my last cycling adventure of this trip. In a couple days I'll make my way back to Bangkok where I'll fly to Japan to see my friends and take it easy...hopefully no more stomach flu.
Oh Merry Christmas everybody!!!

Soooo much has happened!!!!

2009-12-22T00:05:00.000-08:00

I think the last time I wrote I was making my way to Koh Chang island off the coast of Thailand. Well I went there, and it was great! I stayed in a bungalow right off the super secluded beach (because of the terrible roads) on the far south side of the island. I went snorkeling, met some amazing people and got some really bad sunburns. It was soooo nice. After two nights in Koh Chang I made my way back to Trat and stayed one more night there before finally making my way into Cambodia. It's funny how I thought I would spend all of my vacation here but I'm actually only staying one week!!
The difference from Thailand and Cambodia was instantaneous. The Thai's are sooooo much wealthier than people here in Cambodia. Crossing the border was like going from modern civilazation to something out of Mad Max. This place seriously reminds me of something post apocalyptic (which I suppose is the case with Pol Pot and all that). Also, they drive on the right here and on the left in Thailand...that was really weird for me.
Koh Kong City was dirty, rundown, and full of people that made me feel like a nice stroll in the dark wouldn't be so nice...I stayed in after I ate dinner.
The next day (which was yesterday) I left Koh Kong City and made my way to Sri Ambel, a place about 140 km away (80 miles) where the book SAID it would be a nice quiet town right off the highway. Well the beginning of the trip was beautiful. I was the only person on the newly paved road with jungle on both sides. I heard monkeys, saw a snake and a variety of different tropical birds. I kept and eye out for elephants but didn't see any. And then I hit the Cardamom mountain range. Now I'm not used to climbing hills here because aside from Koh Chang (which was insane) there really haven't been that many hills. Needless to say it was absolutely exhausting. I've never been so tired before. After that moutain there was another...
Anyways Finally I leave the mountains and I stop and rest and boom! I had a flat tire...
After that I continued eastward toward my goal, 40 km...30 km....20 km....10 km, my legs were burning and exhaustion had consumed me. The last 10 km was grueling. Finally I arrive in Sri Ambel...or so I thought. As it turns out Sri Ambel was another 3 km down this very treaterous looking road. Well it was getting dark and I had been on my bike for 10 hours so I had no choice but to press on. Slowly I make my way down the road. I was doing quite well until I hear this *hisssssssss* come from my bike tire after taking one bump too many. From that point on I was walking my bike, with about fifty pounds of gear resting on that flat tire. But what else could I do? Darkness was approaching, I was exhausted, and I could feel that bed in that guesthouse, so I kept walking that bike along. The constant nag from children following me, shouting "HELLO!!!!"and laughing was getting to me. *Save face Micah, don't lose your cool, just keep going* "HELLO!!!" I kept walking, exhaustion taking my strength away. people pointing out my flat tire and then laughing at me. I had to walk through the entire village to get to the guesthouse. Every child was shouting, every person staring, laughing, pointing. When I finally got to the guesthouse I closed the door, and did my best not to lose it. That night I couldn't find a restaurant and ended up having sweets for dinner. I went to bed early...
So today at 5:30 am I had to leave that city!! I figured I could get out before everybody woke. I fixed my bike the night before and decided I had to ride out of that city, as a personal goal I had to be on that bike on that horrible road. So I set out, slowly. One bump...another, and another. My bike was tossed all over that road and me with it. Nobody was up but the dogs and the occasional shop owner. I rode right out of that town, and on the highway and covered as much ground as possible before resting.
Today my fortunes were much more in my favor. I met and chatted with a monk, who gave me a personal tour of the local temple. I spoke english with a girl my sisters age who had dreams of becoming an interpreter. I ate with a group of gruff Khmer men, each of whom had survived the Khmer Rouge Holocaust (One man even had a scar running down his face). I raced little children on their bikes. I was chased by mobs of kids as I entered their town, giving them each high fives. The constant "HELLO!!!" was much less annoying now that I was in good temperment and not ready to keel over and die. I had no mountains to worry about and got some great views of the coast, the mountains, and what the daily lives of these amazing people are like.
These people have nothing, absolutely nothing, but they are so happy, so hardworking, so full of life and promise. What does that say about us back home?
Today I arrived in Kampot city, a small provincal capitol, and this...sadly...is where my bike trip comes to an end.
I want to push on, my heart is screaming at me to push on. *Go into Vietnam, see the hill tribe peoples, make your way into Laos, China, Mongolia, Korea....* I want to keep going, I don't want my cycling to end. However I still have a couple small trips set up for me and the bike. My tires are thrashed, but this has to have been the best trip I've ever taken. I just wish I could keep going. Just means I'll have to save my money and maybe someday I'll be able to take a yearlong trip on that back of that bike.
Tomorrow I will make my way to some caves, and then to a nearby beach and after that I'll bus it to Phnom Penh, then to Siem Riap where I will visit Angkor Wat and then make my back to Bangkok before departing to Japan to see my friends.
Soo I suppose I'll just have to start saving when I get back...damn you travel bug...

I love internet cafe's

2009-12-13T23:48:00.002-08:00

Not only are they cozy, and airconditioned...but also dirt cheap!!!
So I left Bangkok yesterday morning and went to Sri Racha. My last night in Bangkok was nuts and it involved celebrating the queen with literally millions of pink-shirted Thais, but also going to a karaoke bar where the only english songs were Elvis Presley...haha ohhhh maannn. In Sri racha my hotel room was directly over the ocean on these crazy stilts. I felt kinda bad going to the bathroom but what could I do?
At first the town seemed kinda boring...until I went to Ko Loi temple. in a pond outside the temple had a pool full of sea turtles that you could feed cuttlefish for 10 baht. It was ammaaaaazing! For dinner I had a nice oceanview on this very japanese restaurant (I sat on the floor with a tatami) and ate what was quite possibly the single spiciest food I've ever eaten in my life. It looked like a harmless salad but my god. I went to bed early because of my ride, but would have liked to go out. They had quiet a few music venues but what can you do? Soooo today I took the 70 km ride to Rayong (sp?) It was a long ride but not too strenuous. It was actually quite flat sooo it was nice...minus the traffic. I never thought there'd be this many cars, trucks, buses and motorbikes this far from Bangkok but I guess not...There were a couple of close calls but Thai drivers are surprisingly curteous to cyclists. It was really nice. On the highway there is even a lane for motorbikes and bicycles. I stopped off at a few roadside stands and caused quite a comotion being a scantily clad white guy riding down on a bike. And don't even get me started on the flat tire....it's like the whole village decided to come out and help me...
Rayong seems nice and once it cools down a bit I might do a little sightseeing. There's a pretty cool looking market in the town center.
Tomorrow I cruise off to Chanthaburi and from there to Trat where I'll hangout for a few days and probably go visit the nearby island for a night of beachside relaxation.
Anyways that's my life right now. I think I'm going to go aloe up my legs...they HURT!!!!!

I love internet cafe

2009-12-13T23:48:00.001-08:00

My bike arrived!!!

2009-12-11T23:35:00.000-08:00

Not only that but it's in great shape and is ready to rock and roll!!!! The box was pretty thrashed so I need to get a new one but I think I should be able to find one when I arrive in Phnom Penh. I think I'm also going to try mailing it back to my house to avoid that frickin' two hundred dollar fee associated with bikes... ::shutter::
Today I saw more monks than I've ever seen in my life...it was nuts. Also, I had a great lunch at this little hole in the wall place. The bill.....less than 2 dollars including a soda, and that's pretty much how it's been the whole time around here. Everything is soooo cheap it's great.
Also, the boats are pretty sweet. It's like taking a bus...only it's a packed boat.
I'm leaving Bangkok tomorrow for Si Racha, a small resort town on the East coast. From there I'm biking it. I'm just freaked out by bangkok traffic to even attempt to ride out of here. Otherwise everything is going great and it's looking to be a good trip.

Still no bike....

2009-12-11T17:48:00.000-08:00

:/

But I do have everything else I need to get this bike rolling...now if only it would roll over here.
I'm going to call the service today and see what's going on, hopefully it's just being delivered on Thai time and there isn't a real problem. Yesterday I went all over the city and ended up in some pretty wild shopping areas to get the last of the things I need. I got a voltage converter, thank god, and a few other things so I can make it into Cambodia etc. So now i'll just make sure I get that bike delivered TOOODAYYYY because otherwise I'm in trouble.
OH! I almost forgot. Sooo I broke a rule yesterday...twice.....
The one thing everybody told me not to do...I did.....oh yes...I drank the water....
However, it was ice and so far I seem to be doing allright. Honestly I couldn't avoid it.....honest!
Anyways, today I'm going to the Emerald Buddha and the imperial palace of the first kind. I've heard it's quite beautiful.
Oh! and I've eaten the best eggs ever today...my god were they good...mmmmmm

I LIIIIIIVVEEEE!!!!!

2009-12-10T17:08:00.000-08:00

Erm, sorta.

There was a slight problem in transit and my bike was left behind in Seattle....with the host of my other goods in that box including.sunblock...ouch. However it's no biggy. I don't leave Bangkok until Sunday (It's Friday right now). The flight was long, stopping off in Japan made me miss it but getting here....you know...surprisingly I'm not culture shocked at all. Since I was in 'Nam last year I feel like I've gotten used to this kind of environment and it feels sorta....homely.
The taxi driver I had was pretty crazy. In the back of his car had all these posters of places where you can get a "massage". He also suggested I pay him a set price instead of the meter, which was more expensive, and go to another hotel because mine was "very bad". Once he realised he wasn't going to scam me he was actually really helpful. I appreciated talking to him and he woke up the receptionist for me sooo yeah.
I just wish I had my bike...

Today I'm going to try and make my way to a place to get my Cambodian visa and a few other things I couldn't acquire before I left and if my bike comes tonight I should be set!!
On Sunday I'm taking a bus to a town on the east coast so I don't have to deal with traffic here (this city is massive!!!). Anyways that's what's going on with me, I'll have more up later....
but now, it's breakfast time!!

About to go...

2009-12-03T08:16:00.000-08:00

I've completed my shopping list for my trip and will be outta here in 6 days! Hopefully any weird thing that happens should be taken care of by what I have. I can't wait to do this. I'll be sure to come back safe and see you all when I'm home. Also, thanks for everybody's help on this. I wouldn't have been able to take this trip without the help of everyone. So thanks!
That's all for now. I just have to get through finals and I'll be home free.....

A new post!

2009-11-16T19:48:00.000-08:00

I'm leaving in 3 weeks for the craziest trip I think I've planned yet. Wish me luck. More to follow...

Oh, the term is almost over too....YUS!!!!

hangovers suck.

2009-03-15T12:51:00.000-07:00

Here's my life:

I got a new gun! A springfield xd 9mm sub-compact, and man is she perdy. It's a fun shooter, and was a good choice in my opinion for a variety of activities such as homeland security, backpacking, rabbit hunting, and just all around having a good time. So yeah I think it was a good choice.

School is about over, I have two finals and then it's spring break for me! WOoo!!! (runs off topless)
::ahem:: which means I can go back to playing video games, ah how I miss thee. Maybe I'll actually be able to beat final fantasy 12 this time around!

Lately I've been really tired, and by looking on the internet, I found out that I'm undernourishing myself (boo). In a day my body burns over 3000 calories, and I haven't been eating that much in a day....sooo, I have to reconsider my diet of less meat I think if I want to work out this much...I'm not sure how I feel about it and if there is anything I can do to work around it but we'll see. It also makes sense though because I've been getting more and more tired when I work out and I've been having a harder time completing the same goals I could do with ease a month ago...I don't know

The cast party was last night!! And now I have a terrible hangover (I played beer pong for the first time) but it was good times, I'm gonna miss working with everybody, but I'll see some of them again if I get casted for the next play so I guess its not all bad eh?

Pretty soon I'll be applying to my job in Alaska, as well as working towards getting scholarships for Portland State, and figuring out what I need to do in order to study abroad in Japan. I must say I'm excited to leave Salem, 3 years here is too long, some life progression is going to feel nice and hanging out in Portland again will be kind of nice.

With the economic downturn my hours are being cut at Target, so I'm having to come up with new means to accumulate wealth. Besides re-opening my e-business, I'm going to start...ugh...donating plasma in order to pay off Chemeketa. So i'll literally be paying for my school with my own blood.....but what else can I do?

And that's me

car wrecks and acting...

2009-03-06T22:21:00.000-08:00

not a good combination.

I didn't get in a car wreck however, it was just very nearly a car wreck.....stupid jerk.....

Anyways! The play I'm in's last show is tomorrow, so those of you who haven't seen it... ::ahem::!!! should do so! It's an awesome show, and you get to see me play an 11 year old! 2 in fact! If you can't make it though I won't be too upset, so just do whatcha can.

I got my tax return back too, a whopping 700 big one's! What should I do with it? Pay off debt.....nah. Save it?......uhm...nope! Go to Houston to see Miyavi live in concert........::sigh:: if only...... Buy a handgun??? Ahhhh hell yeah! I'm thinking a xd 9mm....buuuuuut I'm not sure...there's a gun show in Albany I might go to if the gun store tomorrow doesn't pan out. So we'll see what I end up with, in either case it'll be badass!!!

Well that's my life, time for bed!

allright...

2009-02-20T09:39:00.001-08:00

Well I've had a little time to relax, my apologies for the rant...hopefully it made some sense. Sometimes I have a lot to say so it tends to get a bit disorganized....

Anyways, state of the planet aside, My show opens next week! So if you want to see it I encourage you to come on down! It's thursday, friday, and saturday of next week and the week after at 7:30. I think it's 8 dollars, but it could be 10.....anyways, if you want to come, please do, and bring your friends!!!

Oh, and one of the actors from the movie Twilight, is hitting on my girlfriend......yeah I'm not kidding.

people are retards...fuck

2009-02-17T21:08:00.001-08:00

So, as most of you don't know I've had a major shift in eating habits within the last 6 months. I've cut out red meat, I'm starting to buy organic, I don't eat chicken anymore, and I'm reducing my meat intake to entirely fish, but only that one's that are sustainably harvested if I can help it. I'm also trying to buy more locally grown foods. This isn't because of some ethical reason, like I'm trying to save the poor mentally retarded cows, or chickens. But rather because this planet, whether you believe it or not, is overly populated, too populated to sustain people eating a diet of mostly meat products...allow me to explain using cattle ranching as an example.

The amount of energy that is required to produce a pound of beef could sustain one hundred people for one meal. So, if a 365 lbs. cow could sustain one person for one year, then it could sustain one hundred people for one year. This is because energy transfer between food webs, is highly unproductive. That's because the life burns that energy through activity such as growth, reproduction, respiration, movement, etc. It needs to keep replenishing energy that is lost through those practices. So in a typical food web we see a much larger quantity of beings lower on the food web, that is, beings that get their energy through the sun, or through consumption of photosynthetic organisms. Still following?

what I'm saying is If you were to look at a typical foodweb, the amount of energy calories, which is measured in volume, is going to be much greater at the bottom because of the energy that gets lost through above activites. This is called the 10% efficiancy rule. Meaning, 10% of the energy that's available gets transferred to the next level in the food web. The grasshopper eats plants, which gets eaten by a frog, which gets eaten by a fish, which gets eaten by an osprey, which gets preyed on by a cougar.....etc etc.

So If you look at a cow, which gets fed primarily grass and corn, that grass and corn could be harvested for our consumption, and there would be a much larger amount of food available for other people. about ten times more, not counting the land that is used for cattle that could be used for agriculture.
So, using this approach, if everyone on the planet were to assume a lifestyle similar to mine in diet, the amount of land needed for agriculture to supply the world's population would be much less than we are currently using, which means more potential habitat for animals, less starving people in africa, a delay in global warming, the creation of new jobs and a stimulating economy due to new business ventures etc.

Did you know the world only gets 1% of its diet from marine ecosystems? Therefore, there's many things that we could eat in order to get our protein intake that we aren't even tapping into. Instead we're harvesting beef, and well..I just explained about that.

the problem stems from the fact that the Chinese (over 1 billion people) are beginning to have a "western" diet, high in meat products. This is going to put a huge strain on an already stretched food industry, and I think in the near future we're going to see a very bad situation arise from this.

Anyways, I was eating a vegetable sandwich (which is quite delicious mind you) outside of rehearsal today, and one of the actors begins to debate with me about why I've decided to do this. He didn't see my point of view, claimed that environmental science was based on emotion and not facts and dispelled what I said as pure emotion, and not truth.

Other people began to gather at this point and started talking about 2012........fuck

I've been trying to be optimistic about the survival of many the earths animal and plant species that are facing extinction, but the more I know, the more depressing it gets. Also, the more I realize how blind most people are on the subject of science, the worse it seems to be.

People put religion first, dispelling science as myth. I don't know how many times I've heard "the world's going to end soon anyways so why does it even matter" and every time I get closer to just decking that fucker in the face. It's exactly that kind of mindset that's further putting us into the shit hole. This 2012, end of the world, revelation phenonema bullshit.

In science class people were talking about how the general public has no idea about the issue facing our native salmon species. Did you know that over 100 species of salmon in the Pacific Northwest has been driven to extinction? Some of these salmon were over 130 pounds. But yet you can buy salmon at the supermarket for 5 dollars a pound. That's because those salmon are farm raised, extracted from a viable wild stock, or shipper from areas like russia, Chile, etc.

Anyways, sorry to be such a downer, but I don't get how people just don't want to educate themselves on these issues. It's no wonder we're fucked.

Drying Rack...FAIL!

2009-02-15T15:50:00.000-08:00

Yeah I know I haven't posted in a while, I'm terrible.

Anyways, here are the going ons.

I, yours truly, have been accepted to Portland State University! Pretty soon I will be able to leave Salem and put my life into the next gear, which I believe is second..... I'm not sure if I will go there or not because I'm still waiting to hear back from Oregon State but I think living in Portland would be cool. I could see some of my old friends, go to concerts, live on my own, see the sights, live on my own. etc.etc.

If any of you don't know I'm going to be majoring in Environmental Science with a Japanese minor..or major...two majors would be awesome I just need to know the specifics of it. I will also minor in marine biology because the coolest creatures really do come from the sea!

Also, I'm applying for a job to go to Alaska this summer to work in cannery. It sounds rough, the hours sound shitty, but it'll be another adventure, I'll be in the wildest region of America, and I'll walk away with over $10,000 by the end of it. Enough money to live on my own and pay my ass through school so I won't have to work much will I go. The best part is that I know I'll be able to do it, and that alone is just awesome to me. I don't know many people that could say the same.

I'm still working out in preparation for the marathon I'll be running. Pretty soon I'll be getting ready to campaign for sponsors to well...sponsor me on my run in order to have wells built in Africa. Good cause no?

In more recent events, my attempts at being "green" took a disastrous downturn. Allow me to explain:
At work we sell drying racks for a fairly low price. I figured that if I bought that I could greatly cut down on my energy consumption from my bi-weekly laundry runs. So I bought one, set it up and threw my wet clothes on it. When I arrived to the bathroom in the morning it was destroyed....the weight of the wet clothes completly shattered the support bar...go figure. So not only do I still use the dryer, I supported more orders of the product, which means more will be made in China...etc. etc. and that ladies and gentlemen is what I call a FAIL.
ｰﾄﾏｽ

earthday.net

2009-01-12T17:20:00.001-08:00

Soooo in environmental science class I was selected as the class guinea pig in order to figure out my ecological footprint. As some of you may be aware I'm what you'd like to call, ecologically conscious. meaning, I try to take some steps in order to cut down my impact on the globe (buying locally and used, recycling like a crack head, etc.). Well, as it turns out if everyone on the planet shared my lifestyle it would require a total of 4.3 planet earths to sustain the ﾄﾏｽ invasion. Which, when compared to the typical American citizen, isn't all that bad.... depressing really. I think the main issue is that I live in by the world's standards a large house that consumes a lot of electricity, and drive a car that exhausts wayy too much fuel. Go consumption!
That being said, you should go find out what your ecological footprint is! The website is the title of my blog. Who knows, maybe you can find ways to cut back, and save not only money, but some space on the earth for other people as well.
As a side note, the other person in my class that also took this quiz thing had a total of 6.2 earths used, so I guess I wasn't as bad as some people.

Me? Casted?!

2009-01-09T22:27:00.000-08:00

Yes, you read the title correctly! I, yours truly, have been casted in the winter production of Our Town by Thornton Wilder. I'm playing two characters...minor characters I'm sad to admit but I actually got casted! It's kind of a cool feeling, because this doesn't happen to me too often. Anyways, I can't wait to experience this and I'm going to do my best to observe the process and become a better overall actor. If anything this will be a fun time.
That being said, Japanese class is going well...if not extremely difficult, the new instructor is harsh to say the least....
Okay, I'm tired, I'll write more later
-ﾄﾏｽ

dealing with the public...

2009-01-04T01:16:00.000-08:00

can be freakin' stressful! I'm sure anybody that's worked in a retail job has had their days where they just get a crapload of shitty customers. Well today was that kind of a day for me. I just have to keep telling myself that I'm going places and the only reason I get treated that way is because people get envious of my life, the fact that I'm happy, and that their stuck with no life whatsoever (to get mad about self inflicted late fees and expired coupons only proves that point).
To end the night on a happier note than I am, I have officially applied to Portland State University and Oregon State University. Of course I will get accepted to both because I managed to rock this term and bring my cumulative gpa to a 3.59! So all I have to do now is pick which university I want to go to.
I know today was awful but I just have to keep telling myself that I want to do this. I want to work, I want to be here. Japan is worth it Japan is worth it Japan is worth it. If I have my way (which I pray to God I do) I'll be studying abroad for a year in the land of the rising sun. I suppose we'll see what happens but I found a really cool program that if the Indian tribe pays for I will be able to afford and go do. I just have to keep studying the language and I'll be able to see this dream become reality.
I know this is long but I haven't updated in a while. The new term starts next Monday and so does some more acting! So if you want to see me in some productions I will be doing several, every other friday at the chemeketa mini-theatre. It'll be fun and you can watch me do my best on stage! I'll post more info as it becomes available to me.
Well just typing this made me feel a little better, and seeing as how I have to be up in 3.5 hours to go to Target I'm going to bed. Goodnight
ｰﾄﾏｽ

Hamlet.......Does Godawful come to mind??

2008-12-04T17:40:00.000-08:00

So we did our Hamlet scenes this week, and let me tell you, it was terrible. All but a few people did really bad (Rory, you sir are in the "few" category). Even I did shitty. I wasn't acting, I don't know what I was doing really, I suppose I was just trying to get it over with. Redemption, thy name is Tartuffe!!!
I'd like to have some grand excuse for this...erm....lapse, but I'm not sure what caused it. I suppose I just never made time for it, which is stupid of me because it's three needed credits so I can graduate. But I had two major projects, the play, moving, and Japanese homework to do, so I guess that's what slowed me in wanting to learn. Oh and I just started my second job again working at 4 am, so I'm "readjusting" my life so to speak (Hey! that's not as bad of an excuse as I thought!!!)
Anyways, Tartuffe is up and I'm determined not to fail. I will do this, I have to do this. I will be better, just as soon as I write Terry's journals and essay.......(fuck).

All Things Baseball...and Yellow Stockings...

2008-11-18T23:11:00.000-08:00

So it's been a while since I really made a post here, oh where oh where do I begin?
The Brighton Beach Memoirs is going quite well. I was so impressed by how everything just sort of "snapped" together at the last minute and disorganized as we were, the whole cast and crew really put on their A game last Thursday for opening. It was so beautiful I almost cried.
We just have one more week left of the production but if you get the chance seeeee itttttt! It's amazing. I'll be there on Thursday and then I'll be AWOL for the rest of the production, only to hand back props at the beginning of next week to their respectful owners.
Despite the huge amount of stress that accompanies a performance, I'm really glad I got to be a part of it and even more so that I was able to see the whole thing through to the end without going bald! (I like having hair...)
I just hope the momentum carries us into next week where we can wrap this production up and worry about the next one in January (of which I will be auditioning for) :)
As for class, we did our Twelfth Night scenes today. Let me tell you, I would have much rather preferred we did them last Thursday. I was very tired, not in the mindset of the character and oh baby did it show like a hookers butt cheek. I still got a good grade but had I been in the "zone" I would have been much more apt to receiving a better grade. But what can you do? I still did good...just not great.
But at least it is out of the way. I can begin focusing on my third play, Hamlet. Ugh, how I hate your iambic pentameter Shakespeare, how I hate it. It's difficult to work on, but I will get it down, or at least I'll give it my best shot.
On a complete side note I am so glad this term is coming to its dramatic conclusion. I'll have a degree. I'll have a life again, and most importantly of all, I'll have money, money that I can use to do my most favorite drug in the world, heroine! (It's actually travelling, just in case you were getting worried).
-ﾄﾏｽ

"Obama Is Unkind Perdy".....

2008-11-08T14:03:00.000-08:00

Since SOMEBODY! cut my internet at my house, I'm at a coffee shop writing this so I'm going to make this quick.
Acting class has taken a turn for the better! I've been able to successfully complete my messenger speech (twice mind you!) and soon will be presenting my and Rory's scene from Twelfth Night (hence the title).
However the play production is really coming down to the wire. I can't believe we are actually going to present Thursday. We don't even have all the props, people aren't memorized, the stage is coming together nicely though....But yeah, high stress environment. Several things are still hanging in the air so I'll just keep my fingers crossed that it gets completed successfully. But where there's a will there's a way I suppose.
Okay this is the only time I'll say this, and I promise I'll never use my blog for writing about this again, but I am sick and tired of everyone having so much faith in Obama, or as I like to call him, Obamarama. He is a politician, and being such he's a goddamn liar. Everyone has so much faith for him to "fix" the economy, to "fix" Washington, and to make America great again. But what they don't realize is that it's not up to a President to fix the economy, that's the whole point of Free Trade. It's up to us, business owners, lenders, and consumers. Only we can turn around the economy and only we can change the outlook of this now looming recession.
I'm going to end this little complaint on this note: I was listening to the radio several days ago, during the night of the election, and a lady had called into Mark and Dave on 1190 KEX radio station. She was glad Obama won but she was worried that Obama wouldn't take office in time to help her. She is unable to make a payment on her home and her car and the bank is going to repossess both if she doesn't come up with enough money to help pay it off, and I'm sure many Americans are feeling this pinch. So she needed him to take office now so he can help her from losing those things.
Another lady was upset because she was unable to make her student loan payment. Obama said to her that it's okay, we'll find a way to help you pay off your loan.
Both examples are of people living beyond their means and as a result are suffering because of the choices they made, and not doing what they could to get around that.
Does someone making low wage need a house and a new car so bad that they're willing to pull themselves severly into debt?
How foolish can the student be for not pursuing other options such as financial aid and scholarships? or instead going to a community college her first two years, or possibly going to school instate and not choosing to go to that private school that's five times as much?
So according to Obama only people making over 250,000 will have to pay for these people right? http://www.americanthinker.com/2008/10/senator_obamas_four_tax_increa.html read that and find out.
And even if that is so, does it make it right? If I made poor choices and ended up owing a large sum in student loans should someone I've never met have to suffer the consequences for my poor decision making?
Should I be responsible for the woman callers house payment and new car payment while I'm living within my means making smart choices and driving an old junker?
No, it's not fair, it's not right, and if the founding fathers both republican and democrat heard this they'd be rolling in their graves.
This is only part of my guff with Obama and I could go on forever but I'll stop with this. Next time you look at Obama, look at what he's voted for, approved of, and who his contacts are. You'd be surprised.
Okay one more thing, look up his idea of a "civilian corp". Another leader had this same idea, out of Germany, in the 1930's.......
Prove me wrong Obama for the love of God prove me wrong.

We're dancing to the beat of nightmares!!!

2008-11-01T17:08:00.000-07:00

Well this was quite the eventful Halloween if I must say so myself. The set is being built, my wisdom teeth came out, I saw a Halloween dance thing at Chemeketa, and tonight, tonight I'm going to see Twelfth Night so as to better understand the play, my character Malvolio, and of course to have a good time. I think there's a lot to be looking out for while seeing this play, especially that whole deal about the "fool", that's going to be important.
I don't know what it is but I feel this term that I'm not giving my all so to speak. I mean I'm trying, but I am not seeming to be as successful as I usually am in school. Hopefully I'll be able to overcome that before the term sees it's dramatic conclusion.
It looks like since we've casted Susan the whole production has really kicked into high gear, I can feel the energy all around me whenever I'm around the cast and technical crew. I'll be overseeing the construction of the prop table tomorrow if I feel up to it so hopefully that should be fun.
Anyways, think there's enough time in the term to turn my grades around if I feel that I'm being sloppy. I just have to turn this week into the same energy that I've seen the cast do. Maybe that's all I need is a little good fortune in the air.
-ﾄﾏｽ

Sooo.....about that messenger...

2008-10-26T12:41:00.001-07:00

Yeah it sucked. It really sucked, and Gabrielle was pissed.....more so than I've seen her before. I can't believe we all got shot down like that. Not one person successfully completed it, well....(self glory coming..watch out!!!!)...I did after about 10 attempts. I'm not sure what Gabrielle was expecting out of us though, I mean, I normally don't read that kind of material so the language is really new to me, and the fact that I did as good as I did was surprising. But I bet if I had one more day I could have been able to do it.
The other person who I thought did good was Louis, had he been able to complete it that is.
Yeah this one's short, I have a hangover so what more do you want from me?

What do you think Rory? I thought it was rough but maybe I'm just the odd man out.

-ﾄﾏｽ

Oedipus....epidus....eledis....ah forget it...

2008-10-14T21:36:00.000-07:00

Soooo we're on our third week in acting two and everyone is going......uhhh.....well....we're all a bunch of slackers. What can I say? I've never done Greek Theatre before, it's challenging, and I also have 16 other credits that need my attention just as badly as this one. So as much as I love reading my monologue, I'm also bogged down with a million other assignments, but I suppose that's how it goes, oh and did I mention my car hates me?
Anyways, Greek theatre is rough. It's so different than what we think of today as acting, and it's something I've never done before, which makes it extra challenging, not sure how the rest of the class is doing, but I'm sure I'll find out Thursday....which reminds me.....Guys and Dolls on Friday!!! WOOHOO!!!!!!
I can't wait to see that show! I think it'll be one of the better performances I've been to and it'll be cool to see a show again since the last one I saw was back in Early September (Water Puppet Theatre, Vietnam).
Oh yeah, back to Oedipus.
I think this piece is clear evidence of a cultural boundary I need to overcome, and if I can do this, then I'm pretty sure any theatre coming my way will be a piece of cake, I just have to memorize the damn monologue, and throw as much Greek stuff in there as possible (Voice, Actions, and commanding a 180 degree stage). Oh yeah...and actually finding the meaning in these jumbled sentences.
Anyways onto Rory, how do you handle this assignment? Is it difficult for you? Or have you done this before? Do you have any advice for me?
I suppose that's all
-ﾄﾏｽ

FAIL!

2008-10-06T17:43:00.000-07:00

So here I am, after a terrible weekend, and a terribly stressful day...defeated....Let me explain.
Last weekend I was unable to fix my car after 10+ hours of trying to do so, the best I could do was put it back into the same shape it was before I even tried fixing it in the first place...and now I have to pay $250 so that way I can have it fixed....boo....How the relates to acting is this: While I was "fixing" my car, I could have been working on my audition, which was for the part of Eugene, and although I feel I did well....it wasn't quite well enough to land me the part.
Two things that are so unrelated but make you feel just as crappy in the end. I couldn't fix my car because I'm not an experienced enough mechanic, and I couldn't land the part because I'm not an experienced enough actor.
However, it was slightly relieving to open my mailbox after today to realize my book for acting class had arrived! Now at least I can start reading the text and not feel so out of touch in class.
Speaking of class, I think we're supposed to read something...and pick a scene...and get a partner...Rory? Partner? Read? Scene?

Come one come all!!

2008-10-02T08:58:00.000-07:00

If you're reading this blog then you know me, if not, then you can call me Thomas Atkins (the British version of Jon Doe), Tom, Tommy, Atty, Kinsy, or any other play on the name you would like. This is being used for two reasons:
1. I'm terrible at writing emails regularly
2. I'm going to talk about my life, primarily, my life in acting and all the mistakes and triumphs along the way.

As a short introduction, or じこしょうかい, I'm a college student, at the ripe age of twenty one. I have no interest to take acting as my major (I'm actually a science major), but I do plan to act for the rest of my days.

So there it is, I hope you enjoy the show.

-ﾄﾏｽｱﾂｷﾝｽ