eaglet's hideaway

ya don't know how lovely ya are...

2005-03-13T22:53:00.001-05:00

This is today's obligitory daily blog post.

Found someone (I think) to go with me to Evie's guitar playing, and spread the word around my church friends about the gig, so some people might be coming. You should come too, it should be fun.

Totally played the wrong hymn in church. Well, it was supposed to be 114 in the PSALM book, but I played the intro for 114 in the HYMN book, and when I finished, pastor sort of looked over at me and said, 'Gregory, is that 114 in the *psalter*?' People still told me I done good afterward, though, so I evidentially didn't ruin their Sunday too badly.

Came home to an...interesting...email...which will remain undescribed for the time being, seeing as I gouged out my eyes shortly after seeing it, and am currently unable to feel anything but the pain.

Oh, the pain.

ya don't know how lovely ya are...

2005-03-13T22:53:00.000-05:00

all I can see is black and white and white and pink and blades of blue

2005-03-12T22:16:00.000-05:00

Have you ever gotten all dressed up and looking good and just wanted someone to see you? God I'm so vain. At least she commented, so my ego wasn't bruised.

Work today was fine. Nothing too much excitement, aside from Caitlyn (I have no idea how to spell it) finally working cashier again rather than the oh-so-not-nearby floral departement that she's been in for the past few weeks.

Went over to Jason's studio, I think made some progress. Should be interesting.

No TXT messages today.

you could save me with a smile, I could love you for a while

2005-03-12T00:07:00.000-05:00

Wow. Amazing amazing night. You know how a certain girl whose name rhymes with Werin likes to talk about how amazing her nights are and you feel so jealous because your night wasn't nearly so amazing? Well, my night was that amazing.

It started out, I was at work. And I got a TXT message. Which, you know, is cool to get a TXT message while customers are being annoying, there's somebody who's sending you messages. Yay, so I'm happy.

Then Ms. Dollar calls me, wants to hang out. Problem is, I'm at work till 10.30. I manage to find somebody to exchange shifts so I can leave at just the same time Sarah is finishing the thing she was doing before hanging out. And then she brings the awesome Ms. Winter with her. And we head over to the 'Bou, and there's a bunch of cute emo girls and boys there, and I get to look at them whilst Sare and Kind talk girl stuff. And I get to drink a Turtle Mocha, which brings back a tonload of memories. Just the sort of hanging out and having exciting conversations that makes you smile inside the whole time, you know?

I know this sounds stupid, I know I'm just partially high on caffiene, but still. Oh, and then a girl I used to work with saw me and said she was my stalker.

And tomorrow I'll be possibly practicing for what might turn into something cool, and that will be cool if it happens.

And the whole day I'm thinking about the amazing movie me and Fig are making. And then I come home, and Fig's made such a great poster, and it makes the whole thing seem real, which it never has before.

Fig's Poster.

I wrote the film that inspired that poster. Rock the frick on, you know? I'm sorry that the poster makes pretty much no sense if you haven't seen the film, but still. Fig's got actors and everything, he should be shooting very soon.

Now you're going to tell me to take a deep breath and calm down, but I'm too happy to. Share in my joy at the wondressness of life, eh?

womens is crazy, and I'm kinda lazy, ooh, I think I'm gonna die alone

2005-03-11T02:01:00.000-05:00

Three things rocked today.

1. Getting the Gold Trim on Fresh Fruit EP. Check it out at velcromary.com

2. The Star Wars trailer. I know I'm a geek, but still...wow. Who's gonna be there midnight on May 18th? I'll be going to Regal, we should get a group together.

3. I think you know what #3 is, so I'm not gonna bother spelling it out.

a sleepy kisser

2005-03-09T19:26:00.000-05:00

Okay, I just found this out myself. I'll probably report on it again when it gets closer to the date, but I thought it sensable to go ahead and let all my el jay buddies know what the what is going down.

The beautiful and talented Eva Spataro will be performing live (live!) at Jackson Java on Saturday the 19th.

Who is Eva Spataro, you might ask? Um. She's this girl. Reportedly she plays guitar, and reportedly she's pretty good. I say 'reportedly,' because honestly I really haven't ever heard her play. But I have heard others that have heard her saying that she was good. And hey, even if she sucks, I'm sure there's coffee at the place, right? And I'll be there (probably), so I'm sure it'll be a grand old time no matter what.

Here's the important info, very nicely in bold so that you know it's important:

March 19th
Jackson Java (near UNCC, ask me for directions if needed)
Eva Spataro
'From eight to ten'
As far as I know it doesn't cost anything but I'm sure she takes cash donations

So...I'll see you there?

speakers are speaking in code

2005-03-08T22:24:00.000-05:00

Today was rather boring, really. Nothing much interesting happened at all. Amanda didn't even come into Teeter. How boring.

Oh, I sent my first TXT message today. That was exciting, I'll tell you what, seriously.

Tomorrow means no work. Maybe book study at night, maybe not. Tomorrow means calling a couple people that I owe telephone calls to.

Since this has been a boring post, I'll leave a comment-mission to liven things up a little bit.

Blog readers: Post (in my comments) where you see yourself in five years. Make it a joke if you don't want to be too honest. I understand.

2005-03-07T23:18:00.000-05:00

Ever have those of those really bad days that just gets fixed in a moment by something perfect happening? IM or ask me for the second part of this suprisingly depressing statement.

she's a jar
with a heavy lid
my pop quiz kid
a sleepy kisser
with feelings hid
she begs me not to miss her

Finally saw Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind today. Why must these movies put me into these sorts of moods?

'Did you notice that I'm Associate of the Month?''
"I've decided that Associate of the Month is arbitrary and therefore worthless.''
"What? Why?''
"Because in a world where Associate of the Month is not arbitary and therefore worthless, I would have been picked by now.''
"That's rather self-centered of you.''
"I'm one of the most self-centered people you'll ever meet, and the sooner you learn that, the easier time we'll have knowing each other.''

The Golden Rule of Uscan:The box is not a barcode in itself. You actually have to find the barcode ON the box, and POINT it at the scanner for the thing to work. Learning this will go a LONG way towards the Uscan working better for you.

So, a couple weeks back, I was the #1 Front Line Performance Cashier. So I come in, and I ask for my little sheet. Turns out Wendy's had a couple days off, so she hasn't done it for me yet. Okay, that's fine, I say, so I wait. Wendy gets back. Still not done. Then, Wendy leaves. You know, for good. I go in again, ask for my sheet. Still no sheet. I wait a few days. Ask for my sheet. No sheet. Tonight, I'm pissed. I say Eric, I say Christine, I say where in heck is my sheet? I want my stupid sheet. So I got my sheet. Funnily enough, it has both Christy and Wendy's signatures on it, and I know for a fact Wendy hasn't been to the store recently, and Christy's signature looks an awful lot like Wendy's signature. And awful lot like Christine's signature too, come to think of it...

"I actually have a funny story about 'She's a Jar.'"
"I've heard it."
"Oh, you've been reading my blog?"
"Yes, every day."
"K, just making sure."

Certain people are very cool. Certain people are very dumb. Most of those in the first group know who they/you are. Those in the second group need to figure it out, and stop talking to me.

"Hi, Gregory!"
"Hi, see you later."

I want to remember to forget that you forgot me

2005-03-05T19:49:00.000-05:00

Six (6) hours worked today.
Zero (0) annoying customers.
Three (3) people seen today that I wanted to see.
One (1) person not seen that I wanted to see.

I think I'm just about completly better. Thank you to everyone that wanted me better, and thanks for your kind wishes and song lyrics.

bound by the feelings so easy to fake

2005-03-03T15:18:00.000-05:00

I'm working tonight, 5 to 10 30. Dare you to come by and cheer me up.

so long to this cold, cold part of the world

2005-03-02T17:44:00.000-05:00

Today was mediocre.

But tonight, I have Lost and West Wing.

And pizza.

Amazing how those three things can make a good night.

my head's a balloon inflating with the altitude

2005-03-01T22:36:00.000-05:00

Not much to report today. Seems to be a recurring theme.

Went to the doctor. They said I have the flu, and it's too late for them to treat it. So they gave my mom some drugs. Course, they had to draw blood from me to figure out if they should give my mom medicine. Grr. I'm really not one for needles. The nurse asked me if I pass out when I have blood drawn, I told her I don't really know, I can't remember it being done to me. She asked me if I'm real hardy and stoic, I told her no, I'm not. She smiled, said I'd be okay.

cold hands flowing
air around me quick
swords of horror
penetrating
and in my eyes
i see defeat
and in your heart it's growing

acetaminophen, you see the medicine, oh girl, you have no faith in medicine

2005-02-28T12:54:00.000-05:00

Still teh sick, but managed to get through my classes today. Not really sure how. Probably going to call in sick to Teeter tonight.

Not much in way of e/n to report. We have a new CSC at Teeter. Her name is Renée. I say this simply so I can write the 'é' that is in the name 'Renée.'

The Oscars last night were a sham. Aviator should have swept all the awards. At least they gave Charlie Kaufman an award, I was very happy about that. However, only letting him speak thirty seconds and then giving Jamie Foxxx five minutes to talk about his grandmother was unconscionable.

illiterati lumen fedei, god is with us everyday

2005-02-26T22:53:00.000-05:00

Being sick sucks. I just want to curl up in a ball and stay that way while people tell me amusing stories while I zone in and out of listening.

This people calling me and not leaving messages is getting creepy. Maybe I have a stalker. I wish.

his goal in life was to be an echo

2005-02-25T23:35:00.000-05:00

The Verdict is everyone. Guy I know, he randomly met Kurt the other day. Another friend of mine saw someone in a Verdict shirt. Guy from before, girl sitting behind him in a class is listening to Verdict on headphones. Friend of mine will be opening for Verdict in April. Verdict is everyone.

In other un-related news, today was the third anniversary of the Target thread. If you don't know what that is, count yourself lucky.

unlock my body and move myself to dance

2005-02-24T23:13:00.000-05:00

What the UScan is really saying:

"Please scan your Harris Teeter VIC card now!"
Take your little card, and put that little bar thingey facing TOWARDS the scanner...that's it...no, no! Not away from the scanner! Get your finger off the code!

"Please scan your first item, and place it in the bag."
Scan ONE item, and then put it directly in the bag before scanning another item!

"Please place the item on the scanner, and wait."
Place it on the scanner. It's a scale, dude. You can't put it on for two seconds and expect it to register. No! Don't take it off! Get back here! I said WAIT! Why are you asking the cashier for help?!

"Please remove all items or objects from the scanner, and wait."
Please sit there confounded while the cashier laughs at you for putting your purse on the scanner. It'll just be a moment. Once he's sufficiently laughed, please take your purse off so you can continue your order.

"Please show your ID to the cashier now."
Please turn your ugly mug towards the cashier for a moment so that he can verify that in fact you are sixty, wrinkly, pale, and buying a twelve-pack of Miller Lite.

"Do you have any items under your cart?"
I mean CHECK under your cart. And everywhere else. Do you have any more items? Why are you pressing the button before I finish talking? Did you even LOOK?

"Do you have any coupons?"
Remember thirty seconds ago when you were trying to scan your coupons and your cashier told you to wait until now to do them? You need to hit YES now. No, not the NO button. NO! NO!! HIT YES YOU IDIOT!

"Please give all coupons to the cashier now."
Why are you scanning them again? Stop it! Give. Them. To. The. Cashier. This is easy!"

"Please choose your method of payment, and touch the screen where indicated."
Remember when you were complaining to the cashier thirty seconds ago that your payment wasn't going through, and he told you to hit Pay Now, and then when you get to this screen, hit Debit? Well, this is the time to do it. No. You can't keep sliding your card. It won't work. Stop it. Stop. St--STOP. HIT THE DEBIT BUTTON!

"Remember to take your cash, located below the scanner."
Okay, this is easy. I'm putting a picture up for you and everything. All you have to do is reach down and get your money. But, you're still going to stand there clueless while the cashier laughs at you. It's okay, really. It's part of why the cashier doesn't mind his job. Please put a really confounded look on your face, it's the key. Please don't mind if the cashier takes a picture. We have a wall for these things.

In other news,

"Have fun with your tattoo."

"I will. First, I'm going to put some oinment on it. And hide it from my dad."

she fell in love with the drummer

2005-02-24T16:26:00.000-05:00

If you're the person who keeps calling me with a 704-651-**** number, please call again, but next time leave a message. I don't mind you calling me, I just want to know who you are.

Working tonight.

ahem

2005-02-23T09:54:00.000-05:00

there's bourbon on the breath of the singer you love so much
he takes all his lyrics from the books you don't read anyway
his jaw's been broken, his bandage wrapped too tight
his fangs have been pulled, and I really want to see you tonight

In more confirmation of my geekiness, I am now on The Facebook. Pathetic, I know. But what's actually funny is, no matter how esoteric you think your interests are, there's always like 15 people with the exact same interest put on their profile. In that vein, I have started the most esoteric groups I could possibly think of. One of them, a Fan Club for one of my History teachers, got 2 other members within half an hour. Kind of scary, really.

I really should stop finding the Live Journals and Blogs of people I know. People are entirely too honest in these things.

at least that's what you said

2005-02-21T23:49:00.000-05:00

'Spiders (Kidsmoke)' lasted a half an hour, I swear to God.

Wow.

Jeff Tweedy is, and I will say this many times, Jeff Tweedy is the man. People kept calling out songs they wanted the band to play next, and at one point, one dude yelled out 'PLAY SHE'S A JAR!' while Tweedy was still singing the last line of the song. He said,

"Okay, what the ****, man? Does anyone know what the last line of that song was? It was a ****ing Woody Guthrie line. It was the most important line in the song! Oh, you didn't know that? Well maybe if you'd shut the **** up and listen, maybe you'd learn something once in a while!"

Much later, they come back for an encore, and he says,

"You know, maybe I was too hard on that guy. Well, not that I'm apologizing. See, 'cause there's two sorts of people in the world. You know how when you're playing a record for a friend, and you're really into it, and you want to get them into it, but then he starts talking? Don't you just want to strangle him? This reminds me of my dad. This one time, I was playing a really long song, it was like 30 movements, and I was really trying to concentrate, and he turns to the person next to him, and says, 'You know, I'd really love to hear 'She's a Jar.' The man has never gone an entire meal without wishing for the next one! Wow, this steak is good, but boy could I use some lobster right now!"

Then, right before the end, he says,

"You know, 'She's a Jar' was on our list. But it isn't on our list any more. We'll play it tomorrow, we'll play it next week, but we're not going to play it tonight. Just because of you, man."

He eventually relented, but not after an enormous amount of 'awwwws' from the audience.

Great guy. And the show itself was fantastic, too. New arraignments, new structuring of songs, dissolving into dissonance and feedback, and then starting a new song...all the good stuff. Yeah, and it's Wilco, so it's gonna be good.

Wow, man. Wow. Well worth every penny. The guy I was with said he didn't really like the dissonance. I mean, I guess I can't blame him, but...HE DIDN'T LIKE THE DISSONANCE? Some people, eh?

and no one's listening

2005-02-21T01:10:00.000-05:00

At what point did I stop being the guy laughing at the people doing price checks, and start being the guy doing the price check?

Since when am I the guy people go to for advice?

Isn't it just a little sad that I'm really good at table tennis?

off with his head man, off with his head man why don't you remember my name?-- I guess he does

2005-02-19T01:21:00.000-05:00

So I suppose I have someone to see Wilco with. Not my first choice, but at least it's a friendly human, and on top of that, it turns out that a couple of my other friends will be there too, Christina and Jason, which just ups the ante of the fun.

...

I'm seeing Wilco on Monday.

...

//dances

Today is Jimmy Traver's birthday. He is 21. Everyone, wish him a happy birthday, and pray that he won't kill himself at the bar tonight.

it's a war on war

2005-02-18T09:03:00.000-05:00

There's an article about Wilco in today's paper.

Nothing much to report. I should point out (by way of bragging) that my IPMs (that would be Items Per Minute) are at around 35-40 now. The HT 'goal' is 25, and most people have between 17-23. We apparently will be getting a new Customer Service Manager, replacing Wendy, who will join us on the first of March. I'm hoping for the best.

Working pretty much all weekend, then Wilco on Monday.

one night only

2005-02-16T09:15:00.000-05:00

Okay. To everyone out there in the blogosphere:

If you, or anyone you know, would be interested in seeing the Grammy award winning band Wilco on Monday, Feburary the 21st, I have one ticket (quite a nice seat) that I will provide to you, free of charge. The concert is at 8 o'clock, Oven's Auditorium will open for seating at 7, parking deck opens at 6. Two caveats:

1. You will have to sit next to me. There's just no way to get around that one.

2. Parking will cost something, although carpooling is a readily available option.
Okay, if anyone else is still reading, examine yourself. Do you have any interest in seeing an absolutly amazing band, in a great venue, for the hard to beat price of $0? If so, you have a couple options:

1. Post a comment as to your interest right here in the comment box.

2. Shoot me an e-mail, to gregory.harbin@gmail.com

3. Or call by phone, 704.975.9027. Operators are standing by.

Please let me know even if you only have interest, and are not sure you want to or can go. I hope to hear from someone soon, or I'm going to just start offering this thing to complete strangers.

I always thought I'd see your name in flashing lights

2005-02-15T23:56:00.000-05:00

NIN is coming out with a new CD in May. [anakin]Yipee![/anakin]

I'm *this close* to knowing if I can go see Wilco. Signs point to 'yes.' New just to find someone to take my other ticket.

I am one of only 8 people in my Astronomy class to get an A on the first test. The girl that sits next to me got a 54. Here's the actual Grade Distribution for Exam 1. Abysmal is the word she used. But not referring to me, of course.

the freckles in our eyes are mirror images

2005-02-15T00:00:00.000-05:00

Love...Express!
Originally uploaded by Eaglet.

I brought home the Love Express poster from work. Why? I really couldn't tell you. But it's awesome.

In related news, people should come by my work more often. It's awesome.

In related news, I missed Evamarie's guitar playing today, and that made me sad. I was quite close to just leaving school, but then I realised that would be a bad idea.

America: The Book is quite good and all of you should read it.

she's all alone again, wiping the tears from her eyes

2005-02-14T12:14:00.000-05:00

If I hear one more girl complain about how horrible men are and how they never get them anything good for Valentine's Day I think I'm going to, oh, I don't know, but it's something violent.

Working tonight from like 4 to 11. Yay and wonderful.

i am finally seeing why i was the one worth leaving

2005-02-12T23:50:00.000-05:00

Fun weekend.

I don't even know where to start.

People rock, at least most of them.

My thumb hurts from where a big rose thorn decided to attack me.

our mama shoulda just named ya laika

2005-02-10T23:03:00.000-05:00

I guess I'm just a pushover for girls in bright green jackets and matching Chuck Taylor's.

Went to Applebee's tonight, Katie was great as usual.

Saw The Aviator. I can honestly say that it was one of the greatest movies I've ever seen, although it took a scene or two to get used to Cate Blanchett doing a Kate Hepburn impression.

if you still want me, please forgive me

2005-02-10T01:06:00.000-05:00

For some reason, every time I play The Arcade Fire's Funeral in my car, I feel like singing along. I never sing along with any other albums, but I seem to always sing along to that one.

Still haven't gotten any of my tests back yet, nor have I gotten a responce back from my ENGL teacher on my paper. I had to read the first three chapters of The Great Gatsby for English tomorrow. I struggled through it, but I think I got through without too much scarring.

I called two people today, talked to neither of them. I went to go see one person today, and talked to her. And people wonder why I hate the phone.

I'm a saint

2005-02-08T21:40:00.000-05:00

I wrote this for English class, comments would be appreciated:

Flash in the Pan
by gregory harbin

A lone Ford four-door moved past green farmland, its loud green flowing over the more muted grass and ground colors of the pastures. An observer from behind the fence would take note of the car for a moment, then the memory would fade, not leaving much of a stain upon peaceful memories of cows, and of sheep, and of peaceful Sunday dinners with the preacher.

A sturdy male hand lay on the steering wheel, its fingernails blackened by polish applied at around one in the morning the previous night. The girl's name had been Christine, or Amanda, or something. A large dose of tap water in the morning, and Jason had fully recovered, although he wished his recollections were a little clearer. He knew that at around seven, his cell phone had buzzed in his pocket, and at the prompting of a collection of friends, he had driven ten miles, parked in front of a house, and gone through the semi-open door. His memories at that point became more fuzzy, as his senses were taken over by the sounds and sights and smells of another hundred highly connected twenty-four year olds. He could still feel phantom humans on his shoulders and elbows from the effort of pushing through the crowd, struggling to find someone he knew. Glancing over a sea of heads, he noticed someone, a dark-haired post-punker in a Clash jacket, and he started to move towards her.

A grey Olds bumper leapt frantically into his field of vision, and somehow both of his hands moved onto his wheel, his mind just now realizing that was still there, and with his mind still remarking how strange it was that he'd forgotten, his hands moved the Focus back into its proper lane. The other driver didn't even notice that he'd been there; he was a sixty-something geriatric with a permanent handicapped parking tag and a penchant for focusing on ten feet in front and nothing more. Jason felt compelled to laugh at the old man's ignorance, but he realized that he happened to be at fault here, and it was a miracle he'd pulled the car away in time, and it's probably best not to tempt fate anyway, right? He pushed the gas pedal gently against the floor, taking note amusingly of the speed limit sign.

He shouted to the girl in the Clash jacket, who couldn't hear him over the ugly mainstream music blaring over an anonymous stereo system. He almost tripped over someone that suddenly halted his momentum, and then moved on wordlessly. He sighed, and pushed a sigh out, muttered an obscenity at no one, and continued his push onward.His body moved past the others, becoming indistinguishable from the others. Amid a sea of humans, he latched onto the sound of his own heart pumping, the only rhythm that was his own. The soft beating, the warm fluid flowing quickly past organs: livers, and kidneys, and spleens. The veins in his hands grew large, oxygen-starved blood rushing through, gasping for the sweet relief of the lungs.

Warren G. Pickford drove silently in his grey Oldsmobile down the old highway right outside town. He was seventy-five years old, and he was entitled to drive whatever speed he wanted to, down whatever road he wanted to. He also was entitled to his silence. That new Ford, hardly able to call itself a Ford after all the changes that company had gone through, after all the pandering it had done to the younger generation, that new Ford was only a momentary annoyance, he could keep from paying attention to it, at least once the sound of its wimpy engine would die down. The Ford slipped on the pavement, ducked down into the valley by the side of the road, and then rose up again to the surface, and with the loud reverberation of bending metal, it crashed into the median barrier.

Warren pulled out of his lane, applied the brake quickly, watched for traffic, then opened his door. No other cars were on the road with them. He picked up his cane from the seat beside him, placed it on the ground beneath him, and, supporting himself on his good leg, his right, he moved from his car. The sun beat down on his bald head, and he squinted into the air before him. The Ford's engine was on fire. An ambulance and fire engine must be called, but Warren didn't have a phone. He didn't carry a phone. In this instant he cursed himself for the constant soliloquies he would preach to his middle-aged children about the evils of the American Cell Phone. But it didn't matter. The boy, he was sure it was a boy, in the Ford, would surely carry a phone. His main objective should be to get the boy out of the car, away from the burning fuel, and hope that the boy was lucid enough to call someone.

The girl in the Clash jacket had disappeared. He knew Mark had to be around somewhere, but he couldn't find him. He sat down on a couch, hoping that it would be able to ground him, but instead, he sunk into the cushions, and didn't get up for a half an hour. He accepted a few drinks from passersby, and then someone said something to him, and he got up, and followed the sound. He heard it again, closer this time, and he glanced around furiously, sure he would locate the source at any moment. But his head wouldn't move, he realized with a start.

"Young man! Young man? Do you understand what I'm saying?" The boy's face was covered in blood and glass. Warren had helped enough men back from unconsciousness to know that it simply took time. But he also couldn't just stand there, waiting for the boy to die. He couldn't move the boy, he would risk injury to him. What if his neck was broken? What if Warren couldn't lift him? There were too many variables. And he couldn’t take the risk. The fire grew larger and larger as each passing moment went by. He needed someone to drive past. Anyone would be fine. Almost everyone carried a phone these days.

Laura Whitaker owned a small business on Trade Street. She drove a black BMW, which parked next to white BMWs, and red BMWs, and grey BMWs. She was leasing hers, and probably many of the others had purchased them, and at least the exorbitant sum they spent each week went towards eventually owning the car. But she did have one, and that was the important thing. Christian rock played over her stereo system. She had grown quickly tired of the talk station; the light rock station had wearied her, and the oldies station had too many commercials. And this way she at least felt like she was doing something good, if even it was a small thing.
She noticed smoke ahead of her on the road. She pulled out her cell phone, pressed down on her accelerator, and sped closer to what she could now see was a burning four-door which had crashed into the median barrier. An old man was standing outside the passenger side door, leaning on his cane, and shouting into the car. She slid her car gently behind the four-door, and then the old man noticed her. She quickly dialed 911, and got out of her car.

“Who’s in there?” she shouted to the man. “It’s a kid. He’s beat up really bad. I need you to call emergency!” “I’m already calling 911—yes, hello! There’s, there’s an accident.” She gave the operator her location, and was told that an ambulance was on its way. She ended the call.
The man was looking at her “Did you tell her the car was on fire?” She thought back. “No, I didn’t.”
“It’s important, we need a fire truck. This car is dangerous.” The man was shouting at her. She grabbed her cell phone again.
“No, just help me get him out.”
“What?”
“Just help me get him out of the car. Out of the car. You and me.”
“Aren’t you supposed to wait for the emergency personnel?”
“Lady, I’m happy you’re here, I really am. You needed to call 911, and I’m glad you did. But right now, I need you to do what I tell you. We have to get this boy out.”

The boy’s neck was broken, according to the paramedics who got there fifteen minutes later. But by then, the fire had swept through the cab of the car, and he would surely have died had they not moved him. The paramedics had thanked them for their help, and moved him into the ambulance. They never saw him again.

Warren and Laura were never the same. Jason died in the hospital, a result of complications from surgery. His family sued the doctors and the hospital for five million dollars in real and punitive damages. The case has yet to see a courtroom, but newspapers are already warming up to the story. Warren and Laura have given depositions to both sides in the lawsuit, and the plaintiff’s lawyers had decided that neither of them was negligent. Before the TV cameras, Jason’s family thanked Warren and Laura for what they did to help save their boy. The unspoken insinuation was that if the doctors had done what Warren and Laura had done, their boy would still be alive. And they wanted to prevent this tragedy from happening to another family.

Warren died four months later of a heart attack, old age catching up to him. Laura’s business increased slightly after her name was mentioned in the paper. She returned her black BMW to the dealership. Something had changed about the car, but she couldn’t figure out what. She was happy, however, to never see it again.

where have all the martyrs gone

2005-02-07T23:34:00.000-05:00

Today was...Boring. Mellow. Tiredful.

I'm reading John Grisham's The Brethren right now. Well, not right now, but you know what I mean. Anyway, it's really good. At least, good if you're talking from the point of view of just a normal story sort of novel. You're not going to find brilliance like in Hornby or Franzen books, but it's a nice thing to consume if you've got time to fill.

In other news, I was going to buy a new pair of Converses over the weekend, but my mother decided that I couldn't spend my money on any more Converses, and if I wanted to buy shoes, I would only be allowed to purchase what she calls 'real shoes,' which means shoes made of leather, i.e. Rockports, i.e. shoes I would never wear. Suggestions?

till then I walk alone

2005-02-07T11:24:00.000-05:00

An easy Econ test, an easy WCHA test. Yay.

Now I have to study for what will probably be an easy Astron test tomorrow...

is it overwhelming to use a crane to crush a fly?

2005-02-06T00:52:00.000-05:00

Ever had a short term life goal (thinking three-six months) that unexpectantly happens long before you expect it to?

That happened to me this morning.

I'm a rebel vigilante

2005-02-05T00:05:00.000-05:00

So Jason Pearson comes up to me today at work and says 'Do you know Erin Coffin?' It's always interesting when people find my blog/web site, and then learning how they found it. And it's also weird to find out about some people that still read it. And it's annoying not knowing if certain people still read it.

I feel like being emo for a moment.

Life is actually pretty good right now. I'm meeting great people, I'm getting back into friendships where friendships had been broken, and I'm not failing school. I'm learning guitar, I'm learning song writing, I'm learning whether or not I have anything to say. I've reached the point in my (fiction) writing that I can write nice, connecting sentences that flow and everyone congratulates me for how well it's written, so now I have to step back and figure out what I'm trying to say with what I'm writing.

One theory I'm working with at the moment is that I can write the stories that come to my mind, write them as vividly as I see them, write the people acting exactly as I see them, and in all that, a point, a 'moral' will arise from the story without me having to spend time sloppily slapping a point onto my narrative. Life is life, right? Maybe I'm the only one that finds stories of people's lives other than mine interesting with nothing blatantly attached to them as something I'm supposed to 'learn' from having read. Maybe I'm the only one that thinks any day is a lesson, and any day you read is an extra lesson you got to learn. But I think I can't be the only one.

The main trick is writing people different from me. But how do I know how people other than me think? This is where I think that writing is 10% writing skills and 90% acting skills. You've got to put your characters in a room and have them all be themselves. In TV and film, you get separate human actors putting themselves into the roles that you right, so right there, you know everyone's differences. But in written text, you have to give a specific voice to each person in the story. I was reading John Grisham's The Testament, and I realized quickly that none of the characters acted or thought differently from any of the others, unless we're talking blatant stereotypical exposition, as in the teenage son wanting to start a rock band. Sure, he gave them motivation, but motivation is not character, motivation is what you add to a character to give him a purpose in the story. But you still need to have a person, a base person, separate from all other persons, that you apply the motivation to. If you have an old man who is dying, you must know who the man was when he was young, and when he was middle aged, and then when he was old before he was dying, before you can know how he would think when he is old and dying. I am considering just writing myriad backstory for every character in my stories, text that the public will never see, but text that will inform every second of my character's lives in the story.

And maybe that's just where I'm heading in my writing 'journey.' Maybe that's what I really need to do. This is my character when he was born, this is him at five, at ten, at fifteen, ect. These are the important things that happened in his life. Then I write the narrative that I want to tell.

'Holly and Jason are nice people,' I tell my mother. I'd like to meet more nice people, you know that? People that are simply nice to be around. People that aren't expecting something from you, that you're not expecting something from.

I'm working tomorrow (well, this, if you want to get technical) morning, ten until I think six pm or so. Amanda should be working some of that, and I think Eric's coming in at 2.30, so it should be fun, aside from me being a bagger, and the masses of football fans. It can't be worse than last Friday, though, so all should be good.

Two more things:

1. Jealousy, thy name is Gregory.
2. If I was able to post a private message I would do so extolling the name of someone whom I will not mention because I cannot post private messages.

i...i should have been listen to eeeevery word you said

2005-02-04T00:27:00.000-05:00

School today was incredibly boring. Looks like it will be boring tomorrow as well. At least the days are moving faster now.

I'm working on a short story for English. Why we're writing our own fiction in a class called Writing About Lit, I don't know, but apparently we are.

I'm also still trying to write lyrics for what will eventually become some sort of CD that I will put out under the name Johannes.

Okay. I'm going to post this thing, because everyone else is and I don't like feeling left out. Respond, please:

[01] Reply with your name and I will write something about you.
[02] I will then tell what song[s] remind me of you.
[03] Next, I will tell you who you remind me of, celebrity/animated or otherwise.
[04] Last, I will try to name a single word that best describes you.

listen to my eyes

2005-02-03T13:07:00.000-05:00

Everyone should have a blog. That way I wouldn't have to call them to make sure that they're still alive.

Velcro Mary linked to me from their news page. I feel special now.

I talked to someone interesting last night. That was interesting. I wonder if she'd want to see Wilco? Still don't know if I'm going or not, though, so I guess it's a moot point.

No work until Friday. It's weird not working for so long.

i've got a paper cut, and now you can make it worse

2005-02-02T23:42:00.000-05:00

Why is it that most of my friends that have blogs are on Live Journal? I hate Live Journal. All my posts are on Blogger. But yet I can't be on their friends list nor can they find my blog easily from my comments. So that's annoying.

So I guess I'm talking to Christina again.

Everyone apparently loves my cover of 'Something In My Eye'. I guess I'm going to have to retreat further into low fidelity and meager song structure before I can whittle my fan base down to only the few, the proud, the devoted.

Nothing much else to report other than Adam, I'm feeling for ya.

you're so (very) special, I wish I was special

2005-02-02T00:29:00.000-05:00

So I posted my picture on the UNCC LiveJournal community blog.

First comment was a girl:

'*waves* HI! I am an English major and a senior here...You're a cutie! :)'

Hot.

Second comment was a guy:

'you are in my spanish class and i sit right beside you.'

Creepy.

Hot and creepy, that about sums up my life right now.

I'll be shocked if it moves

2005-02-01T00:10:00.000-05:00

Erin just wrote a very nice comment about me in her blog. That makes me happy.

Other than that, there's not much interesting for me to report. Work was fairly boring tonight. No more work until Friday, which is just crazy.

I'm working on some more music stuff, stuff I've written myself. Hopefully it'll turn out well. I'm not sure when I'll be able to record. I'm hoping Wednesday, but nothing will probably be ready by then. In the mean time, you guys that haven't yet listened to my latest song need to listen to it listen to it and give me feedback.

I'm an ocean, and this emotion...slow motion, slow motion

2005-01-30T23:35:00.000-05:00

Weird fact: I've never played Twister.

No Econ tomorrow, so I'm happy.

I thought I was looking forward to work tomorrow, but turns out I'm not. Eh. We'll see how things go.

Still don't know about Wilco, hoping to find out this week.

they surface on the flesh

2005-01-29T23:33:00.000-05:00

K, here's my 'Something In My Eye' cover:

Johannes Music Page

Give it a listen, and then comment or e-mail me. I need teh feedback.

blame it on the boy who never called you back

2005-01-29T16:59:00.000-05:00

The recording has been successful. Today I did a cover of Velcro Mary's 'Something In My Eye,' one of my favorite of his songs. It should be uploaded soon, hopefully. If you want to hear it now, jet me an e-mail, and I'll be sure and get it to you.

Teeter last night was awful.

I hate the civil service rules, and I won't open letter bombs for you

2005-01-28T13:20:00.000-05:00

'I did laugh a little.'

Perfect attentance to classes for three weeks now! Aren't you impressed?

'It wasn't as funny as the first time.'

Work last night was great, and then it was horrible, then I took a break, made a phone call, and felt better. Rest of the night was good.

'If you'd asked me a week ago...'

Just some work tonight, 5 hours. Should be on Uscan the whole time. Come by and see me! And then no work tomorrow. Probably will do a bit of reading for school, hopefully do some recording, maybe see a movie (The Aviator?) with family, and possibly play some Shbox.

there's a girl who waits for me in carolina

2005-01-27T15:58:00.000-05:00

Finally got that cover I did uploaded thanks to J. Erb, one of my old McA's managers.

You can check it out at the newly updated Johannes music page.

You can also check out the rest of my newly updated web site at the narcissistically titled gregoryharbin.com.

Work tonight should be muy bueno.

watching your mouth, the shape that it makes, pushing the air, attack and decay

2005-01-26T13:16:00.000-05:00

Since everyone else seems to be doing this:

Post the favorite memory you have of me.

Cue my fragile ego being destroyed when no one replies....NOW

I'm on a plane, I can't complain

2005-01-25T10:59:00.000-05:00

A couple things of note today:

1. The Charlotte Observer ran a rather posative review of The Verdict's CD 'the quick and the dead.' Congrats everyone from The Ver, and everyone else, you need to go ahead and pick up a copy! Which reminds me, I need to get a copy...

2. I really need to get some free time in my life pronto.

vodka, gin, and orange juice help to get my collar loose

2005-01-24T11:49:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend, I recorded a cover of a song by another Charlotte band, Velcro Mary, 'In Ohia,' which was on their 2002 release, Attack and Decay, a copy of which can be found here. It's a good album, go and listen.

I was hoping to have my version online before now, but my uploader appears to be experiencing technical difficulties at the moment. However, if you wish to hear my cover, which features exciting guitars and singing by yours truly, just jet me an e-mail, and I'll shoot it over to you.

Oh, and 'The Nomatics' is out as a band name. I was going to go with 'Kepler,' but that name seems to have already been taken. This may leave me going with the name 'Johannes,' but that is still to be seen.

Work over the weekend was tonsafun. I'm working quite a bit this week.

Okay, off to play some table tennis.

i know I would die if I could come back new

2005-01-21T12:16:00.000-05:00

Two weeks of school finished. Yay!

'I'm a happy kid.'

Work tonight (4-10.45) and tomorrow (5.15-10.30). Come by and see me: you, you, and you. Yes, all three of you. At different times, though. I'm not good at multi-tasking.

'That's interesting Gregory, I didn't know that.'

I might be getting better at the whole guitar thing. I feel like I'm getting better.

'Things get weird when I can't remember a single sentence you've said to me except one.'

you all everybody

2005-01-19T11:43:00.000-05:00

I missed 24 on Monday night. I completly lost that day to Xbox. It's horrible.

Go and get State of Fear by Micheal Crichton. Read it right away.

On an e/n note, she seems to come in every single time I'm at work. On purpose? Of course not, but it's fun to dream sometimes, isn't it?

(slightly theatrical note: no, I'm not talking about you. I would never talk about you so absurdly.)

reminding me that we used to be three and and not just two

2005-01-14T11:57:00.000-05:00

I'm listening to The Moon and Antarctica again. Good stuff.

My Western Historical and Cultural Awareness class should be good this year. My teacher is finally one that understands that I'm there to learn, not to be entertained. Now I just need to remember it too. To learn more what I'm talking about, read this article. It's eye-opening.

On the Uses of a Liberal Education - As Lite Entertainment For Bored College Students

I'm finally working again, now it's the weekend. 4-10.30 tonight, 3.30-10.30 tomorrow. Be sure and come by and see me, especially if you've got some Converse money to give me.

let's turn our prayers into outrageous dares and mark our page in a future age

2005-01-13T11:51:00.000-05:00

The first single off of Weezer's new (yet-to-be-titled) album, 'Beverly Hills,' will hit radio stations March 21st! And the album's coming out some time this spring! Yay! I hope it's actually good this time!

In other single news, Modest Mouse's next single will be out some time in Febuary, along with it will come yet another huge wave of Good News buying from an adoring public. You know the album is STILL on Target's 'Best Sellers' rack? It's an indie band, do they realise this? They're not SUPPOSED to be this popular! You're supposed to be selling Jay-Z, and Britney Spears, and John Mayer, not Modest Mouse! Not that I'm complaining.

Give Up is much better than I expected. It's nothing to go on a geek rant about (arcadefireissoamazingdudeyoumusthearthearcadefire), but it is a nice listen, aside from a couple horrible songs.

Summerteeth is definatly my least favorite Wilco album, but that doesn't mean that it's not good. It's still very good. Probably won't crack my Top 25 albums of all time, though. That list is coming soon, by the way.

School update: school is coming rather nicely so far. I'm in a couple classes with people I know (in Writing with Rachel E. from McA's and in Astro with the sister of the guy that my brother is going to be a best man for), and the teachers all seem to know what they're doing. I'm actually liking my Spanish teacher this time around, which is quite good. I think I've decided that three classes MWF and two TR classes is the way to go. I just can't sit through more than two hour and a half classes.

Learned yesterday that TJ Maxx sells Converses for $25? That can't be right, but that's what dude that lives with my brother's engineer friends says, so I think I'm gonna have to go check them out first chance I get. That is, if I can get there before Evie gets there and cleans them out.

speakers are speaking in code

2005-01-12T14:24:00.000-05:00

Picked up Wilco: Summerteeth and The Postal Service: Give Up, the first an addition to my ever-growing Wilco library, the second a somewhat impulse buy that was somewhat an attempt to listen to what some people I know are listening to, even if I'm not a big fan of it. Summerteeth is great, of course. I haven't listened to Give Up yet.

I drempt that my hair all grew long, and then fell out one afternoon.

Still hoping to join Faded Rooftop at some point.

I don't usually do these things, much less post them, but just to annoy Xtina:

You Are 25 Years Old

25

Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe.
13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world.
20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences.
30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more!
40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax.

http://www.blogthings.com/whatagequiz

the representative from california has the floor

2005-01-10T11:37:00.000-05:00

Okay, a few updates:

1. First off, something for the many Verdict fans that apparently read my blog: No, I wasn't at the CD release party, sadly. I hate that I missed it, and hope to make it to a future show. More importantly than that, though, is this other piece of news:

Apparently the band that rocked a recent talent show at Christ Covenant, Faded Rooftop, which happens to be made up of a rather good friend of mine (Chip Herrin) and a couple of his friends, will (tentatively) be playing, along with The Verdict, in a late Febuary fund-raising show of some sort. The main reason I'm mentioning it, aside from the obligatory pre-pimping of the show, is that there is a remote chance that I will have joined the band before that show. It all depends on schedules and creative differences and how much time I have, but bottom line, I might play with them. At either rate, at some point, I will (probably) be joining the band, and be soon joining the immediate rise to fame that comes when you join a band. At least that's what I hear, right?

By the way, if you have not heard the brilliance that is Emily, Chandler, Kurt, and Jason, then what in tarnation are you waiting for? Head over to theverdictrock.com and check 'em out. Faded Rooftop (which hopefully will have a new name before too long) will hopefully have some stuff up on the web before too long.

2. I've started school back, as of today. It's starting well. Let's see if I can keep from screwing it up (again). If any of you ever talk to me, be sure and ask me how classes are going, ect. I need to be bugged.

3. Still hoping to see Wilco and los Flaming Lips on Febuary 21st. If anyone out in the blogosphere wants to go see them with me, post something in my comments. If I don't go, I think I'm giving J. Pearson and Holly the tickets.

3. Last three books I've read: High Fidelity (Nick Hornby), The Corrections (Jonathan Franzen), and now I'm halfway through Strong Motion (Jonathan Franzen). All of these books are really fantastic and seriously, you guys should read them, and then I want to get up with you and talk about them, because I like talking about books, but it's hard when people won't read the books you like, and you sure aren't going to read that crap that they read. In related news, I've written a letter to Franzen with a question I have for him about Corrections. More news if he ever responds.

4. Someone (you know who you are) now owns entirely too many pairs of Converse sneakers. Next time this person thinks about buying a pair, she needs to come by my work, hand me the money, and let me go out and buy myself a new pair. I only have two, and my favorites are falling apart like you wouldn't believe.

5. Work is going quite nicely, by the way. Not quite sure how my new sched is going to work out. It'll be weird, although nice, I think, going back to working nights after having worked days for so long. Another part of how nice it will be is how much I'll be working with certain people. But, obviously, that's not up to me.

6. The new season of 24 started yesterday, and continues today. Yes, it's still silly, and yes, it's pretty much completely preposterous, but it's a good sort of silly and preposterous. Try and get a copy of yesterday's episodes (you can probably find them online somewhere) and watch them before tonight, or just watch tonight with the 'previously on's there to help you. Shouldn't be too hard to pick it up.

Sort of related, Battlestar Galactica starts this week. If you missed the pilot being shown on NBC on Saturday, Sci-Fi is re-airing it again a couple days this week. Check your local TV grids for times, ect. If you can't catch it on TV, gimme a call, and you can borrow the DVD. Even if you don't catch it, though, 9 PM on Sci-Fi, they're showing two brand-new (at least in the US) episodes of the BSG series, '33' and 'Water.' I have seen both of these, and I can personally vouch for them being absolutely amazingly good. So, watch them.

Well, that's about it for today. I know that was a lot of reading, but thanks for sticking through it and reading to the end. Or, um, thanks for not reading the whole thing, but just skipping to the end to see how I ended it.

I am trying to break your heart.

2005-01-05T22:53:00.000-05:00

I am currently grounded. I'm dictating this through a friend of mine, Fig, who lives in Indianavia telephone--that's how pathetic I am. I'm currently reading The Corrections and just finished High Fidelity.

Yes, I'm probably going out and I'm going to get About a Boy after I finish this.

Feel free to call me anytime. Especially if you have the aforementioned bangs and/or unusually pitched voice.

Prolly won't be coming back to the Verdict show on Friday, but hoping to.

EDITED POST-POSTING FOR CLARITY AND TERRIBLE MISINTERPRITATIONS BY THE DICTATEE.

everyone must find their place

2004-12-28T23:22:00.000-05:00

Poker out in the boonies tonight. I saw at least two deer, and a bundle of bunnies.

I buy in for $10. Right off the bat, I start making money. People start complaining. I'm making money left and right. I'm up $10, $15 at one point. Then, I start declining. And declining. I end up even again by the time I have to go.

People need to start calling me and we need to start hanging out.

That sentence sounded far more pathetic than I ever want to sound.

I am an american aquarium drinker

2004-12-26T23:51:00.000-05:00

Everyone keeps posting their Top Ten lists from 2004, so I guess it's time to write up my own.

Fair warning: I didn't buy all the good albums from 2004 (there's so many, I'll probably get caught up mid-2005), so this list will have to be just from my own personal collection.

I would highly recommend checking out both of these lists as well:

http://www.questionablecontent.net/top10.php

http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/top/2004/

So, without further ado...

Gregory's Top Ten of 2004

10. Loretta Lynn: Van Lear Rose

Yes, that's right, a country album. From a 69 year old country singer. So why is it on my list? Two words: Jack White. White's producing of this album takes what might have been another copy-cat country album into a country and rock classic. Unless you are completely turned off by the concept that the singer has a southern accent, I highly recommend this album.
Also listen to: The White Stripes: Elephant (2003), Liz Phair: Exile In Guyville (1993)

9. Green Day: American Idiot

I can't believe I have a Green Day album on this list. Trust me, it's not because I heard their single (the worst song on the album, the album opener cleverly titled American Idiot) and ran out and bought the album. I bought it after I kept hearing recommendation after recommendation from people I actually respected. And I ended up finding in it a rather good album. Not the rock opera brilliance that many tried to find, but still, it is an actual punk album. In 2004. None of this fake punk that keeps getting pumped out of Mtv, but guys who actually are to America like the Sex Pistols were to Britan: vocal complainers who played good music about it. I might not agree with their politics, but it's still a good album.
Also listen to: The Sex Pistols: Never Mind The Bollocks Here's The Sex Pistols (1977), The Beastie Boys: To The 5 Boroughs (2004)

8. The Futureheads: The Futureheads

"It's like a capella only with guitars and drums." That's what I keep telling people. And then they stare at me blankly. It's four guys, Brits all, singing harmonies on very poppy guitar songs. It's fun. It's catchy. It's something I never thought I'd hear, and then I never thought it'd be something I'd like. But it is.
Also listen to: Weezer: Weezer (1994), Violent Femmes: Violent Femmes (1983)

7. Sonic Youth: Sonic Nurse

Okay, I love Sonic Youth. I really do. I love distorted guitars, I love Kim Gordon's voice and writing, and I love long songs with guitars that keep going and going. This wasn't my first Sonic Youth album, and when this album came out, I snapped it up quickly, and was very happy to find my Sonic Youth still in full form. This music isn't for everyone, but it is one of the Youth's most accessible in years.
Also listen to: Sonic Youth: Daydream Nation (1988), The Wrens: The Meadowlands (2003)

6. Franz Ferdinand: Franz Ferdinand

No Top Ten list for 2004 is complete without this album. Sure, it's a bit silly, but sometimes silly is fun. It's a throwback to the fun of 70s guitar pop, but yet it still feels like it exists in the 21st century. And "Take Me Out" is really one of the greatest singles ever made. Turn it on, turn it up, and let British men sing happily to you about love.
Also listen to: The Shins: Chutes Too Narrow (2003), The Clash: London Calling (1979)

5. Interpol: Antics

This is the album that has recently put me in love with reverb. Huge, expansive guitars, pushing drums, and a syncopated voice saying things like "Can't you see what you've done to my heart/and soul?/This is a wasteland now," and you've got at least this listener hooked. Also check out their debut.
Also listen to: Interpol: Turn On The Bright Lights (2002), Radiohead: The Bends (1995)

4. Wilco: A Ghost Is Born

Wilco is simply amazing. They blow my mind everytime I put on this album. Granted, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot is (arguably) better, but I'm the type who falls in love with long, emotive guitar solos and the sort of heavy lyrics that Jeff Tweedy presents me here.
Also listen to: Weezer: Pinkerton (1996), Velcro Mary: Goodbye Cowboy (1998)

3. Modest Mouse: Good News For People Who Like Bad News

Okay, I'll admit, I hadn't even heard of Modest Mouse until this album came out. That's right, I am one of the uncool who became Mouse fans because of their sell-out album. However, in my defense, I have since purchased The Moon & Antarctica and Lonesome Crowded West, so I am well-steeped in the days that Mouse was cool to like. And in Modest Mouse's defense, Good News is a really good album, no matter what indie hipsters like to say. Just because the local pop station got a hold of a great single doesn't mean that the album can't be good. I defy you to dislike this album.
Also listen to: Modest Mouse: The Moon & Antarctica (2000), Sparklehorse: Vivadixiesubmarinetransmissionplot (1995)

2. The Fiery Furnaces: Blueberry Boat

This album is 74 minutes long, and it will grab your attention for every second of it. It's an indie/pop/rock opera, or something like that. Good albums have a way of making themselves indescribable. I can't imagine how anyone could dislike this album. It's dense enough that it will last a thousand listens (and trust me, I've tested it), but it's also accessible enough that you can pick it up and like it.
Also listen to: Wilco: Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (2002), Mogwai: Young Team (1997), Radiohead: Hail To The Thief (2003)

1. The Arcade Fire: Funeral

If you've been around me at all recently, you've heard me raving about this album like crazy, and with good reason. Simply the best statement of what it means to grow up in America in 2004. The music is, just simply, too amazing for me to even talk about. It's guitars, it's drums, it's violins, it's pianos, it's cellos, it's this guy singing that's amazing, it's this girl singing that's amazing...just listen to this album, I'm telling you.
Also listen to: Radiohead: OK Computer (1997), Sparklehorse: Good Morning Spider (1999), Mercury Rev: All Is Dream (2001)

Feel free to make fun of or support my choices in the comments below.

heat seeking missile freak

2004-12-26T22:45:00.000-05:00

Poker tonight.

5 dollars in, I go ahead in for 10. Dealer Call, usually Hold 'Em or Omaha.

Play it easy the first few, basically put nothing in, get nothing out. Then I get a flush. I forget to draw money off anyone, and I end up with a small stack. Then I make a couple boneheaded plays, go down to around 3. Then I pull my head back in the game, make a couple huge plays, and I make it back to even. Glance at my watch. I have to go home. I was so close to actually making some money.

In other news, apparently I have actual contacts. I love throwing names around.

it's for your own good, it's for the neighborhood

2004-12-25T23:23:00.000-05:00

This all reminds me of a story:

Back a while ago (last May, I think), I worked at McAlister's Deli. Now, at McAlister's Deli, I was what one might call the Butt of All Jokes. The managers had entire structures set up for making fun of me. A great time of my life.

One of their favorite things to make fun of me about was a series of imagined crushes they imagined me having. Every single new girl they would quiz me about, asking every question they could think of to ask me until they got some hint from me that possibly I thought she might be cute. Then, every time she'd walk through the door, here would come the hilarity.

Then one day a cute, short, happy, black haired, girl, walked through the door. Instantly, Perky became the new focus of the Gregory's Crush jokes. Sometimes my managers would schedule us to close together just because they knew how much fun they could have while I was out on the floor trying to put up chairs.

Fast forward a few months, and I mention to Perky that I'd love to go to her graduation. A week or two later, I receive in the mail an ornately lettered graduation announcement, right next to a wallet-size senior picture of their little graduate.

Later that week, Perky and her mom come into the store, order some food from me, and sit down. I make small talk to them at the booth as I can, and then I get them their last drink refills before they leave, and I smile at Perky and tell her goodbye as she's walking out the door. As I turn back around, I see Perky's mom talking to Joe, one of my managers. I look at them quizzically for a second, and then, shaking my head, I move on to working again.

Perky's mom grabs my attention as she says good bye, and I wave goodbye to her. As she shuts the door behind her, Joe yells from the office for me to join him. He closes and locks the door behind him, and tells me to empty out my pockets. I, confused, comply. He then asks for my wallet, takes everything out of it, searches through it, all but pats down my pants. At this point, I'm near irate, and I say Joe, what in hell are you doing? He stuffs my cards back in my wallet, hands it back to me, and informs me that Perky's mom had asked him to see if I was keeping her graduation picture in my wallet.

'In my wallet? Why would I do that?' He calls their house, and leaves a message informing them of my lack of keeping her picture in my wallet, and I go home at the end of my shift not sure whether to be angry, amused, or offended.

I've mostly turned my emotions into offended by the following night, and I confront Perky as she walks behind the counter to clock in.

"What was with your mom yesterday? What, does she think I'm your stalker?"

She looks up at me, and grins. "You are my stalker, Gregory!"

Now at this point, you might still be wondering why Perky's mom thought I was stalking her daughter, but you'd be missing the point of the story.

The point is, over my computer in my room, I have a big magnetic whiteboard. Still on it, from last May, I have her graduation picture next to a handwritten quote in red Expo marker - "You ARE my stalker, Gregory!" - Perky

I'm not sure what made me think of that.

my eyes are covered by the hands of my unborn kids, but my heart keeps watching through the skin of my lids

2004-12-25T15:32:00.000-05:00

I got:

Star Wars Trilogy DVD
Return of the King: Extended Edition
West Wing: Season 1 which I'm going to trade out for S2.

I'm really quite happy. And I'm ready to get my life moving again.

And if the snow buries my neighborhood, and if my parents are crying, then I'll build a tunnel from my window to yours--yeah, a tunnel!

2004-12-24T22:21:00.000-05:00

Just found out a guy I know online knows a guy who's in The Arcade Fire. I think I should just leave that to blow your mind and we'll go ahead and move on.

Work today was suprisingly fun. I like having consistant work to do, and I like the people I work with, and, darn it, I like my job. I actually do.

Christmas Eve. Am I excited about Christmas? I dunno. I guess I'm hoping to get RotK: EE, because I'm going to die if I don't see it soon (hi, my name is Gregory, and I'm a geek [hi Gregory]), but, honestly, I was as excited to get Sports Night from Ash last night, and I'm as excited about Wilco and the Flaming Lips in Febuary, and I'm just as excited about the next time I get to go out with my friends, and I'm as excited thinking about certain aspects of my life that I decide not to share with you all. That's right, I'm mysterious. But, my point. Let's start a new paragraph.

What's so great about Christmas? Well, I'm happy right now. Is it related to Sports Night? Yes. Is it related to aspects-of-my-life-I-choose-to-not-share? Yes. Is it related to how cold it is outside these days? Oh, yes. Is it related to Christmas? I'm really not sure. I guess I just, for the first time in a while, like the way my life is going. Which is encouraging.

Now let's just see if I can keep up this enthusiasm for life the next time I have to go out there and see the people I've been less than enthused about seeing recently, and hope that I can carry it into people that I want to be enthused about me.

In other news, everyone should go and buy Sports Night: The Complete Series. Maybe it's just wishful thinking, but there's always that geeky, yet instantly likable guy in every good TV show, right? I always like to think that I'm that guy.

hold on, you risk exciting me...1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

2004-12-24T17:39:00.000-05:00

I SAID 'MERRY CHRISTMAS' TO LARRY SPRINKLE!

More later; first, my mother's delicious Shrimp Creole.

well i gotta friend who's a man

2004-12-24T01:21:00.000-05:00

Got up at about 10. Watched House 1.6 on my computer, then got out of bed.

I'm kinda fuzzy about what happened between then and 3.30, but I know something must have happened, but still, once it got to 3.30, I went to work, and had loads of fun until 10.20, when I got off, and headed over to Ashley and Jenni's until 11.

Then I came home. Watching the Sports Night pilot.

Now I'm in my room. I'll prolly watch Huff 1.7, and then get to bed.

Work at 10.30.

I'm not particularly looking forward to Christmas, but I don't seem to be as bummed out about it as most people.

EDIT: By the way, I'm now allowing anonymous comments on my blog, so if you've been waiting for forever to post to my blog, but haven't been able to because you don't have a Blogger account (although I can't figure out why you don't!), then now's your time. Just make sure you sign your name. Unless you're Steven Allison. In which case go the heck away.

i carved your name across your eyelids. you prayed for rain, i prayed for blindness. if you still love me, please forgive me.

2004-12-23T00:13:00.000-05:00

I'm a sucker for girls with unusually pitched voices. Also girls with bangs. Often both at the same time.

Work today was good aside from elbowing Christy Hubbard in the shoulder.

I am not distraught.

you don't know where, and you don't know when, but you still got your words

2004-12-21T22:22:00.000-05:00

Nothing like being dissed, or maybe dissed, or, from all accounts, you weren't dissed, but you feel like you were dissed. What a great feeling.

House is still a great show. The scene tonight, with him (that would be Dr. Gregory House) playing piano in the middle of the night is so close to my own experience, it's not even funny. It's like dude was written based off of me. Of course, most viewers of the show hate the guy, so what does that say about me?

Mikey Richie is teh rockness.

I was cashier today, but I hardly did any cashiering. I figure, if I'm down on the end, and I'm getting customer after customer, and I'm getting no baggers, and meanwhile Slacker #1 and Slacker #2 are in the middle of the lane, and pulling NO ONE, and just sitting there, I'm better off just closing down and bagging for the people and like, and who cares about Slackers #1 or #2. They can deal.

In related news, I love making unilateral desicions, and when the Customer Service people ask me about it, they agree with the decision I already made.

Evie's reading The Corrections. I guess I should go ahead and pick up About A Boy sometime soon.

drive my car into the ocean

2004-12-20T23:45:00.000-05:00

Quote of the Day/Week:

"I am not going to whore myself out for Wilco!"

Work today was not terrible. In fact, it was downright fun at times.

you're not going home, you're not going aaannyyywhhheeerrrreee

2004-12-19T23:00:00.000-05:00

Interesting day today. Started kinda slow, but it got sort of cool near the end. As I look back, I'm not sure why I say it got cool near the end.

Well, I guess: we had a family from church over for lunch today, and they were fun, and someone kept commenting on how funny I was, which totally ruins the moment, but it's still nice to hear at times. Also, everyone noted how slick and awesome I looked in my black suit with a striped white shirt.

So, I guess that's it. I'm so vain that it took compliments to bring up my day.

Work in the afternoon tomorrow, hopefully with more cool persons than just the one.

her name is yoshimi, she's a black belt in karate

2004-12-18T23:49:00.000-05:00

Today, I woke up at 6 AM. Then, went back to sleep. Then, I woke up at 6.15. And got ready for work. 7 AM is an insane time to start work at Teeter. You'd think it'd be slow...but no. Of course, everyone else assumes it will be slow, so people come through my line with the biggest orders I've ever seen. And then, of course, we either have no baggers, or it's Robert, which is worse than not having a bagger, and the situation just degenerates from there.

On the upside, I have to get moving fast, and so by 12, I'm moving faster than the human eye can see. I literally bagged a paper bag order, from, mind you, a fast cashier, as it was coming down the line. I had everything in the cart before the cashier could ask her 'Debit or Credit.' I had more people commenting on my speed today than in a while.

In related news, and this is really only interesting to people who know both me and Mark, but some random lady asked today if Mark and I are twins. Actually, the exact question was, "Are you and he twins, or just brothers?" Tres confusing.

Talked to Eva for a bit after work. Once again, I will continue my tradition of saying nothing more about the topic.

Went to a party tonight, it was slightly interesting at times.

In other news, WILCO AND FLAMING LIPS FEBUARY 2ND AT OVEN'S!!

Aaaand, now I sleep.

we sail today

2004-12-17T23:57:00.000-05:00

Whatshername came into Teeter today.

In case Whatshername is reading this, no, I don't mean the title as a slight.

I must say, though, the most interesting thing about Whatshername appearences is the reaction it gets from one of my co-workers. It's quite fun getting a five minute lecture about what I'm doing wrong. No, I mean that, it is fun.

Oh well. That was the big fun thing in my day. Apparently it wasn't a very big day. Not, and I say this in case Whatshername is reading, that Whatshername's appearence doesn't make for a big day. I'm just saying that nothing earth-shattering happened. Not that five seconds of talking to her isn't earth-shattering.

I'm rambling now.

sometimes these eyes forget the face they're peering from

2004-12-16T23:37:00.000-05:00

Rather inconsequential day today. Really nothing more to say than that. A fairly wasted day, aside from some TV watching I got finished and some more practice with the guitar.

Watching The West Wing Season 1. We've gotten as far as the 3rd of 4 discs. It's rather good. I don't think it's quite as good as later seasons, but it's nice seeing the first season.

I'm working tomorrow from 12.15-8.15, and then I'm working Saturday 7-2. I'm going to see about getting some sleep tonight.

blame it on yourself, you never took the chance, when you still had one

2004-12-15T23:06:00.000-05:00

Okay, I'm going to write what might be a long blog post. I'm going to do one of those things where I just talk about random things and it makes for a cool little thing. Sorry I can't think of a more definate word than 'thing,' understand that it is late and my thumb- and third finger-nails are killing me and it is serious hampering my thought processes.

I was reading through my blog today, and it really struck me how happy I am that I've been doing this. As many bad memories occured while I was writing this blog, it does make me happy to go back and read them. Maybe it gives me a sort of power over the memories.

People from my past keep popping up in my life again. I'm reacting to each in very different ways. I'm not sure if I have a game plan as to how to deal with these people. In fact, I'm pretty sure I don't have a game plan. What I'm not sure about is whether or not I need one.

Remember me talking forever ago about the one girl in my life who understood me? I just remembered today that I was talking about Ashley.

Perky's away messages are a continual source of amusement. I need to see her one of these days. It's one of those cases where it's killing me, but there's nothing I can do about it.

Chip and the rest of the band played a talent show tonight. They tell me they want me joining the band. Well, Chip says that. The others didn't really say anything. The thing is, I want a band that does things in a particular way, and I really don't think that me, at 18, trying to run a band of other teenagers is going to work out very well. I have extremely specific ideas, and I want to be able to tell people 'play this' and then just do it. I don't want free flowing ideas until I have a group of people who are thinking the same way I am, and I don't think I have that here at all. I should find out tomorrow how the talent show went.

Thing is, the band I want, I don't want us ever playing at a talent show. The band shouldn't be about talent...it's about music. If I can create the music I want and it turns out to be the simplist thing to play, that's perfectly fine with me. But I'm not sure how to convince other people of my ideas about music.

There's a girl at work who is very cute and I want to ask her out, but I know I never will not because I fear rejection--rejection's a fact of life, and if you can't live with it get out of the game--but because I'm the sort of person who misses the moments that such things happen in. I can't just walk up to her in uniform and ask her for her number. Oh, sure, it can be done. People've done it before. But I can't. I don't do that. What do I do? Honestly, I don't know.

I'm throwing myself into my music. Seriously, I've never put so much into it. I need people who know how to play instruments and I need them in front of me. I think something good could happen.

The problem with me right now is I feel that I'm in a holding pattern. I can't move things along with anyone in my life. Either they don't pay enough attention to me to let me change what's happening, or I don't see them enough, or I'm too scared, or the other person simply eludes me. I feel like I'm in a TV show that's gotten to its fifth season and doesn't know what to do with its characters anymore.

everyone's a little queer, why can't she be a little straight?

2004-12-15T20:50:00.000-05:00

"Was that your girlfriend?"

"I don't have a girlfriend."

"She was staring holes into you."

"Really? I hadn't noticed."

"She's cute."

"I know."

you will get a sentimental feeling when you hear voices singing

2004-12-14T13:52:00.000-05:00

http://www.velcromary.com/xmas04.html

Just go. And download. And listen.

You'll thank yourself for it.

can I get another amen? there's a flag wrapped around a score of men.

2004-12-12T20:05:00.000-05:00

Pastor Blair came and talked at our church today.

He's organizing a mission trip to Uganda for next August.

In related news, I might be going to Uganda next August.

in an ordinary world

2004-12-11T23:01:00.000-05:00

The wedding was good. The wedding was sad.

My goodness, my insane love life is confusing.

wake from your sleep, the drowning of your tears

2004-12-10T23:51:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine, his oldest sister is getting married tomorrow. It's all come as a bit of a quick thing. She's moving a state and a half away. Right away.

He sung a song for her at the rehersal dinner tonight. It really killed me.

It's...it's sobering. You think about how much he'll miss her, you think about how much you'd miss your siblings when they get married. Do I take my brother for granted? Kevin's 20. Graduating from college in the spring. With any luck, he'll meet a girl between now and then, and be married early '05. He's planning on moving a state and a half away once he gets married.

I dunno. She met this guy in August. We've known about the wedding for two months. It comes at you fast.

Kevin could be gone quickly. He could be not gone for a while. I could be gone quickly. I've always talked about moving up north. Will I? I dunno.

But it comes at you fast.

Two things I know:

1. I've got a wedding to go to tomorrow.

2. I'm listening to Radiohead again

Two things I don't know:

1. How likely me crying at the wedding tomorrow will be.

2. How depressed I'll be after a day of Radiohead.

on holiday!

2004-12-10T01:18:00.000-05:00

I am the King of Cashiering. The Guru of Groceries. The Sultan of Swiping. The President of Produce. That's right, baby. First Place In Top Performers This Week. First place, baby. I've been working there five months, and I'm the best cashier. Oh yeah.

In other news, my cousin Charlie (she's a girl) just started working at EB Games. You know, they sell video games. Now, Charlie knows nothing about video games. Let me stress this: NOTHING ABOUT VIDEO GAMES. So why does she have the job? Because she's hot. Because she's the dream of every loney teenage video game geek that comes through that door. And so she stands around, does random, PAish things for the people who KNOW WHAT THEY'RE DOING, and, in general, is paid for doing nothing but be hot.

she's an extraordinary girl

2004-12-08T23:40:00.000-05:00

So my car broke down. Ugh. Looks like it'll be easy to fix, though.

American Idiot is still good. I picked up that and Who Killed...The Zutons? today. The latter album is interesting. I haven't listened to it enough to make a determination.

Everyone say Happy Birthday to Perky real quick before it's not her birthday anymore.

drain the pressure from the swelling

2004-12-08T14:23:00.000-05:00

I picked up Green Day's American Idiot today. It's actually rather good. I mean, aside from the first track and most of the lyrics. The album's a solid 7/10. Listen to it if you're feeling a little low on the punk meter recently. It's definatly not better than The Clash or the Sex Pistols, but what can you expect? They're American Punks. But at least they're real punks, or at least as close as you can get in 2004.

absorbing back down to dirt like a sponge

2004-12-08T01:45:00.000-05:00

Today I worked in Floral. No, I don't know why. The women there apparently loved me. I just do my job as well as I can and people appreciate it. I can't make this stuff up.

Other than my work today, I can't really think of anything interesting that happened to me.

I need to go out sometime. Maybe I'll ask that girl.

Medication

2004-12-06T23:55:00.000-05:00

Pills
Originally uploaded by Eaglet.

I think I'm becoming addicted to Tic Tacs.

every move you make

2004-12-06T22:54:00.000-05:00

Yeah, so I was right, about today rocking. No, you can't know why.

Amanda and I had all the kooks come through our line tonight, it was terrible.

Work early tomorrow.

who cares, man? you're supposed to be thinking about what I'm FEELING here!

2004-12-05T01:10:00.000-05:00

There's really nothing new since I posted last. Sorry I lead such a boring life.

Monday should ROCK.

you're never getting the berries from my blueberry boat

2004-12-02T21:08:00.000-05:00

You ever watch the first few episodes of a TV show, and it really hooks you, and you're excited, and you watch every week, but, then, you're out of town one week, and then the next episode is dumb, and then you sort of just don't watch it the next week, or the next week, or the next?

Then a couple months later, you see an ad for it, and you tune in, and the show tries REALLY hard to make you care, but, you find yourself really not caring at all anymore.

About the show.

Well, it's a metaphor. I'm using that as a metaphor.

For what?

Yeah, I'm not telling you.

but then she like another guy, i fall down dead she never see the tears i cry

2004-12-01T21:49:00.000-05:00

Work was rather annoying and boring and stupid today until right before I left, then it was great for about half an hour, and then I went home.

Daytime would be easier to handle if I didn't have to talk to anyone but the CSMs and customers.

Pretty boring day tomorrow, it's looking like. Maybe some Halo with Calvin and Phil.

money, it's a gas

2004-11-30T23:35:00.000-05:00

I just want to say that Eric Jackson is awesome and I love him.

I want to produce for you the amazing conversation we participated in tonight, but it's too long to possibly put in print.

But suffice it to say, it was amazing. Hilarious, even.

I'm working at 9.30 tomorrow. Eeep.

it's good to warm our bones inside the fire

2004-11-27T23:20:00.000-05:00

Today was pretty much a waste of a day, aside from hearing from Sarah, who's still in Alabama.

Nothing interesting or not interesting to report, aside from that upon a relistening, I really do like Dark Side of the Moon.

through the boredom and pain

2004-11-27T01:04:00.000-05:00

My brother got a Pink Floyd album. Yes, an album. An LP. A record. Animals. It's pretty bloody good.

Tonight's working was rather uneventful except for:

1. The extreme boredom of running Uscan when noone's there.

2. Ashley and Amanda stopping by. At different times, that is.

3. Long conversations with Mark about nothing.

4. Finding out Eric lives in my neighborhood.

5. Agreeing to take Mark's shift Saturday night. Yay.

6. Several amusing quotes that I'd print except for how people would take them.

7. Perky dropping by.

8. Talking to my old boss's boss, Merrick.

everybody knows

2004-11-25T23:22:00.000-05:00

Okay, so:

A. You're supposed to compliment girls, right?

B. But don't they know that they look good already?

C. Or if they don't look good, aren't you lying?

D. And if they are good looking, and don't know it, doesn't that say something bad about their self-image?

E. Or if they're good looking, but just like to hear other people say it, doesn't that say something bad about how proud they are?

F. And, in all, isn't it the easiest thing in the world for a guy to do to tell a good looking girl that she's good looking?

I've been through the desert

2004-11-24T22:53:00.000-05:00

So, when I got a new phone, I lost all my old voice mail messages. Maybe I'm nostalgic, or maybe I'm too afraid of the future, but I really liked listening to some of the old messages on there. Kind of sad, I know, but I'd have my phone by my bed, and I'd dial up old *86, and there was someone wonderful in my ear. Maybe it was just a friendly 'Hello, I'm calling you, again,' or maybe it was 'we're going to see a movie, and we...,' or maybe it was a very chipper 'Hi Woogy!' Whichever way it was, it was always kind, and friendly. No other memories were there to bog down the solid love that I could feel coming over that earpiece. I know I'm just babbling at this point, but this is a feeling that I want to hold on to. Back then, I had it, took it for granted. Now I have but the memory, and I'm afraid I'm taking that for granted. Maybe soon I won't even have the memory.

find a way to lie

2004-11-23T22:29:00.000-05:00

Rather boring day today. I haven't been out of my neighborhood in two days, this isn't a good thing. Work tomorrow at 8 AM. Woo hoo.

I wish I had something interesting to report, but no one interesting calls me or e-mails me, so that's the way things go. Hopefully it'll be a great time at Teeter tomorrow.

and slipped into his cave

2004-11-22T23:26:00.000-05:00

Today I:

1. Noted that it is my half-birthday. I am now eighteen and, well, a half.
2. Cleaned the house a lot.
3. Played Halo with some friends who came over.
4. Called a guy who I stopped being friends with back in, oh, probably January.

Nothing much interesting. My next Teeter shift is Wednesday.

i guess you all moved on to something better

2004-11-20T23:01:00.000-05:00

Velcro Mary has a pitifully small library, or at least the amount J lets me listen to is pitiful.

I do ever so much enjoy taking people's statements out of context as I remember them.

Today was rather uneventful, aside from a couple events that I enjoy remembering, but don't really want to relay to the general public. Feel free and ask me about them. Or, alternatly, don't.

I was going to get a hair cut today, but then I decided to just go ahead and get them all done.

I need an electric guitar. Christmas anyone? Come on, if you guys all band together, you could afford to get me one.

You know, it's sometimes more interesting to ponder the reason for my crushes rather than actually trying to do anything about them? I'm so fickle.

and top it off with sudafed

2004-11-20T01:02:00.000-05:00

That song is especially applicable now, as I'm still heavily combating a heavy cold. Arrgh, we hates it, we does.

Today was rather uneventful. I did get my room clean, and I found a working extension cord for my headphones, and I found the connector thingey for my tripod, so that's all good stuff. I worked a bit in the evening.

I have to work early tomorrow morning to 5:45ish. Not really looking forward to it. Hopefully I'm a cashier. This bagger thing is getting old.

I'm afraid I'm no longer funny online when I am sick. I am profusely sorry for this, and will attempt to be very funny once the virus/bacterium has abated.

be do be do bee...

2004-11-18T22:13:00.000-05:00

So, the number of people reading my blog continues to grow, and with it the number of personal matters I can speak of drops. Ah well, it is for the best. Hi, new people!

In other news, I gave Sarah her present(s) today: A Ray Charles CD, the new Bowling For Soup album, and the Beatles' 1. She seemed happy with it.

Y'know, I'm sort of proud of this little guitar clip I put together. IM me about it some time, I'll send it to you.

Halo 2 is really rather awesome. I'm sorry if I sound like a complete geek saying it, but really, is it any worse than people who play poker, or habitually go to the theater? I think not.

I'd really like to know what's in your brain

2004-11-17T23:34:00.000-05:00

Had a pretty bad day.

I was looking forward to the evening, and it ended up being disappointing.

My throat is getting worse. It's about to the point where I can't talk.

I need to go get Sarah a birthday present. I think I know what I'm going to get her.

If you haven't heard it yet, tell me to burn you a copy of Velcro Mary's Goodbye Cowboy. It's really fantastic.

in the evening it's girls

2004-11-17T01:14:00.000-05:00

Okay, my day...

Woke up, went to school, screwed around, went to class, played ping pong, more class, go home, go to work, come home.

I almost asked a girl for her number today.

My cousin came by work.

And I'm sort of getting good at guitar sort of not really.

I'll never let you go

2004-11-15T01:09:00.000-05:00

Life's been going pretty much normally recently.

Yesterday was Sarah's birthday. She's 17.

Amanda's back from NY.

In other news, I dunno who I'm in love with.

we ain't going to the town

2004-11-10T13:09:00.000-05:00

I furiously bag a huge order, while another bagger looks on. He waits until the last item, and then takes it, and bags it.

Me: 'Oh. Thanks for the help. Man, I'll bet you've never even heard of JFK.'

Him: 'What's JFK got to do--'

'Ask not what your fellow baggers can do for you, ask what you can do for your fellow baggers.'

'I don't think he phrased it quite like that.'

'It's a little-known fact that JFK was a bagger in his late teens.'

'Is that so?'

'Public schools don't teach you kids anything anymore.'

On a seperate note, do I really come off as so shallow that you'd assume that I'd only go out with an 'indie' girl? That really purturbs me.

sleep in heavenly sleep

2004-11-08T01:20:00.000-05:00

I'm getting better at this whole guitar thing. Bug me enough and I might play for you.

Maybe I'm falling in love with this girl. Maybe I'm not.

Gilmore Girls is really really awesome. And Lauren Graham is hot, I don't care if she IS 19 years older than me.

Samsung a650

2004-11-06T17:34:00.000-05:00

Samsung a650
Originally uploaded by Eaglet.

I got a new phone!