Back in school again, my last year. So what's happened so far?
1. Silly Freshmen
I hear freshies on the bus complaining about their busy schedules. "Oh no! I only have 10 minutes to get from astronomy in Dennison to Spanish 101!" They're especially funny on the bus "I'm so lost, I really hope this bus goes to North Campus I just got on the first one that came." Good thing they all go to North Campus. Someone in the diag asked me how to get to Mason Hall, Silly Freshmen.
2. Commuting is a bitch
I'm further out this year then ever before and to get to north campus I need to either Drive or use AATA buses. So far I've just driven to central campus then taken the bus from there. The total trip takes about 45 minutes. It wouldn't be so bad but I have a class from 10:30-12, then nothing until 4:30. I don't want to goof around north for 4.5 hours but the trip back is long it's almost not worth it. I'm going to try and figure out where I can park on North.
3. Major Design Class is scary
My teacher won't stop yelling at us. Ok, I understand this class is going to be long and difficult, please stop screaming at me. "EXPECTATIONS ARE HIGH, YOUR FIRST ASSIGNMENT IS DUE MONDAY" Holy shit! I'll get it done!
4. It's lonely at the top
It's weird not being surrounded by a minimum of 4 other people at all times. I used to seek people out if our numbers would drop to 2 or 3. Now it's just me and Teddy. More personal time is niceish, I've never been so caught up on the internet, but I'm just kinda bored a lot of the time. Teddy is often out of the house so it's normally just me in a big ol' house.
5. Magicked out
Magic is pretty dull when you're playing by yourself. I'm going home this weekend for a tournament. I might have to go to more tournaments at Get Your Game On to get my fix otherwise my favorite game will get used up pretty fast.
Overall all is ok so far, just a bit boring. I might start walking or something just to get myself out of the house. I just need an excuse to do something, I suppose exercise is good enough.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
Hamcruise Vs. Alaskacruise
I know you've been waiting for it. The Hamcruise vs. Alaskacruise side by side comparison! Which cruise was truly better? Let's find out!
The Travel:
Ham:
1. car ride was short and the company was good.
2. Airport was fairly painless.
3. Stopover was annoying but there was no need to exit the plane.
Alaska:
1. Car ride was long and I played pokemon for 90% of it
2. Bags lost during checking process. My mother freaks out.
3. Flight changed to have a layover, effectively doubling airport time.
EDGE HAM
The Food
Ham:
1. Great waiter who brings extra food
2. Much deliciousness
3. Formal Night gets out of hand with wine ejaculation
Alaska:
1. Polite waiter appeases grandparents
2. Even tastier treats, I try something different each night
3. Formal Night stays firmly in hand
EDGE ALASKA
The Entertainment
Ham:
1. Comedian makes abundance of "take my wife" jokes. Audience is highly amused, Hammers not as pleased
2. Magician plays ball and cup games and card tricks. Amazes few
3. Lounge musicians play "My Way" twice a night. Old people have a ball
Alaska:
1. Comedian had appeared on Conan but is still quite unentertaining
2. Magician cuts women in half. Fails another trick halfway through.
3. I avoid watching the disco show and play pokemon instead.
EDGE HAM
The Sights:
Ham:
1. Beach is relaxing, fun and free, Locals yell at Sara.
2. Old British fort reveals interesting history.
3. Trip to private island canceled
Alaska
1. Jeuno Glacier and waterfall is breathtaking.
2. Wildlife everywhere. Deer, salmon, eagles and moose all spoted.
3. World's longest zipline is fucking awesome
EDGE ALASKA
The Booze
Ham:
1. Drunkenness occurs just about every night, inebriation enables dancing and assorted good times at circuit.
2. CC and coke is the drink of choice for Steven and Ian with Long islands in 2nd place.
3. Ian mistaken for 14 year old consistently
Alaska
1. Soberness occurs just about every night, it enables falling asleep at 11
2. CC and coke is the drink of choice for Steven and Brian with ice tea in 2nd place.
3. Grandparents determined to be old enough for their cranberry juice consistently.
EDGE HAM
The Room
Ham
1. Me and Drew, enough said. Also, window.
Alaska
1. Brian and I tell each other to shut up in our windowless box
EDGE HAM
Overall they're hard to compare because the main attraction was fairly different. I'd say Alaska had better times off the boat and Hamcruise had better times on it. They were both great trips though.
The Travel:
Ham:
1. car ride was short and the company was good.
2. Airport was fairly painless.
3. Stopover was annoying but there was no need to exit the plane.
Alaska:
1. Car ride was long and I played pokemon for 90% of it
2. Bags lost during checking process. My mother freaks out.
3. Flight changed to have a layover, effectively doubling airport time.
EDGE HAM
The Food
Ham:
1. Great waiter who brings extra food
2. Much deliciousness
3. Formal Night gets out of hand with wine ejaculation
Alaska:
1. Polite waiter appeases grandparents
2. Even tastier treats, I try something different each night
3. Formal Night stays firmly in hand
EDGE ALASKA
The Entertainment
Ham:
1. Comedian makes abundance of "take my wife" jokes. Audience is highly amused, Hammers not as pleased
2. Magician plays ball and cup games and card tricks. Amazes few
3. Lounge musicians play "My Way" twice a night. Old people have a ball
Alaska:
1. Comedian had appeared on Conan but is still quite unentertaining
2. Magician cuts women in half. Fails another trick halfway through.
3. I avoid watching the disco show and play pokemon instead.
EDGE HAM
The Sights:
Ham:
1. Beach is relaxing, fun and free, Locals yell at Sara.
2. Old British fort reveals interesting history.
3. Trip to private island canceled
Alaska
1. Jeuno Glacier and waterfall is breathtaking.
2. Wildlife everywhere. Deer, salmon, eagles and moose all spoted.
3. World's longest zipline is fucking awesome
EDGE ALASKA
The Booze
Ham:
1. Drunkenness occurs just about every night, inebriation enables dancing and assorted good times at circuit.
2. CC and coke is the drink of choice for Steven and Ian with Long islands in 2nd place.
3. Ian mistaken for 14 year old consistently
Alaska
1. Soberness occurs just about every night, it enables falling asleep at 11
2. CC and coke is the drink of choice for Steven and Brian with ice tea in 2nd place.
3. Grandparents determined to be old enough for their cranberry juice consistently.
EDGE HAM
The Room
Ham
1. Me and Drew, enough said. Also, window.
Alaska
1. Brian and I tell each other to shut up in our windowless box
EDGE HAM
Overall they're hard to compare because the main attraction was fairly different. I'd say Alaska had better times off the boat and Hamcruise had better times on it. They were both great trips though.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Religion Pt. 2
I always knew Em was religious. There were cross necklaces, bible passage fridge magnets and weekly youth groups that alerted me to this early in our relationship. I chose to ignore it and we didn't talk about it. After all, I'm not opposed to my partner having faith; it's just not for me.
So we moved forward and things got serious. There was love, and there was college. We chose to pursue a long distance relationship despite the warnings against. All went well for a while, until i fucked up. It wasn't one thing, just a series of dumb mistakes on my part. I was too swept up in college and I forgot how to be a boyfriend. She met someone else and we broke-up.
I remember 2008 as the worst year of my life, mostly the first semester of college. Our breakup happened over Xmas and continued until summer 2009. I skipped class just about every day, I played picross, I watched Raocow and I failed Calc 3. Then summer 2008 came and something happened, I got over her. I saw my friends about everyday that summer. We recorded music, we played magic, we made videos and we hung out.
I saw her again and the feelings rushed back. She was going to break-up with the other guy, I knew this was my chance to get my girl back. She had never really lost feelings for me either. Summer 2009 we got back together and things have been great since.
I'm not sure what sparked it but in July Emaley suddenly wanted to start going to church again. Perhaps it was the debate with my dad, or maybe it was to show me the light, or just more likely I think she felt she was losing her connection to god. She invited me to come with but I turned her down. She pressed me for more information, she knew I wasn't particularly religious but she said she thought I had a belief in god. Maybe I misled her to that conclusion or maybe she was lying to herself, I'm not sure. Either way we reached a turning point.
She decided she couldn't have children with me because I would be unable to truly raise them Christian. I agreed, even if I went to church just to go or sent them to Christian schools, I couldn't lie about my beliefs if they asked and I wouldn't want to do either of those things anyways. Now I don't know if I want kids yet, but to say there's no chance is disheartening.
I asked her if she could live with a nonchristian me and she replied through tears "I don't know." Is that good enough? Can a relationship be built with an "I don't know" lurking in the back? I don't know either.
I told her a couple days ago that I think we should spend some time apart and she agreed.
She's headed out for vacation this week, and I'm still in SJ. I think the week will give us both some time to reflect and think. I'm going to spend it with my friends as I did in 2008 and maybe even push to record a new drewcifers album or something (and how long has it been since the last bowling Monday?) The end of the week marks Jay's wedding camping trip too. I guess I'll see if Ridin' Solo is anything like how Jason Derulo says it is.
So we moved forward and things got serious. There was love, and there was college. We chose to pursue a long distance relationship despite the warnings against. All went well for a while, until i fucked up. It wasn't one thing, just a series of dumb mistakes on my part. I was too swept up in college and I forgot how to be a boyfriend. She met someone else and we broke-up.
I remember 2008 as the worst year of my life, mostly the first semester of college. Our breakup happened over Xmas and continued until summer 2009. I skipped class just about every day, I played picross, I watched Raocow and I failed Calc 3. Then summer 2008 came and something happened, I got over her. I saw my friends about everyday that summer. We recorded music, we played magic, we made videos and we hung out.
I saw her again and the feelings rushed back. She was going to break-up with the other guy, I knew this was my chance to get my girl back. She had never really lost feelings for me either. Summer 2009 we got back together and things have been great since.
I'm not sure what sparked it but in July Emaley suddenly wanted to start going to church again. Perhaps it was the debate with my dad, or maybe it was to show me the light, or just more likely I think she felt she was losing her connection to god. She invited me to come with but I turned her down. She pressed me for more information, she knew I wasn't particularly religious but she said she thought I had a belief in god. Maybe I misled her to that conclusion or maybe she was lying to herself, I'm not sure. Either way we reached a turning point.
She decided she couldn't have children with me because I would be unable to truly raise them Christian. I agreed, even if I went to church just to go or sent them to Christian schools, I couldn't lie about my beliefs if they asked and I wouldn't want to do either of those things anyways. Now I don't know if I want kids yet, but to say there's no chance is disheartening.
I asked her if she could live with a nonchristian me and she replied through tears "I don't know." Is that good enough? Can a relationship be built with an "I don't know" lurking in the back? I don't know either.
I told her a couple days ago that I think we should spend some time apart and she agreed.
She's headed out for vacation this week, and I'm still in SJ. I think the week will give us both some time to reflect and think. I'm going to spend it with my friends as I did in 2008 and maybe even push to record a new drewcifers album or something (and how long has it been since the last bowling Monday?) The end of the week marks Jay's wedding camping trip too. I guess I'll see if Ridin' Solo is anything like how Jason Derulo says it is.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Religion
Our family has always been secular. My mother was Catholic, but practiced less and less as her marriage furthered. My dad was also raised in home without God. So if I was to attribute my lack of faith to anybody it would be my grandparents.
My grandma was a practicing Catholic and grandfather was a card carrying Latter Day Saint. Then love happens. Catholicism said non-Catholics went to hell and Mormonism said the same of non-Mormons. So as my Grandparents say, "When both of our religions said the other was going to hell, it just didn't feel right." And thus religion faded from their lives.
I hate to blame my Atheism on my parentage but they do carry a certain influence. But of course there is more to my nonbelief. It's not a rejection, it's a simple lack of feeling. I have no reason to believe there is a God. I have never felt a presence or influence from an otherworldly being, so why would I believe there is one? Sometimes as a child I would make small prayers: for toys, for cookies, for more TV. But even when these prayers came true they didn't feel "answered." It was always either random chance or the kindness of others.
Of course in this reasoning I am alluding mainly to a Christian god, one that is supposed to intervene in daily lives and answer prayers. If there is an uncaring creator is there any we should worship such a being? I won't make any claims now about such a God since that is a much more open topic.
My girlfriend has always been deeply religious and for the moment we agree to disagree. But sometimes our circumstances are hard to ignore. During the last weekend her and my father debated:
"So you believe that all non-Christians are going to hell? That seems harsh"
"Well, the truth hurts."
Yes it certainly does.
My grandma was a practicing Catholic and grandfather was a card carrying Latter Day Saint. Then love happens. Catholicism said non-Catholics went to hell and Mormonism said the same of non-Mormons. So as my Grandparents say, "When both of our religions said the other was going to hell, it just didn't feel right." And thus religion faded from their lives.
I hate to blame my Atheism on my parentage but they do carry a certain influence. But of course there is more to my nonbelief. It's not a rejection, it's a simple lack of feeling. I have no reason to believe there is a God. I have never felt a presence or influence from an otherworldly being, so why would I believe there is one? Sometimes as a child I would make small prayers: for toys, for cookies, for more TV. But even when these prayers came true they didn't feel "answered." It was always either random chance or the kindness of others.
Of course in this reasoning I am alluding mainly to a Christian god, one that is supposed to intervene in daily lives and answer prayers. If there is an uncaring creator is there any we should worship such a being? I won't make any claims now about such a God since that is a much more open topic.
My girlfriend has always been deeply religious and for the moment we agree to disagree. But sometimes our circumstances are hard to ignore. During the last weekend her and my father debated:
"So you believe that all non-Christians are going to hell? That seems harsh"
"Well, the truth hurts."
Yes it certainly does.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
All My Friends
"All My Friends" is the title of my favorite LCD Soundsystem song. I've shared it with other people but most tend to dismiss it when they tire of the initial piano riff. However, the riff is a metaphor what the singer is talking about. I won't get too much into it now but this is the line in the song that always hits home for me:
"You spend the first five years trying to get with the plan, and the next five years trying to be with your friends again."
I talked to Caitlin online briefly today and she said "I've already sort of started mourning the end of ham, so this will be one last hurrah." Is it over already? My friends have been drifting a lot recently and not just temporarily. Cong is in Korea for a year, Pranav is in India for 2 years, Dano has moved to Cleveland, and Ian's in NC indefinitely. But that's just the people who are already gone. I foresee spouses and jobs in faraway lands for many of us.
I guess we're at the end of the first five years. Let's try to end up where we want to be.
"You spend the first five years trying to get with the plan, and the next five years trying to be with your friends again."
I talked to Caitlin online briefly today and she said "I've already sort of started mourning the end of ham, so this will be one last hurrah." Is it over already? My friends have been drifting a lot recently and not just temporarily. Cong is in Korea for a year, Pranav is in India for 2 years, Dano has moved to Cleveland, and Ian's in NC indefinitely. But that's just the people who are already gone. I foresee spouses and jobs in faraway lands for many of us.
I guess we're at the end of the first five years. Let's try to end up where we want to be.
Monday, May 24, 2010
No Children
I recently watched All 3 seasons of Moral Orel. For those who don't know, it's a fairly anti-religious show that aired on Adult Swim. I believe it to be one of the most thought provoking shows I've ever seen.
The first season sets the scene, we're in middle America and everyone is a god fearing Christian. Orel, our hero, parodies Davey and gets himself into all sorts of trouble in the most blasphemous ways possible and at the end of most episodes his father punishes him for the wrong reasons and reinforces bad lessons. This season is simply a lighthearted poke at religion and Christian television in general. Until we reach the season finale "The best Christmas ever" wherein Orel's parents fight and his mom plans to divorce. Orel ends the episode with a little hope "Well God this sure wasn't the best Christmas ever, but it's only 11:57 there's still 3 minutes left. I have faith in you."
Season 2 begins with Orel's dad explaining that him and Orel's mother are staying together for appearances. This is just the beginning of a rocky relationship between Orel's parents. Orel's dad also becomes romantically involved with another man, Orel's Coach at school.
In season 2 we also see:
-Orel's dog get killed by the town because Orel confesses he loves it more than Jesus.
-Orel's best friend has teenagers for parents and his must wait on the front stoop for hours before they let him in.
-Orel isn't allowed to be with a girl because she says the The Lord's Prayer differently.
The season ends with "Nature" in which Orel and his father go on a hunting trip. Orel refuses to shoot any animals and His father is angry with him for it. As the trip continues Orel's dad drinks more and more and as the episode ends he begins to describe his failed relationship and failed life. He begins screaming at Orel and talks about how he will teach Orel to be a man. He picks up his rifle and then the scene zooms out and we hear a gunshot.
I won't spoil too much, but season three is some of the best television I've ever seen. It begins with the song "No Children" by The Mountain Goats. This song sets up Orel's Parent's relationship for the rest of the series. Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVS5rpPW5Pg
I could talk about Moral Orel for hours, I think there's something to be analyzed in every episode of season 3. If you ever have the inclination check the show out from start to finish. It'll give you something to think about.
The first season sets the scene, we're in middle America and everyone is a god fearing Christian. Orel, our hero, parodies Davey and gets himself into all sorts of trouble in the most blasphemous ways possible and at the end of most episodes his father punishes him for the wrong reasons and reinforces bad lessons. This season is simply a lighthearted poke at religion and Christian television in general. Until we reach the season finale "The best Christmas ever" wherein Orel's parents fight and his mom plans to divorce. Orel ends the episode with a little hope "Well God this sure wasn't the best Christmas ever, but it's only 11:57 there's still 3 minutes left. I have faith in you."
Season 2 begins with Orel's dad explaining that him and Orel's mother are staying together for appearances. This is just the beginning of a rocky relationship between Orel's parents. Orel's dad also becomes romantically involved with another man, Orel's Coach at school.
In season 2 we also see:
-Orel's dog get killed by the town because Orel confesses he loves it more than Jesus.
-Orel's best friend has teenagers for parents and his must wait on the front stoop for hours before they let him in.
-Orel isn't allowed to be with a girl because she says the The Lord's Prayer differently.
The season ends with "Nature" in which Orel and his father go on a hunting trip. Orel refuses to shoot any animals and His father is angry with him for it. As the trip continues Orel's dad drinks more and more and as the episode ends he begins to describe his failed relationship and failed life. He begins screaming at Orel and talks about how he will teach Orel to be a man. He picks up his rifle and then the scene zooms out and we hear a gunshot.
I won't spoil too much, but season three is some of the best television I've ever seen. It begins with the song "No Children" by The Mountain Goats. This song sets up Orel's Parent's relationship for the rest of the series. Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVS5rpPW5Pg
I could talk about Moral Orel for hours, I think there's something to be analyzed in every episode of season 3. If you ever have the inclination check the show out from start to finish. It'll give you something to think about.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Ham
I'm out of Ann Arbor and back in SJ. It's nice to be home but it's somewhat depressing at the same time. Not much happens around here, I'd probably go crazy if none of my friends were in town. Perhaps that's just how the Ham life has conditioned me. There's always something to do and always someone to hang out with in A2. So when it's just me, Magic cards, and TV I tend to go a little nuts.
It's sad to think I won't be back in A2 for a while. Iris's birthday is the closest scheduled time. Sometimes I worry when I know I won't see someone for a while, "What if I never see them again?" That's Scary stuff. But this isn't the end for Hamham. Even when September rolls around it won't be the end. 441 Hamilton will be gone but Hamham won't.
Meeting people you can spend 80% of your time with doesn't happen often. So I feel crazy lucky to have found 7 of those people to live with. Thanks Hamham/Packpack for making these last years some of the best of my life.
Imma bee missing that Hamlife.
It's sad to think I won't be back in A2 for a while. Iris's birthday is the closest scheduled time. Sometimes I worry when I know I won't see someone for a while, "What if I never see them again?" That's Scary stuff. But this isn't the end for Hamham. Even when September rolls around it won't be the end. 441 Hamilton will be gone but Hamham won't.
Meeting people you can spend 80% of your time with doesn't happen often. So I feel crazy lucky to have found 7 of those people to live with. Thanks Hamham/Packpack for making these last years some of the best of my life.
Imma bee missing that Hamlife.
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