Politicians

Today, just because I wanted to do some interesting things, I went to go see Congressman Harold Ford, Jr. (Democratic Congressman from Memphis who's running for Senate) and, later on, Republican Congressman Zach Wamp speak. It was interesting in some ways, but annoying in others. For instance, the subject matter of Wamp's speech was Energy Policy. He basically said that energy is very important and that we need to be more efficient/think towards nuclear power and renewable sources. Well Duh. I mean, that's just plain common sense. Why don't you lay out the changes you want to make and how you're going to go about implementing them? Because that's what politicians do.

Congressman Ford wasn't much better. I thought he was pretty moderate and seemed like the type of guy who didn't get caught up in partisan rancor, but he didn't say much of anything either. He completely dodged a question about clearcutting mountains to mine coal, to a really blatant extent. But at least he took questions.

Ford also had a habit of saying a lot that didn't need to be said. It's a politician thing, I know, but it makes listening to him like listening to a foreign language, you have to pay close attention to everything he says to figure out where he stands. He would rarely just come out and give a short, succint answer. I'll probably still vote for him, but it's just something I noticed.

I also got tickets to see Maya Angelou. That'll be... something. So much to do, so many things to worry about... I can't wait to leave college already.

Well.

It's odd, how one night can be incredibly active and the next can be completely dull. I mean, I could certainly make my own excitement if I so desired, but the distinctions between yesterday (meaning Friday) and today (meaning Saturday) are quite marked. Yesterday, I did more in one night than I was used to doing in one week. Including, but not limited to, going bowling, seeing a movie, yelling at moving vehicles for no particular reason, starting a board game at midnight, and not killing a hooker. I know, I know, but I can only do so much in one night!

However, today, I've barely left my dorm room. I've been at my computer 12 hours, almost, doing nothing. I mean, even my game hasn't been that interesting. I kind of wonder what everyone else is doing. Not because I feel slighted, but because I'm wondering if this is disproportionate. You know, because that might...um... inform me. And information is the devil's toothbrush. Or something.

At any rate, I guess I'll try and go to bed. I mean, maybe today will hold something more exciting. At least my cold improved over the course of the day. Or did it?! Find out next time on "I Really Need to Start Drinking Better Alcohol."

And by "Better", I mean "any." Or do I? No, 'fraid not. Bummer, eh?

I didn't remember it was my birthday (yesterday) until 11:30 tuesday night. After 18, it's just not exciting anymore.

I remembered why I don't like philosophy today. It's because it makes me remember all the horrible, logical things I've struggled so hard to repress and escape from. Couple that with intense stress about having to do Spanish, and you've got nightmares until winter break. Oh well. Bummer, eh?

On a side note, have you ever had a dream where you knew a person was someone, but it looked nothing like them? For instance, I could be in a dream and I see Catherine, but she's a mime. Or I can be in a dream and I can see Sugue, and I know it's Sugue, as in, it has his identity, but it looks like a nun. Or I could see Lauren, but she looks like a can opener. Blows my mind.

I'd like to que YOUR sera!

Today I was offered a "book about Jesus" which I politely declined. In retrospect, I decided I should have said "No thanks, I write my own fiction." At first I thought this would be rather rude, but then I remembered that he's the one who thinks I ought to suffer eternally for something as arbitrary as a theory about existence. So I figure such a comment would be deserved.

I dunno, I'm rather frightened about a potential backlash over announcing my agnosticism. I guess it all stems from the time in Seventh grade where this kid started punching me in the arm and wouldn't stop just because he found out I didn't believe in God. Most Christians who find out seem to be alright with it, although I'm still perturbed they believe I'm going to Hell.

At any rate, things are going alright. I've made a few male friends, met one or two females. I guess I'll meet more as time passes. Or not. Que sera, sera?

Ugh, that reminds me that I'm taking Spanish. Ugh, indeed!

Don't you hate it when you think of good things to write about but you're either too tired/distracted/inebriated to write about them? Then, when you have a chance, the topic just doesn't seem worth discussing. So you end up posting a silly little "summary of le dia" and that's aboot it. Probably not.

Well, things are going alright. Not great, but alright. I'm still pushing myself to get away from the computer whenever the oppurtunity arrises, much to the annoyance of my online associates. It's probably a good policy though. I mean, I don't want to be known as that guy who sits in his dorm room all day doing nothing but computer games. I mean, that guy and the ladies would never get along. There's only room for one italicized phrase in that sort of relationship!

Speaking of ladies, I'm in strong "I don't care" mode. It's akin to sour grapes, but with a more fatalistic tone combined with a dash of contentment. Essentially, I'm damned if I don't and damned if I do (Get it? It's original sin! Unlike puns, which are just downright painful). So, when faced with two paths leading to eternal suffering and fiery hells (see: loneliness and gonorrhea. On second though, you probably don't want to see those. Although that is probably the cleanest page about gonorrhea you're going to find on the web.) you take it as it comes. Thus, my current state is neither worrisome or binding. Unlike S&M which consists of varying amounts of both. Not that I'd know. Or anything.

But I've got a paper to write. So... take care.

Good News!

Well, I've started a semi-campaign of "Every chance I get to leave the dorm, I do." So if I jump away from you abruptly online, it's not because I'm afraid you've got the tuberculosis. It's because I'm forcing myself out of this silly hole. So just keep that in mind.

Anyway, I met some more interesting people last night in the common room and one of them, another Chris, loaned me a Dylan Thomas book. I figure I'd better learn about my namesakes somehow, and I've already checked out 3 or 4 Bob Dylan CDs.

That's about all for now. Believe it or not, my room here is actually colder than my house. Or maybe I'm the cold one, and it follows me. I am sort of wraith-ish... Take care!

And I'm Off!

Well, the move-in is just aboot complete. I've got almost everything I need in my dorm room. The process itself was a tad stressful, but it really went pretty well. My room mate, Chris, seems like a pretty good guy. He's a fan of the Daily Show, how bad can he be? He has a New York accent, which is nice for diversity, and just like me his parents annoy him terribly. They're nice folks though, I think I made out pretty well.

I am a bit concerned about meeting people though. I don't really have any new friends, although I've met a few people. It's sort of hard to keep in touch, because it's so awkward going into someone else's room and just staying there. There really isn't a good way to get out and make friends. I guess I've sort of adjusted into an almost sour grapes mentality of "Friends are overrated, don't worry about it", but it worries me that I might be missing out on a good oppurtunity. I guess either way I sorta win, eh?

You know the type of people that just seem out of touch with reality, real wooden and impassive? I'm afraid I might be like that. Timid, scared, on my guard. Then I probably try too hard, go overboard, then worry I'm scaring people away so I sort of abandon them. I can't win, ya know? Maybe if I get some AIM screennames... Oy. Ah well. It's the first few days, I can't judge the entire collegiac experience on such a tiny sample. I mean, I haven't even gotten drunk off my rocker yet. Thank goodness there's still time!