This may be naive of me, but sometimes I think I could write better than some editors who get national recognition.

Read this article first and let me know what you think: braffy boy.

Thus starts the speel.

First of all, I don't want to give off the vibe that many gave off when they responded to the article. Many just made cheap stabs at the writer and even called him a "nerd" and a "fan who never received a letter back". If you're going to respond, respond intelligently.

Secondly, I have never heard anyone refer to Zach Braff as the "voice of the twenty-somethings". Perhaps it is simply where I'm from, or perhaps the fact that I'm not even a twenty-something yet. Regardless, the writer made a plethora of accusations about a claim that many may not have even heard.

As a director and writer, one has the ability to choose whatever and whoever they want for soundtracks and music. If they feel it will enhance the vibe of the film, they stick it on a cd and play it through the important scenes. As someone else mentioned, if you played Nelly in Casablanca, wouldn't it be the same sort of ordeal? Also, as a fan of indie music, I enjoyed what he chose. If I were to watch a different movie with rap music as the soundtrack, I most definitely have the choice to not listen to it. Simple as that.

As a last resort (or so it seems), the writer poked fun at the actor's looks. Let's think about that one: parents make a baby. Baby grows up. Man has features. Man can't go to store and buy new features (well, it IS Hollywood, but that's not the point). What I'm trying to say is that the writer tried to make fun of Braff's looks. He cannot help how he appears just as much as I can't. Some things are beyond our control. Also, making remarks like that not only damages the person you're talking to emotionally (know from personal experience) but also shows how little self esteem you actually have...that you have to resort to poking fun at other's appearances in order to hide your own insecurites.

Overall, I'd have to say that I respect the writer's opinion. Everyone's entitled to one...it just doesn't mean I have to agree with it. The manner in which the writer verbally attacked Braff and every attribute about him not only shows a poor choice in subject matter in which to write a nationally-viewed article but also reveals inner angst and probable low self-esteem. If you don't like the man and his choices of music, that's totally fine. I don't enjoy some music or even some people's life choices.

I just don't use my power as an national editor to whine about it.

I did indeed end up getting the Imogen Heap album. Hooray.

..yet I have Saosin in my head. Go figure.

Today will entail of me working for one more agonizing hour, swimming, and an eventual dinner date at "The Barrel", as Aubrey called it. I got this crazy idea to grab some friends and go out to eat so...we are. Hooray un-Todd food. By the way, for those who aren't in "the know" *does the quotation marks*, Todd is our dining hall. We don't eat people here *glare*

There is a large man outside with all sorts of basketball patches on his pants. I think I saw the Pacers and some other ones on there. Quite unusual.

I hate it when I am ready to go to sleep at night, have these brilliant realizations, and think that I'll remember them in the morning. I don't. I never do. I'm just too tired at night to reboot my computer and share such realizations with you guys.

I just yawned and made a pretty atrocious face. You should have seen it.....you didn't? Aw, that's too bad.

Yep.

*edit* Check this kid out. He's pretty amazing *end edit*

Today the UPS guy came here and had a hand cart carrying some pretty large boxes. He normally comes in here with some weird envelopes or something, so this was a change. To emphasize how big the boxes were, I decided to use sarcasm. I told him, "So...I think you need bigger packages".

I'm an idiot.

 My roommate was bored tonight, so I offered my services of being a "dummy" and let her have her way. Whoa.

I'm pretty much bound and determined to get the new Imogen Heap album. It makes me happy. I looked on her website and apparently she is/was in Tanzania. How cool is that?

I want to travel. I've always associated seeing the world as something that other people are able to do...people that aren't me. They get to take out their cameras, snap pictures of cool things...which basically affirms everyone around them's idea that yes...they are indeed a tourist. I wanna go to Australia, Italy, Greece, and Africa. Heck...I'll take whatever I can get, even if that means I don't leave the states.

I've found myself being messaged by random people and being a sort of jerkface to them. Perhaps I've become even more sarcastic and cynical than I was before...or maybe these people are just jerks. I'm having a conversation with one right now that is kinda making me laugh...not in that "I pity you" kind of crap. I'm just amazed with some of the things my mind is coming up with considering the lack of decent sleep I've had (or haven't...however that works).

The twenties are a scary age. I'm not talking 1920's jazz era stuff...I'm talking about the age group 20-29. I always looked up to people who were in their twenties and now I'm about nine months away from being twenty myself. I guess it's just how I viewed them growing up...who knows how people will see me when I'm 22 or something...yikes.

Speaking of twenty, I wish the next twenty minutes would fly by so I can go home, shower, and sleep! Now THAT would be lovely.

Last night Jacob was hanging out with Diana and myself when he had this unyielding notion to go on an adventure. We weren't exactly sure what that adventure was gonna be, but we'd definitely find it. It started with us randomly meeting up with Maxx, Jeffrey, and their friend Cat. They were gonna watch a movie (which I heard sucked) but they came with us instead. To find out where we were gonna go, Jacob threw his pink pen in the air and whichever way the cap landed, that's where we went. After walking for a little bit down the hill, Jacob runs back past me and yells, "We're gonna take the bus!" right as the bus passes us. So, we bolt up the hill and jump on the bus. The bus takes us to west campus, so we hop off, consult the almighty Pen, and head toward Krispy Kreme. Jacob was kind enough to get us doughnuts while Jeffrey offered us the oh-so-cool hats. After that we headed to an "interesting store". After leaving there, we walked by some fraternity and sorority houses. The guys had this idea to relocate the sign in their front yards...where? They weren't completely sure. After carrying it for a bit, they left it on 10th street...guess it'll get them more publicity. We then retired to our rooms...I was gonna watch a movie with the boys but decided not to: it was already past one in the morning. As I was walking to return Jacob's laptop to him, I passed our neighbor. He had claimed on his board outside his door that it was Free Hug Day and I knew that Diana had wanted one, so I coerced him into our room to give Diana her free hug. We ended up talking in there for a while and ended up going to see his suite, which is apparently set up a little bit differently than ours. We saw his room and then watched his suitemate swing on the door and so forth.

Overall, it was a very good way to end the day. Strange, but good.

I have "Uptown Girl" in my head.

...what a pretty name for a pretty girl like you.

I'm bored at work. Go figure. Some woman came in here (she's been in here before) and was sorta having a pissy fit that her professor wasn't there and that she needed access to the printer next to her room. I, a mere student worker, have no control over anything like that, so I told her to check with some of the tech guys down the hall. She basically treated me as if I didn't know anything and wasn't worthy of her time. I was trying to explain to her what she should try to do. She gave me the "look" and told me that she'd probably be back soon. I was tempted to tell her to have a good day in a slightly sarcastic manner, but MAN! People like her kinda make me wanna tell them like it is. Oh...she hasn't come back, so ha! I did my job =)

Tonight I'm making dinner for my friends here. I'm kinda excited...haven't been able to really cook anything for a couple of weeks now...unless you consider heating up a hot pocket "high quality dining". I hope people like it....yay spaghetti.

I think people need to learn how to be good friends. I know that's completely random, but that's pretty much to be expected from me by now. Anywho, if someone is having a problem, don't try to turn the conversation around so that the light is on you. You're not the one needing help. Relate to them with your past experiences but don't steal their thunder. It's their time. Also, learn to put people before yourself. Humble yourself. Now, I'm not telling you to always put other people's problems and concerns before your own. I'm saying to be considerate. Stop what you're doing, listen intently to them (direct eye contact is a plus...some people don't like that though), and be a friend. Not too many people do that nowadays. If someone needs help, help them. Make it so that you're showing what friendship should be, not necessarily what it is. You'd be amazed at the impact that is made when you do all that. I'm not claiming to be perfect by any means...just something that came to mind.

Speaking of which, I've learned over time that I pretty much always give eye contact when I'm talking to someone. My french teacher in high school would always seem to talk to me instead of the entire class simply because I would watch her when she spoke. That may not have been such a good thing...heh. Anywho, I've found that it's a sign of respect. You respect them enough to at least appear that you're devoting your entire attention to that one person. The only time that I try not to give eye contact is when the person appears to be uncomfortable. Some people simply don't like people staring at them, for the lack of a better word. It makes them feel like they're being attacked or perhaps even spied on. In that case, I just look around occasionally and still let them know I'm listening. I really don't know why I said all that...I guess I felt it was important in some regard.

It's kinda cool how friendships work. I have known my friends here for about a year now and have many jokes with them. I trust them. However, people you have grown up with have a totally different feel to them. For example, I can tell some of my friends here pretty much anything and hope for the best, but when I'm around my sisters or family, I know how they'll react. We pretty much have the same thought processes. Last night Bec and I went out to eat and then to twentysomething (a church thing). We had a blast talking about issues in our lives but still were able to joke around and end up saying the exact same thing. That, my friends, is friendship at its best: to be able to finish each other's thoughts. Heck...being able to read each other's thoughts is pretty impressive too, if I do say so myself *rubs nails on shirt*

I just realized that we have a slightly broken gold coat rack in here. It's lost in the corner beside the door. No one ever uses it...heck..no one probably even knows it's there. I stared at it every day I've worked here and never really acknowledged what it was. Well, Mr/Mrs Coa Track, I acknowledge your existence today. You are slightly broken but still good.

I have hope.

I have joy and hope.

...what this song means to me. You don't have to even read the lyrics. Just know it's special.

---------

Can't you see that it's just raining
ain't no need to go outside...
but baby, you hardly even notice
when I try to show you this
song is meant to keep ya
from doing what you're supposed to
fike waking up too early
maybe we can sleep in
I'll make you banana pancakes
Pretend like it's the weekend now

And we could pretend it all the time
Can't you see that its just raining
ain't no need to go outside

But just maybe, laka ukulele
Mommy made a baby
really don't mind the practice
'cause you're my little lady
Lady lady love me
'cause I love to lay here lazy
We could close the curtains
pretend like there's no world outside

And we could pretend it all the time
Can't you see that its just raining
Ain't no need to go outside
Ain't no need ain't no need Mmmm Mmmm
Can't you see cant you see
Rain all day
And I don't mind.

The telephone is singing
ringing it's too early
Don't pick it up
We don't need to we got everything
we need right here
And everything we need is enough
just so easy
When the whole world fits inside of your arms
don't really need to pay attention to the alarm
Wake up slow, yeah wake up slow
You hardly even notice
When I try to show you this
song is meant to keep ya
from doing what you're supposed to
like waking up too early
Maybe we can sleep in
I'll make you banana pancakes
Pretend like its the weekend now

And we could pretend it all the time
Can't you see that it's just raining
Ain't no need to go outside
ain't no need, ain't no need
Rain all day and I really really really don't mind
Can't you see cant you see,
You gotta wake up slow.

Today is a good day. Amanda and I just learned some self-defense moves from my friend Greg. We're gonna spar with each other every so often, so I'm pretty stoked. I'm not remotely close to being good, but don't start with me...I'll mess you up.

I'm really thankful for my family. I was in a bit of a predicament late last night and finally called my dad. I was debating on whether or not I should since it was about 1:30 in the morning, but I knew that people always offer their help "at any hour", so I figured he'd be one of the few who would actually mean it. After talking to him, I felt a lot better. Even thought I wasn't sure what I was supposed to be doing, it felt good to hear his voice and know that he misses me.

Lately I've felt a bit lost. I had just been through some crap involving my loan money and Jason. I gave those to God, but I felt like I was being thrown tons of things while I was recuperating. I felt incredibly jaded, lost, and simply not guided. It's incredibly frustrating to not have a clue as to what to do with your life....not one simple direction or clue. After hearing stuff last night that I definitely didn't need to hear, I was fed up and just couldn't do it anymore. I called Dad and he prayed for me and made me feel a bit better. The big thing that got me was church today. I felt God telling me that it was gonna be alright...that He's in control and knows what He's doing, even though I'm pretty much in the dark. He's definitely molding and forming me (which smarts a bit) but is ultimately going to help me become the person that I need to be. As much as I hate not being in control or at least having a little bit, it's comforting knowing that I just need to let God do his thing because He's got it under wraps.

Jason's dad called me today. They've moved him to Charlotte to a rehabilitation facility so that he can start therapy to get back to normal...whatever that's gonna be. I'm still praying that things will be okay...that we'll eventually have the same Jason back with us. Mr. Sprague mentioned possibly having him visit me as a day trip out here. I'm beyond excited...I'm ecstatic. I'm not sure if the facility will let him, but I'll take what I can get. I was able to talk to Jason (literally...Jason's jaw is still wired shut) and tell him that I miss him like crazy and hope that he gets better. Yet again...he calmed down. Apparently he konked out after that, so yeah....Missy strikes again. Please keep him in prayer. Great things are happening...just keep it up.

Last, but certainly not least, here's pictures of the result of my good friend Ernesto:

Aubrey feeling the need to wear his wetsuit...yay scuba.

On the bridge showin' da goodz...or not.

Amanda  (our photographer) and Aubrey in the gazebo.

Apparently Oob doesn't like his fauxhawk =

Get your feet outta the gutter...

Bleachers by the baseball field...Aubrey is sitting in water.

FIGHT!

...before

...after. (It hurt a lot...we both shot outta there and I landed on my knee badly =)

And, last but not least, my excursion in the hallway:

"I don't think the umbrella worked."