10.) Hey! There’s a gift!
9.) Well, well, well …
8.) Boy, if I had not recently shot up 4 sizes that would’ve fit.
7.) This is perfect for wearing around the basement.
6.) Gosh. I hope this never catches fire! It is fire season though. There are lots of unexplained fires.
5.) If the dog buries it, I’ll be furious!
4.) I love it — but I fear the jealousy it will inspire.
3.) Sadly, tomorrow I enter the Witness Protection Program.
2.) To think — I got this the year I vowed to give all my gifts to charity.
And the number one thing to say about a Christmas gift you don’t like:
1.) “I really don’t deserve this.”
These hands have many duties
Words flow from them into visibility
Calluses protect them from iron
Carefully, they focus cameras
In musical moments, they connect piano to mind
These hands have seen much and will see much more
But sometimes
Sometimes
They long only to hold another hand safe and warm.
I just don’t know anymore. Honestly guys, I just don’t know. What’s it all about? What’s the secret?
I don’t know.
Sometimes I’m happy, and other times lonely. I wasn’t going to admit it before, but lately I have been lonely. I was going to write this on an away message for AIM, but who wants to share one’s inner thoughts with all the people on a buddy list? Besides, I wouldn’t want people to take it the wrong way and feel pity for me. I don’t need pity. And I don’t need everyone to know this stuff.
It’s true; few people are discrete. Few people respect the sanctity of your inner feelings. I don’t feel safe telling my current group of peers (at college - you Woodbury folks are a much better story) my inner feelings. It does, however, make me glad that the people around me at school feel safe telling me. I do everything in my power to respect their privacy. Many people tell me many things; and I like listening. I like being able to be there and to try to help.
All I can do is hold the knowledge somewhere in my heart that being the person I am looking for is all I need to do. We treat others how we wish to be treated. There is no rushing a good thing.
Let us say you have this cottage. And you have spent a significant amount of time building it. You visit occasionally to add things, but for the most part you aren’t there to see who comes and goes. Won’t you want to know? Sometimes I do, so I visit my stats pages and see who has been coming and going at tumbledry. It certainly has been getting busier lately.
In fact, we’re averaging 30 hits per day and are on track to have our biggest month yet. I also thought it might be interesting to note that the Open Directory Project has listed tumbledry under it’s former alias, “Alex’s Website.” If you go to this link, you’ll find tumbledry listed under “Alex’s Website” with the description “Includes inspirations, photos, quotes and links.” Good to know that’s where some of the traffic is coming from. Another intersting note; people searching for the lyrics to the new Five for Fighting Song “100 Years” have made up 23% of the search strings who have brought people here. See, people really do like that song! Unfortunately, people don’t stay long when they visit: 76.3% of you only stay 0-30 seconds and only 5% stay 5-15 minutes; I guess the site needs more content. To conclude, I would like to thank my logged visitors from the US Military, New Zeland (my favorite place on Earth), Singapore, South Africa, Belgium, France, The Czech Republic, Denmark, and Seychelles. (Note to self: determine where on earth Seychelles is.)
The most interesting category is the top visitors. St. Thomas is up there, River Falls is up there, Brigham Young too (thanks, Nick!), and for some reason University of Nebraska at Lincoln is way up there (I have no idea who told Richard about the site). Somebody running Comcast/AT&T has also contributed a significant number of hits; I am guessing that was Justin.
Well, that was an intersting jounrney into the ‘guestbook’ of the website. Now, onto finals information! I will be studying this weekend, preparing part of an English paper, preparing a Philosophy extra credit, and whipping up on 8.5 by 11 page of final essay goodness. Philosophy could come together in one huge firework of goodness. Or, it could fizzle out like a wet fuse. Time will tell. I love this finals studying thing; there is a definite goal in sight and the end is close. It couldn’t be easier. You have all the motivation in the world, and time to dive all-out into the books.
In other notes, Home Valu screwed me over. They waited one week to say that their Lacewood/Polished/Grade 10 Formica laminate was out of stock. But not to fear, the internet is here! I called around to places for about an hour and located the lovely Bloomington Linoleum. Instead of two weeks, they can get my laminate for me in 48 hours. They are closed weekends, so I will give ya’ll a heads-up on this later in the week. On top of that, you can track my package. Yes, in the exciting world of the internet, anything is possible.
This is great. I love the way he sings the bass guitar.
At this festive time of year, we all need something with which to add some Christmas cheer to our desktop. Celebrate the holidays on your computer in style with this ‘exclusive’ (i.e. tube from PSP8) desktop background. Simply right click, set it as your desktop, and chose the “Tile” option for your desktop image. A little present from tumbledry to you.
I didn’t have one class today. I got to English, and we filled out a course evaluation and another evaluation. Then we left. I didn’t even make it to German because I was told by two people from the class that it was canceled. Ok, well that would make it a study day. So, you ask, why am I not studying right now? Well, because I am in break mode. It was helpful to go talk to Laumakis about Philosophy, though. I’ll be in there more before the semester is over, his office hours are quite helpful. As Max would say, one math test left to dominate, and then the final. Things are winding down and gearing up at the same time.
J-Term is 3 credits. Spring semester is … 18 credits? Hmm, that’s not right - oh yes, I will be dropping my Phil 214 so I have the normal 16 credit load. Thus, J-Term is 2 Credit Theology Christian and the Theological Tradition Part I (half the class this J-Term, half of it next) and then Intro to Engineering Design. The latter is done in 4 days. Yes, 14 weeks of class compressed into 4 consecutive days. Alright! Then Spring is Math 200 Multi-Var Calc, English 351 Shakespeare, QMCS (with T/Tr lab), and Classical Physics (class and lab combined). It’s a kick-butt schedule. I couldn’t have asked for better (well, actually I could have, but this is good enough). In a flurry of emails I was able to get into the Intro class even after being waitlisted, and I had to pull some strings to get into the already-full Shakespeare class. However, the good thing about this schedule is it leaves time on T/Tr afternoons for the Dental Internship program through the U. That’s going to be cool; 3-4 hours per week in a dental office. I look forward to it! Of course, we don’t know for sure some details, but I hope to get in this year already. The limiting factor is my lack of seniority. I will cross my fingers on this one.
But enough about me, let’s talk about snow! Yes, we got some great grrreat snow. And I fell down. It was funny, I passed this group of people, slipped once, walked carefully, slipped again. It was like the kind of slipping that occurs on your back foot, where you feel as if you are going to flip backwards. And then I slip again, not recovering, and slamming into the ground face first. No, I’m kidding, I fell on my butt. It was a pretty sweet slide, though. If there were judges, I am confident I would have earned at least a 9 out of 10 possible style points. Oh, and I was running down the stairs to dinner (I love dinner, well food actually, food rocks) and on one of the turns my ankle just collapsed and I heard this huge pop and I said “owww.” However, no permanent damage was incurred. But good lord it was a loud crack. It sounded like this: “crraaaaack.” You should have been there!
Justin will come sometime here with the camera. Then come pictures of my roomage! I am quite excited to capture some collegiate moments digitally. Then again, that’s what I do whenever I update, but I mean digital images. Never mind.
The amp came the amp came! The amp I am referring to is the plate amp. We’re now waiting on the driver and the other amp. I saw somebody at the weight room who looked really familiar. I couldn’t put my finger on it. Strange.
I have some advice for you. “Hey Mr. Grumpy Gills. What do you do when life gets you down? Just keep on swimming, swimming, swimming … “
A couple of people I know are definite drunken dialers. Sometimes its funny, sometimes its weird, but it’s definitely never annoying or dull. Sometimes I wake up to the most hiliarious voice mails. Matthew happened to be the dialer last night, but I honestly couldn’t hear him with all the people in the room. Regardless, it was easy to tell he was not particularly sober. Matthew, I tried to convince you to call back and leave a message, but the phone just ended up getting passed around. I hope there wasn’t anything too urgent.
I really lost track of the number of people up in the room last night. 10? 15? Cretin 2 and 3 supplied the men and Grace and Augsburg supplied the women. We did all learn that strip Uno really doesn’t work very well, at least the way we were playing. Maybe after another 6 hours we might have had our socks off. That’s probably for the better. Now, don’t take this the wrong way, but women keep telling me my bed is uncomfortable. Last night was no exception. I am frusterated with St. Thomas, I mean housing here is anything but cheap, and they give you this mattress from the underworld. I half expect it to start sending razor-sharp possessed springs through my back at night. It is the pinnacle, the epitome, the definition of uncomfortable.
We ordered the Formica for the sub. I was going to go with the black stone pattern, but I realized that this thing is about the size of a piece of furniture, and having a large piece of stone out in plain view tends to darken the room. Besides, this Formica color will play better with most decors. Final specs are then: 20 by 20 by 20 box made out of 3/4” MDF, 3.5” legs out of solid 2 by’s, 17” pipe 4” in diameter which tunes the box to 22.2 Hz, 250W plate amp w/high level inputs, 12” Adire Audio Shiva Driver, special ordered (free!) Adire Audio Logo, and Lacewood laminate. Pictures when it is done!
I wrote an English paper about Othello. I would like to think it went pretty well, but I really don’t know right now. I wish we could drop out worst paper like we can our worst test and worst quiz in math. Ho hum. Each day I find myself able to concentrate better and better; that is, when the music is not playing. Right now, it is blissfully silent and I am basking in the quiet melody of solo piano music with no explosions from the constant movies next door or thumping bass from the rap downstairs. Thank you God for small blessings.
Cal, thank you for not jumping out the window last night.
Well while lifting today I finally did it - I knew it was coming - yes I broke my leg during a lift. No, just kidding.
It is snowing outside this evening; very peaceful. I didn’t even realize it until I looked out my window for Minneapolis only to find a construction-paper black sky and the sound of little ice crystals blowing onto the steep roof. I did get the excellent chance to step out into the snow and take a little walk - yes I forgot my planner in Philosophy and only found that out earlier today. I now have a piece of paper labeled “Temp Planner™” which I am using until I reclaim my planner. As for the walk, I can think much more clearly now - I think I will try another one of those walks sometime.
I’m a’goin’ to the Christmas concert tomorrow evening. I am really looking forward to that - it should be very excellent. I look forward to the bell choir (if they are again there this year) and upon Ert’s recomendation, Riu Riu Chiu. That reminds me, I recently captured that song off of record (33 1/3 RPM for those who must know) for our Christmas collection. The album is called “Renaissance Christmas” and it really rocks. I used to despise it, but now I love it. Rather like my relationship with asparagus, actually. But woody asparagus, count me out.
I find this to be a rather amusing idea for a book.
Second floor tomorrow night is going to be cray-zee.
It wouldn’t be a very good philosophy for life, but eating your desert first at dinner really is awesome. I had the best couple of cookies before my dinner. Recently I was introduced to the band Brand New - this song is like a cross between Radiohead and punk rock.
And it’s sad, but true.
Out of cash and IOU’s.
I got desperate desires and unadmirable plans.
My tongue will taste the gin and malicious intent.
It’s a sad song. The music is very expressive; you have to listen to it so very much before you plum the depths of its meaning. “I believe you, but my tommy gun don’t” ::
I hope this song starts a craze.
The kinda song that ignites the airwaves.
The kinda song that makes people glad
To be where they are,
With whoever they’re there with.
Anyways, different parts of the same song have completely different feelings attached to them - its like an emotional roller coaster wrapped up in a song - the freedom of rock combined with the lamentations of emo music. Two songs and I’m intrigued.
Another note about music, this time of the more pop sort. Five For Fighting (as I said previously) has a wonderful single out called 100 Years - I predict this will be a big song. If it does not become a “big song” then somebody made a mistake along the way because it is catchy, meaningful, and easy to sing along with. I have so much music to buy, but I won’t be buying any for some time. I ordered the sub driver last night. Construction begins in only about 2 weeks. Woodworking is fun! We have to figure out the circle jig, but I think the outer covering of the sub has been figured out. That is, I hope. I want to use Formica laminate. I located the store and called them this evening, I hope to get in there this weekend and order the stuff - it will take around two weeks to arrive. Why Formica laminate? Because it will make the sub look something simliar to this. I’ve got about 14 square feet to do, so hopefully I can get a sheet without too much expense.
We play Johnnies tonight. Wish us luck. Dan, I know you don’t know about this website, but hope your game play goes well. I still think its funny that you swore off of women for the rest of this year and now you have a girlfriend and girls chasing after you. Confidential to Matt: those old pictures are going to be so funny to look at!
Advice for today (and tomorrow as well) : love is a present that has no price and needs no wrapping; we may not be able to set it under the tree, but love should never be wrapped up and packaged, no matter how beautiful the wrapping.
The song “Little Miss” by the Spin Doctors is really good.
Little miss, Little miss can’t be wrong
Little miss, Little miss, Little miss can’t be wrong
Ain’t nobody gonna bow no more when you sound your gong.
Little miss, little miss, little miss can’t be wrong
What’cha gonna do to get into another one of these rock ‘n’ roll songs?
Other peoples’ thoughts they ain’t your hand-me-downs
Would it be so bad to simply turn around
You cook so well, all nice and French
You do you brain surgery too, with a monkey wrench
I heard it driving today. ‘And if I had a dollar, I might give ya ninety-ninety.’
Last night, we went to Applebee’s and everyone was there - it was good to sit down, socialize, and re-connect with some people. In some ways it seems “just like old times” but in another, everyone only meets for a short time until they scurry off to college again. It’s like a mosh pit at a dance club; it just springs up out of almost nowhere and disappears in the same manner. But while that mosh pit is going, it’s pretty intense. What a strange analogy. Some of us went to Ryan’s afterwards and did some movie watching - it was very cozy; good movie, good friends, good fire.
Random link. Nirvana with the most votes for 1990-2000 though? That’s just stupid.
Went to Target today to buy some shaving cream and contact solution. I am running low on both. It must have seemed sorta funny to the cashier as I walked through line with one-day stubble and glasses on. Then again, they probably don’t notice things like that.
The real reason I am writing is because my sister is in the hospital tonight. Turns out the kidney stone wasn’t passed and she is having surgery probably about now. It has been really hectic making sure everything gets done here; I am just glad that the surgery process is not too invasive. I hope she makes it through all this without any complications. I certainly hope that these stones are not a regular occurrence like they are for some people. There were some people I was going to call tonight, I apologize and I will try to get back to you soon. Take care, all.
