Ozymandian's Finest

10:54pm: End of the Beginning
Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.

-Winston Churchill

My classes are finished. I walk on Saturday- possible (and hopefully) for the last time. And, just as soon as I iron out the hiccups in my fall application, I should have a job over the summer.

Oh, it's not as if I've found a teaching job yet or anything. But all in all things are looking up. I've got a long, relaxing summer to do all those things I've been meaning to do. Not sure what those things are but I've been wanting to do them for a while so it should be fun.

I've got a place to live and a working vehicle. Life is good- or at least that's what I keep telling myself. Life is good...

12:52pm: Long after the thrill of living is gone...
It's kind of a blah time for me around these parts. My car is in the shop again so I'm waiting on that. Luckily I've got a loaner vehicle from a friend, through next Friday at least if need be, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't like the Cadillac situation resolved ASAP. Stupid coolant not wanting to stay in the radiator...

The new pad out Whittier way is working out well. Dave's a cool friend and landlord so I've got no complaints. It's also nice to be so close to Mark, Melissa, Ruff, and the rest.

Mind you, it would be nice to have more hours at work. Still, with the economy and all they just keep slashing budgets. At this point, like a lot of people, I'm just glad to have a job at all. And I think, especially with a little (or a lot) of help from my friends I'll get by.

I guess the title might be a bit of a misnomer- I just really like Jack and Diane. Things aren't too bad, really- school is going well. I've reached the halfway point on my student teaching and this past week I started the math half of it. I'm getting the hang of a different subject area, classroom, and teacher. There were some communication challenges initially but I think everyone is one the same page now.

So, life is over all pretty good. Wouldn't mind having more money and more time but there are few in this world that wouldn't wish for the same. Can't complain- or rather, I think I won't. 'Til next time...

11:24am: Quiet Times
Sometimes the only time you can really hear is in absolute silence. Always been a challenge for me since there so much to do and so much to see in the world.

Well. Haven't said much and not a great deal more to say. Still, maybe I'll be a bit more loquacious in other arenas. I got one of these Twitter things so feel free to follow along the micro blogging.

http://twitter.com/Ozymandias107

11:15am: Christmas
Well, I survived it! This year it was spent up in Chicago with my sister wyldekyttin. I spent the week up there with her and her roommates unclevlad, foxish, datahawk, rissani, and osprey_cat.

I got to see the full gamut- from snow, to more snow, to melting snow, to rain with flooding! It was crazy- I think the temperature fluctuated while I was there from well below freezing all the way up to 60-odd degrees.

They've pretty much got all the damage from the flooding repaired and, to my untrained eye, it seems pretty nifty. I really like the huge new ferret house- and its twin upstairs where four rats live. There's also a cat named Koa who wonders around and, as the week drifted by, actually allowed herself to be seen and jumped up on me a few time for a short visit.

I spent most of my time playing Disgaea: Hour of Darkness. I'd ordered the first and the second one through Amazon and had them shipped there. I'm totally hooked on the first one- I took a quick peek at the second one but I'll save it for later.

The Greyhound adventures there and back were minimal which was nice. I'm still feeling a little out of it, back to working 9-6 after becoming nearly nocturnal during my time up north, but I'll pull through somehow.

8:33am: Writer's Block: 9/11
I was in my networking class. Someone was online and looking at a picture of one of the towers with smoke coming out of it. At first I figured it was a hoax but as the day wore on that thought fled. It was a surreal day with televisions set up all over campus showing the live coverage.

11:14pm: Weary
It is amazing how doggone weary I am and school hasn't quite started yet. It's been an insane few weeks- the summer session ended. Over the summer I had a class each session and worked 30 hours. Well, the next week I worked for forty hours. Following that was four 8 hour days of training. Then a full day of training at my internship school followed by tech support. Then I worked Sat and Sunday. Then today again I had my internship. I'll appreciate it when the paycheck comes in but geez, my poor sanity! Never thought I'd be glad for classes to start up again!

This car thing is driving (pardon the pun) me a little crazy. I'm trying desperately to be optimistic but things are not looking good. I'm a little annoyed that my mechanic friend asked me to call him tonight since he would be free to come look at the Blazer. Despite my message at the appointed hour I have yet to hear from him and have no expectation of that occurring tonight. I guess maybe I'm in a hurry for bad news. Maybe.

I am not looking forward to getting another vehicle but I'm slowly letting go of the idea that the Blazer will ever be whole again. Doesn't make it any less sad. Not at all. But sometimes, well- life just has to suck a little.

10:27am: Books
Yesterday was a study of fun and frustration. Let's see here...

Got up as usual and headed into work. My schedule had changed so, instead of my usual 8-1 shift on Friday's I was scheduled to work 8-11. All well and good, I'm really coming to enjoy the company of my co-workers. Hard to imagine that I might have even a hint of wings- but I suppose one needs to come out of one's cocoon sooner or later.

Still, Amy needed a lunch before 2pm so with marqphex's approval I left at 10 and came back at 12 to round out my shift and give good coverage for Amy's lunch run. After that it was on to Chemistry- short class, basically reviewing the homework for the test on Monday. Need to remember to get some instant coffee for our presentation...

Well, I headed over to Presby with visions of Age of Empires II dancing in my head. Some idjit had locked the student center up in the middle of the day. I was highly unamused. Still, plan B- I headed over to Subway for lunch.

I've been experimenting there, trying to get a sammich that will fill me up but not be too insane on the calories. I've got a behemoth that clocks in at 1040 but I tried a lesser iteration in the 840 range. Still, to make up or some of the missing savory elements I decided to add jalapeños to the foundational lettuce, tomato, baby spinach, cucumbers, mustard, and oregano. It was...interesting. Apparently, unlike most places, Subway does not stock weak peppers. I'm sure it would be laudable to a connoisseur of such things but my limit seemed to be half of the sub.

After that I decided to try something different. During the usual conversation at work that morning there had a mention of a book sale at the Friends of the Library. I decided to check it out- I'm always up for some cheap books.

Except- well, I figured it would be at the library. Wrong- three blocks down main street. I decided to walk. Swung through the general store- they have a small but respectable collections of comics there. Still, they are priced for tourists- to rich for my blood. Proceeding on i arrived at the little book store. The sad thing is, they did not have a single book that I saw that I would be willing to buy at any price- or even accept if they were giving them away. *sigh*

Still, I recalled that City Light's had a pretty good selection. So I headed back to the Blazer and headed up the hill. Success! In their used section I found a good half-dozen Dragonlance novels. Another book caught my eye- serendipitously I discovered an excellent gift for ranger742's upcoming birthday.

Back to civilization and then onto the gym. Met up with Amy for some quality time in the gym. I don't know much but I enjoy helping others figure out a workout routine. She finally managed to pull herself away from cardio and got serious about pumping some iron. So I helped her pick out some lower and upper body exercises. For her part she managed to push me a bit and I tried some new ones that I hadn't even considered. I'm just glad there were few witnesses for my debacle with the exercise ball. What I won't do to help a friend...

Sadly, she's heading out of town for most of the week. We definitely plan to hit the gym on Thursday and maybe Friday morning if she can manage to get there that early. I don't have a choice- I'm meeting Dean at 9:30AM and do not have her luxury of coming in on lunch break.

It's the end of an era- which the gym seems to recognize. They are closing at 2PM for the last time and serving refreshments (throughout the day I suppose). The new facility is truly incredible- I've peaked in the windows and seen the pictures online. Unfortunately they will be closed for two weeks so I'll have to be a little creative in my activities. Still, I'll be said to see the old gym go nonetheless.

1:16pm: Fall
Well, things seem to be shaping up reasonably well. I've got my placement at Waynesville Middle School. I would have preferred something closer but alas, that was not to be. So it'll be two days in the fall and five in the spring. After that? Well, Lord willin' and the creeks don't rise, I'll be a teacher!

I actually got a new hat yesterday. No need to stop the presses on this one, but I will miss the old one. Still, it served long and hard and I guess has earned a nice, long rest. I can really tell this one is new since I keep babying it. Still, in time, it to will bear the scars of long service to a higher cause- keeping my hair somewhat orderly and occasionally providing a modicum or two of shade.

I really need to work on my newest poetry project. I had some great brainstorming about a week ago but I've not managed to get back to it yet. I guess time isn't really pressing- but still, it deserves a little attention I think.

Of course, with the words come the illustrations. I've given that a bit of thought as well. I may be able to get a little creative and take photos for this endeavor. They'll probably need some electronic tweaking but that's OK- I certainly lack the skills needed to draw my own. Might help to write some of it first, though- I need to stop procrastinating! Story of my life...

8:41pm: I must've dreamed a thousand dreams
Sometimes life just sucks.

I'm where I need to be, grudgingly doing what needs to be done. I just wish the stupid lab was open 24 hours- but of course, its going to take them all semester long to put in the new sidewalk and put up lighting. I'd much rather come back early tomorrow, but that option has been taken off the table.

Still, if I can get through tomorrow, a small reprieve will be mine. If only.



I've always hated studying...

2:18pm: Life
Well, onto important business- as of yesterday, I have lost 28 pounds so far this semester. Huzzah! It is nice to make progress again in this area of my life...

There really isn't much left of the semester. My Fairview visits are finally winding down with the end of the semester looming nigh. The next couple weeks are going to be rather intense, but I think I can handle it. Last week I started having really productive days again and hopefully I can hold onto that.

My roommate is still all over the place on what he's going to do next. The option I feel is the best for him is to return in the Fall to finish up his degree while taking some accounting classes to see if a MAC degree is a good fit for him. Sometimes I wonder if George will ever figure out what he really wants to do in life. He's bounced from building a house to opening a blue berry farm to starting a web page business- and that's just recently. Who knows where he'll end up...

Still, I'm getting my finances under control at long last and managing to put a few pennies back for a rainy day. Final Fantasy XII is chewing contentedly on my soul and really, life's not all that bad. It's warming up to shorts weather and that's always a good thing. The woods are lovely, dark and deep- and I think I might just make it.

8:22am: Spring Break
Well, Spring Break is almost here. Of course, it seems, everything has been due this week. This is not as terrible as it sounds, since many of my projects got pushed back- just enough to allow me to get some sleep and (mostly) get well again. Still, everything that must be done has been done. A few minor things in the coming days but, for the most part, my break is my own.

Not that I've got any extravagant plans or anything. Since I've been scheduled to work weekends, today is the first time I'll get to go home since I started school this semester- about seven weeks if memory serves. That'll be nice.

Fear not, I'll be back on campus Monday. The reward I'm giving myself for working hard this semester is 40 hours in the lab over the break. I may get sent all over campus, but when the check comes in it will all be worth it. Besides, I'm hopeful that at least some of that time will be quiet and serene. Stranger things have happened...

These past few weeks have been a blitzkrieg of meetings and paperwork, but I've finally got it all done. To the best of my knowledge, I've taken care of all of the silly forms for my psych observations this semester and all of my Intern I paperwork. It is truly a load off my back- I've been scrambling these last few weeks to visit all the schools but that chapter is finally finished.

The schools were all interesting- I visited Fairview, Cullowhee Valley, and Scott's Creek. Let's see here- I'd say that Fairview, where I am now, is the least traditional of the schools with its open rooms with improvised walls separating the eight or so slices. The other two schools have traditional classrooms.

I think Scott's Creek had the nicest facilities with some obvious funding- or else its just a really new building. I enjoyed the most in-depth tour there, followed by Fairview, and then Cullowhee Valley. Still, the Cullowhee Valley was interesting in its own way since they didn't force me to join an established tour group and the assistant principal gave me a personal tour. I didn't really get to see into the classes per se, but I did run into Margaret Hale subbing and the conversation with the administrator was quite interesting. They also win for the coolest office waiting area, stacked high with children's books. :)

Why does all this even remotely matter, you ask? Well, I'd heard on the tour at Fairview that sometimes when teachers like their block students, they just stay there and skip the whole interview process. That got the wheels turning in my head. I finally remembered to email my teacher last night. That seemed like a nice, easy course to take.

Unfortunately, she's one of the teachers in the intern program and, between that and the large number of block students and observers she accepts on a regular basis, she did not feel comfortable taking an intern. I'll be honest, I let that burn for a couple of minutes with all of my gibbering fears and doubts bubbling up to the surface. Yet, with a second look, I felt her message was straightforward and it felt like an honest answer to me.

I hate to admit it, but it will probably do me some good to get into another classroom, possibly a different grade, and maybe even a different school for my internship. A variety of experience will serve me well out there in the RL.

This, of course, means the hassle of scheduling interviews but it's also kind of exciting. None of the schools, with Scott's Creek pushing it, are really that far away- were talking about maybe 3, 8, and 15-20 miles distant. A new school, a new environment, diversification on my resume- these are all good things. I've lost the certainty and security of my comfortable placement in my teachers classroom, but who knows- I may have gained a lot more as I leave my zone of proximal comfort...

1:53pm: Ebb and Flow
I can't quite seem to get rolling this semester. Sure, I'm doing what needs to be done, and maybe just a smidgen besides, but no more. I guess I should be thankful that I'm getting about as much sleep as my body will take. Strangely, I never want to sleep much more than seven hours, but that will do.

I sorta fell like I'm in a fog sometimes. I guess I just need to clear out the cobwebs and get down to business. I've got a few irons in the fire- we'll see how they turn out.

It's not quite all gloom and doom. I'm back at Fairview Elementary this semester in the same class. That starts tomorrow- going back to school. I can hardly wait! Also, at long last, I seem to be getting 20 hour weeks at work. Very, very nice- even if it does involve flying outta church a little early.

I think I can make this work in my favor. After all, it inspired me to hit the hay early last night and get up today for Sunday school. Seems a reasonable exchange and it will stop me from spending money every week on those church lunches, however enjoyable they might be.

8:44am: Cold
I guess I picked the wrong morning to walk to work. Not that I had a great deal of choice- the next time I drive my car I'll need to head to a gas station or I'll be pushing it. Still...

I'm really, really glad I had my Dr. Who scarf handy and broke down and wore my gloves. I just thought I was dying until I lowered it for a moment and felt how cold the air was without two layers of scarf. By 8, 30 minutes after I got to the library when I actually started work, it had warmed up to 15 with a windchill of 8. Brrr!

Still, I survived. Nothing like a brisk 20 minute uphill walk to remind you just how horribly out of shape you are and how wonderful driving a car really is.

8:30am: What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?

8:39am: The Grind
Welp, I got through last night and even got 2.5 hours of sleep! Woo-hoo! Now all I need to do is read those chapters...

11:20pm: Just One of Those Days (Nights)
Well, I can officially say the semester has begun now. It's 11:20pm and this is what I have on my plate before I can sleep...

Watch FERPA Video - Sign Form
Reschedule Observation Placement Meeting

Science
Determine Inquiry Project Topic- flesh out idea
3 Outdoor Observations

Reading
Finalize Reading Autobiography
Finish Exit Ticket
Read Chapter 2 in text

Math
Curriculum Classroom Description

Spec. Ed.
Article
Read Chapter 2 & 8


And which have I accomplished? Well, the three outdoor observations. It's gonna be a long night...

But, you know what? I'm excited! I'm busting my tail for something I care about. I highly recommend it :)

11:40pm: All Thing End...
Well, my summer vacation is almost over. It's been a hectic few days as my car finally got fixed and I got it back. Also knocking out all of the errands and jobs for mom before I head back to Cullowhee.

Should be an interesting summer. Our responsibilities at work are increasing but so is the pay so I can't complain. More phone calls- I reckon I can deal with that. At this point I'm scheduled for 20 hours, the max while taking classes and something I haven't enjoyed in quite a while.

I've worked hard at not looking at my classwork as of yet. My class for the first summer session meets for about 45 hours for one week. Now, the session itself is five weeks, so I've got two free weeks before and two after. Suffice it to say, I'll not be working during that middle week.

Avernum 4 has filled up much of my time. Not surprising as it is the direct successor to the Exile series I've spoken of here before. Betwixt the FAQs I've found and the message boards, I feel like I've gotten the most from my time in Avernum.

I had a good 10 day visit with wyldekyttin, crim_ferret, datahawk, unclevlad, foxish, and mtrsknightshade amongst others. Got to see the new house and mostly veg out. Quite nice.

I'll ramble more later...

10:14am: So far...
...so good.

Got up nice an early this morning. Swung by the dump, then got George to his appointment. To Wally for a bit of shopping, cashed some checks at the bank, then dropped off my last textbook. Unloaded George and the groceries and headed over to Presby. I'm at Hunter now, taking care of last minute details and maybe even a dash of studying for my Chemistry final. Little less than two hours before my last test of the semester and I can hardly wait!

8:10pm: Falling Action
Wow, what a week it's been! I'll try to hit the high points from the last few days.

This is the same mistake I make every year- even though my workload is lighter, I pile on all of the projects I've been meaning to get to all semester.

Yesterday I spent 8 hours editing and compressing my little move. I filmed it all on Tuesday but actually got to the nuts and bolts of pulling it into iMovie and editing it and the like yesterday.

Now, last night we had our roleplaying session which was fun. Afterward, when Marq came on shift at midnight, I asked him if he could help me burn it.

I only held out for three hours. He worked til dawn and beyond on it. iDVD and iMovie can do some pretty cool things, but nothing is intuitive when you try to create something extra special. I just spent another few hours tonight tweaking it. Now, its processing the menu video assets- I just hope against hope it will burn correctly...

That's not quite all I've been up to. I've been hitting the wiki extra hard with hundreds and hundreds of updates since Friday. Got around to burning the copies of some music CDs I'd been meaning to, a compilition CD, and typing up some poems. Also got three new galleries up, by request, on facebook.

The Geometry study session went well on Monday- we had a good half dozen show up to take our practice exam. That test went well, as did my read aloud and the portfolio. So far two grades are showing- Geometry and Child Lit- both A's!

Just had a study session for Chemistry a little while ago. That's my last exam tomorrow at noon. I get to take George to his 8:30 appointment, then by Wally for some shopping, then home. Chasing that I get to zoom over to Hunter to get my check when they cut them at 11, run over to the bank to cash and drop money where needed, then to my noon exam. I work after that from 2-6 when I get to close Hunter Lab. Then back to the apartment, a bit of frenzied backing, and I get to go home for Christmas Break.

I 'magine I'll survive, but it just may be a photo finish!

10:09am: Daily Grind
So far, so good. Managed to get up this morning at 5:15 and got rolling. Got to the lab by 6 and managed to complete my reading paper by 9:30.

Now, I should be studying for my Chemistry exam. And I will, soon enough- I'm just feeling a little fried right now...

Still- I'm here, I'm awake, and hope springs eternal so we'll see how it goes.

12:59pm: Wow, it's been a while...
It has indeed been forever and a day since I last posted. Leez see 'ere...

I've transitioned from FFXIII to Kingdom Hearts. I've beat the latter on normal and I'm chugging through on expert.

I've left Tribal Wars behind. It was just getting to be too much of a time sink. Still, I left my account in good hands and wish nothing but the best for VP!

I've also, as the semester draws to a close, had to take a break from the wiki. I post under this same name if you want to take a peek at it- it's all about the campaign world in which I currently roleplay in...

Classes are going really good, although I'm just about sick to death of book reports. Still, I've gotten 96 out of the hundred done, with 8 days left, so I think I'll make it. Things are looking good for a possible 4.0 this semester. Stay tunned, true believers!

The living space is still working well- George and I seem to be getting along well. The car is holding up and the bills are getting whittled down little by little. Oh, yeah- my vacation!

Seems somebody got ahold of my credit card info and went on a spending spree in the great white north. Luckily, it set of some alarms and the company contacted me. They're removing the charges from my card and closing the account and issuing me a new one. I really hope its going to be as simple as they made it sound, but I expect a lotta red tape. Time will tell...

Of course, the single most important thing in my life is Laura! I met her online on Tribal Wars of all places. Gotta give thanks to posicat for that- I'd have never heard of that game if it wasn't for him.

Laura lives up in Ohio and we are very much in love. There is noone I would rather spend time with on this planet or any other. Still, I gotta admit, long distance relationships are tough. Still, with the encouraging example of wyldekyttin and crim_ferret to look to, there is hope :)

Our first meeting will be in March during Spring Break - I can hardly wait!

****

Well, that certainly covers the high points. I'll try not to let too much time pass before I post again. Excelsior!

6:25pm: Just one of those days...
Yesterday afternoon I was at the apartment with George. I noticed a lot of sirens and commented to George that there must be something going down with all those emergency vehicles going by. Then someone started wailing on our door. It was a fireman- we were to evacuate the building immediately.

It's funny- I've probably done the what three things would you grab in case of a fire activity a dozen times over the years. Apparently for me it was my wallet, keys, and cell phone.

Well, the building has three levels. Apparently the apartment in the lowest backside all the way on the left caught on fire. It was kind of amusing- we got our knock right around 3:30. Not long after, the count got as high as 10 fire trucks, five police cars, several volunteer fireman pick up trucks, and an ambulance.

So George and I entertained ourselves as best we could for the next hour and a half, our options being limited as the fire trucks blocked in my car, when they finally let us back into the building. Luckily, the fire did not spread and the only evidence was the barest whiff of smoke in the apartment which soon enough faded to nothingness.

I was certainly worried about the logistics of getting more clothes to wear but really, other than that, it did not concern me a great deal- the fire could gorge itself if it liked. I'm also glad to report, as best we could tell, no one was hurt though. That's the most important point. No idea how the fire started and at the time I didn't particularly feel like quizing the firemen.

3:26pm: It is finished!

The summer classes are done, as of this morning!

Got an A- last session, and I'll find out how I did this session probably around monday or so.

My current obsession is Tribal Wars, for which I have posicat to thank. I'm going home in 30 minutes to Asheville for a nice, quiet, 10 day break before I have to return for staff training:( Ah, well, for the moment at least life is good!

1:03pm: Addiction
Well, I'm alive.

I did well this semester. Three A's and an A-. Not too shabby...

Another birthday has come and gone.

The great news is that I've gotten some financial aid for the summer, which significantly increases the odds of my survival.

In the last 8 days I've poured 100+ hours into Final Fantasy X. Total addict here!

There be the high points, catch yah l8r!

1:16pm: I'm alive!

Technically...

More later.