Finding a New Past

So I just finished reading a series of books that I started a long time ago. So long ago in fact, it was one of the first series that I recall reading. You may or may not remember the Indian in the Cupboard series.



I started reading them when I was a small lad and enjoyed each book when they came out. I grew up and out of that phase and moved on with my life. Many unexpected years later, I began thinking of some books that my literature-loving niece might enjoy and this series entered my mind. "I loved that series," I thought. So I began looking for the titles and seeing if they were still available when I came across something unexpected. I read the four books but found out in 1998, a fifth book was published.



I was so shocked that I had never read the fifth book that I immediately went online to get a pirated copy . . . no! I went to the local library's website and requested it at a library nearby. Two days later, it arrived and I picked it up. I've spend the majority of the (non-working) weekend reading the four books. I started the fifth book last night and just finished it and I am glad that I was able to complete the series.

Now I admit, I felt slightly silly reading these books for children but I also had the excitement as I relived that experience. The same anticipation and curiosity flipping from one page to the next. It was a lot of fun.

Other than school related materials, I haven't read anything for a long time. I thoroughly enjoyed it. And now I can pass on these stories to the younger generation. But I must say, it was nice visiting Little Bear, Omri, Patrick, Boone, and Bright Stars again.

Once You Think About It

So this evening I worked with a person who was so full of herself she thought that I should be able to read her mind and known all of her needs without even talking to her. While associating with her I did not get mildly upset or modify my behavior in any way. I did my best to work with her and help, but of course no matter what I did (in her mind) it was insufficient. Although lets just say I was able to put in a very good chart note after our interaction. So on the way home I was thinking about this woman and the term Narcissistic Personality Disorder would not leave my mind. I checked the definition in the DSM-IV TR and it seemed to fit.

Honestly, I find it sad that she has isolated herself so much due to her behaviors and she blames her attitude and interactions on everybody else which, in turn, isolates her more.

One thing I continue to learn by working at my current job is how what we do and how we interact with those around us strongly influences what will happen to us later in life. I've seen so many older people that have isolated themselves because of this and younger people who are heading down the exact same path.

In short, stay in good contact with those around you. Even those you cannot get along with well. It will help you out so much more in the long run, you can't even imagine.

It's Officially Over

After many months (and possibly years) of anticipation, it is finally over. I had been waiting for such a long time, preparing myself, wondering what it would be like, talking about it with friends and just waited.

But as of 2:00AM this morning, the wait was over. I went to see The X-Files: I Want to Believe at 12:01AM and was not disappointed. For those of you who have not seen it, this contains no spoilers just my general impressions and minute sadness about its end.

The movie lived up to my expectations which were high. However, my expectations were realistic, unlike many other X-files fans that I have read about. So I watched and enjoyed. Throughout the entire film I was in my own head, seeing nods to those of us who know the entire series. Small things such as a cameo by the director and names of various people involved in the series popping up. Overall, it was an extended X-files episode that lived up to its hype. And more than anything, the ending (STAY UNTIL AFTER THE CREDITS ARE OVER IF YOU GO) made it worth it.


But now, I'm sad. It is over. The anticipation is gone. The excitement is history. So I have to move on and focus on something else. Maybe school would be a good thing to think about.

Edit to Add: Then again . . .

Will there be a 3rd movie?

There's a possibility of a third movie, largely dependant on the financial success of this one. Chris Carter has said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly that he would like to make a third movie, one that would "fare better with those who have been long term devotees of the show" with rumour being that it would follow the X Files mythology rather than the standalone nature of "I Want To Believe."

They Stole My Face

I used the photo from the beginning of my program because I don't have any pictures of myself since. Nonetheless, I'm not disappointed with who I 'look like.'

Happy Birthday Disneyland

You know, I think it's looking pretty good for being 53 years old. Then again, it has some type of plastic surgery at least twice a year.

A Well Needed Break

So last weekend I worked on Friday and Saturday. On Friday, I had no desire to be there. I was checked out and done. However, on Saturday I was happy and had a good time. Nonetheless, this week starts the 'two day' work week as mandated by my job. By that I mean that all extra hires (which includes myself) are able to sign up for no more than two shifts a week. Initially I was not entirely happy, but less than two days after I heard the news I was rejoicing.

In a sense I am being forced to take an additional break that I wouldn't have otherwise. Although I was dreading it before, now I am looking forward to it. Many of my prior classmates state that people get burned out before this point in the program. I am most certainly getting somewhat burned out and now with this additional day off I can actually have time to breathe and do more 'self care' as they call it.

So I'm very excited. Also, this week I'm giving my final presentation for my Collaborative class and I'll be able to sleep more during the next few weeks. Then, I'll be back in Utah for a very SHORT period of time.

See you soon!

the Blob

I was just thinking back to my days at Elementary School and I was reminded of a video we saw once. I recall that some students/faculty or somebody made a video about a 'blob' that was going through the school eating all of the students and teachers. I recall that this 'blob' was nothing more than somebody hiding underneath a blanket, but it was effective for the time. Being the video enthusiast that I am, I remember certain scenes and I believe I recall the name of the principle that was in the video.

I guess I'm asking . . . "Joel, do you remember this or was it just me?"

½ a Pound of Urine

You know, after that title I was going to add a story. But looking back at it, I think I'll just leave it for now.

Nothing Important Happened Today

I only recently learned the significance of the title of this post. Comically enough, I learned about it yesterday while watching something completely unrelated to the holiday which I didn't happen to actively celebrate. Then again, I did get annoyed that all of my neighbors were using very loud firecrackers throughout the evening and deep into the night.

Nonetheless, I was able to spend some time with my parents yesterday and it was fun.