movin' on up

Well, I'm back. But I'm back just to tell you that I'm packing up the Indoob and moving to warmer climates.

Don't get me wrong, the Blogger isn't cold. They have been nice to me and I've enjoyed my stay. But I'm curious about what's going on over at WordPress, so this is me exploring and I'm inviting you along for the ride. I'm not going to delete this account, so it'll always be here for me to return whenever I feel like it. It's also been a year since the Indoob kicked off, so this is the blog-iversary present. New home, new look, and now I won't kill people's eyes with dark print on dark background. I apologize... it's a style I like.

Yet I'm sure there are some Indoobians still wondering why I've been so quiet (even though I said it before in previous posts that I've been busy). I've been busy. Some of my busy business was setting up my new digs at WordPress. I was working on getting a dot com, but I was only half way there. Feel free to click or type http://indoob.com and you'll see what I mean. At least I can say I own a domain (which I've been able to say for a couple years since I built and run my church's site). It's an ongoing project. You're welcome to watch.

I halted everything last month so I could focus on my actual job. However, I continued Twitter since it doesn't take as much time as blogging does. But things at work are looking good and mostly back to normal. So now I can't wait to get back in my writer's chair to continue blogging, poetry, scripts, and anything else I was doing before my little hiatus. I have indoob missed the writing community. I just hope I can better manage my time this time around. I'm sure I will since I have big things planned this year. Wanna know what they are? Then come with me to indoob.wordpress.com to find out more! Tell your friends.

To those that left me comments that I did not reply to on Blogger, I will reply at WordPress.

have i been missed?

I'd honestly still like to say I'm remaining on M.I.A. status, which explain why I haven't yet returned any of my "calls" (comments). It also would explain why I still haven't commented on other blogs like I usually do. Well, maybe in spurts... but I'm still not getting around like I used to.

If the truth is told (and you know I'm the most honest liar around--excuse me, I don't lie, I tell stories), a good majority of my posts are written while I'm at work. Hence the subtitle of the Indoob name: The Workforce Blog. Now it's also a reference to writing about all work I'm working on. Just in case you didn't know.

Originally, the blog was about my actual 9-5 paycheck office job, but I expanded it to everything and anything that I could possibly relate to making a living. But, at this point, my paycheck job remains a priority if I want to finance my dreams, and keep eating everyday. And it's not like the job is difficult, it just requires me to meet my quota every week, and for the past couple of months I had been slacking. So my creator's/writer's life was unbalanced with my worker's life. Surely they can both be blended, but there was a specific balanced that I didn't keep maintained. So I needed to write a little less, and work a little more, and my blog has been hit with a writing recession.

Besides that, life was calling. On the line there was an ill friend, a depressed friend, a birthday friend, computer issues from friends and non-friends that I'll charge next time they call, family calls pretty much every day, planning for my road trip, my church duties and such other things that don't have categories. Surprisingly, I watched more movies (and TV shows on DVD) than I can shake a stick at. And I shook the stick at a lot of movies the past few weeks. So much so, I haven't even been reviewing them on my MySpace blog because I don't have time. But I have been able to keep up with people on Twitter (which is linked to my Facebook which is making people think I'm actually on Facebook* all the time).

But I don't want anyone to worry. I'm still very much devoted to my beloved blog and will return shortly. I'm hoping by April I will have everything back to normal, if not better. April should be a big time for the Indoob. I need to prepare by going to IHOP or creating some breakfast foods. I rather not say why, but to give you a hint: my Twitter avatar has unknowingly become the precursor to my plans.

Funny thing about planning. That's what I hear that makes God laugh. Sometimes, I'd rather make Him laugh. I forgot the point I was making.

Anyway, I'll post when I can, but like I said, hopefully I'll get it all together by April. In the meantime, feel free to follow me on Twitter to see what I'm up to or thinking about.



*If that link doesn't work, just look me up. It's the only other social-networking site that doesn't have a direct link on this blog. Yet.

m.i.a. = missing indoobian actions

This particular M.I.A. does not stand for "missing in action" or refer to the lady singer famous for the song Paper Planes which I don't particularly care for, but was surprised to see performing at the Grammys a few weeks ago. That's another story entirely.

Some may have noticed decreased activity of my presence in the blogospshere. Maybe. Maybe not. Depends on who is stalking me I suppose. Or who I've been stalking. I haven't really been reading most of my favorite blogs recently. Much less comments. I haven't even responded to comments here, yet! But no worries. I'll be back, sooner or later. I've just been really busy. And this week is no exception.

Especially this week, actually. I have about 2-3 meetings this week, some of which are on the same day! Not only that, but my weekly 55 file quota I had to add an extra 20 to make up for lost files last week. That's my own fault. All that slacking had caught up with me. So consider this doing time for the crime. I progressed in my digression (from work). I slacked early and often a little too much, then crammed as much work as I could in the last 2, sometimes 3 days. Which meant I had to work on a Friday!

[Gasps are heard world-wide, shock and awe on their faces. Even dogs look up confused. Birds stop chirping. Planes are grounded. Construction halted. Even the Sun (which no one knew had a mouth) has mouth agape.]

Yes, indeed, the master slacker had to practically work an extra full day to try to catch up. I can use the word "try" because I gave it my best attempt, but didn't make my 55. I failed.

[Everyone has sighs of sadness.]

But never fear, I'm on a mission! I've changed my ways! Yesterday, a good start for a Monday, I was up 20, which makes up for last week (since in reality, they count the files for an entire month) and today I already spent an hour and a half letting my computer update/upgrade security measures (which counts towards off-production, and would've taken up my time some time this week whether I manually started it or not). Plus the meetings will also count and maybe save me a whole 5 files or more! Who knows? What I do know is that I will strive to achieve my 55, or even 65 and shine through with dazzling but humble colors that I expect myself to do. I have a reputation to keep. It's okay to slack as long as I have the work to back it up first. And now it's time to back that thing up. I'm sorry, bad joke. This isn't 1999 anymore. Forgive me.

Speaking of music, friDay may be the next time you'll hear from me on here. I want to give 1000 apologies for missing last weeks and not doing anything Black-History-Month-related like I might've said I would sometime this months... which is almost over. But as I always believed, Black history should be celebrated all the time. So maybe I'll purposefully do what I was going to do in March. Or April. Or August. Nothing ever happens in August. We'll see. But as for now, back to basics. It's time to attack! I've got iSaac here, fully charged and ready to go. I had my eggs (no bacon today, maybe tomorrow) and a pretty good cup of coffee. Not feeling the caffeine yet... Oh wait... HA HA! ....yeah, there it is! Okay now... attack! [Takes a short nap.]

black history blogging here and there

Being a Black American, I didn't forget that this is Black History Month. How can I? My own personal feelings might be a bit conflicting, since I believe Black history should be celebrated all year round because it's made all year round. November 4th, 2008 and January 20th, 2009 anyone? But at the same time, it's nice that we get an entire month to reflect and appreciate great achievements of our African American heroes, legends and events--past and present. And I'm talking about the legends that don't get mentioned as much as MLK, Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, Frederick Douglas and President Barack Obama. Legends like Thurgood Marshall, Langston Hughes, Frederick Gregory or... dare I say it... Sam Cooke. And events like the Harlem Renaissance, the Black Power Movement or the Greensboro Sit-In (which is typically grouped with the Civil Rights Movement, but still significantly important in Black history as well as being immensely interesting and not as widely discussed).

I wrote some commentaries about some great Black idols of my own. Specifically the screenwriter/director/actor idols. It wasn't an easy list to make, but talking about why I chose them and think they are great or deserve some attention was easy to do. Melvin Van Peebles was first on that list, even though I think most of this generation might be more familiar seeing his son, Mario.

Anyway, a friendly screenwriting teacher known as Jaden is the one that provoked my written opinions about the subject, and offered me to be a guest contributor this month on her blog! My first thoughts were... "Me? Just a mere blogger and novice movie guru? On your resourceful site with tons of readers?" It is indoob humbling. Despite my few years of writing and performing for an audience, it's a feeling I don't think I'll ever get used to. I accepted the offer and picked four African American auteurs in cinema. There are more, and it's a list I'm striving to be on someday. But for the time being, these are some people that I aspire to be like.

But enough of my babbling, head on over to Screenwriting For Hollywood and appreciate my aspirations with me. I didn't "advertise" my posting over there partly because I forgot, so I'm doing it now. But thanks again to Jaden for furthering me and the Indoob brand out into the blogosphere and Internet world. Make sure you stick around her blog past February, she has a lot of wisdom and knowledge to dispense whether you are screenwriting for Hollywood or not.

cnn is anti-valentine?

I came across this article on CNN.com that was just too good not to share. I'm an admitted news junkie, and my news source of choice is the Cable News Network. I think they might lean towards the left a little, but it's usually pretty centered even if I tend to be liberal minded. Plus it's the most watched and trusted news source! And I know most of the anchors, reporters and contributors by name. Wolf Blitzer, Anderson Cooper, John King, the lovely Soledad O'Brien or Betty Nguyen (I'd like to be their Valentines). I think I've shown too much of my news-junkiness. Nevertheless, the African-American male liberal political contributor Ronald Martin is a trusted source of knowledge and intellect. I had to be specific, because there's (who I consider) a female copy of him--Donna Brazile (I don't see her on CNN's payroll, although she's on CNN all the time).

Anyway, Ronald wrote a poignant piece about boycotting Valentine's Day that totally agreed with my opinions. That's right. Whether your single, married, engaged, embattled--boycott it! And he states his reasons, which I've heard before, but they weren't typed or linked to my blog... so I'm doing it now. Plus I spent all my research time for this post searching for Donna Brazile's name. I strongly agree with Ronald: love and relationships should be celebrated everyday, not just once a year. And he says retailers are to blame. I just mentioned card companies specifically--I totally forgot about the jewelers! And the fact that men don't get much attention other than they are expected to give. Except, maybe for some, they get theirs later that night. And platonic friends shouldn't expect more than a card or sweets. That's just the way of the world unless you live in a movie or some brand of fiction. Harsh reality we live in.

But let's be real and keep it sterling. In this tough economy with people losing their jobs and houses, who can really afford jewelry, fancy dinners, expensive flowers or even a $3 Valentine card when we are trying to scrimp and save to put some morsels of food on the table for the family, let alone one significant other?

Then again, why not make it a day she'll (or he'll) never forget? Bump the kids (if any apply). Despite the circumstances, you still came through and made it magical with a shoe string budget thanks to some DIY website you read on Yahoo's homepage titled "Inexpensive Date Ideas That Impress." I don't have a link for that (ran out of research time, remember?) but type those words into Yahoo or Google and I'm sure you'll get some desired results.

(But did you see what I did there? I like to think of it as being a two-faced devil's advocate. Either way, it's fence sitting, but this particular post is definitely leaning towards anti-Valentine.)

I'm still on the fence, like I stated at the beginning of the week. The past few days I've been waking up late and weary, so I'm considering sleeping in all day on Saturday. This means I won't be on the fence, nor will I be on anyone's side or anyone's yard. Honestly, I will probably treat that day like any other and enjoy some pizza with a friend or two. That alone would be making a point of non-romantic celebrations. But that's me. Let's check out what a rational cynic (if I can call him that) Mr. Martin has to say and you can come up with your own conclusions, if you haven't already.

happy birthday mr. soul

I couldn't let the clock hit midnight without giving it up to the one and only Sam Cooke. So I will post a tweet I wrote earlier tonight.

I almost forgot today is Sam Cooke's birthday. He'd be 78 today, and he
would've seen that change certainly came and took office 2 days ago.

I don't remember how I remembered or what made me think of it, but at least I remembered.

And it's been an interesting day that I might talk about on another day. I rather not go into great detail about it, but instead I can rewrite it as a little fictional piece inspired by a true story. It would consist of being distracted all day, an overflowing toilet with "products that weren't friends of mine" and dealing with something I won't go into detail with, but will hyperlink with two words: tonsil stones. If you know what those are, then you already know. If not, click at your own risk.

Now I must work on some other blog related things. Yay for me!

a wonder (and) full weekend

Last week was pretty busy and a little on the rough side for not only me, but my family, church and a few friends. I don't normally get into the person aspects of my life, but I do see the Indoob as somewhat of a documentation. But in retrospect, I must say that some positive things came out of such a long week, and I felt the need to recognize them.

For most of the week, I've been doing some much needed work on my church's website. You can check it out if you want, but as you'll see, I haven't updated it in a long time. It hopefully will be fully updated by Thursday, or Friday. And I'm no pro at web design, I just know the basics and that's all that is. Besides, I'm the only one my dad knows that is capable and I currently work for free.

Thursday, my friend whom I shall codename as "Kitten" (although she probably wouldn't mind if I used her real name) dropped off a gift of appreciation for just being her friend. Internally, I felt like weeping, but really I just don't know how to handle unexpected niceness like that. I think it's a guy thing. Pineapple is my favorite fruit... so...


My first chocolate covered fruit!



And check out this sentimental special note that almost surely brought the tears.

In case you are struggling to make out the words, it says "Thank you for being there for me. You really are the best friend anyone could ever have." She's awesome.

Friday night, the Kitten and I met up with my other best friend whom I've affectionately dubbed "Dearest" and had dinner at a buffet that Kitten and I actually ate at for lunch. So yes, I went to the same buffet twice in the same day. No judging, thanks. Anyway, we met Dearest's boyfriend whom I heard so much about, and now I can officially approve. But the highlight for me was to have two awesome, beautiful women who happen to be the best friends I've had for some time, share a table with me. Another minor note, we seem to share a love for discussing poop. Buy that book, it'd be awesome to see that on a best seller's list. You know you're curious. Anyway, the Dearest mailed me a letter I recieved possibly a couple days late, also telling me how great of a friend I am. Look at the time she put into writing me! This is what I love about my friends... the time they take to show me that care is worth so much more than what money could buy.


Saturday I watched an awesome movie called The Notorious Bettie Page. I knew very little about the real life person, and Jaden at ScreenwritingforHollywood indirectly recommended I look into it. I fell in love with the way the movie was shot, that's the first thing. Secondly, between the actress playing her and Ms. Page herself? Absolutely beautiful. Before the movie was even over I was at my laptop writing up a draft of a treatment to a brand new story this movie inspired. The interesting this it has nothing to do with Betty, pin-up models, or anything that movie dealt with. It really doesn't have a title, but it's about a young man who moves from the city to an old southern country town and converts a run down barn into a makeshift movie theater. I was going to use this set up as a way to showcase several short films that I, or others have written and filmed. But the concept took on a life of it's own as I started fleshing out who this guy was and why he was there and things like that. Honestly, that's my favorite part about storytelling.

I finished with great timing... Kitten wanted to go out to dinner as well as test her car in the snow. I live on a hill so she had trouble getting to my house, but she made it just as I wrote the ending sentence. We ventured out to Friendly's which closed early. Too bad for them.

During service on Sunday, I was happy to see some people hadn't seen in a while. That's always nice. It also struck me, while someone was talking, not to hold grudges which apparently I think I may be doing. So later today, I will fix that error. Nobody's perfect, but if there is something wrong with ourselves that we are aware of, why not get it right?

Afterwards the entire family went out to the Olive Garden--where everyone is family. Good times. Dame (my brother-in-law) told me about an idea that he (and my sister, his wife) had been thinking of for sometime. Basically, he'd like to start a production company with me, mostly to help out around the church but to eventually branch out and help others. I'd take video and graphics duties, while he did mostly audio work like recording and sound production. He's the church's keyboardist and wrote a few songs. So we'd be a dangerous combination. So we chatted about that later that night while also discussing some recently favorited songs, or styles of songs. I'm currently getting into Go-Go music, similar to this:


The night got better with a phone call from not just a best friend, but one I consider a brother-from-another-mother. We chatted for a while, and for once, about me and my life. It was nice to get some of my own drama out even if I hate admitting I have it. But even while I was telling him my story, it came out as a comedy because it made him laugh. Imagine that.

Lastly, one of my newest friends who doesn't have a nickname yet, I chatted with online as we watched the last hour of the Golden Globes. Woot woot for 30 Rock and Tina Fey. I've been strongly recommended to see Slumdog Millionaire and have even been given a website to watch it for free. But I have morals. And if the movie business is something I want to get into, then it's like robbing from myself. It'd be different if it were a legit site, like, Netflix, Hulu or something. But 'twasn't. Yet I do want to see this movie really bad.

Oh, and now Sam is back and fully functional. There's a picture of him being towed away, but I'm too tired to do that right now. There's more than enough links and pictures to make this a fully interactive post, no?

So, my lesson to all is that although things may look bad, they could always be worse. Appreciate everything and reflect on the positive because who wants to sit around being sad and depressed?

six fals--ahem--true facts about t. sterling watson

I saw this on someone's blog back when I first started my blogging life, and thought to myself, "How interesting," and then I went back to work before my boss caught me. I did start to think about all the many quirks and uniquenesses... or uniqueni? All the oddities that make up my original personality. Or at least things I don't come out and tell people about everyday.

So thanks to the lovely, multi-talented, most commenting Indoobian geek that is Melissa D, I must share some truth that makes me, me, just like she shared some truths that make her, her. So let's imagine Wonder Woman has thrown her magic lasso around me as I start spewing random bits about me. Can we pretend she's being played Kate Beckinsale? No wait! Rachel McAdams! Or...or... Paula Patton. Mmmmm... Sorry.

1. Trend Setting Quirks
At the time, I used to wear a watch on each wrist to stay "symmetrical."
I was also really into all different kinds of vests and loved pockets.
I wear my socks inside out.
95% of all my socks are black.
Every pair of pants has it's own belt.
I get my ears pierced every 10 years (I have 3 because there was a sale that day).

2. Hyper-observant
I get most of my observational skills from my dad, watching everything that's going on almost all the time, even when I'm not really paying attention, I still notice. Then (another) important lesson from an improv class I was taught, was to observe people and the quirky things they do, which only made me that much more aware of everyone and everything around me. Over the years the force has only grown stronger with me and I've used my powers (mostly) for good as I listen to people misspeak, catch typos, hidden jokes, all which comes in handy for trivia games or catching liars with their pants on fire. (A fictional idol of this would be Shawn Spencer from the TV show Psych.) Yet for some reason, I seem to always miss errors in my own work even with proofreading.

3. American Idols
In no specific order, except for maybe the first 3... Sam Cooke, Bill Cosby, Will Smith, Groucho Marx, Yakko Warner, Bugs Bunny, Common, Dave Barry, John Legend, Stephen Colbert, Black Thought, Tyler Perry, Andre 3000, Kevin Smith, Mitchell Hurwitz and everyone behind Arrested Development oh yeah and the beautiful Tina Fey.

4. White Noise Night Lights
I have difficulties sleeping in complete silence (and sometimes staying asleep when it goes silent), unless I'm under the influence of NyQuil. There have been occasions I'm capable of silent sleeping, but if I can help it, I'd put a DVD on repeat (I love TV shows on DVD!). If not, there's always my iPod, iSaac. All hope is not lost, if I got to sleep under the stars listening to nature, I'm sure I'd have a peaceful sleep once I'm at ease knowing some beast won't eat me.

5. "The t. sterling Show!"
When I was wee, I'd imagine I had my own reality TV show with invisible cameras in the walls or following me around everywhere. This was way before the crap that's on TV now, and I've since fine tuned my imaginary show to be a mockumentary of my own life, with part of it being a late night talk show when I sit down at my desk to watch TV and manipulate my computer and the Internet... like I am now. People still say I need my own show, I tell them "in due time." This blog is the closest they'll get for now.

6. I'm a Little Cheesy
I enjoy food maybe a little too much. I've raised awareness regarding Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn's white cheddar issue: the "$2.49" (it currently cost 40 cents more, but go along with me) has the best cheese per popcorn ratio... the bigger the bag, the less the cheese. The 99 cent bags have decent amounts of cheese too, but those cruddy joke-of-a-snack 25 cent bags have almost no cheese whatsoever. I've been told that I'm the only one who has noticed this. That and Ritz Bits Cheese/Peanut Butter sandwich crackers are toasted a bit longer in the little individual bags versus the box size. I don't know why. I love my cheese and always keep a white cheddar shaker nearby to add to a variety of foods that I eat. I have four pizza restaurants on speed dial (two know me by name), and I've had mozzarella sticks at most diners/restaurants that serve them (or something cheesy related).

Now I'm supposed to tag 6 people to carry on with 6 truths of their own. I will attempt to pick 6 that I haven't seen yet, and by no means do they have to do this... but it'd be nice! I don't have a huge selection of bloggers I know either, but eh... here goes. Even if they don't do it, and some I don't expect them to, check out their blogs... so consider this a plug.

1. Karen
2. Shane
3. Friar
4. Melinda
5. Kim
6. Simon

Here are the rules:
1. LINK TO THE PERSON WHO TAGGED YOU
2. POST THE RULES ON YOUR BLOG
3. WRITE SIX RANDOM THINGS ABOUT YOURSELF
4. TAG SIX PEOPLE AT THE END OF YOUR POST AND LINK TO THEM
5. LET EACH PERSON KNOW THEY ARE TAGGED AND LEAVE A COMMENT ON THEIR BLOG
6. LET THE TAGGER KNOW WHEN YOUR ENTRY IS UP

Woot woot, y'all.

how i can't wait to not leave the house

iTunes and I aren't getting along this week. Fortunately it's not stopping iSaac from giving me my awesome tunes, but I can't burn any CDs and I'm a quest--no... a mission to fix this problem so I can share in my musical joy with others who'd like a copy of one of a kind mixes apparently only I know how to mix. But let that not stop me from continuing my trek of trailers I adore. Even though it's the holiday season, you'd think I'd do something festive for my friPod iPick. HA! I probably would, but no.

I'd also lament about my job's recent layoffs and I'd like to thank God for sparing my job when a few people I know were let go. Yeah, this bad economy is hitting close to home for everyone. It also gave me yet another boost, or a push, or an increase of motivation to complete a script or two ASAP. With that, I began the script for "The Writing Retreat" (working title until I find the symbols I'm looking for). So you can believe I do count, appreciate and cherish each and every blessing I have in my life. The holiday season has nothing to do with it, I've always been like that.

How about an honorable mention? Fall Out Boy's newest album is indeed pretty enjoyable. I also recently acquired The Roots latest effort but I haven't listened to it. It takes about 48 hours for me to move on from something new that I like. Sometimes longer. Speaking of newness, I now have Seinfeld season 5. Yes yes y'all! Oh, and to accompany it, Scene It: Seinfeld Edition. I don't want to play it yet because I only have 4 seasons of supreme knowledge. I also don't have many people to play with me. :o( Nevertheless, it'd be a game well enjoyed soon enough.

Lastly, New England is finally getting REAL snow. A good ole' fashioned snow storm. It just started as I type. I'll brush up on my photography skills and post a few "Christmassy" photos later. And by later I mean hopefully by or before Monday.

But so far, my vacation has been everything I dreamed. Falling asleep in the living room at 10pm and waking up to this a few hours later...

To help put you in the frame of mind I was in, I woke up around 2:30-2:45 and remained severely puzzled for the next minute as I recovered from groggy confusion and waked-upness. Really, it was a massive "what... the... stank!?" moment for me and I was a little too nervous about going back to sleep at that point. But I eventually came to my senses and changed the channel to something familiar, then went to bed... only I couldn't fall asleep so I watched a movie while I ate a bowl of Cocoa Pepples, ground beef and a bag popcorn (not all together... but yes, those were consumed in the span of 3 hours).

And today I ventured to the Mart and my local DVD rental chain and encountered disgustingly long lines everywhere. I do not like it. These lines were preparations for a deadly last minute Christmas gifts, Christmas dinner and looks-like-we'll-be-snowed-in food and movies. I think it's a New England thing, but I could be wrong.

Well, I'm off to work on other written works, and eventually take a long winter's nap until I'm called to shovel out the driveway like we're about to go somewhere (we aren't). We go in shifts just to keep up with the snow. It's better to shovel less snow by shovelling more frequently, no? I better charge up iSaac.

script skills, activate!

Woot woot! It's December of 2008. Why am I so excited? Not sure. However, this month I plan to devote to strictly scriptwriting... or at least to the scriptwriting process--character developments, plot developments, mapping out the stories, and most important: actually writing the script itself. For me, for some reason, that's the most time-consuming. The nice thing about getting to the step is whenever I get into a good flow, I could probably complete a script in a matter of hours or less, depending on how long the story actually is. I know this because of my screenwriting class a few years ago, along with my own personal episodes when I'm struck with a short script to write. The only thing I'm limiting myself to is still to pre-existing material I've already started either on my laptop, scraps of paper, and especially ideas written in my notebook(s). Some ideas have begun festering due to inactivity and being further developed. The sooner they are finished, the sooner I can devote my notebook (and brain space) to new fresh ideas to fester... I mean develop.

(This is a picture of iSaac playing "Champion" and my notes on one of my latest works, "Champion.")

Basically, all this month I will refrain from working on poetry (unless, of course, a wave of inspiration sweeps me into jotting lyrics to something really wonderful) and I may even be blogging less (I'm not sure how true that will actually be) but since I'm fairly new on Twitter, I'll probably stay up to date on that via text messages from my phone. Regarding my poetic skills, I've been working on pieces all of November and only (secretly) published 1 of 5 written. Why? I don't know. I will publish 2 more, as I feel the other 2 may remain "unreleased" because I know I can do better. As one of my poetry teachers once told me, sometimes we write poems that are meant just to clear our throat. Once we get the phlegm out of the way, we can clearly say what we mean, with great flow and rhythm and all that good stuff. I think it's possible to still make those throat-clearers something worth reading. However, how they look right now, it's not up to par with the level I'm trying to achieve. Don't worry, you probably aren't missing anything special if you never read what I never release.

So as this month goes on, I ask for support in this challenge. I work better if I'm pressured. Odd as it may sound, I don't like pressure, but when I am, I'm more productive. It's like a turbo boost to the process and progress. I like those 2 things and those eventually lead to my personal favorite kind of euphoria: results and accomplishments. So every so often this month, feel free to ask me how I'm doing? What have I completed? Am I done yet? Ya know, annoying things like that. This can be done via blog comments this month, emails (including MySpace and Facebook), text messages (for those who know me like that), instant messages (I'm on AIM), in person (if I'm caught outside of my house), and especially my new social funess Twittering. I usually respond within 24 hours to any message depending where and what I'm doing. If I take any longer, then it means that I officially hate you. I JEST! I jest...

In the meantime, enjoy my fruits of November labor.

Champion - inspired by various songs, my life and my father.

Letter to My Beloved Somebody - inspired by John Legend's I Love, You Love

Fallen - inspired by this post by Melissa Dovovan ...amongst other things.

indoob goes twitter

I've given in to another trend of the times. I keep hearing about this Twitter business, so I started one mere moments ago. I don't have many friends on it right now. In fact, the 1st guy I don't even know but sent me a friend's request on Facebook about a year ago. I still haven't accepted. Anyone else familiar with an Uncle Shag? He's not my uncle. I don't know who the stank he is. Maybe he created Twitter? I don't know.

What I do know is that it's way later than I'm normally awake and that's because I fell asleep from around 10pm to 1am. Oh yeah, it was a wild Friday night for me indubitably. I won't get into details of the unadulterated events. Actually, prior to my late night nap I had a fun day eating Stuffed Crust pizza with a belated birthday girl, venturing the mall with their pre-Christmas sales, coming home to do 2 hours of overtime work, then watching Tropic Thunder with commentary by the stars. Oh, and there was some mountain climbing and paintball gunning involved too. Lies. All of it were outright lies and I apologize. But hey, to get to my Twitter thingy just remember twitter.com/indoob so go check on it from time to time.

In any event, here I am blabbing away as usual about nothing in particular. Except about my new Twitter which I can now update via my phone. Actually, I'm able to update this blog with my phone, but I think with Twitter, it's built with text messages in mind, whereas regular blogs are not. Still, you can catch my latest up-to-date adventures on the side bar, and feel free to follow me and I may be inclined to follow you if you have one. I may actually be doing something worth Twittering about, which may find it's way in the next blog entry I write. Even if it doesn't, it's great for nosey people or those who just want a one sentence response to "what are you doing?" I'll refrain from bathroom adventures unless of course my pyromania returns and I feel the urge to light something on fire in the bath tub. I no longer have pictures of my last bout of excitement, but it was fun. It was also a good use to get rid of bad cologne.

Before I go, check out CommonCraft.com and their videos to break down things in simple terms for people like you and me to understand. They have a video about Twitter which encouraged me... So give it a look-see. Also, check out KarenJLloyd.com who is an expert storyboard artist, which I am beginning to feel is an under appreciated field once you realize how important this job is to the filmmaking process. I'm mentioning these two sites because they are further encouragement to me on how to tell better stories. More so Karen's blog than CommonCraft, but she explains that you can tell a really good story with stick figures, and CommonCraft gets the point across very effectively. Hey, I give props where props are due. (Plus she gave me a plug on her blog, it's about time I mention hers). And I think in December, I'll start work on a new writing project and seriously commit some time to completing my next script or scripts. I must remember to start small. Then, with my arsenal of scripts, I could rule the world! Muahahaha! Wow, I need to go to bed...

fripodding and changing

So I guess I'm still on my charity kick. Not a bad thing, but I enjoy writing the more light heart hearted material. I'll save the heavy stuff for those moving scenes in my movies. Speaking oh which, I'm formulating a plan in which I'll write short scripts for myself when I do podcasts. (Actually, I'm not sure if they'll be officially "podcasts" but it'd be cool if I could... and just the thought of me being in YOUR iPod... gives me chills all over my body. OoooOOoooo! Yeah, it's like that... which is a bit creepy... sorry.) Anyway, I'll bring my movie reviews to the Workforce, but after I'll actually film myself talking about it. I'd do it now, but I lack the capability of transferring video to PC... and I'm not about to just buy some run of the mill webcam when I know I can do better. In the meantime, I'll hone in on other crafts until I can afford that (and a Mac). The podcasts (which will have a special name all its own) will contain other fun things besides reviews... but we'll talk about that bridge when it's in sight.

Back to charity... Today's friPod iPick hails from the King... of Pop. And I'm sure it's some what inspired by the King... the Reverend. It's none other than the #1 hit in the '88 (and no, I don't remember it at the time, but I'm quite fond of it now), Michael Jackson's "Man In The Mirror" and I even provided a link which I wasn't going to do because EVERYONE should know this song.



The video is taken from the Moonwalker home video that was released back in his prime. I've watched it several times, I don't hide the fact that I'm a long time fan. I will say that at the time, I didn't know what or who were in most of those clips interlaced in the video. In fact, I didn't even really know what the song was about, but for some reason it made me wanna cry a little bit just because I could feel the emotion in the song. While it "randomly" iPodded the other day at work, it brought back a flood of memories like it normally does when I hear it. Then iSaac decided to keep repeating the song, what a weird iPod it is.

And it's a great song I love to lampoon because it's hard to translate some of his lyrics from what you actually hear, that is, if you don't know the song very well. At times I feel as though I'm singing with my teeth clenched. (Yes, I've sung this song many times in my room and in front of the mirror. Don't act like you haven't. Maybe not to this song, but there's something on Jackson's discography that makes you go into concert.) And of course there's the infamous "cha'mon!" Oh, these were the days. He practically ruled the world at this time. This is a time I was growing up listening to him and watching people go nuts. People don't pass out at concerts anymore. What a waste of money. Go see MMJ and you faint, then you're carried off to who knows where. And this dude has always been original with his wardrobe. I couldn't pull off have his outfits. But he did tend to pull them off. This is during the time he was... uh... fit? Young. We'll go with young. Can you believe this dude is 50? Have you seen my childhood?... (His? Yes.) I jest.

Again, I digress. With these times of change, I thought this song would be fitting. Even though we are looking for change from our new President, we must not forget that change starts with us. So go find a mirror right now (well, wait until you're done reading) and ask that man or woman or whatever to change their ways. (If the image talks back to you... I can't help you.) We all want, or should want to see this world change for the better and that can't happen if you don't do anything about it. Whether it's helping the environment, a wee child, your next door neighbor, their next door neighbor, a squirrel or the less fortunate: make that change.

if you haven't know-ticed...

See that? What I did there with the title? Word play. I love it!


I couldn't wait until Friday so I decided to just post about it now that I did a wee bit of redesigning to my blog. Notice the sidebar (if you are actually looking at the actual page and not reading from a RSS or emailed directly to you, you don't see any change whatsoever and you must immediately check it out... by the way, I love you people who are using the RSS or emailing system, I love you dearly from the basements of my heart.)


Now as I discuss what's on the sidebar, I'm going to go in the order of they are presented as of right now. First, there's the chance to be apart of the Workforce. Or be an Indoober, if you will. I don't really want to use that term, it reminds me of Goober and it makes me think of The Andy Griffith Show. Not a show I really want to be compared with. The pace of that show... How about Indoobians? I like that one. Be an Indoobian in the Workforce and click to be a follower.


Next is the subscribe buttons so you can read my posts and comments via a reader. I have subscribed to a bunch of other blogs this way, although I tend to go directly to their page. I actually forget I have a Google and Yahoo RSS readers.


My Blog List is sort've defines itself. They are my favorite blogs I like reading. And there's a nifty feature that displays the first few lines of said post. So I'm warned what I'm about to get into. I also know when there's a new post. Again, I tend to forget I have RSS programs to tell me that. I'm still a little new with the RSS thing.


I have two polls on my blog right now. Both are serious questions about non-serious things, but I'm curious to know what you, the reader, think, because I care. I want your vote! I apologize, I almost went into a political mode. With all these politicos going on, I can't help but to do the confused doggy head tilt when news networks unveil the latest poll saying who's up and by how many points. Why? For one thing, the numbers aren't always the same when you change the channels. Perhaps they're close... but really... who can you believe? The other reason I try to ignore polls is because I know the technique in how some sources get their answers. WORD PLAY. It's all in the wording of the questions pollsters might ask to get a desired response. Is this the truth all the time? No. Fortunately, lately, they've been asking different questions like "What VP has the best hair?" And the majority says Palin with the next answer being "undecided." Lastly, the other reason I'm so-so on the polls is I don't know who they are asking. Again, sometimes they'll tell you "This survey was conducted on our website" but sometimes, they just throw the numbers out there to watch you react. The main numbers I'm concerned about are the actual votes on Election Day.


I digress. That has nothing to do with my polls. I'm asking questions about Christmas shopping and Seinfeld.


The live traffic feed is something I kinda stole from my friend Jaden over at Screenwriting for Hollywood. First of all, that's a great place for movie information, especially from a screenwriting point of view. And as a young scribe, I can learn a lot from someone who has been in the business and has experience to guide both beginners and professionals alike. I forgot what I was talking about... oh yes, the live traffic feed. There's a nifty little map on the sidebar that shows all the hits from all over the world of visitors to this site. I wanted one too. I know I only get maybe two hits a week, but still, those two hits matter to me. So it wouldn't be exact copying, I decided to choose the option of showing me the flag and where my visitor came from. There are more little things to click on to show you a big map, how long ago they visited, where they clicked from, stuff like that.

The next one is "What's iSaac Doing?" It's all in caps, so I broke it down for you... iSaac is my iPod. 95% of the time, iSaac is wherever I am. Maybe 55% of the time, iSaac is playing something. How these little feature thing works, I have to have iTunes on and running in order for my little gadget to say what iSaac is currently playing, even though iSaac might not be playing anything at all. The POINT is that this shows what iSaac could be playing. Plus, I leave my laptop on all the time. So I decided to let iTunes run all the time so it'll look like there's always some music playing on my blog. Obviously you as a reader can't hear it... that costs money. Someday... The Indoob Workforce Radio with iSaac and DJ sterling silver. And yes, that show would be awesome.

Ya know what else would be awesome? If the official Black American Flag looked like this:

That has nothing to do with my sidebar. I just remember seeing it in a music video and recently in the latest VIBE magazine. I'm really pro-diversity and love for the mixing and mingling of all races and backgrounds... but we all have backgrounds and this flag looks pretty cool to say "Hey, I'm a Black American." Political correctness would have me say African American, but what does that say about Jamaicans and Haitians? Or even black folk in England? Huh? HUH? Just curious. Plus I can say yes if Eddie Izzard asks if I have a flag (watch Dressed to Kill).


The next three parts of my sidebar have been there since I started the blog. My Behance badge, which features my profile and a quick way to read my poetry or any other works. It's a great way for artistic and creative people to get together with one another. MySpace wishes they had it like this. Evidently, this is how I found Melissa's Writing Forward. The next is my "Bio" which I may actually add a bit more to later. But the sentence sums me and this blog up... in a sentence. Heh... Then its the acrive so you can trace me back to the beginning of the blog. Woot!


Unrelated--my last post was about poverty and a charity I like is ONE.org. Check them out, they are doing great things that doesn't get media attention... except their own commercials. Anyway, I forgot to mention another great cause-- FreeRice.com! It's fun, educational and helpful! "Fun and education? I don't believe it!" Believe it sir or ma'am or thing. It started out with a fun word game that everytime you picked the right synonym, they'd donate 20 grains of rice. Then you work your way up the levels. Obviously the higher you go, the harder the words. Words you never hear unless you have a pompous college professor who speaks over your head anyway. I actually cheated from level 30 to level 36 before I switched subjects. There's chemistry (I skipped that), Spanish and other languages, math, and grammar. Math is the easiest with the multiplication... and it's the fastest way to rack up rice points. The 20 grains add up. And I did my bit of charity today by playing the game for an hour. You know how much rice I raised? 10,000 grains. No, it wasn't easy. But I fed a couple wee children. I may have missed out on an hour of work... but one of our systems was down anyway. I say all that to say this: go there. Feel stupid for not knowing words nobody important knows anyway all for a good cause! Special shout out to Kathy who told me about it first.


I don't know how long I'll keep this part: The moon pic of the day. I have a thing for the moon. I'm a nocturnal creature. I don't howl at it (anymore) but I do love to stare up at it. Sometime write poetry in it's majestic bluish light. It's nice. I like it. The pics? They're okay. I just wanted to try something new. Furthermore, if you scroll down (or just hit "End" on your keyboard), you'll see "Woot! Watcher." It won't take you long to figure out why I have this on my blog. If you've read most of my posts, you would know why. If you don't, just read the previous paragraph and you'll find one of my catchphrases. The things featured in the section are sometimes woot-worthy by my standards. But really, I don't care. I check it once in a while. Right now there's a Dyson vacuum. I like their commercials but you have to be outside your mind if you think I'll pay over $300 for a vacuum. Actually it might be $600. I can't remember. It's been that long since I've worked for the Mart, and yes, they would sell them. Somehow.


These are my updates, so now you know. Follow, subscribe, read my friends, vote, vote again, stalk, read what I hear, read stuff I do, read about me, read what my past, and howl at the moon. Woot!

B.A.D. 2008: Poverty

'Tis Blog Action Day for the year 2008. Where blogs and podcast all across the planet get together for a worthy cause--to aid in the war on poverty.

Sadly, it sounds like another victory-less battle, such as the war on drugs, war on terror, war on the obese. But there's no reason to not try! Had I been on top of my poetry game this year, I might've had a Poetry Show this week to go along with BAD '08. Every show, I charge admission to be entertained one can per person. Or I try at least. Then I donate the goods to the local supermarket's food drive.

Some know that the charity I'd most likely give to is anything dealing with the arts. But overall, you need to eat before you can create. You can only write, paint, sculpt so much before you turn around and try to chew on the paper, paints and clay. If you are about 1 or 2 years old, I might let it slide. Just as long as it's not toxic. But I'd much rather you eat something nutritious. And yes, I talk to wee children like they are grown people. They'll understand when they're older.

As for other campaigns on the march to destroying poverty, I like ONE.org. I was trying to donate and get me one of those nifty white bracelet things. Everyone has the Livestrong yellow band... and I didn't want to be like everyone. I'm sure if I was running for some office, someone would instantly turn this into "t. sterling watson is FOR CANCER!" Yes, I stole that idea from the movie Head of State. Anyway, the ONE organization wants to eliminate poverty in Africa. Poverty and AIDS to be exact. Again, it's not something that will happen immediately, but who's to say that it won't at all.

Personally, the way I see it: I'm not trying to save the world. I trying to save just that one little boy or little girl, or both if I'm feeling tender hearted, warm and gushy inside. And you know that one kid, you see them all the time on the "Save the Children" commercials where the host-dude makes you feel bad for buying a cup of coffee when you could be using it to buy that poor child some rice. I'm not saying I'm not affected by these ads. I just wish they end on happier notes. Like those before and after shots: "This is my home before" (and it shows some shack or whole in the mud, and a naked boy with no food) "but this is me now!" (A nicer shack, the boy has some meat on his bones, he's in school and is smiling and wearing clean clothes) "Thank you for sponsoring me!" And the commercial ends. But I know that won't pull at the heart strings as much. I know their tricks.

Nevertheless, it's all for a good cause. I'm going to do my part and save a child or donate what I can to whomever I can. The ONE.org place is a good place to start. They email me a lot and unfortunately they started going into the spam box. It wasn't intentional, honest. But if you can sponsor a child, go for it. If you know of a local food bank or pantry that accept donations, buy some extra cans to donate there. They say charity starts at home. I really don't know who "they" are, so I just give wherever I can and see a need.

books? what the stank are those?

So I stole this from my good friend Melissa whom I keep stealing things from... I blame her, it's all her fault. But this is about books. All about books. I want people to know I do read occasionally... But let me remind you, its occasionally. Plus you guys know me, my thing is cinema. But as a writer, I know the more you read, the better writer you'll be. It's gotta be true, my hero Sam Cooke said it!

What was the last book you bought?
Literally, it just came in the mail: The Purpose Driven Life and a supplimental book to that called Daily Inspirations.

Name a book you have read MORE than once
Superfudge... But for something more grown up, I "read" The Purpose Driven Life via audio tapes/CDs.

Has a book ever fundamentally changed the way you see life? If yes, what was it?
Again, Purpose Driven Life and 23 Minutes in Hell.

How do you choose a book - eg. by cover design and summary, recommendations or reviews
Let the record show, I'm not an avid book reader. So I used to read when required (in school) but lately, if a book arouses my interest based on description/summary, I'll possibly pick it up. Reviews and recommendations help a lot. But usually, it's my own interest in seeking the book out.

Do you prefer Fiction or Non-Fiction?
Hard to say. Two out of the three books are self-help/DIY/instructional... But one of them is non-fiction. Past books I bought we novelized screenplays... So perhaps it'd be fiction?

What’s more important in a novel - beautiful writing or a gripping plot?
Plot. You can lost in beautiful writing and have no clue what happened for an entire chapter.

Most loved/memorable character (character/book)
Farley Drexel aka Fudge from Superfudge.

Which book or books can be found on your nightstand at the moment?
There's a sketch book on my make-shift night stand. Half of my bed also acts as a night stand, and yesterday I had Illustrations for Biblical Preaching and that's still there now, but I added Playing the Harminca (which has been living in my bookbag) and Our Uncle Sam (which I bought a month ago and only read pieces).

What was the last book you’ve read, and when was it?
In it's entirety--23 Minutes in Hell and I finished that about three-four months ago. I've started three since then that I haven't finished.

Have you ever given up on a book half way in?
Yes. I tried reading a Sherlock Holmes novel. Didn't finish it. I tried reading Lord of the Flies. I lost interest. And I was supposed to read that for school. Guess what, I still passed that test with flying colors. WOOT! WOOT!

guess who's (what's) back?

SAM'S BACK!!! Finally, after about two months, Sam finally comes home from the hospital and sounds better than ever. It better, costing me about 2Gs. I only paid half because that's all I can afford right now. The longer the doctor made me wait, the more the money burned in my pocket. And it wasn't really me that wanted to spend it... It was the bills that took it.

Fortunately, I negotiated to have my car loan extended, and my car insurance payments dropped. That allowed me to pay off other things like my speeding ticket, AAA membership (I'm now a Plus member, yes yes yall!) and my Espanol classes.

What's left on my tab is paying off Purchase loans and Middlesex loans. My wallet won't ever stop crying. Middlesex first, so I can go back to higher education in January. That's the plan anyway. If I can't make it--prostitution. I JEST! I jest. Drugs. Definitely drugs. Again, jokes. I may just take another adult education class, possibly Spanish Dos, or something else like "How to get published"... I think that's what I saw in the catalogue. But that will be a fun class for me. Then I could put some of my typing energy to use, other than entertain the thousands that read my blog.

I wrote another post earlier today which I don't think I'm going to post, or maybe I'll post it later. It was more of a rant on the bipolar disorder, and how it possibly may be linking it to creative people, like myself. I stopped everything to read it, then I responded via my blog in a much longer entry than I usually write. Like I said, it was a rant. To make a long story short, people have suggested I'm bipolar because of the way I am, how I act, and how I feel which changes on a daily basis. A lot of those traits I have are symptoms of bipolarism. I don't think that's a word, but go with it. According to what I read on CNN.com, those same symptoms can be applied to just being human. A crazy human, but a human nonetheless. I go into more about the crazy part, but I'll save it for later.

I had a long meeting today. It was more of a training class. But it was kinda long. Learning a new process to process our files. It's not important. But I love not having to go to the office for these things and practically everyone is on the phone. Unfortunately, people still don't know how to use the MUTE button. Sigh. Moving on...

I also wrote about some redecorating in my office, but I'll save that for later too. I want to try to take pictures and post them at the same time for once. I was going to take a picture of my car, but I had to get back to work and didn't have time. Plus right now, it's not that deep.

What I really want to do is go to sleep. But I want to watch the debate (on CNN). Then tomorrow, I need to make sure I'm registered to vote. I don't think I am. Before I hear gasps across the nation, let me explain--I am registered to vote, I just need to make sure I'm registered in Connecticut. The last time I voted, I was in New York schooling at Purchase. See? Fortunately, CT laws say I have until the day before Election day. Again, don't worry, I'm not going to wait that long. I'll do it a week before.

I may have another post before the night is through, dealing with books. Why the stank would I have a post about books? Well, it interested me when I read it and I want people to know I read more than just Entertainment Weekly. But don't hold your breath... it's not much of a reading list, but possibly insightful nonetheless. (That's twice I used that word today.) Plus it's me we're talking about, of course you'll be interested in what I do when I'm not writing, watching movies or stuffing my face with nutrients. Cinnabon, anyone? (I wish.)

happy belated anniversary

Well dip me in wax and light my hair on fire, I forgot to celebrate my 1 year anniversary at this here office job! That's right, I've been an "office drone" since September 17th, 2007. Do you remeber, the 17th night of September? Never knew if it was a cloudy day... I couldn't see any windows from my desk unless I did the whole prairie dog thing and looked over yander.

But I've accomplished a lot in the past year: went from temp to full time to a sort've department change to work-at-home. And for a quarter of that time, I was still with the Mart and not loving it. Had I still been there, I would've crossed the 3 year mark indefinitely. I have yet to hold a job for more than 3 years. Well, being an A/V techie at church doesn't count. Nor does being a writer. Why? Because I say so! Don't question me. I won't hear it or read it. Not now anyway.

So um... How about some cake or cookies or something? I've got a tub of Nestle sugar cookie dough. I haven't baked any of it yet. I keep sneaking teaspoons throughout the day or before bed. One day it'll make it onto a pan. Needless to say, anytime I'm able to bake cookies, if there's enough to make about 24 cookies, only 16 might make it in the oven. 12 might make it to a plate to cool off. 5 might get the chance to be consumed by someone else. And that's if I'm feeling kind hearted. Other days, they might be kidnapped to eat at a later hour. 98% of the time, home baked cookies don't last 24 hours in my house. Especially if I'm the one doing the baking because I'm too lazy to bake for later. I only bake just enough for right now. I'm a cookitator. Or maybe a confectionariator. Yeah, say that one out loud! But that's too include cakes and muffins or sweet things I must rule over and eventually consume. I am the Saddam of Sweets. The Stalin of Sugars. The Bush of Biscuits. Okay, I think I made my point.

I like cheese too. So... Ya know... Anything cheesy, feel free to pass that over too. The Mussolini of Mozzarella... The Prince of Parmasan... The Czar fo Cheddar... Okay, I'll stop now.

This video has nothing to do with anything... except maybe history. But it makes me laugh. And it's my belated party and I can laugh if I want to.

If only history class was always like this...

buggy blues

I battled a strange bug of a beast this morning in the living room. I haven't the foggiest of what it was, but if it was the last of it's kind, then it's now extinct. Due to the fact that I live in a house with a woman who is terrified of the creepy crawlies, the only thing allowed to live in the house must be at least the size of a Chihuahua. This isn't the reasons why I want one, but at least my pick is acceptable. I think gerbals and little lizards might be okay too, I have yet to confirm with the heads of my household's critter control. I decided to post a picture or two of whatever this strange beastie is. Since it's covered in Raid residue, it looks a lot like an alien. Even before death, and being soaked, it looked like something that either belonged under a rock or in the unexplored regions of space. Either way, it shouldn't have been hanging out on the wall where it was.
Gross, right?

With most of the other creatures thats enter the house, I'm a bit more relaxed. Spiders for example, I may let live. As long as it doesn't look menacing. Ants I can't allow because they won't go away and bring friends and eat my food and I don't like to share. Greedy sub life forms...

In news from the Mart... Excuse me for some terms I may use, but, you kinda have to wonder how anal can a company get? Even though I'm no longer employed there, I still have my connections and those connections are rightly pissed at the way the company is being run. The newest latest insanity? Before I reveal it, it's taek a quick run at the dresscode. You could wear pants or jeans and a shirt of some kind and just throw on the company issued blue smock. I hate that word "smock" so I always called it what it was--a vest. Then they phased out the vest and had everyone where khaki and blue shirts. Pretty much the same as Best Buy, but without the little yellow logo. However, the Mart had shirts you could buy from them, and my friend (who is fun-size) ordered a small or extra small shirt and it came to her knees. What is a girl to do? So whenever she's out and about at the stores, she picks up blue shirts in her size for work. It's pretty sad and she hates her job.

Well, she hates it 89% more today than she did yesterday because the shade of blue she was wearing was unacceptable. Now, the only blue is navy blue. If they wanted navy blue, then they should've said that when they first started. What the stank is wrong with these people? I can't say that I'll boycott their store, but from an inside look, this place likes to piss on thier employees. I'm always up for writing a strongly worded angry letter, but this might call for a protesting march with torches and pitchforks all the way to their Home Office, whom, by the way, seems like a retail version of Big Brother. Unfortunately, George Orwell didn't include that the Mart manufactured the clothes the Ministry of Truth wore. Enjoy the latest fashion trends now, because 2084 we'll all be wearing black jumpsuits and barcodes. Hopefully those creepy critter things won't be around. I wonder what the music will be like...

good mornin' update

Silly me, I forgot to post my 9/11 entry... until just a few minutes ago. But now that I'm sitting here writing something brand new... I can't think of what I would've said yesterday, Sunday, Saturday and Friday. Sigh...

I'm glad to be awake at the before-crack-of-dawn time. AND I'm awake AFTER sleeping for over 8 hours! Hey, this is rare. I'm usually asleep for about 5 hours, more or less. And sometimes those hours aren't all at once. This is what leads to random naps throughout the day. Unfortunately, I took said random nap last week which screwed up the rest of my work day. Napping on the job when you work at home isn't a good thing for a guy like me. I'll stretch a 5 minute nap to about 2 hours if I'm not pressured. I'll also stretch out on the couch completely since Jake is a bit too.... um... chairy? Heh... cherry... Awesome.

I read that it's good to eat to keep yourself awake. But I don't want to be fat. I like my size and I don't want to buy more pants! I keep saying it, but I really need to get back to the gym. I'm waiting for Sam to come back first. And no, I still don't have Sam back yet. It'd be perfect if I got it this weekend. I miss Sam. Sigh...

Well, 'tis the 6 o'clock hour so I must go down to my office and get to work. But first I'll get dressed and wear clothes that don't match at all. This is a benefit of working at home. HOWEVER, this makes me want to dress a bit better even the more when 4pm rolls around because by that time, I'm ready to get out of the house. Plus my hair is out and looking insane. Actually, I look like a black Eraserhead. Fortunately, you don't need to see the movie to get that reference, just look at the box cover. And no, I haven't seen the movie. I heard about a disgustingly weird baby and I'm not sure I need my dreams scarred for life. Or at least for a night. This is why I avoid horror movies--I love sleeping without waking up in a sweat or out of breath or completely terrified. That's like waking up on the wrong side of the bed. Or on the floor. Sometimes you don't wake up from those falling dreams until after you land.

one hundred

I must come to terms with myself, just admit defeat, and learn to let go. So I did just that today... sort've. Today marks the 100th day I cleaned my room. I jest, I really don't have the foggiest of how many times I've cleaned my room since I've been here. The very few who have seen my room, know what I mean. So much so, a friend bought this... thing... which I proudly hang on my wall.

Fortunately, this room cleaning thing runs in the family. My dad has a knack for being messy yet highly organized, and so do I. Other traits we share? Storytelling, acute observational skills, good with numbers, businessmanshipness, sarcasm, humor, cookings, facial expressions and the ability to hold the attention of a crowd--something we both don't really like to admit, but do when the time calls.

Oh, we also sometimes have a hard time letting go of clothes that hurt us if we wear them. I'm getting better at that part, although I'm currently wearing a pair of shorts now that I described as... well... I just can't wait to get back home so I can take them off again. With that said, I also cleaned out my closet and got rid of several pairs of beloved and/or forgotten jeans. I also got rid of a bunch of sweaters I've had for a bunch of years that only took up space and precious hangers. I like the plastic ones, and I also try keeping the ones that shirts are originally hanging on. There's a reason why stores take them back: they are quality.

Two trash bags full of good clothes await to be donated. So I've done my good deed for the year, leave me alone.

Also in 100 news, tonight was Monk's 100th episode. It's not a show I'm a huge fan of, but since I'm not doing anything before Psych comes on, I'll tune in. And it was a pretty good episode, also playing on the #100 theme. Those who aren't keen on why 100 episodes is a big deal, allow me to explain. Syndication. However, there are exceptions, like the beloved Arrested Development and it's 53 episodes.

It's raining pretty hard outside. Must be Hanna knocking. I counted 100 rain drops. That was kinda hard to do.

Mmm... let's see... what else crossed the 100 mark? What happened today in 1908? I don't know and I don't care right now.

100th big toe nail clipping (this year)? 100th piece of fried fish (this year)? 100th egg (this summer)? 100th movie I've seen since... 100 Girls? Actually no... I've seen way more movies since then, but that's the first movie that came to mind with "100" in it.

OH YES! (Not related to 100) MY SCRIPT IS PRINTED and ready to be given to my uncle, whom I hope is still coming. Either way, it's a really good feeling having that finished. Well, mostly. I'm sure revisions will come about. But still... WOOT!!

...and finally, and this is the big one... This is my 100th post. I wish I had technology that would burst streamers out of the screen of anyone reading this. It's up to you to clean it up though. Sorry. But woot woot all the same, right?

I had to do one more post before I did this one. But that post was late anyway. Forever Lasts Tonight is one of my favorite poems I've written so far, and the other night I was thinking about it as I enjoyed the late summer night. If only I had committed it to memory, I would've recited it and made people feel all warm and gushy inside. Like Pop-Tart filling right out of the toaster. Wait, no... that's actually painful... But I'm impatient and have a habit of causing pain to myself for the sake of extreme deliciousnesses. Extra cheesy gooey pizza is another criminal to my burning tongue. But oh! It is sooo good. I want some now, but seeing it's 3:17am, the last pizza place just closed 18 minutes ago. That's okay... I actually bought some Pop-Tarts real quick during a Monk commercial break. And you know what? It was my 100th Pop-Tart (this year). (Strangely, that might be true...)