a [pot] lucky day

Today is crunch day, like most Wednesdays, once again. The difference between this Wednesday and the Wednesdays of the past few weeks is this: I'm in (mostly) full health [coughs], my day is just starting (I woke up at 8:45 instead of 5:45), I have a full water bottle (I don't mind tap and recycling is good for Earth), and iSaac is fully charged and ready to keep me entertained whilst I break down the system (and thanks to my past friPod countdowns, you have an idea of what I'm jamming out to).

Today in particular is a big meeting day at the office. The company would like everyone to be there, by everyone, they mean those who work at home, like me. Will I be there? No. I'm saving on gas and my personal loss of body heat. Which reminds me, I need to make some phone calls to see how much it'll cost Sam to get some heat in his system even though I'm pretending winter will be over next week.

Anyway, there's a meeting I won't be attending--not in person anyway. I'll listen over the phone and eventually get back to work attacking my files while everyone at the office enjoys what's called a pot luck. I'm fully aware of the joys a pot luck lunch brings, I just wish it had a different name. It makes me think of leprechauns with black pots of gold. Not that a name like that will keep me from eating. Hmm... now I want me Lucky Charms. But does it seem odd I'm passing up free food? Maybe to some. But the catch is we are supposed to bring food with us, so the others will be like "I'm sure lucky I came" or "They are lucky they got here to get some of my three-alarm rice!" My mother is grudgingly bringing meatballs. I'd like to go a little crazy on them if I made them, slathering them in BBQ sauce or something. Had I done that, none of my co-workers would get one. Tough luck, no pot luck.

The other great thing about today, I know exactly how many more files I need so I could "slack off" tomorrow. That is, I need to destroy as many files as I can today: at least 20 to make my 55 quota. And hey! If I do more I can count it as overtime! And Lord knows I need some OT pay. Sammy needs a new heating system... among other things.

in my mind, i'm already gone

My vacation begins officially December 19th. I don't have plans on going anywhere except the deep recesses of my mind in Dreamland which involves sleeping past 9 AM without worry of missing phone calls from my office phone. Actually, the ringer on my phone is already off (sometimes, especially on Mondays, I leave the ringer off and wait for the red lights to tell me when my phone is ringing). And whenever I leave my desk for the day, I'm rarely concerned about missing calls.

But not only do I get an extend stay in Dreamland, but I can actually write when I feel like writing. This is why I chose December to focus on my screenplays, because I knew I'd have these 2 weeks to devote some "anytime" time to them. Whereas when I'm at work, I can't run upstairs to type out a scene or wake up in the middle of the night to type out a conversation when I know I need to remain asleep so I can work the next day. I always get those strong urges to write at the wrong times. It's a terrible cycle.

With that, I'll just say I didn't get much script work done this weekend. It's not like I didn't try. I just wasn't feeling it. So instead of forcing myself, I just watched movies, talked with friends, relaxed, listened to new music and had some delicious Jamaican food! And when I say I watched movies... I watched about 5 in a 24 hours span. Not that that's new for me, I just haven't done it in a while. I haven't written reviews for these movies (which included The Visitor, His Girl Friday, The Day The Earth Stood Still (2008), Horton Hears a Who and This Christmas) yet, but they will be on my MySpace shortly.

Also, I think what I will do from now on is post reviews for movies I've seen in theaters on this blog as well as on MySpace. So look for The Day The Earth Stood Still in the very near future. Wow, that almost sounds like an actual threat.

On a sad note, I lost a dear friend and semi-prized possession over the weekend. Friday I was having lunch with my friend, and I shared that the belt I was wearing was tearing and how I thought I'd have another month left with it. I was off by a month and an hour when is snapped while I was shopping at the Mart. Fortunately no one noticed, except for me and anyone looking at my face with my sudden look of fear and embarrassment. Fortunately my jeans are not that loose that they would immediately fall because then I would've been in a lot more trouble.

But besides stopping dead in my tracks and looking like I lost my wallet or my keys, I was in the clear. I checked out and moved to my car as quickly as possible making sure my pants kept up with me. When I got to the car I checked the damage, cried a little bit, then went home. Ah, good times. As for happier news, guess who's first in getting all their wrapped gifts under the tree? And yes, I'll admit, I cheated and had practically all my gifts shipped already wrapped. So call me lazy.

fripodding and dining

I had my first staff meeting at an off-site location on Wednesday. Just to break it down a bit further, "off-site" means not in or around the office. With most of my team being work-at-home, it seems like a really good idea to do. And I will agree that it was a good idea! We had our luncheon at one of my semi-favorite place's to eat: Chili's. It's "semi" now due to the ever changing menu and me not going as often as I once did. It's still a great place. And there's a picture of some of my fun times on this blog back a few months ago. Anyway, the meeting wasn't really business related. With everyone being at their home all the time, we forget what each other look like or what they're doing. I personally don't mind turning invisible. The only times that's impossible for me is at church and when I was at Purchase in certain areas.

Later today, more like an hour from now, I'll be dining at one of my top favorite pizza joints. The one and only Pizza Hut. Oh Pizza Hut, how I love thee. Shall I count the ways? No, not right now. It is sad these places are disappearing. Sometimes you'll get the Pizza Hut Express which everyone tells me is crap and not worth it, but c'mon! It's the closest to Pizza Hut pizza until I make it to an official hut! At least we are getting an IHOP built closer to us. Oh IHOP, how I love thee...

Today's friPod iPick is an actual band. I've been iPodding this band all week since I heard a little diddy called This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race. Actually, what I was listening to was a Kanye West remix, then I finally dove into the band's catalogue, something I was supposed to do a year or so ago since they were on my list of artists to check out.

I'm talking about Fall Out Boy. A band that has been labelled "emo" to "alternative rock" and a whole bunch of other things I may or may not understand or agree with. Actually, I've heard many people complain that these boys aren't "rock" at all, but how can one define such a genre? At one point, Chuck Berry was considered rock. How would I define it? Well if you can rock out, then it's a rock band. I can rock out to The Temptations, John Legend, Panic at the Disco, Daft Punk, Justice... The list can go on.

But F.O.B. is our topic today. I've been particularly infatuated with their last album, Infinity on High. Their new album Folie a Deux. There's no doubt I'll pick up that album either via iTunes or Wal-Mart, whoever has more tracks. Some of you know what I'm talking about. Having heard parts of their first two albums and all of Infinity and having seen most of their music videos, this is a band I really enjoy all day long.

I will say that they have elements of screamo is some of their songs... basically just screaming lyrics and I needed to fins the lyrics to translate. I could do without all that screaming, but hey... I guess it works for them. As for their lyrics, Pete Wentz is responsible for most of them. And if you read them, they are rather cryptic. At least they are to me. Some I can figure out, but that might be due to having already been told what the theme of the song is about. I also wanted to know the lyrics because the music is so good, I wanted to sing along but couldn't figure out the words. The Carpal Tunnel of Love is a good example. I'd link it to the music video, but I'm not a fan of the video. Just my opinion, find it on your own. Just shield the eyes of your children. Most of their songs have interesting titles too, some with their own back stories. Another well liked song, Thnks Fr Th Mmrs. A bit hit of theirs actually. Funny video too. By the way, they are friends with the other bands on their record label including Panic at the Disco and Gym Class Heroes, so don't be surprised to see them in their videos.

I will link you to a cover of Michael Jackson's Beat It which I really like, and one of their newer singles I Don't Care with the band being a crazy band. I enjoy driving to this song, but I amazing don't have road rage. Imagine that. Ooo! Pizza Hut time!

i am not a halloweenie

We had a nice long 3 hour meeting today. I didn't wanna go. I really didn't. But I did anyway, and I'm glad for it. I ate food. Some food I've never had before. A special kind of chicken. Well, the chicken wasn't special, it was how it was made. I don't care enough to go look up the spelling (sorry, I'm being lazy) but it was okay. It had mushrooms in it. I'm picky. I dislike mushrooms. It's fungus. No thanks. There was also what felt like pine needles, or some kind of skinny leafy thing you find on a bush and can poke people with. Not painfully, but you'd feel it nonetheless... but this was on the chicken. I don't know what it was, but it was poking the inside of my mouth and I was not having it one bit! So I took those off too. Other than that, it was tasty. There were roasted potatoes and ziti that tasted as though it was smothered in some kind of alcoholic beverage. Weird. But edible.

There were also Halloween celebrations going about. Some dressed in their costumes. Some passed out candy. There was also a farewell party, non-Halloween related (see ya later Todd, you taught me well).

I do not celebrate Halloween. You can call it religion if you want to. Knowing where the holiday came from kinda made me not want to give in to the idea of it. Sure it's not as demonic as it once was back in the day. Well, not in the mainstream. Perhaps in dark alleyways or in the woods... but in the office and on prime time TV, it's pretty safe and kid friendly. But knowing it started with occults and stuff makes me not so interested.

Don't get me wrong, I'll take any excuse/reason to party and have a good time. I like candy. I like the sweets. I, on occasion, enjoy terrifying small children. I'm just not going out of my way to do anything special on the 31st. I'll hang a sign on my door that says "tricks only". But then I'd get whores looking for money (*Arrested Development reference... calm down). Whether I give out tricks or illusions, the kiddies won't get candy from me. Maybe I'd tie candy on strings, drop them in their bags, and as they walk out, pull the candies back out of their bags again and laugh. Ah... good times.

Since I'm not promoting Halloween, I changed my mind on tomorrows friPod iPick... which was going to be the soundtrack to Little Shop of Horrors. Hilarious movie. Good music. Totally not my pick for tomorrow to coincide with Halloween.

However, I will be DJing tomorrow night at the soup kitchen in Middletown tomorrow night with my church. It's my only annual gig for our annual Harvest Festival. I sometimes forget being a DJ is on my list of "things to be when I grow up." Bring the kiddies! I wish I could be wearing either of these shirts:



Anyone wanna donate to my "Buy DJ Sterling Silver an Awesome T-Shirt Fund"? There are many items that need a home.*

Totally unrelated notes: this, and many other posts, totally make me a hypocrit--I like reading shorter blog entries so why do I write such long ones? And I totally found a catalogue for geeky guys like myself: TigerDirect.com. They send me a nice magazine every so often, and I drool in it, thus makes me a true geek. But I want it nonetheless. *Yes yes y'all!

i <3 monday!

My brain is severely scattered today. I've managed to complete about 7 files... which isn't too bad, especially for how I've been feeling these past few Mondays. Plus my day isn't nearly over. I'd much rather remain asleep and start work on Tuesday. But that won't work because then Tuesday becomes the new Monday. It's a terrible cycle. Too many distractions. Right now, my grandmother is preparing something that looks like apple crisp. It looks delicious even without being cooked yet. But I feel not-so-good due to a hefty breakfast I made myself this morning. It was good, but maybe a little too good. AND I'm a little sleepy from reading too much into all five of the Saw movies. I've only seen the first two... And those movies I'm not really into. I don't care much for gore and torture. But with my overactive imagination, I read the plots to all 5 movies, and how the devices worked and what happened to all the victims. I did that for about 2-3 hours before I realized I should get some sleep... but I was a bit too terrified to do so because images like to playback in my dreams making it a little too real for me. SO after watching some Marx Brothers movies and a few Sudoku and solitaire games later, I was off to sleep with no torture-related nightmares. My waked-up time was between 6 and 7 am, and I didn't fall asleep until about 3 am. Yay!

Prior to my research into dreary doomland, I hopped back into my screenwriting chair and formatted a previously written script into a more professional-looking one. When I'm in a zone (or away from a computer that has Final Draft), I'll write a rough draft in MS Word, and just use a format I always see in high school or church plays:
BILLY: I ate a rock.
TIMMY: That's too bad.
BILLY: I know. (cries)
It's only 4 pages, but it tells quite a story. I strived for realism in the dialogue, and after having someone read through it, I think I achieved that much. Unlike what I usually write, this is on the dramatic/sad side. It's about the break up of an affair between a guy and a girl who have a secret to share with each other. Hey, it's only 4 pages, I can't give everything away.

I feel like working on one of the last projects I started back on my last writing retreat... which is coincidentally titled "The Writing Retreat." Guess what it's about! That's right... making apple crisp. Well, after sitting in bed trying to clear my mind of senseless violence, I came up with another character to add to the story. The hotel I stayed at seems like it encouraged people to live there... So I came up with a character who lived at the hotel that the main character can interact with at different occasions while he's there. I haven't really touched the story itself since a few months ago, but if I get a chance tonight, I'll rewrite it before working on the actual script itself. All of this after a quick Sudoku of course. I also want to put some time in on my Noah Madison project thanks to Jaden's latest post. I need to schedule time to work on certain projects just so no one feels ignored. (I hear your cries Fickette, I miss you too!)

I have a love/hate feeling towards the actual screenwriting process. I like writing dialogue... but it just takes so long for me sometimes--keeping track of the character's personalities, how they would speak, what they would say, and still making it sound believable... unless every character is just so outrageous, that they can get away with grunts.

I really want to see Wall-E after hearing so much good about it and it's non-use of speech. Better yet, I wonder if I could get my hands on the screenplay to see how that reads.

Okay, I must snap out of it and get back to "real work" and do some early knocking-out-of-the-park numbers so I can slack off on Thursday. We've got a meeting at the office and it's requested I be there so I can bring some food back for my mom. It's supposed to be catered with all sorts of yummies. But I'm in a Monday mood, so I can care less about going to a meeting right now. Even with free catered food. What do I really care about? I want to either be on my laptop or under the covers being unconscious. But we can't have everything, can we? Yes we can! Obama told me so.

fripodding and office space

So it's Friday again, and we all know what that means...

Pay day? (Not for me.) Pizza for lunch at school? (Perhaps for those schools that are still open on Friday.) TGIF on ABC? (Does that still come on anymore?) New movies in theaters? (Well... yeah, but how often do I go to the movies on a Friday for a new release? ...That soon may change though.)

Basically, it's time for my friPod iPick brought to you by my iPod iSaac. [This is where I'd have my in-house band play a little jingle as the previous words animate themselves on the screen.]

Today's pick really should've been last Friday's pick. And I'll tell you why--I bought the CD last Friday and didn't listen to it until AFTER I wrote about Al Green. Now don't get me wrong, I would've still iPicked Al Green's Stay With Me, but just not that day. I recently made a Genius playlist from it too. But these things happen for a reason. And it makes sense that I waited, and really got to get into this new album. What album do I speak of?

I highly recommend you run and pick up a copy of this masterpiece. Most of you know of my endless search for today's artist with yesterday's sound. That Motowny, classic R&B sounds from the 60's... like The Tempts, Marvin, Smokey, Diana, Four Tops, etc. Joss Stone made the list. Solange made the list. Leela James made the list. I'd even say John Legend made the list. Raphael Saadiq is the list. I couldn't stop listening to this album. I was watching TV and every commercial break I'd switch on iSaac featuring any of the 13 songs from this CD. I will quickly complain about 1 thing I disliked about this nigh-perfect album... It's too short. I don't seriously mind the songs being as short as they are. Again, that's how the songs were back then. But this CD clocks in UNDER an hour. HEY! Compact discs can have up to 74 minutes! And probably more with today's technology! Let's fill it up! I want more! You could have like 21 songs, Saadiq! C'MON! Growl...

So, this is a CD I can listen to all day long and barely skip a track. I've been iPoding it all week. So it's hard to pick just one. So I'll pick three. The first one that caught my attention is actually one of the last songs (and for good reason--save the best for last): Sometimes. This song channels my hero Sam Cooke to a wonderful degree. I was sensing A Change is Gonna Come. No doubt this is a song I'll memorize and sing to myself. Next... Big Easy which is an upbeat fast moving song and an obvious tribute to New Orleans and what happened with Katrina. I couldn't get past the instruments to get that message, but that's why I listen to songs over and over again. Between that jazzy feel this song has and feeling like you are at a jazzy night club, this could easily be one my favorite songs. My third choice would be Calling which has one of those 60's slow jam vibes to it. The earliest song I can think of is Jerry Butler's For Your Precious Love. I actually made a whole playlist of songs past and present that have that sound. Again, it's in the instruments. But this also has a slight latin twist with some Spanish speaking lady soothing the ears of the listen, probably telling the guy why she isn't answering his call. It's a wee bit sad, but I love this song.

I could sit here and tell you about each track, but I won't. It's rare that I find a CD I can listen to from beginning to end and just... love it. But this one has done it. Instant classic and throwback to that classic 60's 70's R&B sounds. Oh, and Stevie Wonder is on this too! I can't tell you enough how awesome this CD is! Eargasms all around! I even put the picture of the album up. But we'll move on.

So I decided to finally post a pciture of my new wall. I forget the official Japanese name for it, but here it is.

It's not the best picture, but I was rushing. I took it at night so I could utilize the lights on my desk to show the bamboo design. You see 5 panels, but there's actually 6. I recently moved it again so you can see it. I didn't take pictures yet. But I will.

I want to talk about the news, but I'll save it for later. What news-worthy topics do I feel like sharing? What else? Politics and the economy. Instead of getting deep into discussion, I'm just going to leave my opinion for both issues in one word that I will elaborate on later: inevitable.

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.)

the nice-ities in life

Ya know what I like? A glass of ice, cracking open a can of Sprite, and pouring my beverage into the glass from a ridicuously high point just to watch it streamline and crash and slash onto the ice below. And of course to witness the bubbles and foaming. I think that's part of the soda expereince. I'm sure there are quality control department personel devoted to this part in the enjoyment process, with clip boards in hand and little rulers measuring the fizz level, timers to see how long it stays bubbly, and microphones tune to hear the crackling and popping. I'm sure of it. They do that for Starbucks coffee. Apparently I watch too much History Channel.

So I got a promotion today. I think I keep saying this... but a lot has happened in the past year. I held 2 jobs for about 4 months, I was in a play on TOP of those 2 jobs. I had went from being a temp to being hired full time with a raise and benefits. I transitioned to a new department. Then I transitioned to work at home. Then I wrote a script in a month! (Thanks Jaden) Then I baked some cookeis and ordered pizzas. Then I saved a bunch of money by switching my car insurance POLICY. (Same company, and it helps to talk to these people instead of ignoring their calls. And no, I'm not with Geico. Or AIG.) Then I ordered my new iPod. I made it back to gym finally, again. Then I got a thngy in the mail for attending a meeting that I didn't attend. (There will be a seperate post about that later.) Then I got promoted with a raise. Then my friend will take me out to lunch to celebrate even though she doesn't know yet. But she's offering to pay, and she's got a strong craving for the buffet with incredibly lower prices than if we went there for dinner. She's a crazy person. In a good way, of course.

Tonight will be some fine entertainment. Biden vs. Palin. I'm starting to think The Office won't be on. But that's okay... there are so many ways to catch TV shows you missed, I love technology. Speaking of shows, I have pretty much every night planned at 9PM. Wanna know my TV schedule aka when-not-to-bother-me-unless-you-are-watching-the-same-thing?

Monday: Heroes.
Tuesday: Fringe. (If I can help it, I'll catch House, although How I Met Your Mother is a pretty funny show.)
Wednesday: Ghost Hunters & Destination Truth.
Thursday: 30 Rock & The Office.
Friday: (I think) Hole in the Wall... until Psych comes back on in January. But that's at 10. So I'd watch Monk just because.
Now some of these times or shows are subject to change, and I'm not always home at 8PM to watch whatever may be on at that time. And Fridays are always gambles because I like to remind myself I have friends or a life outside of my house. Or movies.

Well I need to get back to work before it's lunch time. I'm not where I want to be with my quota just yet. I must make sure I stay worthy of my promotion, ya know? I better get more Spite.

fripodding and blitzing

I want to start a weekly thing here. Every Friday I'll talk about a song or album or artist or something musically involved that I think is on the awesomer side of life. Today I'd like to discuss the beautiful and talented Solange Knowles. I'm not sure where to begin, but I guess we'll go with the obvious. Yes she is a girl.

Really though... this singer has managed to channel her sound back to the 60's, 70's and instantly I think I fell in love. The same thing happened with Joss Stone. So now... I think there's an inner battle--Joss or Solange? Solange or Joss? Chicken or the egg? Cheese or meatlovers? Paper or plastic? ...Oh wait, they don't really do paper anymore. But the point is, these two women now have a special place in my heart. And let's not forget the awesome Leela James. She's got raw power too. Leela, Joss and Solange need to get together and do something awesome... But I don't see it happening. Personally I think Leela is on another level all her own.

But I digress, we're talking about music, not my future possible wife. Solange's Dancing in the Dark is my pick for a song everyone should listen to at least 3 times. I'd have it on repeat for about an hour. I actually did that yesterday. The whole album is about an hour, but I took off like 3-4 songs I didn't care for. I love her, but I need the space on my iPod until I get a newer bigger one. Anyway, the whole album is great to listen to, but if I had to pick one song, I think ummmm... T.O.N.Y. or ummmm... Sandcastle Disco. There's actually a video for that one. OH! 6 O'Clock Blues. Okay, so for my iPick, I'll just say Sol-angeL and the Hadley St. Dreams. Check it out immediately.

In other news, it's raining a lot today. My fingers got pruny just looking out the window.

I had a rough week trying to make my quota at work. BUT I did it. And almost with flying colors. Wednesday I took a bat to those files and start beating them senselessly. Figuratively of course. I don't own a bat. :-( But after going crazy, I continued my rampage most of Thursday morning. I drifted off into another world for a couple hours, came back and ordered bad fried food, then went back to work. And by the way there is good fried food and bad fried food. This was bad just because it was fried badly. Good fried is like... bacon. My grandmother made some today. I wish I had more and I'm glad I didn't share. She made eggs and buttered toast too.

I always wondered if it's possible to be too awesome. I think it might be. With all this cooking my grandmother is doing, I'm going to be obese. Obesity is excess awesome. But I need to get back to the gym. I know I keep saying that, but I think maybe Monday. Monday seems good. Yes, Monday.

Texting and driving is dangerous. Slightly less dangerous: iPodding and driving. I kinda just shortened it to just iPodding. Or is it iPoding? I don't know... but the definition would be manipulating your iPod in anyway. It's a verb. Even though I'm know to text and iPoding and eating while driving... I don't advise anyone else should live on the edge like me.

Lastly, I bought a game for my computer. I'm allowed! I can have some fun sometimes if I want. I don't have to work or write all the time! I need to exercise my brain with other things... which is why I bought this $10 game called "Brain Teasers" so I can tease my brain. It might hate me later for the insults, but we'll get over it.

I'm gonna go play now.

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...

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.

pajama meetings and break-ins

I truly must admit, it's a wonderful thing to "go" to a meeting in your pajamas. I really thought about going into the office today for this mandatory meeting... but then it dawned upon me--why would I waste such precious gas for a 30 minute chat when we are living in 2008 and I can utilize telephone conferencing options that have been offered to me? Is this not the more simpler action? Could it get any easier? Probably... But I can't afford to use my precious brain energy to think of it right now. Instead, I am yet again more concerned about nursing my tree back to optimum health. A new branch has sprouted over the week. I'm so excited! I never thought I'd be so happy about a plant. My, my, the times are changing.

This be the day that the nation remembers what every fire engine has plastered on their rears telling us to "never forget" with a sillouette of the late Twin Towers. Honestly, it's hard to forget when I'm reminded every other time something political comes on TV regarding terrorism. It's too bad. Oh, and every other show featuring NY and the infamous skyline. Don't get me wrong, I feel as bad as the next guy... but I don't want to stay in depression. I've got things to do and most of those activities require me to be happy. One such thing is celebrating my sister's birthday. We actually talked about how our birthdays seem to be on or around some tragedy. Granted, her birthday came first, but still. As for my birthday? The space shuttle Challenger exploded. As I like to tell it, after that tragic event happen, the world cried. But then I was born and everyone got happy again. Unfortunately for my sis, once people learn that her life anniversary shares the same never-forget date, people tend to react the same way. "Oh, I'm so sorry. Are you okay with that?" Like she has a choice.

But we all take it in stride. Sure, her tragedy was bigger than mine, but I remind people. I wanna get a little sympathy too. Is that so wrong? Does that make me a bad person? If it does, I don't mind. I don't always wanna seem like the perfect kid, ya know? I don't wanna be labelled "the bad boy" either... which I doubt would ever happen unless I played a character so well that I get type casted. I think if I had a choice of what to be type casted as, it'd be a sarcastic, witty, semi-slacker genius comic relief type.

In other news, the crime wave continues and is too close for comfort. By "too close", I mean a couple houses down. And by "crime", I mean someone broke into their house and stole stuff. I dunno what stuff or how much, but it happened during the sunshine part of the day. I will continue to be honest here and say that this news has me a tiny bit on edge for the current time. Besides the fact it took place less than a few yards from my home, I am home alone until Sunday. So, God forbid, if anyone tries to illegally enter my house, I'm not sure what I'll do. Considering my office is literally next to the front door, I have an advantage. Plus I rarely leave the house. However, should they enter the back door and I'm in my room, I have more time to prepare... say... grab a long and/or pointed stick and go to battle, essentially living out my dream of beating someone up in the name of goodness, justice, and the right to bare arms. And yes, I'd have something sleeveless on just to overstate the "bare arms" part. Overall, it'll mark another victory in life. Another statement as to say "t. sterling is not a guy who you can crank call or steal and plunder from because he'll make you feel bad that you lost. And he'll beat you with a stick if necessary. It might be pointed. Or he'll throw a water balloon at you and belt 9V batteries at you before just sticking two on you on a damp spot."

Okay... I'm not sure what one would say. Just know that I'm not afraid to stand my ground if I have to. I'll be some kinda mixed breed of Jackie Chan and MacGuyver if I must get physical. I much prefer sticking to battles of wit. Like Bugs Bunny, Yakko Warner or Shawn Spencer. I have a decent track record. Not that I want to engage in anything, I'm a pacifist at heart. A sadistic pacifist, but I love peace all the same.

Wow... I need to get out of my house for a little while... Seriously.

bad news, good news, new news, old news, ...new olds?

To make a long story short, my uncle didn't show up on Saturday at the big family reunion picnic gathering thing. Honestly, I'm not that bummed about it. Yes, I was let down, but I feel so much better knowing I was prepared and had that groovy feeling of accomplishment. There's nothing quite like it. Needless to say, I'd much rather wish I had the chance to meet my uncle and show him my work. But in due time. The other reason I'm not too bummed about it is because I'm considering the circumstances he might've went through--like the happy rain storm known as Hanna. Apparently he lives in New Jerser or Long Island... which either way is an area that got hit a little worse than us. So due to incliment weather, I can understand why he didn't show up. Plus he's a big time executive and might not always be able to leave willy nilly. Then again, that may hurt his case, and I'm still on his side.

As for the reunion... I honestly will admit I was pretty bored. I met a bunch of people I probably won't see for another year or so, if that. One of which I do hope to meet again and work with. More on that later.

As for work... So far so good. 27 files down, and we'll just say... 23 to go... and 2 days left. Woot.

My parents and grandmother tripped down to Virginia for the rest of the week. They left a few hours ago and now I have the house to myself. Partytime? Oh yeah, baby! Evey night! Heh... Not quite. Pretty much everytime I have the house to myself for more than a few days... I haven't been home. Like I suddenly turn into an anti-homebody. Odd? Some seem to think so. But the other thing is one of my best friends is on vacation and will also be gone for the week. So that's one less person I can wreak havoc with. I need some more local friends.

Speaking of important people in my life, I'm starting to watch TV a little more this fall. In fact, as I type I'm watching Fringe. I can't say if it's good or bad since it's only the first 30 minutes... However I am impressed whenever they show a location, the words/names are floating and sometimes the camera flies through the letters. It's like the words are actually there! It's awesome. I want floating words in my neighborhood! Not necessarily location devices, but just random words. What might I have? "Squishy." Or maybe "onomatopoeia."

Between the commercial breaks, they actually say how long until they return. If only every show did that. This show has some humor to it too that I appreciate. It was either this or Wipe Out... which I do watch. Later, another new show, on BET no less, called Somebodies is coming on that I want to check out. This is the 3rd show that sounds like the premise or the exact college themed sitcom I wanted to do. The other two is Undeclared and some show I saw on Hulu.com called Dorm Life. I haven't seen it yet... But one day. I keep a lot of my big ideas to myself, but I'll let the title out on this one--Academic Probation. Sigh... I won't say much more about it though.

I do hope a new show called Valentines get's cancelled. I feel bad for saying that, but an idea I have for a movie trilogy involves Greek mythology very similar to how that show is doing things. I do not appreciate it. Alas, this was an idea I would bring up when I was more established, and had the chance to meet the great Andre 3000.

Well, I'm going to go off and cause a lot of trouble.

newnesses (maybe not a word, but fun to say)

I couldn't resist a quick little woot for myself and other. For one thing, I finished a random short little script/scene I started a couple nights ago that made my Tuesday feel like a really bad Monday. And no, I'm not about to admit I had a case of the "Mondays." I hear you can get hurt from saying things like that. Now I feel like watching Office Space all the more. But my Psych DVD is taking up the time.

Anyway, I finished a random quick script that can be used as a short film, or an important scene in a movie. I like the short film idea, and if it comes to me or someone says I should expand, then maybe I'll see where else I can take the characters. The story is about a young couple in love having a humorous but somewhat romantic conversation while staring at the ceiling above them. I wrote it in a rush because I was trying to record the words as I heard them in my head before the thought went away. I may have lost some of the "magic" when I picked it up the following night where I passed out at... But I let a friend read through it, so I'm awaiting her critique.

As for work... it's going pretty good. I had a rough first couple of days. Besides the whole bloody nose thing... Some of the programs we need to use weren't working like they were supposed to, making processing very frustrating to do. When I get super frustrated mixed with boredy, it makes me sleepy. As hard and wobbly as my new desk is, it doesn't make for a comfy pillow. I tried anyway. As for my chair? I think I will name it Jake. No reason. I just like giving inanimate objects names, especially names that sound like actual people. Remember Sam? Yeah, he's still at the hospital. I'll call about that tomorrow, or just stop by after my lunch at the office.

The other newness is my upgrading to Internet Explorer 8. Ever upgrade to a new program and it feels new, shiny and clean? I had that feeling too. It was also maybe because I cleared some of the dust off the screen. But now my Yahoo home page looks nice and cool due to the upgrade, and I finished off updating my own blog's design. Nothing significant... except for the blog roll, the ability to RSS, and my blog picture of my desk. The other newness blog related is a blog I love reading, sometimes more than once, Writing Forward by the lovely melissa who is an inspiration to practically anyone who goes there. Little known fact, she's the reason why blog so much now. I have the Indoob, my movie reviews on MySpace, and I contribute to Wolfgang Puck. I haven't lately, since it's not my blog and I don't want to hog it. But I learned that you need to love your blog. And by loving it, you gotta write in it. And doggone it I'm gone write!

I really need to go to bed. And I'm thirsty. And hot. And sexy. Sorry, couldn't resist, it's like a catchphrase with me. Except I can't type in a Barry White-esque "voice" ...but I do what I can. Anyway, for those working 4 day weeks, Happy Friday yall!

Special shout out to jaden @ http://www.screenwritingforhollywood.com --also a very useful blog and great resource for knitting sweaters, just like the website says.

what i want for Christmas...

LMAO!! Okay... I don't know what the stank this is... But I kinda want one. 1) to play to see if it's any fun, 2) to be a television for Halloween and 3) wear it to meetings so I can hide my true emotions... like being asleep. No doubt people would enjoy watching me better than whatever I might be watching inside of it. Even if it was empty.

I found this picture listed under World's Ugliest Gadgets. I have no idea whatsoever what this thing really is, other than some kind of video game, or flight simulator... yet I'm curious how this poor girl can manage all the weight of the be-a-boob-tube helmet. You need a strong neck if you're going to have a TV for a head. I'm just going to stop and admire the hilairity of the picture. This was worth waking up in this morning to see. This makes me happy.

Allow me to complain about nosebleeds. I haven't had one since 1990. Okay, so it's a guess... but a bleeding nose is rare for me. Yes, they used to frighten my when I was wee, but now that I'm older, it's just annoying. I was only scared because the grown-ups around me would freak out. "OH MY GOD!" "YOUR NOSE IS BLEEDING!" "THIS KID'S NOSE IS BLEEDING!" "GET THE NURSE!" "TILT YOUR HEAD BACK!" "GET HIM A TISSUE!" "THERE'S A FIRE... sale!"

I don't know why my nose was bleeding, but I just wanted it to stop, which it did. I hate when my garbage looks like a murder scene/surgery scene, and me looking like I've been beaten up. The concern people show me only make it worse.

It wasn't too bad of a distraction from today's work. I actually didn't mind going back to work today... except that the program we use still has issues. By the end of the day, things were getting back to normal, except the fact my drowsiness had settled back on me. What I really felt like doing was jumping up on stage singing Stevie Wonder hits. But I stayed put and got some decent work done. Not enough, but tomorrow I should be back on track.

One of the reasons I was so sleepy, I started a new script for a new short film. I couldn't sleep with these "voices" having this conversation that I needed to write down... or type. Ironically enough, it was about a couple who were wide awake in the middle of the night too. They didn't finish their late night chat because the writer suddenly had a strong case of the sleepies. I slept for about 2 hours, then went to my office for the real work. Oh, I made myself a huge pot of coffee which left me with the feeling of wanting to explode. Fortunately, I didn't.

Lastly, my grandmother is killing me. No, not with knives or poison. I'm not crazy about blueberry muffins, but she made them again today, and she's turning me into a fiend for them. And each time she makes them, I find myself eating them until there are no more left. I'd creep down in the wee hours and steal one or two, and smuggle them back to my room for snacking like a raccoon. I'm so hungry right now. And so sleepy. What am I to do? I'll steal a few winks before I steal a muffin and then steal a few more lines of dialogue. Sounds like a plan to me.

mcdonalds

I'm considering taking tomorrow off due to the lack of work, or more accurately, my ability to do the work I need to do. There's no way in Hell, Michigan I'm going to make the numbers I need by the end of this week. In fact, this entire month is going to go below my usual numbers. Oh well, it happens to the best of us once in a while, right? I'll get over it. September will be a new month. Back to basics. (Ha! Someone thought I was about to say "back to school!" Face!)

My day today has been so-so. I slept with my window open, inviting a cool breeze that helped put my body in a such a deep sleep that I slept through both of my alarms. By "both alarms" I mean 2 separate alarming devices that went off at least 3 times each. My mom called me around 9 asking if I was going to work. Yes, it's possible to be late when you are working from home. I threw some clothes on and headed to the office--a whole hallway and flight of stairs away.

Later my grandmother surprised me with lunch, brought to you by McDonald's. I love my grandmother dearly, but I didn't have the heart to tell her I don't eat McDonald's. Before any anti-Mickey D people get too excited, let me explain WHY I don't eat their food. It's not because they are all over the world and #1 or maybe have shady dealings or make false claims about having the best fries or the chicken is make-believe or they have a weak breakfast menu. No, it's none of that. And I'm not ashamed of admitting I'm a corporate or brand name whore. I'd name a child Sony if I could get away with it. I also like the names Phoenix and Nefertiti, but again, that's something to discuss with the mother* who at this point is non-existent. (*Applications are in the main office by the door. Attach a photo and brief discription and wait about a week for a response.) I dislike McDonald's because after consumption, my tummy starts to hate me and wreaks havoc on the rest of my body causing me to growl and scowl involuntarily, sometimes frightening small nearby children in the process. If only I could get the words "Don't eat McDonald's" I might save them from the same fate. They won't think those Happy Meals are so jolly anymore. Well, I can tolerate the apple pies. But I won't give in to too much of their food unless I don't have any other choice and there wasn't a field of fresh grass to nibble on until I could get to a Taco Bell or KFC, which is a step above McD. I don't eat too much fast food, but when I do, I'm on the picky side.

I like the French. They have given great things such as croissants, Love Me If You Dare, Amelie and Paris, je t'aime, the city of Paris (for which the film is named after), Daft Punk and what I used to think was Napoleon ice cream... But I was confusing the French ruler(s) with Italian desserts. BIG difference. That has nothing to do with anything I was doing today other than listening to Daft Punk and wondering if French toast is really from France... And it isn't. At one point it was called German toast. Then French. I never heard "Freedom toast" back when they had "Freedom fries." Anyway, look it up on Wikipedia. 'Tis quite interesting.

Lastly, I'm going to post a video of a past performance of which I rarely ever watch due to that queazy feeling I get from watching myself on screen. You are your own worst critic, as they say... I'm no exception to myself. But this is me singing "A Change is Gonna Come" for the first time in public, back in 2007, January 27th... which was 2 days before my birthday as I celebrated by throwing a poetry party/show at my church. My sister is introducing me as the host/emcee of the evening, as well as the featured poet later that night. And my fam and I all dressed alike--black and jeans. Anyway, I would need to perform this again so I can feel better about myself knowing there is a better performance of this song with my name attached. I dunno when that will be... I do like my hair at this time though...

12 pages and counting

I was trying to hold off from blogging until tomorrow morning... But I'm just too doggone excited doggone it! I finally got a decent start in a script I've been procrastinating with for the past... I don't know... two months? Could be longer. Doesn't matter. Finished projects matter! And ohhh, how I love that feeling of accomplishment. It's slightly better than watching someone else trip and fall on something you almost tripped and fell on yourself.

I'm not really sadistic. I just sound that way.

Well, I probably should get back to work. I have some actual worth while news to read and pictures to post from the windless dry hurricane and my completed work at home office space. Oh yeah, I'm offically WAH now. Woot woot yall.

Let's shoot for... I dunno... 24 by 2am? Heh... yeah right. My back is killing me. I need a muse. Actually, more of a massuse. A pretty girl that can do both. And bake cookies. Is that too much to ask? Maybe I'll put it in the personals. "SBM seeking F muse that massages and bakes." Is that how personals are written? ...Anyone interested? I can pay in compliments :oD

--Your eyes are like giant shiny pools of chlorine ehanced swimming waters/milk chocolately Cocoa Puff/green things that are naturally green and pretty/hazel.
--You have smile that make angry people run in fear.
--Your hair is like newly fresh silk from Madagascarian... silkmakers...

Yes, I need a nap. More importantly, I need to keep writing. And a muse. And some cookies.

eggs

Today isn't going to be my last day, but I'm packing up like it would be. I already told my mom that I'd leave the things on my wall until the last day because I hate the way empty walls look if I'm still going to be hanging around for the next day or so. I remember the same feeling back at Purchase a day or so before it was time to go home for the summer. That just made me all kinds of sad. What's sort've worse is that I never moved back in like I hoped I would. But all of that is fine, since I moved on to better things. To be honest, a lot of that stuff is still packed in the containers and are being used as makeshift tables. I pretend I will retrieve something rfom there that I'll one day suddenly need, but I couldn't tell you what's in either one. No wait, I lied... There's a water bottle, some books by Dave Barry, an actual joke book, college books I've never read, watches I'll never wear again. Yes, plural. I went through a double watch phase. Don't ask me about that right now.

I wanted to go get some eggs for breakfast this morning. I've been craving them since last night. Probably even more so yesterday morning after the eggs my grandmother made for everyone. I'm sure she would've made more, but we only had so many. And I can't wait to have money to spend again because I'll need to stock up on eggs at home, so I can have my eggy meals practically for free. Oh yes, and the shredded cheese to be all melty on the top. Mmmmm. Anyway, I went to cafe and what did I find? Well, they had the scramblers, which are gross. Next they had Spanish style scrambled eggs. I don't do those because of the extra stuff in it that I don't eat. I love the Spanish, but not their eggs. Lastly, the sandwich bar. If you remember back a few posts, I wrote about the breakfast wraps which are af ew ingredients away from being burritos. Either one isn't good news to me. At least they aren't here. They have a way of being soggier than one thinks such foods should be. I may have used the word "sweaty" to describe them once. And I know this particular paragraph makes me sounds disgustingly picky... but I'm not that bad. I just go into great detail about minor things that make me wonder.

Even before I'm done with this post, I'm determining my official go-home date. I sort've feel like this is my big countdown like Barak Obama picking a VP. Ahh... good times and analogies.

I really want some eggs.

installation and destruction day

Today was installation day. My mom and I got our phone lines and modems and yesterday our routers came in. Awesomeness all around. Except for the part that everybody was home... Meaning my dad and grandmother. When she teams up with him, the landscape begins to change. By landscape, I mean my yard. This isn't a problem until they recruit me to help. What did I have to help them with today? Making our yard look like a post-hurricane site. My dad rented an extended saw thingy that cut down branches up high. Sadly, some of these branches needed help coming down, or needed guidence so they won't, like, crash into the windows... like mine.

Long story short, every hour or so, I (and sometimes my mom) had been called to help bring down a rather large limb. I finally got wise and got gloves to pull on the rope (for what I was called for) so I could use what mere strength I have to help guide the huge nature pieces down.

I'll post some pictures later. Meanwhile, tomorrow could almost possibly be my 2nd to last day at the office. Maybe not. I don't know.

I just know right now, I'm hungry. I'm feeling a little moody because of a slight headache which might be due to my non-food intake. Why don't I eat something already? I'm still saving money to get my car back, which hopefully is this Friday. I'd almost kill for a pizza. Maybe I'll make a sandwich. I really need a pick-me-up.

I also really need to get cracking on that script. I ordered Our Uncle Sam but I don't think I can wait for it or read all of it in time to finish writing and be ready by the end of the month and most importantly, by the time I meet Uncle Jazzy. I keep repeating myself about this, and I hate doing it so maybe once I get some work on it done, I'd feel better. But now? I need nurishing nutrients.

that's a first

A lady was trying to email me (with my work email address) which contains the letter T... However, the email wasn't getting through. Why? For some reason she thought my address contained a plus sign. From a "t" to a "+"... I must say, that's never happened to me before. Besides, I don't even think +'s are allowed in email addresses. Silly lady.

I'm not upset with her... Just scratching my head trying to understand. But hey, it happens, right? I guess. I mean, I have tried spelling my name intentionally using the other keys that aren't letters. +. $+3rl!ng... I've done it before, I just don't have all the characters needed at my disposal right now.

Hey, tomorrow is installation day. Woot! I'm hoping I can stay home all day... but my manager went AWOL and no one is around to advise me. This saddens me because I really don't want to come in. After the install, all I'm waiting for is my router (unless it came in today) and the chairs... which I don't think they'll ban us from going home because we don't have compnay approved chairs. If you've seen the pics, you know what my chair looks like now. I didn't wanna say it out loud, but it looks like something I threw up one day at a fair. Sorry, just being honest. I couldn't tell you what I ate to make it look like that, but that's what those chairs remind me of. Don't tell my mother.

In other news...

I don't really have other news. I kinda just wanna go home now. I'm a little tired and require a nap. SOON I'll be home and nap as long as I want. Soon. soon. zzzzzzzz