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Thursday, December 29, 2011

Day 338 through 342

Ha! I didn't forget about this blog. It was Christmas, and I didn't take any pictures for awhile. I feel a bit creepy just going around and taking pictures of people like that, okay?

But instead, I later took some pictures with my mother's film camera! It's nice and fancy and old. Apparently two of the rolls of film didn't turn out right (lame!), so I've only got so many to share. Doing the counting, I've got to give you guys Sunday through Thursday: five pictures.

I got them on a CD, which lets me do what I want with them. Hurray!



I thought that last one was rather cool. You're being freed into a world where you can run and play on the swings you had as a kid, y'know?

In the middle of walking around, I looked down and saw a four leaf clover! I picked it (the pictures of it with the rest of the clover didn't turn out well) and had a bit of fun with it.

...


To no one in particular,

I hate all haikus. Even when I speak in them, without knowing it.

-Wes

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Day 337

So I messed up on day numberings and thought I was too far ahead. It turns out I'm right on time. How quaint!

I took pictures outside with my mother's film camera. It's a Canon 750 for the camera-smart people out there.I don't know or remember anything about the lens, other than that it felt like a wide angle even though it wasn't labeled like one. It was nice going around with a non-digital camera for once!

As I walked around the front and back yards, I accidentally spotted a four leaf clover. I took some pictures of it near the end of the film roll, then discovered that I had completely failed at putting the film roll completely in when changing them. So I went out and took 24 more pictures, including ones of the clover that was placed where I found it in such a way that I hope it looks natural. We'll see.

This picture, however, was after all that. The fourth leaf looks a little shy, and the clover was curling up. I got out my lamp and, after a bulb change, took this picture. I'm not 100% pleased with it, and I wasn't pleased with using a digital point-and-shoot either. Oh well.

Merry Christmas, peeps. I hope you get what you need, even if its not what you want.

Friday, December 23, 2011

Day 333, 334, 335, 336

Ho ho ho!

Judgmental Penguin is watching you from above. Be careful, for he is more watchful than Santa Claus. He also only knows when you've been naughty; he couldn't care if you've been nice. Thus is the life of Judgmental Penguin.

But hey, Christmas is on the way. The 'rents decorated the house today, and we have the (fake) tree put up now, as you can see. I got to pull it up from the basement, and Mom basically put it up. It's been in the family for years. The leaves have metal tips that get put into the center shaft. Completely safe. It has to be at least 10-20 years old by now, I'm sure. We've also got the manger set at the bottom, which has also been around for awhile. Not much else to say, other than that I think this picture turned out nice compared to the originals.

Why haven't I been updating? Simple - I've been at work and taking no pictures! The Christmas ones were taken today, and Judgmental Penguin had his picture taken Tuesday.

Working short shifts on Wednesday and Thursday was fun and relaxed. I get to drive around the golf cart for deliveries. The thing is a speed demon! A whole five miles per hour! It's crazy!


So, these are the stockings for my immediate family. They're hanging up over the parents' fireplace now. The ones on the ends are my parents' stockings. They figure that, since we get these nice sized socks that they get the big socks for presents.

Also, all the brick and stone is actually stucco. I used to think that it was brick and stone until I figured it out when I was about 10 or 11 (I've lived here since I was 2). Dad does fake brick and things like that. It's pretty convincing.

Lastly, these things. Oh God these things. Five of the six grandkids are getting these things. They spin and make giggling noises that would easily drive parents insane. I'm kind of glad that I only have to deal with these tomorrow, though. Poor parents have to deal with them even more.

If you're wondering, the fifth one is a giraffe. And if my body is found in my room on Christmas, then this picture will be my suicide note. I can take some annoyance and I regard myself as a patient person, but these things are bad. Just plain bad. Hopefully I'll survive.

That's all the pictures for now. Maybe I'll actually have an on-time post tomorrow. Then pigs will fly and Christmas will have freezing temperatures this year.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Day 332

OHO! You thought I was done, did you?

Well, so did I. I apparently don't know how to properly understand posting times and the dates they occur on. So sue me!*

Picture: Candle!

Background: So, yeah, nothing happened today. It probably wouldn't be a big deal to forget about today in the first place, since almost nothing interesting happened. In fact, yesterday's letter was written based off of getting grades today. How quaint.

So instead of a letter, here's a video about sexism.

Day 328, 329, 330, 331

Phew! Long past few days.

Thursday: Noo!

This baby broke. I was getting out of the car with my care hanging out of my pocket. The door slammed on the card, I walked away without knowing it, and it snapped.

I've been using it to carry around my student ID ever since I got this thing at orientation. I'm sure I can just go out and buy a new one, but that's lame.

:(

Friday: Rehearsal dinner hall

I drove about 500 miles to Missouri to see some family. There was a wedding on Saturday that I was able to go to. Since I didn't have a Thursday final, I decided to move all my stuff out and get going. The rehearsal dinner was nice, the hotel was comfy, and there was a pizza place right next door that was delicious. I have nothing else to say about it.

Saturday: Okay, this was here the day before. Gimme a break!

The wedding was nice and went smoothly. I was asked to take a few pictures of it, but only a small fraction of them turned out to be any good. I also took a number of personal pictures, like this sunset and the next one of the flag. I might have ended up with more of those than wedding pictures, even though I took more at the wedding than I took at the reception.

Sunday itself was filled with another 8 hour drive, of which I was in the driver seat for the entire time.

Sunday: Flag!

Coming home to an unpacked room and lots of general crap thrown around from trying to clean up before moving back to college is...not fun. I grabbed my bookbag and clothes bag and brought them to my room.

I went to sleep at around 5 or 6 on Sunday thinking I would get woken up for dinner. Then I wake up and its Monday. I'm not exactly sure how that happened.


The drive up and wedding are excuses for not posting, alright? I've got pictures from these days, too, so I'm not doing that badly!

To my beloved school,

How is it that I can get a C in the class I expected to get a B in, and get a B in the class I expected to fail? Why is your curve so crazy? Why are you just nuts when it comes to tests? Why did you make me have a mental breakdown during one of my finals? How am I supposed to survive you?

Love,
Wes

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Day 327

PACKING!

Picture: My RAT cap!

Background: I don't think I've taken a picture of it by itself yet. If I did, then I don't really care right about now. I just packed up everything I've got. I'm done with finals, and I'm ready to move home for winter break and into my new apartment when the spring begins. It's been a long night, what with Midnight Bud and all. There was much fun to be had tonight at Midnight Bud, especially playing bass drum!

But man, I don't remember getting all this stuff! At least two or three boxes has school/office supplies that was brought down here from Missouri. But then again, there are five boxes, at least three or four bags, a fridge, a TV, some groceries, a few minibags etc. So much stuff. It'll take at least five or six trips to bring down, which is going to be oodles of fun.

OODLES.

OF FUN.

To a specific penguin,

Thank you for looking over me. You sat on my dresser all semester (except when it was raining the ceiling) watching my door. You look down on everyone you meat, getting your name. I appreciate everything you do for me, including wearing my RAT cap for me and displaying it with pride.

Thank you, Judgmental Penguin. Thank you.

Love,
Wes

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Day 326

I get distracted too easily.

Picture: Tech Tower

Background: Nothing to say about the picture. I've got a final tomorrow, my last one. What's going to happen after I finish this post is that I'm going to fill my belly with food and get some sleep. I'll probably roll around in my bed for an hour not going to sleep, knowing my luck.

Bonus picture below because I took two that I liked! The trees all around really took up any of the better views of the tower, so it has trees!

As I scrolled facebook, apparently someone said that they have 1117 songs in their music library. Figures.

Hopefully tomorrow won't be so bad. Wednesdays are never really that bad of days for me, generally. Then I go home Thursday! Woo!
TREES EVERYWHERE

Monday, December 12, 2011

Day 325

Picture: Friends!

Background: That guy on the bottom turned 21, so we had a miniature party for him. That's pretty the exciting part of my day. (Happy Birthday Billy)

My first final was this morning at 8am, and I woke up at 7:20am. I'm not a fan of getting up in the morning, so I was glad to get that over with.

That's all for today, studying tomorrow for a final Wednesday.

here's a lord of the rings video for you...

Day 323, 324

To my finals this week,

BRING IT

That is all.

-Wes

(These pics were from midnight breakfast with CSA Chefs. Yeah.)

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Day 322

Yeah

Picture: More CULC

Background: I went home from zombie movie night and snapped this. That's about all my day has been. Worked 1-3:30 (yay, job!). Dead week is over. Midnight laundry will shortly follow this post.

To my body,

You've made it this far with a few naps along the way. Please forgive me for this upcoming Monday. I've got an 8am final that I need you to be up and ready for. I promise I'll let you rest afterwards. I guarantee it! So just hang on, things will be okay.

Then, you know, later that week you're gonna be moving heavy boxes. Yeah.

Bye!
Wes

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Day 321

Woo!

Picture: Drawing time

Background: DND was tonight! We raided a house of some bad people. Not all of them were bad, but their higher-ups were doing bad stuff. The house is now burnt to the ground thanks to someone in our group, even though most of us were planning on just leaving it to a stone room in the basement. Frustration ensues.

Earlier today I actually presented a final project with my group and got to rant on in the peer review about the fourth group member who did nothing (and didn't show up for the presentation). It was...enjoyable

I also watched a pretty depressing movie on HBO2 called Never Let Me Go. I was sort of raging at the characters and at the TV for what was going on. So sad. Bah!

That's all for today. I guess I have to write another letter. Fun fact: these things are the only times I ever complain about anything, if they're even complaints.

To Borderlands,

Why do you make my head dizzy? I do not appreciate this. I really enjoy playing you. I haven't picked up an Xbox game in a long time, and this is how I get treated? Maybe I should get some sort of motion sickness pills or something, because this has happened with one or two other games, as well as this huge, 360 theater about helicopters that I went to once. You're still an awesome game, even though I'm on my4th or 5th run through.

Thanks,
Wes

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Day 320

Woo! Since I started the post at 11pm, it doesn't matter that I'm ending it at 3:20ish

Picture: Starburst!

Background: I had a big bag of these that I brought with me from back home. I've eaten them all but these seven. I love the cherry kind, so I save them for last and savor every last one of them. That's about all I have to say for these.

Today was long but not as bad as I expected. Yesterday was long and worse than I expected. I think I'm pretty evened out.

To online banking in general,

>:(

From,
Wes

To my mom,

Thanks for putting up with me on the phone yesterday >_>

Love,
Wes

Day 319

An hour or so late, but it's here!

Picture: Yamaha Recorder

Background: I had this sudden urge one day to play recorder. So I went to Amazon and ordered one. I actually haven't touched it much until these last few days. It has been an amazing distraction! I've learned a few songs on it already, including the greatest fight song ever written, Epona's song, and Tetris (it's still rough). My plan is that one day during finals week, I'm going to go around campus just playing the songs I've learned. I may walk right through the Student Center, in front of the library, who knows. I was even thinking about sitting on that ledge that you can reach from Skiles walkway, but I don't know.

It should make for good Finals Week shenanigans.

To Dynamics Homework,

You're cruel. I was actually doing okay for your first three problems. You lured me into a false sense of security, then wham! You hit me with three more problems that have no sense to be made of them at all. You sicken me! I hope I never see you again.

Without love,
Wes

Monday, December 5, 2011

Day 318

Blargh

Picture: Homework

Background: It's my Dynamics work, and it's due Wednesday. I haven't been a fan of this class, to be honest, but I've pushed through. Not much else to say about it.

(I actually cropped out my full name, though if someone really wanted to find me that badly, I'm sure they could).

To all my undergraduate friends that AREN'T at Tech,

You're so cute when you're complaining about finals on Facebook. Or when you're complaining about homework, tests, quizzes, or projects throughout the year. It's just so darn cute from my point of view. You should try coming here.

Love,
Wes

For all of you studiers, here's a good song to get you through studying. Looping is a wonderful thing.

Day 316, 317

Bah.

Weekends are pretty chill for me, it seems. At least, non-game weekends. I didn't have much to take a picture of at all. So here's the recycling in my room that needs to find a place! There's...six Pibb cases, five of which are empty, a large pack of Dr. Pepper, and the Cheez-it box.

The book on top isn't going anywhere, especially not the recycling bin. It's a comedy about the end of the world, and a good book. Then again, I enjoy just about everything I read, so take that with a grain of salt. If you enjoy Neil Gaiman and/or Terry Pratchett, then you should like it since they're the coauthors.

Next, I want you to guess which side of this notebook has been written on. Go on, guess.

(Yes, it's the left side).

I really enjoy writing down my thoughts before putting them on the computer. Why? I dunno. It's something to do while I sit in the Student Center, usually. On the left is everything from my main story (minus part of one chapter) as well as what is currently half of another story idea. That one hasn't been worked on in awhile, but I'm not too worried about it. I want to knock out this big one first before really working on the other.

In other news, I finished the narration of Ashley's Story. If you haven't checked it out, I think it's worth your time to watch them all.

To Candlejack,

I don't get why you kidnap people who say your name. It's really confusing! I mean, it's like, you're just sitting at home, telling ghost stories, when

Friday, December 2, 2011

Day 314, 315

Absolutely nothing interesting happened yesterday. Nothing good to take a picture of. Well, there probably was, but I missed it.

So today, I took a picture of our sink. I had washed my dishes while waiting on laundry to get done. When I finished, and since nobody else was in the room to make it awkward, I snapped a few pictures before heading out. I like the water droplet in this one, but don't really like the fact that you can see me. I've got another one without me in it at the end, but it didn't turn out as good as I had hoped.

I also have this shirt hanging up. I mentioned it awhile ago (way back in day 87, looking through the tags). This shirt really likes to stay wet no matter how long it circulates in the dryer. I forgive it, though, because it's such an awesome shirt. Don't you agree?

If you don't, I will be disappointed. Or, as the author of Ashley's Story would say, "dissapointed".

That's all for today.


To Ray and Jake, who will never read this,

I'm so sorry. I don't know what else to say. I hate that these things have to happen, but I can't do anything. I know, I have the power to change it, but that's not how things are supposed to be. What has happened and what will happen cannot change. Again, I'm so sorry. But you'll live through everything, I swear.

From,
Wes
drip...drip...drip

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Day 313

I know it was Hate Week last week, but why should we limit it to a week?
Need I say more?

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Day 312

I have made a discovery!

Picture: Whatchu lookin' at?

Background: And that discover is that I cannot look badass with glasses on. I barely do without them on. This is a somewhat personal little thing: I always thought that cargo pants make kids like me look twice as badass as normal. I don't know why, but now that I actually have two pair, I'll be wearing them and feeling a bit more awesome. The fingerless Apocalypitca gloves kind of help, too. Now that it's actually getting cold, I finally have an excuse to wear all this stuff I've got. Maybe I might get contacts in the long run, but I don't really want to bother with them at this point in life.

Say what you want, I don't care! It's who I am.

To pretty much everyone,

If you want to hang out with me, then give me something to do. If you invite me to a party, have something there to do (that isn't Guitar Hero). Ask me to grab lunch. Talk about coming over and beating up bad guys with you. But don't ask me to just "hang out" because I'm terrible at it. I have to be doing something, I have to be engaged. I never make excuses that aren't true unless I'm being asked to just hang out.

And watching movies or TV doesn't count, because that's not engaging at all. Sitting in front of a box of colorful, moving pictures doesn't interest me in the slightest unless I'm the one moving the pictures.

From Tech with Love,
Wes

Monday, November 28, 2011

Day 311

Isn't that the name of a band?

Picture: Starships!

Background: I was asked by a friend to have a box wrapped up in my room. He didn't have space in his room to wrap it up. In the box was a game to do with Star Trek. I took out a pair of ships and took a couple pictures. Only a couple turned out to be any good, unfortunately. I was trying to hurry so he could wrap it up.

Nothing else to report, other than the fact that it was a cold and rainy day today. I also finished editing/fixing the chapters I had left of my little story. Hopefully I'll get more done soon. I guess I have another letter to vague people.

To someone who will probably never see this,

I can honestly say that I would not be disappointed if I never saw you again. I don't hate you (at least, not now), but I don't like you. I do hate what you put me through, but I'm over it as much as I can be. I can't even figure out how much of it was me and how much of it was you, but I'm okay with not knowing. Life goes on. I hope you change, though. You were self-destructive no matter what I did to help, and put me through hell for trying.

I don't hate you. But I don't like you.

From,
Wes

...

Well that was kind of a morbid letter. Here's another starship to cheer you up!

pew pew

Day 309, 310

Ah! Missed a day and late on day 2, but it's here!

Firstly, I got some editing done tonight. This is the quote on top of the first page of my "novel" or whatever you want to call it. I thought it would be appropriate considering the content of the first chapter (and the second, come to think about it).

Most of the editing was done while my laundry was being washed and dried. All of chapter four and most of chapter five are now out of the way, just the rest of chapter five and what I have done of chapter six. This is getting a little painful to print out, since there's so much paper and I only have so much free printing. I might start using that central print station that allows for free printing, who knows. I just hope they don't read it, since I twinge a little when I think about someone looking at this unfinished writing. I've got such a long way to go, too!

Speaking of writing, I feel another letter coming on!

Dear person who has a chance to see this, but probably won't,

Thank you. Your work of writing is literary gold. I, for one, am so glad to have obtained it through friends. I have combed through it several times, and I find joy in the many ways you have worded such things. I had no idea that something for a project could turn out so amazing! Your speak of "Norman teeth" and "clitching" is fantastic. You, sir, have come out with the best line I have ever heard from any literary piece: "Once a rapist, always a rapist." It is my pleasure to introduce my narration of this story, one chapter at a time. I hope, if you ever read this, that you know I have been thrilled to ever lay my eyes on your work. Masterwork!

From,
Wes

Finally, the other picture I owe you. Enjoy.

That's what she said!

Friday, November 25, 2011

Day 307, 308

At least these pictures were taken on the correct date!

First, the pergola (again)!

Thanksgiving was yesterday. Only 3/5 siblings showed up; one was up north and the other was sick (with a sick kid), so it was forgivable. I took time after the big dinner to grab some pictures of the pergola that I had forgotten when I was home last. A few of the guys decided to start talking about the OWS protests and the government and what was wrong with the world, so I decided that it was the best time to jet out of there. I sometimes feel like the only one who wants to listen to the entire story of both sides before making decisions on what I believe, or try to understand both viewpoints before saying that I think one is right and the other is wrong. Maybe some people in Washington could try that...

Anyway, to get off the pedastal, I thought a picture of the shaft at night was pretty cool. It was on my way to grab my uniform, which actually has to do with this next letter...

Dear Building that will never read this (guaranteed!),

You're great. I love you. You let me inside you whenever I want to play piano whenever I want. No, that wasn't an attempt at a dirty joke like so many that have passed through your doors have made. But yet, you listen to them and just keep sitting there like a friend. My only complaint is that you're so far away! Walking across a campus at night is no fun matter in the middle of a city, especially when I really didn't want to leave the comfort of my apartment to do something I could've done tomorrow morning. As it is, I can forgive you for being so far away because of the fun times that have happened because of you, like piano practice, band camp, even a Super Bowl party. Thanks for being there.

Love,
Wes
cool view, no?

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Day 306

Dang, I have less than two months to go. I'm in the final stretch, baby!

Picture: All-in

Background: The lighting in my room is horrible. I had to back away and use flash for this one; my finger covered half of the flash so it wasn't too brightly lit (a trick the Photo Club taught me). It turned out okay, but I've done better.

I would like to try something different today. I want to write a letter. So, here it goes...

To someone who will probably never see this,

You're a good guy. I probably could've tried to take out more time to get to know you, but I'm pretty shy around people I don't know or have any ties to. I know almost nothing about you, and you probably know almost nothing about me. The one thing I do know is that you enjoy the cold. You seem to bask in the weather meant for the Arctic. I fully understand and respect this, don't get me wrong. But I am a warm weather creature. When I have to wear a jacket in my own room so I don't shiver, I get mad. That A/C doesn't need to be on in November, no matter what the weather is. I can't cope with cold (though I've never told you that). And that little bit of madness created by waking up to a freezing room gets tucked away, to be hidden with the rest of my anger from other sources. However, this is probably one of the more major sources I have.

I'm just writing to inform you that, when I finally snap and have that one single eruption of my fury, that you have contributed. It probably won't be against you, that blast of hatred that I will be spewing out. In fact, soon I may never see you again. But if you do read this, and I do explode, just know that a little bit of it was because of you.

From,
Wes

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Day 305

:(

Picture: Cherry Street from the library

Background: There's not much to the picture itself. I was leaving the library after class-that-was-meant-for-group-project. It was a cool view, so I took a few pictures.

Else, I tried my hand at playing piano in front of people. I failed miserably, and wasn't quite happy on my way back home. But I got to see my parents, at least, so that was a plus. Life goes on.

Also, I hate being forced to wear a jacket in my own apartment. They're great guys, not bad random picks, but I don't want to live in a freezer. I know it was probably near 70F today, but it's not like that's hot! It's barely comfortable, if you ask me! Ridiculous.

today's video is very relevant to this week...

(I've probably already posted it, but it'll never stop being relevant)

Monday, November 21, 2011

Day 303, 304

Whee!

Some crazy HvZ people got hold of my camera and took some shots during the mini games over this past weekend. Some of them didn't turn out all that good, while others turned out pretty cool. Here's one of the resulting pictures. In the foreground is my roommate from last year, and I'm to the right in the background. I believe this was one of my winning rounds as a human.

The minigames were fun. Today I was able to make it to the escort mission type as well as the Zombie Circle of Death. The latter got my knees scraped, as I normally dive after humans when trying to nom them. 1 on 1 usually has the human winning thanks to humans being able to have a range stun while zombies can only tag. Irregardless, it was tons of fun. I shouldn't have worn a long sleeve shirt; I got really hot underneath it, and it was in the 60s all day (in NOVEMBER?!)(INTEROBANG?!).

As for today, it was rather uneventful. Nothing of note happened in life, save for the last regular season marching band practice.

Until tomorrow, hopefully.

If only they were a bit more badass in the background...

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Day 301, 302

Bah!

It's 2:30am Sunday. I spent my morning reliving HvZ in a quick mission and spent the afternoon worrying. Part of it was about a team project that'll have to be done soon, and the other part about money that I don't have. Then the million other things that bug me. Bah! Instead of reading my ranting, here's some pictures.


I mean, who doesn't love a manhole with sperm all around it? Seriously. Anyway, that's all for this weekend. I'm still going to have a post for tomorrow to, I just wanted to put both manhole pictures up because they're pretty funny. When I first saw this (because all I do when I walk is look at the ground) I had to laugh. There are some vandals (or pandals?) with great senses of humor.

And if you don't recognize those two in the first picture, well, it's not from a lack of me mentioning them.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Day 300

Happy 11/17!

Picture: Squirrel!

Background: There is no lack of squirrels here in the heart of the city. My roommate from last year is partially obsessed with them. Then again, he does have a thing about using puppies and an atomic bomb to get a girl. He can explain it better than I can.

He was burying something in the leaves as squirrels do, and I was taking pictures of him as I do, and all was right with the world. Nothing much else notable about today, save for D&D tonight as well as the last exam before finals. Midnight WaHo after D&D. Then sleep.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Day 299

Hurray! On time like "normal". Ahem.

Picture: Berries!

Background: I definitely could've done better. The focus on 6 of the other pictures I took was off, so I couldn't use them. The last one wasn't as pretty as this one, though it was a cluster just like this. The little blurry part bugs me, too. Maybe I'll try again later, but I really wanted some pictures right after rain. These were the closest things to flowers that I could find on my way to where I was going. It was either these or the leaves that I took pictures of last week.

Nothing else to say. Yeah. Have a good night!

Day 298

I want to write this one quick so I can get some sleep

Picture: Worship the headphone jack!

Background: My most fun "photoshoots" are of me at 1am. This one was pretty simple: my room light, my desk lamp, a box and a binder. My camera sat on top of the box and binder, that is. I was just screwing around because I knew I needed a picture for today. Then this came out - I might use it for my Photography Club submission for "Madness". Because what is madness, but a lack of music?

(that's pretty deep, isn't it?)

Speaking of which, I don't understand why I stopped listening to Pandora. I jumped back on it the other day and, with rainymood going, turned on an instrumental/post-rock channel. There's some good ambient music that I've gotten the chance to leak into my ears.

That's all, folks.


It got rather silly.