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Friday, February 01, 2002
HERE'S where the story ends. The Hairy Years is officially closed. Thanks for reading. It was fun while it lasted. I'm sure I'll be online again, but this chapter is over.
now playing: The Hairy Years ~Trash Can Sinatras~
posted by michael at 8:20 AM |
Thursday, January 31, 2002
POLITICS is messy. I can't imagine being completely sold on one particular political party because I'm sure that they all have flaws.
Still, I thought that the State of the Union address was really good. I know that most Democrats cannot fathom having any semblance of respect for George W Bush, but I dunno. This past election was the first political race that I really followed, and perhaps I'm naive, but I really do agree with many of things he stands for.
Deep in the American character there is honor, and it is stronger than cynicism. And many have discovered again that even in tragedy -- especially in tragedy -- God is near.
Wednesday, January 30, 2002
IT all started when I told my parents that I planned to go back to Cambodia. My Mom said, "Why do you go to Asia to spend time with strangers? Our family never spends time together. Victor's family goes on vacations. They have better children than we do."
I usually get annoyed at such talk, but I was in do-gooder mode so I decided that she had a point. When was the last time that we had all done something fun? I resolved to plan a family trip. It would be great. In fact, my parents have never seen Jimmy and Yang Sze's condo! We could fly out to Boston on Matthew's spring break and scour the city. Yay!
I think we were all surprised by my response. From what I can tell, this is what usually happens in this situation: My Mom talks about the trip. My Dad is tired because he knows he will end up doing all the work. The kids agree but are so passively unenthusiastic that we make everything disagreeable.
Anyway, that won't be the case this time. Priceline has just accepted our offer and the Chams are headed to Boson from March 23 - 29.
Tuesday, January 29, 2002
I have 10 messages on my voice-mail. I think it might be a long work day.
Yesterday, I spent my Christmas gift certificates. Got myself two Coldplay singles, The Economist and a copy of The New Yorker. Cindy picked up The Bad Beginning. I don't remember the last time I felt so much pressure to make purchases. I think I can get used to this kind of problem.
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I have been looking at more furniture catalogues. Do I like birch or beech? I don't think I have a singular sense of style when it comes to home furnishings. I feel quite lost when trying to form opinions about chairs, tables and sofas. In a way it is comforting to have tight economic restrictions. Besides, I think I'm going to get quite a few hand me down items.
Monday, January 28, 2002
46. When's the right time to go to the bathroom in front of your significant other?
Never.
47. Favorite communication method?
Slightly tipsy shout outs at a bar.
48. What is one thing you don't leave home without?
My mouth.
49. How often do you have sex?
Sorry.
50. What's the most painful experience you've ever had?
Is it odd that I can speak freely about my most painful experiences and not about my sex life? If I were French, would I have a different attitude towards the carnal? Whatever the case, I think that two painful experiences come to mind. Both included betrayal. Once with a guy and then later with a girl.
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So that wraps up 50 questions. I honestly feel like this site is getting more and more pitiful. Last night, I confided to Cindy that I have been toying with the idea of shutting down The Hairy Years. That probably won't happen for a while. I think I'll still crank out a few weeks to see if a new direction begins to form itself.
now playing: simple things ~zero 7~
Sunday, January 27, 2002
HELPED Brenda move into her new apartment yesterday. If I were one to compare myself to others, I would be jealous. It is perfect.
Hm. Sorry I still haven't mailed some of you your Hairy CD. James, who designed it for me, hasn't be shipped his yet either.
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41. What kind of first impression do you think you give to people?
I think I come off well, if not a bit strange.
42. What's one thing you like to do alone?
Eat entire bags of microwave popcorn.
43. What's the worst thing you ever said to someone?
When I was in 4th grade, I called a Filipino guy a nigger.
44. Are you a giver or a taker?
Giver.
45. What have you stolen before?
I've been told that I used to steal baseball cards. I have also stolen pens from work.
now playing: a boy and a girl ~trash can sinatras~
Friday, January 25, 2002
36. IF you don't like a person, how do you show it?
I show no interest in them and slight disapproval whenever I feel they wrong someone.
37. How many drinks before you're tipsy?
One will do it, but I never stop with just one.
38. Favorite kind of porn?
I've always had a love/hate relationship with porn.
39. Do you have problems changing clothes in front of friends?
Oh yes.
40. Do you cry in front of friends?
Yes. I prefer to call it masculine tearing, as opposed to a self-absorbed sob fest. See I have this theory. Crying out of empathy or because you care is good. Crying over petty things that make you feel sorry for yourself is bad.
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IT is unusual for me to finish a book so soon, but How To Be Good was wrapped up last night. I'm still processing, but I think that I am impressed with Hornby as a writer. The novel still maintains his impeccable wit, but he is stretching himself, both in character and content. The result is something that may seem less trendy, but more honest and true.
Being on such a roll, I should grab another book, but I think I want to mull over this one some more.
Oh, and as for my previous worries: It was much ado about nothing.
now playing: obscurity knocks ~trash can sinatras~
Thursday, January 24, 2002
MY room is frigid. I should have done something about it a long time ago, but there isn't much point anymore.
The mechanic continues to postpone my much anticipated reunion with the Accord. I'm excited at the prospect of getting a fresh start. I've failed to love her the way she deserves, and don't plan to make the mistake twice.
One good thing about having to drive the Impala is that it only has a tape player. This sent me scurrying through my stuff to find my old stash of tapes, which eventually led me to a favorite Trash Can Sinatras compilation, complete with selected B-sides and favorites from all three albums.
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31. What kind of books do you like to read?
I primarily read a variety of fiction. Usually, I read old favorites over and over but recently, I have begun to branch out and read new books.
32. If you won the lottery, what would you do first?
Tithe, and then spend like a reckless idiot.
33. Burial or cremation?
Burial.
34. How many online journals do you read regularly?
Maybe ten.
35. What's one thing you're a sore loser at?
I no longer think that winning is as important as I once did. Consistent losing will do that to a guy.
now playing: A Worm With A Head ~Trash Can Sinatras~
Wednesday, January 23, 2002
26. DO you prefer to stand out or blend in?
I like to stand out.
27. Do you have anything monogrammed? If so, what?
I don't have any clothes monogrammed, but I do have this beautiful lighter with my initials engraved on it.
28. Would you ever go out dressed like the opposite sex?
I think I tried on a form fitting green dress before or after a Westridge prom, but we kept it in the privacy of her home.
29. What's one car you will never buy?
I'll never buy an Impala, but I drive one all the time.
30. Have you ever done drugs?
No. Um. Yes. Wait, what kind of drugs are we talking about?
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I apologize to those wonderful people who buy me books. It takes me forever to get to them.
I've finally started How To Be Good by Nick Hornby, which was a gift from Dan.
I haven't gotten very far, but already there is an interesting angle. In some ways, he seems to be leading into some strange Christian thing. This always makes me uncomfortable. As a believer, I'm always a bit tense when my faith is brought up in popular culture, especially when it is supposed to be funny. What makes me more nervous is that I have this feeling that the faith might actually be treated fairly. Can you imagine NPR, Salon.com types reading a book that says something good about Jesus? Maybe.
I'm tempted to read some reviews, but I'll pass on them until after I've finished. It seems silly to ruin my enjoyment of a good book just because of my Christian PR mentality.
Tuesday, January 22, 2002
DESIGN projects with good company make for a pretty day.
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21. What kind of watch(es) do you wear?
My cell phone serves as my watch now, but I have lost a standard Casio, white Fossil, and silver Seiko.
22. Most frivolous purchase?
On a whim, I gave my friend my credit card to purchase me a PS2. Thankfully, it plays DVDs because I would otherwise never use the thing. Hm. When I move out, I'll be sure to start and finish Final Fantasy X.
23. Do you consider yourself materialistic?
No. I was lying again. Yes.
24. What do you cook the best?
I can make a mean fried rice. I also enjoy frying up bacon, making sandwiches and tossing salads.
25. Favorite writing instrument?
My stylish silver Tombow.
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