In pathetic world news, some couple in the states got married in the Walmart store they both met and work in. Sadest part of all is they didn't even close the store. It took place at 11 o'clock in the morning, and customers/co-workers made up most of the congregation. Gee, think maybe these two loverbirds don't have many friends? Maybe it's strangely fitting. Perhaps the marriage relationship will be every bit as crappy and second rate as the stuff Walmart sells. Annulments, aisle 6.

1. Do you care for poetry? Do you have a favorite poem? Care to share some of it?
Yes, I like poetry. Don't have a particular favourite, but am currently reading (and greatly enjoying) the poetry of Paublo Neruda.

2. What does it take to "rock your world?"
I dunno. Don't know many people who would want to "rock" my "world".

3. Have you ever done anything that landed you in financial trouble? Has somebody else's action ever caused you financial ruin? What happened?
Other than the massive student loans I've acquired over the years, not really.

4. Take a stroll down memory lane. There is a song, that every time you hear it, you think of this one person. What's the song, who is the person, and what memories does it conjure up?

"End of the Road" Boyz to Men; Sandy; high school dances and infatuations.

5. I've never cared for football, it was never on in the house growing up and I never developed a "taste" for it. But I've always felt like I "should" enjoy it, that I was deficient in some way because I never get excited about things like the Super Bowl (except for the commercials). Are there any occasions when you feel like you are missing out on something that everyone else seems to enjoy?

Most sports and reality television shows. I mean what's the freakin' deal with American Idol and Survivor? These shows are nothing more than clear illustrations that society is corupt, deceitful and downright selfish.

6. A few of the phrases that get under my skin are "take it to the next level" (which was used when I was told why I was being replaced at Fox by someone who could do that) and "you just don't get it" (always popular in relationship fights). What phrases "push your buttons" and why?
"Is that all today?' or any variation of that phrase used by store employees to upsell things I don't want. "And would you like some popcorn/ a t-shirt/ a sharpie?" Like I'm such an idoit that I go that the check out counter forgetting what it is I really need. If I wanted popcorn/ a t-shirt/ a sharpie I would have brought it WITH ME to the counter.

7. Do you believe in life after death? What do you believe happens when our time is up?*
Yes. Good stuff.

BONUS: Everybody's talking all this stuff about me why don't they just let me live?
Everybody's talkin' at me.They can't hear a word I'm saying.

Okay, so here I sit, alone in my new office at St John's College. Everything's in boxes and my co-workers are all out buying new things for their offices. Apparently the plan is that THEY get new stuff and I'm expected to cull what I can use from the stuff they no longer want. Wonderful. I'm supposed to be working but I think I have a good excuse for not. Someone's hanging pictures in the hall and because this old building is likely full of asbestos, they have to use this special vacuum whenever they drill into the wall. It's loud and makes concentrating difficult.
What else is new in my wacky little life? Well I got an email from an old high school friend. He was on his way to Winnipeg to teach a seminar and wanted to hook up. Though I was a little nervous about it, I went and had a great time. We're going to try to hang out later today, after he's done teaching and I'm done teaching. He's teaching managers about the importance of customer service; I'm teaching uninterested first years about Frankenstein. I'm sure we'll have plenty to talk about.
I think my intial fear was that I'm quite different then I was in highschool and my interests were so different from my friends to begin with, now I'm afraid it would be like talking in different languages. Amazingly it was really fun to see Mike and talk, and not just about old times. Of course a lot of conversation was "whatever happened to..." stuff, but we did manage to relate on a more personal level, and I think, were we living within a reasonable distance, Mike and I would still hang out.
In other news, there is still one person in my life I simply don't know what to do with. Half the time (well, less now) she's open with me, sharing things about her life, but lately even getting a "hello" is an accomplishment. What brought about this change? Search me. It's stuff liek this that causes my anti-social tendencies to flare up.
I've been trying to write as well. And that seems to be going as well as everything else in my life. I have the ideas, I know where I want the story to go, but when I sit down nothing comes out. I suppose I just have to keep at it. I think this is a publishable book, if I can ever get it finished. I just have to believe in myself and all that malarkey.

1. Friday I wrote about "People I Can Do Without." How about adding to the list with a few people you can live without?
People who, for whatever reason, act superior or like they can do without you. And Howie Mandel.

2. Have you ever felt like someone truly respected you? What does being respected mean to you personally?
Truly respected me? No, I usually feel as if people are just barely tolerating me. Being respected, at its simplest level, is being treated the way others would like you to treat them.

3. In (past or current) relationships, what is the "one thing" your partner would change about you if they could?
My "not knowing".

4. Have you ever tried to change who you are to please someone? How did that turn out?
Always. Results have varied.

5. Do you believe in love at first sight? Can it really happen?*
No and no.

BONUS: What will I do if you say we're through?
A Jig.

Today's Comment Question: Where is your "tickle spot?"
Like I'm gonna tell you that. Come on!

I can'r really bring myself to write anything on this site but the answers to silly Monday Missions. Perhaps, once I'm done moving my office at the end of he week, I'll be in more of a writing mood. Til then, here's a MM:

1. Have you ever bought something you were so excited about and found out later that it didn't work? Were you able to return it? How did it go?
I can't recall a specific instance of this, but I'm sure it's happened. I guess I returned it without hassle or else I would have a clearer memory of it.

2. I have a Palm (Pilot) for my date book and such, but have been thinking of jumping to the PocketPC world at some point. Do you have a PDA (personal digital assistant)? What kind, and how did you decide? What do you like about it? If you don't own one, do you want one or do you do better without such gadgets?
No. As I have enough trouble remembering to write things down in my $15 dayplanner, I can't really justify spending a few hundred dollars for something that will gather dusk.

3. What illness do you wind up catching more than any other?
Rabies.

4. Do you like going to see the Doctor (any type)?
A guy with cold hands who wants to drop your pants - does anyone LIKE this?

5. How about the Dentist? Do you like going? Do you go in every 6 months for a check-up?
I've had more needles for the dentist than the doctor - that effects the psyche. I don't like the dentist very much at all. I go every six months though.

6. Are you a "Dog Person" or a "Cat Person?" Do you think a person's choice tells you something about
their personality?
I' m a whatever animal doesn't bite/scratch/pee on me. If this does say something about your personality, I'd suggest getting a new personality.

7. I've mentioned before how me and a buddy of mine have just let our friendship lapse. There was no disagreement, but we've hit that point where we have nothing in common anymore. My life has progressed and he is still living in 1992. Have you ever had a friendship that just seems to have run its course? Where there is just nothing there anymore? What finally happened?
Your friend still lives in 1992? Tell him not to put money on the Bills!!! And can he pick me up a leather tie?

BONUS: Do you want to see me beggin' baby? Can't you give me just one more day?
Who the %*^ are you talkin' to, Promoguy? 

Today's Comment Question: Wanna get together after work and run around? Any ideas on what to do?
After walk you want to run? I can think of a million better things to do.

More Monday Mission fun... Yeah, so it's a couple of days late; sue me!!!

1. What is one of your favorite things to wear?
Pants. I could sing the praises of pants.

2. Did you get any "dud" gifts for the holidays? Will you return them?
Nope and nope.

3. Let's do a few "Best of 2002" thoughts. What was the best movie of 2002? Why did you pick that one?
I don't know. If we're talking about films MADE in 2002: Punch Drunk Love or Far From Heaven were excellent. I really enjoyed The Two Towers as well. For films I saw for the first time in 2002, easily The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp - it did the impossible; lived up to my great expectations.

4. What world event of 2002 made an impact on you?
I'm sorry, there were world events?

5. What personal event of 2002 was the most memorable?
Teaching my own class. Seeing my first real play staged.

6. Is there anything in 2002 (decisions, relationships, purchases, etc.) that, looking back, you would have done differently?
I would do EVERYTHING different.

7. Shine up your magic crystal ball and look into the future. What do you think will happen in your life in 2003? Or, what would you like to happen in 2003?
Will happen: misery
Would like to happen: not so much misery

BONUS: Was it somethin' I said or somethin' I did, did my words not come out right?
 Oh no. It's my fault. It's me.

Today's Comment Question: What are some of your favorite song lyrics at the moment?
"You may laugh, but pretty girls look right through me" - simple yet so profound

1. Which Blog post of yours was one of your favorites of 2002?
I'm not that thrilled with anything I do.

2. Were there any "old acquaintances" that should be forgot this year?
Yes, apparently me. I continue to be ignored one minute, talke up to the next.

3. Did you finish what you started last week?
I don't know. What was I working on last week?

4. Will you be doing anything to celebrate "New Year's Eve?" Any traditional food or drinks you associate with "New Year's?"
Going to a "party" - well, more a gathering. No.

5. What was the coolest present you got this year?
The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp - a film I've been trying to see for EVER!!!!

6. The day after Christmas, around 3pm, I drove by a car where the driver and his passenger were each drinking a beer; there was no mistake about it. I was shocked, because I'd never seen anyone actually do this. And wasn't sure what I should do about it. What would you do in the same situation?

Run into them. No matter what, they'll be charged.

7. Have you ever driven a car while drinking alcohol? Ever driven drunk or known anyone who has? How'd that turn out?
I haven't driven while drinking, nor have I driven under the influence. I've driven a little too soon after being under the influence, which wasn't smart. I have been in the car with drivers who I know have had a little too much to drink. Agai, not proud of this.

Bonus: Why'd you have to go and make things so complicated?
What are things unless they're complicated, sk8ter boi?

Today's Comment Question: How ya like me now?

Did I even like you before?