Until Next Year

First off, the year is over and what a year it has been. I hope the new year is better than the last, people are healthier and people everywhere can find peace. Sure it is a stretch, but the hope is there none the less. 

Second my thoughts are with my cousin, a marine, who left today for his second tour of duty in Iraq. May he and all other military personal return safely. 

". . .Teenage Wasteland . . ."

The Who were honoured at the Kennedy Center Honors tonight. Listening to their music tonight brought back so many memories. Memories like being too small to reach the turntable but trying to put The Who's Who's Next (1971) on, then giving up and carrying the album to the nearest adult, even if I cannot remember who that was. I managed to see Tommy in London in 1996 while studying art history that summer at the same school Pete Townshend went to, the Ealing campus of Thames Valley University (formally Ealing Technical College & School of Art).

Tonight the goose bumps rose and the tears welt as the tribute was made to two of the most influential musicians, Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend.

Kisses for Rocky

Rocky makes me laugh. 

He has to sit with me or next to me every night. 

He was also very interested in watching himself on the web cam.

Power Outages

There were such high winds today with 60+ mph gusts. My stepfather works at a local supermarket which lost power for about 6 hours. Over 2,000 people were out of power in the area and we lost power for a short period of time. I was told there was a lot of damage and debris in the streets and the winds, at one point, surpassed hurricane winds. We did not sustain much damage, but the boat was blown off its blocks in the yard and there are a lot of branches down. I had to run outside periodically throughout the day to catch things blowing around, like buckets, and secure them again. 

The temperature started at 63°F and ended at around 35°F. The cats were scared of the noise of falling branches on the roof. And then there were the two humans running to the window when there was a crash and/or a huge rush of wind.

Vacation

I am still home for 2 more weeks before the next semester begins. I have a lot to accomplish before I return, but not today. The weather was rainy yet we had record high temperatures, 58°F, but I was so damn tired from the snow shoveling, and chaos of the holidays that I did nothing but play video games and eat a couple of times. I do not even care how pathetic this sounds, I needed a break. 

It was nice, but back to business tomorrow.

Video Games

For the first time, maybe ever, I went shopping today to check out the sales. I ended up acquiring a used PS2 and a couple of games, 2 of the 3 games had multiple games, Atari remakes as this is my type of game. The other game was a fishing game, an ethical fishing game, but I have not figured how to cast and when I can I cannot figured out how to "catch" a fish. 

So much fun and brings back many memories of going to the arcade as a kid.

X-mas 2008

It was a mostly white X-mas, more like melty sludge, but there were snow flurries, until the sun came into view. We went to my younger brother's house to pick him up and give him our gifts. Then we all piled into our car and went to my Aunt, my Mother's sister, for dinner -- at 13:00. We all ate, drank, and talked for a bit then shot pool and played team foosball. Another gift exchange followed by a period of utter chaos, I will not disclose, then home again.

Another holiday which took weeks to prepare and hours to blast through.

X-mas Eve to remember

My grandparents, stepbrother, sister-in-law and niece came over for dinner and gift exchange. Right in the middle of dinner the whole area lost power. I managed to retrieve a battery lantern to which we continued the festivities until the power returned two hours later.  After coffee (is an electric coffee maker) everyone left and we were able to watch A Christmas Story and wrap the rest of the gifts for tomorrow.

Finished

We finally finished X-mas shopping for the 2008 shopping season. It snowed and was all around bad weather for so many days that at the first bit of better weather we ventured out into the chaos that is the holiday shopping season. With a bit of good luck it only took about 4.5 hours round trip; thru traffic and snow showers. Now we have to wrap everything and pick up the house a bit as, weather permitting, we are hosting X-mas eve festivities at our house. My niece, her parents (my older stepbrother and his wife) and my Grandparents (mother's side) will be gracing us with their presence. 

Winter Playground

After shoveling, yet again, I shoveled a path to the bird feeder (still in the garage due to high winds), then spread seed all over. Some of the regulars braved the frigid temperatures and actually played in the snow. The Dark-eyed Juncos were chasing each other and sliding down the sides of the path -- the path which is at least a foot and a half deep. It started snowing again and the seed was covered in places so the birds had to dig for their food. They looked so funny with snow around their beaks and then them shaking the snow off. Do not get me started on the perching birds in the trees or where ever they could find room, as they were so poofy, trying to stay warm.

Winter Solstice

I really wish I had something more to write about today, but I do not -- it is still snowing.  The wind is whipping through at about 25+mph (40 km/h) taking the 8°F (-13°C) temperature to about 13°F (-25°C). It has been useless to keep shoveling as the snow keeps blowing back, everywhere. So here I sit, with a sleeping kitty curled next to me, watching the National Geographic Channel and trying to stay warm.

Bird Count

Today was the 9th Annual Wilson-Lake Plains X-mas Bird Count.  With all the snow the turn out was poor. Almost all the regulars were a no show, but there were about 15 birds, representing 7 species [Dark-eyed Junco, Black-capped Chickadee, Northern Cardinal, Blue Jay and Common Crow, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker].

I am sure everyone will return soon.

X-mas Party

I was worried that we would not get to go to my younger brother's house X-mas party due to the intense snowstorm today. I do not think I exaggerate when I say we might have received two foot of snow. With some excellent driving through treacherous, unplowed, roads, we made it. Many families cancelled tonight.

We give my brother some of his presents and save the rest for X-mas day. He gives us our presents, to which I received a cookie jar and packaged cookies. He said if I really cannot use it I could always fill it with beer -- he is too amusing.

Soup

I have been watching Iron Chef every night for a few weeks now, and I actually started cooking a bit more. Tonight I decided, at the last moment, to make a scallion soup, inspired from an episode. I used a vegetable broth, added miso, and two scallions.

Delicious, truely tasty!!!

Off to watch another episode.

Digging out

When the snow stopped falling, about 5-6 inches accumulated in my driveway, well everywhere else too.  There was a bit of excitement outside this morning.  Our neighbour's aid parked in the street, in front of our house, and the plow truck could not travel along its normal course.  Going around the vehicle, the plow truck drops the plow and rips up part of the street around the sewer drain. If the vehicle was not parked where it was, the street would be fine and there would not have been so much heavy wet sludge-snow at the foot of the driveway and the street. 

After clearing the driveway (and the mess the plow truck left), I built a little snowman under an opening of our front Pine tree. I used bits of the asphalt left scattered in the street for buttons and a face, with tree branch bits found, in the shoved snow, for arms.

Water

Why is it when the house loses water, due to a water main break, that the need to use the bathroom, to the point of an emergency, occurs?  It is ridiculous really.

A few hours later the water is back on and we had the pleasure of running the faucets to get the air out of the lines.  The noise freaked out the kids, the cats, and the little one took a liking to the, briefly, unattended running faucet.

I am not surprised all this happened as it was down right frigid and we are going to get slammed with a snowstorm (with sleet, yuck!).

Iron Chef

I cannot express my utter happiness on the rerunning of Iron Chef originally called Ironmen of Cooking (料理の鉄人 Ryōri no Tetsujin). It is badly dubbed into English, but the fervor is still preserved. It matters not that they use ingredients I would never eat, but matters lay in the presentation achieved in the short amount of time they are given for a challenge.

がんばって

Vocation

"Oh, gentlemen, after all, perhaps I consider myself an intelligent man only because all my life I have been able neither to begin nor finish anything. Granted, granted I am a babbler, a harmless annoying babbler, like all of us. But what is to be done if the direct and sole vocation of every intelligent man is babble, that is, the intentional pouring of water through a sieve?"

Фёдор Миха'йлович Достое'вский
Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoyevsky

Sales

I do not know anyone that does not like a sale. I am talking about 50% sales and bigger. I was in JoAnn Fabrics and some patterns were $1.99, originally $14.95-$16.95. I am not kidding. I also scooped up some remnant fabric, perfect for plushies. Coupons are also the best as we had one for, yes, 50% off. A great sale is a sale where one saves $160.00+ and only spend about $50.00, really.

Hand

Photo 231
2008 December 12

Adjacent Series cont.

Squeaky Feet
2008 November 17


Snow Clouds
2008 November 17

A then B

hours fly by
seasons change

leaves fall
flowers bloom
long sleeves
short pants
hot soup
ice tea
come
go

everything changes
only question
is when

fail
succeed
bare
concealed
dry
wet

drops

list
errands
a rainy day
bustling shoppers
dodge each other
in a silent dance
to get what they desired
with the least exchange
as the rain drops fell
washing away
today

Today I . . .

. . . shoveled some snow.
. . . cooked rolls.
. . . used new camera.
. . . ate some pizza (without cheese).
. . . read most of Genju no Seiza 3.
. . . did not do laundry.
. . . laughed at funny kitties.
. . . will cheer for the Buffalo Sabres.

Shopping

Ah, marathon X-mas shopping. We got an early start, a close parking spot, everything on the list, and some sushi (for me) for dinner. It was so cold, 15°F before the wind chill -- shopping was the best choice.

I bought another camera, an Oktomat, taking eight images in one frame.

Holiday Happening

The Niagara Wine Trail held its annual holiday event today, but it runs two weekends for a total of four days this year. There are twelve wineries, but we only visit 11 of them. There was seven of us in our party and it took us six and a half hours to complete. After getting dropped of we decided to order pizza, and had a bit more wine to wash it down.

Way to Go Buffalo!

Members of the Buffalo football team pose at midfield after their 42-24 victory over Ball State in the Mid-American Conference championship game at Ford Field in Detroit, Friday, Dec. 5, 2008.

source: Associated Press

P80

I have finally upgraded after 6 years of devotion from the 5700. Doubled in metapixels, quadrupled in zoom (with a wide angle) and capable of handling a 4 GB card. I can now work more easily in the RAW format.

I still to not intend to print any images.

Exams

Tis the season
of seemingly endless
exams,
papers,
and
projects.

Relish over
knowing
sleep is coming,
homework will subside,
and any sanity left
might return.

Wooden Chair

A chair in three pieces to show off its' repetitive nature as it sits alone, empty -- waiting for an occupant.

Holiday Shopping

I was shocked at the lack of people in stores today. Maybe we were just early and people were not home from work. There were a lot of cars on the roads, but traffic flowed at a "normal" pace. I prefer to shop online and only have to talk with the UPS person or USPS person. Sometimes, when one least expects it, an interesting character graces ones' presence. That was the highlight of today. A stranger, who did not seem like a stranger was talking to us, strangers from her point of view. Based on our conversation, I have a feeling our paths will cross again.

moment

dreary
grey
cold
deadlines
stagnation
doors closing
lights off
tomorrow
same?

The Rich Stay Rich and the poor pay for it.

I cannot understand when I hear people complain about the status quo -- the economy, gas, the war in Iraq -- and that they do not want to pay for other people's health care if the USA shifts into national health care, when they shop at high end department stores, drive SUVs, are behind on their taxes and/or run up credit cards and are always on the go. I do not want to continuously pay for these peoples' financial mistakes and extravagant lifestyles, which many times fall into bankruptcy, as much as above mentioned people do not want to pay taxes to provide health care for those who cannot afford it. It is us, the lower middle class and the poor, who have no choice but bail out the "upper crust", the rich, and if we do not pay our taxes or bills the powers that be will take everything from us 100 1000 times faster than anyone financially above us.

I do not support the rich's welfare system.
Pay for what you buy or do not buy it.

Black Friday

I started a new tradition last year for Black Friday -- putting up the X-mas tree. (Yes, I shopped online -- come on, cannot pass up those deals for the asked for items.) 

Happy Thanksgiving

Family gatherings are always an interesting and sometimes frightful experience, especially on holidays. This Thanksgiving was one for the record books. There were no fights, no one was angry, my brother was here and no problems -- what more could any dysfunctional family want. 

My Thanksgiving was murder-free, yet there was a decapitated dead bird on the table for everyone else.

Preparation

Tomorrow the family comes over for Thanksgiving. I am not so sure how this year is going to go, but I am hopeful. Today is a lot of moving "stuff" to make a bit more room, and cooking. Right after this holiday, I immediately go into the next holiday and put the X-mas tree up and window clings to match.

Break

Today felt like the calm before the storm. I have a week off, and when I return to campus there is only a couple of days before exam week. I still think a break in october would have been almost better, but I will take this break at the end of the semester.

I have a paper on Tibetan Buddhist philosophy (then an in class final), an online chapter test (then the final), and a three part Japanese exam over three days. This semester's finals will not be too stressful considering I have plenty of time to study for Japanese.

Greater and Lesser Vehicles

Who knew Starburst wrappers could hold so much meaning. Perhaps this is due to the Human manipulating the meaning of something, said objects, which they are not, but are merely representing.

Little Miss

Squeaky is a funny little cat. She earned her name on her lack of a fully formed meow. Running around like mad and rolling on the floor to be petted are some of her favourite pastimes.

Shopping

The worst thing about this time of year, aside from driving in snow, would be shopping in the stores. There is a reason I shop online for as much as I can. I only went to get groceries -- the traffic was backed up and the store was jammed. It does not seem to matter what time of day I attempt to accomplish my mission, nor am I returning to the midnight shift. An hour and a half later I was on my way home, which is half an hour (at least) away. 

Driving around anywhere, for any length of time in this area, and one is bound to see an amazing bit of driving. Example: pickup truck with boxed turkeys piled twice as tall as the cab. Why?

..., again,

Buffalo Sabres lost, again,

Snowing, again,

Fell asleep on the couch, again,

Missed Hell Girl, again,

Just woke up, again,

Backdated this post an hour, again.

7 Days Left

All together I have 7 days left for this current semester. Finals will follow and then a period of "cool down". I do have a lot of work to do over winter break, but I am definitely taking a few days of "me time". So far I have one A, and I hope to keep the rest of my close.

བྱེ་བྲག་སྨྲ་བའི་ལུགས་བཤད་པ།

དང་པོ་ལ་མཚན་ཉིད།  དབྱེ་བ།  སྒྲ་བཤད་པ།  ཡུ་ལ་གྱི་འ་དོད་ཆུ༹ལ།  ཡུལ་ཅན་གྱི་འ་དོད་ཆུ༹ལ།  བདག་མེད་ཀྱི་འ་དོད་ཆུ༹ལ།  ས་ལམ་གྱི་རྣམ་གཞག་བཤད་པའོ།  

Room with a view

I really enjoy my next class, not just for the material covered (Classical Tibetan language), but also for the amazing view outside the window. For this area, it does not get much better; aside from the parking lot -- but then again I am fascinated by repetitiousness.

We have snow!

It is snowing, had snowed and will snow until April (most likely). I put the backyard light on to watch the snow fall and Squeaky was standing, paws pressed to the glass, trying in vain to see where this weird stuff falling everywhere was coming from. She moved before I could catch this act on video.

The First Interview

I watched 60 minutes tonight and for the first time, maybe ever, I not only was proud to say I was from the United States, but that I was hopeful as a citizen of this country. When I was out of my country I always had said I was from Canada, even if I was in Canada. I cannot express my feelings that, for the first time, this country came together to say enough is enough -- and actually do something about it. I voted for President Obama and I cannot wait to see what is going to happen in the near future.

Visit

My niece came to visit tonight. She is three and is growing up so fast. I read her the books she brought with her, then I had her read them to me. She did not know the words, but the stories she told based on the drawings were quite imaginative. She has learned to count but forgets 10 and goes right to 11. She also has a bit of trouble remembering the colour yellow, but knows the hippopotamus.

Series

Photos 151 - 153
23:11:00 - 23:11:56 EST

Sleep?

I cannot begin to explain the level of exhaustion I am currently experiencing.  Despite this, I cannot sleep.  I am even going to leave some homework until tomorrow morning just so I can go lay down.  I do not understand, I mean I should be tired -- heck I was tired trying to drive home 8 hours ago.  The cats can sleep just fine.

Lucky Day

A little bird flew into our window.  I ran outside to check on him.  Poor little guy was scared and had the wind knocked out of him.  I held him for a bit and then placed him in the tray of the bird feeder.  When I thought he was in the way of the other birds suddenly wanting to eat, I attempted to move him to a branch, but he had other plans.  First he snapped at me, then he tried to fly but could not get too far so he landed on my shoulder.  After pooping on me, I talked to him as he looked at me.  He gathered enough strength and flew to a near by branch, where he stayed until returning to the feeder to eat and then flew away with his friends.

I Survived (another) Japanese Dialogue Check!

I would probably feel better about dialogue checks if these became a game show and not the "horror of the morning".  Okay, maybe not.  I naturally dislike standing in front of people and speaking in English.  Now imagine the same scenario but in Japanese.  I got through it, and that is all that matters. 

Us

Rocky and I watching leaves blowing across the yard while the birds fly back and forth to the feeder. Storm is approaching, more like snow clouds moving in.

Low Disk Space

I was working on a new video clip and noticed I did not have a lot of hard drive space left, actually only 1.38 GB. I figured iMovie was wrong so I looked, and sure enough -- should have know I was wrong. I figured out what the problem was but I still spent my afternoon backing up my files and burning disks while trying to memorize my Japanese dialogue for Tuesday's class. I will just say I was only successful in freeing up some more space.

I am going to make a note in iCal so this does not happen again.

Leaves

End of a year
Death blanket
Whither
Rotten
Dormant Life
Awaits Rebirth

Banging Head on Wall

My classes ended early today.  I could not bring myself to do a whole lot since I was so tired.  It is already 16:51 and I do not know where the afternoon went.  I feel like I should have been at school since 3 of 5 days I am late.  It was a b-e-a-u-tiful day -- in NOVEMBER -- 70+F in WNY.

I need to write an additional 9,000 words this weekend to catch up; I average 500 words a page, you do the math.  My inner editor is on strike.  My assistant inner editor is screaming at me to fix the shitty writing.  My inner writer takes the streaming conscious approach and constantly gets lost.

\(T o T)/

Dragging Feet

I am officially 5 days behind in my writing.  I have a novel screaming at me to be written down and I cannot manage to sit and write it down.  Usually I have a few minutes, like now, but I have class soon and I need to finish preparing.  

I am not giving up.

THe Day After History

I woke up this morning and the sun seemed to shine a bit brighter, the air smelled a bit sweeter, and over all the world seemed to spin a bit steadier.

* VOTE DAMN IT *

I just voted half an hour ago, but I am not sure how much my vote will effect anything, but I like to think I made a difference.  If all the people who do not think their vote would make a difference and there-by do not vote, actually voted, maybe things would actually change for the better, as these people as usually pissed off at the status quo, so they would vote for a candidate who says they will create change.

This is the fucking US of A --- exercise your right to vote!!!

Day 3

Well as of this moment I have half as much as I should to keep a decent pace in running to finish my novel on time. In 15 minutes I will be an additional 1,667 words behind.  Maybe this weekend I can catch up a bit, but none-the-less I will keep plugging along.

2681 words

Behind

Ugh, I am already behind on my novel.  Damn college work and house chores! [Not really, but this is why I am behind.]  Never fear tomorrow is another day.  Well that is what I keep saying to myself. 

Anyway, looks like the weather will be turning around for the better again -- for the last time I would imagine.

NaNoWriMo

Ok . . . . begin.

I have only 200+ words so far, but I only sat down to write for a little bit. The most important thing is I started, which was the hardest part.  Trying to figure how to start, those first couple of lines were the worst. I got through it and so far the rest is flowing.  I think I am going to post what I write each day, somewhere, for others to read and to have a back up copy.

All Hallows Eve

I love this time of year. Skulls, ghosts, pumpkins, and kids dressed in costumes.  I could not light the jack-o-lantern as it was so windy, but I had "fake" one lit.  We only had about 8 kids and their parents, but that was more than last year -- that is what happens in the country.

Best part was the Chinese food and Champagne!

Bathing

It is getting colder outside and I have to think about what to do with the bird bath.  I have to try and find either a heater or a new setup with a heater so our bird friends have water through the winter.  I would hate to take it away completely when the rely on it being there. 
A female House Finch figured out the water was also for bathing.

Podcasting

I got fed up with poor recording quality and programs spazing out and not saving = missing class lectures. I bought a USB microphone and, with the aid of GarageBand, recorded class as a podcast with amazing accuracy, clarity and simple exporting. I should have thought of this before! I mean really, I have worked with GarageBand before for other class projects, but not quite in the same format.

Classes on Tuesday

I have a feeling today is going to be a very long day. I have a Japanese Dialogue check, the only thing I severely dislike about the class, then 2 more classes with breaks between until I can leave sometime after 18:00.

The only thing I want to do right now is take a nap, just a nap, as I have a lot I want to get done today.

Maybe later.

Time

Saturday starts National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo).
Six weeks until the end of the Fall 2008 college semester.
About two months until the end of 2008.
About six months until "nice" weather returns.

...and the processes repeats itself over and over until the end of this physical body.

Sunday and Computers

Today ended on a windy note -- 50+ mph winds that is. Still not an over all bad day. Did some coding on a couple of web sites, studied some Japanese and Classical Tibetan; pretty much sums the day.

Wow, a bolt of lightening just lit up the sky and a rolling rumble of thunder followed ... and now another set. Thunder storms are beautiful, esp. at night when the lightening produces a creepy lighting effect.

Computer Headache

I spent the day, not doing homework like I wanted to, but fighting with the Mirror Agent for my iDisk. I knew I could fix the "problem" as something similar happened when MAC had the "brilliant" idea to release MobileMe and the iPhone at the same time. Nothing is perfect and there are always bumps in the road. I am just glad to be back on track and able to sync my iDisk again, even if it took 3 hours to fix.

She-who-Squeaks

Squeaky sitting in front of my MacBook.

taken with iSight cam through Photo Booth

Toothpicks for Eyes?

I have come to the conclusion that round about 14:30-15:00 is nap time. The problem:  I have a class.  Coffee does not help; only makes me have to pee.  I try so hard to fight the sleep deprived-ness, but this is a losing battle.  I love the class, but I cannot keep my eyes open. 

On & On

This day has to end.  I have been going almost non-stop since 07:30. 

Campus, errands, Japanese class, force register form, pick up computer, drive home, feed & water the birds while waiting for Mom, take computer back to brother and set up, go home get coffee and books for night class, drive back to campus, Classical Tibetan class, drive back home, dinner, homework while half watching TV, soon bed.

Snowish & Text

The Tibetan text our class (of 4) will be working with was available in the copy center. My friends call it a language of "squiggles," but rest assured the "squiggles" make sense. 

It did try to snow, but it was more of a wet mess.

Snow!?!

Really, even a possibility is scary in the sense that I am not ready to drive in snow, slush, or on icy streets.  BOO! Oh well, this is an inevitable downside to this area.  I do not mind the cold temperatures or snow on the ground, it is driving in that nasty stuff I do not care for.

Productivity

Woke up at the normal Sunday time,

cat at my feet - curled,

usual breakfast,

finished all work for a class,

  two weeks early,

  now it is over,

two loads of laundry,

cooked two meals,

bad tofu made me ill,

  even though it smelled fine,

feel better,

Japanese homework done,

almost time for bed.

Stuffed

A friend gave me birdseed for all my friends outside.
It was a big hit.
This is Chipper's impression of a full vacuum cleaner.

TGIF

End of the week
sleep in tomorrow
hockey game
Sabres win - again
\(^.^)/
hockey tomorrow
homework
laundry
anime?

Fair Trade Chocolate

Chocolate arrived for Reverse Trick-or-Treats.

More info: globalexchange.org --- reversetrickortreating

Fly

Female House Finch flies away after a drink at the local watering hole.

Moon

The moon is huge tonight;
casting spectacular shadows!

にほんごのDialogue Check

A：あ、Rockyさん、こんにちは。

B：あ、Squeakyさん、こんにちは。いま、ひるごはんですか。

A：ええ、きょうじゅうにじにじゅぎょうがありました。

B：そうですか。たいへんですね。

A：ええ。で、Rockyさんは？

B：わたしはとしょかんへいきます。ごごはたいていとしょかんでしゅくだいをします。

A：そうですか。

Yard

There is a little mouse

outside my house,

a flock of birds

who dropped their turds,

and a chipmunk

with cheeks like a trunk.

Novel

November is almost here, and it is time for National Novel Writing Month. I failed miserably last year, meaning I created characters, but never had time to go further. This year I am determined to at least start writing, and truly hope to get to the 50,000 word mark by the end of the month. One of my college classes is ending just before the start date, so I plan to use the time I spent for that class to write my novel. My other classes are demanding, but I am sure I can write every morning while I drink my coffee and do my homework the night before. I am really excited!  I plan to write the novel I attempted to write last year, Oceania 7712 N.E. (well that is the working title, which might just end up as the subtitle).

Hockey Time

Today marks the start of the 2008-2009 Buffalo Sabres hockey season. They play, division rival, Montreal Canadians at home in Buffalo. I started to decorate the den, dusted off the foam finger and got out my Sabres T-shirt to wear during the game -- only.

Let's Go Sabres!

Crashed

My brother's computer crashed today; beyond what we could repair. We took the tower to get a diagnostic check and see if the hard drive died or is corrupted. This is the second time this year his computer crashed and he did not learn his lesson the first time when he lost everything.

Decked Out

I started decorating for All Hallows' Eve. These are not too spooky, but will hopefully will spook the birds enough to not think they can fly though our house.

Cold

frosty morning windows

Junco friends return

colourful trees

wilting flowers

shorter days

digging for gloves

Orange Guest

We have a guest this afternoon. Normally this guest arrives near nighttime, but not today.

Dirty Laundry

I finally had time to do some laundry today! I cannot believe I was so excited about laundry. Clean undies, T-shirt and hoodies --- oh yeah and a couple pairs of sweatpants. I also forgot my bed pants, an oversized pair of plaid cotton pants (2 or 3 times too big) -- the only pants I wear to bed. What the hell is so special about laundry? Simple there is not much I like and tend to wear the same things always: T-shirts, jeans, hoodies, and that plaid pair of bed pants. What can I say, I would rather spend my time on more worth while endevours.

Writing Essays

I did almost nothing today except sit in front of this computer reading and writing my homework for my Digital Internet-working class.

20091 List

I still have to get the photos posted, but I got my car back the other day and it was only a battery terminal end. I made up my mind about next semester classes:

1. Film History 2

2. Programming for Digital Art

3. Web Programming 2

4. Japanese 1st year, 2nd semester

5. Classical Tibetan 2nd year, 2nd semester

Squash Tops

I used to hate squash, but just recently (right before I made these), I found out I love this squash.

"It's a toaster!"

We bought a new toaster.
It makes a lot of noise.
esp. in the early morning.

Next

Schedule is up for next semester; Spring 2009. Decisions are swirling. There are so many options and only so much time in a day, so many credits one can handle without losing ones' mind.

Fall Leaves

The leaves are starting to change.
The Dark-eyed Juncos returned.
Winter is on its' way.

Clearing

This is a stone that was dug out of our yard when planting some trees. Now is is nestled between some ground cover providing a stepping stone to the water spicket.

ReWrites

I find it increasingly difficult to post on time as I write offline and rewrite here. Most of the time I do not get a chance on the day and need to back date. Some things I want to post are still in notebooks and I have to scan sections. Maybe I will get to it.

Car

Without the car it become difficult moving around -- visiting friends or just getting to where one needs to be at a very specific time. I live to far out for public transportation as I would have to drive to a bus stop.

Another Headache

The car broke again.  I just want to make it into a front yard planter, but I suppose that is a bit rash. What could possible be wrong now.

Sideways-san

"He" finally figured out there is water for "him" to drink -- not just the birds or chipmunks. "He" was practically laying in the water though. Maybe "he" also needed a bath.

Lunchtime

I went to Obento, a Japanese restaurant on campus, for some tasty yakisoba noodles. I brought them home only to have a furry guest visit during lunch.

Schedule

I was so busy today, as Tuesdays usually are. I leave around 07:30 and return around 18:30. Then eat dinner, do homework, and watch a little TV right before I go to bed.

Dose

Standing at the counter

open containers

1, 2, 3, 4

doling out meds

cookies on a napkin

The Emmy's

I watch award shows to see favourite characters as they are off screen, and hear the music behind my favourite shows. This year's Emmy's took first prize. Where could one watch Josh Groban sing the theme song to South Park, Cobert talk about prunes and the Smothers Brothers be awarded for the very thing we now take for granted -- "Free" Speech.

"It's hard for me to stay silent, when I keep hearing that peace is only attainable through war. And there is nothing more scary than watching ignorance in action."

* Tommy Smothers as he accepted his honorary Emmy.

"We are like on Sarah Palin's bridge to nowhere, that's where we are right now. The government can't even bail us out of this. We have nothing."

* Emmy co-host Howie Mandel, who noted he and his co-hosts didn't have a prepared opening monologue

quotes courtesy of Yahoo!

Picnic

Went to see my brother, as his house was having a picnic. He was the "Official" Grill Master and did a great job. I got to meet most of the residents families and everyone seemed to have a good time. I know I did, even though I do not eat any of the food. 

Day's List

Today felt like a week. After Japanese I went home to get my Mother for her PT appointment. Then there was the headache of food shopping -- I love food shopping, just not when it is so crazy. Next a trip to the bank and the library, and then finally home. Not exciting by any means, but still a long day.

Time for Coffee

A ho-hum day, but at least I feel a bit better. I already have my homework done and will probably go to bed early. One more day this week, and it will be a busy one.

Sickness

I feel horrible. The weather shift, pollen, and sleep depravation has left me with the beginnings of a cold. I am going to take a nap before my next class.

So Far

Few weeks into the semester and things are starting to fall into a routine. I am not crazy about my long break on Wednesday, but there is nothing I can do about this. The two online classes are not that demanding as of yet, and I am glad to be able to get most of the work done on the weekend.

Storm

The storm was not as bad as I thought it would be, at least in my area. We only lost power for a few moments, just enough to have to reset the clocks. The wind blew wildly, branches fell along with the various nuts, literal nuts not "crazy" people. Looking out the window in the darkness, I could see the clouds racing across the sky in the moonlight.

Website

I have spent the weekend creating and updating a website for both my Tibetan philosophy and Classical Tibetan classes. Both classes nicely fit together like snug gloves. I get philosophy in the language and language of the philosophy. 

Rain

It started raining,
will continue until Tuesday,
ground will be saturated,
material nature of life,
washed,
yet life itself continues,
to decay,
an agonizing perception,
thinking so little,
will save,
us.

Today's Events

pouring rain
Japanese class
therapy appointment
trying to stay awake
grocery store
no bagels
pot stickers
mint imitation Oreos
birthday party
kitty in the bag
shopping in Japan
movie
bed

Morning

I really enjoy my mornings, once I wake up a bit. I should specify that I am referring to the week days, not that the weekends are not enjoyable. I sit in a long hallway of tables, next to huge windows overlooking a bit more of campus. Waiting for the coffee to cool enough to drink is my main concern during this time.

I also enjoy people watching. Random people walking, running or sometimes riding by to wherever it is they are off to. Some people I know as they eventually join me, since I am part of their own routines. The kids are the best. There is a daycare just below from where I am currently sitting, equipped with an outdoor playground. I still wished someone would create similar playgrounds in an adult size; the kids look as though they are having so much fun.

Moving

Three of four days I feel as though I move out of my house for the day. I carry two bags full of school work, a MacBook, anime and a lunch. Today is the six hour break between classes day. I plan to write one paper, after reading the chapter, and watch two anime disks. Today also might be a three cup of coffee day. This is only one day a week, I sure it will be fine; I just think of all the gas I save by not driving home again.

Growing up

Dear Boo,

Many years have past, but I have not forgotten. You will always be my favourite little man, even if you are not so little anymore. I hope you have a very Happy 9th Birthday and are blessed with the ability to do whatever it is you love to do best.

Love,
(The Former) Blue Haired Lady

7 Years

Seven years ago I moved back to NY to help my parents. I am finding it hard to believe that so much time has passed. I know we are all better off so I am "happy" my presence is effective. I do not know what my parents would have done without me as my brother has undergone majour ups and downs to the point of three months in and out of hospitals. Hopefully it will get better in the future.

Sci-Fi Alive

Visited my brother and installed a webcam. Now, through Skype, we can see him as well as hear him. I still have to try using my MacBook with him since this has a built in iSight. Science fiction coming true -- video phones -- I wonder what is next. I hope a pill shaped vegan meal so I do not have to waste so much time figuring what to eat. I find eating a bother.

Saturday is just another day

The day escaped uneventful
no thing worth reporting
the Earth turned
the sun appeared to rise and fall
illusions

The Lake

When to the lake today. My stepfather had to pick up his boat motor, so I tagged along. We stopped over at the little shops to view the lake from the "boardwalk". I love to sound of crashing water on the shore even though the water is dirty brown. The sky was too cloudy to see Toronto -- bummer. Before we left we saw a sign for free wine tasting. Free is the best! The wine was from a local winery we had visited many times before, and this place rotates the winery it features. The woman who gave the tastes is a local jazz singer. She also informed us of poetry readings on Wednesdays. My stepfather later joked that we should go but that he would have to write a poem first. I suggested something like:

"Floating in a big lake
big sky, little wave
in a little green boat

I am a fisherman
but I catch no fish"

He was pleasantly amused.

Sameness

Almost the weekend,
very long week,
yet short a day.

Multitude of classes,
with homework to follow,
this is what I signed up for.

Up early,
to bed late,
same routine.

Passing time

Today is my super long day. I have a 6 hour break between classes and do not want to drive home and then back again -- gas is still too high. I plan to do some homework and watch a couple of films on my MacBook; Little Miss Sunshine (2006) and El Laberinto del fauno [Pan's Labyrinth] (2006).

Puzzled

So, like the last post suggested, I organized all my school stuffs. Now it is a bit of challenge to remember where everything is, but I am sure I will manage.

Space

Tired of mess,
piles of books,
college work,
bags to carry it all,
library books,
shopping,
new bookcase,
organized,
finally.

Visit

Went to visit my brother,
one hour without an issue,
Jasper Kitty making the rounds,
clean sheets,
language mini-lesson,
video game,
drive home in the dark.

こんばんは！

はじめまして。
Jessicaです。
どおぞよろしく。

20083

This has been such a long week, and I fell asleep on the couch -- a rarity. I am glad to have a long weekend to get a good start at my homework. I really want to get off on a favourable start this semester.

Classes:

JPN101 - Japanese YR 1, SEM 1
MFC303 - Data Communication and Networking
MFC305 - Digital Internetworking
AS393 - Tibetan Buddhist Thought
AS431 - Classical Tibetan YR 2, SEM 1

(Plus I am getting tutored in Chinese YR2, SEM 1 level)

Backyard Zoo

tiny bunny
chases
chip-the-monk
who turns
runs
slides
bowling for birds

Because

sleep deprived
coffee infused
homework nightmares
aoi kasa
sake

Analogy from class

Driving through life collecting bugs on your windshield clouding your vision. Take time to clean the bugs off.

The First Day

今晩は (konbanwa),

I had 2 language classes today, Chinese 201 and Japanese 101, in which English was kept to a minimum. Sometimes I wonder if I can learn these languages, and my professors assure me I am fully able to learn. I hope so.

再见 (zai jian)

Circles

From the closing of the games to the beginning of a new school year, it is truly amazing how fast time goes by and how many amazing events one can experience in a short period of time.

Tiny Dancer

I was very lucky to capture such a moment of zippy-ness. This male Ruby-throated Hummingbird stopped for a quick sip before zig-zagging his way back to wherever he decided on going. This season we had 3 Hummingbirds; this male and two females.

Like a new car

Yes, it is true, my car is fixed -- even though this maybe a premature celebration. I was able to drive the car home and the new shop was able to diagnose and fix what they say is a common problem with my type of car. Hopefully I will not have any more problems starting the car.

Tech Family

I love my MACs. First there was Taank; a G5 PowerPC Tower. Next came Bennie "The Monster"; an Intel iMac turned Virtual Machine. Finally, Piint joined the family; a 13" Intel MacBook, also evolving to a Virtual Machine. Everyone enjoys working together and they are a joy to work with.

Olympics

Gold

Silver

Bronze

Athletes of every colour

Years of training

One moment carved in time

Success

Failure

All come together under one flag

Ready, Set, Study

the summer is winding down

shoppers swarm

notebooks

pencils

folders

the new look

for the new year

back to the grind

Grackle Line

All of a sudden we have had a flock of (common) grackles visit our yard every morning. I would venture to say there are at least 20 birds when everyone arrives. When they scatter into the trees, there are just so many places for them to sit and is very humourous to watch them compete for the prime perch. Sometimes they simply line up and wait for others to figure out where they will sit.

Blue Visitor

Despite being a trickster in myth, the Blue Jay is a beautiful bird. We have 5 Jays visit on a regular basis, but this is a new occurrence. Today one Blue Jay landed in a tree a few feet from me while I was tending the sunflowers. It was not scared off when it realized I was there, nor did I move, and hopefully I made an unthreatening impression.

Swimming Mania

Watching Phelps win 8 for 8 gold metals in one Olympics was truly amazing. Each event built more excitement and unbelievable finishes. Not only Phelps but how about Torres! Now swimming is over, and time to move on to other favourite events -- track & field.

The Letter

I received a letter from India stating the nun I sponsor, Sonam Yangzom, has not been to the TNP office in Dharamsala to pick up her stipend in a long time. She never said she was leaving, and no one knows where she is. Her name has now been removed from the list so I now I sponsor a different nun, Dekyi Youdon.

I hope wherever Sonam is she is well.


ཨོཾ་མ་ཎི་པ་དྨེ་ཧཱུྃ་


* photo courtesy of TNP

summer noises

people shouting
kids laughing
crickets chirping
birds singing
cars beeping
dogs barking
cicadas buzzing
fires crackling
leaves rustling

Squeaky-in-the-box

I bought 2 round cat beds, a his and hers, and where do they sleep? Next to the plush beds, in a box from a recent delivery is the nap space of choice. This morning Squeaky found her brother reclining in the box and bopped him on the head a few times because she wanted to be in the box.

One More Year Older

Just having some fun with my iSight cam on my birthday. Today really was just another day, except I have to remember to write 31 in the "age" spot on any forms.

Sip

Finally captured a shot of an American Goldfinch [M] taking a sip of water from the makeshift bird bath I created a week ago. I am hoping all the birds will eventually take full advantage of the water, but sips are rewarding as well -- and I am sure greatly appreciated.

Snack time

This little one was hanging out by the back door. When I first saw this chipmunk, it was sitting inside a hole in a cinderblock eating some sunflower seeds. Later I quietly peaked around the corner of the door again to see the chipmunk perched on the brick having a bit of acorn. It did not seen to mind me checking on what it was doing as it must have known I was only an onlooker and not a threat.

Olympic Fever

Copyright The Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad

I have set up in the porch, in front of the TV, to watch as much of the Olympics as I can while still getting some work done -- during the commercials. Then again there is NBCOlympics.com. But sometimes there are the must watch commercials, the Clydesdale horses with the Rocky theme song! 

The World Watches

We watch as many nations parade their flags, their atheletes into a common arena. All these nations stand side by side, smiling, peaceful. Yet the announcers remind us all of all the conflicts, pain and suffering from the past or the present. Maybe the world will look at these games and learn something.

Cicada

The sounds of summer time. Think about it: 5 years underground attached to a tree root, have to dig to the surface, climb up any available surface, quickly molt, sing, produce offspring, die.

Upgrade for school

Today marks a new addition to my MAC family, a 13" MacBook. Since I am a college student I was able to get a discount. Also the deal came with an iPod Touch, free after rebate. I was not complaining. This machine will take some getting used to, but I am sure, in no time, I will not know the difference.

Kudos to Apple!

Round

My eye finds repetition inviting. The subject does not matter, but odd numbers are preferable. Something as simple as a patch of stones, delights the eye.

Meditating Tiny Toad

This little one has been hanging out in my yard, in roughly the same area, for a few days now. He is sitting very similar to this image and let me get close enough to make this image. I think, I hope, it realizes I mean it no harm. I am just an admirer.

Today

The world is an intriguing place,
even though there are days I want to hide.

On my best day,
it could rain.

An alternate ending,
is never possible.

Saturday

The day after Mom's hand surgery is going better than I thought. Last time seemed so long of a recovery, even after one day.

Storms canceled the One Day Fishing Contest my brother and stepfather were going to fish in, but they managed to do a little fishing when the weather cleared a bit. Tomorrow is the rain day, so hopefully they will have better weather.

The Fair

Already time for the Niagara County Fair, not that it is all that spectacular, but I still cannot believe it is that time of year. It is really sad to see the same vender's booths in the same spots, again. Animals were the same, but the kids raising them are growing older. I am sure it will be the same next year.

Not your Mama!

This baby bird is not the bird you would think at first glance. The larger bird, a (House or Purple) Finch, is actually being fed by the smaller, a Chipping Sparrow. I think the Sparrow felt sorry for the baby Finch and became either an adopted parent or a babysitter. If the Sparrow hopped one way the Finch would follow, all over the yard.

Little snake

I saw this little one hanging outside the back door. I put the camera down to its level and it began to "check" the lens out. It is hard to tell from this image, but it is sitting in some pebbles about an inch or so in diameter, and it, itself, was about as big as a pencil. After I got a good shot of it I shooed it away so it would not get trampled.

Intergrade Admiral (Limenitis arthemis)

A not so unusual guest stopped by for dinner yesterday. There are many flying guests for dinner, but this was a welcomed sight. This butterfly is an intergraded between a White Admiral (Limenitis arthemis arthemis) and a Red-Spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis astyanax).

Day of Blogs Wordie

All these words had something to do with the posts I wrote for this year's Day of Blogs ("alterna-thon" to the Blogathon). So far I raised $80 for the Sera Je (Buddhist) Monastery's food fund; $10 feeds a monk for a day.

White Rose of Sharon

Veins popping like well worn hands, sturdy, yet to the touch, silk. Bursting with life today only to wither and fall tomorrow. Another one ready to take its place.

My Backyard

Even though today is the Day of Blogs and I have been posting every half hour since 09:00 EST, I managed to go outside and make 36 photographs.

train

I do not know what it is about trains, but I love hearing them roll by. This train is taking coal to a nearby power plant and is on the track that runs close to my house. I usually can hear the whistle blow through the forest behind my house.

Donkeys and A Horse

Driving to my brother's house I have to pass the Green Acres Farm, where there is always a variety of animals milling about. I did not even notice the babies in the mix until they spread out a bit.

Abandoned on Transit Road

There are a series of houses on Transit Road in Amherst, New York and this one is by far my favourite. This house reminds me of The Amityville Horror (1979) house, without the creepy double windows near the roof line. I still want to get a few more shots since this one does not show the "lack of" roof well enough.

Electric Lines

Some crazy storms offered a gloomy, yet dramatic shot out a car window while riding in a car at 50 mph. Behind the tower and poles is a quarry, but it is a bit far in the distance. I take my camera just about everywhere, and try not to miss an opportunity.

Charity Event

It is that time of year again, but the official Blogathon will not be held. Instead a group of us have joined together creating a low tech event called the Day of Blogs happening this Saturday, July 26 from 09:00 EST until 09:00 EST Sunday, July 27 (24 hours posting every half an hour). Low tech means there will not be a sign up page for sponsors like previous years, but there is an official event website, http://www.dayofblogs.org/.

This year I will be blogging for donations to the
Sera Je Food Fund.

"At present, the food fund provides three meals daily for all 2,600 monks living at Sera Je Monastery. As more monks arrive, the need for nutritious meals increases daily." Source

Donations, at the end of the event, can be made through my event blog, Feed A Monk, at the link to the right titled Make A Donation. If you are planning to make a donation please email your name or a name to be displayed and the total dollar amount to jprintup@gmail.com (or reply to this post), so your donation can appear in the Supporters section [ASAP - please]. Even if you do not wish to or cannot contribute financially, but have a minute to stop by my event blog Saturday, leave a comment.

Thank you very much.

Baby Rabbit

The influx of baby critters is increasing. This baby rabbit is hopefully the last remaining baby from a nest I found in my front yard. I had to bury 3 of 4 from that nest, but I never found the last one. This baby is right about the correct size, adjusting for a bit of growth. The larger rabbit is a regular visitor and based on the observation, could be a parent. That rabbit chases away any other rabbits except this baby.