I hear in my mind all these words

Et tu, Pi?

ichibichi@gmail.com — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 21:11:02 GMT

Happy Pi Day! Its a good nerdy weekend, it is. Tomorrow is the Ides of March, on which I will be studying for a Latin exam. Yes, that amuses me too.

I've fallen off the radar these last few months, so this is partially an announcement that I am floating around here somewhere. Hello to those I haven't spoken too in awhile. How are you? I hope you are doing well.

Now to the point. I am in the Anthropology class which requires a zoo trip. I plan on going next Saturday, March 21st. I want to be there when Lincoln Park Zoo opens at 10a. So that means that if anyone is willing to join me, the meeting time will be 8.30 or so. I'm not looking at schedules or doing any real travel calculations in my head, but that time seems about right. Definitely before 9a, what with relying on the CTA and all.

If you have any interest in going, leave me a comment here. By Tuesday I hope to have facts perfectly cemented, and will DM relevant people on friendslist. So if you like monkeys and are free the morning of March 21st, come along to the zoo!

Dice Wars: The Final Edition

ichibichi@gmail.com — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 05:37:36 GMT

I changed my layout! I'm really sort of happy with it, it being a lot cleaner than my last one. I doubt I'll be using speckled backgrounds on lj for awhile.

Top Gear season 12 started this month! But I've only seen the first episode, but ohmygosh Oliver! Watch Oliver in 10x4 to understand. African adventure ftw! Also, I like that that site has lots of show episodes on the page instead of mucking about with outsourcing (especially when you can't view it without signing up >_<). They don't have season 12 up, for that its falls to trusty Sidereel.

Classes for next semester are all registered for and I actually have 15 hours, a first! It will be my last semester of Latin, meaning that I have one more semester of weekly panic and inability. And then I'll get to actually start my Anthropology major. Oh goodie.

My Egyptian term paper has been moved back a week! :D I will be able to sleep this weekend, isn't that wonderful? The beginning of November is dreadful, all the classes have papers due so close to each other and yet that still does nothing to quell my tendencies toward procrastination. Shiny flash games are such a distraction.

I'll call anyone that doesn't read this tomorrow.

ichibichi@gmail.com — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 23:50:46 GMT

Art Institute trip:

It is $7 for students (ID please) and $12 for adults. Saturday hours are 10-5, so I think the meet time should be 9-9.3 at Oak Park Blue to make sure we all meet. We can meet on the platform for those who may come from Harlem.

I need to spend some good time in the Egyptian for my paper, but hopefully that won't take me too much time since I want to see the other galleries.

N.B!:
1. Checkrooms are enforced. It is $1 per item, and

"The following items must be checked before entering the galleries: any parcel, purse, bag, or tote 13-by-17 inches, backpacks, baby carriers, long umbrellas, and briefcases. Food and drink are not allowed in the galleries and cannot be checked."

so be sure to hide your food and bring a buck.

2. NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY and pictures cannot be taken of loan exhibits.
I just hope I can make sure my camera doesn't do the flash. WHERE IS THE MANUAL?? >_<

3. Cell phones are supposed to be turned of in the galleries. So at least have it on silent. I will remind about this the day of (hopefully).

4! Make sure to tell me if you are going, or else we'll leave without you.

One entry worth 5 points, your time begins now.

ichibichi@gmail.com — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 23:21:29 GMT

This Friday the Classics department at UIC is hosting a showing of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Its an incredibly funny movie made in the 60s based on Plautus's Roman comedies. Its also a musical! Its at 1pm in lecture hall C4, and I'd love if someone could make it, the Classics department deserves some support. Char, this means you. I'll pay for your train rides, just come on down for teh funny. I'm getting you out of your house lady. Besides, classical writers do sexual humour best. :P
I have a project/essay for my Egyptian Art and Architecture class in which I have to visit the Art Institute (or the Oriental Institute, which I should visit one of these days). I haven't decided on a day or really looked at my requirements yet, but I was wondering if anyone was interested in going? It would have to be on a Saturday, but after we've finished wandering throught the place we could hang out some downtown to eat or whatever. If you're interested, just left me know and I can supply more details in a few days.
Is something going on this Halloween? If so, can I have some details? Also, if there is, I have no idea who I should dress as and suggestions would be nice.

Heroes: There are around 7 characters I actually care for that aren't minor ones (Lyle ftw!), and about half of them are in danger of being killed. The characters I don't care for ("Mohinder, I'm looking at you!" she says while ironically using an icon with Mohinder, though not for long!) just won't die! Heroes completely ignores the natural order of the Darwin Awards. Not cool.

Ando, I love you. ♥ Continue to be more bad ass than Hiro and have more believable character development (and not that shit they pulled with Sylar's power). The scene in the bar really started winning me over to Daphne, she's adorable.
The Big Bang Theory: is awesomes! It is one of the two American sitcoms I actually watch, the other being How I Met Your Mother. Where as HIMYM at times feels dragged a bit by certain Ted-ness, TBBT does not for me. Even if that one Penny line from that one episode isn't as funny as that one guy in the audience seems to think it is (I just watch it recently and was annoyed for 1.89 seconds), all the characters are lovable or enjoyable and the jokes are geeky scientific bliss.

One character dressed as the Doppler Effect for Halloween. Yes, it was that spectacular. ^_^

When you are done, hit post comment and close your test booklet.

Its sorta social

ichibichi@gmail.com — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 01:56:36 GMT

Its been a month, lets see what's I can remember happening in however long it takes me to type this:

Got my hair cut.
Started school.
Went to two zoos.
Today I didn't get sleepy in any of my classes. !!!
Made a Twitter and fixed it a bit.
Made a post on Piffle Theory.
Told sister to upload those photos.
Posted here. :)

Latin 103 MTWR 9-9.5
Its going to be tough, but I'm sure I'll start remembering things eventually. :P
But no, I really like the professor, and his teaching style is a refreshing change from my 1st year prof.

Near Eastern Myths and Epics MWF 11-11.5
Seems like it'll be enjoyable. Good amount of reading though. And I'll be learning things I don't know! :D (Other than some of the Egyptian stuff, of course.) My knowledge of Mesopotamian mythology is sorely lacking.

The Art and Archaeology of Ancient Egypt TR 11-12.15
Yay, more Egypt! And I don't think this fulfills anything!

Theories of Personality TR 2-3.15
I am finally taking this class. Not only will I be learning about what I consider the more interesting part of Psychology, but I'm also finish my Social Science Lib Arts requirement. X)

So this semester is looking like fun. Some actual work required, but the topics should prove to be intellectually satisfying.

Awesome Animalarium Adventure

ichibichi@gmail.com — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 22:28:57 GMT

I've decided on a day to go to the zoo. I picked this day to cater to myself, since the attempt to cater to other people seems to make them all complain to Char in some fashion. Weird.

Anyways, it'll be on Tuesday August 5th. If you remember the park on Harlem and Roosevelt, that's where we'll meet starting at 10 at the earliest. Once everyone coming has assembled (10.40 AT THE VERY LATEST) we'll hop on the Blue Line and head downtown. There are two ways to travel there, the first being you pay for one $2 train ride with an approximate mile walk (if not slightly longer) OR a $2 train ride plus a $2 bus ride, but without the extra walking to the entrance. Everyone decide.

There is a park round the zoo, so if (since its not the biggest zoo, depending on how the time is utilized) you want to bring a frisbee or something, that's an option too.

--*If you are going, please be sure to tell me so I know who to expect!*--

Any other questions? Just in case, if I have failed to address anything, or new developments arise, edits shall be made.

EDIT: If you read this, bring water. Lots of it. !!!

E2: Now scheduled for W of the same week!

Zoo Update

ichibichi@gmail.com — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 21:05:08 GMT

No, its not on August 29th, Erica. I'll probably be in school on that day. Not all of us have the luxury of a late start. :P

So the possible days for the zoo trip have been set as August 4, 5, 6, or 7.

If people I talk to aren't specific with what dates are better for them, I'll just pick (then it'll probably be the 5th). So unless I'm persuaded otherwise, I suppose that's the date? *unknowing nervousness to please/appease the most people*

On the yet-to-be-solidly-chosen day, we'll met at 10 near the Harlem Blue Line stop, so in that park. I say 10 because I know people will be late, so we'll leave about 10.30. Then, after a reasonably lengthy journey we'll be at the zoo until its time to home again, in rush hour El traffic to catch one of the later buses.

Reminders: You need CTA/food money, even if the zoo entrance is free.

Requests: Does anyone have a sure fire way of contacting Patty? I don't know if she'd be up for this sort of thing.

Okay chaps, decision time!

ichibichi@gmail.com — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 03:41:59 GMT

Hello there people reading this entry! *waves*

This entry is dedicated to the planning of my belated birthday party. It will be held at the zoo. However, since I'm bored of Brookfield it will be Lincoln Park Zoo, which is good because it seems to be free everyday!!! :D The zoo opens at 9a and closes at 6a.

What I need to get input on is when this little get together should be, I can get everyone info on meet times/travel after the day is settled and those not online are contacted. I think a Tuesday or a Thursday is best, and more than a week from now. So here are the available dates: Tuesday, July 29 or Tuesday, August 5. Its either one of those two dates or the following week. It will probably also count as a "crap! its almost school again!!" gathering while we all still have a bit of time.

Though it is free to enter the zoo, you'll still need some public transport/food/trinket money. I'd like to plan it for a nice day, however I've not yet mastered control of the weather. :(

**Please leave a comment and give me some idea of your state of mind about the whole thing?

Its been awhile since I've sounded like the fangirl I am...

ichibichi@gmail.com — Tue, 20 May 2008 21:00:58 GMT

I have never been so disappointed with a show as I am with the season finale of Bones, and I've seen Heroes season 2. Why do writers never know how to write my favorite characters? ;_; Creepy!Hodgins ftw, though. That ending really ruined everything previous episodes have said. I don't think I can watch anymore, not the way I did. Not even Hodgins and Sweets can keep me watching so excitedly, which just shows how upsetting that was. It would have been more acceptable if the actor wanted to leave the show, but where the writers pulled that episode from probably shouldn't be mentioned in respectable society. Gormagon was interesting, why turn the story line into a boring conclusion. It would have been better if something was revealed to the audience but not the cast, just a single scene at the end of the episode to prepare for a more in depth conclusion next season. Or if it had been a twist where someone took down Gormagon on their own or something. ...This has turned into a way to pick up my spirits, so it shall end (since Hillary is probably the only one who has seen any Bones).

House was an excellent ending to the season, even though it was so incredibly sad. I almost forgot what it was like to enjoy and agree with a season finale for any show, good job House! I have a lot of hope for NCIS, especially with the last two episodes (Ziva & Jimmy are ♥s!).

On a different side of things, the anime crowd is making me want to go to some sort of convention. I'll see if I have the money to waste five years from now. (Doctor Who guys are easy to pick to cosplay as, but what girl companion could I be? I'd pick Leela if I was better at sewing and was more comfortable in my own skin.)

I'm learning to write with my left hand. . :D

ichibichi@gmail.com — Mon, 05 May 2008 19:39:13 GMT

Purpose of post: I'm twenty. Twenty years of life on this planet. I mean to try to score my life based of typical lines of division for the various aspects society has come up with. This has been a long time coming.

University: Doing pretty well. (+5)
Apathetic about the whole thing. (-4)
Registered for fall classes. (+1)
Total: +2

Finance: Have some money. (+3)
Not enough money. (-5)
Need a job. (-5)
Total: -7

Family: Love them. (+15)
They talk to me. (+1)
A lot. (-4)
Live with them. (-9)
Total: +3

Friends: Have some. (+8)
Like the ones I have. (+6)
Don't really talk to any of them. (-7)
Wanted: Male, not entirely gay, good conversationalist, not a douchebag. (-2)
Total: +5

Love: Currently none. (+/-1)
A romantic interest to help liven my sitcom up. It would make it more believable, which is probably a plus. (0)
Total: +/-1

Health: Get enough to eat and drink. (+13)
Eat a lot of stuff that is unhealthy. (-3)
Eat too much. (-3)
Don't exercise as much as I used too. Who's up for a lot of summer walks? (-5)
Need to establish new sleep schedule. (-1)
Total: +1

Outlook: More college, with chosen major. (+4)
Graduate school chances. (+2)
Future job ideas. (+2)
Future job ideas with a possibility of success. (-6)
Total: +2

Emotions (Levels determined-- + is good):
Apathy. (-4)
Happiness. (+2)
Anger. (+3)
Fear. (-1)
Sadness. (0)
Total: 0

Overall Life Total: + 5 or 7

Wow. Things aren't that bad, are they? Either that or I really have no way to compare the score on more important things. And I actually didn't plan for emotions to get 0, so that's slightly worrying.

I'm going to try to challenge myself this summer. Mainly in my writing--I'm going to rerestart posting material. Expect some ballads from me, more Insect Adventures, and maybe some metaphysical speculation on the universe. Anything goes!

Insect Adventures: End of Intermission

ichibichi@gmail.com — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:34:47 GMT

My explanation for why IA only gets posted here.

"My exclusivity is non-selective."

Little Nell
Yesterday afternoon I got home after having a horrid non-disastrous day. My nerves had been in a state since dawn and had had the day prove their anxiety wrong, much to their annoyance (they do so like to be right) and my health strain.

When I arrive home generally prefer to change back into pajamas, especially if I know the remainder of the day would be spent under the assumption that class work will be done. Today I went to the bathroom to change and to remove the CTA from my hands. My jeans just barely on the floor, I saw it. The tiny yuck-brown creature approaching my jeans with curiosity, if apprehensively. Its caution was rightly so, although it was doomed to be its undoing.

Preferring my clothes to be untouched by foreign species, I moved swiftly and grabbed several tissues, tossing them in its direction. The sun glinted off their pristine whiteness illuminated a trail of dust as they landed on the target. With my still socked foot (for twas only a little thing and the tissues twere many) I stomped rapidly down in a measure of three. After the fourth time of doing so (partly to assure the death, though mainly to let my heart work off its nervous energy), I removed the remains, what little that did. So close to my pants, yet I managed to vanquish this surprise attack against something that is literally so close to me.

the Big, the Bad, and the Ugly
The above section would not be nearly as meaningful (nor indeed would it have been written) if it had not been for the events that had unfolded as the night wore on to day.

I was preparing, as usual, to retire for the night at a time that was likely much too late for my own good. Entering the bathroom with the purpose of dental hygiene, I lit my way while closing the door. It was then that I was quickly brought into a panic and a corner when from the area of the entrance I saw a looming figure rush towards me at an unearthly speed, even for one of such colossal stature. That is to say, such stature in relation to its kind.

Panicking over my lack of any type of foot covering, I quickly, albeit awkwardly, fuddled the seat cover down and mounted the throne. Grabbing several tissues as I went, I tracked the movement of my attacker, looking for any opportunity of retaliation for this full-on assault.

Crawling under the sink, into the darker recesses of the room, it slowed to a stop, allowing me to strike. Slowly lifting the toilet bowl cleaner from its position near it, I held it up and prepared myself. Panic and something akin to adrenaline were coursing through my veins, giving me a moment to assess my fear in relation to my desire to live a free life.

Brain and body suddenly snapping into focus, I tossed the tissues on the bugger before smashing the cleaner down wildly twice and jumping straight backwards. I knew I had missed it, lodged between floor and wall, but it did stir to action as I knew it would. Just as I saw it coming expressly towards me I brought the cleaner down once...twice....three times, and yet it still twitched. Two more strikes fell the foul beast, leaving me with its carcass, a rapid heartbeat, and spasming right limbs.

Swallowing my breath in a slowly successful attempt to calm down, I thought of what could possibly have led to a sleepy me, barefoot on my toes in the bathroom, with a mangled bug and a crazed laugh. I remembered the events of the day and decided that my earlier action had not gone unnoticed. I'm sorry little curious bug, but the huge fast one? Not necessary Nature.

I'd like to apologize to Charles Dickens.

Yeah, but I /really/ did enjoy it. Worth the two bucks.

ichibichi@gmail.com — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 23:45:27 GMT

Musicals. One of today's most deadly distractions. This media form has turned into a global pandemic affecting today's youth. This drug can be found through human history, however in recent generations its popularity has increased to make it the menace it is today. With its popularity it has spawned certain trendy packages which are currently in demand in most major metropolises. The drug mostly came to fame do to the reactions it produces within the body. The body's reactions include twitching facial muscles and extremities, humming, and a lightness of mood. Depending on the person, these effects can last from a few hours to a week before completely dissipating.

However, researchers have stated that, other than the initial reactions, those who have only used this stimulant once or twice will not experience the effects of prolonged usage. When consumed at least three times, Musicals begin to break down the concentration centers of the brain, releasing dangerous toxins into the blood stream. The residual amount of the drug left behind with each use increases the amount, and intensity, of the flashbacks, episodes that produce similar feelings to the original experience.

Trafficking is done during the day, but night is when all the heavy users go out for their fixes. Musicals are irrevocably changing youth worldwide, leading people down a dangerous path to become musical comedy stars. The effects of this on future laws and generations has yet to be seen, but it can be accurately stated that Musicals have created their lasting place in pop culture. For better or for worse, so Be Prepared! *gigglesnort*

Hey everyone, guess what....

ichibichi@gmail.com — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 05:24:24 GMT

...I finally changed my layout! :D I'm so glad that that old dull grey monstrosity is gone. This new layout's header was not made by me, however. I don't have excessive time this semester for graphics like last semester. :( The people in the header are from BBC's Robin Hood, characters of Will Scarlett and Djaq. If it had Allan I'd be tempted to never get rid of it. :P

So, while I'm here and all, I should probably do a bit of an update of my life this past month.

University: This semester is looking as though it will be time consuming. Not challenging (unless you count how far I can stretch my procrastination), but full of reading material.

Social: I've been realizing who are the ones that I'm missing. Problem with this is me feeling awkward about doing anything about it. Also, I want to try to improve certain aspects of my personality and general moods. At this time I am not that confident about this project.

Personal: Restlessness has set in a bit. I need to get out and move. Walk, run, dance, slid - I just don't want to do that around most people that much. Ran a block this weekend, first time in ages without a bus to catch, and I forgot it can be enjoyable.

Internet: Ohmygosh! I just won first and second place in two different icontests! ^_^ Its been about a year, including the breaks, since I started making graphics and I'm proud to say I have actually improved. (Not that I don't still produce crap, 'cause I do.) I'll post banners to esdlsd when they are made with the icons.
View winning results here: robin_icontest & monkeestills

EDIT: Its been over four years since I first started this journal. I feel so old and so much better than my past self. Even if I still have so far to go.

Windows Media Player mocks me

ichibichi@gmail.com — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:38:41 GMT

I've been really rude recently, and without meaning too. Has whatever tact I have left me for sunnier climes?

Good news: I somehow managed to get all A's! I've no idea how I did it. Even Latin. The others were real easy, even if I did panic after slacking off. Getting an A in Latin made my day. Problem is I just remembered that I should go over Latin so I remember it for next semester. Drats!

Saturday was the day that broke me. I have been able to enjoy my cluttered and dusty room for over 19 years. As of today I've started to clean it out. This is mainly because I got a new computer desk. ! Its all in now and it only took me around seven hours to clean, move, set up, and tidy. And that's only a fraction of my room. My bed still needs to be cleared off, but that shouldn't take long. I'm giving myself a semester to finish up cleaning up/out my room. I'm taking tomorrow off though, my entire upper body has begun to ache.

During the cleaning I've managed to hit my head at least three times, two of which were bad enough to make me get an ice pack. It seems Tact and Coordination have eloped. They could have given me some warning, I would have taped a pillow to my head.

My Offical Start to Winter

ichibichi@gmail.com — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 04:35:16 GMT

So recently it has gotten cold enough here to snow (even if it wasn't much and didn't last long) and currently the water has frozen random bits of the sidewalk with thin, well concealed patches of ice.

Today, leaving the BSB, I had my official first fall of this winter season. :) It was a pretty good fall too, took me by complete surprise. I was there walking down the outside steps in a lively pace when all of a sudden WHOOSH! I was in the air! My legs kicked out completely and hovered with me at a nauseating one feet above the ground! Before any survival techniques could kick in, before any thoughts could cross my mind, I could feel gravity begin to tug on my coat hem (seeing as I wore no shirt tails at the time). Down, down I fell until, after what seemed four seconds, the ground and I reestablished our relationship. Startled and slightly dazed from the brief but action packed affair between the ground and my posterior I got up while replying to a witness to the brief fling. Walking away with neither pain nor pleasure in my heart or elsewhere I felt I was just witness to the start of a new season in both our existences.

itaque Iulius mortuus erat

ichibichi@gmail.com — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 06:03:33 GMT

I've just been working on my latin and I've just got to say that it has the best illustrations ever. I need to set up the scanner on this computer and scan them, they are that hilarious, once they stop being kinda creepy. Here are two quotes from me (because I don't think I've said anything really quotable lately, Char needs her fodder! :P)

"If you are going to be emo, at least do it in a dead language."

The picture was of Quintus (the poet Horace as a boy) looking so emo while studying in Rome. Maybe it would sound better with the 'because' I had at the beginning.

Another chapter had drawings of the assassination of Iulius. The last one was of his corpse lying in front of a statue, both of which were rather bloody. To which I said:

"Do you know how hard it is to get blood off of marble?"

Come on Julius, you know you shouldn't bleed everywhere. Its terribly rude and makes you look a bad guest.

What's this? A serious post? Has the world gone mad?!

ichibichi@gmail.com — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 03:14:30 GMT

Two weeks have passed, time to update. School's almost done for the semester (!) and then I can catch up on the shows I've missed the last couple of weeks. I plan I fixing up this place and my icon journal, now that I'm in a bit of a layout stint. Hopefully I can finish the layout I'm working of before finals, if I could get IE to work. >_<

Recently I've been feeling rather apathetic in my life. I'm much happier and contented than I was at the beginning of last year, but I think I might have slipped into some sort of blankness. I can't really describe what I'm talking about. Though I am so ridiculously happy I'm no longer in high school. I was thinking about it recently and honestly, I'm kinda ashamed of myself. I was purposefully acting certain ways with people, and while I do act to a certain extent when with people, I carried it to excess in a couple cases. Two to three people were probably bad influences on me, but I don't talk to them anymore, which is good. I'm still trying to figure out what kind of person I really am. I'm definitely not definitive, I know that. I do know that I'm glad I don't have so many character parts to play nowadays.

Next semester I think I might want to try to get by some of my shyness and actually talk to more people from my classes. Its a suggestion I've made to myself, lets see what happens. Hopefully I make friends with someone of similar academic pursuits, ya know, once I meet one. :/

Thinking back, my mom hasn't helped very much to encourage sociability. Thanks a lot for pushing your ideas on me when I was young. :( Seriously, its not the early 60s, times change. *exasperated sigh*

Every time I type something like this out I feel ridiculous for doing so. It all sounds like either I'm too whiny or I don't understand how things work or some such drivel. Gah, I don't know why I bother sometimes. It always ends up feeling like it sounds nothing like what my thoughts/feelings on the matter are. And like it doesn't make sense.

But good news: I've become more active online! kinda I'm rather proud of myself for that, though I'm still paranoid that my comments make me look an idiot. I'm getting past it though, I've come very far in the time I've been on the internet. Granted it only took me years for it to happen (maybe even a decade?!), but it has. It almost makes me not embarrassed about my early stuff. Eh, I suppose I had to start somewhere.

A question: Why does it seem that when I'm creatively writing my icon creativity is low and vice versa? Its odd but true, I don't remember producing good stuff in both departments at the same time.

Heroes Fanfic Banners

ichibichi@gmail.com — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 00:00:54 GMT

I should currently be planning out my history paper. That being said I thought it would be a better utilization of time if I made some Heroes banners. They're just some very simple banners based on things I said here in response to albion1919's fic. No, I didn't make the Sylar/Gabriel dark!fic ones, maybe I will later.

Check them out here because I've no idea where I should actually post them. I love Mr. Muggles! ^_^

To think I meant to post this on the 14th :/

ichibichi@gmail.com — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 23:27:26 GMT

Instead of posting another piece of writing here I've decided to return to the irregularly scheduled posting about nothing in particular. This post has decided to begin by typing about its comrades.

Recently (~2 months) I finished tagging all the entries in this journal and have begun to go through greatestjournal as well. This had been a task I had been putting off, simply because I did not want to expose myself to my previous cringe worthy self. With that said, I should point out that yes, I did make many of those early posts private so that no one else can be exposed to my stupidity. How did you people put up with me? *hangs head in disgrace*

However, this little excursion into the past made me realize just how far I've come, not only on the internet but also in life and outlook. I'm so glad I decided to wear off a lot of anger in high school. I'm still seeing some side effects, but the rest is clearing up quite nicely, thank you for asking. I am a lot more optimistic than people think I am. My optimism is paired with paranoia and suspicion, but its there. Oh, but don't worry, my social ineptitude is still all there. >_< And its odd just how grey things are to me, I'm not sure I could think of one thing that is laid out black and white. Nothing is that simple to me.

Recently I've been very curious about how things work and why certain things are, mainly in regards to mechanical and other things of a general sciencey nature. I'd like to take apart a car engine. Its strange but true. I don't understand it much either.

From now on (until further notice) I will not be posting my writing here. Its moving to a separate home here at blogspot. Its not entirely set up though, but I'm going to try to post something there every week. My stuff is under the name "rhinoland" as per usual. Read, enjoy, tell your friends! *nervous laugh*

I have issued myself an icon challenge which goes as follows: "For each episode of Heroes aired featuring Sylar and/or Maya you must make at least 14 icons by the time their next episode airs (unless its finals or something, then you get an extension)". Last week I made 16 in pretty much one morning before school. This week I've made seven so far and I've been working on and off on them over the last two and a half days. I keep fiddling with them, but I think this might turn into my best icon set yet. *iz proud* Hopefully I can get at least another seven done so I can post them tomorrow.

The Insect Adventures: Cat and Mouse

ichibichi@gmail.com — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 02:35:31 GMT

Would you call me a cat? No, I probably wouldn’t either. Fairs fair though, dog and squirrel doesn’t quite have the image I was hoping to stumble upon.

It was late one night, so late that it was, in fact, morning. I was just about to shut down the computer and head off to bed when I saw It. It shot out across the wall and took refuge behind my guitar chords poster at such a speed that made it impossible to know for sure whether It had actually been there in the first place.

This, of course, was seen with my peripheral vision, which history has shown me to be unreliable. This bit of my vision is twitchy and paranoid and always seeing invisible threats. However, every time it catches the slightest hint of something malicious being near I react automatically to its warning. I am relatively comfortable with this random occurrence because not only does it come in handy the 7-13% of the time when Peripherals are justified in their edginess, but it also helps knock out some of my natural paranoia. As long as I don’t lose it in a crowd by screaming then curling into a ball in the nearest corner, I think I might just let Peripherals off with a slightly disapproving look and have done with the matter.

Now, because of my willingness to be scared by a slight movement, at this point in the story I shot my legs off the floor and onto the chair as a safety precaution. The seconds ticked on with no movement from the poster, which I was intently watching. Taking in a breath I hadn’t realized I hadn’t, I slumped slightly in the chair and ruled that it was just my jittery vision that had yet again seen something that wasn’t really there, at least not in this dimension.

However, considering that I don’t always like to believe my thought process, I decided to check that there was no hideous Creature behind the poster that might come while I sleep to tickle me and put Jello in my hair. Running my hand down the poster I jumped a few good inches when, to my unfortunate surprise, that Thing rushed down from the poster and bolted towards the darkness that hovers over my floor for three and four-fifths of a lunar month.

Deciding on playing it cool, I continued to doing something or other on the computer in hope that any degree of normalcy would ease my now shaking senses. Of course before starting up this charade for both myself and the Beast now lurking in the depths of my room, I first shifted my chair slightly away from the desk so I could allow some light to penetrate to the algae covered seabed.

Finally satisfied after several minutes of waiting that It would not soon be emerging anytime soon, and that It’s lair wasn’t a place I could readily reach, I shut down my computer for the night and prepared to go to sleep. This renewing sense of calm and relaxation at a threat now gone sent me steadily into a state that was superb when it came to sleep but less than adequate when it came to out maneuvering prey.

Keeping in mind that at this point in the story I was groggy and semi-pleasantly overcome with relief, it was only to be expected that I would react rather visibly when my adversary was spotted sitting silently on the wall. After my brain computed this information it decided the first action I should take on the matter should be to first let off a tiny, almost inaudible squeak before jumping one sensational foot into the air and a less spectacular foot backwards. When my feet next touched the ground I decided the next best thing to do would be too stay still and see if It was still where I thought it was. Oh, what joy, It was.

Unfortunately, staring at it for a few minutes did not sear a whole in Its back, nor did It disintegrate from the strength of my thoughts. These two options out I felt I had to fall back to old reliable, my patented method of dispatching unwanted guests: a tissue encrusted shoe. As I prepared my weapon I kept an eye on the arrogant Bastard who was just sitting there with waves of smugness radiating from Its body.

Slowly inching my way along the few feet that separated us, I began to extending the arm that desperately clutched the covered shoe. My approach did not seem to phase It in the slightest. Instead It sat in an almost serene tranquility, mocking my very existence. Temper flared, I was determined to beat the Bloody Twerp for being so bold as to publicly challenge my right to rule over this tiny green land. I will not be overthrown by a peasant!

Tandem (Latin: at last, finally) I entered the kill zone with my arm poised for action. It was at this unfortunate time that my shadow fell over my adversary, thus alerting It to my presence. Its smug state must have lulled It into a false sense of security and superiority, for this is the only reasonable reason for the now crazed manner in which It roughly circled around the same four foot square on my wall.

My ~~hammer~~shoe came thundering down upon the wall, a worthy end to my foe. If only that where the case. The Bugger kept on going, having easily avoided my first attempt by shear skittishness. Again I lifted my mighty weapon towards the sky and brought it hurtling back towards the wall. Now, if I had managed to bring it down an inch to the left, or if It had not been quite so jittery I would have clearly ended this conflict by now. I didn’t, and neither did the Rotter.

Although I did not dispatch my enemy on that maneuver, I had managed to wing It a bit. Time seemed to slow as I raised my arm for the third time. The Creature and I regarded each other during this moment and a vague sort of understanding passed between the two of us, the type of understanding that only a cat and mouse can comprehend.

A decent burial was given. It wasn’t something to write in detail about, considering it involved a significant amount of porcelain, but it did have a slight feel of respect in it. Not that much, mind, but just enough garnish to make the best chefs quirk an approving eyebrow. If you care much about their opinions. I don’t.

The Insect Adventures: Level Up

ichibichi@gmail.com — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 06:34:51 GMT

Tonight was a momentous night. This is the night I became a level forty insect slayer.

It all began with me sitting calmly in front of my computer chuckling softly at some joke James May made. Suddenly, a sharp noise jolted me from my calm. My sister dashed into my room with a look of surprised terror on her face. As I turned off the sound she blurted out in a rushed frenzy “There's a giant bug racing down the wall in the bathroom!”. It can be obviously stated that this was not something I wanted to hear at all ever.

I attempted to get her to do something about it, however her absolute rejections of this notion only lead to my own increased paranoia and twitchiness. Resolved to at least meet the Beast in battle, I began my preparations. Climbing from my computer chair, where I was currently standing, to my bed I made sure to put on shoes before setting my feet once more on the floor. However, I did keep my eye on the floor by my door in case the Creature decided to confront me on my own turf. I am very relieved to say It didn't.

Now properly armored and equipped with a shoe whose heel was wrapped in several layers of tissue, I carefully made my way towards the bathroom. Pausing halfway between the two rooms I looked for any possible traps my Opponent could have set up. However, if there were any there was a good chance I would have missed them because I was too busy being frightened of my own shadow and the fact that when I moved my head my vision moved as well.

Peering in at the last known location of the Monstrosity, I assumed a fighting stance of a decently trained ninja who wishes their bladder was just a little less full now that they were bouncing around trying to keep the currently Unseen Menace from biting their uncovered ankles. I carefully tripletriple checked the surrounding wall and ceiling space to see if It was trying to hide in plain sight. When I finally accepted that It wasn't, nor was It waiting to jump me from above, I saw that It only had one place left to hide. The old ruins of civilization was Its last defensive position consisting of an opened but dusty package of wet wipes and an old industry catalog.

Unsuccessfully I tried to call out my Adversary by hitting the wall near the ruins on the floor, but It did not respond. It was forcing me to storm It's keep, the last thing I wanted to do. Behind me, curled safely on my bed, I could hear my sister shouting suggestions at me in an attempt to help. As like many similar situations this did not help but in fact made me feel more twitchy and paranoid.

Summoning whatever courage I could that wasn't cowering on the sofa I began my assault. Kicking slightly at the rubble I swiftly jumped a few feet back while staring intently to see if I could spot any movement. After several moments to determine that nothing had moved other than me I stepped slowly closer and kick the pile again, only slightly higher. This resulted in me jumping back and giving a brief cry when I briefly saw the Thing emerge from the inside of the abyss of the wet wipes package and head to the dark of the corner.

After a bit of noise and panic on my part I got my sister to hand me my pen light so I could rid the earth of the Monster once and for all. With care I moved the book away from the corner where It had been nestled to ascertain the location of my Enemy. It gave Itself away when It moved to avoid my narrow spotlight. Now knowing Its exact position I knew that our battle was drawing to an end, even though I was still freaking out in my head.

At this point I was fed up and furious with its psychological warfare and decided that brash physical action was needed to end this matter as soon as possible. With this fleeting thought I swiftly kicked out with my foot, effectively trapping It between the wall and the book. I kicked with enough force to make the pages start to bend up some, but I knew it was not enough to be sure It was dead. I kicked the book again and again and possibly again, I lost track as I felt some fear leave my body through anger.

A brief silence descended before my breathing returned. Taking a firm grip on the shoe and the pen light I leaned over and moved the book away so I could smash It's corpse into the ground. Giving the tissue-encrusted shoe a twist I let out a sigh of relief that I had survived another battle. Taking up what I could of the corpse with the tissues I gave It a dishonourable disposal before covering up the location of It's death and checking to see if any of It's family was coming to seek their revenge. It has been over an hour now, I am hoping that I can go to sleep in peace.

Victorious, I returned the few feet to my room to be greeted with praise from my sister and the challenge to record my travels with others in written format on a widely used journal site. This was one challenge I was willing to take. Plus, I need some extra narrative experience points, so it seemed like a sure fire way to get some.

Sha-la-laing

ichibichi@gmail.com — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 05:31:10 GMT

According to Livejournal its been five weeks since I updated. I figure its about time for me to post an entry randomly talking about whatever I can remember from that time. Which isn't much, what with leaving my brain on half-impulse power.

I got to paint. Yes, you read that right. Granted it was only some of the windows, but its better than nothing. My mother apparently still can't believe I'm complaining about not painting in kindergarten, but that just goes to show she doesn't know how long I'm willing to hold petty non-grudges.

Oh Char, guess what. I have the Armageddon Factor (last in the Key to Time). It was in the DVD player. Unless you have it in the case, then I have a magical duplicator DVD player. And I don't think you'll get your book back anytime soon, considering I've randomly decided to actually watch a story of Seven's before reading any novels involving him. And I finished the first book and started another, ho-hum.

Yesterday I started reading Catch-22. I'm finally getting around to reading it, yes. I've noticed that I really don't seem to read the books everyone else does, or at least I don't read them until several years after everyone else has, and therefore I do not fully understand what they are referencing from it. I read weird history books, lesser known science fiction novels, and comics of various shapes and sizes. This is without considering things I read online, mainly because that opens up a whole other sushi role.

[time elapse]
I actually started typing this a day or three ago, but then completely forgot about it. I might have been just about to type something that isn't the random drivel. Now we'll never know, unless time is rewound for the purpose of seeing what it was I was about to type. What a shock if someone did that and it turned out to be "cheese carts go slow". Maybe in the future that will be an important piece of information. You heard it here folks, look to the seaports.

Nothing of significance

ichibichi@gmail.com — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 05:13:09 GMT

Sometime last week, I believe, people on my block played a Spanish version of Achy Breaky Heart. I think my brain stopped for a minute. If you ever have the opportunity to listen to it, if only a small portion, I would recommend you do so -- its definitely worth it.

Its weird now that English teachers seem to think my writing is good. In the past they loved my ideas but couldn't really get past my odd use of the English language. But now I'm done with English forever, on to Latin!

My Symbolic Logic class was amazing. Except trying to translate English, that could be a bit challenging. Still, I loved it. I briefly thought I was taking Ancient Philosophy next semester, but I switched out when Greek Life opened up. I take it at a later time, it seems like I'd consider it very interesting.

My Earth Science course was the grade that shocked me -- I got a B! I was hoping for that, of course, but the tests made me prepare to see a C instead. Imagine my surprise!

I believe I will actually attend the Anthropology club this upcoming semester because I am one of those lovely lame people that actually really enjoy their chosen scholarly topics. And I'd like to meet an Anthropologist that wasn't a grad student.

Another year, two tops, left of free thought before I semi settle down to think about where I'll go for grad school. In the fall I'll have my first Classics kick, I really hope I'll enjoy it as much as I'm planning to.

Met some interesting people this semester, but still no Anthropology majors.

I've noticed that I never put anything deeper that random fluff. To try to change that fact I think I will clean up friends/communities I have added -- get rid of the ones I don't read and people I don't talk to. I need to make it easier to for me get through my friends page as well as make me more at ease posting here.

Some new news, however, is that I have now turned prime. Isn't that lovely? The next time won't be for another four years. I think I'll really enjoy this year, I usually prefer odd years.

And lastly, I made a new layout for myself! Gone is the now annoyingly bright colours and the Four/Sarah banner. Now my eyes welcome this gentle relief, a sharp contrast with its blinding predecessor. The song used is Changes by the Monkees, not that anyone cares. Using a new mood theme too, because Sylar is one of the best written villains I've been introduced to in a long time. That, and Zachary Quinto is hot. ^_^

I love you Queen!

ichibichi@gmail.com — Sat, 12 May 2007 03:55:32 GMT

Ohmygoodiedaunt! The We Will Rock You musical is awesome. I miss Freddie! I am now bouncing around and singing Queen songs. I've had no sugar, and yet I am shaking. Either something was in the fog or Queen makes me so very, very happy. ^_^

Finals are now over, what a pleasant way to reward myself. Its been an interesting week, and I'm glad its over.

I'm twitching like mad, I'm making many mistakes in my English. I want to go again, I want to dance! If you can go, do! If we support it, maybe it will stay. It's at Morton College, so its nowhere you can't find.

It was funny, though Jason said that some of the things get a bit corny after they are repeated. I don't think so, I love corny music jokes. And trust me, they covered pretty much everything.

I need to go find myself a really good Queen icon, very few bands make me happy so consistently.

Edit: okay, musicals are obiviously not good for my state of mind. They're like a drug, a drug I tell you! Now my head hurts from the quiet. It was wonderfully loud.

And I hate women's public bathrooms.

ichibichi@gmail.com — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 03:51:36 GMT

I've got my computer back! After one long month of not being able to stay up till all hours my preferred method of sleep deprivation has returned to me, my precious.

And after spending two hours updating it and adding all the essentials, I immediately made my wallpaper a Allan/Djaq/Will one, because they are lovely. Robin Hood is a very good show for anyone interested. I also got a bit more excited about this season of Doctor Who when I saw that the guy playing Will Scarlet was going to be in one of the two parters.

Martha Jones > Rose Tyler

A lot of dust can settle in a month. I now am aiming for more than two months of clean health for this computer, let's see how long I can make it last. :D