Here's hopin

Here's hopin that tomorrow goes just as well (and might I say, better) as I will have hoped.

Here's hopin that there are many more weekends just the like that one we just had.

Here's hopin we may all experience the success we all want, even if it looks like a failure in they're eyes.

Here's hopin you don't let that stop you.

Here's hopin that I cross that line with my legs still in tact next month.

Here's hopin you do too (Sara haha).

Here's hopin that not taking this whole 'school' thing too seriously will actually work out.

Here's hopin that this whole 'school' thing doesn't swallow up those who do.

Here's hopin that we don't forget to remember whats actually worth remembering...and forget what's worth forgetting.

Here's hopin we don't forget what we should remember, and remember what we should forget.

Here's hopin that didn't confuse you.

Happy Monday everyone,

Brian

Twice as nice

1. Ralph

I did it. I took the plunge. Two weeks ago I went to the Lawrence Humane Society and rescued a little 2 month old Lab/Shepherd mix named Ralph. Actually, his original name was Ricki but that's an awful name for a dog...or anyone for that matter. I had been wanting a dog for quite some time, and I figured now was as good of time as any. Admittedly, I really didn't know what I was getting myself into. But I've always been a fan of not fully knowing what to expect, so of course I went with it and adopted a rambunctious, little punk of a dog. But I love him, and his motion sickness, and his numerous accidents, and his ripping up the linoleum floor, and his 3:45 AM whining sessions, and all that comes with being a puppy owner. It's an experience that is keeping me on my toes constantly...and I'm thoroughly enjoying it.

2. As promised...

I said I'd elaborate on a few things on the previous post (or was it the one before the previous?), specifically me teaching myself the piano. I have taken piano lessons, and I do know a little bit about music, but I still feel like I'm starting from scratch. That said, I'm kind of kickin ass at it...I couldn't tell you much about piano theory, or play you a diminished third (actually, yes, I think I could), or even tell you about the circle of fifths, BUT I don't really think I need to be able to do that stuff to make music. Maybe if I was teaching music, then I might need to know a little about it, but I'm not, so I won't waste my time. I'm in the process of making, or composing, something. It's all in the dome right now, and chances are it's not gonna make it to paper BUT what I've got so far is pretty tight. So yea, I think I'm well on my way to being able to tell people 'Hi. My name is Brian...and yes, I play the piano.' Chicks love that...right?

Brian

Don't push my...

...Buttons.

I was stumbling (cue drums) on stumbleupon *ba dum ching* today and found an article about one of the most used placebos in America.  Conveniently, I can't find the website so...sorry.

It talked about how we, as a Western Civilization, feel an entitlement, a feeling of empowerment, when we push a button.  We expect something to happen.  We press the doorbell button and it rings.  We push the 'up' button on the elevator and it lights up and acknowledges that we are wanting to ascend.  There's some physiological or psychological or something-rather process that goes on in our heads that actually gives us a sense of accomplishment when we press these buttons.

However, when it comes to certain things, the buttons are just there for our pure amusement.  Like the 'close the door faster' button in an elevator.  Due to some Disability Act of some sort, this button doesn't actually make the door shut any faster than it usually does.  However, when we push it, it seems to shut faster thus giving us the satisfaction of being in control.  Another example is the button on the crosswalk.  Something like 9 times out of ten, it's not gonna work.  Why's it there?  It probably did work at some point in the past, but now it doesn't and it wouldn't be cost effective to fix.  One last example it gives is the infamous thermostat.  Companies will go at great lengths to install fake thermostats in the offices to ensure their employees they're in control of their heat or cooling.  If they turn it because they're too hot/cold, they feel better, even though it literally did nothing to the actual heating/cooling unit.  But hey, it keeps them from complaining.

Not only is this an interesting story, it brings up a good point.  No matter how much you feel you're in control, you're not.  You might press that button, and the end result might happen, or at least it will feel like it did, but you really had nothing to do with it.  We press these buttons in hopes of it actually having an effect on our lives but the final product might not be as much of our hard work as we'd hope.  This isn't as depressing as it sounds.  It's just a nice reminder that while we do need to work on achieving what we desire, we need to remember there's other people out there that have much more of an influence on that final product than what we think.

Hey look.  I found it...

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/2QkHks/youarenotsosmart.com/2010/02/10/placebo-buttons/

This...not that.

Man.  It's been a while.  Quite a bit has happened since I last typed something...anything.  Needless to say, I got alot to say. I'll spare the majority of the details or else this post would go for ever.  I just need to get something down to get me back on the 'blogger' straight and narrow.  So here goes...

1. My internship was not at all what I expected.  It was pretty disappointing actually.  But that's what you get when your boss (who shall remain nameless) is an-...I'll stop there.

2. I signed up for Netflix. It's gonna rock.

3. I moved into a new, much more conveniently located, duplex.  It's awesome.  Come check it out!

4.  Cross your fingers for me.  I'm trying to get a dog from the pound and haven't heard back from them.  I hope the application was approved...

5.  I'm trying to get in the habit of not buying anything at the grocery store contains things that A) a third grader couldn't pronounce B) I don't what it is and/or C) has more than 3-4 syllables.  The only exception is cereal.  Take my eyes but don't take my cereal.

6.  This kinda ties in with a recent post by Sara...People are suckers.  They fall into a trap of what's comfortable, or what they're used to.  Try as you may, some are just doomed to a life of repeated decisions.  But hey, you can't say we didn't try.

7.  All the kids came back to Lawrence this past week/weekend.  Classes start Thursday.  It's funny to watch all the what-I-assume-to-be Freshman.  They're so confident.  They're so bright-eyed.  They're so...blissfully unaware.  What I like even better, however, are the ads in the paper for dorm room accessories.  Does anyone else think those are completely ridiculous?  There's always some sort vintage music poster on the wall and the bedding, the lamp, the rug, and the shag chair all match perfectly.  WTF.  Seriously?  C'mon Kmart.  Let's get real then maybe you wouldn't have to shut down a store every quarter.

8.  Why did I just pick on KMart?  I don't even shop there nor do I know of the last time I looked at their ads.  Strange.

9.  I'm helping out a drumline again this Fall WOO WOO!  And I'm slowly teaching myself piano.

10.  I think that's about it. I'll expand on some of these items later.  Some, I'll just leave alone. 

Until next time,

Brian

O dear...

***First and foremost, I must warn you. This is written while, shall we say, 'under the influence'. But hey, it was wine night. What do you expect? You can't hold it against me. I just feel it necessary to give you, my loyal readers, a heads up. Take this post with a grain of salt, as they say (or five glasses of wine...actually, 4 glasses of Malbec and one very FULL glass of Pinot Noir..this did it for me. It's whatever you're in to). Enjoy.***



I need a business card.



I found out today that I, along with my bro' from another mo', will be giving a presention to a group of very important people about a world renown artist...or something like that. I'm not exactly sure who we're presenting to, or what we are even presenting about, but rest assured, we are basically a freelance ad agency.



So be jealous. I'm about to hit the big time. (more details to come...as they arrive).


***I just found this from a few nights ago. I thought the intro was awesome.

Polar

Given my previous post...I feel it necessary to post something a bit more, shall we say, up-beat? I clearly stated something I hate. So what is something I like? That's a dumb question to ask. It's an ice breaker at some sort of orientation that's usually followed by "Um...I dunno. I just like hanging out with friends and like, relax with my friends and watch Glee (or whatever new hip tv show you may be watching)."

So what is something I truly and thoroughly enjoy?

I'm not gonna say music because that's a given. If you know me, then you know my feelings towards music.

I got it. I like...no. I love...no. I would put my life on the line for (cue roll)...
...
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Wait.

Laundry is done.

SUCKAS

They See Me Rollin'...

***As a preface, this post is not meant to be uplifting...so if you're one of those 'look on the bright side' type of person, this may not be a leisurely read.***



I hate traffic.

I hate traffic lights. I hate stop signs. I hate other drivers.

I hate traffic.

Maybe it's due to my impatience, or my lack of optimism, but it is what it is. There is nothing fun; nothing enjoyable, about driving in traffic. I'm a completely different person when I'm behind the wheel. It's actually pretty terrifying. You can actually see my eyes turn to a deep, souless black as I buckle in.

Something about driving stresses me out. If I hit a red light, I instantly think "Man. This sucks. Could this light be any more inconsistent and biased against me?". If another driver is going slow, or is doing something I don't think they should be doing, I make it very apparent that I am not happy. Stop signs? They decrease gas mileage. I do stop, however. I can't afford a ticket BUT I still hate them.

I'm generally a very pleasent person outside the car, in every day life, so don't let this post fool you. Everyone has their pet peeve and mine is driving with idiots. There are times where I feel bad because maybe the moron behind the wheel isn't a moron at all. Maybe this person's situation warrants his lack of driving ability or general cognative activity. Maybe the wife is pregnant or maybe it's an emergency. These 'special occasion' scenarios do run through my mind as I fume with anger, but I figure that chances of them actually needing to drive like they're the only one on the road is slim to none. So they..can suck it.

Again, don't try to use some clever, positive, Mr. Brightside mentality on me. I'm set on my ways. I'm doomed to life full of mild road rage and empty, unwarranted rage to a complete stranger. It's not fair to them, no. But I don't care. Everyone should just read my mind and drive like I want them to. It shouldn't be that hard.

Wooooo sah....