The Pilot: Save or Sink?

PEOPLE AND THINGS THAT ARE ANNOYING &/OR FRUSTRATING
AKA P/T TA A/F*

*pronounced \ˈpit-taf\

Part I: Inspiration from a "Family Vacation"

So many of you already know that I was on a "family vacation" for about a week in Florida. I put that in quotes because I truly believe that these words should never go together...

Supposedly the whole Orlando-Disney World/ Universal Studios package is commonly described as a "dream vacation." But, this past week I have struggled to find one event to be associated with a good dream.

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Orlando, Florida is mostly a retirement/tourist area, so there are tons of people. And what does tons of people mean? --It means an intolerable migraine for me, but an enjoyable blog post for you.

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The Road Trip:

OK first and foremost, make sure if you ever go on a road trip to make sure that the people you go with are tolerable... I went with my parents and my two younger cousins. *sigh* Let's not talk about them, because I might pull out every strand of hair out of my head...and I can't afford Bosley Hair Restoration... So, let me just complain about everyone else besides my family.

1. People who drive slow on the left/fast lane- Why is it that some drivers insist on driving the exact same speed as the car in the right lane? This royally pisses me off because people apparently cannot comprehend this sign:


Maybe it's the caps that messes people up.... Caps usually indicates yelling or shouting, so maybe people are not submissive to authority... Whatever the reason, here's the bottom line: Get over!

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A day at the amusement park:

During my time spent in Florida the weather can be described as many things, but only one thing comes to mind...hot. Even though it is natural for people to sweat due to the heat, I still believe that people should understand how to keep their hygiene in check...

2. People who have unbearable body odor- C'mon people is deodorant and/or anti-perspiration really too much to ask for?

I understand that when doing strenuous activities or being out in the sun leads to sweat and sometimes sweat leads to odor. But, there is a line between a natural odor to foul stank! If a person walks by and it causes another person to grimace...I'm sorry, but that's disgusting. And with all of my luck, I seem to always be in line behind these said people. It's true that after time one gets used to the smell, but with just a little breeze of air or wind... that pungent smell comes right back. I seriously almost passed out after 25 minutes of standing in line. The biggest shocker is that these people have no knowledge to the stench they are passing to my nostrils. If you think I am an oblivious scent pollutant, PLEASE TELL ME....So I can scorch my skin to scar close all of my pores...

3. People who hold hands in high-traffic/volume areas- The whole "couples" thing is cute and all, but it is not necessary to stay attached 24 hours of the day.


I mean loads of cash is spent to separate Siamese/conjoined twins, so I think letting go of your girl/boyfriend's clammy hand for 2 seconds won't cause a spontaneous combustion. With the thousands of people at Disney each day, when people hold hands the whole time, it really turns into an inconvenience. One reason being that, they expect you to go around them. This gets annoying fast, because who decided that two people with embraced hands have precedence over one person for space? Is this written somewhere? Because if not, I'm going to start playing Red Rover every chance I get. Well, at least those couples will have a random story to tell when they return home. It might go something like this: "It was our last day at Disney World, and we were just strolling through the park holding hands....Then suddenly, this random Asian girl charged at us and came between us and started laughing hysterically while pumping her hands in the air saying, "I win, I win." That wasn't even the strangest part.... The weird thing was that she didn't have some kind of Oriental accent..."

Oh, burn... damn society's stereotypes... I can never win, not even in my own fictional blog-story... Let's move on shall we?

4. People who cut in line- Lots of people + few popular attractions = long-ass lines.

Waiting in line may be a pain, but I think it's fair. You wait your ass in line or pay extra for some sort of "fast pass." I don't know about youse guys, but I refuse to pay to jump a line. So, first come, means first served right? Wrong. There always has to be those idiots who have to ruin it by cutting in line. Surprisingly, when this occurs usually people tend not to say anything to them. But, tight lips is not one of my father's traits. I'd like to think of myself of having a pretty level head, and if something bothers me I tend to politely ask someone to not do something or I bury it inside until it irritates the hell out of me and I blow...haha either way when the occurrence originally happens, I don't yell at anyone. My dad on the other hand, I think likes to yell aimlessly at people every chance he gets. He has a loud voice and can be scary, but I don't think anything he says while yelling is understandable... There was a group of teenage boys who attempted to cut in line in front of us and this is what I made out of what my father said to them, "Aye yai yai! Hey! rrrrrgggrrr You!....This is the line! rrggeeerrrrgggeekajfairu NO CUTS!!! brraaahhhhgaaarrrr. GO!" ....give or take a few words... Anyway, it apparently is effective, because the boys got wide-eyed and left. My father did a little laugh of self-accomplishment and I just shook my head while we scooched up 3 feet in line. Oh, dad...you're such a good role model.

Here's another goody about my pop... Remember how I stated in a previous post that my dad is a "funny guy?" Well, he thinks it's hilarious to memorize where the cameras take your picture during a ride and then the next time he rides it, he flashes "the bird." Thanks to my father, the goofy kid riding on the same train can't spend 10 bucks on a key chain sized pic of him/her with their eyes closed shut. Classy....

5. When people don't walk on moving walkways- The key word here is, "walkway."

This should immediately indicate that you indeed walk on a walkway... The only exception to this of course is if you have an inability to walk, and if this is the case then please move off to one side and hold on to the rail while moving negative 5 miles an hour. This is directly related to how people drive slow in the fast lane, except this is with walking or not walking. How can people decide to stand on a conveyor belt? These people must have all the time in the world to just stand around. How do they get anywhere? Ironically, I bet these same people are the ones who never have time to take 2 seconds to flush a toilet.

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So, this was the first of my P/T TA A/F list.... What do you all think? Should I continue on this post?

Tell me your thoughts by clicking HERE.

The Month Ode to the Guy Brutus Thinks is Douche contents...

Speaking of douche contents..... Let me just fill you in on my latest government instructor. I'm not going to say that I'm a racist, because I'm not. First, let's define the term racism. According to Merriam-Webster's dictionary racism is 1 : a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race 2 : racial prejudice or discrimination. OK definition 1, I do not believe that the Filipino race is superior to a particular race...by far. Number two, this is a little iffy because I believe that every person has a particular prejudice or discrimination toward a certain race. Let's break down some examples:

1) Inter-racial relationships: There are many combination between races and the most common one's I have seen are these two scenarios: White girl/black guy or Asian girl/ white guy. Notice the genders because if you reverse them, the frequency trend drops tremendously.

2) Stereotypes: Obviously these still exist because there is a bit of truth in some cases. For instance being a server, I still complain at the site of certain races and individuals... I know, I know this is horrible, but from my experience no matter how great the service, you rarely receive the incentive deserved. Even though, this is usually the case, I can not give anyone bad service on purpose, because I know there are a selected few that deviate from this trend....me being one of them. I know I must not look like the best tipper, so I always keep that in mind.

I can think of a number other examples...but I'll let you brainstorm on your own because I know race is a touchy subject. Let's just keep our own inner thoughts and opinions in our minds where they belong, shall we?

With all of this in mind, I just wanted to point out that I believe I understand the meaning of racism and I would like to think I can point out a racist when I see one.

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So, if you haven't guessed already this subject ties in with my government instructor. The most ironic thing is that he consistently speaks of equality and civil rights (and yada yada I think we all get the gist of the subject) but in actuality, he is the one that does not promote equality by abusing his authority on his students. Take a gander at this e-mail I sent to the dean of students, assistant dean of students, the social science department head, and the government department head:

To whom this may concern:

I'm not exactly sure who to contact for information regarding my concerns about a course and an instructor, but I was given these e-mail addresses to contact about my situation. As of right now, I will not disclose any names regarding these incidents because I want to first be fully informed.

Currently, I'm enrolled in a course, and I feel like the instructor may be treating students unfairly. For example, in the syllabus it clearly states: "Two (2) absences are the allowed limit (regardless of the reason). Three (3) or more unexcused absences will result in the student being dropped from the course. Late arrivals and early departures require a signature and time on the late/early sheet, on instructor's desk, or will be marked/modified as absent. A late arrival and/or early departure will be rounded to a 1/3, 1/2(,) or full absence." It is to my understanding that yes, attendance is crucial to learning; but according to the syllabus, hypothetically, a student may either be absent for 2 days or be late up to 6 times if rounded to 1/3 of an absence each time "regardless of reason." But in reality, each time a student is absent or late, the instructor emphasizes the problem and now does not allow admittance into the classroom at all if a student is even one minute late. The door is locked, and a sign that says, "Class has begun. Do not enter" is taped to the door. This very act goes against what the syllabus says, and it is unfair to students that are still in compliance to the syllabus. I wanted to know if an instructor can go against their own syllabus and forbid students to enter a classroom.

Proper classroom conduct should be common sense, but some people's standards differ. The syllabus states that "no hostile, rude or, otherwise, disrespectful behavior towards instructor or fellow students will be tolerated. A student will be directed to counseling and/or dropped from the class for behavioral infractions." I truly understand these statements, but nowhere does it state that a student will be evicted from class during instruction. To my understanding, the "warning" is to "be directed to counseling." I would hope that this would be in a proper fashion which would not add to distraction in class; but in my opinion, this is not the case. I do not believe that asking another student a question, or jotting down a reminder for assignment for another class during a video can be equivalent to "hostile, rude or, otherwise, disrespectful behavior" and should not lead to being kicked out of the classroom. It seems more appropriate to quietly remind the students to not converse during a video and to put everything away, instead of making a scene by making students pack up their things and leave the classroom. These distractions are worse.

Another concern of mine is related to assignments. Assignments are to be of "college level standards," but the instructor has said that work cited pages are not needed because he/she knows where the information comes from and knows whether or not if it is copied or pasted from the internet. But when a student wanted to "make sure" if a common work cited page was necessary for a written assignment, the instructor scolded said student and said, "Don't make sure. Just listen." I think it's ironic because much emphasis is gone toward how this is an introductory course and that most of the students are fairly new to the college course level scene, but leniency is rarely given. For the most current assignment, a plot summary on the political issues of a movie was assigned. Students were given a choice between V for Vendetta or Good Night, and Good Luck. Again, a source page was not needed, but this time a receipt for the rental of these movies was required. When asked "What if you have the movie?" or "What if we borrow the movie from a friend?," the only reply was to "Rent it." I know I cannot speak as one voice for the whole class, but it seems unfair to me because I know that not every student has economic means to be forced to rent a video. This very act may seem a little minuscule, but just the principle of being forced to pay for something when it is not necessary seems a bit harsh and somewhat vindictive for no apparent reason. The only reason the students were given for this was that this is a way to ensure a summary was not plagiarized from the internet and that it was insurance that the movies were actually watched. For one, I don't see how a rental receipt can verify either act because it just shows that a person rented a film, not that they have watched it. Another thing is that the instructor's very reason for not wanting work cited pages was that he/she already knows where the information is coming from; and if this is true, then this said "insurance" or receipt is not necessary, since it is all knowing.

Each student is given academic freedom, and this is also included in the syllabus. It states that "students may not only disagree with each other at times, but the students and instructor may also find that they have disparate views on sensitive and volatile topics." It is true that not every person can think on the exact same wave length; but according to a student's academic freedom, it should be a student's right to have their own personal opinion. If a topic is brought up in class, the instructor fully includes his/her viewpoint. But if a student attempts to oppose the instructor's way of thinking, the instructor is quick to say that the student is not as well-educated as him/her, that what he/she is saying is not "bullshit," and if you do not believe his/her opinion, "you can Google it." And for this very reason, fewer students desire to voice their beliefs in the classroom.

These are just a few examples, but the structure of the course does not seem solid and the class environment is anything but pleasant. It's as if students are being forced to walk on egg shells because one does not know what will not please the instructor. I know it is a student's responsibility for their own success for a course, but I also believe that an instructor should be there to help guide a student in the right direction. I bring up these issues because I know that there is some kind of problem in the classroom because I'm a senior at UT, and I've never encountered a problem like this before in my whole college career. I think it is too difficult and almost impossible to learn in a classroom if the student dreads being present. There are many other students who share my same concerns about this course and instructor. We just want to know how much authority can be taken when it comes to our education.

Thank you for your time.

The funniest part about this is that I sent this before I received my assignment back and turns out that some of my concerns were valid... I stated,

"I don't see how a rental receipt can verify either act because it just shows that a person rented a film, not that they have watched it. Another thing is that the instructor's very reason for not wanting work cited pages was that he/she already knows where the information is coming from; and if this is true, then this said "insurance" or receipt is not necessary, since it is all knowing."

My very assignment was returned with a docked grade and a written note saying, "Most if not all of this assignment sounds like it came directly from a professional website." WTF? I thought that he knew where everything came from? If he did, he would know that my assignment contents can not be found anywhere on the damn internet. Apparently, I was being punished because my writing is too good and professional sounding. This guy makes me sick, but he has inspired me to start a brand new thread on my blog. ****

***PEOPLE AND THINGS THAT ARE ANNOYING &/OR FRUSTRATING***

I will add specific topics to this thread in future posts and we'll see how things pans out....

Click HERE and tell me your thoughts.

Southern Hospitality

Long time no blog, eh kiddies? I do apologize, but I've been busy with finals, vacation, work, and junk. I know, I know they're just excuses, but the plus side is that... I'm back, right?

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Moving onward.... I'm just going to skip the bitching about finals and final projects because I want to put it all behind me. It was a big and complicated ordeal that I want to forget. So, I'll just end that subject with these four words: (1) final (2) projects (3) are (4) stupid...

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So, most of you already know that Mel and I went on a week vacation to the East coast area. We went to New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and of course New York. It was a lot of fun, but it seriously went by way too fast. We got to visit some family and I met up with an old friend, Jonah, and site see. Overall the trip was a success. Surprisingly, my mother did let us have a vacation on our own. It may be the last one...but I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Even though, up East is a lot of fun and the weather is fairly cooler than the South, there were some downsides....

Number 1: Traffic- OK. So I thought I-35 in Austin was unbearable, try waiting in traffic for hours and then every few miles pay a ridiculous toll. Yeah, that will get your blood boiling. Oh, and a word of advice...Don't EVER drive in Boston. It was by far one of the worst transportation experiences in my life. If I could choose between walking 20 miles versus driving 5 in Boston...I'd gladly tie up my Nikes because F that place.

Number 2: Politeness- If you're an avid follower of my blog you have already read my post about etiquette. If not you can take a gander by clicking --> here. Anyway, I didn't appreciate Southern hospitality as much as I do now until our East coast trip. So, apparently I was wrong in assuming that workers such as food industry employees should at least acknowledge you when you arrive at an establishment.... I stand corrected. Just one example is when Mel and I went to McDonald's to grab something quick I stood in line to order and when it was my turn, I politely waited to be "called on" to order. Maybe a, "Hi, may I take your order?" or a, "Are you ready?" Nope nothing. So, I just waited in front of the cashier for a good few minutes and she just stared at me while I waited. Once, I realized that I was the one who supposed to initiate conversation, I awkwardly said, "Uh, yeah hello. Could I please get..." I was overly nice in effort to compensate for her inconsideration. Also, something else rude and disgusting happened at this McDonald's. Mel and I were sitting inside just taking a break, and this dude next to us flat out rips out the loudest fart I've ever heard. My only response was to say out loud, "Oh....my.....God..." He apparently had earphones so I guess he assumed what he couldn't hear no one else could either. But, that was certainly not the case. It was disgusting.

Another thing... How many of you smile at someone when they make eye contact with you? I know I do most of the time, unless I'm utterly surprised by the way they look. Well, don't try that crap up East, they'll just give you a straight up dirty look. I know that these things don't apply to every person who resides in the East coast, but I'm just presenting a trend that I picked up on.

Number 3: Stereotypes- Just because you're from Texas doesn't mean that you have a thick Southern-drawl. Mel and I stayed at the Oak N' Spruce Resort in South Lee, MA. Lee is a small town, probably smaller than Kerrville and with less people, I would say. Anyway, being in a small town they don't have a big supermarket like Wal-Mart or anything. So, we found a small grocery shop called, Price Chopper. It kinda reminds me of Super-S. Well, my God mother, Alicia wanted us to buy some lottery plays for her in the different states. So, we saw that in Price Chopper they sold Mega Millions and so forth. We got a few quick picks and of course it never fails, my ID is needed to verify I'm over the age of 18. I get carded everywhere... even at the movies when I want to watch a rated R film... Anyway, she saw that we were from Texas and said, "Oh, my God. You're from Texas?!" We of course told her we were and she went on and on about how she would of never guessed because we don't have accents. "Where are your accents? There was this guy that came in the other day from Texas, and I barely could understand what he was saying. Haha you all talk funny." ....Yeah, really funny, uneducated small town girl that probably has 20 babies at home...

Number 4: Six Flags New England- OK the park overall was decent and they actually had a really fun ride called the Bizarro. But, get this... There is not ONE water fountain in the whole park? WTF right? OK, I get that they're trying to make as much profit as possible, but come on. You pay close to 50 bucks to get in and you can't even get lukewarm tap water for free? I think that's straight up bullshit.

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OK, enough about the trip. I'll have to post my pics up sometime soon.

***WARNING: PLEASE NOTE EXTREME SUBJECT CHANGE***

So, I've had my share of weird dreams, but I've recently had one that for sure should make some kind of top list. I can't remember all of the exact details so bear with me. Ok here goes...

So, in my dream I'm some kind of professional athlete. The setting is a basketball court and everyone has on basketball uniforms and yada yada. But, here's the twist. We're not playing with a basketball. Instead of a ball it's a stick of deodorant and instead of a basket it's a place to apply the deodorant, like a huge armpit or something...I can't really remember. All I know is that it was exactly like playing basketball, everyone was running hard and playing defense. Also, apparently in my dream I was really good at this deodorant/basketball sport and I could do the equivalent to a "dunk" with the deodorant stick..... Haha I know, I know this is way, way, way out there. I woke up and was completely confused. I've only told a few people this story and all got the same response: What the hell?

So, what do youskies think? Can anyone top this weird dream with your own. I'd like to hear 'bout 'em. Please comment by clicking HERE.

Venez M'aider

It's been a while I know... So, let's acquaint ourselves again, shall we?

For those of you who don't know, Mel and I are having a mini-vacation in the New York/Massachusetts area. And get this... my uber-strict Asian mother is only going to be there for the first few days, and is leaving us with a rent-a-car and cash to do as we please... I smell something fishy because she's never let us do anything in the past... Don't believe me?

Well, here's a small compilation of what my mother is a hardass about:

1. No sleeping over at friends' houses - seems harmless eh? Yeah, well my mother doesn't trust anyone straight off... Actually, there is one exception... If you're Filipino then it's OK. Like there's a whole lot of credible FLIPs around.... I'm the opposite. I put Filipinos last in my trust list...
   
2. No "hanging out" - I always tell her that I'm just "hanging out" and she hates this term... She always wants to know exactly what is happening. And since she's not so fresh off the boat, she understands what it means, but she still manages to change the phrase... She'll say, "I don't like this 'hanging around.' If you're not doing anything then you should just go home."*This should be read in my mother's Filipino accent, with all of the rolling of the "R's" and her loud voice
3. Don't work when you're in school - This sounds good right? She doesn't want me to work while I'm taking classes so I can focus on studying and junk. So, my first semester or so she gave me a credit card so I didn't have to get a job. Awesome right? OK, here's the problem... She doesn't want me to work...but she doesn't want me to use the credit card she gave me... Confusing to you too? Yeah, my point exactly....
4. No galavanting - OK so most of you know what kind of person I am. I'm pretty chill and I am not much of a "partier." I consider myself some what responsible. My mother on the other hand must watch a lot of Dateline specials on college life, because she thinks that's what's happening to me. If she hears anything about drinking, drugs, etc she automatically thinks I have some association with it. First off, if I do drink it's maybe one drink. Second, I've never had problems with alcohol or drugs in the past. Third, c'mon. It's me. Not to toot my own horn or anything, but I'm pretty goody-goody. Honestly, I think no matter what age I am, my mom will treat me like a child. I can just see when I'm 50 and she'll call me up and still be harassing me about these things...
   

Those of you who have Asian parents should understand. If not... just read or watch Joy Luck Club. It's pretty much the same thing haha. Anyway, we'll see how this trip goes. I won't be surprised if my mom is just messing with us. On the day we drop her off at the airport, I can see her just punking us and say, "Did you really think I was going to let you be here by yourselves? Ha!" We will see...

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I went home this past weekend to make some extra cash for the trip. I some how ended up making around 600 bucks in tips. Unbelievable, eh? Yeah, I must have just been lucky. I'm going back this weekend too to see if I can do it again...doubt it though.

When I went to church last Sunday I noticed that there was a new priest. He was ok, but he had a bit of an accent and when he would ask everyone a question no one answered because no one understood. It was kinda entertaining. During these semi-long awkward pauses in the church you could probably hear my snickers... haha Don't judge me. At least I always contribute to the collection plate. So, anyway, you know how during the 'Our Father' everyone holds hands? Well, I was sitting between an older woman and Grace. I held Grace's hand and politely raised my other one for the woman to grab....but she never did! She just looked at my hand and raised both of her hands in front of herself like she was blowing a kiss from her chest. Really? I don't know her reasoning, but I'm sure my hands were cleaner than hers. I know for a fact because I've recently been using hand sanitizer like every 15 minutes. I'm not sure if she's going to use Swine flu as a scapegoat, but c'mon it's church. And, to think of it...if she is scared of contamination... Why did she drink out of the communal eucharist cup? Multiple people drink out of the same cup and she probably drank some dirty backwash. I should of pulled this on her:

Oh, well I'm sure she'll get hers...

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School's almost over!! Hazaa! Only one more week for me and then two finals. "Hanging out" or "galavanting" anyone?

Click --> HERE <--- for unicorns and rainbows

Comedy Flops

Things that people never find funny:

Whenever I'm at Wal-Mart or any grocery store and the cashier repeatedly attempts to scan something and the price never shows up... I always say, "Oh, well I guess it's free. haha."

The inevitable reaction:
I don't know why I try that line all of the time... but every time I get a pissed off look and the cold shoulder...

Whenever I take orders at work (Chili's) I never write anything down... It's probably a better idea to write things down so I have proof of what people order, but it's a habit for me now to keep things in my head. Maybe I should just carry around a voice recorder so I can prove the stupid bitch at table whatever that he/she did in fact order the chicken fajitas and not quesadillas... Bitterness aside, my tables take my mental memorization either by praising me or doubting me. Actually, I think 100% doubt that I will get it right.... Anyway, after a table gives me their order, occasionally they'll say, "Oh, wow. You're going to remember all of that?" And I always reply, "Haha I guess you're going to find out, huh?"

Their reaction: Instant smile to stern frown...


I don't know why I always try to make my tables laugh, but most of the time my customers never want to listen to my "jokes." But, they always like to crack their own lame jokes and I have to do one of those fake laughs, but if I crack one back, it's never seems to be as amusing in their opinion.

Other observations that are usually not funny (in most people's eyes):

• Making fun of someone's baldness
• When someone volunteers to sing e.g. like karaoke and is seriously bad...with no laughs
• Saying that an Asian eats dog*...

*I have a story about this... I'm sure it will pop up in a later post...

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Well, if you read my post last week you already know about my parking violation.... If you didn't get a chance to read last week's post let me just say that I parked on the curb near a stop sign. This area used to be a 15 minute standing zone, but now the sign is taken down and people always park there....and the one time I do, I get a stupid ticket. Well, turns out you have to be 30 feet away from a stop or yield sign. But, I decided to appeal the violation since there was not a sign like this in sight:

I went to the city of Austin's Municipal court today right after softball. I went through the metal detectors and told the lady at the information desk that I was there to appeal a parking violation and she told me two people were in front of me and gave me a number to wait for the hearing officer. Well, I waited about an hour before my number was called, but I didn't mind that much because a really good looking guy sat next to me...but he had a wedding band...damn.

Anyway, I walked in the hearing room and he swore me in and blah, blah, blah. And, he let me present my claim and evidence to support my appeal. I went on how there was no "no parking" sign and that it used to be a standing zone and all that jazz and he listened for a good, I don't know... 3 minutes and said, "I understand where you're coming from, but I'm going to have to hold you liable for the violation." I looked at him with an "Are you kidding?" look and he then asked me, "Were you born and raised in Texas?"

I was caught off guard by the question, but I answered, "Uh, yeah I've lived here most of my life, but I was born in New York."

Hearing officer while taking out a Texas driving manual... : "Well, if you received your Texas license you should know the 30 foot Stop/yield sign law."

Me with another "You've got to be kidding me" look: "Um, ok."

He flipped through the handbook for a good ten minutes looking for the the parking laws and couldn't find it. He then switched to his computer looking through his online violation database, but he still failed to find anything. So, I'm just waiting patiently for him to find something and he says, "Wow, this is embarrassing. I guess I'm just as guilty as the next. Actually, I didn't know about this law until I took this position as a hearing officer."

Now, I'm super pissed about the comment, thinking if this dude doesn't even know, how is anyone else supposed to know this crap? I say, "If this isn't common knowledge, why aren't there signs or markers indicating where a person can park?"

He answered, "Well, like I said... A person should know these things through the Texas driving handbook."

Me: "Right..."

He went looking for the various parking violation rules again on the computer, and then finally photocopied a sheet that was scotch taped to his wall. What a douche bag.... I should of figured he was a douche from the start because it was close to 90 degrees outside today, and he was wearing a turtle-neck sweater.... After he printed out a copy of these rules he circled all the one's he thought were not common knowledge with a red pen. He said, "I don't agree with these rules, but I have to enforce them."

I seriously almost stood up and strangled his high-collared covered neck.... *Sigh* Again, "the man" wins...

What do you guys consider not to be funny? I'm curious to know your opinions. Please include them by clicking HERE.

Where's Summer B?

*Sigh* Is anyone else sick and tired of school right now? It blows...

Anyway, so if anyone has read my earlier blog posts you might remember the incident where I had a toe injury... if you don't have any recollection of this or if you don't have any knowledge of the subject you can get a recap here. Well, turns out I lost the toenail completely. Yeah, it has looked gross for some time now, but now it's gone. Speaking of the word, "gross" I've been hearing it a lot lately. Anytime someone looks at my left leg I get one of these reactions:

• Oh, my God!! That looks disgusting
  
• Eww... what happened?
• Oh, shit. That looks like it hurts

(I would insert a picture here) but I thought I would spare you from cringing. I would say it looks like if Cujo attacked and ate Grimace and then threw up on my leg....

So, you might be wondering, why does my leg look like vomit from an oddly purple colored chicken nugget...? Well, turns out that last week during a game in my softball class there were two outs and so that means to run on anything. The person up to bat hit the ball, so I ran home and the catcher was blocking the whole plate by standing right in front of it. What he should of done was move his body out of the way and only have his glove with the ball in the running lane....but no. So, my only option was to slide in. I slid feet first and I caught the bottom of the catcher's legs and probably took out his ankles, but after I did this I guess he lost his balance and then stepped on my leg. And by the way he was wearing baseball cleats and he's not the most fit guy, if you know what I mean... I have to admit that at the time it hurt so bad that it took me a while to get up from the dirt, but I still continued to play. It didn't even occur to me that the catcher got hurt, since he was the one that cleated my leg... The game continued and I noticed that the catcher was sitting in the bleachers with a large bag of ice on his leg. Surprised, I asked if he was alright and he said, "yeah I think I'll be ok." The douchebag didn't even ask how I was.... all he said was, "I shouldn't have blocked the base." He must have taken the words out of my thoughts, but I didn't say anything. The only upside was that we actually won that game, so after I limped back to campus. When we had class again Monday while I was stretching the catcher (Greg) was sat next to me and this was the gist of our conversation:

Me: "Hey, Greg. How was your Easter?"

Greg: "Good, good. Yours?

Me: "Yeah, pretty good. So, did you see my battle scar? (referring to my bruised leg)

Greg: "Yeah, I have one too." He looked at his leg searching for a bruise to show me, but I saw nothing... "Well, it was bad, but I guess it's gone now."

Me: "Uh, huh..."

Greg got up and started to warm-up before the game started. Rose, another girl in my class saw my bruise and was of course disgusted by the looks of it. I told her it was from sliding into Greg and she said,

Rose: "Oh, my gosh. Yeah, I remember you took him out. I didn't understand that though because you were the one that got hurt."

Me: "Yeah, I know."

Rose: "Well, I saw it happen and then afterwards he seriously looked like he was about to cry."

Me: "Haha really?"

Rose: "Haha yeah. What a baby."

I didn't know that he was on the verge of crying, but c'mon.... Just like Jimmy Dugan says, "There's no crying in baseball."

*****

On a completely different subject.... I just got a freaking parking ticket. Let me just say that it's bullshit. I had the understanding that you could park anywhere on a curb where it doesn't say "NO PARKING ANY TIME," or in a red zone. There's a spot on campus that used to be a 15 minute customer service zone, but now that sign was taken down and so a lot of people park there. That spot is usually always taken, but today it was vacated. So, hooray a parking spot!! But, no... I got a freaking ticket. Lame...

*****

Sorry for the filler, but nothing too exciting to report. Add some jibber jabber to my comment page HERE.

Silence is Golden...Sometimes

This week = SUCKAGE

NCAA Men's Final Four/Championship --> sucked

All of my picks played like crap and were eliminated...lame

Intramural softball co-ed team --> is sucking

Aside from one dude that hit a grand slam, this girl from my softball team, and myself... the team that drafted me is beyond belief bad. *sigh*

My team that I hand picked for my basketball class --> will suck

Once again I pretty much didn't get to pick any guys over 6'... The team as a whole is moderately tall, but no specific "big guy." Today we played for kicks to get used to each other... ended up with a record of 0 - 3. Bleh I don't want to get used to losing...

School --> always sucks

So, last week was pretty brutal with 5 exams, but next week I have to finish writing a 10 page paper, 15 page paper, and prepare for a 20 -25 minute presentation. I seriously thought of skipping the rest of my classes for the semester and just show up for finals.

*****

On a lighter note... It's Filipino Birthday month!!!

Grace: 4-18
Andrea: 4-19
Praul: 4-20

Let's get together and drink our worries away, shall we?

*****

So, this week I thought that my blog post was just going to be a filler because nothing exciting was happening. But... today my friends you're in luck.

Before my Japanese class I ran into Praul in the library downstairs. He was frantically cramming for an exam, for one of his computer science classes I think. Well, anyway I finished up my Japanese homework and wished him luck before I headed to class. Japanese was the sameo, just boring dialogues, activities and a pop quiz. After class, I called Paul to see how his exam went and got his voice mail. So, I just hung up and went back down to the library to do s'more work before my next class started. Right when I sat down Praul was calling me back. So, I answered and was whispering* because I didn't want to bother the people around me too much. *Keep in mind that the library level I was in was not a "quiet study" area, but I still try to be a little courteous to others near me Anyway, Praul was telling me about his exam and stuff and while I was sitting there, a girl from an adjacent table came up to me. This is how my semi-3-way-conversation went: *On the phone = blue / *in person = purple

Praul: "Yeah, I didn't get to finish my exam. I messed up on the first question and I was working on that one trying to fix it for like 20 minutes."

Me: "Oh, really? That sucks."

Some bitch: "Um, are you going to get off the phone soon?"

Paul: "Yeah, I'm going to talk to my professor about it."

Me: "What?"

Some bitch: "I said are you going to get off the phone? Because this is a library*." *she said this while putting her hands up in the air making it obvious that it was indeed a library

Paul: "Herro?"

Me: Hang on."

Me *while giving her an ugly 'I can't believe you just said that to me look': "Uh, yeah I know. But, you know what? This isn't even a 'quiet' area."

Some bitch: "Oh, really?"

Me: "Yeah, really."

Some bitch: "Well, I guess carrying on then."

Me: "Yeah, I was planning on it."

Paul: "Herro?"

Me: "OK, sorry. What were you saying?"

-----Then Paul finished telling me about his exam and how he wants to play ABBA SingStar soon and I hang up the phone. Our conversation maybe lasted 1 or 2 minutes I would say.

After that, I pulled out some papers to work on and was writing and then 'some bitch' slowly walks up to me and drops a small piece of paper on top of my work and sits back down. Here's what it was:

She looked at me and I just grabbed the paper read it and said to her, "Yeah, don't worry about it." And then I nonchalantly continued my work. She must have gotten so embarrassed because she went back to her table, was working on something for maybe 5 minutes and got up and left. Haha Priceless...

******

I swear, I think people who have the nerve to go up to someone who is obviously trying to be quiet to tell them to be quiet... just like the sound of their own voices. I don't know about youse guys, but it takes a lot for me to confront someone and ask them to do or not do something.

Exempli gratia:

• At the movies when someone repeatedly kicks the back of my seat... I just turn and look behind me trying to give that person a hint that the kicking is bothering me.
• If a server forgets something or if my order is wrong... I am disappointed, but most likely I won't complain.
• When a person in line in front of me, like at Wal-Mart or something and is being really slow or is paying with like 10,000 pennies... I just stand behind them with my arms crossed and exhale loudly to express how irritated I am.
• When a person is being excessively loud and inconsiderate... I wait and endure the noise for at least 30 minutes to an hour until I can't handle it anymore and then I politely ask them to maybe keep it down a little
• While someone is talking and a little saliva comes out and lands on my face.... They know and I know that they spit on me, but they don't say anything... My eyes probably widen a little and when they turn their head I quickly wipe it off my face.

Those are just a few. There was one instance where I deviated from my usual biting of the tongue behind someone who is holding up the line... A couple of years back around Christmas time, I was at a small shopping place called, Schreiner's in Kerrville with my friend, Katy Jo. Well, anyway, we were waiting to checkout and the lady in front of us recognized the cashier and they started talking about how their families and the holidays and blah, blah, blah. A good 5 minutes roll by and the line has grown to about 10+ people and these women are still shooting the shit. I finally UNintentionally say, "Shit! Just check her out." and Katy Jo says, "I know, right?" The two women stop and turn to look at us. I just look at them with a horrified look and say, "Oh, my gosh... I just said that out loud..." Then, another cashier opened and we bought our stuff and left in a hurry. Oh, the joy of Christmas spirit. I received a lump of coal that year, mind you.

*****

Well, that's it for now. I have to grab my cleats and head to softball class. Click --> THIS <--- All the cool kids are doing it.

The American Demise* - The Deterioration of Human Propriety

*sounds like a band hehe

OK my little galleons let me give you the stitch on what I like to call COMMON KNOWLEDGE. But, it turns out that being courteous is a learned and acquired characteristic. I just always thought that being polite never hurt anyone…

Etiquette 101

Abandon or Trash?

One thing that always astonishes me is when eating out at a fast-food/self-serve restaurant, after people finish their meal... they freaking leave their leftovers/trash on the table. OK... WTF? Do people not know what that container labeled with the word, "TRASH" is for? What I don't understand is that the majority of people do it. I mean was there some kind of memo I missed that read to leave my trash behind for someone to clean? I understand when you're being served, that you're supposed to leave your plates, napkins, etc for the server to clean, but at a place like...McDonald's for example... You're supposed to clean up after yourself, right? I just don't see any logic in the concept of this sequence:

1. Line up and order your own food
2. dispense your own beverage and refills
3. retrieve your own condiments, utensils, napkins, etc
4. eat your meal at your own pace
5. if any additional items are needed, you get them yourself
6. after you're all finished... just get up and leave your mess behind for someone else to clean up
7. and then... not tip
   

*Please notice the problems in red...

Someone please tell me... Is my thinking incorrect or is everyone ill advised?

*****

Don't Just Hold the Phone

Another thing that I ALWAYS do is before opening a door I make sure no one is coming out or coming in behind me. If there is a person coming or going I follow these situations:

1. I always hold open the door and let the person leaving, exit first
2. Open the door and go through and make sure the door is still open for the person behind me
3. Or an exception of course is if the person behind me is an elder or is somewhat physically challenged, I open the door and let them through first and then follow behind.

The downside of all this is sometimes people insist that I go first and we have a mini "politeness" battle or I end up opening the door and then am stuck holding open the door for twenty people, but either way at least I know I did my part.

On a rare occasion where a door is opened for me... I am adamant to make sure that I thank the person for doing so. Surprisingly enough, I don't get much gracious feedback when I open doors for people. You would think I would be banking on the "good karma," but it turns out it's the exact opposite. Here's another classic I have in my repertoire:

~ This story is dedicated to my friend, Erin-Chan, who can "robot" out of any situation... ~

So, thinking of holding open doors... One instance that comes to mind is holding an elevator. OK I'll admit that elevators are kinda tricky. If I see someone coming I stick my hand between the doors and try to keep it open as long as I can before it looks like the doors are about to smash my fingers....most of the time the elevator sensors suck. Or, of course, if I have enough time to decipher the hieroglyphic buttons of what means open or close... I'll hold down the corresponding button.


I try my best to hold the elevator, but my efforts aren't always successful. So, aside from my lengthy "fluff" of an introduction.... A few years back, I was running toward a closing elevator with my hands full of textbooks, trying to beat the slow shutting doors... and I make eye-contact with the guy in the elevator and he immediately starts pressing a button repeatedly. As I'm somewhat sprinting to the elevator I'm thanking the guy for trying to hold the elevator. Miraculously, I make it and slip through the small crack to get inside. Catching my breath, I open my mouth to thank him again and then... I notice that he was pressing the CLOSE BUTTON the whole time!! I rearranged the books in my hand, scoffed, and then gave him a look that read, "Uh, huh... You didn't think I was going to make it did you?" I bet that was the longest elevator ride of two floors that guy has ever ridden on... *sigh* Tisk Tisk... some people... On a somewhat different elevator topic... Why is it that every time I'm waiting for the elevator and I've already pressed the button to call the elevator and it's obviously lit... a person comes up waits a second for the elevator beside me and then goes over and represses the lit button? Are people really making sure if I did it correctly? I mean c'mon... I may look like I don't speak English all that well, but I think I can figure out what's up and down...

*******

A few quick one-liners...

• Is it really that much more effort to flush after business?
• Do guys not give up their seats for ladies anymore?
• Why are most people the rudest to "customer service" employees? i.e. servers, cashiers, greeters, etc...
• Do dropping trays or plates really deserve an ovation?
  
• When returning something... why does the person always ask for a reason?

*REMINDER*
There can never be too many "please(s)" and "thank you(s)" in this world.

FIN

Click here --> HERE <-- to make my day

On the Verge of Madness...

Right now I should be studying s'more for my Japanese listening exam and my midterm for Nature and Environment in Pre-modern and Contemporary Japan* *I know it sounds like a mouthful, but basically it's bullshit... that starts in less than 10 hours, but... I decided not to add insult to injury. How was everyone's weekend? Mine was good in a sense that I did nothing school related and watched TV all day... haha not a good decision I admit on my part. Anyway, believe it or not.. I watched even more movies last Friday: The Haunting in Connecticut, Knowing, and Duplicity. Instead of giving you a descriptive low-down on the flicks let me just say this: Haunting = waste of time, Knowing = wtf?, and Duplicity = pretty good if you pay attention to the plot because it gets a little intricate.

OK, here's a little confession... I didn't pay to watch any of those movies. I know, I know, I'm horrible. But, there is a plus side. This could be termed as "stealing," but think of this: the movie theater is not losing on "physical supply," but rather on "profit opportunity." Does this make any sense? Well, let me put it in other terms. So, let's say hypothetically I'm at a place with a self-serve drinking fountain... let's just say um, Wendy's. So, I order my food and a "water." And instead of dispensing "water" in my obviously clear "water cup" I quickly fill up my cup with a different clear liquid, known as Sprite. So, in this case I got "soda" for free, but Wendy's is not only losing "profit" because I didn't buy a drink, but they are losing "supply" because I got soda instead of water. In the "movie hopping" case, the theater is not losing any "supply" because the actual movie would be playing whether or not I was watching it, but it does lose "profit" because I didn't buy a ticket for said movie... OK that's probably your fill of basic economics for today...

**Random Subject Change Warning aka apple pie...**

So if any of you read Meranie's Tolstoy of a blog, you already know that she stepped on my glasses leaving me "far blind." I went to class today squinting the whole time... thanks Mel... Anyway, at least now I get some new (eye) frames. I was thinking of getting the typical thick black artsy fartsy frames... but I'm not sure yet. Maybe something like this:


Hopefully these frames will still be in stock when I bring 'em my prescription...

I know that many of you haven't been keeping up with March Madness like I have, but none the less I want to know who your picks are within the Final Four.




Personally, for the finals I'm going for all-time fav UConn and the underdog Villanova. What are youse guys thinking?

*Food for Thought* *pun definitely intended...

I was eating by myself the other day and I wasn't particularly looking for anything, but I did notice a small trend to how some people eat. Sitting, eating, and watching I saw multiple people take their first bite of their food and then instinctively nod their heads. OK um... what the hell is everyone "agreeing" to? I don't think you have to say, "yes" to your lunch. I even think I heard a few, "uh, huh(s)." Next time you're out to lunch/dinner... look around... it's weird.

*****
Well, I'm off to fill my head with more shit... I'm finished with my gross week at 11am THIS THURSDAY. Join me for a drink or twelve...?

Click --> HERE <-- to comment

An Oldie, but a Goodie

OK. I'm back online. How was everyone's break? Not long enough, eh? Yeah, it sucks. Well to make you feel a little better I didn't do anything productive over the break. Actually, I probably did the exact opposite.... Over a period of 'bout a week I managed to not get any school work finished, somehow get accidentally terminated at Chili's... temporarily, and have gotten even more stressed out with school. Which none of the three should have come close to describing a Spring "break." *Sigh* I guess I just like to complain a lot. Too bad that can't be a major because shit I'd graduate with honors without breaking a sweat. OK enough with this self-pity rant...

So, has anyone watched anything good lately? All I did over the break was watch March Madness and movies. If anyone else keeps up with basketball or wants to pretend to, you should come over for the final four...even though UT sucked and lost already. These are the most recent movies I've seen:

• Slumdog Millionaire

• The Last House on the Left

• I Love You, Man

I'm going to pull a mini-Ebert and Roper time with these three movies, respectively.

• I thought it was a pretty good movie...though disagree with the Academy that it was the "Best Picture of 2008" I give it a thumbs up, but no Oscar.

• Not much more to expect from a blockbuster suspense thriller. It was entertaining and creepy, but for sure no nominations for acting anytime soon. I'll say it ranged from a mediocre to OK movie... I'll maybe watch it up to 3x in my life, but probably never after that. I recently watched the original, which was not as enjoyable to watch since it's a cheesy late 1970s film. Even though the effects and wardrobe were dated the movie was a lot more disturbing. Some of the stuff made me shudder.

• Comedies are always great. I heart Paul Rudd, but didn't fall in love with his character in this one. Funny movie, but disappointed that there weren't enough quotable quotes to my standards.

******

So, now time for some nostalgia...

*So, if you've heard of my dad's "Apple Pie" story please skip the excerpt in red because you've already heard the story. If it's your first time to catch wind of it please continue to read.

Those of you who have had the pleasure of meeting my dad...You already have the knowledge that he's a pretty easy-going and likable guy. You should also know that he's hard to understand sometimes and is not the best listener. When you put all of these components together you get... irritated. Well, in my case I always do. Anyway, here's one situation that's so my dad:

A while back, my dad went out to grab some dinner. Whenever my dad picks dinner it's never a surprise, it's always fried chicken. Well, anyway he went off to Church's Chicken to get his fix, but while he was out an elder lady, Sue Dyke, who he helps once in a while called him on the house phone. I answered and told her that he just went out and that I'd tell him that she had called. Technology has advanced us so far, but it's only as good as the person using it... So, I called my dad on his cell to remind him of things to get before returning and to tell him the message about Sue. Our conversation went something like this:

Me: "Oh, hey dad don't forget to grab some napkins because we're out at the house."

Dad: "Oh, okay."

Me: "Oh and some paper plates and utensils too because I don't want to do any dishes later."

Dad: "Okay. Okay."

Me: "Oh, yeah before I forget. Sue Dyke called you earlier."

Dad: "What?"

Me: "Sue Dyke called."

Dad: "What?"

Me (slower and starting to get irritated...): "S u e D y k e c a l l e d."

Dad: "What? You want corn?"

Me (probably yelling at this point) : "What?! Corn? No. I said Sue Dyke called."

Dad: "What?"

Me: "Uh! Nevermind I'll just tell you when you come back."

Dad: "Oh, okay. Well, I'll see you at home."

Me: "Okay." *click

***Later at home***

Dad: "Here's the napkins...the plates... and sporks."

Me: "OK, great. I'm starving."

Dad: "Oh, and here's your apple pie."

Me: "What? What apple pie?"

Dad: "Isn't that why you called me? To say you wanted apple pie?"

Me: "Um, no. I was trying to tell you that Sue Dyke called."

Dad: "Oh... I couldn't understand you."

Me: "Huh? 'Sue Dyke called' and 'I want apple pie' sound nothing alike..."

Dad: "Well, you confused me because you were talking about napkins and plates or whatever."

Me: "What? So, I have to tell you when I change subjects while talking?"

Dad: "Whatever, let's eat."

So, now anytime my dad asks me, "What?" or "Huh?" I just reply with "apple pie" and he instantly gets mad. Now, it's pretty funny because he just says, "Aye yi yi." hehe Anyway, for my Japanese class we had to write a composition about a personal experience so I chose this one. There are some things that I don't really know how to say in Japanese so I changed it a little, but it's pretty much the same story. Here's the twister... I think the story is even funnier in the English from Japanese translation. Keep in mind that it's a straight up direct translation from a free translation site and that it's not 100%. I'm attaching the original composition in Japanese along with my own translation and then followed by the direct free translation. Enjoy!

みんなの話では私の父はおかしいそうです。でも私はそれが本当でないと思います。私の父はおかしい人ではありませんが、おかしい事をします。父はえい語が分かりますが、聞き取りが下手です。

　すう年前に、私の父は、夕ごはんを手に入れに行きました。今、私はレストランの名前を知ることができません。私は父がフライドチキンを買っていたのをおぼえています。父がフライドチキンを買っていた間、スー・ダイクというかれのボスから電話が来ました。私はかれに知らせるために父に電話をしました。「スー・ダイクさんから電話が来ました。」と私は父に言いました。でも、かれは私が何を言っていのか分かりませんでした。それで、「スー・ダイクから電話が来ました。」と、私はもう一度かれにゆっくり言いました。でも父は私が何を言っていたかまだ分りませんでした。それで父は「何と言ったんですか。フライドポテトがほしかったと言いましたか」と私に言いました。「ちがいます。私はフライドポテトにかんして何も言いませんでした。家に帰ってきたらあなたに言うつもりです。」と、私は言いました。父は「それはいいかんがえですね。じゃあまた家で。」そして、私は電話を切りました。

しばらくして、父はフライドチキンとともに帰りました。私の家族は食べ始めました、そして、つぎに、「ここに、あなたのアップルパイがあります。」と、父は私に言いました。「アップルパイがほしいと言いませんでしたよ。私はスー・ダイクさんから電話が来たと言いました。」と、私は父に言いました。父が「本当ですか。私は電話で分かりませんでした。私はあなたがアップルパイがほしいと言ったと思いました。」と言いました。私の父が聞き取らなかったので、それで、私はイライラしているようになりました。

My translation:

According to everyone, my father is funny. I don't believe this. He's not funny he just does funny things. Even though my dad understands English, he is horrible at listening.

A few years back my father went out to get dinner. I don't remember the name of the restaurant, but I do remember he bought fried chicken. His boss, Sue Dyke called when he went out to buy fried chicken. I called him to tell him. I told him, "Sue Dyke called," but he did not understand what I said. So, I said again slowly, "Sue Dyke called." But, he still didn't understand. Dad said, "What did you say? You want French fries?" I said, "No, I didn't say anything about French fries. I'll just tell you when you come home." He said, "Good idea. I'll see you at home." and then I hung up the phone.

Then dad came home with the fried chicken. The family started to eat and then my dad said, "Here's your apple pie." I told him, "I didn't say I wanted apple pie. I said Sue Dyke called." Dad said, "Oh, really? I didn't understand you on the phone. I thought you said you wanted apple pie." And because my father doesn't listen, I become irritated.

Direct translation courtesy of Excite Japanese Translator:

My father seems to be amusing in everyone's story. However, I do not think that it is true. My father does an amusing thing though he is not an amusing person. Catching is unskilled though father English is understood.

My father had gone to obtain rice in the evening before year breathed in. I do not learn the name of the restaurant now. I remember father buying a fried chicken. His Sue Dyke boss called while father was buying a fried chicken. To inform him of it, I called father. I said to father, "Sue Dyke called". However, he has not understood what I say. And, I slowly said to him again, "Sue Dyke called". However, father has not understood what I said yet. And, father :. ｢What did you say?Did you say that it had wanted french fries?｣It said to me solving. ｢It is different. I concerned french fries and did not say anything. I will say to you when arriving back at home. ｣I said. Father｢It is a good idea. Then, at home again. ｣And, I hung up the telephone.

After a while, father returned with a fried chicken. My family began to be eaten, and, next, said by father to me, "Your apple pie is here". ｢It was not said that it would want the apple pie. I said that Sue Dyke had called. ｣I said to father. Father｢Is it true?I have not understood by telephone. I thought that you had said that you would want the apple pie. ｣It said. Then, because my father had not caught it, I came to get irritated.

C O M M E N T ! ! !