If I could take the fire out of the water...

Today's weather is the best weather. It's around 55, partly cloudly, and breezey. Sometimes I wish I didn't care about work and money, because I want nothing more than to call out, go pick my girlfriend up, and go to Lion's Park. I sat outside today, on my front steps, and I drank a soda and smoked a cigarette, and watched the yellow, orange, and brown leaves rolls around the uncut grass. I wore a green and gray hoodie that kept me warm against the almost biting breezes. The sun was peaking at me over the clouds, but wasn't too overbearing causing me to squint.

My life, for the most part, has been amazing lately. I'll get the complaining out of the way first. Money is still extremely tight. I allow myself a couple comics a week, but that's about it. Oh, and I also bought the 3rd Volume of It's Always Sunny because Sheryl informed me that it was on sale at Target. I couldn't pass it up for $15. I also think my back is not as healed as it should be. Either that, or my right leg is somehow fucked up. I can't keep it in one position too long. When I recline, that's when it hurts the most. That's what makes me think it's my back. I'll be going to the doctor's after rent is paid, and I have a day off.

And now, on to the good stuff. First and foremost, it's Desiree. She makes me incredibly happy and puts up with all of my peccadilloes. I don't think it's just that whole "It's new" thing going on, either. I am really, truly happy with her. Whether it be going out and running errands, snuggling up and watching a movie, taking a mid-day nap, or even playing Xbox while she does her old lady puzzle magazines, I just always enjoy spending time with her. We went home this weekend, and she got along with all of my friends, and my parents love her.

The trip home was good, but also sad at the same time. I still really, really miss Chesapeake, and sometimes I feel like Raleigh is only temporary, and that I'll eventually move back. No time soon, though. I'm having too good a time. Maybe that desire to go back home will fade, but I can't help but feel better when I'm there.

Mandy and Shaina are probably on their way to Apex at the moment. I'm so happy that my two best friends are going to be 20 minutes away, rather than 3 hours. It sucks, though, that they're moving right as work (for all of us) is getting insane, which means it'll be hard to juggle everything and find time when we're all off to spend time. But, even so, it'll be 10 times easier now that they're here. We've all ready talked it over, and we're making sure we all get a specific night off to have a Justice League Night (which I'm sure will just turn into Nerd Night).

Speaking of Justice League, while back home, Des and I went to Trilogy, and they were having a 50% off back issue sale, so I dug through the boxes and picked up every issue of the Justice League "Breakdowns" arc.



I read a write-up of this arc months ago in Wizard Magazine and have always wanted to read it. I was amped to find each issue for no more than $2.00 a piece, so they were mostly $1.00 each after the sale. And since there wasn't a single book that came out this week that I bought, I felt that it was ok to buy the entire arc. I'm about 1/3 of the way through, and I fucking love. I love comics from the early 90s. It reminds me of growing up. Only because I didn't read ANY DC books, it's like a trip down memory lane, only it's stll 100% new to me. Also, while reading, it's made me pine for a Bruce Timm style animated show. It feels like I'm reading a lost Justice League Unlimited season. Like with JLU, the first time I watched it, I barely knew any of the characters. They were all familiar, but I didn't know any of them specifically. And, with Guy Gardner really being the only exception, that's what this is. And it's great, because I'm all ready loving the characters like Blue Beetle, Fire, Ice, Silver Fox, and Captain Atom. I know it'll never happen, but it would be so awesome to have a show focusing on these "B Level" super heroes.

And for now, that's all, kiddos.

This Raleigh Life Part X

So it's been a while since I've updated.

For those who didn't know, Desiree and I are officially a "couple". Yes, she is my (awesome) girlfriend and I am her (awesome) boyfriend. Things are very good, although we're still taking things slow and being smart, and all that stuff. She's the best.

She came over last night, and put me in a better mood (shitty day at work) and we woke up and ran errands. A stop at the comic store and Wendy's later, we came back home and took a nice long nap. Afterwards, we went to her house, she cooked a frozen pizza I bought, and then I came home.

I feel weird writing too much about our relationship and what we do. Maybe after having my last serious relationship in so much of a spotlight (even that made me laugh) I'm kind of enjoying it being low key.

Work has been pretty good, although somewhat frustrating. I've been busting my ass selling member cards and charity book drive books, but no one else really is, so our conversion rate is still low. It's nice that all of the managers have come to me and let me know that they know how hard I'm working and how well I'm doing, but at the same time, I want the store to be recognized, not me. But hey, I'm also not about to stop them praising me.


Ok, Guy Gardner moment over.


The Belle & Sebastian BBC Sessions album comes out on Tuesday. I'm looking forward to that very much. While researching the album, I found out they also released a collection DVD about 5 years ago. This was also ordered, if only for the live performance of Lazy Line Painter Jane with guest star Monica Queen.

For now, this is it.

I woke up in a shitty mood today

I woke up late this morning, and I was in a pissy mood. For some reason, I still am.

I'm glad Obama won last night. I voted for him. But what disgusts me is everyone who didn't vote for him. I understand you're bummed he didn't win. I get that. But Jesus Fucking Christ, people. Shut the fuck up about your bitching. I know for a fact that I wouldn't be sitting here, pissing and moaning if McCain won. Yeah, I'd be bummed, but I'd also be looking at it with the prospective that maybe some good will come out of it. People need to stop seeing things in black and white (or, in this instance, blue and red) and try to find good points in Obama, just like I would be finding good points in McCain. It's astounding to me that people assume he's sitting at home right now, laughing like a madman because he tricked America into voting for a Muslim Socialist. It blows my mind. People, stop reading stupid articles written by Extreme Conservatives. Stop taking everything Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, and SNL has to say as pure fact. I'm a democrat, and if I go by the "democrat outline" I should have assumed that McCain is/was a War Monger who only wanted to raise taxes on the little guy and make profit for big business and continue this war until we own the Middle East. But, I don't listen to every article written by an Extreme Democrat. I listen to what THEY say (they being the actual people in question) and form my own decision.

"Obama wants to spread the wealth" is such a rediculous claim. Yes, he wants to raise taxes on 5% of America a full 3%. Oh good fucking Lord, that's so terrible. Of course, ya know, the idea of 95% cutting a TAX CUT is overlooked. This country is in the fucking shitter, and he's trying to CHANGE it. And hey, I know McCain has plans of his own. Before this election process started, I always said "If McCain runs again, I'll vote for him," Well, he lost my vote in the past 6 or 7 months. He was trying to be something he wasn't. He made, quite possibly, the worst VP choice in the history of the country. I gave him a fair shot. (And I know I'm going to piss some people off with this next thing) Republicans hardly EVER give any non-Republican any of their time. Obama could've been running against a bag a cat shit, and Republicans would still vote for the bag of catshit. People need to stop viewing this country as a Republican or Nothing country. It amuses me that these people throw out terms like Socialist and Communist. All over the country, and first hand here in North Carolina and Virginia, tons and tons of Obama signs were taken from people's yards, only to be returned with Swasticas painted on them. And I'm not saying that no McCain signs were taken, but the difference between the two was substancial. People like that, these Republicans or Death people, scare me. What's next, America? If I decide to vote for another Democrat, and if I fucking CHOSE (ya know, that whole theory this fucking country you love so much is based from) to put a sign in my yard, what do I get next time? Are you going to light my yard on fire? Wait for me to leave the house and then attack me?

And sure, maybe I'm being a little sensative here, and I'm not talking about anyone I know personally (at least, I fucking hope none of my friends took any signs out from people's yards), but behavior like that makes me fucking sick. Because I feel like it's one step away from "Man, the country would be so much better if I bombed the next Democratic (or any non-Republican) rally."

In closing, to those Democrats who won, we can celebrate together. Maybe a Time of Change is really coming. Maybe it is the Dawn of a New Era. To the Republicans who lost, I'm sorry. But this isn't the fucking time to bitch and moan about it. I understand that you're bummed out, I would be too. But stop thinking Obama is going to run this country into a shithole. He's NOT a socialist, he's NOT a communist, and he's GOING to listen to every side of every story, and he's GOING to try to make this country the way it should be, the way it used to be. And to those Republicans who listened to Obama's speech last night, and who think "Maybe he can help bring in change" and who have hope for this country...Tell this to your fellow Republicans. We need more of you. This country needs to stop being so fucking divided. We need to work together to make this a better place.

A post from a lazy day off

I haven't updated my blog in quite some time, now.

This last week has been Hell. I just got done working 8 days straight on Thursday. I go back in tomorrow, but only for 4 days, then I'm off for 4 days, in which I'll be taking a little trip.

Yesterday I pretty much hung out with Desiree all day long. It was great. I picked her up around noon, I think. We ate lunch, then bought comics. After that, we went out to Durham (because I'm an idiot and left my paycheck there) and then dropped by the bank. We went to Ed McKay's and she sold some stuff. She gave me some of her credit to compensate for having to drive forever way to pick her up and drop her off. With it, I got Freddy Vs. Jason on DVD, the 1st Friday the 13th, The Cell by Stephen King, and An American Werewolf in London on VHS.

We came home, and she gave me a nice long back massage because I'd just worked all those days in a row. It was very, very nice. Afterwards, I grabbed a bunch of DVDs I'm not going to watch anytime soon, and took them to McKay's to help with this month's rent. I got about $45 and I bought a Halo novel for $1.65 just because I felt like reading something lame. I guess it's my version of a romance novel.

After that, we grabbed dinner and came back home. We watched The Office and It's Always Sunny, and then just laid in bed, and she listened to me talk about how hard this Raleigh life has been. I felt a thousand times better. I drove her home late, and got home around 1:15 or something. I read a few of the comics I bought, and promptly passed the shit out.

Today I slept in till 12:30, which I never do, and I usually hate sleeping that late, but I figured I needed it. I woke up and talked to Mandy on the phone for a short bit, and then took a shower and watched Freddy Vs. Jason. After that, I played Halo 3 for a while, and now I'm here, talking to Desiree on AIM.

So I think I'm going to be calling Time Warner and unsubscribing to their digital cable and DVR service. As much as I love having it, I don't think it's worth it. Not to mention I'm still barely scraping by. I'm also dropping about 15 comics. I'll still read both of the Green Lantern books, as well as finishing up Secret Invasion (only one more issue) , Fables (although it hasn't been that great lately, but I'm going to give it a few more issues) and 100 Bullets (only 4 more issues left, and they come out once every 2 months).

I really need to cut back on stupid spending. And I know I've been saying that for I don't even know how long. I figure I'll trade in Soul Calibur 4 and Grand Theft Auto 4 for Gears of War 2. Which sucks, because I really don't want to trade them in, but it's worth it, I think. Plus, I don't really have anything else to trade in. Well, maybe The Orange Box, but that's really great, too. Ugh, I don't know. I still have like 2 weeks to figure it out.

But I figure stopping the Digital Cable/DVR and cutting back on comics big time will help things. And hey, it's only 4 more months until I move to Durham. So that'll save $50 a month in gas, and I won't have to pay the waterbill, as it's included in the rent. It'll be nice to live so close to work. And Southpoint is pretty cool, aside from the shitty clientel.

I really like Desiree. Like, a lot. We're officially "dating" which is I guess the 1st step up from "talking" and a step down from "boyfriend/girlfriend". I know most things are awesome in the beginning, but if things keep up like this, I don't see it being too long before we graduate to those titles for each other. And that kind of really, really excites me. It was so nice just relaxing with her yesterday watching TV and laughing at Charlie have a dry-heave. I could really, really get used to it.

Speaking of TV...I'm almost not liking the whole Jim/Pam thing on The Office. It's stupid and trite, and there's no way two people which such a connection like they had in previous seasons would start to have problems the second one of them moved away for a bit. Thank God for Michael and Holly. The Dwight stuff with Phllys was good, too. But seriously, Michael and Holly are the only reasons I watch that show, for the most part.

It's Always Sunny has been great, of course. I'm an episode behind in Heroes. I'll watch it eventually. Aside from Sylar, that show is disappointing me a lot, too. Am I just getting too picky with my TV? No wonder I don't feel like I should have that DVR.

I'm going to find something to eat.

Been down in the dumps for a few days

So I figured I'd make a post about things that make me smile.


Prince of Persia Trailer:


I know I posted this is my last blog, but it deserves a 2nd posting. The trailer is just that fucking good. It reminds me of an old Gears of War trailer.

I just love it when a game can be both mind-numbingly bad ass and smart and insightful at the same time. I know it's somewhat common when you play a bunch of RPGs, but I don't. So when I see an adventure game do this, I can't help but be excited for it.

TGS09 (Tokyo Game Show) is this week, and there's been a ton of new information announced that's got my gaming fingers twitching. E3, our local game convention, left me feeling kind of...blah. I really didn't care about much that I saw. But with TGS, there's been a ton of new info that has me drooling.

Whether it be new handheld stuff for the Nintendo DS:

Shining Force: Feather


Chrono Trigger DS:


Ninokuni: The Another World (Produced in part with Studio Ghibli)


Dragonball: Origins


To the other stuff:

King of Fighters XII:


Tatsunoko Vs. Capcom (As if I needed another reason to want a Wii?)


Gears of War 2 (You didn't think I was going to make a video game post without this, did you?)


So yeah, I know I just went off on a tangent of posting new and awesome stuff from TGS, but whatever. It's my blog. There were plenty of videos I would have posted, but I didn't want to go too overboard.

I've been drinking a lot of Coca-Cola Classic. It's weird, I was never a huge fan, but lately, it tastes really good, and reminds me of like...being young. That's weird, I know. And it sounds like a lame commercial, but yeah...It definitely deserves to be called "classic".

Today I did laundry, which sucks, but I brought my Nintendo DS (which was almost dead. But I got through a world and a half in New Super Mario Bros). I also brought a new book I'm reading called "The Mystery of Pittsburgh" by Michael Chabon. I read about 50 pages while I waited for my clothes to dry, and I really dig it. It kind of reminds me of Less Than Zero by Ellis, but without all of the drugs and 1980s pop culture.

I only half-watched the debate tonight. I all ready know who I'm going to vote for. I did think it was funny, though. McCain's final statements were all about him. What he's done, who he is. That's great. I won't for a milisecond pretend that McCain isn't an American hero. The man has done this country a lot of good in the past. But, he sure likes to talk about it. His past, I mean. Then it's Obama's turn. And he doesn't talk about himself. He talks about what he's going to do. In a time where we need a change (no one can deny that) Obama was the one that left off on a note of it. McCain, not so much. And I want to go on record that I don't hate McCain. I'm not voting for him, but I also don't hate him. If Hilary was his opposition, I probably would vote for him. But Obama says (most of) the things I want to hear.

Speaking of politics, and I'm not going to get into this for more than just a few sentances. You need to vote. I don't care if you vote Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independant, whatever. This country was founded on the idea of independant thought and freedom. Right now, as we speak, our family members and our friends are overseas, dying to protect that right.

So fucking vote.

Anyways. Tomorrow I start my 8 days in a row at work. Fuck me sideways. My job is soul-crushing enough with a day off every couple of days. But 8 in a row? Thank Christ I'm off next Friday and Saturday. Then I work for 4 days, and then I go home for the weekend. I am seriously going to need it. In fact, I seriously need it now.

Meh, I was going to keep me coming back to Chesapeake for a weekend a secret, but I think the only people that would actually get this far into a blog of mine all ready know.

Also, since this is a blog about things that make me feel a little better, I think I should bring up someone specific. Desiree. While things are still new, and we're taking it slow, Desiree is the first person I've met here that I've spent any time with. It just turns out that we both have crushes on each other, we both support Obama, we both read a lot, and we both enjoy...things I won't mention in this blog post. She's unlike every girl I've ever dated. Not that we're dating, as we don't have a label, but you know what I'm getting at. I'm way, way nerdier than she is. Christ, she hasn't even seen any of the Star Wars save for the 4th episode. She just saw Iron Man the other night while we were hanging out. She mentioned she hadn't seen it at dinner at Bojangles, and we went straight to Target and I bought it. That "secret" ending still makes me cream my nerdy jeans. Anyway, Desiree is awesome, and I enjoy spending time with her, and doing those unmentioned things. For now, that's good enough for the both of us.

Wish me luck this week, my friends. I'll need it.

PS: Dear Lego Batman. I'm sorry you've been so neglected for the past 10 or so days. Blame MegaMan 9. It's too fun and awesome and agonizingly tough to not play when I find time to play games.

This is how you make a trailer

Prince of Persia


Muramasa


Street Fighter IV (Gotta love the remixed SF Theme)


Tekken 6

Dreams cost money, and money costs dreams.

Ah, it feels so damn good to know that I don't have to work tomorrow.

Of course, tomorrow is all about cleaning and doing laundry. Oh well, not that big a deal. I bought Green Lantern Showcase Volume 3 tonight to keep me company in the laundry mat. I'm stoked because it's got the first appearance of Guy Gardner. I am also pondering buying the issue on it's own. It's somewhat expensive, but I'd totally put it in a frame and hang it up. Even I don't get my love of Guy Gardner. But it would be badass. The issue's cover is my current Myspace background.

I downloaded the demo of Mega Man 9. It's amazing, and I'm dying to download the entire game, but it costs money. I can't get it just yet. But Penny Arcade sums it up perfectly.



Ok, that was a short entry. I miss everyone.

Dreams come true. Without that possibility, nature would not incite us to have them. - John Updike

I figured I'd take a few minutes before I get ready for work to update my blog with a real entry.

I have a feeling this is going to be more of an introspective entry, as there really hasn't been much going on to talk about. So if you don't feel like listening to my thoughts on things, well...this entry isn't for you. Check back soon for a funny video or a cool picture.

So, this Raleigh life is good. Very, very good. Not perfect, by any means, but still really good. I've been waking up early, going to bed early, eating (for the most part) healthy, and not spending too much money on unneeded things. Friday is the day I pay all my bills, so that's going to be a sad day. They won't normally all be paid on the same day, but this being the first month being here, and me being a paycheck short this month, all of the bills had to wait until now.

It's weird to think that I'll be leaving Raleigh and going to Durham in 5 months. But I think it's good. I'll be used to spending more on bills and gas, so when I get there, it'll be easier on the pocket, both literally and in my mind. Hopefully this will open up a little more money to save, because I really need to start saving money more.

Speaking of money, I went to Ed McKay's yesterday, and I was very good. I bought the final 2 Gunsmith Cats omnibus volumes, and I got Schindler's List on DVD. Total it cost me $16. They had the 1st two boxsets for Gatchaman for a combined total of $31. I'm praying they'll be there in two weeks, but we'll just have to wait and see. I also almost bought a $10 hardcover of Ultimate Hulk Vs. Ironman, but I put that back as well, to save money.

There really aren't many dating prospects at all in Raleigh. At least, not right now. I've been talking to this girl on AIM who lives around here, but we haven't hung out or anything. Who knows if we actually will. She seems cool, but for the first time in a long time I'm very content with being single. That doesn't mean I don't think about it, of course. There'll never be a time when I don't think about it. I've got this little daydream that it's me and someone in a small apartment. It's late, but not too late, and I'm sitting on the edge of the couch playing video games, and a girl is laying on the other side with her nose in a book and her feet are resting in my lap. Occasionally she looks up and watches me play, but eventually goes back to her book. Between cut-scenes or levels, or whenever I can put the controller down, I gently squeeze her foot, or lean in and give her a kiss. After a bit, I've put my video game away, she's put her book away, and we watch an old black and white film together.

I was talking to Beth and Josh yesterday about little moments like that, and how they're the good stuff in relationships. They're not the only good stuff, mind you, but those kinds of nights are really ideal. Of course there are tons of other things. The sex, the visits to each other when we're at work, the trips to home, all that stuff. But recently, that isn't what I've been thinking about too much. Mainly it's just a quiet night at home that I've been daydreaming about. And again, for the first time in a while, it's only dreaming, and not looking. I'm fine with looking forward to an unknown future. I'm glad there are things I'd like to happen, but there's no one specifically tied to them. It feels good letting it happen on it's own.

Apaloosa comes out tomorrow. Sadly, because I'm closing Thursday through Sunday, I won't get to see it until Monday or Tuesday. Beth and Josh and I are going, and I seriously can't wait. I had barely any clue about the movie until I saw the trailer before Tropic Thunder, and since then, it's been my most anticipated film since Iron Man and Batman. I doubt it'll top either of those, but I'm sure it'll be #3 this year. It just looks too damn awesome. Add in that it's Ed Harris and Viggo...well, do we really need any other reason to be stoked on a film? I don't think so.

I need to figure out when to go back home for a weekend. I'll probably put in time off for that when I go in today. I kind of miss Chesapeake. Yesterday while driving around, we were talking about sushi, and I remembered the amazing place on Battlefield Blvd. and then thought, "Man, I used to drive on that road every single day for 19 years, and now it's so far away." and it made me a little sad. As much as I love the freshness of Raleigh, I do miss the normalcy of Chesapeake from time to time. Not often, though.

I need new clothes. That's a random thought, but it just came to my head. Losing the weight I did made all my t-shirts too big. I'm still a big guy, and nothing looks worse than a big guy in a bigger shirt. Ugh. Anyway, I might be, maybe once a week, ordering a new t-shirt or something. It sucks because I just bought my Green Lantern and my Flash about 6 months ago, and they're too big.



They have this shirt in the window at my comic store downtown, and I want it. I'm not sure what size they have, though. But if it fits, maybe I'll splurge and get it for myself next week. I just checked a website, and there is a Green Lantern Corps shirt that has Guy, Kyle, and Kilowag on it. I actually used the same picture on my Myspace page for a long time. Fuck, I want it.



So that's all for this update, I guess. I'm going to go grab a bite to eat before I go to work.

Domino

Every once in a while, a cover will show up and make me remember why I fucking love comics so much. This is a prime example.

This Raleigh Life Con't...

Well, I finished Star Wars: The Force Unleashed in like 4 days. I knew I wasn't going to play it again any time soon, so I traded it in for Lego Batman. Don't get me wrong, Star Wars was really awesome, but seriously, LucasArts? 6 hours? Seriously? $10 an hour? Really? Seriously?

I'm all ready enjoying Lego Batman just as much, but for entirely different reasons.

Shaina and Mandy were here this weekend. I seriously needed their company. Not because I was sad or lonely, but just because I've never had friends as close to me as they are. We were are 3 pieces of a 3 piece puzzle. The weekend was full of laughter and good times. I'm sad they're gone, but hey, I'll see them again in roughly 2 or 3 weeks, and then in another month, they'll be living here. It's going to be awesome.

Speaking of moving, it's looking like I'll be moving at the end of my lease. But before you say "I told you so," I'm moving to Durham. Supposedly there's a complex about 5 minutes from Southpoint, and less money than I'm spending now. So as much as I like my mini-house, it's much smarter to go there and save money in both rent AND gas. Plus it'll be closer to Shaina, Mandy, and Beth. So that's something to look forward to. Not really looking forward to the actual act of moving, but whatev. Maybe in the new apartment I'll be able to have my computer and my TV on the same wall. I do miss that about my old place. Having to turn around to watch TV and then back to use the computer kind of sucks.

Work has gotten pretty decent. I don't know what I'm doing differently, but I'm killing it in member cards. My average is around 7 a day. I had 13 two Saturdays ago, and I had 12 this Thursday. Most of the people I work with are pretty cool, and I do share some hobbies with a few co-workers. Not like before, but again, whatev. It's looking like Mandy is going to be working at my store, so we'll be co-workers again. That is something to get really excited about.

I've started talking to a girl named Desiree. Recently, I updated my profile on a website that is not unlike match.com or something. And before you think I'm going all emo and whatnot, I stated on my profile that I wasn't solely looking for dating, and it's more of a "Hey, if you want, talk to me because I'm new in Raleigh," Anyway, Desiree seems pretty cool and we've graduated to AIM chat. That's all there really is to say about that. She does seem really cool, though.

I guess that's all for now. Hm, I think I end every single blog entry with that. Anyway, take it easy, peeps.

A long and awesome day.

Man, today was an awesome, busy day.

I work up around 8:30 from hearing the trashmen collecting garbage. I decided, that since I had a lot to do today, I'd go ahead and get up for the day instead of going back to sleep.

I showered and then called Beth. She was up for hanging up, so I got dressed, and headed out the door. I put the 2 huge jugs of change my parents gave me into my trunk, and got to Beth's around 11 or so. Our first stop was to Harris Teeter to go to coinstar. We were going to use her change counter and do it ourselves, but I just figured that would take way too long, so I decided it was worth the 9% the coinstar charges.

After what felt like forever, we finally got all of the change into the machine. The total was a little over...$500! Seriously, I was shocked. We cashed out, were told that it was the biggest coinstar thing they'd ever seen, and left.

I bought us some victory coffee from the Starbucks across the street, where Beth let me know that the Starbucks girl was "all up in my shiz" checking me out and being flirty. I, being a guy, was completely oblivious to this. Sure, she's in there every time we've gone in, and she's always very talkative and cute, but I figured it was just good customer service. Beth assures me it's more than that, because she's like that every time we go in.

After Starbucks, we went to Capitol Comics where I bought this week's comics, along with the final volume of Loveless. I would normally wait until our store got it, but I figured I just had a ton of money, and I'd been dying to finish this amazing western. I plan on reading it tomorrow morning.

After comics, we went back to Beth's to switch cars. I wasn't going to make her drive all the way out to Durham to get my paycheck. While at the store, Chris (the other head cashier) told me he could switch shifts with me on Thursday, which is great, because it means I'll have all of Thursday to see Mandy and Shaina when they come visit. I can't wait for that at all.

After The Noble, we went to Gamestop. I said if the change added up to $300 I was going to pick up the new Star Wars game. Since we were way over my predicted amount, I didn't feel bad about buying it. It's the last time I'll shop in that Gamestop ever again. Fucking terrible customer service. They made us wait for about 15 minutes while they did someone's trade-in. There were 2 employees up there, I was clearly in line, and making it very clear I all ready had the game I wanted to buy in hand. Stupid game clerks. I'll just make sure I go to the Gamestop on Capital BLVD from now on.

We got some pizza, and left the mall. We crossed the street and went to Old Navy, because Beth wanted to get a new, discounted bathing suit. Of course they were in the middle of a sale where if you brought someone in, you got 20% off everything you got. And of course they had an awesome jacket and an awesome mock-hoodie. I bought them both. With the 20% discount, and all of my jackets at home being way to big after I lost the weight I lost, I feel ok with buying what I bought. Plus they're awesome.

After Old Navy, we went to Best Buy so Beth could buy a mouse and I could buy ethernet cable so I can play X-Box online again.

After we went to Ed McKay's Used Books where I bought American Gods (because Kendra recommended it so highly), Manhunt (hardcover for $6) and the 3 Gatchaman OAVs on VHS for a total of $6. (Hence the image I used with this entry)

After Ed McKay's we went to BB&T where I could pay off my stupid over-draft fee (the original reason for the trip to Coinstar). I won't say how much it was, but let's just say an unknown charge from Rhapsody (which is now cancelled because of it) and like 5 coffees (which adds up to about 1/2 of what I thought I had) really cost me a lot of money. But, it was taken care of. I still have an entire paycheck from The Noble going through on Monday, and my final check from working 2 weeks/nights at City Hall. So everything money-wise is fine. If it hadn't been for coinstar, I'd be royally fucked right now, but I think this time I learned my lesson. Don't subscribe to automatic charging things (Rhapsody). Knowing that if I didn't have those jugs of change, I'd be totally fucked, well...It scared the piss out of me. Won't fuck that up again. It's nice everything got paid off, but that still could've been money I could have in my pocket right now.

Oh well, alls well that ends well. I know I spent way too much money on myself today, but aside from the video game, the $30 in comics, and the $15 or so at Ed McKay's, everything was kind of essential. I needed the clothes really badly.

I think that the Starbucks girl checking me out is funny. Beth said she constantly seeing girls checking me out. According to Shaina, she sees it as well. What the Hell? Am I really that oblivious?! I guess I am. I never see any of it. It's kind of awesome. I should really learn to read signals better, I guess. Even though, at this moment, I don't really feel like being in a relationship. I mean, I do, but I don't. There are certain stipulations that would make me want to be in a relationship, but none of them (or well, the one) aren't going to happen any time soon. I guess I'm ok with that. I'm really enjoying Raleigh now, so for now, that's enough.

And just to clarify, this stipulation I mentioned before has ZERO to do with anyone I've previously dated. In fact, my life in general has ZERO to do with anyone I've previously dated. That's the way I like it, and that's the way I want to keep it. I'm not mad at anyone, I'm not disappointed in anyone, I'm not anything at anyone. I'm nothing towards all of my exes, and I'm sure anyone who knows me knows exactly what I'm talking about.

I haven't been this happy in a really long time.

I'm very excited that It's Always Sunny starts season 4 tomorrow with 2 brand new episodes. I finished season 3 today. The finale was hilarious.

"You're about to see the white hot cream of a 8th grade boy"

So this Raleigh life has gotten to the point of a semi-routine, which is fine with me. I'm used to my new store, which took a bit longer than I thought it would. I still miss the Greenbrier store a ton, but South Point is really cool. The location is tops, I must admit. It's in the center of this mini-town of stores. There's a fountain right outside of the front door, and there are tables from the cafe on the side of the building. Today it was almost Autumn weather, and I sat at one of the tables and had a cigarette and felt almost home. The setting is a really nice change. Much nicer than that damn uncomfortable bench in Greenbrier. I still really miss the close friendships and in-jokes. I quoted Throw Mama From The Train today, and the quote went over someone's head. I know, at Greenbrier, it wouldn't.

It's weird learning the roads out here, too. The other day I had to stop for cigarettes, and I realized that it would've been hard to make a left out of the parking lot, so I took a right, and got home without a hitch. Little things like that make me love Raleigh.

I really do love Raleigh. I like the way it's laid out, I like the weather, I love my house. It's so nice to come home, not have to worry about climbing those old god awful stairs, and it's nice to sit on my couch and watch a bit of TV. I don't have to worry about anything or anyone. It's nice learning to call it home. It also feels weird to refer to Chesapeake as "back up North". Ha, it makes me feel worldy. That's lame, I know.

Mandy and Shaina are visiting me in a week from tomorrow. I can't fucking wait. I need my girls. Kendra was supposed to come with them, but they decided to leave a day earlier, and Kendra can't get out of work, or something. This is the pure definition of bitter-sweet, because I'm stoked to see Mandy and Shaina for an extra day, but I also really wanted to see Kendra. Hopefully when I go down in a month or so, I'll be able to spend some time with her, along with everyone else.

Yesterday I talked to Mandy for hours online, and it got me thinking about anime conventions, and how badly I want to go to one. I didn't have the best time at HeroesCon, and the memories are a little...ruined because of certain aspects. While I loved hanging out with Josh, Kyle, Raph, Jose, and all those kids, I think I enjoy anime conventions a bit more, if only for the company. I really need to get into some more anime. I just wish I wasn't so picky. And, of course, when I do find a series to get into, it's impossible to find anything at the cons that has anything to do with them.

But I digress. Just thinking of anime cons this Spring/Summer, and road-tripping with Mandy, Shaina, Kendra, and who ever else just gets my heart pumping. Road-trips, hotel rooms, costumes, showings, all of that stuff. I'm really not even into anime all that much, but I'm CRAVING it, honestly. KatsuCon is going to be a blast.

Speaking of anime, a new Casshern is coming out, and I'm very excited.


I guess that's all for now.

Today has been a good day

Today I woke up late, got ready, watched a little TV, and then went to do laundry.

Doing laundry mat is interesting. It was nice to use more than one machine, but it is still incredibly boring. While the clothes washed, I sat on a bench outside and smoked while I read Clown Girl. I went inside, climbed up on a dryer, and continued to read. Finally, after drying (which seemed to take forever) I came home. I watched Family Guy on my DVR and folded my clothes.

I fixed myself corndogs for dinner and I had a granola bar for dessert. Now I'm taking a quick computer break, waiting for the Eagles/Cowboys game to start.

Not too much to say. To everyone at home, I'm thinking of you all the time. I miss you all a whole bunch.

(This song literally just gave me goosebumps)

















I miss Disney animated films. Sure, the Pixar stuff is fine, but give me stuff like this any day.

I think I might have a new celebrity crush. Wickie-Wickie-Wickie-Wha?!

First blog from Raleigh

Well, I've been in Raleigh for 13 days now. I've just gotten my internet and cable TV. Needless to say, it's been pretty god damn boring.

If it weren't for Beth, I don't think I would've made it. She and Josh are literally my only friends in this entire state.

I've run my errands, have MOST of the apartment unpacked (still waiting on a few things to be fixed), and know my way around to the essential places.

My new Barnes & Noble is about a 30 minute drive, which is twice the amount of time. It's not terrible, but it's also not great by any means. I'm still not sure how I feel about the store. I know I'm the new guy, but there aren't many very friendly people there. Not that they're mean, but it's like...Come say hi to me. I'm the new guy, so shouldn't it be their thing to come and introduce themselves? Every day is a little better than the previous, so I'm not giving up hope just yet. There are a few really cool people, and yesterday when I was leaving, one of the booksellers did go out of her way to introduce herself to me. So that was kind of nice. They also do all of their money and record keeping completely different (and if you ask me, ass-backwards) but I'm getting a hold of it. It's a process, re-learning everything you've known for the past 4 and some change years.

I love my house, for the most part. Sure, it's small, but it's just me, so it's not that big of a deal. I do have the occasional wood roach infestation, though, which SUCKS. Fuckers better come out soon and spray.

I really wish there was more to talk about. But sadly, I've literally done NOTHING for the past 2 weeks. I've read a whole lot, watched a ton of DVDs, played a ton of computer solitaire, and that's about it.

Oh, I did go see Pineapple Express with Beth and Josh. It was pretty funny, but I still don't think it was as good as Tropic Thunder.

Uh...I guess that's all for now. Hopefully I'll have something fun to update with soon enough.

Hey, I still don't have internet, but thankfully Beth is letting me use hers to just check up on emails and whatnot. I just wanted to let everyone know things are going pretty well. Still have a few issues I need to work out and stuff, but I should be back to normal as soon as possible. Till then, true believers!!

Fresh start, fresh blog

Ok, so I know most everyone that will be reading this will be from livejournal. Hopefully all of my lj friends will follow my trials and tribulations over here to blogspot.

There are far too many unsavory people who continue to read my lj, and I could just make all of my posts friends only, but then the few who aren't signed up with lj wouldn't be able to read my posts, which I don't want.

So, this will be the home of my new blog. To celebrate, I give this:







The adventure in Raleigh begins. I'm sure I'll be posting much, much more.

A less public public blog.

So, it turns out that people still want to read my lj and criticize me on what music I want, or how I feel about things, or whatever. I'm pretty tired of it, so I think from now on, I'll be using this. Maybe not. I could, theorhetically