Stirred, Not Shaken
Since it's been a few weeks (and a few months before that) since I've updated, I obviously have a lot I can talk about. In the interest of not writing an autobiography, however, my thoughts center on last weekend, as those of you familiar with our Prom theme might note from the title of this entry. As more of an event review (before I delve into any revelations I may have between now and the next paragraph), Prom was a blast. It was the best weekend in memory, honest to God. Dinner at Crab Louie's was as always wonderful, the dance itself was mind-blowingly fun, and although Post Prom wasn't particularly rousing for any reason, I did get to see Pirates of the Caribbean and won a microwave. So it all turned out nicely. And my date, Rose, was amazing in every way. Rose is one of the most fun and interesting friends I have, and I love spending time with her because for once I have to stop acting so much like a 40-year old man. This includes letting her stand out of the moonroof while driving down Main Street, only to have a car full of guys yell at her to expose herself (in a rather non-proper fashion of course). That certainly wasn't the highlight of my evening, but it was quite funny, and it got her to sit down at least momentarily. She is awesome on the dance floor and made Prom the most fun I've certainly ever had at a dance, if not just in general. In addition, she was stunningly beautiful - the best looking person there I believe. She found a great dress and cleaned up quite nicely. I of course always think Rose looks amazing, but I'd just like to note that she took a little breath away when I saw her. Anyways, enough flattery for Rose, because she's already heard most if not all of this from me. Thank you so much for being my date dear, I had a wonderful time and hope you did also! And I looked pretty good too, if I do say so myself.
So anyways, you might notice that I've decided to make the Prom theme "Stirred, Not Shaken" rather than the actual "Shaken, Not Stirred" that it was. Even though this flies in the face of Bond, he isn't all that cool anyways. At least nowadays they're sticking with Brosnan and not changing him around left and right. I am a fan of Connery myself, but strongly approve of Brosnan. That's neither here nor there. I feel so Woolfian, just rambling on from one thing to the next here. My whole premise for changing the theme in my head is that I wasn't shaken or startled in a bad way by anything, but rather, my emotions were stirred. I've always thought that while Prom might be a good tradition, but is overplayed in its importance. But at the same time, I feel that it's a ceremonial goodbye for most of us. It's the last big chance you have to dance with your long-time high school crush, make somebody jealous with your hot date, humiliate yourself in front of teachers and students galore by either dancing like an idiot or wearing something ridiculous, etc. Not a big deal if you miss it, but emotional nonetheless. I've also made a discovery and would love to tell you about it. I went to Prom twice. Once, with my girlfriend who I was head-over-heels for. Once, with a close friend who I deeply care for and always have a blast for. If given the option, go with the latter. Don't get me wrong, both times were fun. People often say "there's no pressure if there's no romance involved," and this is true. But more than that, going with Rose allowed me a freedom I didn't feel with Erica. Prom "mattered" so much more when I had a girlfriend. It was a big deal, and a big stress source. With Rose, it was all about fun. Take a crush or significant other, and you'll have fun. If you don't have a significant other though, consider taking a friend. There is no pressure, and it's all about living the moment, rather than making it perfect and then living it.
Aside from Prom, a lot has happened lately I suppose. Today was Senior Showcase day, which went well for all as far as I can tell. Ms. Pollard was my only evaluator - for some reason it seemed they had a shortage this year. I presented well with no foul-ups or stumbling, and am confident I did well. And all the presentations I saw were great. Good job seniors, now school really is over!
Yesterday, I was coming home via Monument Avenue, when I begin to smell a burning scent and my air conditioning stopped blowing cold air. I pulled over at the next legal parking spot I found, turned the car off, and popped the hood. To a great deal of dismay, white smoke was pouring from the engine compartment, specifically, right around the A/C compressor. Here I am, standing in 93-degree heat, watching my compressor burn to a crisp. Well not physically burn, but you get the idea. The first thing that crosses my mind is "Oh well, shit happens." Bravo Zoloft, you're doing your job. Then I remembered a key fact that I've learned from one of our other cars: A/C compressors are extraordinarily expensive things to fix. Usually you just have to get a new one, and they aren't cheap. They take a lot of labor to replace, also. When I say expensive, I don't mean automatic-transmission-overhaul expensive, but it sure isn't a trip to Jiffy Lube. I dropped it off at the mechanic and my brother came and picked me up. The estimate lies somewhere around $1050. Good thing I haven't forgotten any Zoloft doses since then. I think my Dad has decided it's worth fixing because other than that, the car is in good shape (knock on wood). The next car I get will be a Toyota.
Come to think of it (again, totally off topic), I've become a lot closer with some once-distant friends this semester. Clayton, Ellen, Caitlin, and Zedler come to mind in particular. You guys are awesome, even if you don't read my journal.
I'm going to buy my own laptop for college. Part of the funding I already have, and part will be a result of graduation gifts. I need to get a job though. Badly. And I do not want to work food. Maybe I should stop being so picky and just take what I can get. I have a dilemma. I've been telling myself I'm going to go to New York this summer, and I still would like to, but will I? I need to think about that. I really would love to go see everything on my own time, and hang out with Shan of course. She's so cute, all grown-up and becoming a businesswoman.
The Fed definitely needs to raise the prime rate. Now. By a half percent. Stupid Fed. Do your job.
Theoretically, I'm about done rambling at this point. I'm out of things to talk about. Here's a question to think about and comment about. It something I haven't really approached yet. When you go off to college, what do you think will happen with all the people you know? Obviously, you'll stay in touch with the closest ones, but what about those friends you really liked but never got the chance to spend a lot of time together or form the bond you wanted to? How will you deal with the issue, aside from just letting whatever happens happen? What do you think will happen? Hm. I'm going to get to thinking on that. Goodnight!
Daniel/Teasley
So anyways, you might notice that I've decided to make the Prom theme "Stirred, Not Shaken" rather than the actual "Shaken, Not Stirred" that it was. Even though this flies in the face of Bond, he isn't all that cool anyways. At least nowadays they're sticking with Brosnan and not changing him around left and right. I am a fan of Connery myself, but strongly approve of Brosnan. That's neither here nor there. I feel so Woolfian, just rambling on from one thing to the next here. My whole premise for changing the theme in my head is that I wasn't shaken or startled in a bad way by anything, but rather, my emotions were stirred. I've always thought that while Prom might be a good tradition, but is overplayed in its importance. But at the same time, I feel that it's a ceremonial goodbye for most of us. It's the last big chance you have to dance with your long-time high school crush, make somebody jealous with your hot date, humiliate yourself in front of teachers and students galore by either dancing like an idiot or wearing something ridiculous, etc. Not a big deal if you miss it, but emotional nonetheless. I've also made a discovery and would love to tell you about it. I went to Prom twice. Once, with my girlfriend who I was head-over-heels for. Once, with a close friend who I deeply care for and always have a blast for. If given the option, go with the latter. Don't get me wrong, both times were fun. People often say "there's no pressure if there's no romance involved," and this is true. But more than that, going with Rose allowed me a freedom I didn't feel with Erica. Prom "mattered" so much more when I had a girlfriend. It was a big deal, and a big stress source. With Rose, it was all about fun. Take a crush or significant other, and you'll have fun. If you don't have a significant other though, consider taking a friend. There is no pressure, and it's all about living the moment, rather than making it perfect and then living it.
Aside from Prom, a lot has happened lately I suppose. Today was Senior Showcase day, which went well for all as far as I can tell. Ms. Pollard was my only evaluator - for some reason it seemed they had a shortage this year. I presented well with no foul-ups or stumbling, and am confident I did well. And all the presentations I saw were great. Good job seniors, now school really is over!
Yesterday, I was coming home via Monument Avenue, when I begin to smell a burning scent and my air conditioning stopped blowing cold air. I pulled over at the next legal parking spot I found, turned the car off, and popped the hood. To a great deal of dismay, white smoke was pouring from the engine compartment, specifically, right around the A/C compressor. Here I am, standing in 93-degree heat, watching my compressor burn to a crisp. Well not physically burn, but you get the idea. The first thing that crosses my mind is "Oh well, shit happens." Bravo Zoloft, you're doing your job. Then I remembered a key fact that I've learned from one of our other cars: A/C compressors are extraordinarily expensive things to fix. Usually you just have to get a new one, and they aren't cheap. They take a lot of labor to replace, also. When I say expensive, I don't mean automatic-transmission-overhaul expensive, but it sure isn't a trip to Jiffy Lube. I dropped it off at the mechanic and my brother came and picked me up. The estimate lies somewhere around $1050. Good thing I haven't forgotten any Zoloft doses since then. I think my Dad has decided it's worth fixing because other than that, the car is in good shape (knock on wood). The next car I get will be a Toyota.
Come to think of it (again, totally off topic), I've become a lot closer with some once-distant friends this semester. Clayton, Ellen, Caitlin, and Zedler come to mind in particular. You guys are awesome, even if you don't read my journal.
I'm going to buy my own laptop for college. Part of the funding I already have, and part will be a result of graduation gifts. I need to get a job though. Badly. And I do not want to work food. Maybe I should stop being so picky and just take what I can get. I have a dilemma. I've been telling myself I'm going to go to New York this summer, and I still would like to, but will I? I need to think about that. I really would love to go see everything on my own time, and hang out with Shan of course. She's so cute, all grown-up and becoming a businesswoman.
The Fed definitely needs to raise the prime rate. Now. By a half percent. Stupid Fed. Do your job.
Theoretically, I'm about done rambling at this point. I'm out of things to talk about. Here's a question to think about and comment about. It something I haven't really approached yet. When you go off to college, what do you think will happen with all the people you know? Obviously, you'll stay in touch with the closest ones, but what about those friends you really liked but never got the chance to spend a lot of time together or form the bond you wanted to? How will you deal with the issue, aside from just letting whatever happens happen? What do you think will happen? Hm. I'm going to get to thinking on that. Goodnight!
Daniel/Teasley