A Floridian in Chicago

Staring down a Gun barrel... literally.

2009-08-17T12:11:00.000-07:00

I was walking home from Walgreens last night at around 8pm when a man stepped out in front of me, drew a gun and demanded that I give him all my money.

I had no money, or cell phone, or anything he wanted. He threatened to shoot me unless I gave him something. All I had was some oatmeal I bought at the store.

Agitated, he told me to run in the other direction. I don't think I'll be going outside for a while.

I am at a loss for words

2009-05-22T11:24:00.000-07:00

Now this is a proper summer blockbuster

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

Acceptance

2009-05-06T23:05:00.000-07:00

Things did not work out between L and I. We will not be together anymore. I may not like this, but I accept it, it is time to move on. Maybe in a few years we can work on being friends.

I will be staying in Chicago, and starting a new job, and attending classes so I can finish a degree. I will always love her, and will not be saying anything negative or demeaning about her, but I will hold my head up high, and work through my pain.

My new guide.

2009-05-06T22:55:00.000-07:00

http://gettingpastyourpast.wordpress.com/2007/06/29/the-emotions-of-grief-during-a-breakup/

Nightmares and Art

2009-05-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

The Nightmares

I've been plagued with nightmares recently, and I've taken it upon myself to put these nightmares down on paper. I have named each entity which plagues my mind when I close my eyes.

All were drawn on a large sketch pad (I don't have the exact dimensions with me), I used a black sharpie, a red dry erase marker, and finally a black Pilot G-2 Ink pen, when I ran out of ink on the sharpie

(Click on the Images for Full Size)

Self Deprecation

Paranoia

Anger

Fear

Insomnia's Watch Under Construction

2009-05-04T16:28:00.001-07:00

Editing my Site today, to make it easier to Navigate, and a little more professional.

Tell me what you think. I put forums on it... because everyone loves forums.

Also my goals are almost complete. The hard part is the waiting on my Uncle Sam.

New Lord of the Rings Fan Movie.

2009-05-04T15:04:00.000-07:00

Trailer for the upcoming 40-minute short The Hunt for Gollum

THE HUNT FOR GOLLUM - FULL Trailer 1 from Independent Online Cinema on Vimeo.

New Website for Me!

2009-05-03T17:50:00.000-07:00

Was having trouble with posting poetry and short stories (and keeping track of them) to blogspot. So I simply made a website to post them all. Give them a read, and tell me what you think.

http://insomniaswatch.weebly.com/

The funny thing is, I can look back and tell who inspired the work.

EDIT: I will continue to update this blog with my daily... err weekly adventures.

The Chicago Move: Day: uhhh... I lost track.

2009-05-02T22:57:00.000-07:00

Got the Stomach flu pretty bad, but I'm better now. I'll update more tomorrow.

Not Quite Done, But a Hell of a Lot Better.

2009-04-14T23:10:00.000-07:00

I've been off the grid for 40 days. I gave up a lot of things for Lent, and most of them I will never do again, and some I can't wait to do again.

I have picked myself up, and cleaned myself off. I have done a lot of work on myself, trying to fix what was wrong. I'm not perfect yet, but I'm getting there.

Problems Solved, and Lessons Learned
1. I've had 6 fillings, and 4 Wisdom teeth removed. I learned the lessons of proper oral hygiene and that procrastination comes at a high cost. I have not had a migraine since my teeth have been fixed. Also family members have commented on how my teeth have gotten whiter (I'm glad I'm not the only one who has noticed).

2. I've worked on my work situation. I was spoon fed a lie from my family for so long that I believed it myself. All I'm waiting on now is a new Tax ID # from the IRS. They said it should take 8-12 weeks, and it's been 5 so far. Once again if I hadn't procrastinated this would've been over with years ago.

3. Self-Awareness. I've had some time to look at myself, and the type of man I am. I have been surrounded by friends, who've offered me wise council in the past, and I've ignored... much to my detriment. I will weigh the opinions of my friends more heavily, for they speak with experience.

I no longer use myself as the butt of jokes. There are plenty of things in the world to make fun of besides myself. Self deprecation is not funny, it is actually kind of sad.

I'm still working on my urge to apologize for things beyond my control. I'm getting better, but I'm not there yet... so bear with me on that.

4. Relationships. I've realized that I was a crummy boyfriend to L. I pretty much sponged her love and support, and did not trust her decisions enough. While I cannot go back and change the past, I still hope for the chance to try again in the future. She changed my life in ways that most people cannot imagine, and I will always love her. It took me losing her to realize how I've squandered my life. I'm on the right path... I can only hope to catch up to her someday.

5. Books/Movies. While it is cathartic to sit back and enjoy a shlocky book or movie, I have grown restless. I want to see the art of the world, I want to read the works of the masters, I want to see the best actors painting a picture with subtle gestures and well timed monologues...

I'm headed back to Chicago on Wednesday April 15th, my future is uncertain, but it looks like I'm headed in the right direction. If you are in the area come say "hi." I'll be in a museum more than likely, or at the library reading. Or email me. MattStearman@gmail.com

-Matt

Work while Waiting for Work

2009-03-30T18:17:00.000-07:00

http://www.insomniaswatch.blogspot.com/

Tell me what you think. I am going to flood this blog with my writing. Enjoy. I will update everyone on my life when I crawl myself back to Chicago. If I have to hitchhike my way up there, I will.

“If you are going through hell, keep going.”

2009-03-30T09:25:00.001-07:00

Picture of the Day

2009-02-21T19:44:00.001-08:00

It was only a matter of time until I found a Star Trek reference in this city. This one was on a Bus I took tonight.

Stand Off in Logan Square

2009-02-20T23:05:00.000-08:00

Update from the Stearmanian News Desk (aka the third table from the door at Sol Del Sur, the only restaurant open at 1:38 am in Logan Square):

I was on my way home today when I discovered the area around my apartment blocked off by the Chicago Police. 20+ Patrol cars, SWAT vans, and a multitude of random emergency vehicles. I tried to get home by walking around the area, but the Police had every alley and side street patrolled by officers for four blocks in all directions.

After unsuccessfully attempting to sneak my way home (apparently the Chicago Police are trained in Anti-Ninja Tactics) and failing a bluff check on why I didn't have an ID of my current apartment address, I ended up walking back to the Walgreen's by Fullerton and Kimball, and talking to the numerous spectators. There were tons of rumors, from a crazed gunman, to gang members, to a hostage situation.

After a while, of freezing and visiting the Walgreen's a couple times I went on an impromptu tour of the city, with my laptop and camera in tow. I got as far as Myopic Bookstore, a strange dimension where my cellphone gets the best reception of anywhere in this city. I looked for a couple Woody Allen books that were recomended to me, but I couldn't find them, so I decided to head home.

Since I still don't have Wifi at home I stopped in to this restaurant and pirated some wifi from "Megan Connely's Macbook" so I could inform you of this situation. I need to pay the check and head out of here, so I can get some sleep. I have to wake up early, for a convention that L. recommended to me. I'll update again afterwards.

Here's an excerpt from the Sun-Times to fill you in on the whole story. The photos that follow were taken by yours truly. Enjoy.

Lisa Stigall, public information officer from the Wheat Ridge, Co. police department, said deceased man is Tyler James Martin, a man who fatally shot his ex in Colorado on Tuesday and fled to Illinois.

Stigall said Chicago Police discovered Martin dead of an apparent gunshot wound in the residence about 7:30 p.m.

Martin never got farther into the building than the vestibule. He was found slumped against a wall with two handguns in each hand. He reportedly threw away one handgun before entering the vestibule, the source said.

District police chased him on foot before he ran into the building, the source said. Once in the building, officers attempted to speak with him over a PA system.

Residents of the apartment were escorted from the building after Martin ran inside, the source said.

"The residence does belong to a family member of Martin's," Stigall said. The suspect's vehicle was also located nearby.

The Cook County Medical Examiner's office had an investigator on scene of the apparent suicide at 10 p.m., a spokesman said. They confirmed his identity late Friday.

Police had their Hostage-Barricade-Terrorist team on the scene for several hours Friday night.

Martin, 36, allegedly shot his ex-girlfriend to death about 10 p.m. Tuesday after following her in his vehicle and attempting to run her off the road, according to police in Wheat Ridge, Col. The suburb is about ten miles outside of Denver.

The chase caused Amber Kathleen Cremeens, 34, of Denver, to crash her car. Martin then exited his vehicle, approached her and fired multiple shots into her vehicle at close range, police said.

I attempted to go around the entire event, and discovered a CTA bus being used as a roadblock.

Fox News Link
Chicago Sun-Times Link

Update: Headed to Florida on Feb 24th

2009-02-17T18:31:00.000-08:00

Quick Update: Headed Back to Florida to get my wisdom teeth taken out, and get a couple family issues taken care of, so I can come back to Chicago with a clean bill of health, and impress the people I care about with my progress in life.

P.S. Once I get a Stable WiFi connection, I will upload more photos and more fun stuff. See you all later, and feel free to write/call/comment.

Looking for WiFi in all the Wrong Places

2009-02-14T14:46:00.001-08:00

My neighbors decided to stop broadcasting an unsecured WiFi signal, so I'm forced to visit the city for a connection to the internet.

Besides the Public Library, and Starbucks, does anyone have any suggestions on good places to go, to leech some quality WiFi?

(I'll post more later, the library is closing :( )

To My Only (Chicago Based) Reader

2009-02-13T03:59:00.000-08:00

I will always love you.

The Gray, Black, and Greyish: Episode 2: Attack of the Color-Blind Manual

2009-02-08T13:55:00.000-08:00

Since Blogspot won't let me post more than 5 photos at a time, I needed to break this into 2 parts. Let the photo spread continue!

6. Once I got the solar panels built, this thing is starting to come together!

7. Got one panel on... One to Go!

8. All Done! What do you think?

So what do you think? The Cockpit opens up to reveal a little Darth Vader.

(P.S. I'm gonna take it apart so I can put it together with someone else. It's always more fun with 2 people)

The Gray, Black, and Greyish: Episode 1: The Bricky Menace

2009-02-08T07:43:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I got a couple great gifts, everything from really cool mugs, a leatherbound thesaurus, a nerf gun, and the LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader TIE Fighter (I know I'm leaving off the pedia-lite flavored gatorade, sorry :P)

So I rushed... ok so "rushed" is a bad word, let me just get my... damn! I left the thesaurus with L. Oh well. Back on point. When I got home, I fixed myself a sandwich, broke open the box and pieces, and got to work.

I just have to say, building LEGO's became an exact science since the last time I played with them (which has only been about a month).

Here is Part 1 of my attempt to build a LEGO TIE Fighter. (Click the Pics to make them bigger)

1. Here it is in the box

2. Here is the brightly colored LEGO assortment on the floor... the manual makes it easy to understand which on the 3 grays you are supposed to put together next.

3. By now, I was starting to wonder if the guys who made the manual were just pulling my leg.

4. Now it is starting to come together... what was I building again?

5. Now I remember. I was building a Moon.

New Star Trek Movie Trailers

2009-02-05T12:11:00.001-08:00

I wonder what Gene Roddenberry would think of this.

"Old Spock" Trailer

"Superbowl" Trailer

The Superbowl

2009-02-03T03:34:00.000-08:00

I didn't watch 1 minute of it. For the 1st time in recent memory, I didn't even care to check to see who won. From what I hear, the commercials were bad too.

If it weren't for my Xbox 360 and some unopened games I got for Christmas gathering dust over at L's place, I wouldn't have the urge to to even get a TV.

There is so much to do with life besides sitting around and watching something you don't like for 4 hours just so you can see if there were any good commercials... ugh. Count me out.

Song of the Week: I'm gonna Be (500 Miles)

2009-02-01T05:43:00.000-08:00

I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)
The Proclaimers

Something tells me that all MP3 players should come with this song installed. There has never been a better walking song.

When i wake up yeah i know i'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who wakes up next to you
When i go out yeah i know i'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who goes along with you

If i get drunk yes i know i'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who gets drunk next to you
And if i haver yeah i know i'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who's havering to you

But i would walk 500 miles
And i would walk 500 more
Just to be the man who walked 5,000 miles
To fall down at your door

When i'm working yes i know i'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who's working hard for you
And when the money comes in for the work i'll do
I'll pass almost every penny on to you

When i come home yeah i know i'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who comes back home to you
And if i grow old well i know i'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who's growing old with you

But i would walk 500 miles
And i would walk 500 more
Just to be the man who walked 5,000 miles
To fall down at your door

When i'm lonely well i know i'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man whose lonely without you
When i'm dreaming well i know i'm gonna dream
I'm gonna dream about the time when i'm with you.

When i go out yeah i know i'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who goes along with you
When i come home yes i know i'm gonna be,
I'm gonna, be the man who comes back home with you
I'm gonna be the man who's coming home with you

But i would walk 500 miles
And i would walk 500 more
Just to be the man who walked 5,000 miles
To fall down at your door

But i would walk 500 miles
And i would walk 500 more
Just to be the man who walked 5,000 miles
To fall down at your door

The Chicago Move: Day: 152

2009-02-01T02:04:00.000-08:00

EDIT: Sorry about not finishing my earlier post, but I was in the middle of a self realization nightmare and I had to escape, before it was too late.

My Internet (actually, it belongs to the people in the building who so graciously leave their WiFi unsecured for me to use) stopped working late Thursday night, and left me without the Internet for all of Friday (which in retrospect was a good thing).

Knowing that I get 2 billion emails from my mother a day, I packed up my laptop and headed out early Saturday morning in search of a WiFi hotspot. Sadly, the only place I could find was a Starbucks.

So, I ordered a brick that looked like a brownie, and sat down and fired up the laptop.

That's when it happened.

I looked around at the other patrons, and then at myself. We were wearing the same thing. I didn't realize my dress when I left the house in a rush this morning. It hit me like a ton of bricks, I was an unshaven 20 something with messy hair, and wearing tight jeans, a scarf tucked into a sweatshirt, sitting in a Starbucks and writing a blog on my laptop.

I almost died of fright. I was a hipster.

I picked up my Ammo Bag (Ok, so L. calls it what it is, it's a man purse), tossed my Laptop into my other bag and ran away.

I'm home now, and I can use the internet if I sit in the stairwell. It is kinda cold out here, but it's worth it.

The Chicago Move: Day: 148

2009-01-28T07:44:00.000-08:00

I was headed out late (due to sleeping through the day) and thought to myself that I should get a pizza. I called L. and asked her if she wanted one, she declined, and I walked to the Little Caesars that was just down the street.

When I got there the employees had apparently decided to close early. So, I hopped the #82 bus and went to the one place that is always open (Unlike some 24 Hour restaurants that just say 24 Hours and then close when you try and show the place off) Dunkin' Donuts.

Sure, it is not the greatest place in the world, but you can get an egg bagel that is warm. Or so I thought. I got off the bus and waltzed into the shop. I got up to the front counter and asked for an egg sandwich. The guy behind the counter informed me that they don't sell egg sandwiches at Dunkin' Donuts. I pointed to the item on the giant menu behind him, and he informed me that the menu is wrong (I guess I had imagined eating one from this same Dunkin' Donuts the day before). At this moment in my life I was too cold and too hungry to get into an argument with the clerk at 10:30pm. So I ordered a plain bagel with creme cheese, a French Cruller, and a Boston Creme donut.

I paid the man, sat down and ate most of the bagel, the Boston Creme, and about half of the French Cruller. What I didn't eat, I tossed in the bag for later. I put my gloves and hat on, noticing that I had somehow gotten creme cheese on my right glove, and headed out the door to the bus stop.

It was probably a little after 11pm, and there were plenty of people waiting for the bus across the street at the Belmont EL stop. So I wasn't worried about crime. I felt relatively safe, plus I'd done this route a million times before. As I sat and waited for the bus, I put the bag by my feet. Just then, I noticed some guy running around the corner. I assumed he was a jogger of some sort.

As the jogger ran past me, he snatched my bag! I stood up and said "Hey!" but he kept on running with his prize. I thought about running after him or calling the police, but the bus arrived, and I got on. I was kinda freaked out. I was robbed on the mean streets of Chicago. I sat down, and thought about the surprise that he will get when he opens my bag, and finds a half eaten French Cruller and a bite of Plain Bagel with creme cheese.

It just seems so odd.

Burrito Found

2009-01-26T19:06:00.000-08:00

That had to have been one really big burrito.

I guess Pigeons take the Train.

2009-01-24T21:55:00.000-08:00

Just noticed a small flock of pigeons all huddled together under the warmers at the Clark/Lake train terminal. As I took the photo, I couldn't help but wonder if they were going home for the evening, or headed out for a night on the town.

click photo for full size

But where do the Customers Park?

2009-01-24T21:33:00.000-08:00

Just a photo I took tonight. The sign is on the corner of Palmer and Kimball Ave. Enjoy!

click photo for full size

Movie of the Week: A Dog's Breakfast

2009-01-24T02:45:00.000-08:00

It took me a while to find a legit copy of this film to share with you all. So here is the David Hewlett (from Stargate Atlantis) vehicle... "A Dog's Breakfast."

See how many familiar faces from Stargate SG1/Stargate Atlantis you can find, and tell me what you think of it.

Song of the Week: What is Love?

2009-01-24T01:57:00.000-08:00

What is Love?
Haddaway

I know what you are thinking, why did he pick this song? Easy, this is my "Anti-Horror Movie Song." No matter how spooked you feel, you turn this song on, and start bobbing your head. Within a few beats all feelings of dread will have evaporated.

Which reminds me, I need to put this back on my iPod... or someone's Zune.

What is love?
Oh baby, don't hurt me
Don't hurt me no more
Oh, baby don't hurt me
Don't hurt me no more

What is love?
Yeah

Oh, I don't know why you're not there
I give you my love, but you don't care
So what is right and what is wrong
Gimme a sign

What is love?
Oh baby, don't hurt me
Don't hurt me no more
What is love?
Oh baby, don't hurt me
Don't hurt me no more

Whoa whoa whoa, oooh oooh
Whoa whoa whoa, oooh oooh

Oh, I don't know, what can I do
What else can I say, it's up to you
I know we're one, just me and you
I can't go on

What is love?
Oh baby, don't hurt me
Don't hurt me no more
What is love?
Oh baby, don't hurt me
Don't hurt me no more

Whoa whoa whoa, oooh oooh
Whoa whoa whoa, oooh oooh

What is love, oooh, oooh, oooh
What is love, oooh, oooh, oooh

What is love?
Oh baby, don't hurt me
Don't hurt me no more

Don't hurt me
Don't hurt me

I want no other, no other lover
This is your life, our time
When we are together, I need you forever
Is it love?

What is love?
Oh baby, don't hurt me
Don't hurt me no more
What is love?
Oh baby, don't hurt me
Don't hurt me no more (oooh, oooh)

What is love?
Oh baby, don't hurt me
Don't hurt me no more
What is love?
Oh baby, don't hurt me
Don't hurt me no more (oooh, oooh)

What is love?

The Chicago Move: Day 139

2009-01-20T15:24:00.000-08:00

I've been getting very little sleep lately. I have been plagued by the same nightmare for almost a week.

When I woke up today, I wrote down all the details I could remember. Here it is.

I'm running through the snow at night, while oily black dogs with crab pincers for heads chase after me. I can see other people being chased, and running in all directions. I recognize a house of someone I feel safe with and I run to the door. I can open the door but I cannot cross the threshold, and it is only a matter of time before the creatures catch me and drag me back into the street. Once they have you back on the street they don't attack, just standing guard.

I finally run down a blind ally, where a voice calls to me to climb a ladder. It is a red and metal step ladder that is taller than most buildings. I climb and climb, and finally reach an opening in the darkness. It is a small red room, where I hear the voice tell me something I can't remember.

And then I wake up.

The Chicago Move: Day 138

2009-01-19T13:32:00.001-08:00

Wow, I normally don't cuss that much, but this site makes me want to.

No Cussing

Music Video of the Week: Mad Max (Ace of Spades)

2009-01-17T10:51:00.000-08:00

This week, the video is a compilation of scenes from the Mad Max Trilogy, to the song Ace of Spades, by Motorhead.

If you like to gamble, I tell you I'm your man
You win some, lose some, it's -all- the same to me
The pleasure is to play, it makes no difference what you say
I don't share your greed, the only card I need is
The Ace Of Spades
The Ace Of Spades
Alright

Playing for the high one, dancing with the devil,
Going with the flow, it's all a game to me,
Seven or Eleven, snake eyes watching you,
Double up or quit, double stakes or splits,
The Ace Of Spades
The Ace Of Spades

You know I'm born to lose, and gambling's for fools,
But that's the way I like it babe,
I don't wanna live forever,
And Don't Forget The Joker

Pushing up the ante, I know you've got to see me,
Read 'em and weep, the dead man's hand again,
I see it in your eyes, take one look and die,
The only thing you see, you know it's gonna be,
The Ace Of Spades
The Ace Of Spades

The Chicago Move: Day 135

2009-01-16T04:53:00.000-08:00

Nothing like sleeping through Day 134 (Thursday). Maybe Day 135 (Friday) holds more in store for me.

Song of the Week: Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye

2009-01-16T02:23:00.000-08:00

Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye
The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem

I couldn't find the lyrics to this version, so the ones below are the original, grabbed from the Wikipedia Entry on the song, and then edited as best I could to match.

While on the road to sweet Athy, hurroo, hurroo
While on the road to sweet Athy, hurroo, hurroo
While goin' the road to sweet Athy
A stick in the hand and a drop in me eye
A doleful damsel I heard cry,
Johnny I hardly knew ye.

With your guns and drums and drums and guns, hurroo, hurroo
With your guns and drums and drums and guns, hurroo, hurroo
With your guns and drums and drums and guns
The enemy nearly slew ye
Oh my darling dear, Ye look so queer
Johnny I hardly knew ye.

Where are the eyes that look so mild, hurroo, hurroo
Where are the eyes that look so mild, hurroo, hurroo
Where are the eyes that look so mild
When my poor heart you first beguiled?
Why did ye skedaddle from me and the child?
Oh Johnny, I hardly knew ye.

Where are the legs with which you run, hurroo, hurroo
Where are the legs with which you run, hurroo, hurroo
Where are the legs with which you run
When first you went to carry a gun
Indeed your dancing days are done
Oh Johnny, I hardly knew ye.

Ye haven't an arm, ye haven't a leg, hurroo, hurroo
Ye haven't an arm, ye haven't a leg, hurroo, hurroo
Ye haven't an arm, ye haven't a leg,
Ye're an armless, boneless, chickenless egg,
Ye'll have to be put with a bowl to beg,
Oh Johnny I hardly knew ye.

I'm happy for to see ye home, hurroo, hurroo
I'm happy for to see ye home, hurroo, hurroo
I'm happy for to see ye home
All from the island of Ceylon
So low in flesh, so high in the bone
Oh Johnny I hardly knew ye.

With your guns and drums and drums and guns, hurroo, hurroo
With your guns and drums and drums and guns, hurroo, hurroo
With your guns and drums and drums and guns
The enemy never slew ye
Oh my darling dear, Ye look so queer
Johnny I hardly knew ye.

The Chicago Move: Day: 133

2009-01-15T04:01:00.001-08:00

(I know it is officially day 134, but I'm talking about day 133.)

I've realized something about Chicago. The most entertaining people in this city ride the bus.

Today I was headed home from our local game store (where I was re-teaching some people how to play 40k) down Kimball (Bus Route 82 I think) and was enjoying the fact that I didn't have to walk the many miles in the gloriously warm blizzard, when we picked up a woman just after the Brown Line Transfer stop.

The woman put a dollar in the machine and then proceeded to head to a seat. The bus driver stopped her, and told her to pay the rest of the fare (2.25 total). She informed the bus driver that she only had to pay 1 dollar to ride the bus, and that "all the other bus drivers only make her pay a dollar." As you can imagine, that went over really well with the bus driver.

The bus driver told the woman that she either needed to pay the fare or get off the bus. The woman responded that she had already paid her dollar, and would not get off the bus. The bus driver threatened to call the police on the woman, if she did not leave.

At this point, a good Samaritan appeared and offered to pay the remainder of her fare. In all my days I have never seen such literal hatred and contempt drip from the eyes of the other passengers on that bus. If looks could kill, he would've been dead and buried within moments. The poor bastard didn't stand a chance, and didn't make it even near the front of the bus, before he decided it was in his best interest to not press forward.

So, we sat. Door open, not at a stop... waiting for the police to arrive. The bus driver at this point was starting to make enemies since she wouldn't let other people get off the bus, since we were not at a stop. She did tell us that another bus would be coming along and that we could take that one the rest of the way.

To make a long story short(er) the other bus finally got there, and we started to board it. The "dollar woman" started to follow and attempted to get onto our new bus. Fortunately the police finally appeared (probably 30 minutes after this all started to tell you the truth) and took the woman back to their car to have a "discussion" with her.

All in all, it was an interesting ride (still, not as good as the guy who told me who he would step on to escape the bus if he had to... while pointing at the people in question... good times). I was able to get home, have a wonderful dinner made for me, and enjoy some excellent company before going to sleep for the night. Even after all the mess on the bus earlier, it actually turned out to be a great day .

The Chicago Move: Update: New Computer

2009-01-06T20:17:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone, I got a new Asus Laptop. Now I can lose my password and not update my blog from anywhere in Chicago!

The Chicago Move: DAY:124

2009-01-06T00:45:00.000-08:00

OK, so I missed a couple days (err... months.) since my last update. This time, my email addy is tied into this account, so I can't lose either of them, without being really screwed.

Let's see if I can bring you all up to speed.

I'm living in Chicago. This is not a trip, a vacation, or a sabbatical. This is an attempt to change my life for the better... albeit a colder better.

I might have stumbled out of the gate, but I have some goals I am working on to make myself better, and in turn improve my chances of living a happy and productive life.

I plan on getting a job soon, and soon after going back to school. I used to have little faith in higher learning, but time has shown me the folly of my ways. The world is quite limited to someone with only a high school diploma.

Actually, "limited" does not begin to cover it. Embarrassing is closer to the truth. I honestly feel embarrassed when confronted with people who have their masters and doctorates. I may be smarter than them, but they have the credentials to prove to the world, that they have the willpower and the stamina to continue with their education, and stick it out, where as I folded and quit.

Beyond that, I want it. Hell, I'll take an A.S. degree at this point. I want something. I want to prove to myself that I can take a step in the right direction. And when I get that degree, I want a B.S. degree next, and so forth, until I am satisfied.

With a better education, I believe I can become a better writer. I have the ideas, I have the basics, but I lack the polish I need to excel.

So, overall intrepid readers... here are my top 10 goals for 2009... in no particular order.
1. Learn to dance, and go dancing .
2. Learn to love myself.
3. Respect others wishes.
4. Respect myself.
5. Get a job.
6. Go back to school.
7. Bring my car to Chicago.
8. Realize what's important in life, and seek it out.
9. Expand my circle of friends in this town.
10. Love, and be loved.

Someone Lost his Password Again

2008-10-07T08:32:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure about today, but I will post an update tomorrow.

The Chicago Move: Day 7: (Has it been a week already?)

2008-09-08T12:42:00.000-07:00

Well its 2:42 pm on Monday... I still have yet to find my way to a GW Store. But I have found another Game store called "Black Sun Games" which is supposed to be closer to me. It's a little late in the day to head out, so I will start early tomorrow morning.

On another note... why I decided to bring nothing but B-Movies with me, has proven to be a "Not-so-good" Idea. I really need to see something better than Robot Jox... I wonder if there are any decent video stores around here.

The Chicago Move: DAY: 6 (Good Morning)

2008-09-07T07:56:00.000-07:00

Its 10am, I've gone for a run this morning, and I'm going to head to the GW Store and see what it looks like.

Laura should have the evening off, so I will try to coerce her into letting me cook for her or take her out for dinner.

The Chicago Movc: DAY 5: (Migraine)

2008-09-06T20:46:00.000-07:00

Well kids, I got a migraine today, and slept right through the day.

So now I'm awake, its 11:49 at night, and I'm watching Gymkata.

I'll let you draw your own conclusions.

The Chicago Move: DAY: 5 (Running)

2008-09-06T10:36:00.001-07:00

Broke out my running shoes and went for a jog today. Feels good to run around... even if I'm just running around a couple blocks.

Anyone in the Chicago area know any good places to run/jog/walk?

The Chicago Move: DAYS: 3-5

2008-09-06T10:27:00.000-07:00

Wow, I can't believe how time is flying buy... It's already Saturday afternoon. So far everything is going according to plan (Not my plan, mind you).

I hope to have employment by the end of the week... and I've found some great restaurants/events I need to attend in the coming weeks ahead.

If anyone has any suggestions feel free to contact me. I'm always looking for new ideas.

The Chicago Move: DAY 2: (Movie Question)

2008-09-03T18:45:00.001-07:00

Combining the DVD's I left up here, with the ones I brought up here now... I have a slim collection of high (low) quality video entertainment. Besides these gems, can you think off any essentials that I need to add to my collection.

1. Aliens
2. Beowulf (the Christopher Lambert version)
3. The Crimson Rivers
4. The Crimson Rivers 2: Angels of the Apocalypse
5. Firefox
6. Flash Gordon
7. Gymkata
8. The Island
9. Manos: the Hands of Fate (MST3K)
10. Robot Jox
11. Roughnecks: the Starship Troopers Chronicles (TV Series)
12. Space Battleship Yamato: The Movie
13. Zatoichi

Not exactly the best of the best, but most of them are enjoyable in that "so bad, it's good" type of way.

The Chicago Move: DAY 2

2008-09-03T18:37:00.000-07:00

This time I made the plane (early for once), and had a nice peaceful flight to Midway Airport in Chicago.

I learned the joy of dragging multiple bags through the airport, and meeting a really nice taxi cab driver who believed everything to be a conspiracy.

Laura ordered a pizza (strangely this pizza driver came to the door, instead of sitting in the street, waiting for the second coming), and gave me the rundown on everything.

So far, I've unpacked my luggage... made a bed to sleep in, put my books/movies on a shelf, hung up some clothes, and kicked back to watch Zatoichi.

I'll post some pictures of my room tomorrow, until then, I have to try and figure out how to hook a XBOX 360 into a really old TV.

The Chicago Move: DAY 1

2008-09-02T11:51:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, I live in an episode of I Love Lucy and the have failed to leave for Chicago. I am set to leave on September 3rd in the morning.

For those of you making plans for me to visit you, and I am supposed to arrive by plane allow me to arrive one day later... this will be the 3rd plane I've missed this year.

Hopefully the adventure will start tomorrow.

Not Quite Elliot Ness

2008-04-03T07:12:00.000-07:00

So, I've got the Plane ticket, iPod, Gaming Stuff... now... what am I forgetting? Oh yeah, clothes.

Anyone know what the dress code for Chicago is in April?

Back Online

2008-04-03T05:27:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Jess for figuring out my password. Now I can post again... as if anyone was really reading this. :P

I'm going to use this as a travelogue for my Trip to Chicago, and my photos I upload to Flickr and MySpace.

I will continue to post random bits of well... randomness, until I forget that I have a blog... again.

The Links to my Flickr and MySpace Pages.
MySpace
Flickr

Star Trek: Dallas Edition

2007-11-16T07:13:00.000-08:00

Dating Crazy People

2007-11-15T12:39:00.000-08:00

As you kids know I have a penchant for girls in glasses (aka the nerdier the better) and girls who look like they are ready to hit the ren-faire circuit (aka crazy people)... so when the combination of the two walked into my life I lept upon (not literally... well, not totally literally) her.

She was a nice girl with a few (Ok, A lot) minor annoyances (and by annoyances I mean I'd rather be sexually assaulted by a moose). She was very opinionated (which I like) but she was also dumber than an empty sack (the Hammers were lost in transit).

Case in Point.

We go to this overly artsy (way overpriced) vegan induced nightmare of a restaurant for breakfast. I was unaware of that little tidbit... which I was soon illuminated by the fact that most of waitstaff and my date looked at me like I asked for a small child to be sacrificed on my plate in front of me, when I asked about eggs.

Oh yes, the man who would gladly shove Al Gore into a rocket ship and shoot him through the growing smaller and smaller every day hole in the ozone layer, was in vegan hell.

A restaurant that's open for breakfast and doesn't have anything breakfast related on the menu (Tofu is not a viable option for me at 7:30 AM)... so I got a rock that was shaped like a bagel, and some "butter" that tasted like a wallpaper paste.

But enough about the restaurant... the girl... her name was Autumn with a "Y" where the "Y" goes I have no friggen clue... (By the way our host was Matthew spelled Matheux, i kid you not)... and she had some very valid (I saw this once on TV, so its gotta be true) points about the world at large... but she was living in a magical fantasy world that not only rivals my own, but has absorbed a good portion of Middle-Earth, Narnia, and Larry Niven's Disc World.

After a while I realized that I was not truly involved in a conversation, but I was in a strange Rod Serling inspired psychological experiment. Did you know that Sea Cows (aka manatees) used to live on the land, but were forced into the ocean by over farming and cutting down the rain forest? (I wish I was making this up)... but overfishing of the oceans has forced them to live in streams and rivers? Did you know that tidbit?

For over an hour I listen'd to stories about the environment and the people that are ruining it... I felt less like a date and more like a soundboard that she was bouncing her ideas off of.

In the end, I noticed something, when I was about to make a beeline for the bathroom and attempt to escape through the sewer system... I noticed she was wearing leather shoes... in fact a lot of the waitstaff were wearing leather shoes... (eggs = the food of Hitler, but cows make good shoes)

After I returned from the restroom (which had no toliet paper... none, zip, zero, zilch.... just a pile of white cloths and a hamper of used cloth next to it... Thank God, I didn't really need to use the bathroom) I confronted her on the whole cow shoes thing... while my waiter who misspelled my name like his... (I guess the "hew" in Matthew is oppressive to the "hewish" community Roll Eyes ) was picking up my credit card (guess that plastic is still good enough for them)

They both looked at me, like one would look at a mentally retarded kitten... and she said... and I quote.... "They're not made of Cows, Silly... They're made of LEATHER."

And then my Brain Imploded.

I tried to speak and explain what leather was, but I had the feeling that no one would be able to hear me... since I was speaking from the nether dimension called "reality."

She went off to work, and I went on my merry way...

I expect her call...

What Oh Great Internet Community Shall I do Next?

Nothing Screams Epic Like this...

2007-10-31T11:45:00.000-07:00

Well... its Either Epic... Or Crap... I Can't Decide.

I don't remember the Tardis Having a Head....

2007-10-30T10:57:00.001-07:00

TARDIS
Originally uploaded by avitable

Well, I stumbled into another Halloween Photo...

Next time, I'll pick something non-Stargate related to dress as... Apparently there were 3 people who knew who I was...

I had fun nevertheless...

Flickr

2007-10-30T10:55:00.001-07:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

हेल्लो?

2007-10-30T10:51:00.001-07:00

Anyone Out There?

I've decided to turn this blog thingie back on... where I shall ramble incessently and make up words that almost sound plausible.

If anyone stumbles across this, I'm going to apologize in advance... I have a very chaotic life that rivals any Lifetime Movie... only I don't have an angry ex who's trying to kill me... I'll try to work on that...

Meanwhile, I'll keep you up to date on all the random events that make up my life.