I forgot what Fridays feel like
I had to put a bandaid around my finger because I've been biting my nails so much. I obsessive compulsively bite my nails when I'm stressed and I don't realize it until I have done it so much that my fingers hurt. The stressed is induced by school and probably that fact that I'll be applying to colleges soon.
It's much harder to relax than it was in the summer, but my classes don't seem too intiminating. Well, everything except AP Computer Science. My lack of learning C++ last year has caught up with me I guess. That and I don't have a decent version of CodeWarrior so I can't really program when I'm not in the class. I e-mailed Mr. Paley a couple hours ago about a newer version that resembles the IDE that we have in class. Maybe he can get me one for free or cheap or something. If that works out I'll stop using my PowerMac 7300 running MacOS 8.1 and switch to the iMac in Kaija's room (I'd move it to my room) which uses MacOS 9.1 and hopefully is capable of handling a version of CodeWarrior which isn't six years old.
Besides my other AP class (AB Calc) my classes seem harmless... Biotech, Holocaust, Mythology, and Physics. The seven period days which make up the first week of school are really tiring; I'm so tired right now.
Monday, August 26, 2002
"[1/5/2002 7:09:01 PM | Noah ]
Bio Day
[snip stuff about The Royal Tenenbaums and not studying Bio]
...
Do you ever faint? I'm not much of a fainter. In fact, I can't remember a time in my life where I fainted from being shocked. I guess things aren't that surprising too me, yet. Later in life I predict I will be shocked (for example someone yelling "BOO!" at me when I turn a corner) and instead of fainting I will have a fatal heart attack. I wonder what fainting is like."
Well, now I know what fainting is like, and I can thank stupidity for that.
I was in my hallway and I kicked the air in front of me, lifting my leg to the height of my chest. Unfortunately, I was wearing socks; my back foot slipped, and I lost my balance. I fell and landed on my knee and hand while scraping my chin on a large plastic box. After being on the ground for a couple seconds, I quickly got up, went into my room and touched my chin. Since there was then blood on my hand, I went to the bathroom and called for my mom. She brought bandaids and neosporin and put one on my hand that had been cut by the fall. Soon I started feeling dizzy and the next thing I knew I was on the ground, still in the bathroom. I didn't know why until my mom told me I had fainted for about five seconds. She said she thought I was just joking (pretending to fall) until I just leaned forward too much and hit the lamp, breaking the lampshade, at which point she grabbed me by the shirt and tried to lessen the force of my fall.
It was pretty weird afterward as I sat on the ground not knowing what had happened. I couldn't breathe easily and it was hard to talk. Also, my hands or legs started shaking every now and then and I was covered in sweat.
Aha, so that's what fainting and then regaining consciousness is like. I think I'll go lie down now. And thus ends the stage in my life where I can run and jump around the house without thinking of the brain damaging consequences.
Noah - 8:05 PM - 6 comments
Sunday, August 25, 2002
Hey.
I haven't slept in my room for about a week. The noise that the racoons living in my ceiling make is ridiculous. They squeal and scratch every second of the night and the day. Nobody in my family has done anything other than theorize how we could get them the fuck out of the space between the ceiling and the roof. I think the best plan is to put a trap next to the hole in the chiminey (that's how they got in there) and simply wait until they exit (which they must do because they need food and water to live) at which point I will beat their fucking brains out with a shovel. Nobody in my family (except me) wants them to die, and that's why the trapping plan is the best one. OK, now we need some traps...
I haven't been doing much since summer school ended except find ways to kill time. I actually worked a considerable amount on the Calc packet (summer math homework) and I'm a couple problems away from finishing it. The real problem is that I have no idea how to do these couple problems. The plan was originally to meet up with Amanda today (well, yesterday) but she was in Cupertino and was busy. What peeves me is that the plan was her plan. I guess it doesn't matter because there was another plan to finish the few remaining problems with Nathan (hopefully we don't have the same problems left) when he gets back from his canoeing trip which incoveniently is the day before the start of school.
I'm pretty anxious about the beginning of school, mostly because I'm curious about my classes. I really don't know what most of the classes I signed up for are about, much less who is teaching them, but I think it's "too late" to check because the counselors are fuckheads.
Anyway, last year was one of my better years at Gunn. That is, it didn't suck as much as the two years prior to it. I have regrets about last year though. Procrastinating on everything and not paying attention in class makes me feel guilty, but I think I got a little carried away with being lazy. For example, I didn't read a single book in English. Instead, I read the sparknotes.com version of the book about an hour before the class where we were supposed to be ready and talk about the book. I was reminded by this when I saw Brave New World on the sci-fi channel last night. Leonard Nimoy as Mustapha Mond? Waaah?
Err, I have other regrets. I should have slept more on school nights. I need more than three or four hours of sleep to function properly whether I like it or not. I guess that is a result of being young. I was incapable of waking up in the morning which caused me to sleep in and then have to get ready for school, while mostly asleep, in a couple minutes at which point I would stumble to my dad's car and fall asleep again. When my morning was like that, not falling asleep during classes was extremely challenging and painfully tiring.
Also, I should never have asked anyone which score they got on any assignment, project, test, etc., under any circumstance. It's just stupid. It only adds to the competition that is already expanding to the point where it becomes completely unnecessary. Essentially, it ruins school.
I had some other things to add but I can't remember any right now. I lost track of time and it seems like only 10 minutes ago that my dad told me that I should go to bed to which I replied, "It's only 11:30 and it's a SUMMER WEEKEND." But I guess it doesn't do much to prepare me for waking up early next week for school.
I'm in my room now and for some reason, the racoons have momentarily stopped their terrifyingly loud screaming. I better fall asleep while they're still dead.
Noah - 4:20 AM - 4 comments
Wednesday, August 21, 2002
This is the part of summer where I think, "Damn, I'm bored. It's time to do math homework," and then post that same thought onto my blog.
Thursday, August 15, 2002
The Results Are In
Okay, so I have nothing better to do (at this time of the day) than take these tests and post the results. Here we go:
My Lucky Number is... Eight!
"There're three ways of doing things around here," the Boss says. "My way, my way, and sometimes it's okay to do it my way." To paraphrase He-Man: You have the power! Yes, Number 8, like a Sears DieHard battery, you are all about power�acquiring it, using it, and sharing it. Well, maybe not sharing it, but definitely acquiring it. You are a natural leader, but since you have to crack a few eggs to make an omelet, don't be surprised if your popularity fluctuates like a NASDAQ ticker. If things don't go your way, get ready, it's tantrum time. Your desire to control situations certainly bodes well for ascending the ranks at work, but ladders turn to chutes when you step on the wrong toes. It's your close friends who see through the hot air, and they're usually the only ones who will stand toe-to-toe with you and call you on it. It's good to be king, and with that declaration can come all the excesses of power. Tone it down a little, Bosses. Lower the volume, check your speed, share your time, and for Pete's sake, learn to compromise. Your biggest challenge, like those faced by fellow 8s, Al Capone, Barbara Walters, and Muhammad Ali, might be developing a sense of what your power can do for oth-ers.
My theme song is... Back in Black!
You're a hard-core guy who knows what he wants and intends to get it. That's why your theme song is "Back in Black." Whether you're pumping iron, shooting pick-up hoops, or rounding up the boys for a night of havoc, AC/DC's metal classic is the perfect tune to get you fired up and blow your speakers out in the process. Your friends might think you're a little reckless sometimes, but you know where the limit is. If you're the loudest one in the room, or spill someone's drink with a fearless air guitar, it's nothing to be ashamed of. What's fun without a little mayhem thrown into the mix? So grab something leather, play drums on your desk, and yell at the moon. You've got some hell to raise and head banging to do. Let "Back in Black" accompany you to the edge and back.
Yeah! Raise hell! While this doesn't seem descriptive of how I act in reality, Back in Black is among the possible songs that may go through my head as I stare at someone who is explaining something to me, nodding my head everytime they pause to make it seem like I'm paying attention. For now I'll take the advice that the magical results gave me and listen to Back in Black while I take the rest of the tests.
For the Identity test I got... medium for everything. I'm not going to bother to read the results on my own, so there is no point in posting them here. "The five dimensions in this model [gave] a complete description of [my] personality traits: Openness to Experience, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness and Negative Emotionality." Yeah, so I got medium in them all.
What's my type?... I'm a Goofball
You are one lucky Goofball. Why? It's a known fact that laughter is the way to any girl's heart, and a great sense of humor is your defining quality. Not only can you make other folks laugh, but you can laugh at yourself � there's no bigger turn-off than a guy who takes himself too seriously. Your lighthearted attitude reveals how comfortable you feel about yourself. Women dig that kind of self-confidence and security. Face it, you're a people magnet � everyone's favorite friend. There's never a dull moment with you nearby. Excitement and laughter are what you bring to the lives around you, and it makes everything a little bit brighter, which is no small thing. After all, life is too short to spend it without a smile.
Heh... Goofball. One thing pops into my mind when I think of that:
My TRUE color is... Brown!
You're brown, a credible, stable color that's reminiscent of fine wood, rich leather, and wistful melancholy. Most likely, you're a logical, practical person ruled more by your head than your heart. With your inquisitive mind and insatiable curiosity, you're probably a great problem solver. And you always gather all of the facts before coming to a timely, informed decision. Easily intrigued, you're constantly finding new ways to challenge your mind, whether it's by reading the newspaper, playing a trivia game, or composing a piece of music. Brown is an impartial, neutral color, which means you tend to see the difference between fact and opinion easily and are open to many points of view. Trustworthy and steady, you really are a brown at heart.
Brown at heart? That can't be good. Neeext!
Which breed of dog am I? (Okay, this is my last one, I promise...)
Basset Hound
No bones about it, you're a friendly, easy-going Basset Hound. Laid-back and very low-maintenance, "down time" is your favorite activity � you treasure the moments when you don't have anything on your agenda except plopping down on the couch for a night of "Must-See TV." Although you're always gunning for low-key evenings, you're really a pretty social pup and a snap to get along with. Sure, some folks might misinterpret your relaxed attitude and lifestyle as laziness, but those who really know you think your no-frills approach to life is refreshing. No daily planner? No itinerary for the evening? No problem! Woof.
Yeah! I'm not lazy! I'm just... sleeeep... *collapses*
Noah - 2:22 AM - 2 comments
Did you know?
Did you know?
You are an indispensable equalizer amongst the various groups that
comprise your life. You feel that the spotlight and center stage were made
for other people to act out their fantasies.
Did you know?
People who have strong verbal ability can often pick up on the subtle
meanings behind what others' say and write.
Noah, you're an Observer!
When I get bored, I take tests.. not legitiment tests, but those crappy online tests. According to eMode.com I'm an Observer (duh):
Your personality is actually determined by two personality sub-types � your primary, or dominant sub-type, and your secondary sub-type. You are an Observer which means you are a Discreet / Golden. Your primary sub-type is defined by "Discreet" characteristics and your secondary sub-type is defined by "Golden" characteristics.
That means you're even keel and don't care about drawing attention to yourself. Chances are you're more than willing to sit back and simply go with the flow. You're a born mediator and get along in most situations by relying on your unusually sensitive intuition.
How do we know all this? How do we know that you're probably not into serious soul searching? How could we have divined that at a party, you prefer to sit on the couch and watch the spectacle instead of being an active participant?
Because while you were taking the test, you answered four different types of questions � questions that measured confidence, apprehension, willingness to take risks, and your focus on experience versus appearance � the primary traits that determine your personality. Based on your responses, we determined your personality type, Observer.
And that's just scratching the surface.... blah blah blah, pay 15 bucks to get a 10 page PhD certified Personality Report that says what we just told you except with bigger words which your simple mind cannot possibly comprehend.
The results makes sense, considering that I was at least partially awake while I took the test. My father once told me that life is a parade, and you can be either someone who's in that parade or a spectator. I never really liked parades.
I took another test to determine my TRUE talent considering that I don't believe I have any other than being able to say the alphabet backwards faster than I can say it forwards.
Noah, your true talent is verbal ability (waaaaahh?)
You seem to know how to pick the right words for almost every occasion. Beyond your ability to interpret information and articulate your points, you appear to understand the power and aesthetic appeal behind language. Your verbal knowledge can make you versatile in expressing yourself. And your skills in this arena also allow you to pick up subtle meanings behind what people say.
These specialized communication skills can be of huge value in a variety of business and social environments.
How do we know that your true talent is verbal ability? While you were taking the test, we calculated your responses to each test question, and noticed that, relative to others, you consistently answered questions that measure verbal ability correctly.
See your responses and get the correct answers to every test question. Order your True Talent Report for only $14.95 now.
Oh boy, that couldn't be further from the truth... or COULD it? The test essentially consisted of simple math problems, analogies with very basic words (like water::island, wax::candle, etc.), obvious logic problems, and finally which-one-is-the-most-different problems with both words and pictures. Time for more tests.
Thursday, August 08, 2002
We apologize for the inconvenience
Damnit! I left my pillow in the Motel 6 in Arcata. Maybe that is a good thing though, considering that I probably forgot something much more important, but instead of worrying about the unknown important item I worry about a trivial pillow in a cheap pillow case.
It really says something about a county when they are best known for weed. The county that I'm refering to is Humboldt, which I ventured to with my family to visit my sister on her birthday and to get away from the house for a period of time. We left early--before noon--on Friday, leaving Little Guy--the family cat--alone with several bowls of food and water placed around the house. I brought with me the usual: clothes, a pillow, reading material... well that's about it. I made sure to bring the Douglas Adams books that I hadn't finished, which were the third through fifth of the Hitchhiker's Guide series.
We drove in a rented four-seater instead of a mini-van like the one we used on our trip to LA. I actually read a considerable amount on the way there, unlike the LA trip. Other than that there was nothing particularly unusual on the trip to Arcata except a small area concentrated with thousands upon thousands of people with cars and tents, walking around and blocking the road. Apparently they were there for Reggae by the River, or something... some concert. Damn hippies.
In Arcata, we checked into a Motel 6 and were soon visited by Mia and Dana. Later we watched Amelie at their apartment, and eventually returned to the Motel 6 where my mom was waiting for Kaija and I with her door slightly ajar. Curious. Night time at Motel 6 is a fascinating event. The light from outside illuminates the rugged corners of the dust covered curtains. The ululation of laughs of the okies outside fills each room along with the smoke from their cigarettes. The elephant-like stomping from the room above vibrates the ceiling, walls, and bed. Also, the snoring of people who know they snore, yet do not realize they are snoring at the moment, destroys any chance of falling asleep as it continues constantly throughout the night. Damn okies.
The next day we went to a very cold and windy beach for about twenty minutes, then we went for a walk in a foresty beach cliff area. We didn't go down to the beach there because that would mean having to walk all the way back up. We did, however, go out onto a rock that perfectly resembled a platteau. That was pretty much the outing on that day, but the day after we went on a long hike in Arcata. Our hike resembled a figure eight on the map, allowing us to hike for a long time and arrive back in our original location--where the car was--without having to hike in a place we had already been before. It was tiring yet fun, because I had a ton of energy that day.
The final day-for 3/4 of us out-of-towners--involved celebrating Mia's birthday by ditching Kaija--leaving her with Mia and Dana for the next several days--and heading back home. This was the part where I forgot my pillow in the Motel 6 room. It's funny though, because I remember thinking to myself, "Hmm, I could use a pillow for my back," while we were stopped at the grocery store, down the street from Motel 6, getting ready to leave Arcata. Yet since I'm lazy I figured, "Naah, the pillow must be in the trunk, and getting it would involve getting out of the car," so I didn't take action.
On the way home I saw two things of interest: 1) a pick-up losing the majority of its cargo on the freeway because the driver idiotically tried to hold all his possessions in place by using a tarp, and 2) the start of a large fire climbing over the wall of the freeway near the Central San Rafael off-ramp. Other than that the trip home for me just consisted of reading, as I finished the third and fourth books in the Hitchhiker's Guide series and started the third. No offense to Alia and Scott, but the trip to Humboldt was much better than the trip to LA.
Back at the house, Little Guy seemed to be okay as he was probably scared to death--thankfully not literally--in the absence of humans for four days. When we arrived home we apparently were just in time for the beginning of a heat wave that has continued these past couple of days in a malicious attempt to destroy my plans. I figured that since school starts in 19 days, it would be beneficial for me--in the long-run--to make the next 19 days as unpleasant as possible, so school doesn't seem as malevolently torturing. The plan would have worked if it weren't for the heat and the fact that I'm very lazy. Well, I guess I have another 18 days to try to make miserable.
Noah - 9:31 PM - 18 comments
