The lament of a slacking blogger…. September 11, 2009

Wow! I cant believe that it has been about a month since I last updated you all on my life out here in HI! Ive been busy with the end of summer classes and visitors from the mainland, and now the beginning of the Fall semester! In fact Im really tired, and its now 1:45am as im finally updating my blog. So lets begin…

Summer classes went really well. My grades overall were satisfactory, even though I would have loved a higher grade in Cold War, but alas my brain had turned to much after 6 hours a week of flat out discussions on Sino-Soviet relations by the end, and my participation within the class dropped in relation to my brain failing me….so I deserved the grade I recieved. While I loved that class it was a tough go cramming it all in in a matter of weeks rather then months. Oh well, it was my last ever Summer class at HPU. So kinda sad too.

As my summer came to an end, Jessie and Bobby came out for a visit. I dont think I have done that much island traveling tourist trap touring since I first moved out here. But it was fun, and Jessie got to experience first hand the evil that is my stairs, while I got to embarrass myself on stage at a Luau. All in all, i think they had fun, and I was exhausted by the time they left. Visitors wear me out! And i have 2 more to come while im in class this fall. At least their only requests involve another luau and just general fun. And of course I will probably end up looking like a lobster yet again. Heck Im still peeling from 2 weeks ago!

Now fall classes are in and I have already spent one night out drinking with classmates and professors, and will be vernturing out yet again tomorrow. I cant believe im going to say this, but im kinda partied out! Can I please just chill for awhile?!   I know it wont happen this week or next week, seeing as how they have all decided that since next week I am turning 29, they have all decided that I must have a “massive” celebration for my last birthday in my 20s. I just want to sleep! But then again, I think that would be the desire of any insomniac like myself!

Well I have definately gained some really great friends out here, and have spent countless hours doing random things with them. For example, spending multiple hours looking at Halloween costume ideas with Selina…I have decided to go as a bleeding heart this year. At least the costume will be simple! Im all about simple. I was debating between mobster, zombie, vampire, parrot, stick figure, an anorexic (yes the irony!), the cowardly lion, a flapper, and much much more, but then I had the genious idea of the bleeding heart and my mind is set. All I need now is my pashmina (hint hint Rich!) and my attire will be complete!

Well I am off to relax and try and sleep although I know I will fail miserably at that!

Later!

Rockets in Hawaii, the battle for Harry, and some Genki Sushi goodness! July 11, 2009

Well today was a nice day out. Selina and I headed over to Genki Sushi for lunch and of course had fun selecting our meals off the Sushi Merry-Go-Round…aka the Sushi conveyor belt. I think every restaurant should do that! Its kinda fun to sit and watch the one item no one wants circle around the restaurant, feeling all rejected…in this case it was the tofu…suchi tofu just doesnt sound appealing to me! And after being stuffed to the brim with sushi, we ventured Ala Moana and I was introduced to the likes of Betsey Johnson, et al…For someone who is as worldly as me, I am apparently a fashion idiot, because 1/2 the stores were new to me! And of course this is probably partly blamed on the fact that I grew up in BFE Ohio…literally its BFE or aka Miseryburg.  The best moment though had to be the Japanese Cowboy Hula dance that I oh so cleverly happened to catch on video…so if you want to see it head on over to my Facebook because for some reason the video doesnt like my blog! And after a nice day of window shopping, and falling in love with a Coach purse that is like $900, we satiated out sadness of not being able to afford anything with a stopover at Liliha Bakery for some Coco Puffs…which are da’bomb brah!  Sadly this is the extent of my social life at the moment. My days are spent reading…and not for fun either…

Hmmm…who said a a girl cant split up two gay guys…well at least two gay penguins that is…at the San Fransisco Zoo, two male penguins,(Harry and Pepper) who have been together since 2003 were home wrecked by a female penguin(Linda)…and now the couple is no more…Apparently the controversy even turned ugly at one point.  My only concern about this news is that of all the zoos in the world, the gay penguins are from San Fran…stereotype much?

Hmm…maybe the Hawaii economy will become even more stable in the future…cause right now the only stable sectors are the DoD contracts! But there are a few out there who envision Hawaii as being the next gen tourist destination, the place where people come high-end getaways, including someday being launched from the sand to the stars, taking island-hopping to new heights. The issues at hand are whether or not the state governor will agree to the funds for a spaceport…but for me the greater concern is that this whole idea was dreamt up by some one in Oklahoma! Has ever been to HI? Infrastrucutre isnt the best here, and Im gonna guess that since they are planning on using existing runwys on Oahu and the Big Island that Infrastructure will be key! Oh well, let the dreamers dream, cause Im definately a dreamer too….

Ahhh…finally a google search that actually hints at me! “naked body art metallic bodypaint”….although Im not sure where or when I blogged about anyof that but somehow I can see myself doing it!

Later!

Discrimination, stupidity, and embracing differences June 19, 2009

Well this weekend is my 10th High School Reunion…and I am gladly half way around the world from where the events are taking place. Im sure Ill hear all kinds of news soon enough, but Im not sure that Im all that upset about missing it. Im actually rather glad to be where I am and working on my MA. Cause that means I will soon be elsewhere…preferably back in Africa!  But too all those Burg Alum out there…have fun and harrass Stella for me! I hear Ryan already has!

I think its sad that when running for office or being nominated and appointed to an office…someone is forced to give up things that are no apparent hinderance on performance all because someone makes a big deal out of it. In case you havent pieced together where this little rant is going…im talking about Sotomayer quiting the womans club that she belongs too because the GOP says that it practices discrimination. Um…how many all male cigar clubs are there out there? And Im going to go out on a limb that some clubs that GOP officials are members in discriminate more then an all womens club.  Justice Kennedy also faced similar pressures about being a member of an all male Olympic Club when he was confirmed and he too resigned from it because of his nomination. For a country that is diverse, we place too much emphasis on discrimination and those differences…when will we move past this stupidity and let people be who they are for what they are, whether you agree with them or not. If this was a case where being a member would impact job performance then I could understand, but as far as Im aware…hanging out with other women and organizing events doesnt mean you cant rule on legal issues…it just means you have a social life. Heck I wonder if there are any lawyers who attend Pampered Chef parties and whether the local courts would question their ability to serve.  My advice ….Get over it!

Has anyone else watched Whale Wars on Animal Planet?! I cant decide if I enjoy the show or if Im actually just hooked while I watch some crazy, unplanning, uncoorinated efforts to intervene fail miserably or decisions lead them into stupid situations (ice anyone?!) While I agree that Japan is manipulating the Whaling laws to their advantage…I dont agree that these environmental crazies are the equivalent to Al-Queda which is how many Japanese see them. I actually couldnt help but laugh at their direct action tactics involving stink bombs. Im not sure how stink bombs will stop whaling but Im sure it smells to high heaven on that one Japanese ship now.  The thing I find the most disturbing about it is the environmentalists lack of compassion for human life.  Several are almost cold at the news of death.  Yes whales are creatures worth saving, but how are you going to save them if everyone is dead? Theres a fine line that needs to be walked between hating and respecting your enemy and they are failing to do so.

Ok Im done with my rants for the night…

Later!

Happy King Kamehemeha Day! June 11, 2009

Well day 2 back in Hawaii and the weather continues to be hot…although there was a little wind today. My days activities: woke up, cleaned the house…it was kinda gross, watched Family Guy with the roomies, read and wrote for class …soo much fun!, watched Josh continuous die while he tried to take down a cartel with Erik in the video game, and had a visit from a friend. Selina got to find out the hardway that I wasnt lying about my stairs! I know. I lead such an exciting life! Its so much fun living in Hawaii! Wait this is stuff I would be doing whereever I lived…Damn!

Also today ws King Kamehemeha Day..so Happy King Kamehemeha Day to everyone!  I love that local schools are closed for random Royal holidays here in HI. I think that every school kid should want to live in HI cause there are alot of days off due to randomness like this. Yes there can be an arguement made for living in the Midwest, and for snow days, etc…but here you can get off for weather too…its called flooding! Not nearly as fun as the snow though!

My bubble of reality was burst last night by landlord.  Here I was thinking that riding the rails was a mainland dream of mind, only to find out I can ride the rails here on Oahu too. Of course its all like 5 miles of track. But Hawaii has a railway!

I read an artilce today about the best cities for singles to live. Number 1 was Boulder CO, but Honolulu was in the top 25, and was noted as the best for gay/lesbian singles. Stella I think if there was a volcano here for you, then this would be your dream spot! j/k…

And a bit of randomness for today…apparently a teen diagnosed herself in science class. Yes, after all those doctors visits no one could find anything wrong with her. And one day in science class she was looking at her own intestinal tissue (how and why she had it im not sure) she discovered a granuloma and is now being treated for Crohns disease. Im sure her teacher felt all sorts of pride that her student was smarter then any doctor in the area. Actually thats frightening.

Later!

St Pattys Day, Honolulu Style March 17, 2009

Me

Bree, Selina, and me

Selina and me

Well I had another eventful St Pattys Day….and again my “colors” came out.  oh how I misses thsi time of year. The evening started at Indigos with Selina where we drank our happy hour martinis and drank some Jager. We are soulmates because we are both Jager addicts. Eventually we made our way to the block party and Murphys, where we did more Jager and started our beer run. I definately had plenty to drink!  I gotta say, Irish Kevins will always be a mianstay for my St Pattys Day celebrations, but the Honolulu Block Party was definately a blast!  I got to meet all kinds of people, and got guys to show me their nipples  for once (for beads).  All in all it was a good night!  Im exhausted, and tired, but I had fun!

Things I noticed tonight…Some people d0nt follow the St Pattys Day trend (ie: Ramona and her attempts to be ethnic).  I also saw a guy wearing egyptian style head gear. Not sure what that had to do with St. Patrick, but then again, what does green beer and drunkeness have to do with it either?!  Regardless, I got to listen to some good live music, drink some Guiness, and even ran into my old roomies Charlie and Kim with their little one Kai.  Yes they brought the new baby to a St Pattys Day block party!  Gotta love em!

I posted a few pics, and now im off to bed…

Later!

My new housemate, anti-bird rant, and what to do with a head March 10, 2009

Well oddities are a common thing in my life, I embrace randomness, but I think its reached a new level. We have a ghost living in our house…Josh thinks its an old surfer dude who has a scraggly beard, but for me its a bunch of shaddows making up no form. Random things happen, random noises are heard, and we wake up at odd hours of the morning for no reason (well maybe for me its insomnia)…but Josh is set on the ghost theory.  We are currently looking for names for our new housemate. Any ideas let me know!

The winds have been ahowlin’ today. No rain, but lots of noisy wind to keep me from sleeping this morning. Add the presence of the chickens, and some random bird who I think is looking for a mate. thease are just a few things on the list of things that I am finding annoying today.  I am really not a fan of birds…I dont have a fear, but am just generally annoyed by them, but this isnt a new thing either, Im just noticing it more since in Hawaii the walls and windows are paper thin, and definately dont block out noise.

Um, so a friend has tried Pilsburys new cinnamon rolls with chocolate icing. I am sceptical because for me, although a normal food adventure junky, chocolate icing on cinnamon rolls is a violation of all things sacred about the ooey gooey goodness.  it should have normal icing, not chocolate!  And I love chocolate, but even I dont think my stomach could stomach it!

Well ive always wondered what  happens when the Mexican Cartels beheaded someone.  I mean, where does the head go?  What do you do with a head?  I guess you could always bury it under a rose bush, but that seems cliche. You could always give it to Colbert to use as Abe Lincolns ghost, but he already has one. Hmm..its a predicament….oh wait, you can put them in ice chests, cause God knows thats the most creative place to put a head!  But in all seriousness, thats exactly what they did. Instead of leaving the bodies, they took the bodies and left the heads with the victims eyes taped shut.  Well identification was made easy, but cause of death is going to be a bitch!

Later!

Win a private Island, Sci-fi becomes reality, and crazy football days March 5, 2009

I blogged a few nights ago about locing one of my buddies, and tonight was a bitter sweet night, in that Xavier beat UD…he would have been so happy!

I just found out that Flogging Molly is coming to Pipeline Cafe in April!! I so want to go…and have some Drunken Lullabies…

Ive been following the offseason of football, and its craziness!  The Pats let Cassle go for a 2nd round pick?  TJ left Cincy?  The Brownies sent Kellen to Parcells?  Wow…but the oddest off season moves so far has to be with Dallas.  I can understand releasing TO…I mean he is drama filled, whiner, who wants it his way and not the teams way, but releasing Williams?!  Seriously!?  I know he wanted out but you just lost a good safety!  Im so confused by this offseasons tradings and team decisions..we’ll have to see how it all pans out after draft day.

I just found out today that there was a military coup in Bangladesh i which soldiers turned on the officers and dismembered them, stuffint the remains in sewers and manholes.  One of my classmates works at PAYCOM and is dealing with the situation, but it took some digging to find any published news on the crisis…thats just sad…over 70 are dead.

Looks like my concern over the Sudanese President ordering all aid agencies to leave Sudan and the potential fall out was right on target.  Im not the only one who is seeing the crisis worsen before it gets better.  The ICC better come up with some might behind all the talk…so to speak.

Is the age of Battlestar Gallactica coming faster then we thought?  Are we looking for another place to live?  NASA has a telescope that will be looking for more Earth-like Planets in the universe. This is kinda cool, but its ringing total sci-fi right now too!  A little BSG, Firefly, and even Stargate…wow…I knew I loved sci-fi, but the reality is kinda cool too!

LOL..you gotta love Taipei. In a move to increase economic spending and travel, they held a raffle for the right to use an uninhabited tropical island. Sounds sweet right!  I wouldnt mind having my on island to relax on…for awhile anyways (id prob get more island fever). The funny thing is that the winner is a 4 year old boy! How is a 4 year old suppose to boost the economy, let alone understand that he won an island!? Oh well…

Well im off to twitter…im addicted to that too…

Later!

Stupid thieves, War of Asparagus, and foshizzle for Islam March 1, 2009

Well I spent last night at Bonsai talking to professors and fellow DMS peeps, and had a good time.  It was nice to see everyone outside of class, and of course to talk to some of my favorite profs.  Somehow, for some reason, ive become the Africa expert in the DMS program…gee I wonder why! And while I hung out at Bonsai, most of my friends went to see Jimmy Buffet.  I wasnt really into paying for the concert..now if it had been Tori I so would have been there!!!

Well the US has pledged $300 million to Gaza…its nise to see someone supporting the Palestinians inside the US government!

Snoop Dogg appeared at a Nation of Islam conference in support of the movement…Im just wondering if “foshizzle” will be incorporated into their lingo anytime soon!

Well the UN has been in Cyprus for along time now, and there is no end in sight.  The peacekeepers have been involved in all kinds of situations there, but Im somehow betting their current standoff with the locals is kinda unexpected.  They are at war over asparagus. Apparently the veggie is growing in a neutral zone, and UN peacekeepers occupy that territory and wont grant settlers access to harvest the veggie.  Hmm…the War of Asparagus…has a nice ring to it!

How come thiefs always make the news..well at least the stupid ones do.  The latest in a long line of stupid thieves is a man from Australia who locked himself into the car he was trying to steal.  How is that possible?!  Even the new high-tech ones cant do that!  Oh well, I guess where there is stupidity, theres a way.

Random google search of the day that led to my blog…”fear of tsunamis”  Im glad to see Im not the only one out there that has this irrational fear!

Well off to read some more on the Algerian War….

Later!

In loving memory of a friend…. February 28, 2009

Ocho Cino and one of his antics

Well its been a long week, and it ended on a rough note.  I found out my football APSI buddy passed away from cancer, and now im sad.  We wont be able to have another Packer/Cincy party and thats depressing.  I wish I was able to go home for the funeral, but alas its too far and too expensive, and grad school is getting in the way, so ill mourn from afar. The sad thing is that I will never get to hear him say that “we should move Chad Johnson to Dayton…we should move the Cincinnati Bengals to Dayton” and I will never get to say “I dont thing Daytons ready for Chad.”  So in memory of him, tonights picture is of the problem causing, outlandish Ocho Cinco.

Tonight blog will be short and sweet.  I dont have much to say after this, sorry I havent blogged lately, but Ill step it up!

Later!

 

 

My new hobby, whats in a name, and child soldiers February 18, 2009

Ive been quite bored this week.  I should be reading and working on papers, but motivation has been lacking.  Dont worry, Ill get them done, but I really need something to keep my mind focused.  I need a new hobby, or at least something odd to keep my mind occupied.  So I have decided after tonights class that becoming a corpse would be a fun way to spend the time.  No, Im not talking about killing myself.  Im talking about being a corpse. About volunteering to take place in a disaster exercise playing the role of the dead.  Apparently there is some lightning strike exercise coming up that is a big disaster preparedness exercise on the island and Bree and I wnat to be corpses.  Yes we are disturbed….but in a good way!

In case you missed it Blackwater has decided that they need to change somethings since their image has been tainted by the war in Iraq.  Wanna know how they are changing?  How about the name.  They will now be known as XE.  Thats it…no substance changes, just cosmetic.  Wonder if the Iraqi government will allow XE to get a contract?

When you are playing with your buddy and you are acting like commandos, or some other miltary guys, and you are running around the neighborhood playing, make sure you dont actually look so realistic that it ends in a major police operation.  Apparently two German kids were playing and were thought to be members of some elite german military group, and caused the neighbors to panic and call the cops.  Now I wonder how in the world some idiots thought 2 kids looked like military members?! Wow, I want some of that realistic gear to play with!

Sorry I havent blogged, but although Ive been bored, Ive also been lacking motivation for almost anything….(besides egg hunts)….Im trying to refocus..the corpse gig helped…a little.

Later!