29 February 2004

RAW Choice Cut: Kanye West - "Home"

I've been told that a lot of the time when I write these things, the songs and lyrics I choose tear away more layers than anything I write. Good observation. I choose these things for a reason.

"I'm just tryin' to find a decent melody. A song that I can sing." - U2
I had a friend of mine tell me that I've been writing a lot. She's an observant one. There's not a lot of stuff on my mind. Just the same few thoughts/feelings that sneak up occasionally. Sometimes they're stronger than other times. Just depends on how much will power I have at the moment.

"The Air element of Gemini brings communication, intellect and speed! This is one of the joy- of-life signs, one that reaches out, expands and expresses. Gemini is an inquisitive student with a quick grasp of subjects. Mutable motivation brings adaptability. This is wonderful because variety-loving Gemini needs change. A flexible personality ensures that Gemini can connect with others. Gemini's active energy can go too far, and then Gemini has a hard time finding the right direction. Members of this sign needs a countervailing force of stability. The desire to communicate quickly and rapidly benefits when tempered by receptivity. Then not only can the Twins speak, they can listen in return -- and complete the circuit! Balance comes from slowing down, listening, and learning the fine art of follow-through!"

I really don't know why I wanted to know this all the sudden (or why I totally neglected my Taurus side). Just felt that maybe it would answer some questions in a fun little way. It answered a few questions, but mostly it gives me an excuse for reasoning as to why I treat myself as two different people sometimes. Maybe everyone should check out their profiles for their horoscope. Just for shits and giggles.

"If at first you don't succeed, you can dust it off and try again." - Aaliyah
I was talking to a friend of mind last night. Now she probably won't remember this conversation cause she was a little "well off." Anyways, we brought up some good points. A lot of times, good people get the shaft in the relationship department. Bad relationships, both people not pulling their weight, being treated awfully, etc. Now why it may not seem fair at times, just chalk it up to paying your dues. We all have to do it at some point and time. If you lucked up the first time, do you really know how great a person is? Something really can't be called good unless there's some type of bad to compare it to. A lot of times it takes spending time/energy/effort on someone you don't want to realize the type of person you need.

"Lying in my bed I hear the clock tick…caught up in circles, confusion is nothing new"
- Cyndi Lauper
Time is so cruel. It slows down for no one. It speeds up for no one. Sometimes it acts a prison, other times it's a utopia. The worst part about it is that you can't go back in it to redo things and you can't go forward to see what happens next. I'm such a dreamer. This I know.

"Your head and your heart are two extremely complex things. When they work together, beautiful things happen. When they don't, you end up second guessing yourself a lot. If your head is into something but your heart isn't, you really could give two shits about whether something gets done or not. If your heart is into something but your head isn't, you usually end up [feeling] like a damn fool before you realize what you've done."
- T_Piddy, 1/14/2002

Or in some cases, what you didn't do. I write all this stuff, yet time and time again, I fail to actually read it. At least until it's too late. Sure as hell would have answered a lot of questions for me lately.

"Says she wants to dance to a different groove. You know what to do G, just Bust-A-Move."
- Young MC
Sometimes a clueless third party is what you need to validate ideas floating around in your head. Sometimes you can't tell if you're just being crazy or if other folks see things the same way you do. Sometimes a good "that's a good idea," "you should take that job," "the two of ya'll are made for each other," "no, don't eat that," or a "maybe winging it is the best option" is all you need to hear just to ease your mind.

"I never thought missing children could be so sexy. Did I say that out loud?"
- Bloodhound Gang
Since I have the space to do so… Running Gags that have definitely gotten out of hand:

· I don't like girls in wheelchairs. I mean, I don't not like them - but its not like I'm going to go out of my way to find one. Talk about things you could do w/ a wheelchair ramp and some good breaks and you're some type of weirdo.

· I don't want a girl under the age of 17. See above reasoning. Okay, actually don't see that one. My sister is 16. I really don't want to date any of her friends anytime soon. Maybe when she's 20, cause then I'll be 24 ;-) And considering I don't think I've ever liked a girl younger than me, I'm really confused as to how this came about. Oh yeah, one Hillary Duff comment too many… Oh well. I'd still drink her ba [Okay, that's enough. This is what got you in trouble the first time]

"I'm gonna be strong, I'm gonna be fine, don't worry about this heart of mine."
- Ace of Base
I'm a big believer in the Boomerang Effect. The whole "When the time just isn't right for something, let it go. If it's meant for you, it'll come back." I can't say have anywhere I want to go with that, just felt like expressing that. It might make sense to some people, but to most, it probably won't.

"You say it best when you say nothing at all" - Allison Krauss
(That's 2 country music quotes in 2 postings. I definitely gotta fix that.)
Looking back on this thing, I think I just wrote a bunch of nothing. Once again, leaving the important things to worry about later. I need to actually start keeping a physical journal. I could express so much more that way. Maybe if I worked on not being an attention whore and I could actually pull that off :-P

24 February 2004

RAW Choice Cut: Depeche Mode - "Somebody"

Terence: And you're here why?
T_Piddy: Nice to see you again too. Welcome back.
Terence: Once again, why are you around?
T_Piddy: Considering I'm your better half, you should be happy to see me.
Terence: Better half? That's debatable… Anyways, why are you here?
T_Piddy: Geesh, tough crowd. See if I hang out with you anymore.
Terence: Well considering the last few times you showed up, that might be a good thing.
T_Piddy: Anyways… How about we do this one together?
Terence: What's in it for me?
T_Piddy: Umm… Fair-skinned white women?
Terence: But I like Hispanic women.
T_Piddy: No, I like Hispanic women.
Terence: Oh yeah. Good point. Okay, deal.
T_Piddy: Better be a deal. Especially after that punk ass song you chose...

"Don't speak, I know just what you're saying, so please stop explaining." - No Doubt
You know what really irks people more than anything, people that speak to them only when they have a problem. They talk your ear off about what's going wrong with them, what's going to happen next, what could happen, etc., etc. Then when they're done, they leave. No small talk, no catching up, no nothing. And don't try to come to them with a problem. There's probably an 80% chance you're going to get cut off mid-sentence with a story about how your situation is "just like" what they're going through. Then to make matters worse, two weeks later, you're now one of their problems? Why? Because you're not talking to them. Well shit, its not like you ever were saying anything before - only difference is now there's no warm body for them to talk to.

"I like talking about you, usually, but occasionally I wanna talk about me." - Toby Keith
Ya know, as much as I appreciate being an "adult," there are some things I miss from being a kid. If I had to pick one thing it would probably be getting picked up from school. Why? Well mom would come pick me up, get me all buckled up and ask me "how was your day?" Now I'm sure for a three year old, this can't be too interesting of a story, but she did it anyways. Cool thing was this continued until I graduated high school (well minus her buckling me in). After a while my sister and I were "conditioned" to this and then after a while we caught on to asking how her day went. It's a nice return gesture to show people you actually care about them. Weird thing now is, I still ask everyone how thing's are going - cause everyone likes talking about their day.

------------------------------------------
Since I finally saw "A Bronx Tale" in its entirety, I decided I could comment on it now. It's a good flick. It's no Ghostbusters or anything, but good nonetheless. Anyways, it had some good theories/tests in it. And after the success of the Ladder and Thanksgiving Theories (EAP Final), I figured I'd toss this one out for ya'll. Now for damn near everyone, this is old stuff but I know of a lot of people I've had to tell it to, so here goes:

"Alright, listen to me. You pull up right where she lives, right? Before you get outta the car, you lock both doors. Then, get outta the car, you walk over to her. You bring her over to the car. Dig out the key, put it in the lock and open the door for her. Then you let her get in. Then you close the door. Then you walk around the back of the car and look through the rear window. If she doesn't reach over and lift up that button so that you can get in: dump her… Listen to me, kid. If she doesn't reach over and lift up that button so that you can get in, that means she's a selfish broad and only sees the tip of the iceberg. You dump her and you dump her fast."

Now fellas, in order for this to work, it takes a little bit of being a gentleman first off. I know that's like pulling teeth for some of us, but think about it - "The lock button is judge and jury, presiding over the Door Test like a Roman emperor watching gladiators, indicating a broad's success or failure with a mechanical thumbs-up or thumbs-down."
----------------------------------------

"A whole new world. Every turn a surprise with new horizons to pursue."
- Aladdin & Jasmine

College is one of the weirdest rollercoaster rides ever. You get on, lost and confused. You don't have the slightest idea of what is going to happen next. After a year, you're now a "college expert." You have everything figured out and life is good. You have your clique. You have your routine. This utopia lasts for about 2 years or so. Then as you come to the end of your ride and you're about get off, you realize something - you're just as lost as your were when you started. You may have an idea as to what comes next, but nothing is written in stone. Jobs, living arrangements, money, friends - all these become variables once again. And for a little while you're really concerned. But after a while you realize, you've played this game before. The things you're the most afraid of will eventually become some of your greatest learning experiences. If you think about it, how much fun would life be to live if you knew everything that was going to happen next?

Random Thought: Has anyone else noticed that John Kerry looks a lot like Guy Smiley from Sesame Street?

Random Comment: Your true friends know the song to your heart and sing it back to you when you forgot the words.

Guy Mode On

Terence: Whoa, this ain't an EAP son.
T_Piddy: I'm pretending it is. T_PIDDY 4EVA!!!!!
Terence: *shakeshead*

-----------------------------------
If there's one thing I've learned as of late it's that ice-skating is DEFINITELY a sport for white people. I mean its fun and all, but black people play basketball for a reason. I'm not saying this to be funny, I'm saying this because ice is hard and cold. And considering we (Chad and Eric, I'm looking at you two) fall a lot more than white folk, I think I have significant data to back this up. On the plus side, after two weeks of sliding around on thin-ass blades, I can now "skate" without the assistance of the wall or anyone other than myself. Still can't get up after a spill tho. Oh well.

Perfect measurements for a girl: 36-24-48. Yes, 48 inches. Now I have no clue what 48 inches looks like, but I've seen 42. And that's not bad at all. An extra 6 inches can only be a good thing.
-----------------------------------

Terence: *sigh* First off, this is why you like Hispanic women. Second, its comments like that that keep me from drinking. If its not one thing to get me in trouble, its another. I can almost feel her hitting me for that one.

T_Piddy: You can thank me later :-)

16 February 2004

RAW Choice Cut: A.F.I. - "Silver and Cold"

Well Terence decided to take this one off. He picked the song then said he had something to handle. Oh well… Looks like Piddy gets to take this one over. (Or basically I wanted to write an EAP w/o really doing so.)

"And you don't want to lose it again, but I'm not like them." - *nSync
As always, I've used this space to hand out awards to various folks. It's my space, I can do shit like that. First up, I'd like to thank my girl Michele. She's been good to me lately - not any one particular thing, just in general. And for her, that's like pulling teeth. Definitely didn't go unappreciated. Next, the "where in the blue hell did all this come from" award goes to my fellas. I didn't know whether to be impressed, surprised, or proud, but Valentine's Day made me really feel good. Now most of the time, women are right. Men are dogs, we suck, blah, blah, blah. But Saturday was different. Six guys did a fantastic job of taking a few lovely ladies out for a good night. Some of the outings were planned out in advance, some just straight off the cuff, some were just friendship-type outings - but it was all quite possibly the most sweet & honest thing ever. Shit, next time a girl asks me where she can find a good man (which she should never ask with Piddy standing in front of her…), I'll just point to my boys. Good job fellas.

"There's plenty of ways you can hurt a man and bring him to the ground. You can beat him, you can cheat him, you can treat him bad, and leave him when he's down."
- Queen
Friends are your friends for a reason. They're there when you're sad. They're there when you're happy. Actually, most of the time they're happier for you when something good happens than you are. They've seen you at your best. They've seen you at your worst. Evenso, you should never take 'em for granted. The golden rule still applies with them too.

Quick Thoughts
There are times when you spend way too much time, energy, and money searching for something. Who knows what it is, doesn't matter. But have you ever stopped to think that whatever you're looking for was right under your nose the whole time?

Due to my most random of timing lately, living next to a house full of girls, and just being the most randomest of observers if you were to ask me when a girl is the prettiest, I'd probably say when she's in her pajamas. I'm not talking about like something sexy or whatnot. Just a t-shirt and some flannel/sweat pants. There's just something real natural about that.

"It's a shame. They say, "there's so much you know he'll never enjoy…" - Angie Aparo
You can never judge a book by its cover. The quietest people sometimes have the most interesting of conversations. You would be really surprised as to what's on their mind when you give them a chance to speak. If you can, make friends with that quiet person who's in all your classes. They have lots to say too - it's just that sometimes with everyone hogging the microphone they get lost in the shuffle.

"He wants more dinero just to stay at home, well my friend, ya gotta say…" - Offspring
You ever notice that looking for a job is like looking for a girlfriend? You go check out every job opening you can. Rejected here, looking for something long-term, only want a part-time thing, etc, etc and then after a while it gets old. Well eventually when you're about to just call it a quits, some job opens up, feels sorry for you and gives you a chance. Then just as things get rolling at the new place, all the other jobs you applied for start calling back, showing interest and whatnot. Apparently, you have to have a job for new jobs to even want to give you a second look. What's up with that?

(Ya know, I thought about this during the summer of sophomore year. Don't think it ever managed to make it into a real EAP, so here is just as good a spot as any)

Parting Thought
"It would help me to know do I stand in your way? Or am I the best thing you've had?"
- Pat Benetar
You should never throw yourself at someone unless you know they're willing to catch you. If not that fall is gonna hurt like a bitch…

Quick Shoutouts
Arianna: Boo for grad school. Boo for working. Boo for you getting Spring Break way earlier than me. Yay for you being in that Girls Gone Wild video.
Kim: Thank you very kindly. Twas a wonderful idea. I know who to come to now for random ideas…
Michele: Technically you don't deserve a shoutout. You were the first thing I talked about. What more do you want from me?
Kel: Ey, let's not forget about us over here. We like seeing you too sometimes. ;-) And how about you start getting up early enough to go to class with me?
Cassie: For the Accounting 307 notebook and tests, I expect all presents to be forwarded to my home address. ;-) And I'm so glad you cut back on the amount of work you were doing. You were making me look lazy… Okay. I do a good job of that myself.
Denny: As of lately, I don't know whether were should call you Rico Suave or Smooth Criminal.
Phil: Well my friend... You've definitely made this semester more interesting… Hot or Not? Sorry bro, I'm gonna have to go with Not. I mean you're cute and all, but I just don't find you attractive. Nothing personal.
Cecil: Thank ya kindly for bringing my suit back. I couldn't look sharp without you.
Tristan: So glad you stopped running. You were wasting away my friend. Now if we could just get you to not sleep during the day so much we'd be okay.
Jen: No. of times you fell - 0. No. of times Terence fell - 2. What does this prove? Other than the fact you're a better skater than me, not much. ;-) I'm still cooler… You might have the upper hand on being prettier than me tho. Not by much tho...not by much
Eric: So glad you could watch The Lion King 1 ½ with us. You did a good job at providing surround sound during so many scenes.
Chad: My Ultimate Ric Flair DVD would like to thank you for allowing me to purchase it. Good lookin' out there. Hope you appreciate the Friend of the Day award from 2/16/04

8 February 2004

RAW Choice Cut: Nora Jones - "Come Away With Me"

Unlike my last few selections, don't look too deep into this one. I just thought it was a pretty song. But its not like anyone (outside of Kelli) reads this thing anyways. Believe it or not, I kinda like it that way. I can get away saying w/ a lot more here since this isn't what the EAP was…

"I had a smile. Stretched from ear to ear. To see you walking down the road…"
- Sarah McLachlan
Tis true. A smile is worth a thousand words. Sometimes the meaning of those words can be amplified - it just depends on where they come from. A smile from your mom says, "sure you may be half retarded and wearing a ghostbusters costume for no apparent reason, but you're still my son." Other times you get a fantasmic smile and all in the world is perfect. Everything slows down for a moment and something says, "Life is good. What next and when?" Then there are times when you get an equally as great smile. Everything's still perfect. But this time you hear, "Hey. How many times do we have to go over this? No."

"Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road. Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go."
- Green Day
This is such an overwhelming feeling. There's about twenty questions I want answers to. What am I going to do after college? Where am I going to live? Who am I going to marry? Will I be happy? Is everything going to be okay?, etc. etc. I think all the questions come from all the uncertainty that life brings as you get closer and closer to finishing college. Thing is, I keep forgetting that I'm only 20. I still have (God-willing) approximately 60 years of my life ahead of me. In time, all my questions will be answered. Only problem is, I'm not really good at being patient.

"To the beat ya'll and Scooby snacks. I met a fly girl and I can't relax. Never had to be on a movie screen, cause she's the leading lady in all my dreams."
- LFO
One night Phil (my roomie) and I were talking. He was saying, "what he wouldn't give to meet a girl and just go completely all out for her. Girls do it all the time and they look like they're so happy." Then we kept talking and realized something - guys just can't pull that off anymore. If you put too much effort into a girl, you're trying to hard. This winds up scaring her off. If you don't try at all you're an ass and that doesn't earn you any cool points either. So you shoot for the middle ground - not too much, not too little attention. Guess what, you're now on the Friend Ladder. The weird thing is that girls always say the chase is the fun part. Question is, fun for who?

T_Piddy: Before we go any farther, I'm really proud of Terence for that LFO reference. Good job buddy.

"The secret to survival is knowing what to throw away and knowing what to keep."
- Kenny Rogers
There are some things that you tell yourself are a good idea. They look like good ideas. Nice, good, sound plans. Then you think about it and go, "maybe I shouldn't." And it's a nice little battle back and forth, back and forth. Eventually you decide "hey, I'm gonna go for it." Well if "Divine Intervention" comes through and completely makes it as if you never even had a plan to begin with, well then guess what - it probably wasn't a good idea.

""You're trying to be cool, you look like a fool to me…" - Avril Lavigne
2 Topics, 1 Song Quote. First up, first impressions are a big thing to people. A lot of people go by the them. Me, not so much. I understand if someone comes off odd the first time I meet them, which is fair enough. They're not on their turf, I'm new to them (and vice versa), and lots of other things that can influence how they behave. What I care about is the eighty-first impression. After you've met a person a few times, that's when you can tell what they're really like. They can only put up a front for so long, and eventually their true colors will come shining through."
- RAW 2
Just felt that this should be put here as a refresher... Sometimes I forget things. I also forget to take my own advice sometimes. :-P