Mensa Test
I’m just a tad slow to recall things sometimes, so I took my time trying to take this test. I mean a few hours of guessing. When I stopped, my score was at 20.
Try it yourself! And no cheating!
Category: random
weekend tidbits
Going to the dentist tomorrow to get my tooth bonded. Work will eventually reimburse me for most of it, unless I decide to get some extra work like whitening done while I’m there. The reason I’m not getting it capped just yet is because it would have cost almost a grand. I’m still in the be thrifty mode trying to get used to paying bills and other things. I don’t want to go hog wild with my money.
California is having a special (ed) election this November on some issues that are really important for the governor and his chances at a next term. The issues deal with abortion, teacher’s permanent status waiting period, political contributions, school funding and a few others. Nothing here seems too controversial except maybe the abortion and state spending on schools. I’ll try to at least give a little attention to it and seek to vote but I don’t see it being all that important either. Maybe I’m a little too apathetic about this one.
So what’s up with the president’s 39% approval rating? I sure am hearing a lot of media bias about this presidency and it seems they keep pointing out Bush’s religious convictions in choosing Miers, in going to war, and in his personal life in general. Not only that but this whole CIA leak going up as far as the vice president’s office makes me continue to wonder what’s next. I didn’t want a stupid president in the White House to begin with, but with the only real alternatives being Gore and Kerry in the past two elections, I think we screwed ourselves up. Nepotism, corporate contributions, and religious beliefs shouldn’t play such a big part in our leaders’ choices, but I continue to see more and more of that as time passes.
Have you ever heard of Jim Cramer? If you ever have time to watch his show on CNBC, I highly suggest tuning in. It’s a financial show on steroids, and I mean lots and lots of steroids.
During my workout at the gym yesterday evening, I had the pleasure of seeing a semi-famous celeb! Not one that many people would know unless they were fans of Freaks and Geeks, but Martin Starr and friend were there. I’ve met him two previous occasions at some Freaks and Geeks gatherings, but decided that this wasn’t an exception to go bug him. So I kept to myself but it was cool just seeing a guy who was in one of my all time favorite shows ever!
It finally rained for the first time in months earlier this week and it’s been overcast the rest of the time, or at least here in Santa Monica. Maybe back home it’s less overcast but I guess I’ll find out tonight. I’m enjoying this cooler weather and hope it’s definitely here to stay. I need the break from the heat and can’t wait to bundle up. I miss the snow sometimes.
I have a ton of projects, as usual, that need to be finished and finding the motivation to do them has been once again lacking. I have overwhelmed myself with too many responsibilities so learning time management, and making myself finish one thing after another can be a struggled when I emotionally don’t feel up to doing something. I guess living in two places is also taking its toll physically and mentally. But, as I can see it, this really is the best way for me to live right now as I try to balance time and work.
A few other things have been affecting my personal life as well but I will get to those issues in future posts.
this life in which I . . .
Personal update for my life:
Two months at work this Wednesday. I can’t believe it’s been so long already. It has definitely flown by. At the same time, however, it feels like it’s taken forever. Flown by = wow, it’s already September. Taking forever = it’s just now becoming really busy for me at work.
Cookie cakes taste so delicious. I had never made one before so on Friday I decided to try it out. And I’ll tell you what, it was completely worth all the time I put into it. SO good! Have you ever made one? I used the Nestle Toll House chocolate chip cookie recipe on the back of the bag, and instead of making cookies, I just threw it all in a pan. After about 15 minutes of baking . . . OH MY GOD was that good! Hot/warm cookie all lumped together. It was like I took out a hot batch of delicious cookies from the oven, bunched them in a ball and just took a huge bite. Hog heaven for sugar addicts like myself!
Creating websites can be such a long process. I’ve been planning on doing some major changes with this website but continue to be too critical of my new design(s). In fact, I know now that I really hate them. The content is great, the design(s) is (are) crap. I keep looking at other people’s websites and think, “God, I can totally do that,” which in reality means, “I know what they did, I can appreciate it, and if I sat myself in front of my computer to try and mimic the same exact thing, I would get nowhere fast”. I mean, it’s not that I don’t have the abilities to design new, innovative, interesting, attractive sites. It’s a combination of lack of motivation, creativity, trying to start a project, and figuring out what work and what doesn’t. I’m talented enough to do this as a living (if I so choose), but I’m not YET creative enough to come up with original pieces for people on a consistent. It takes a true artist to do something completely new and original. I’m more of an artist like Moby. I take what exists, twist it around, add a few things to it, spice it up or tone it down, then call it my own.
Working six days a week definitely can take a toll on me. It’s not that I’m tired either. In fact, I’m very productive with the jobs I work because I’m constantly doing something. The problem is motivating myself to do everything else in between. Do you ever find yourself coming home after work with a go getter attitude, like you’re going to clean your house or kitchen or room? I sometimes pump myself up and tell myself I’m going to do a damn good job on this or that. Then I get home, feel really tired or lazy, and just wanna take it easy. So I do. Working 8 hours a day, or rather spending 8-9 hours in one place doing tasks for a company to help it make money takes away from my own life and getting other tasks accomplished. I’ve never been a go-getter just making things happen. I’m an ambitious dream-chaser. I have an infinite amount of ambition, so many things I would love to do in my life, but know that I need to create ways to make things happen. It’s the biggest challenge of my life.
Christmas and Thanksgiving might be different for me this year. I’m finally in a real job that only gives me x amount of time off a year. This is bad for trying to visit family. I think there’s a good chance I’m going to stay behind for Thanksgiving. And I do not know what I shall do with Christmas either. The thought of not going back for either is a little depressing, but the realization of knowing that it’s my life and I can do what I want is uncomfortably satisfying.
People have always said the freedom to earn your own paycheck is a reward in itself, that it’s very satisfying. I don’t necessarily find that to be true. Rather, I find it to be monotonous and boring. My job is great. My co-workers are great. I have nothing negative to say about either. I’m just not crazy about waking up early, spending all my time in one place, and not being able to do much else outside (for the reasons I stated earlier). But you know, enough self-loathing. I’m sure I could sit here and bitch all day and night about this and that. But, life’s too short for that. Enjoy the time I have and use my time wisely. That’s the only answer to my problems. I’m taking advantage of every opportunity given to me with this job to make my dreams come true. Even if I don’t live in the perfect world, I’m living the life I want to live. And nothing else matters.
as I state the obvious . . .
Aren is a big fat nerd.
Look, it’s Me!
Finally, after almost a month of absence, I have a website back up. I hope that this jump starts my redesign, but who knows what’ll happen because my schedule is crazy right now. But, it’s nice to be back up and running.
During the month of absence, I have started a new job in Santa Monica. It has been going well, but I’m still not happy about the hours which I sleep, which is usually anywhere between 4-7 depending on the night. I can’t function well on just 4-5. I never have. Thus, everyday that I’ve been to work I feel very tired. Not because work sucks or anything, but because my body is just fighting to stay awake half the time. Everyone tells me I’ll adjust . . . uh huh . . .
I think that my adjustment will only be physical, not mental. I’ve always been a night person. I function so well at night; I’m productive, I’m happier. Nighttime is my time. But not on the weeknights. Not anymore, or at least not while I’m working here. I need to fight my urge to stay up late and go to sleep at a decent time.
My commute.
It sucks.
I spent a few days adjusting and figuring out the best times to drive in the morning. Well, after spending no less than an hour in traffic every morning, I decided to start waking up at 5am so that I can leave at 5:20ish and get to the garage at about 6am. That’s right, I’m up at 5am everyday. I’d much rather drive here in decent time than spend most of it sitting in traffic. Why? Because I can be productive and go to the gym and workout in the morning.
Yes, you heard me! Your vision isn’t going bad.
I’ve actually started a little routine of going to the gym before work and jogging/power walking for 30 minutes with 5 minutes of warm down. Sitting here thinking about it, I feel like 30 minutes is nothing. But, at the time, at the end of my jog, I’m soooo ready to stop. It’s weird, but in a little way it’s very satisfying to know that I’ve exercised my body. Eventually I’m going to do some weight training as well so that I can give my body tone. I don’t believe that I’ll ever get huge. But, as long as I’m in shape and feel good about how I look, nothing else matters.
I think this morning routine is really good for me because it keeps me very accountable for my actions. I am responsible to myself to exercise. Most who know me know that I never work out, hate to plan things and love to be spontaneous. However, in a small way this routine, this plan that I’ve laid out for myself is good for me and I sorta enjoy it. Besides, I might as well take advantage of the opportunities this company gives me so that I come out on top physically and financially. And being responsible for my accountability is the first step.
Hmm… My shirt that I’m wearing has a very distinct aroma, that of what I typically smell from Indians (not Native Americans) which isn’t pleasing to me, nothing against those who do smell like this. Time to rewash this shirt!
So what exactly do I do at this new job? Well, I am working with the web team, and we have been implementing a new internal website since I got here. Because I started on the tail of this project, I have been given tasks that are more like busy work, such as data entry or modification of files. Not typically very fun, but it’s productive work to help further the company (at least I should continue to tell myself that). Also, I do not understand 95% of the material which we I have been modifying. There’s a lot of financial terminology and figures and facts and numbers. It’s all a puzzle to me, and not one that I truly care to solve. All I know is if the website looks good, other people can use it, I’m doing my job. Oh, the joy of being a web designer!
One of the perks of this job is the location. I drive along Ocean Avenue for a few minutes before I turn off, meaning I get to see the Santa Monica beach everyday of my commute. Although, this might change if I begin taking the bus soon, but from my desk, I can turn my head about 45 degrees to the left and see the Ocean. It’s really nice. And we’re also close to just about everything in this location. I’m new to the area, so most everything is my first time.
zaba
oh. my. god.
zaba.
that and this
I’m just not in the mood! I wanna write, I really do, but I need some time. Need to compose my thoughts.
I have been working a part time job. Yes, finally have a real part time job. I look forward to helping the company out because it’s such a nice group of people to work with. More details in the future.
God, it’s already March 10. It’s almost a month and a half since I returned from Germany. How does time move by so quickly? I wanna go back!!
The heat is creeping up on us. It’s been in the high 70s/low 80s for a few days now. And LA, once again, is starting to return to its SMOGGY, nasty state. Ug, woe are the days of hot summer smog.
My engine overheated while driving home from work yesterday. I’m going to the dealer as soon as possible to see if the radiator has a crack. If you know me, you realize that I have so little experience with cars that it’s almost sad. So, after talking to my car-expert uncle for a while, I realize that this might be an expensive repair if it’s the radiator. Ugh.
Napoleon Dynamite’s Top 10
As read by Napoleon Dynamite, the top 10 reasons you’re not the most popular kid in school
it’s so wet!!
What a lazy weekend. I have barely done a thing, and there’s so much to do. But, I’m not totally upset. I’m sorta treasuring this downtime because it doesn’t come too often. It’s been raining non-stop in LA since about Thursday night. Yes, you read correctly. I can honestly say that even Houston doesn’t experience this kind of longevity all that often. But, I’m not complaining either. It’s been nice to just sit around, watch movies, play on the Internet, and catch up with old friends. I did have to drive through some really heavy wind and rain on Saturday evening and that was NOT fun. It was really strange, too, because as many times as I’ve driven these freeways for one reason or another, I couldn’t even see past 10 feet in front of my car it was coming down so hard at one point. You would never expect this kind of weather here. But, I think it’s probably a much needed rainfall knowing how little it had rained before winter season started.
I feel so bad for the Astros. It looks like they’re losing a reeeeally good thing in Carlos Beltran. I was so hoping somehow he would be back, but darn him for wanting so much money. Now they have to convince Roger Clemens to make it back, but I’m pretty doubtful at his return. And now that I’m living in LA, might I ask what the heck the Dodgers are thinking in trading away just about every star player who was on their roster? Shawn Green and Adrian Beltre? Come on, I know Green is 32, but he’s really good. I just hope that the Astros doesn’t give away Craig Biggio for some reason. I’m alright with them letting go of Jeff Kent, but I’m starting to worry for their future without Beltran.
I must also add, now, that I’m officially rooting for the Colts for this year’s Superbowl. Peyton has impressed me enough that I think he just needs to go all the way. So, starting right now, Go Colts!
Do you know what’s the best, more versatile fruit for you? At least, in my opinion, that fruit is called the blueberry. It’s not that cheap, not like apples are, but gosh darn it, they are soooo good. They can put in just about every meal and they’re super rich in antioxidants, those superheros which fight the evil free radicals floating around in your body. So what are you waiting for? Go buy and eat more blueberries!!
I decided to donate a nice little sum of money to aid the effort for Tsunami relief. I have waaaay overspent this past couple of months for one reason or another and will be suffering financially because of it, but I believe my money really has much better use over there than it does here. It’s been a while since I’ve given my money to a good cause and I believe this was probably the best cause out there right now. Anything to help those suffering across the world. Part of me even has thought about wanting to fly out there and help. A little part of me. Probably not big enough to actually do anything about it. But at least I have given money.
so little time, so much else
Since lists are a common practice among many people, here’s mine.
1. Redesign/touchup my website sometime in the near future
2. Buy Christmas presents
3. Make lots of money before I fly back to LA
4. Make a plan for finding serious work in LA when I get back
5. Make sure I see a couple of movies before the new year.
6. Buy some web design books and try to read them all the way through
7. Look into acting classes for January
8. Call everyone in LA helping me find work
9. Get in touch with everyone in the Denver area for Christmas visits
10. Use my camera more often and go to different places in Cali for photo trips
11. Finish about 3 more web projects
12. backup my personal computer files
13. Get some jobs
14. Get into the Christmas spirit
and probably a few more things when I think of them.