[labor day]

Exceptional things I've experienced this weekend:

-a 6-pack potluck
-a fantastic Knights football game [Knights beat South Dakota 38-7]
-New Found Glory covering Sixpence None The Richer's "Kiss Me"
-Paramore pulling 2 people on stage to sing "Misery Business" during their encore
-Seeing Paramore for the 3rd time in general!
-the Vietnamese dish Pho
-Ikea overload

I'd say this Labor Day weekend was a great success :)

[senior year?!]

Well, now that I have completed TWO [2] full weeks of the school year, I think it is finally starting to sink in that I am a senior in college. I have a full 3 years of memories at UCF and it's so weird that this could potentially be the last year to do everything I want to do at this school - unless I end up here for graduate school, but that's another story.

I keep reminiscing about memories from the past years with my friends and sometimes it gets me down, realizing what has changed, what's remained the same, etc. Then I realized that I'm not on my death bed; I'm a 20-year-old college senior - and I have an entire year to create even more memories I won't forget for years to come. So bring it on, senior year!

This semester I am partaking in:
>Research Methods in Psychology: learning how to create psychological experiments; good so far.
>Memory and Testimony: fascinating class about memory, the psychology/philosophy of it, how faulty memory can be and how that can effect things like the legal system.
>Violence in our Lives: sociology class about violence; One lesson last week? Watching CSI Miami and analyzing the violence in the episode/analyzing how the cases were solved. Can anyone say AWESOME?
>Honors in the Major: aka conducting an undergraduate thesis.
>Applied Cognition and Technology Lab: Lab I am so so so ecstatic to be a part of - and where said thesis will be completed.
>TAing: for Stat Methods in Psych. Because I can. And because I actually like it.
>Honors Congress: Still President, still the main reason I'm happy go to UCF every morning, still enjoying every minute of it
>Psychological Society: Treasurer, been good so far.
>Campus Emergency Response Team (CERT): Newly founded organization to assist in any large campus events or emergencies. Going to be awesome to see how it develops!
>Working: Going on 3 years working at my job on campus at UCF!


Yeah, definitely won't be sitting around bored this senior year - as if I could sit around bored =D

[burning rant]

I would not consider myself a knowledgeable basketball fan. I barely know all the rules of the sport, much less all the history of trades/player stats/franchises/etc. But I enjoy watching the Orlando Magic [since I'm at school in Orlando] and if I happen to catch a Miami heat game [since I'm from Ft. Lauderdale], I'll half pay attention.

That said, I know nothing about LeBron James, other than the fact that he played on the Cavaliers and is considered a "very good" basketball player. I also know that for some reason he garnered a 1-hour prime time special last night - all proceeds going to the Boys and Girls Club, which was pretty generous - and I watched, curious as any other quasi-fan to see where he would end up.

He chooses the Miami Heat, blah blah - and the reporter, mid-interview, cuts straight to video of "fans" burning LeBron's jersey. No warning to Mr. James, no thinking about how that could possibly effect him on what has already got to be one of the most tense moments of his life. No, apparently he needed to know RIGHT THEN that a symbol that literally represents him was being burned by people in the streets of his hometown. LeBron handled it very stoically, stating that he made the decision he knew would be the best for him and that he hoped the Cleveland fans would recognize the SEVEN years he put in for them.

Now, my rant is about these so-called "fans" who would burn the jersey of someone they claim to "respect" and are mad over him leaving them. If you are truly a LeBron fan, you would not be burning his jersey; you would be trying to find a LeBron Heat jersey as soon as you can, as he is THE SAME PERSON he was 10 minutes earlier, just now playing THE SAME SPORT on a different team. If you are strictly a Cavaliers fan, then you should still respect the fact that the man played for 7 years on a team you claim to be a fan for. People leave/trade/retire/quit teams all the time - and that's one of the reasons I tend to like college sports better than pro sports. But that's part of the game; it makes no sense that one should think, "Oh, there he goes, no longer playing for the Cavs; let's forget he ever did and get rid of that shrine we built for him in our closet." If you think you're team is going to crash and burn that badly, then maybe you aren't a *true* fan.

This is all coming from someone who isn't that active a basketball fan, but definitely an active supporter in the movement against stupidity.

[x-posted to tumblr]

[video roll]

So, in the past few weeks I have come across some very funny videos and thought I would amass them in one post. Enjoy!



As much as I couldn't stop laughing, if this happened to me I would pull a "Full Metal Jacket" on his face [anyone whose seen the movie should get my reference].



I'm not "Team Evo" or anything, but this is a hilarious video, nonetheless.



This video goes from unbelievably adorable to unbelievably awful/hilarious in less than 9 seconds!

[staying alive]

Hello! I am still alive and currently in VA, interning at the Dahlgren Naval Surface Warfare Center. As it is an 8-hour a day/5 day a week job [and cannot access this blog at work], I won't be able to post here that often. [Though you should check out my Tumblr, since I can post on that.] I'll post some photos from the past 6 (!) months of my life, since I've been really bad about posting about all the fun things I've done this past semester.

I start my senior year of college next month!!! Seeing as I started this blog in my sophomore year of high school, it's mind-numbing to think of how much time  has passed.

Ok, (online class >.>) homework time - then 4th of July celebrations all weekend long! I'll be in DC for the 4th and I can't wait!

[revealing my photography nerd]

I. Want. These. Shirts.

[link]

[link]

So if you are ever in a bind as to what to get me for a Christmas/birthday/just-because-I'm-awesome gift, this should help =)

[why the daily show rocks]

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
South Park Death Threats
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Tea Party

That is all.

[que nerdgasm]

Call me lame, but this may be one of the coolest photo editing software updates made in past decade. Photoshop CS5 is going to be ridiculous - in a good way.

[question]

who does one turn to when one is usually the one turned to?

[Weekly-Pick-Me-Up: Kimmel and the HMC]

I couldn't stop laughing - and the celebrity cameos are numerous and great!

See more funny videos and Entertainment Videos at Today's Big Thing.

[another one?!]

I created another blog. Yes, I know, why would I do that? Well, I realized that I find & bookmark tons of cool, interesting & pretty photos I find on flickr/other blogs/randomly on the internet and I want to share them. However, putting them on this blog would overwhelm my fluent and captivating posts [note: sarcasm], so I created a new blog just for posting images I like.

... and so forth
www.dotdotdotandsoforth.blogspot.com

One post a day, all sources linked underneath the image.

Check it out!

[Iron-Man 2 Trailer!]

I haven't been to the movie theater in over 2 months! That may just be a new record for me since starting college... Either way, I am VERY excited to see "Iron-Man 2".

[flickr finds: blank]

[Weekly-Pick-Me-Up: Psychology Comics]

I know it seems like I've just been posting funny comics lately [because I have been], but I'll post other stuff eventually. This semester may just be my busiest yet... Alas, here are some funny comics relating to my major of choice, psychology.

Number one rule of psychology? Correlation does not prove causation. Say the word "correlation" to me and the rest of that sentence will automatically spew forth from my mouth - no joke.

Oh, developmental psychology. You were so last semester =P

[abandoned robot]

This is probably the most depressing xkcd comic I have seen - ever.

Its in regards to the recent decision of NASA to just abandon the Spirit mars rover, which is currently stuck in one position, until dust buildup on the solar panels cause it to shutdown. How depressing.

[dos equis]

Last Saturday was my 20th birthday. I had a great day: manicures with the girls [including Jen, who came down from UF!], dinner at Carraba's, and a party at concert-buddy Robert's. In holding with tradition, below is my birthday lexicon.

XX

1) I am currently learning Spanish and I love it
2) The more I learn about psychology, the more is fascinates me.
3) I love learning in general.
4) I have never been west of the Mississippi River.
5) I intend to change that this summer.
6) I greatly dislike horror films and scary movies.
7) I fear becoming obsolescent.
8) Lion King will always be my favorite Disney movie.
9) I can't sing but...
10) ...I love singing along with musicals as if I can.
11) I'm a dork/geek/nerd - all of the above.
12) My most played song in iTunes is Sick Sad Little World by Incubus.
13) I eventually want to learn how to play the bass guitar.
14) I'm finding that it is a lot harder to think of 20 random things about myself than I thought.
15) Favorite college class to date: abnormal psychology.
16) Least favorite college class: Western Civilization II - though that was due to an awful teacher, not the content.
17) I look a lot different without my glasses.
18) I believe a good time can be had anywhere if you have good company.
19) Pet peeve: unreliable people.
20) I have a running to-do lists and I love crossing things off of it when I finish them.

[obsolescent]

I've gotten back to doing crossword puzzles again, which is how I learned the word "obsolescent," which means 'becoming obsolete.' Winter break is obsolescent, seeing that is ends this weekend, but I am looking forward to the new semester.

Speaking of which, HAPPY NEW YEAR! [I was going to say 'Happy Belated New Year' but its still a new year so as long as I haven't spoken to you since last year, the phrase fits. Also, 'Happy Belated New Year' just sounds lame.] The fireworks photo here is from my New Year's Eve adventure that culminated in this spectacular fireworks display at Busch Gardens. DocteurRob [formerly known as Concert-buddy Robert] and I had intended to head from UCF to Ft. Lauderdale to spend New Year's Eve down there; however, en route, he got a text from his brother about a special year pass deal going on at Busch Gardens that night so we turned around and headed to Tampa and had a blast at Busch Gardens with his brother+his friends.

Actually, Robert's started a weekly Youtube video blog, so you can just watch our escapades yourself! If you like it, subscribe to his Youtube channel! I'll no doubt be showing up throughout its duration =D



Hope everyone had a great holiday season and is looking forward to the year ahead!

[Weekly Pick-Me-Up: MLIA]

Recently discovered the website "My Life is Average" - think the anti-thesis of FMyLife. I find it hilarious and below are some of my personal favorites from the site. Definitely a way to waste a lot of time but stay slightly amused throughout.

• Today, I realized that I am unemployed, live with my mother, play video games all day in my basement, and I am still a virgin. It's alright, I finish 9th grade next week. MLIA

• Today, I saw a commercial for the Snuggie. I thought it was stupid idea but I couldn't change the channel because I was under a blanket and I didn't want my arms to get cold. MLIA

• Today, I put my iPod on shuffle. I skipped most of the songs to get to the ones I like. MLIA

• Today, the whole world came crashing down on me, so I got some tape and stuck the map back onto the wall. MLIA

• The other day I learned that if you say 'beer can' with an English accent, you're saying 'bacon' with a Jamaican accent. Mind blown. MLIA

• Today, my boss passed me in the hall at work and asked me "Do you have a sec?". I was trying to be flippant and replied "I have tons of secs". We both pretended I didn't say that. MLIA.

• Today I was driving by the lake and I saw a Jeep full of guys pass me. They were hanging out the windows and the sunroof, paddling with canoe paddles, and singing "Just Around the Riverbend" from Pocahontas. It easily may have been the coolest thing I've seen, ever. MLIA

• Today, I got out of the shower and washed my hands. I still don't know why I did that. MLIA.

• Today, I realized the reason Dr. Seuss was so succesfull with rhyming is because he made up things to rhyme with. Brilliant. MLIA

• Today I found out that people from South Africa use the term "That's so legend" instead of "That's so cool." I will never be using "That's so cool" ever again. MLIA.

[Concert Review: Say Anything]

Say Anything is currently my number 4 most played artist on last.fm and I think that is a pretty accurate representation of how much I like them. (Top 3 played artists are Incubus, Bond, and Coldplay.) I had seen them once before in concert at the House of Blues back during spring of freshman year of college [April 2008] and it was my favorite concert to date [even better than Incubus!!!], but it has since then been surpassed. By this more recent Say Anything concert!

I saw Say Anything for the second time on Thursday, November 12 at The Social Orlando. I had heard about this venue many times before from fellow concert enthusiast friends, but I had never actually had a reason to go there as they mainly cater to small, up-and-coming indie bands. But Say Anything booked two nights there and sold them out way in advance and I was lucky enough to be able to attend with my concert-buddy Robert [who was also with me when I saw them back in freshman year and who introduced me to them!]

I will forever and always love the House of Blues. I have seen EIGHT shows at the House of Blues [Paramore was number 8] and every single one was made more enjoyable because it was in that venue. However, I think that The Social Orlando may just win as better place to see a concert because it is SO SMALL. Lost? Don't be. There is no back stage. There are no curtains blocking the stage off. There are no ropes keeping people back a set distance from the stage, so people at the very front of the pit [like my ever-present concert buddy Robert and I!] can literally reach out and touch/get touched by the performers on stage. Its amazing. Add a excellent act like Say Anything and its the right formula for the perfect concert!

There were two opening bands before Say Anything. I didn't catch the name of the first one and they were passable, though their rhythm guitarist had some insane dreads. The second band was Eisley. I had never really heard of them before, but they were pretty neat. I'll definitely be looking into more of their stuff. Fun trivia fact: Max Bemis [lead singer of Say Anything] and Sherri DuPree [of Eisley] are married!

Anyway. This concert officially became my favorite concert. The set list [which I was actually close enough to the stage to actually read!] was perfect, starting out with their ever-popular-but-nowhere-near-their-best-music "Wow, I Can Get Sexual Too" and covering a good mix from their various albums. Their live performance of their songs "Admit It" and "Walk Through Hell" are truly a must-see for any fan - or any music lover for that matter. I definitely plan on seeing them again in the future and I only hope I have as awesome a spot as this time at the Social.

[2009 in Review]

2009: a year of high highs and low lows

January
-Daddy passed away [+]
-Started second year as Director of Academic Affairs for Honors Congress
-Janus Frisbee Tournament
-Florida Winter Classic Frisbee Tournament

February
-Horseback Riding trip
-Mardi Gras Frisbee Tournament

March
-Started dating Spencer
-College Southerns Frisbee Tournament
-Magic Game vs Bulls at Amway Arena
-Spring Break/FIRST Robotics Regional
-Started watching True Blood - addicted!

April
-AccioCon (Harry Potter and Twilight Convention in Orlando)
-FIRST Robotics Championship Event in Atlanta
-Fall Out Boy Concert at UCF Arena (3rd time seeing them)

May
-London and Paris with Jen

June
-Started geocaching

July
-Dressed up for Chick-Fil-A Cow Day!
-Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in theaters!

August
-Incubus in concert at Bayfront Park in Miami!

September
-Stopped dating Spencer
-Chevelle in concert at House of Blues Orlando!
-Blink 182 in concert at Ford Ampitheatre in Tampa!

October
-got my DSLR! (Canon Rebel XTi)
-Flyfleaf in concert - kind of - at the WJRR Listening Studio!
-Paramore in concert at House of Blues Orlando! (2nd time seeing them)
-Kennedy Space Center trip

November
-Say Anything in concert at the Social Orlando! (2nd time seeing them and new fave concert)
-Homecoming!

December
-Elected 2010 President of Honors Congress!
-Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Amway Arena
-Impromptu New Year's Eve road trip around state with Concert Buddy Robert [henceforth referred to as DocteurRob - details to come]

Looking forward to 2010 and the new decade.