Joining All My Thoughts

2007-06-27T20:29:00.000-07:00

hey people. i went back to xanga.com/mhat_was_here

check it if you're wanting updates.

The Lady and Me

2007-02-06T20:24:00.001-08:00

Well I find that I'm now suddenly on the decline of my 20's. How did this happen? Who told that groundhog that he could continue his tradition? It's funny because I never thought much about get older than 21 as a kid-o. Now that I'm the 26er, I can see 30 creeping closer, and I don't know...I don't think it'll be that bad. I'm never going to get used to the fact that I'm always a little bit older than I was yesterday.

For my actual Journey Formation Anniversary, I was slightly surprised by my friends at Baby A's for some dinner and Margaritas. Was really surprised me was the little lady on my left above. She "claimed" to have strep throat and couldn't make it for my birthday. Playing the part of the fool, I believed since she actually had a sore throat the weekend before. Welp, after one purple and a little buzzed texting she suddenly appeared by my side and a truly grand time was had.

Good times. And now for the abridged recap of the time since my last update.
1. Spent Xmas with Christiaan and Dylan
2. Spent New Years with Jen in Austin
3. Went to Florida for a family vacation, swam in ocean did not become shark dinner
4. While in FL, I had my transmission rebuilt in TX for waaaaaaaaaay too much money
5. Came back to 3 ice days with no work and no pay
6. Re-adjusted to working with pay
7. Turned 26
8. Got back into running around Town Lake.

Okay, that should catch everyone up now. Adieu.

2006-12-20T20:12:00.000-08:00

Total babe magnet.

My Triumphant Return!

2006-12-12T20:47:00.000-08:00

And so I return, unscathed and perhaps a bit wiser. At least I'm a bit more knowledgeable than before, especially concerning the topics of biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning. That is correct, the OAT is over with for now. I didn't do horribly, but I didn't do amazing well either. But I was happy with the result in general. Those few minutes while it's adding up your score is pure torture, but well worth it when get you scores right away. I think I'm going to take it over again in March because I know I can do better. The real thing was a bit different than the practice tests, so now I am quite aware of what is expected from me on the test.

In the world of other me happenings, it's a boy! I'm now the proud papa of a 2 month old puppy. He's an American Blue Heeler mix that looks nothing like a Blue Heeler, but he'll charm your sox off with the slightest of glances none the less. (Don't you love colloquialism? And don't you just love spelling colloquialism right on the first try?) I've only had him since Saturday. Jen and I pretty much fell head over heals for him. He's a bit rambunctious, and he's still needing crate and potty training, but he's learning quickly. The majority of his bathroom business is done outside with some occasional indoor messes when he's not watched carefully. It'll be a test of my patience no doubt.

In more happenings, I've just been struggling to keep old P.O.C. running. In the past week I've replaced the thermostat, had to charge to battery, replaced the driver side power window motor, replaced a rubber coolant hose, and replaced the tensioner. The tensioner was easy, the window motor was not quite as so. But I'm learning and relearning with each repair, so it's kind of nice to explore and expand my car knowledge. I just don't like expanding it at the cost of vacation.

And finally speaking of vacations, we're going to be in Florida from January 6th to January 11th! It'll be our family xmas and Jen is coming along! Excellent! : ) Okay, here's some obligatory Dylan, that's his name, pictures!

2006-12-03T19:29:00.000-08:00

8:00 a.m, tomorrow.

2006-10-30T20:28:00.000-08:00

I relate all too well. I'm debating on pushing this stupid test back a wee bit. We'll see.

I am the hand on your shoulder.

2006-10-23T22:17:00.000-07:00

Woo-paa! Another delayed and infrequent update brought to you on a night of squander. I did study tonight, but I wasn't nearly as studious as I'd desired to be. I dozed off for several hours tonight after talking to Jen on the phone. So I reviewed some previous study notes instead of making new ones. My 100% final date for the OAT is November 6th; I'm paid and set for the test. So it's go time in exactly two weeks!

Since these updates are far and few, I'll try not to overload my reading base but I make no promises. I've been sick all of last week. Actually a week ago from last Wednesday, I stayed home from what I believe were expired-dried apricot poising. I woke up with horrible stomach pains that morning, but I digress. I'm just infected with the house hold cold now. I'm over the hump though, no more sneezing and dripping and sore throat. Just coughing with occasional flem removal.

Jen was ever so kind enough to come down to Austin this weekend to give me some extra study time and to be my nurse. Now if she's managed to keep herself from getting sick, I will be amazed. I forbid her to get sick, but I doubt she'll listen to me. ; ) She came down on Saturday since I was feeling pooie on Friday night. We ended up going to the Haunted Forest on Oltorf that night. You know I'm a sucker for a good scare. (Oh you didn't? Well that's why you're reading my blog!) It's on a three acre plot with a 'haunted' forest walk through. Quite fun, but could have been a little scarier in my opinion. Jen was scared...but she won't admit it. : )

But no, we were not satisfied with our night of thrills! We rentend the 1985 masterpiece Return to Oz. That movie scared the heebies out of the both of us as kids. I mean - the wheelers, head switching queens, and cross dressing rock people? This movie is up there with the Dark Crystal and Labyrinth both of which send childhood shivers up my spine. Good times.

We're actually going to Waco to visit John and Tiff next weekend and to catch the Baylor/A&M game seeing how we're both alumni of the respective schools. The Aggies are going down. We're actually going to a Halloween party in Waco too. We're going as Cereal Killers - Jen's awesome idea. I'll post some pictures on here in like 3 months I'm sure. Perhaps we'll go to a haunted house too; we need our thrill adrenaline. And now pictures to send you off!

2006-10-08T18:51:00.000-07:00

So I found out that my pitching career isn't going to take off any time soon, especially in slow pitch softball. I had a game on Friday, the first of the new season. I hadn't made it to any practices, so it was cold turkey. They needed a pitcher, so they put me in there. Le sigh. I actually did well until the 5th inning or so when I got ripped. Jen and Emily came in town just in time for the beating. At least I proved my manhood with a homerun and a .1000 batting average for the season so far.
The highlights of this weekend: hanging with my Jen & friends, guitar hero, Daniel Johnston's "Hi, How are You" painting, smelly vintage clothing shops, Amy's Ice Cream, making creepy yet silly faces for the camera, snuggling, Mario Brothers, unintentionally pocket dialing, and no studying. : )
Pictures for the masses!

I've got a bike, you can ride it if you like.

2006-09-21T21:22:00.000-07:00

Well I managed to survive the bike ride to and from work today. I awoke before the sun, shaved, grabbed my pre-packed back-pack, my energy bar, and glilded out the door on two wheels. I do believe I left at 7am. The trek to work - pun intended seeing how I ride a Trek - was fairly painless. I did loose my bottle of water, but I recovered. The most inconvient place to ride through was Zikler Park. It's a flippin' huge park and they don't have paved paths! Come on! Anyway I arrived at work at 7:45 in time to jump in the shower and change. I'm not sure of the exact distance, but I want to say that it's about 7 or 8 miles so I'm getting a 14-16 mile ride every day I do this. I actually went another few miles on top of that since I forgot my lunch and headed over to McCalister's Deli for an always excellent Roast Beef on wheat. I've decided that I'm not going to ride everyday, but a thice per week schedual would be nice.
I got home today just in time to get to the apartment office before they closed. Christiaan had a package waiting for him from his parents for his birthday. As to his box, I had a Foo Fighters vinyl waiting for me in the mail. Yay vinyl!

H'okay, here's a survey I promised Jen I'd fill out. Here we go!

1. FIRST NAME? Matt(hew)
2. WHO WERE YOU NAMED AFTER? Um...I think I had a great Aunt that really like the name Matthew, plus I do believe my parents were already partial to it.
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? My eyes water when I yawn, does that count?
4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Not at all, I write like a 5 year old.
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Hm...smoked turkey or roast beef.
6. KIDS? Someday when I can afford it.
7. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Well I am quite full of myself, so yes.
8. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? Ahem. No, not at all.
9. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Ahem, Look up.
10. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Not only do I have them, they're bigger than yours.
11. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Yeah, I just may need a little push.
12. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Granola or Golden Grams
13. Do you UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Depends on the shoes.
14. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? I'm capable.
15. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Mint Chocolate Chip
16. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Smile and Eyes (how cliched, I know)
17. RED OR PINK? Red
18. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I don't know.
19. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My family and Lincoln friends.
20. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Please no.
21. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? currently neither pants or shoes.
22. THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Rice and Salmon.
23. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Wilco - Shot in the Arm
24. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? I always like navy blue as a kid even though I love green.
25. FAVORITE SMELL? Fresh shower smell.
26. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Jen
27. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? She's not too bad. : )
28. FAVORITE DRINK? Pepsi...but I'm on a soda free kick right now.
29. FAVORITE SPORT TO WATCH? Baseball if it's important.
30. HAIR COLOR? Dark Brown.
31. EYE COLOR? Green with a hint of blue and tan starburst.
(what happened to 32?)
33. FAVORITE FOOD? Italian & seafood.
34. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDING? Scary!
35. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Little Ms. Sunshine
36. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Green...hahaha.
37. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer.
38. HUGS OR KISSES? I like to combine them.
39. FAVORITE DESSERT? Carrot Cake.
40. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? No one, I'm not sending the email out.
41. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? See above.
42. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING? Gosh Koplan O.A.T. review, Physics for Scientists and Engineers, Biology review, etc...
43. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Who has a desktop now a day?
44. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST ON TV? The Office season premier!!
45. FAVORITE SOUND? Rain as I fall asleep.
46. THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME? NYC or Cali.
47. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Oh I'm chalk full of special. I can hold my breathe for 90 seconds, I can blow tiny spit bubbles off my tongue, I can speak with an awesome British accentt (imho), and I busting with worthless musical factoids. 48. WHEN WERE YOU BORN? Feburary 2, 1981
49. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Lincoln, NE
50. WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE PERSON? Well I'm going to be more direct. Jen is.

2006-09-19T22:14:00.000-07:00

All of this studying has got me on edge, luckily I was able to hang out with Jen and see a Sufjan show this weekend. (Click the pic for a video.) I have to say that after taking in the entire experience, this is one of my favorite shows I've attended. We saw a slightly dorky yet human side of Sufjan in a very personal and inspiring atmosphere. A couple of personal highlights - Sufjan informing the crowd that they had decided to wear sunglasses every time on this tour when they played a cool part, and also Sufjan forgetting the second line to Abraham and asking the audience for help remembering it. He also played a new song, Majesty Snowbird, which made my head spin. Holy good! I can't wait to hear the next album. The set went something like:

sister
the lord god bird
casimir pulaski day
detroit, lift up your weary head
dear mr. supercomputer
jacksonville
to be alone with you
abraham
a good man is hard to find
the predatory wasp of the palisades is out to get us
majesty snowbird
seven swans
encore: chicago

In unmusical related happenings, I dropped my bike off at a repair shop yesterday. I'm getting a tune up, new tires, and new grips. I have a plan for success for exercise and studying. Now that Summer is cooling slightly, I'm going to ride my bike to work, a distance of probably 6 miles. There's a shower in the staff men's restroom, so I'll shower at work after the ride. I'm also planning on packing lunch and study material. That way I can plop down at lunch and eat and study. I'll be riding around 12 to 13 miles a day, so that should help me in the exercise area. Yay updates!

2006-09-18T19:21:00.000-07:00

I'll update later after I'm study free, but here's a tasty bit from this weekend.

A bit more....Chicago Clip!

It just tastes so good when it hits your lips!

2006-09-12T19:32:00.000-07:00

With the rededication of my academial study habits, I've discovered the pleasant flavor of green tea again. Currently my mug steeps on my desk awaiting my presence. So insteadof studying, I'm updating.

All of my studying has made me realize that I actually miss the challenge of being in school. Granted my studying is at my leisure, but I still gain satisfaction from stretching my brain out a little and clearing the cobwebs. I'm going to take my test at the end of the month, and even if I were to decide that optometry school isn't exactly what I would like, I do know that I want and need to extend my education. The specifics of which I'm not entirely sure of at the point and time. I just know that there's more to learn out there.

But before I grow up too much, this weekend is a weekend of hoorahs! Technically it is Austin City Limits weekend, but alas I'm not attending. There are just not enough bands that I'm dying to pay $100 to see. But there is a silver lining!! Fear not, the music fanatic in me has not withered and died. On Saturday - coincidently which is Christiaan's birthday - is Sufjan Stevens at the Paramount Theatre! He's touring with a small orchestra. Jen and I have third row seats along with Christiaan and his +1! I'm giddy with glee! I get to spend the weekend with my lady and see Sufjan again. There are excellent times to be held, not to mention I get a break from studying and working.

She's got a ticket to ride.

2006-09-05T20:46:00.000-07:00

I'm getting back on that healthy track this week, both mentally and physically. I risk sleep deprivation by updating right now though. Goals have been set for the next few months, and I have my ticket. Healthy Matt is back around, he's been slacking this Summer. I'm just a procrastinator.

I'm waking up at 6:00 tomorrow simultaneously with Jen (whom is in Dallas) to go for a morning jog. I have new running shoes, my nano, and determination, so sorrows be gone! I'm diggin' some new Bob Dylan that'll help me hit the pavement. I also went grocery shoppin' and bought healthy foodage, the details of which will be spared. I like me some greens and energy bars though.

Jen and I have decided to give up Soda and Alcohol for awhile. I'm already done with the Soda, but I have until after ACL weekend to enjoy a beer or two. It's really not a big deal for me to give both of those up. I'm not too dependent on either forms of liquid, I still have my flavored water.

With the physical, I'm studying for the OAT. It should be called the OCRAP because I need to relearn a whole lot of information. My goal: run in the morning, study at night. Draining yes, but overall rewarding. I'll take the test in October then dance the night away...with the happy dance. : )

Hello, my name is Matt.

2006-08-29T17:42:00.000-07:00

My favorite person came down to A-town this weekend. If I have to explain whom that is then you obviously don't know my blog. : ) The highlights are recapped on Jen's blog, so check it for the details. It was a good weekend, for the most part. And the less part is a lesson learned for all me thinks.

I'm taking off this Friday so throw in the bonus of Labor Day, and I have a four day weekend - glorious glorious freedom - in Dallas no less! I remember the days of college when all of my days were filled with studying and not working full time. I'm starting to long for the chance to get back in school. To accomplish that task, I'll be taking the O.A.T. in October. I just received my study guide yesterday....and yeah, I've got a bit of studying to do. It's a lot of stuff I know/knew at one point that'll need quite the review. Any prayers would be appreciated for that future endeavor.

Here's to Thursday.

Welcome to Chapter Two

2006-08-28T22:16:00.000-07:00

Ah, it feels good to move into my new place. Who knows what kind of zanyness will occur!? It's nice here, clean and simple and open. I'll save the real update for now as the hour is late for a working stiff like myself. Look for an update tomorrow. Until then, adieu and goodnight!