The Superfluous Chronicles

Slippage

2009-03-23T14:46:00.002-04:00

It would seem that my New Year's Resolution is slipping: I haven't been keeping up. Oops.

So a lot of shit has happened in the past month; it begs the question: where to start?

Classes have kept me busy (kinda). The fact that I STILL have no job seems to add give me a lot of free time, though that also means I'm low on cash. Another plus side, though, is that I have managed to keep up on my studies, which is a very good thing. I've been doing well on all my tests and quizzes so far, so let's hope I can keep that up.

Spring Break was the week before last. I took a trip to Myrtle Beach with some friends, we had a blast. The beach was beautiful, the skies were blue, the weather was warm, everything really was perfect.

The first day, we started off by eating lunch at Joe's Crab Shack. That was quite possible the BEST shrimp I've ever eaten, and I got this banana dessert that was fanstastic. We then went to this interactive role playing adventure called Magiquest. You basically walk around with a wand, and wave it around at various objects in the room to make them do things. You have accomplish various quests and missions to complete the game. Unfortunately, you only have an hour and a half to play, so you need to come back multiple times in order to finish the game. Perhaps next year?

The next day we spent some time shopping at Barefoot Landing. It's always fun seeing the beachy stores and the various things they have. We ate some ice cream at Johnny Rockets while we were there, and it was probably one of the best ice cream sundaes I've ever had. That night we went to a dinner and show called the Mideival Times. It was really interesting, you get to eat a 4 course meal while watching a bunch of people ride around on horses and act out a story set in the (obviously) mideival times. Perhaps the best part of that is outside the show room there was a lobby area that had a dance floor with club music playing. Last time I check, Teisto isn't mideival, but whatever.

The last day we ate lunch at a really interesting fast-food type Italian restaurant called Fizoli's. Afterwards, we went min-golfing (because when you're in Myrtle Beach, you HAVE to go mini-golfing). We then proceeded to Broadway at the Beach and saw the Watchmen, and concluded our day with some semi-decent seafood (I've had better).

After a fun filled 3 days, we spent the fourth cleaning up the condo and heading home, then had 3 days of rest before classes started back. All in all, I'd say a good Spring Break.

(And that took up MOST of my blog post, lol.)

Though other than that, not much to talk about lately. Maybe next time I'll actually write a blog with a purpose.

Boomerang

2009-02-14T08:45:00.003-05:00

Oh dear, I haven't blogged in over a week. I'm past due.

So yeah, if you guys check out www.whatismae.com, you can download Mae's new song for Feburary. Take note, it's not the song that plays when you enter the site, it's a different one this time around. Titled "Boomerang" (hence the blog title). It's really catchy and kinda quirky, I like this one.

So yeah, school is ugh. I have 3 tests this week, which sucks. And I STILL haven't finished my homework for this weekend, hopefully I can knock a large portion of it out today, and get to rest up tomorrow. HOPEFULLY.

I shall apparently be going to the beach for Spring Break this year, which is awesome. Unfortunately, if there aren't any unprotected wireless points in the area, it will mean 5 days without internets. ;-; That would really suck. I'm staying at the same place I did last year, but last year there was only one access point in the area, and the signal wasn't very strong. Who knows what can change in the course of a year, this time around there might not be any signal at all. But alas, that isn't for another three weeks, so I have time.

Ah yes, I recently did a revamp of my desktop. Neat, eh? I like it looking clean and simple. How do I get to anything, you may ask? Well, there's a dock at the bottom of my screen with a bunch of my icons on it, it just hides itself unless I mouse-over it. In case anyone was wondering, that desktop is the album cover for Keane's "Under The Iron Sea" (seen here) All the wave horse things are either angry or crying. =( The album is known for being quite sad, so.

I've come to realize that I only blog about my life and the stuff going on in it. I realize I'm quite boring guys, and I promise I'll try to make my future blogs geared towards specific topics. xD Until then, please bear with me.

Chasing Pavements

2009-02-06T23:24:00.002-05:00

This blog has absolutely nothing to do with the song. xD Just that I like that song.

(I accidentally hit enter after typing the title, so it posted this blog with just the title. lol)

Anyway, I really don't quite know what to blog about, but I haven't done one in a few days. I visited my Grandma today? That was quite fun, since I don't get to see her that often and she's my only Grandparent. It snowed Wednesday, which meant UNCC didn't open until 10, and since both of my classes were before 10...I didn't have to go to class, haha. That was pretty great.

So I found out that Coldplay is coming to Charlotte this August. Who wants to go with me? :3

Now if only Muse would come here I'd be set for life. Speaking of Muse, they are supposedly working on a new album. Considering the amount of time it's taken, I sure do hope it's REALLY good. Like, their best.

I've just made the observation that my room is a mess and I never made up my bed. Boy, I'm getting extremely lazy. Oh, yeah, and now I'm just rambling because I have nothing in particular to talk about. I've been listening to Adele nearly nonstop the past few days, though I'm actually listening to Keane right now. Perfect Symmetry isn't quite as good as Under The Iron Sea, but I still really enjoy it. It has a nice 80s sound to it.

I just might head off to bed soon, I'm feeling rather lethargic for some reason, though I couldn't say why. I really didn't do much of anything today, besides visiting Grandma.

You Will Be the Death of Me

2009-02-02T20:18:00.003-05:00

Interesting title, neh?

The main point of this post is to criticize incompetent teachers. For the love of Pete, my Linear Algebra teacher is surely the MOST clueless professor I've ever had. Our class is slowly trudging through the book because, for whatever reason, he thinks we're not getting it. Unfortunately, our quiz scores say otherwise, but he insists that what we are learning is the fundamental knowledge of Linear Algebra and assumes that not a one of us understand what he's talking about.

Here's my opinion: If you don't understand the concept of vectors, scalars, and a row column, you need not be in Matrices and Linear Algebra or majoring in anything that requires you to take it. That's perfectly fine if math just isn't your thing, I can understand that, but if math isn't your thing, then you DO NOT need to be taking anything in college that requires a lot of math. Linear Algebra is not a general education course, and therefore he should be moving at a normal, perhaps even a slightly accelerated pace. I am not a three year old and I'm tired of being treated like one. I understand that I'm better at math than most people, but this guy is just moving like a snail. While in most other classes we're approaching the end of the 1st chapter of our textbooks, or even moving along through the 2nd chapter, we are still stuck at section 1.3 in Linear Algebra, and this is the 4th week of the semester.

I didn't pay for this shit.

Lrn2math.

February? Already?

2009-02-01T09:58:00.002-05:00

I seriously can't beleive it's already February. Time flies, doesn't it? Ah well, that just means it's all the closer to spring. I'm getting rather tired of the cold weather (I know, already?). The really funny thing is that all through the month of December, while it was 60/65 every day, I was complaining that it was the Christmas season, and hence not cold enough. Well, both Christmas and New Years have now come and gone, and it finally decided to get cold. So now that it is cold, I'm wanting it to get warm again, but only because it's not Christmas anymore.

Does that make any sense?

I spent a good part of the day yesterday at the mall. It was nice to get out and do something besides school. I bought a shirt from Hollister. I know, I know, I'm a tool. Though, it was on clearance, and it's VERY comfortable. The material feels like...I don't even know. But it's the most comfortable shirt I've ever worn. The only thing I don't like about it is, like all their other clothes, it reeks of cheap sex (aka the perfume they spray on everything).

Well, my day today will consist of finishing up my leftover homework, cleaning the bathroom, and most likely cleaning up my own room, it's looking in a bit of disarray.

Oh yeah, and I see 2 people said in my poll over there that I suck and need to get a life. Thanks a lot. ;_;

The House That Fire Built, Pt. 2

2009-01-21T19:38:00.001-05:00

Again, please please PLEASE do this. It would make me really happy:

Mae 2009 Project - Webisode: 2 from Mae on Vimeo.

I Feel It All

2009-01-21T11:43:00.003-05:00

I decided to title this blog after the amazing song by Feist. (See video below)

I'm not too sure why, perhaps it's because it's the song I'm listening to right now. Speaking of listening to, I want an iPhone. Call me stupid, an Apple whore, or a bandwagon freak, whatever you feel like calling me, but I played with one in Wal-Mart the other day and absolutely fell in love with it. I want one.

I'm actually not blogging from home right now. I'm sitting in one of the many places to eat at UNCC. It's quite crowded in here, and loud too. But that's usual this time of day. (Actually, it will be worse in like an hour.)

In other news, it's cold. Really cold. Super cold. Freakishly cold. (According to WeatherBug, 29 right now.) And guess what? Only a little bit of snow, and it melted in a day. I want snow snow, like a big snow. >:

I was going to attempt my Linear Algebra homework while sitting in here, but considering that the teacher didn't even cover half the lesson for today, I'm at a bit of a loss. I guess I *could* read the chapter, but I'm lazy. At least my classes are done for the day, I'm just waiting to meet some friends for lunch.

Well, back to...whatever I was doing. Oh that's right, being bored to death. >:

Am I forgetting something? Oh yes, I Feel It All.

Final Decisions Apparently Aren't Always Final

2009-01-18T23:37:00.003-05:00

i.e., I didn't drop Calculus III. lol.

I decided I can handle it. I'll make myself handle it. I tend to be very stubborn when I want to be. A prime example that the Maley blood flows through my veins.

So after a first week, I don't believe school should be THAT bad, I only have a little homework left, which I plan to finish up tomorrow. I impressed my statistics teacher the other day by giving him the addition rule for the union of three events by heart. I'm sure a majority of you have no idea what I'm talking about.

Differential Equations, so far, doesn't seem nearly as bad as I had expected. Then again, I never had any problem with mathematical concepts, so I guess I should have figured. I had expected Calculus II to be an utter failure, but my final grade was a B.

If and when I do get a job, I'll need to keep my hours down as to provide time for schoolwork. I may possibly put myself only working weekends, or something like that. I'd like to avoid anything food service, but if it comes down to it, I'll have to take what I can get. I do have a couple of options available to me. My goal is to have a job by the end of March, mid to late April at worst.

Upon contemplating what else I could add to this blog, I glanced around my room. It appears to be a mess. Looks like I know what I'll be doing tomorrow.

That is all for now...I think. lol.

A Second Helping

2009-01-13T17:44:00.002-05:00

I am dropping Calculus 3. That is my final decision.

So my second day of class was interesting. Differential Equations and Statistics and Probability both have sign language people in them (DISTRACTIONS) and both have foreign professors (AWESOME).

In Differential Equations, I have a Russian teacher. She seem fair and balanced enough (unlike Faux News...but let's not get into that). Thankfully, a majority of our homework is apparently going to be optional. I still plan to try my best to finish it all, but at least the stress of grades is gone.

Statistics and Probability also appears to be a fairly decent workload, I think I can handle it. My teacher in that class is Asian, though I'm not sure what kind. >:

Also, lol glasses:

A Time for Firsts

2009-01-12T20:26:00.002-05:00

So today was my first day of classes.

And I already have homework. wtf?

My first class was quite interesting. Matrices and Linear Algebra. Apparently, we have a deaf student in our class, which means there is a person there to sign out the lecture in front of the class, beside the teacher. I understand perfectly the accommodation necessary to provide for the deaf...but my god is that lady distracting. YOU try listening closely to a lecture when there is someone 10 feet away waving their hands around.

Oh, and apparently the teacher doesn't speak very good English. AWESOME.

My second class was Arts in Society: Music (I.E., Music Appreciation). That class is also interesting. I sat in the front row, which happened to be packed with a bunch of really fun, lighthearted people. :3 I was very happy. We are going to be studying classical music, which means I'm going to be required to attend 3 different concert performances this year. Let's see if I can convince my friends to go to AT LEAST one of them.

I then proceeded to the Prospector cafeteria, where I read Eclipse for about an hour and a half, then ate lunch when my friends showed up. I got home around 2, worked on some homework, then went to Wally World with mother.

So all in all, first day wasn't THAT bad.

Did I mention I got new glasses? They are quite brilliant, I shall post pictures.

if anyone even reads this. ;-;

Insomnia

2009-01-12T02:52:00.002-05:00

So I can't sleep. Hate it when that happens.

Tomorrow is my first day of classes, as some may know. I have a pretty heavy load this semester, packed full of math courses, but I think I can handle it; for some reason, I am apparently insanely good at math.

My schedule this semester includes the following classes:

Calculus III
Differential Equations
Matrices and Linear Algebra
Introduction to Probability and Statistics
Arts and Society: Music

The last one sounds a bit odd, compared to the rest, eh? I guess that's the beauty of the liberal studies requirement. =D

In an unrelated note, it's actually supposed to be COLD this week. WOW, I never thought I'd see the day. Last time it was cold was November, it seems. Thus far, winter has been fairly warm. I remember wearing a short sleeve polo to my Aunt's house on Christmas. I think it was around 60/65.

Though, due to my absolute infatuation with springtime, I'm sure that after about 2 or 3 weeks of cold, I'll be dying for March 21 to roll around. I just hope it snows soon, that would be awesome.

Since it seems that I'm having trouble putting my thoughts to paper (or rather, keys?) at the moment, I do believe that is all for now, though I may find myself blogging again later on today to describe my first day of classes. Technically, I have 2 first days, since 2 of my classes are Monday/Wednesday and the other 3 are Tuesday/Thursday.

So yes, expect a blog from me this afternoon and tomorrow afternoon, that would be the safe assumption. I do believe I'll go to McDonald's for breakfast this morning...yes yes. Iced Coffee <3

The House that Fire Built

2009-01-04T15:28:00.005-05:00

So my favorite band (well, one of them) has recently decided to do a bit of charity.

Go to their website to read more about it, and download their new awesome song, The House That Fire Built.

http://www.whatismae.com/charity/

The Final Score

2008-12-23T02:20:00.000-05:00

Grades are in.

Logic and Algorithms (Discrete Math): B
Calculus 2: B
Literature and Culture: A
Computer Organization and Architecture: A
Data Structures: A (wtf?)

that is all

No Time, No Money

2008-12-18T22:52:00.002-05:00

So lol news.

Finals are finally (lol) over. I finished my last one today, had a major headache afterward, and probably failed it. At least half the test covered permutations, combinations, and relations. Wtf? We covered a LOT more material than that.

The Data Structures exam was pretty easy though, finished it in only an hour, and the Calculus 2 exam I did in about an hour and a half. I'll be seeing my grades appear online in the next week or so, therefore I'll have the verdict at a later date.

So yeah, all I have now is work. But alas, that shall come to an end soon too. I put in my 2 week notice today, so the last day of the year will be my last day at Arby's, so long fast food, hope to never see you again. Srsli.

Unfortunately, this shall leave me without a paycheck and I will have to fend off my parents. Oh joy. So yeah, after the new semester starts, hopefully I'll be able to get a job soon enough.

Listening to Jefferson Airplane right now. What a great band.

Sleepy Days, Lazy Days

2008-12-14T12:18:00.003-05:00

I'm wondering if anyone actually reads these, or if I'm just ranting to a server...

Sleep is a simply wonderful cycle. Memories collected throughout the day transfer from short term to long term throughout the inner workings of your brain, and your body essentially shuts down and repairs any damage accrued throughout the day.

However, I have slept way too much the last two nights. 11 hours Friday night, and 10 hours last night. wtf?

As for the "Lazy Days" part, I really do need to study up for my Data Structures exam tomorrow, but I'm wondering if I'll ever actually get around to it...

What am I listening to, might you ask? Though I'm sure you didn't REALLY ask that... Well, right now I am listening to the album "Christmas Portrait" by The Carpenters. Nothing says Christmas music like the voice of Karen Carpenter. Such a sad story, hers is. It really shows the true vanity of the society we live in and the pressures that popular music can place upon oneself.

This is, for all intensive purposes, a blog full of potpourri. Just something to keep my mind off the fact that my life is currently a bore. :3

Re:Chain of Memories

2008-12-12T14:12:00.002-05:00

So when I was at the store the other day, I decided to pick this game up.

I forgot how much fun CoM is supposed to be. Handheld gaming, in my opinion, ruined the true quality of the game. I think it's so much fun on the PS2, and I'm actually enjoying myself.

I decided to pick it up after I made a resolution to get back into video games. I plan on picking up a 360 sometime in the near future, hopefully soon after Christmas. HOPEFULLY.

And yes, I will be getting Live.

CoM is the first video game I have bought since...well, a long time. o_o; I think I chose wisely.

Lukewarm

2008-12-11T13:52:00.000-05:00

So today, I have a cultural critique that I have experienced before and am (slightly) experiencing now.

It has to do with friendships, and this, my friends, is a rant.

I'm the kind of person that prefers either hot or cold. If you love me, great! The more the merrier. If you hate me, fine, not everyone can like me and I understand that.

But what really peeves me off is when someone is lukewarm. You can never be quite sure whether they like you or hate you, they say and show one thing or another from day to day, possibly even from second to second.

If someone doesn't care for me, I much rather them come right out and say it. Don't keep me guessing, don't play games with me, tell me like it is. If you have a problem with me, speak your mind. If you have an issue with me, say it. We can either attempt to resolve the problem or go our separate ways. I have way too much other stuff to worry about, seriously.

That is all.

The Fear, The Season, and The Resolution

2008-12-09T22:52:00.000-05:00

The Fear

Music is a simply amazing way to communicate thoughts, ideas, and principles in a creative and entertaining fashion. Not only can lyrics communicate a message, but the music itself can add to the vibe and atmosphere of that message.

With that said, I've recently fallen in love with the song "The Fear" by Lily Allen.

Yes, the dearest Lily Allen. In my opinion, not enough people take her seriously. She's bitchy, emotional, headstrong, and many other things.

But do you know what else Miss Allen has? Honesty. Genuine personality. Reality.

Lily Allen is actually a real person. She doesn't put on a show or cryptically write her lyrics to convey her life, she is up front and honest about them. Her newest song, "The Fear," states the message of the pure vanity of the culture we live in. It discusses the importance placed on wealth, fame, beauty, and popularity. It states that our culture, as a world, is built upon the fear of not being all the aforementioned things.

Perhaps some may think I am being over analytical, and Miss Allen's song is simply the rantings of a young 20-something, but I take her very seriously and think she is an amazing girl with some beautiful insight.

The Season

It's supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but for some reason, I'm just not feeling it this time around. With the stress of work, school, finances, job offering in the future, living arrangements, and interconnections, I just can't find the time, patience, or energy to enjoy this season for what it's really worth. Perhaps some snow could get me in the mood? =)

Though I did have all my Christmas shopping done before Thanksgiving this year. I was quite proud of myself. I usually do my Christmas shopping the week before, and struggle to find the things I need and fight through crowds to get what I want. Now, I can simply go to the mall and fight through crowds for the thrill of it. Huzzah!

The Resolution

With the new year quickly approaching, I've been making considerations for a resolution, and I believe it will be to actually instantiate and keep a blog this year. I have made attempts in the past, but none of them went extremely far, perhaps this one can go a bit farther.

Perhaps.

This being my first blog post, hello everyone, and I hope you look forward to more. =) My posts won't always be cultural reviews, sometimes I will include a little insight into my own life and the lives of those around me. My world is much too interesting (at least I find it interesting) to let slip through my fingers without recording at least some shred of detail on it. Ah, the power of the internet.

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And on a side note, here is the video for "The Fear."