A lyfe less ordinary..

I am feeling:

Passions
USMC
God
The Creek
Silver screen
Piracy
DAF
Frisco

Correspondence
Speak your mind
Talk to me

Yesterday
Oct 00//Pass go
Dec 00//Born to shimmer
Jan 01//Auld Lang Syne
March 01//Surviving JH
Apr 01//Frisco
May 01//Ooo-Rah
June 01//Boys lie
Sept 01//Please Remember
Oct 01//There For You
Nov 01//I heart home
Dec 01//Wrong Choices
June 02//I Return

Riiiiiing!
< # blog girls ? >

"It's four o' clock in the morning, dammit.. listen to me GOOD. I'm sleeping with myself tonite. Saved in time, thank God my *music's* still alive.." -Elton

I really want a puppy. Of course, working at a pet store, and seeing puppies all day, every day really doesn't help. And I've realized that one of the things that I despise most about this world is animal abuse. It ranks right up there with war and child abuse and everything else that is wrong with America today. I've worked at PETCO for about 3 weeks and already this is what I've seen:

A)A man walk in, drop a box on register 1, run out to his car and peel out of the parking lot. In the box, was an 8 week old kitten.

B)A couple drop a cute black dog off to be groomed. Said couple never came to pick up the dog.

C)Numerous people drop off hamsters, rats, turtles, and mice just b/c they didn't want them anymore.

I mean, really. Do NOT bring a pet into your life, REGARDLESS of what it is.. if you are not gonna' love it as if it were your own child.

And now, I am off to the zoo.
23 July 02 1204 hours.

"Crimson and clover.. over and over.." -jew

Seriousness. Why is it that boys have this amazing way of making things all wrong just when you think you have made them okay again? Or at least started to make them okay. I'm not really sure I can put into words how hard it's been for me to put Levi behind me... how UNbelieveably heartbreaking it is to see him every weekend.. and know, and come to TERMS with the fact that he will never look at me again like he did before.

But I think I've done a pretty good job. I still hang at TFS every weekend. I smile at everyone, I sing, I laugh. Outwardly, I'm the life of the party. I hug L when I get there, and again when he leaves. I'm even friendly to his gf (b/c she's nice and I HATE that..) All in all, I think I was beginning to put him behind me.. at least in *that* aspect..

Enter last Thursday. To sum up the nite in a somewhat short paragraph.. Steph and I get buzzed. Levi gets buzzed. Come the end of the nite.. nobody's ready to go home. Theresa hosts the after-party. Me and Levi hop in his car. (he *almost* let me drive, even!) Steph and Vee take my ride, and a couple other people (including Bobby, the raddest bartender EVER) follow.. At Theresa's, me and L proceed to have a wrestling match in the WET grass. I definitely lost miserably. Enter the jacuzzi. Me and L, Roy and his wife, Vee, and some other dude all hop in the jacuzzi. Levi in his boxer-briefs, me in my white/grass stained tank top. One thing leads to another, and the rest is history..

Now, tell me.. *why* must boys be this way? Why can they NOT make up their minds? Why must they think that they can always have their cake and eat it too?

To add to this, Sunday nite I hung out with Carl. Carl rocks. I've known him for about 2 years. Met him on the internet, even. He's from IL, but he was out here in Camp Pendelton for some Marine-Op. Sunday he called and said he was at Miramar, so I went and picked him up and we went to TFS for a few hours and a few drinks. It was neat to see him. A while ago, Carl asked me if I was seeing anyone and I told him the story of L. Sunday nite.. out of nowhere, Carl asked me if that (pointing at Levi) was the guy I had told him about. When I asked him how he knew.. he said this: "It's kinda' obvious.. see how he's staring at you?"

Thanks Carl.. I really did NOT notice that 'til you pointed it out. lol..

Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever understand why boys do the things they do. I guess things happen for a reason.. but what I can't deal with is not being able to find a reason why things are the way they are..
17 July 02 031 hours.

"I yelled back when I heard thunder. Now I'm down to one last breath.." -Creed

So, here's another survey. Also, did I TELL you all that I'm going to see Dashboard on 08 August?? For REAL! Exciting, that is. On with the survey.

1. What facial feature do you find the most attractive on others?
I like a guy's eyes. Also his smile. I like to watch his eyes lite up when he smiles.. and when he laughs. "There's a lite in your eyes that I used to see, and a song in the words that you spoke to me.."

2. Would you vote for a woman candidate for president?
It depends on her views, and her qualifications.

3. Would you marry for money?
Who the hell is gonna' pay me to get married? lol.. It would be a HUGE plus to marry a rich dood, but if he was ugly.. I'd have to decline. (lol)

4. Have you had braces?
Naaa. I need them like all get-out, but I doubt I'll ever go thru the hassle of getting them. Love me and my crooked teeth, or don't love me at all. :D

5. Do you pluck your eyebrows?
Are you CRAZY? That shit hurts.

6. Do you ever cut or hurt yourself?
Hmmm, no.

7. When was the last time you had a hickey?
lol.. maybe when I was like, 17.

8. Could you live without a computer?
No, I'd just die. >er<

9. Do you use ICQ, AOL Buddy list etc...?
ICQ is gay. AIM rocks.

10. If so, how many people are on your list(s)?
22.. but I think it's only really like, 15 people. Some have multiple screen names.

11. If you could live in any past time period, which would it be?
Yore. Or yesteryear.

12. Do you drink enough water?
Definitely not.

13. Do you wear shoes in the house or take them off?
I don't even like to wear shoes and socks when I go out. WAY too constricting.

14. What is your favorite fruit?
Bananas. Strawberries, too.

15. Do you eat wheat bread or white?
Both.

16. What is your favorite place to visit?
The Filling Station? lol...

17. What is the last movie you saw?
Cast Away is on HBO at LEAST every 10 minutes, so I'll go with that. I also saw Summer Catch this morning.

18. Do you kiss on the first date?
Like, in the first 10 minutes.. lol. Kissing rocks. Wasting time does not.

19. Are you photogenic?
Sometimes. But I LOVE to be in pictures. I'll jump in any picture being taken.

20. Do you dream in color or black and white?
I don't usually remember my dreams, even.

21. Are you wearing fingernail polish?
My toes are blue. But I painted them like, last month.. so most of the blue is gone.

23. Do you have any dimples?
Nope.

24. Do you remember being born?
lol, no? That would be kinda' strange.

25. Why do you take surveys?
I'm wasting time before I have to go to work.

26. Do you drink alcohol?
Hell yeah. (Only on the weekends, tho.)

27. Did you like or do you like high school?
Not particularly. I DID like middle skool, tho.

28. What is the most beautiful language?
English.

29. When you are asleep do you like being kissed awake?
No. Feel free to kiss me when I wake up on my own.. at the time that I feel like waking up.

30. Do you like sunrises or sunsets the most?
Sunsets. A) they're prettier. B)When the sun sets, it means it's almost time to either go to the bar or go to sleep.

31. Do you want to live to be 100?
Naaa.. I don't want to be old.

32. Do you think women should be expected to shave their body hair?
YES. lol... especially their underarms. I don't ever wanna' see another woman with long-ass pit hair. Gross.

33. Do you like salty food or sugary food the most?
Who the hell cares? Food is food.

34. Is a flat stomach important to you?
lol. That's all I have to say about that.

35. Do you or have you played with a ouija board?
No. Seeing as how they're fake.

36. Are you loyal?
It depends on the situation...

37. Are you tolerant of other people's beliefs?
It depends on the beliefs..

38. When you watch movies at home, do you like the lights on or off?
Turn out the lites.

39. Do you believe in magic?
lol.. that McDonalds™ song just popped into my head.

40. Do you have nightmares frequently?
Not usually.

41. Do you like your nose?
I've never really thought about this.

42. Do you like abstract art?
I like art that is pretty.

43. Do you think you can draw well?<
Hell NO. I can barely draw stick figures.

44. Do you listen to music daily?
DUH.

45. Do you like to watch cartoons?
Spongebob forever!

46. At what age did you find out that Santa Claus wasn't real?
Totally real, he is.

47. How many pairs of shoes do have in your closet?
Like, 20.

48. Do you like to wear the same shoes everyday or do you like a variety?
Usually, I like to wear sandals. I think about 15 pairs of my shoes are sandals.

49. Do you write poetry?
I just write.

50. Do you snore?
Hell no. Thank Jesus.

51. Do you sleep more on your back, front, or sides?
Who cares.. as long as I'm sleeping.

52. Would you rather have a poodle or a rottweiler?
A Boxer.

53. Do you lick stamps?
When I write a letter, I guess.

54. Do you use an electric can opener?
Yeah. Ours is cordless. It's cool.

55. Have you ridden in a hot air balloon?
Hell no. There's fire in those things.

56. Which hurts the most, physical or emotional pain?
Emotional. I'd rather get my ass kicked than my heart broken.

57. Do you think balding men should shave their heads?
No.. they're gonna' lose all their hair eventually anyway.

58. Do you know anyone who is clinically depressed?
Sure..

59. Do you prefer a piano or a violin?
Pianos. But fiddles run a close 2nd or 3rd.

60. Are you a sex addict?
I'm not an addict, just a fan.

61. Do you know someone who has cancer?
Yes.

63. Do you hunt?
No. HELL no. And if you do, don't talk to me.

64. Do you like fast food joints, or expensive restaurants?
Again, food is food.

65. Would you rather visit a zoo or an art museum?
Depends on what mood I'm in.

66. Do you have a middle name?
Ilene.

67. Are you basically a happy person?
yes/no.

68. Are you tired?
Not particualrly. I've been sitting on my ass all morning.

69. Did you drink anything with caffeine in it today?
Neg.

70. Have you ever met anyone off the internet?
Of course. :)

71. How many phones do you have in your house?
Including cell phones? 5.

72. How long is your hair?
Mad short, right now.. but I'm growing it out again.. I change my hair like I change my undies.

73. Do you get along with your parents?
I get along with my mom like a champ.

74. What color of eyes do you prefer?
Blue eyes.. on dark haired guys.

75. Are you a virgin?
Yeah. Only not so much..

76. What medications do you take?
None, really. I am currently taking Xenadrine™.. but that's 'cuz I'm fat, not 'cuz I'm sick.

77. What does your bedroom look like?
The walls are white. There's a lot of electronic stuff. A TV, A VCR, A Nintendo, A stereo receiver and a 60 disc changer.. blahblah. There's a lot of photos in my room, too. I like to look at my friends a lot. There are usually dirty clothes on the floor.
09 July 02 1124 hours.

"Down sleepless roads, the sleepless go.." -jew

First of all, I just spent about an hour editing this survey HTML style, and when I went to update.. AOL kicked me off. NEAT. Second of all, here's a survey. These are fun! I got this one from Sara who in turn got it from Norm. Enjoy.

MY..

Name: Michelle Ilene
Height: 5'1
Sex: girl
Hair color: different shades of red
Curly or Straight: too short right now to really be either, but normally.. wavy-like.
Natural Hair Color at birth: boring brown.. blah.
Eye Color: brown
Glasses/contacts: neg
Location: Diego
School Attending: Grossmont Community College
Taking what: "I can't stay on your morphine, 'cuz it's makin' me itch.." Oh, you mean classes.. theatre stuff.
Siblings: Lindsay, Alex, Natalie, and Sam.
Do they look like me?: Eh.. I dunno. Not so much.
Righty or lefty?: lefty, 'cuz I'm cool like that.
Shoe Size: 6.5 or 7.
Grade: Grade A!
Pets: A rat-dog, 4 cats, and some fish.. (DOWN with rat-dogs)
How do others describe you?: You all know how cool I am so.. duh.
Parents Married/Divorced: Divorced and remarried. Step-parents suck.

FAVOURITES..

Color?: Red.
Number?: 8.
Drink?: Sunny Delite, Cranberry Berry Juice, and SMIRNOFF ICE w/ grenadine!
Animal? A boxer. (It's a dog, people..)
Holiday? The 4th.
Sound?: Levi singing..
Band or group?: Counting Crows! Dashboard is a close 2nd..
Book? "The Notebook" by Nicholas Sparks
Movie(s)?: The Shawshank Redemption, Good Will Hunting.. (etc..)
TV show? Friends, ER, Whose Line is it Anyway?
Place?: San Diego!
Food?: Anything with alfredo sauce..
Texture?: I'll get back to you or something..
Smell?: Almost anything Bath & Body Works..
Room In house: Mine
Girl's Name: Aria Rayn
Guy's Name: Justice Ray or Levi Grant..
Ice cream: Cookies 'n Cream
Type of music: I just love music..
Magazine: Maxim
Song: You expect me to pick ONE? How 'bout my favorite song of the moment.. "Wasting My Time" by Default.
Shampoo: I don't really care.. whatever's on sale.
Toothpaste: See above.
Favorite girl: Ummm.. I'm not sure how to answer this.. lol.
Actor: Nicholas Cage.
Actress: Dunno, really.
Candy: Anything Reeses!
Famous Person: This is pretty broad. I'll have to go with Garth.
Sport: Baseball.
Subject: Definitely NOT math..
Time Of Day: Dusk
Family Member: I like all my family members :)
Salad Dressing: Ranch! (from Denny's, even)
Blanket/Stuffed Animal: I like the German Shepard beanie baby I stole off of some cute MPs dashboard.
Memory: 'Frisco.. and my 3 weeks with Levi.
Quote: Again, I have to pick one? How 'bout.. "Well this is not for real, afraid to feel. I just hit the floor, don't ask for more. I'm wasting my time." -Default
Day Of The Week: Friday NITE.
Perfume And Cologne: Bath and Body works.. Sweet Pea.
Flower: 'member in Friends how Monica calls her .... a "flower?" lol..
Pair Of Pants: My thrift shop Levis that I cut up!
Fast Food Place: Jack in the Box!
Store: Wal-Mart! I swear.. I could live there.
Game: Text twist.
Teacher: Mr. Morris, my 10th grade english teacher.
Love Song: Gary Allan's new one is pretty. "And I'd walk a step behind.. in the shadows so you shine.."
Brand Of Clothing: I like to shop in thrift stores, really.
Month: December.
Vacation Spot: I'm not really a "vacation" person..
Model: So not into models.. blah.
Fruit: Bananas!
Disney Movie: Aladdin..
Thing to do on weekend: Go to the bar with Steph.. karaoke, too!
Restaurant: It's a toss-up b/w Claim Jumper and The Cheesecake Factory. Oh, and The Old Spaghetti Factory, too.
Toppings on Pizza: Extra cheese!

HATE THE MOST..

Color?: I think I like all colors..
Number? 1,254? lol.. I dunno.
Drink? V8 Splash. Gross.
Animal?: Birds.
Sound?: My rat-dog's bark..
Band or group?: EMINEM..
TV show?: Buffy.
Food?: Olives!!
Texture?: Dried paint..
Type of music: Hardcore rap. And Eminem.
Actor/Actress: Keanu Reeves is a pretty bad actor.. but he's in good movies.
Sport: Basketball.
Subject: Math and/or math. And also.. math.
Time Of Day: Any morning that I have to wake up too early.
Memory: Levi driving away.
Day Of The Week: I dunno..
Pair Of Pants: lol.. Ross' leather ones? (lol, that was FUNNY.) "The lotion and the powder have made a paaaste!"
Fast Food Place: Arbys!
Brand Of Clothing: Fubu. Blah..
Month: March.
TV Theme Song: I definitely don't watch enuff TV to hate the theme songs.. lol.
Fruit: Are Olives a fruit? Oh well.. even if they aren't, I'm going with olives.
Disney Movies: I really think I like them all..
Thing to do on weekend: Work
Toppings on Pizza: OOOLLLIIIVVVEEESSS.

CHOOSE BETWEEN..

Crutons or bacon bits? crutons (isn't this word spelled "croutons?")
One pillow or two? two
In the car, AC or open windows? AC.. open windows + CA freeways = noooooo.
Pen or pencil? pen. pencil gets on the side of my hand when I write.
Mud or jello wrestling? neither? lol..
White or chocolate milk? ANY kind of chocolate.
Deaf or blind? TOUGH one..
Oranges or apples? Apples
Adidas, nike, or reebok? Just Do It.
Blondes, brunettes, or redheads? redheads. Down with ALL blondes.
Tall or short? Tallish.
Leno or Letterman? If I'm up this late, I'm probably at the bar.
Chocolate milk or hot chocolate? Either
McDonalds or Burger King? Jack in the Box.
Coke or Pepsi? Cherry Mountain Dew!
Rather marry the perfect lover or perfect friend? Perfect friend.
Sweet or sour? Sweet.
Root Beer or Dr. Pepper? DP and cherry montain dew..
Tea or coffee? Frappuchinos.
Sappy/action/comedy/horror/romantic? Drama, even.
Cats or dogs? Dogs
Ocean or pool? Pool. There are SHARKS in the ocean. (amen to this.)
With or without ice? Without
Shine or rain? Shine.. unless it's a thunderstorm and I am inside..
Top or Bottom? Top. Hell yeah.
Winter/Summer/Fall/Spring? Winter.. as long as it isn't TOO cold.
Vanilla or Chocolate? Cookie and Cream.
Skiing or boarding? Sleeping.
Biking or blading? Sleeping.
Cereal or toast? Cereal
Gloves or mittens?: tank tops..
Eyes open or closed? "Close your eyes.. make a wish.."
Fly or breathe under water? When I first read this question, I thought it was asking if I would rather fly underwater or breathe underwater.. lol.
Chewing gum or hard candy? Gum
Motor boat or sailboat? Cruise! Caribbian style..
Lights on or off? "turn out the lites, turn out the lites.. and I said follow me, follow me, follow me, down down down down"
Thunder storms, cool or scary? Cool as long as I am WAY inside.
Is the glass half empty or half full? If it's a Smirnoff Ice, you better be buying me another one.
Roller coasters, deadly or exciting?: Coasters rock.
Do you like to play or watch football better: Play!.. mud football, even.

IN THE FUTURE..

What's your house gonna look like? I don't know.. but it better be big.
Where are you gonna live? Inside the house?
How many kids? ONE.
What are you gonna do for a job? Sleep.
Move anywhere, where would it be? Santa Barbara.
Buy any car, what would it be? Either an Avalanche or a PT Cruiser
Dye your hair one color, what would it be? I think I've dyed my hair every color imaginable.
Have a tattoo? .. or 4.
Turn into any animal, what would it be? "Dear God, make me a bird.. so I can fly far.. far far away from here."
Streak in front of someone's house, who's would it be? Eh.. no ones.
Live w/ one person for the rest of your life, who would it be?: Steph or L.

NAME ONE THING..

You love? Music
You're embarrassed about? Fat
You wish you had done that you didn't? Gone to Vegas with Levi..
You wish you hadn't done that you did? haha.. can this be a person? :-x
You REALLY wanna do? Again.. can this be a person? lol..
That annoys you: People who have no clue how to drive.

WHAT'S THE FIRST THING YOU DO WHEN YOU..

Get up? Wish I wasn't awake.
Get in the shower? Wish I was still in my bed.
Go to school? Park my car?

YAY OR NAY..

Female president? Yay... how 'bout me?
Food in bed? Nay.. beds are for sleep.
High heels? HELL nay. Platforms are a different story. Us short kids gotta' have some glory.
Mexican food? yay
Insects? NNNAAAYYY.
Little kids? nay
Infants? nay

HABITS..

Do you bite your fingernails? no
Toenails? lol.. would anyone actually admit to this?
Twirl your hair? My hair is way too short.
Replay commercials? No.. but I recite TV shows and movies.
Impersonate? No.
Chew gum obnoxiously? I have NEVER been able to pop my gum. Dammit.
Cheat on tests/homework? No.
Shower? No. (lol, ok.. so yes.)
Make your bed? Hell no.
Clean your room? Not if I could be sleeping.
Tell people you love them? Yes.

WHAT ARE YOU..

Afraid of? Failure.
Proud of? America.. most of the time, anyway.
In love with? Music!
Envious of? Laura.
Mad or frustrated with? Mostly.. myself.

WHAT IS..

Under your bed? The floor.
On your nails? Nothing.
On your feet? white ankle socks.
On your walls? photographs.
On your mouse pad? My mouse? And the guy from World Industries, too.
On your bed? Me.. shortly.
In your desk? No desk to speak of...
On your ceiling? popcorny paint stuff.
In your CD/tape player? Jack Johnson, Staind, Alkaline Trio, Jimmy Eat World, Incubus, John Mayer, and Levi's demo..

NOT TOO PERSONAL..

What would a play about your life be called: A Lyfe Less Ordinary
Where do you see yourself in ten years? Dunno, even.
Do you make fun of people: Hell yeah.
Have you ever been convicted of a crime: Neg.
Best friends online: Sar..
Do you get motion sickness: No.
Are you a good friend: I'd like to think so..
Do you sleep with stuffed animals: Of course. :)
Strangest thing anybody's ever said to you: Some guy told me he liked my toenails once. lol..
Any Piercing: Afirm.
Where Can You Usually Be Found: Sleeping... or at TFS.
Who Can You Usually Be Found With: Steph.
Cell Phone: yep
Pager: lol.. do they still make those?
Are You [the] Center Of Attention Or [a] Wallflower: I'll take the former for 100.
What Type [of]Automobile Do You Drive: A black Toyota Corolla.
Are you a virgin?: Yeah. Only.... no, really.
Are You Timely Or Always Late: Timely and sometimes late..
Where Is The Best Hangout: TFS!!
Do you have a job? yes
Do you do drugs: Nope.
Do you smoke: Ummm, no.
Do You Like Being Around People: Hell yeah, I do.

A LITTLE MORE PERSONAL..

Who have you gotten closer to over the year: Levi and Steph.
Ever Afraid You'll Never Get Married: Not really..
Do you Want To Get Married: Been there, done that.
Do You Want Kids: I haven't completely decided yet.
Do You Believe In Psychics: Not so much.
Are You Happy With Your Life: See above..
If You Could Change Something In Your Life Right Now, What Would It Be: I'd fall OUT of love with someone..
Who's your Role Model: ...
Best thing you did last summer: I don't even remember what I did last WEEK.. lol.
What language(s) do you Speak: ENGLISH.
Do you collect Anything: Photos and memories.
Are you a Ditz: Like, totally no. >hair flip<

BELIEFS..

God: He can sing real good.
Goddess: You rang?
Aliens: hell nah.
Ghosts: hell NO.
Yourself: At times..
Heaven/Hell: yeah..
Reincarnation: not really..
Love at First Site: I never used to.. but yeah.

AT HOME..

What do you wear to Bed: Right now I'm wearing red umbros and a black tank top.
What's your bedtime: b/w midnite and 0100.
Do you wish on shooting Stars: When I see them, I do.
Is there a TV in your Room: Yep..
Is there a VCR in your room: Yes.
Is there a CD Player in your room: HELL YES.. a 60 disc changer, even.
What's the last thing you do before you fall asleep: close my eyes.
How many Schools have you been to: Throughout my life? 6
Do you get along with your Parents: I get along with my mom..
Are you passive or Aggressive: Aggressive.
Would you rather be Hot or Cold: Hot.
Curfew: What is that?
Do you play any musical Instruments? No.. but I wish I could..
Talk shows: Sometimes my home life IS a talk show.
Have you ever saved your chat conversations? yeah..
What do you remember most about this past year?: Boot camp.
What is the worst feeling in the world? Longing.. and love unreturned.
What is the best feeling in the world? Instant attraction..

HOW ABOUT..

The opposite sex? Lame.
Current Crush(es): L..
Want Someone You Don't Have Right Now: yeah..
Ever Liked a close Guy/Girl Friend: yes
Fallen in Love: yes..
What do you notice first? Smile... eyes, too.
Personality traits that they must have: Sense of humor.. and a deep appreciation for music.
Hair curly or straight? strait.
Hair long or short? short
What kinds of things do you find romantic? Romance is overrated. I second this.
Thing you love the most about them? when he gives you his shirt to wear to bed..
What does your ideal girlfriend/boyfriend look like? Hott.
What is your dream date? Wasn't Dream Date a board game in the 80s?
Do you like to call or be called? be called WHAT? lol..
Make plans or go along w/ them? Go to the bar..
Do you Prefer Girls With or Without Makeup: I don't prefer girls.. :)
Do you prefer girls with Long Hair or Short Hair: see above.
Boxers, briefs, or boxer-Briefs: boxers with cute designs.
How often do you shave: once a week.

AND FINALLY..

Would You Rather Be With Friends Or On A Date: With friends on a date.
Who has it easier, girls or guys?: Guys. blah.
08 July 02 1247 hours.

"I tried so hard and got SO far.. but in the end, it doesn't even matter.." -lp

I was totally dissapointed this July 4th. Let me tell you why. Steph and I went to the fair again like we did last year. Last year was awesome. The Navy Band played every patriotic song known to man, the fireworks were beautiful, and then we got to see Bubba Blackwell crash his motorcycle in an attempt to jump over 22 cars. Real TV style, even. Last year, people cheered for the Navy Band.. people wove flags, eyes brimmed with tears. All in all, it was awesome.

This year, the festivities were the same.. save the Bubba Blackwell fiasco. The Navy Band was good. They played all the good songs and they sounded awesome. The fireworks left something to be desired. We didn't stay to watch The Temptations. The part that upset/pissed me off the MOST was that SO many more people showed up. SO many more flags were being waved. The applause was SO much louder. Standing ovations were given, tears overflowed, Americans in general were THAT much more American this year.

And it was good to see tears of pride rolling down the cheeks of fellow Americans, it was good to hear President Bush's 9/11 speech played while the sky was lit up with fireworks.. it was good to hear "Hero" by Enrique played right after that. But where was ALL this patriotism last year? Where was all the tears, all the brotherhood, all the PRIDE? Does it really take tragedy to bring out the American in Americans? THAT'S what made me sad this year.

Oh well. I take pride in knowing that people like me.. and Steph.. and Sara.. we take pride in our country even in rare times of peace. We cry EVERY time we hear The Star Spangled Banner, and God Bless America, and God Bless the USA. We hold our hands over our hearts and our heads up HIGH when we salute our flag and our America. And I guess that's enuff. Misplaced patriotism just gets on my nerves.
07 July 02 1951 hours.

"Why don't the newscasters cry when they hear about people who die? At least they could be decent enuff to put just a tear in their eye.." -Jack Johnson

Just in case you haven't figured it out yet, I came back to Pitas. I transferred all my Dland entries over to here, and archived them. A pain in the ass, it was.. but I did it. So, read me here now.

I really laugh when I read over all my old entries. I was so excited about becoming a Marine. And now.. I am one. Only not for too much longer. And now.. I can't wait to be a civilian again. I can't wait to have my life back.. to be my OWN person.. to not be owned and operated by the US Government. I should have known I was too much of an individual to be a Marine.

In other news, the weekend was pretty cool. I only went out on Saturday.. (which is back to being plain Saturday, and not Felixurday) Amazingly enuff, I don't even go to the EClub anymore. It finally just stopped being.. cool. I now hang at The Filling Station. It's a neat place... a little hole in the wall bar, karaoke 7 nites a week! It's pretty much a local bar.. all the same people every weekend. Just my kind of place. I hung out there on Saturday. Steph was there for a little while, but she left early. I wasn't even planning on drinking, but some dude kept buying our table shot after shot. I wasn't about to resist. :)

Sunday, me and some girls went to Levi's off-broadway revue. Journey On, it's called. It was really awesome. He had a couple solos.. and of course, he shined. He was so made for the stage. I hugged him when he was done, and he told me he was really glad I came. Me too, Levi.. me too.

I'm gonna' go watch Whose Line b/c it is literally the funniest TV show ever made. Colin Mochrie forever.
01 July 01 2149 hours.