Butterflies and Hurricanes

I am become Death

2011-11-21T00:34:00.004Z

Did you ever have a thought that stayed with you for much longer than it should? Keeping you up at night, playing on your mind while you drive or eat. I find this happens to me a lot, and I often think to myself "Hey, that would make a good Blog post". Then something inevitibly distracts me and the thought is pushed to the back of my mind, but not forgotten. This is one of those thoughts.

Hey guys.

I don't want to start this post all morbidly, but something has been playing on my mind for a long time recently. Did you ever think about how close we all come to death every single day? I don't mean we almost die and somehow survive every day, I mean we come close to being in that life or death situation.

This thought initially cropped up for me when I was driving down a country lane a while ago. Now, driving is a fairly save endeavor, assuming all the parties involved understand the rules of the road and abide by them. But have you ever thought about just how close you are to the cars coming the opposite direction? I mean, sitting where I am I am literally 2 1/2 feet from a car going what? 50Mph? Add that to my 50Mph and we have an impact with the force of 100Mph (Physics guys may want to correct me here). Now, thats a speed that will most likely kill me, and yet no one bats an eyelid about driving. We're just so used to it. Remember the first time you drove on the motorway? It felt so fast, so intense! After a little while though, the feelings subside, and it seems normal.

It's not just while driving that we trust that someone else isn't going to end us. Think about how much food you consume during a week. How many times do you eat something that wasn't prepared by you? Who knows what could have happened to food in a restaraunt or shop. We just trust that the food will be untainted and disease free.

I don't want to come off as some nut who thinks he's in a Final Destination film. If anything, I'm too carefree when it comes to food. I think nothing of eating off the floor, or not washing my hands before dinner. I just wanted to share a few thoughts i'd had on a subject that was playing on my mind.

I guess that's what this Blog is for. I should be posting here more often for my own intellecual needs, stretching the verbal muscles and releasing thoughts that would normally stay trapped in my head.

However, I doubt that 1am is the time, ESPECIALLY when I have to be out the door on the way to work at 5am.

Ah well, sleep is for the weak.

Catch you soon kids,

Jamie
Veg
Dunch

A picture quote for you, as compensation for my absence.

A mobile test

2011-06-02T23:34:00.002+01:00

Hey guys!

So... This is being done from my mobile. Not sure if I should be amazed at what my phone can do, or gutted that it has come to this. Attempting to post a whole blog update from a 6in touchscreen. Still, we persevere.

A simple topic for today, things you have carried with you since your first summer at camp. Most of you who will read this out of nostalgia have worked with me at camp, and all I want to know is, what have you managed to hang onto from that first magical summer? For me, it seems to be a (sadly) very short list. I will attempt pictures at the end!

I have;
- My Union Jack flag, hung alongside the American flag on the day of the 2005 underground bombings, and used as a cape several years running. (little fact, it has hung whereever I have lived since that summer).

- My Lansing Lugnuts baseball. Love it, been hurt by it. Missed a catch aimed at my head once or twice!

- My oriental-style hanging banner made in Lin's arts and crafts shack. At first glance it looks like random Chineseish symbols, then after a while you see the "Team Pie" written in. Again, hung everywhere I have lived for six years now.

- My "Most likely to be seen with his cabin" and "Most likely to be on time" awards. Worth more to me than gold.

- Lastly, but by no means my least favorite, an album from Fallout Boy, "From under the cork tree" AND a Yu-Gi-Oh deck. Both things comforted me and helped me bond with my campers!

So, assuming this works and posts properly, what do you still have?

Keep it safe,
Jamie
Veg
Dunch

Nostalgia

2010-09-13T09:31:00.003+01:00

Hey guys!

Just made this video. I was saving a bunch of photos from Facebook, just in case it ever decided that my life shouldn't be online anymore. I thought I'd test out the mac's powers and make a quick slideshow!

Some of the transitions are a little off, but aside from that it's pretty nice, especially for only taking about half an hour or so.

Keep it safe kids

Jamie
Veg
Dunch

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAF1NBPQ5Gc

One hundred and eighty!

2010-03-24T23:58:00.004Z

Hey guys!

Formatting for this post has gone out the window. Suffice to say, I've joined my local Darts team! I'm the latest member of the Chelmer Inn Darts team! I'll keep you posted!

Keep it safe,

Jamie
Veg
Dunch

“The average American's day planner has fewer holes in it than Ray Charles's dart board.”

Yes, I hit those bullseyes legitimately!

Mind = Blown

2010-03-16T15:37:00.002Z

Hey guys

We all know i'm a thinker, right?

Well today I thunk (Sidenote - Great word) myself into a migraine.

See, I was thinking about different things, and Maths pops into my head. I remembered learning in my American "Math for Elementary teachers" class about Binary. As far as my limited knowledge of binary goes, it is a system of counting using zeros and ones. Computers use it, and words or numbers can be converted into binary code. For proper information, check here. After thinking about it for a while and trying to remember how to count things in base 1, 2 and 3, it hit me that this year is 2010. since 10, or 1,0, is sort of binary that made me think of dates that could be in binary. Naturally, 10/10/10 came up first, so I thought i'd find out what it could mean. Perhaps a funny word, or a name. Something to celebrate when the tenth of October came around.

What I got, was this.

LOOK AT THE SECOND RESULT!

So that made me want to check it backwards. I typed into Google "What is 42 in binary?".

This came up.

Wow. 10/10/10 = 42 in binary! My favorite book, discussed only weeks ago, sent me a subconscious message! My mind has been blown.

Anyone got any ideas as to what might happen on that date? Or will it just be another day?

Comments, as always, appreciated.

Extra reading if you're interested:

42 is the answer to "Life, the Universe and Everything" (Click it, it's worth it)

Keep it safe.

Jamie
Veg
Dunch

A la EmLaw: Part Deux

2010-03-11T23:45:00.002Z

Evening all.

I've had somewhat of an emotional day, so I thought I'd take a leaf out of Emlaw's book and write about what makes me special and why I'm a good person, like she did a few weeks ago.

I work hard. In every single job that I've held I have been told what a good job I'm doing or been commended in some way. But perhaps more importantly...
I make people laugh while I work. I'd crack jokes while making subs, I'd sing silly songs while walking with kids, I make grown men giggle while I pour them a pint. When I'm working, I make people happy.
I am a great listener. I'll happily listen to your problems and give you my honest advice, if you want it.
I am just as happy in front of a computer/Xbox as I am walking through the woods.
I am polite to everyone. (Sidenote: Did I spell polite wrongly? Or is it just an odd looking word?)
I am well spoken.
I walk everywhere. Granted, I don't have a driving license, but I like to think I'd walk even if I did.
I punctuate and spell everything to the best of my ability. I like to try and be as literate as possible. Even in text messages and Twitter.
I'm funny. This one may be up for discussion, but I think I make people laugh in my personal life too.
I actively seek out new experiences. I want to do extraordinary things.
Despite number 10, I don't crumble to peer pressure. If I want to do something, I'll do it. If not, I wont. End of.
In a similar vein, I don't smoke or do drugs, and I never have. I have my own vices like everyone does, those just never appealed to me.
I appreciate everyday beauty. Sunrises/sets, clouds, trees, animals. Even the beauty found in man-made buildings and such.
I'm loyal. Probably to destructive ends, but I think it's worth it. People, friends, and family are important.
I am my own person. I know everyone thinks that they're a snowflake, but I really think I don't follow one particular group of people.
I am easy going and relaxed.

So there we go. Hope this post wasn't too self-indulgent for you, and if it was, why are you still reading?!

To end, a quote that everyone knows well.

"All who wander are not lost" JRR Tolkien

Keep it safe kids

Jamie
Veg
Dunch

Walk Hard.

2010-03-07T02:56:00.003Z

Hey guys!

A little while ago I promised a deeper post. Well, here is my attempt at said post!

I've often thought that I might have been born a few centuries too late. I'm a thinker, and perhaps a few millenia ago, where thinking a lot might have been seen as a worthy pastime, I might have been a philosopher or something. I really don't mind walking long distances, in fact it gives me more time to think! It might have worked. But I do get wrapped up in my own thoughts sometimes. Like today, I was taking a bath before work and was struck with the sheer impossibility that was my leg. It came from a single cell, and developed over years to become the muscular masterpeice that allows me to walk. Then that got me thinking of how amazing it is that we can even walk at all. We balance on our big toes and heels, and continually fall forwards to move. Amazing.

Another example is my walk to/from work. I walk through this massive field with a path through the middle, it's the closest I can get to nature on the way in. But because Essex is so flat, when the sky is clear as it was today you get an amazing panoramic view of the sky all around you. During the day, you see a beautiful deep blue sky streatching off for miles in every direction, looking so inviting that you want to just jump into it. At night, you can see so many stars that it gives you some perspective, since some are brighter than others. Somehow this makes it even more infinite looking, like you can just see forever. It's truely beautiful and breathtaking. I think I might be more sensitive, emotional and sentimental than people think.

So, in completely different news, I've left Plymouth Uni. My reasons for leaving are many, but it mostly boils down to two areas of discontent. Firstly, the content of the course I was doing. To say it was empty would have been generous. Let me paint a mental picture of my school week last term. I had class three times a week. For two hours each session. That means that my required contact hours each week were 6. Total. In America, I was doing that much a day. This term we had a class called "Work based learning" where we were told to go and cold call companies/schools and ask to work there for free, for 50 hours over the course of the term. That to me is ridiculous. Telling a class of 19-25ish students in HIGHER EDUCATION to go and find their own work experience, with no help or input from the uni staff AND PAY FOR THE PRIVILEGE TO DO SO! Oh please show me where to sign up...

Another class I was enrolled in was called "Education in and for the Environment". Now, I actually enjoyed this class, and the teacher was awesome, but that does not make a good class. There were weeks where we listened to a professional story teller. There were weeks where we were in the room for 40 minutes. One week we took a trip to the Eden project. Awesome, but hardly relevant or higher education.

Now, People have told me things like "That's just how it's done over here" or "It gives you the chance to put your own mark on your degree by doing your own reading". The basic gist of what I've been getting is that the majority of the degree is gained by doing your own reading, outside of class. If that's the case, what am I paying for? I can do that on my own, for free. No thanks.

Anyways, what this all means is that I've moved home for the foreseeable future. I've got my old job at the Fleece back as a starting block and I think I'm going to try and sort things out with me. There are some apsects of my life that I'm not happy with and I want to change.

As much as I complained above, I have sunk too much time and money into my education to not finish. I want to get a degree from a school I respect and enjoy attending.
I want money. I've been living on almost nothing for so long now. I want a full-time job and I want to have some money for myself.
I want to get back into shape. I'm by no means fat, but I have gathered a doughey physique recently. I've run a bit, I'm walking the 7,500 steps (According to my iPod's pedometer) to work and back. I'm even trying to eat healthier.
I want my own computer. I'm living on borrowed WiFi at the moment. Not owning your own computer dosen't seem like a big deal until you dont have one. I want a high-end laptop that I can pay too much money for and not replace for 5 years. (No Kit, I won't. End of.)
I want a few nicer clothes. A jacket/coat to go out in. Some nice casual, yet smart, sweaters or something. I have nice and slummy. Nothing in between.
I want to do more things. Every time I read/watch "Yes man" (Great film) I think about how negative we can be. I want to force myself to do more things with more people! This is why when Dad asked, jokingly I think, if I wanted to caddy for him tomorrow morning I jumped at the chance, despite working 8 hours tonight and getting home at 3am. I'll be getting up with the sun tomorrow and taking a leisurly stroll around the golf course. Then at midday tomorow i'll be at Chelmsford skate park supporting my mate Daz's campaign for a new park. Then sunday lunch, and perhaps some xbox! Sleep is for the weak.
And lastly, but not leastly, and most oviously, I want to get back to Michigan.

So, that reads like a fairly obnoxious wish list huh? We'll see how it pans out.

Today, some wisdom from Emily Dickenson.

"If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain.
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain."

Fantastic words.

Keep it safe kiddies,

Jamie
Veg
Dunch

You're somebodies hero.

2010-02-25T18:31:00.000Z

Hey guys.

I'm typing up some more content for the Hero Construction Company (Which I urge you all to do if you have a spare second or two!) and I remembered one of my old posts on here which is relevent.

There Goes My Hero.

Check it out if you've ever worked at camp. I wrote this while I was working there full time. Infact, check it out if you have any interest in what Camp life was like for me.

Keep it Heroic kiddies

Jamie
Veg
Dunch

New addition to the Blogroll.

2010-02-24T22:50:00.003Z

Just thought i'd turn your attention to the new blog on the sidebar there, Part of Being Sane.

Check it out!

Jamie
Veg
Dunch

Darts, Dice and Douglas.

2010-02-24T20:07:00.004Z

Hey guys! Time for another entry into Butterflies and Hurricanes!

As you can see to the left there and at the top of the page, the first thing I want to talk about tonight is Darts! As far as sports go, it's probably not the most exciting. To be honest, calling it a sport is a bit ridiculous. It's like pool/snooker, bowling and to a certain extent, Golf. They're not sports. They should be referred to as games of skill. Still, despite that, I love playing darts!

My dad has played darts for the majority of his adult life, but I never really got the hang of it. A couple of years ago though, I tried it again, and had a great time with it! Aside from being great entertainment on a night out, I find it incredibly relaxing. Throwing darts, especially with some music on the iPod, is incredibly medatative for me. I find my mind clears up completely, and I can think freely. It's similar to skateboarding for me in that respect, just a way to be completely focused and yet at the same time think freely. Love it.

The second part of the title is Dice. I'm not talking normal dice here, I'm talking about my 100 sided dice, or D-100. Check it -

For those of you who are un-aware, those are dice normally used in Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) style games. Dismissed by many as dorkish and basement-dwellerish, the role playing game that I play with certain other people a lot of you know (I'll let them reveal themselves) is a lot of fun. Imagine this, we all know that books are better than the films based on them, right? Well for a similar reason, dice based games such as these are a lot of fun. Imagination combined with quality banter (Most of the time) results in a great night of dorky entertainment.

I only mention this because i'm starting (Well, joining) a new campaign tonight! Very excited!

The third thing up there is Douglas. As in Douglas Adams, author of my favourite book series, The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy! Incidentally, it's a great example of a book that is fantastic and a film that is completely lackluster.

The book is just hilarious. I believe I quoted Mr. Adams in one of the first posts this year, and I shall share with you some more of his pearls of wisdom;

"In the beginning the Universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry and been widely regarded as a bad move."
"The fact that we live at the bottom of a deep gravity well, on the surface of a gas covered planet going around a nuclear fireball 90 million miles away and think this to be normal is obviously some indication of how skewed our perspective tends to be."
Arthur hoped and prayed that there wasn't an afterlife. Then he realized there was a contradiction there and merely hoped that there wasn't an afterlife.

I find his work hilarious. I hope you can see why!

I'll think of something deep to post over the next week or so!

To finish, not necessarily a quote, but a song you need to see. Seriously, click this link. I know where you sleep. Cool Guys Don't Look at Explosions.

Until next time kiddies,

Jamie
Veg
Dunch

Ignore this title

2010-02-15T13:37:00.005Z

A post in haiku,
English majors might like it,
others, not so much.

It is challenging,
but it's not impossible.
It's a brain tester.

I must look crazy
counting syllables out loud.
I should use fingers.

School is tedious.
I dont feel it's helping much.
Hope it's over soon.

I have a small plan
to get to America.
Canada is close.

Pictures need sharing.
Here are some from ages ago.
I miss skateboarding.

Not much new to share.
I have new wedding pictures.
I stole them. Sorry.

This post looks good huh?
I won't do it again though,
It's way too much work.

If you comment here,
make sure it's in a haiku.
Join in! It's good fun.

To end this blog post,
I have found a haiku quote.
It's rather famous.

"Haiku's are easy,
but sometimes they don't make sense.
Refrigerator."

How can I end this?
Haikus are limiting, see.
Jamie, Veg, Dunch. Done.

Zombie contingency plan

2010-01-28T21:34:00.002Z

Uunngghh,

So, I was watching the 2008 remake of the film Day of the Dead last night, and it got me thinking, when did zombies become fast? Zombies are supposed to be slow. The fear comes from the overwhelming numbers and sense of futility you get from the situation. Modern zombie films have them running, possessing super strength and even thinking. To me, thats not a zombie. There are, for me at least, two classes of zombie.

Firstly, you have the standard "George Romero" zombie. A reanimated (Due to a virus of some kind) corpse that survives on instinct. They need to feed on live flesh, and that is it. They have very little motor skills, making running, climbing or using tools impossible. Walking is a struggle. The fear comes from knowing that one bite could turn anyone you know against you. (Ref: Any of the "Of the Dead" original films)

The second type of "Acceptable" zombie is the ones depicted in films such as 28 days later, or the (2006?) remake of Dawn of the Dead. These are the same as the normal zombies, except that they can vary in physical prowess. They can perform as well as the body that died can. Let me explain. Both types of zombies don't feel pain, nor fatigue. This means that they can use the person who died's body to sprint, or beat through doors, for almost unlimited periods, until they either break a muscle or bone, or lactic acid eats away at the muscles. This makes them incredibly dangerous initially. They have the same inate need to feed on live flesh, which passes on the virus. (Ref: 28days/weeks later, Modern "Of the Dead" films.)

So, with regards to the title, I would like to share my Zombie Contingency Plan.

When I was in America, I was living with three people who were just as derranged as I was in wanting to prepare for the inebitble apocolypse, so natually we had a concrete plan for survival. We assumed that the first place a zombie outbreak would occour was the local hospital, since the symptoms of the impending zombification would show themselves as illnesses. Once the first person "Turned" it would only be a matter of time until the entire hospital was overrun.

Our plan was to get into one of the cars and head down to a local sporting goods shop that could serve as home base for the duration. Black out the big glass windows (Except for the top 2 feet, to let light in) and barricade the doors. There was access to the roof via a ladder, and a Dollar store next door, which could provide plenty of long-term packaged/canned food and water, along with basic medical supplies. The sports shop had everything you would need for an extended stay. Tents/sleeping bags, camp equipment, excersize equipment and even a basketball hoop and pool table. It also carried guns. Now, I don't agree with going looking for trouble when the zombies attack, but it will eventually find you, so you might as well be prepared. We may also have to deal with other agressive survivors.

Using that plan, we'd be safe for a couple of months at least.

Where I live now? I'm screwed!

I've looked around for somewhere to hold up in the case of an attack, and to be honest, it looks grim! From the obvious, such as my distance from the useful parts of town to the subtle, such as the thin, winding streets that make up Plymouth. Ambushes everywhere.

The only saving grace that might be available to me is the small island known as "Drakes Island". But here is the route from my house (Near enough, I dont want you lot stalking me...) to the Island. It's about 3000 feet from the shore, so certainly swimmable.

View Larger Map

You see what I have to deal with? Not to mention fighting back. No gun shops in Plymouth. I'd have to make do with what I could find. Not good! Also, the people I associate with here in Plymouth dont seem to care enough about this pressing issue. If one of the AA boys was bitten and knew they were going to turn, I know they would do the right thing and sacrifice themselves while taking out as many zombies as possible. The people here? They'd be the ones who hide the bite and end up killing us all.

Still, there is also plan B. Raid a local liquor store and just have a good time until the enibitble!

So, Would anyone else like to share their survival plan?

Today's quote is from a zombie man himself. Simon Pegg.

"I used to lie in bed in my flat and imagine what would happen if there was a zombie attack."

See, other people do this too!
Keep it safe Kids.

Jamie
Veg
Dunch

A new look and some "new" links.

2010-01-28T21:19:00.002Z

Just testing out a new look/style! FB people please visit the actual blog for the full experience!

You may also note the new people listed to the side there. There should be some new posts from other former Artichokes! I think I have everyone there. If not, let me know!

Also, if anyone else blogs, I'd be happy to link you on the side there too! Just let me know!

Keep it safe kids.

Jamie
Veg
Dunch

Character test.

2010-01-26T18:07:00.003Z

Hey all.

I saw that Matt of the Wandering Artichoke had taken a character test, so naturally I had to know who I was according to the 240 questions they asked. Personally, I think it's spot on!

What do you guys think? Am I the amazing person shown below? Remember, they're an independant company...

Feel free to comment on the actual blog, or more likely since you're all lazy, here on good old facebook!

Your Top Character Strength

Perspective (wisdom)
Although you may not think of yourself as wise, your friends hold this view of you. They value your perspective on matters and turn to you for advice. You have a way of looking at the world that makes sense to others and to yourself.

Your Second Character Strength

Humor and playfulness
You like to laugh and tease. Bringing smiles to other people is important to you. You try to see the light side of all situations.

Your Third Character Strength

Hope, optimism, and future-mindedness
You expect the best in the future, and you work to achieve it. You believe that the future is something that you can control.

Your Fourth Character Strength

Judgment, critical thinking, and open-mindedness
Thinking things through and examining them from all sides are important aspects of who you are. You do not jump to conclusions, and you rely only on solid evidence to make your decisions. You are able to change your mind.

Your Fifth Character Strength

Creativity, ingenuity, and originality
Thinking of new ways to do things is a crucial part of who you are. You are never content with doing something the conventional way if a better way is possible.

Today, a quote from a man named H. Jackson Brown Jr.;

"Good character is more to be praised than outstanding talent. Most talents are, to some extent, a gift. Good character, by contrast, is not given to us. We have to build it, piece by piece -- by thought, choice, courage, and determination."

Keep it safe kids.

Jamie
Veg
Dunch

Experiential Education

2010-01-25T13:14:00.006Z

Afternoon all.

I am not built for classrooms.

I've tried and tried to enjoy being in a classroom and furthering my education, but it's just not me. When I made the decision to go back to school and attempt to become a teacher, I did it because I wanted to help the people like me in the world. School is dull, but it doesn't have to be. I can count on one hand the number of teachers that have made the subjects relevant to me and made me actually enjoy them, but what they taught me has stayed with me with much more tenacity.

Please note, I'm not saying that the normal system is wrong or bad. It's just not right for everyone. Some people thrive in the classroom, learning everything that is thrown at them and relishing in re-living it later that night. For me, the classroom is incredibly over-rated. I find it ridiculous that we live in a society that values Knowledge over Experience. I mean, in my life so far I have done so many amazing things, if I do say so myself. To name the few that jump out off the top of my head;

~ I've traveled from Los Angeles to New York in a bus full of people I didn't know.

~ I've climbed down the Grand Canyon, and taken a helicopter over the top.

~ I've hiked through monument valley and spoken to the remaining Navajo Indians.

~ I've worked in more types of Job than I care to remember. Need a Martini? I've been a bartender in 4 places. Need to climb something? I can tie ropes that will keep you safe. Need to travel down a river? I've whitewater rafted on two continents and three countries. Need a child looked after? I worked on camp for 2 years, did my work experience in a school and have 4 younger brothers.

~ I've ridden an Elephant and stroked a Tiger like a kitten.

~ On my 16Th birthday I was miles from home in Thailand climbing 2 kilometers up a mountain.

~ I have lived and worked with people from all walks of life and countless counties.

~ I know the different types of fires you can build and how to light them, even without matches.

~ I've driven with friends hundreds of miles for a night out and a boat race.

~ I've had experience with every major childhood illness, from ADD to Night terrors, and I have experienced just about everything there is to do with Diabetes.

~ I've stood up in front of hundreds of children, and entertained.

None of this however, is academic. So someone the same age as me with a degree is, in the eye of an employer, a better fit for a job.

I know I'm being pessimistic here. I can just finish my degree and even the chances, perhaps even tip them my way by mentioning the life I've lead, but why should I have to? It just seems like a VERY broken system. Nothing I have learned in the classroom has helped me become who I am today, nor will it help me become the person I want to be. Family, friends, relationships, jobs and experience are the factors that have shaped me. No textbook could do that.

Still. I can see the uses education has. It's looking very unlikely that I'll be able to return to America for an extended period until I finish this degree and go for a masters at U of M Dearborn. Yes, I'll be following Kit and Burbs. At least, that seems like the most likely plan.

So, in conclusion, I'll leave you with some pictures that document my "Education" thus far. (Facebookers might want to click here to see the pictures!)

And a quote from a man named Tom Bodett;

“The difference between school and life? In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson.”

Keep it safe kids.

Jamie
Veg
Dunch

Three weeks, three posts... kind of.

2010-01-22T22:38:00.002Z

So far so good huh?

Before I start, another plug for another awesome blog! Follow the Hero Construction Company to help them make a better world!

And if you'd rather laugh than make the world a better place, The Wandering Artichoke is the place for you! What is Matt up to now?

Anyways, as the long, long term readers of this blog will know, I don't like to post without something important, or at least funny, to say. So trying to keep to a schedule such as the one I have imposed on myself is interesting to say the least. I find myself thinking of great topics to talk about midweek, and forgetting about them as soon as I log into Blogger here. So in true form, as indicated by one of the last posts, I am creating this on the fly!

Alas, my time must be cut short due to restrictions on use at the school library. Don't consider this a real post. Another shall follow anon.

Since i'm so short on time, this post's quote shall reflect that. In the words of a man that should need no introduction (For better or for worse) Steve Jobs;

“Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”

I may not like his products. But I like his philosophical musings.

Keep it safe kiddies.

Jamie
Veg
Dunch

Try and keep up now!

2010-01-17T02:34:00.002Z

Hey again.

I'd like to say that i'm posting again because the previous post was a catch-up and that I have something important to say. This is not the case. I'm posting so that my average now stands at one post per week! That seems like a good time frame to work on, right? No real commitment yet, but we'll see where it goes.

I've been thinking (Suprise suprise. I spend half my life in my own head) about this Blog for a while now, and after reading EmLaw's claim that her Blog was a kind of time capsule, I took a look into my own capsule.

She's not wrong. This blog (FB people click here) started years ago as a chronicle of my time in America, and has records of some of the most fun I have ever had. I know it was (Is) only updated sporadically, but the thought that went into a lot of the posts is impressive, if I do say so myself. Yes, sometimes it was immature and pointless, but think of that as the jokes inbetween the stories in Scrubs. Just a little comic relief.

I think the biggest attraction to blogging for me is the creativity I get from starting with nothing on the screen and just throwing ideas at it until I find something worth writing about. I have been complimented on my style of writing before, and I have honestly thought about taking creative writing classes. The problem I have with that idea is that it seems, to me at least, to be an excersise in futility. Surely setting aside time to be creative for homework is impossible? To quote Calvin and Hobbes;

“-You can't just turn on creativity like a faucet. You have to be in the right mood.
-What mood is that?
-Last-minute panic.”

Also, my mastery of the English language is poor, especially with regards to spelling and punctuation involving any of the following characters: :;,"-

So, I blog because it is my place to flesh out ideas and have some feedback. Speaking of which, I had another thought today which I thought was incredibly calming. Statistically, none of us exist. Let me explain my logic behind that.

If we take it as gospel that the universe is as massively astronomically huge as we are told, then the ammount of people in the universe per square mile is so insignificant that it isn't worth mentioning! Some minute fraction of a percentage of a decimal. Everything that we are, and that we know, does not exist. Statistically speaking.

I thought that was incredibly deep and liberating, until I did some research and found out that Douglas Adams said the same thing, more eliquantly and much, much earlier than I did. So I shall leave you now with the words of a man much deeper, and funnier, than I will ever be.

“It is known that there are an infinte number of worlds, simply because there is an infinite amount of space for them to be in. However, not every one of them is inhabited. Any finite number divided by infinity is as near nothing as makes no odds, so the average population of all the planets in the Universe can be said to be zero. From this it follows that the population of the whole Universe is also zero, and that any people you may meet from time to time are merely products of a deranged imagination.”

Mind status: Blown.

Peace out Kiddies.

Jamie
Veg
Dunch

499,684 minutes...

2010-01-17T01:19:00.002Z

... Thats how long it's been since I last posted, at the start of composing this. Dosen't quite have the same ring to it as the Rent song huh?

I'm posting because it's a new year. People are supposed to start new things and try and better themselves, so I think this is a great time to try and return to Blogging. It seems to e that many blogs have fallen to the wayside recently in Artichokeland, and I miss reading what's going on, especally now that i'm back in England. (Incidentally, I was trying to find the English equivilant of Stateside... any ideas?)

Also, Paint Radio is back, so I have to keep up!

So, here's the situation, I'm back in England due to lack of funds for American schooling. It's bittersweet really. I get to be all English again, but I miss my American life. I knew after my first summer in America that it was going to be a massive part of my life, but I dont think I ever knew the scope it would have. Let me share a few revelations I have had over the past few months.

- I have spent my entire adult life thus far in America, only coming back to England when necessary.

- Due to me moving so often, pretty much everything I own can be carried with me. I don't see this as a bad thing.

- I have two fully fleshed out lives. They're as different as night and day. The worst part is that I can sense a third one developing.

I recently went back to Michigan after being away for about 4 months or so. The experience was... invigorating to say the least. Being back was amazing, and showed me not only what I was missing by being away, but also who. I was overwhelmed with how many people wanted me around, and the lengths they were willing to go to to keep me around! As much as it will hurt people in England to hear this, Michigan feels like home for me. I got off the plane and everything felt right y'know?

One thing that is really bothering me is the issues of immigration. Why on earth can't a (mostly) honest, hardworking (Sometimes), tax paying (Yep) and frankly all around nice guy not just decide to move and be able to? I'm not going to sign up for welfare, i'm not going to do anything illegle or anything like that. It just seems wrong, when who knows how many people claim asylum every day. But never fear, in true Jamie the Great spirit, I have a few plans being put into motion to ensure my return. Watch this space.

On that note, I'll leave you with a quote from John D Rockafeller.

“If you want to succeed you should strike out on new paths, rather than travel the worn paths of accepted success.”

Keep it safe kiddies.

Jamie
Veg
Dunch

ALA Emlaw

2009-02-04T01:18:00.003Z

A story and some thoughts...

As I was walking in from the bus stop this morning, the crazy 80-something, evangelical janitor was talking to random people and himself, as usual. It was all the normal stuff. Random phrases peppered with a "Praise the Lord!" or the odd "Amen!" when suddenly he seemed to have a very important thought. He stopped shoveling the snow on the sidewalk and declared loudly that "They don't know! They just don't know!"

feeling something special was about to happen... I watched...

He started asking random students walking past questions to do with grounds maintenance. My favorite one went as follows...

Janitor - "Hey young lady! Praise the Lord!"

20-something girl - "Yeah..."

J - "They just don't know!"

G - *Looks quizzical, as if she's not quite sure if he is talking to her or himself...*

J - *Holds up a shovel and points it towards her* "What kind of shovel is this?!"

G - "Uhh... I don't know..."

J - "See! They just don't know! And you're holding all the books! And i'm getting paid!"

G - Walks off quickly

J - "Amen!, young lady!, Amen!"

Made my day!

And now for something completely different.

- When did it become acceptable to go to school (Or even outside for that matter) in pajamas? Half my classes were full of kids in the nightwear. In the afternoon...

- Why does everyone act so surprised when they reach the cash register at work, then spend 10 minutes hunting through an over sized bag for a $5 bill... "Oh I have to pay?!"

- I don't understand people who say they can't go to the bathroom when someone else is in the room (like in a public bathroom). If you don't HAVE to go, why are you in the bathroom?! Stop wasting time!

- Stop wearing those 80's style neon coloured (Lol, red squiggle) sunglasses. You look like a tool and it was cloudy today. I hope you paid too much for them and they break.

- I have not got bored of subway yet. Over a year of a free Veggie sub almost every single day. Eat your heart out Jared! (He probably could, look how big he used to be!)

I think thats all for now. Looking back some of those thoughts are a little mean...

Ah well.

Keep it safe kiddies

Jamie
Veg
Dunch

"Be who you are and say what you feel,
because those who mind don't matter
and those who matter don't mind." ~Dr. Seuss

Easy listening... Kinda

2009-01-27T07:35:00.003Z

Hey all!

So, i've been trying to think of something to post, to keep you all in the loop as to whats going on with me, however, my life is fairly boring right now. I'm just trying to stay busy. I've picked up some extra hours at work and i'm staying at school later in the day, doing homework or reading. I guess you could say i'm more productive, but really... It's just to keep my mind off everything.

Tonight was fun though, Kat and a few of her friends came over and we all watched Hot Fuzz. Great film! It was nice to just sit and laugh with friends for a while!

So anyways, instead of a "Real" update, i'm going to link some music therapy for you all to enjoy! These are just some of the songs i'm enjoying to try andhelp me through this all. Please don't read too much into the message of the song, unless I specify!

note: Those of you reading this on Facebook (I had forgetten this was linked) may want to check the actual blog site, www.jamie-veg.blogspot.com. Not only do you get to hear the songs, but you also give me more traffic! ^_^)

So, on with the songs. If you only listen to one, make it the last one. But I recommend all of them.

This is a lovely song. Again, don't read too much into it.

New Found Glory - Hold my hand.

This is also a great song that you shouldn't read too much into. Classic late night/feeling blue song.

Oasis - Half the world away.

I have recently started to LOVE Reel Big Fish! They have a new album out that is exclusively covers. This song is (for me) a great feeling down song.

Reel Big Fish - Drunk again.

Lastly (for now) a song that most of my English readers will be familiar with. I really need to buy their album, A grand don't come for free.

The streets - Dry your eyes mate

So there we go. A brief glimpse into my music taste at the moment. I really like music, and with the long bus rides every day, this is really helping me adjust.

What do you guys like in situations such as mine?

Keep it safe guys

Jamie
Veg
Đunch

"Take a music bath once or twice a week for a few seasons, and you will find that it is to the soul what the water-bath is to the body."
~ Oliver Wendell Holmes

Thank God i'm taking this class!

2009-01-23T15:14:00.003Z

I'm taking a required basic computer skills class, and I have to say, the information I am receiving is astounding! Did you know you can copy and paste a folder OR DOCUMENT anywhere else in the computer?! And you can even change fonts and colours! WITCHCRAFT!

Madness...

I'm typing this while we learn the basics of Word. 'Cause I've never used it. Not even for all my college papers/projects. Ever.

Best part? I got up at 7am for this.

And I have work after.

/sigh

Later guys

Jamie
Veg
Dunch

"ZZZZZzzzzzz" - Me

Some thoughts

2009-01-21T01:11:00.004Z

“Conflict is the primary engine of creativity and innovation.”

Ronald Heifetz.

...and thus, the blog returns. For how long, no one can predict. For now, enjoy.

I started this Blog initially as a way for me to let people know of my adventures in America. Once they became less of an adventure and more of a lifestyle, the blog fell to the wayside, unused and outdated. There was no conflict in my life, so there was nothing to talk about. The days were similar, and life was chugging along nicely.

As i'm sure most of you know by now, this has changed in recent weeks. My proverbial boat has been rocked and I am feeling the effects of it. I now have conflict in my life, and so the urge to Blog has returned.

The more I say it, the harder it is for me to believe. "She broke up with me". We have been out of contact for a week or so now, and it all seems so surreal. Something that you thought would always be there suddenly disappears, leaving a void in your life and creating a new social etiquette and awkward conversations with people that really didn't know the situation. I don't wanna run around yelling about how I am recently single, looking for sympathy, but at the same time I don't want to pretend that everything is ok. How are you supposed to act?

I am more neutral about the whole thing than I thought I would be. I'm surprising myself. I know i am normally a pretty relaxed person - It takes a lot to get me upset or angry. But I am dealing with this in a very odd way. My emotions are right below the surface, so I look and act fine, but the smallest stupidest little thing might get me upset. For example, on the way home from school last week, i looked out the bus window and saw a black cat running across this huge snowdrift. All of a sudden I felt so bad for the cat, being out in the cold and probably not knowing where to go because of all the snow changing the terrain. My eyes welled up and I felt TERRIBLE. (I'm actually starting to well up again writing this...) I know it is ridiculous and completely unfounded, but perhaps that's how I'm dealing with this whole thing. Passing the emotion i should be feeling about the breakup towards arbitrary things like a cat out for a nighttime stroll, or a cleverly worded emotional song... Self preservation I guess.

Anyways, i'll try and keep this updated for those of you who care about me and want to know whats going on in my head, without having to make an awkward phone call or something.

- A.J. I still expect you to call me!

Keep it safe guys.

Jamie
Veg
Dunch

To give vent now and then to his feelings, whether of pleasure or discontent, is a great ease to a man's heart. ~Francesco Guicciardini

For the law-abiding one

2008-07-28T11:05:00.003+01:00

...sup?

Ok, it's been a long time since I posted. Somewhere in the reigon of three months I believe! I wasn't planning on posting again until I got back to the "Land 'o' the free and the home 'o' the brafe" but I found something that I just had to share.

If my memory serves me right, the inspiration behind the awesome paint radio blog was a fallout boy song in which the characters went "downtown in a lurlelarah" or something. Now i have found another such paint-illustrated song, which you may have heard and I believe Kit has some connection to. Something like his butler once drove him through the comparitive slums of Durham Uni, because daddy wouldn't give him any more money unless he had a degree and while he was there he met the people who wrote it... or something.

Either way, enjoy the song. A quick word of warning though, do have the sound on, dont do it infront of your granny, if you know what i mean. The song has Kits favourite word in it a couple of times...

Enjoy!

Edit: Ignore the bad spelling, both in this post and the song!

Wow....just.... wow!

2008-03-17T05:36:00.002Z

In keeping with the "Geeky" theme, I bring you the drummer I wish I could be! Anyone know of a way to download the song only, for MP3 useage?

Also, I want a new look for this blog, but nothing that Blogger offers. Anyone know where I can download new skins?

Thanks in advance!

Jamie
Veg
Banana
Dunch

"Hey Jamie! Where's the rest of you? (Meaning Kit and Kessel) Off practicing?" - Head Artichoke
"They need to be!" - Me

Holy super-dorkiness Batman!

2008-03-14T16:22:00.010Z

So, you know how I'm a dork right? Well, it just so happens that my two roommates are too. And so is Adam, creator of "The fortress of solitude" blog. We also all love Halo 3, have huge egos and have often argued about which one of is has "teh l33te5t skillz"...

So we made up a tournament! One single match is not enough to prove which one of us is the best, and nor is one game type. So we designed "Halo Wars". A multi-round tournament to decide which one of us is the best Halo player!

Here are the combatants!

From left to right, then back :

Armor: Orange & White
Name: Kit
Gamertag: Kit Smash
Favorite weapon: Spartan Laser

Armor: White & Red
Name: Jamie
Gamertag: Sir Dunch
Favorite weapon: Sniper Rifle

Armor: Blue
Name: Kessel
Gamertag: Rufus Schrute
Favorite weapon: Sticky Grenades

Armor: Blue & Red
Name: Adam
Gamertag: Oh Eh
Favorite weapon: Turret gun

So these are the brave warriors who fought to the death in the first two rounds of the competition which were played two nights ago. The prize for winning? Bragging rights for ever. The penalty for coming last place each round? Public Humiliation, wearing a ghastly combination of Hot pink and Baby pink armor, and changing the character's voice to female.

What follows are some highlights of the tournament. (Click on any picture for a full-sized version. Trust me, they look better that way) (Also, I shall be referring to people as their Gamertags)

Below: Rufus, being the master of sticky grenades that he is, delivers an amazing insult kill to Oh Eh, sticking him right in the forehead.

Below: Kit Smash loves to charge in, full throttle with high-power weapons. Here he is destroying a Ghost(Vehicle) that someone was riding at the time.

Below: Sir Dunch throws a sticky straight into Kit smash, a blind throw from around the corner, perfectly timed. No-one interrupts his sniping.

Below: Oh Eh wipes out everyone aside from himself, with less than four seconds in between each kill, Earning him the Triple Kill medal!

Rufus Schrute lost the first round, and thus, had to wear pink until a new loser was crowned! Here he is in his spiffy new outfit!

So that is each individual person's highlight, now some more general pictures from the matches.
Below: Sir Dunch snipes Oh Eh from the other side of the map

Below: A reverse of the previous

Below: This picture captures Exactly why Kit plays an Elite. "Rarragagagagghhh!"

Below: Oh Eh cleanses the foreign devils Sir Dunch and Kit Smash with some Holy 'Merican fire.

We managed to play two rounds that night, Rufus lost the first one, and Kit smash lost the second, here is Kit smash sporting his new armor. Looks fun huh?

Anyways, I've typed and uploaded enough for one session! I'll try and wrangle the official stats and graphs from Rufus as soon as I can, but in the mean time, enjoy the pictures!

Jamie
Veg
Banana
Dunch

"Dunch, when did you get good?" - Kit smash

P.s. I guess i should mention that Oh-Eh won overall, I was second, Kit smash and Rufus Schrute were battling for last.

Lets play a game!

2008-03-12T16:47:00.003Z

Since i'm posting again today, I've had a great idea for a little bit of fun! I'm going to post two lines from a song, and then in the comments section you need to leave another two lines from a different song that has one of the same words. For example:

Original lines:
"Winter spring summer or fall, all you gotta do is call,
I'll be there, yeah yeah yeah, you got a friend." - (I forget who sings this, but it's called "you got a friend".)

Follow up lines:
"There's no room, left here on my back, it was damaged long ago,
Though you swear that you are true, I still pick my friends over you!" - New found glory, my friends over you.

So, The first lines would be what i put at the end of this post, and the second lines would be what someone followed up with in a comment! Make sense? And to make it easier to follow, click that little "Email follow up comments to" box when you type a reply, this will avoid any double-entries! (Just so you know, if two people answer the same song lines, i'll remove whoever was slower!)

Ok, so the song lines I choose to start with are...

"Save me from drowning in the sea, beat me up on the beach,
What a lovely holiday, there's nothing funny left to say" - Robbie Williams, The road to Mandalay.

So go nuts!

Jamie
Veg
Banana

P.s. Lets try and stay away from the really simple words such as "In, and, the" etc, make it fun!

There is no such thing as not posting, there is only the absence of posts!

2008-03-12T16:05:00.002Z

Hello bloggers!

I should do the whole "Apologize for not blogging" speech, but you've all heard it before, and several times from me! So, let me fill you all in on what's been going on with me.

I have a new (Ish) job working at the subway at Washtenaw Community College! If you ever find yourself out that way between the hours of 4-8 Monday through Thursday come on down for a discounted - or if a certain boss is working - free sub!

I'm still living with the goons, and still playing Halo when I can find time!

Just for fun, let's post the current kill/death spreads for myself and the three people I play with most.
Sir Dunch (Jamie) - Spread of 0.99
Kit Smash (Kit) - Spread of 0.89
Rufus Schrute (Kessel) spread of 0.97
Oh Eh (Adam) Spread of 1.03

(These are all ranked matches only, as they are the only ones that reallycount!)

So, although Adam may have more kills per death, we'll see who is best when we participate in the tournament Kessel is planning!

Also, on a completley unrelated topic, i'll probably be heading out to Fenton this weekend! If you wanna do something, i believe we'll be going to some bar somewhere to celebrate St. Paddy's day and DarkAJ's birthday! So yeah! Fun!

Keep it safe!

Jamie
Veg
Banana

"POST SOMETHING NEW!!!" - Pretty much every other blogger. Seriously.

HELP?!

2008-01-23T07:01:00.000Z

I think I want to go back to Camp...

Crap...

Any thoughts?

J

The post that isn't much fun if you don't know what you're looking at!

2007-12-10T00:06:00.000Z

So, something fun for a while, I've been looking at Google maps, and found some fun things!

This top one (Which i can't get to move down dammit) Is my house in England, with someone on the trampoline outside! The house is in the middle of the picture, with the garage slightly higher.

This one is my Dad's work, the two rectangles are one building, and the building across the road is a library

This is Upton Park, where the mighty Hammers play. (Thats West Ham United to the rest of you)

This is The Yank's Sorority house. It's a mansion! You ever notice how both sorority and mansion are odd words to spell and look at?

And lastly we have the big house. U of M's stadium. Click on the picture (Or any of them for that matter) for a better version!

Keep it safe

Jamie
Veg
Banana

Procrastination is something best put off until tomorrow. ~Gerald Vaughan

The Ice man cometh

2007-11-06T13:58:00.000Z

Ok, so I have a few different things to say... they're not too impressive on their own, so lets hope they make something fun to read together!

Firstly and most importantly...

This morning, for the first time this "Fall"... It snowed! Not a lot, it didn't settle... but still, it was there... Which means I upgraded from long sleeved T and a hoodie... to a long sleeved T, hoodie AND camp fleece. I'll be busting out the ski-jacket soon...

Ok, other issue

So I was skating to school the other day, and as I was rolling through campus, a huge white truck drives up behind me (On the sidewalk) and BLARES it's horn! Naturally, it made me jump but I kept my cool, slid to the side and stepped off. The truck happened to belong to campus security. She told me that "There is no skateboarding on campus". Now, I understand they may not want me to do this, but I had never been told about this, having skated to school 4 out of 5 days a week on average. I had also never seen any signs displayed, which I told her. She replied by staring me in the eye and saying;

"I'm the sign, I'm telling you"

I should have taken this further, in hindsight, and commented on the "Smoke free campus" that they proudly claim to have, even though someone is always walking through campus sucking on a cancer-stick, and they NEVER get stopped. Best part is there are "NO SMOKING" signs everywhere, and on every door.

But the no smoking sign? It walks around and scares the crap out of you. From behind. With a large horn.

I hate rent-a-cops.

Keep it safe kiddies

Jamie
Veg
Banana

NEVER Judge a book by it's cover...

2007-11-05T06:15:00.001Z

Wow...

Anonymous

2007-10-17T06:04:00.000+01:00

Here is my issue...

Why do people write comments on blogs and post Anonymously? Why go to all that trouble to write something that might actually be what someone thinks... and then not put a name?

I made this in honor of you wimps...

I'll try to post something with more substinance another time.

Keep it safe

Jamie
Veg
Banana

" The Friday's sun bears down again,
As we drive with our friends " - Lost prophets, Last summer.

(I have a thing for quotes from them huh?)

The big house!

2007-10-10T04:37:00.000+01:00

Well, on the weekend just past, me and the Yank went to the big house! (U of M's "football" stadium) And... well i'll let the video speak for itself!

Keep it safe

Jamie
Veg
Banana

"Hail to the victors valiant!" - the first line of U of M's fight song.

2007-10-09T18:37:00.000+01:00

Thats me getting a double-head shot kill with a sniper rifle on Halo 3.

I win.

Blogs

2007-10-09T18:24:00.000+01:00

Nothing fancy for an intro, I'm not even sure if i'll continue posting...

But for some reason, I just had an urge, a need, to post something on my blog. Me and my blog have an odd relationship. When we work together on a regular basis, we can create magic and stir up deep conversations. I remember many posts that caused a lot of comments and had people even get emotional. Simple words on a screen stirring emotions. Many people have asked me to start blogging again, and I want to think it's because I sometimes come up with interesting things to read, deep musings that people will remember. It could be that they want to know what I'm doing in my day to day life. It could be that they are simply bored on the internet and want something to read. Who knows, i'm sure you all have your own reasons to read my little slice of the internet, and that makes me happy!

I need to thank some people. There are a number of blogs out there that have kept my inactive blog in their little side window, even though I havent been posting. Thanks guys. For those of you who removed me, as I said, I may not even continue this...

So, this brings me to the title of this post. Blogs.

This blog is an as-and-when blog. I update when I feel the need. I don't get paid to do it, it's fun when I want it. Some people post what others have found or posted, i've seen photoblogs, diaryblogs, politicalblogs. Heck even T.V. show characters have blogs! Check out www.nbc.com for some of the office's characters blogs!

My question to you all is, why do you blog, and what is your blog to you?

Keep it safe

Jamie
Veg
Banana

"But there's still tomorrow, forget the sorrow, and I can be on the last train home" - Lost prophets, Last train home.

FALLOUT BOY!

2007-04-24T23:17:00.000+01:00

So, The Yank has proved once again what an amazing girlfriend she is. She has ordered us tickets to go and see Fallout Boy! (For those of you who dont know who they are, Insert slap here)

Fallout Boy is a big deal for me because their first albumn (From under the cork tree) Reminds me of my first summer here! I first heard them while driving somewhere with Kessel in his big red truck, Lois. One of their songs came on the radio and i just flipped... It was exactly the kind of music i loved! I asked what it was, and when he told me, I said "You mean like Radioactive mans sidekick?". (Watch the simpsons, or google it)

Anyhoo, I love all the fallout boy songs, and going to see them live will be on par with seeing the guns and roses concert last year. It will rock! Also, We'll be sitting on a hill, chilling with a bunch of skater/hippies/grungers/Emos/whatever. It'll be a blast!

On a side note, things here in the land of the wild artichoke are the same as always... nothing every changes here!

Anyone that wants to come see F.O.B., Gimmie a holla!

Keep it safe kids,

Jamie
Veg
Banana

" This ain't a scene, it's a god damn arms race!" - Fallout Boy!

NEW POST!! SHOCK HORROR!!!!11one

2007-04-13T02:13:00.000+01:00

Well, what the yank wants, the yank gets!

Seriously though, i have wanted to update this for a while, i just havent had the means to! Yup, my new computer broke and i have spent the better part of a week trying everything i could to fix it. In the end, the only thing i could do was just wipe the hard drive (Loosing everything i had on it... boo...) and then re-install all the drivers. Never underestimate the power of drivers... they literellay keep the computer ticking!

In other news, this weekend will be the annual mission team planning weekend! Normally that spells having a few drinks at johns cabin, but like a lot of things at camp, they are changing it... now it spells a weekend at a drink-free ymca camp, just like ours...

ah well, we can play monopoly....

anyhoo, i dont know what else to post about... so....

Keep it safe kiddies!

Jamie
Veg
Banana

"If i have to play monopoly on a saturday night... i might just have to kill myself..." - I forget who said it, but it is hella funny!

Polar bears have more fat than me...

2007-03-25T22:39:00.000+01:00

Well, do I have a treat for you!

This is the latest video from Vegsk8er productions. This is the 2007 polar bear swim. Basically, we jumped into the freezing lake. It had unfrozen literally 2 days ago, and we thought it would be a good idea to jump in, shocking the system. We've been told that it isn't as cold as it has been, but hey, it was cold enough!

Enjoy this kiddies, i'll post again soon!

Keep it safe,

Jamie
Veg
Banana

"you feel yourself shutting down!" - Me this morning!

Tranquility ~Fenton

2007-03-18T18:19:00.000Z

There really isn't anything like camp on a Sunday. Really, if you're looking for tranquility, just head out to Fenton on a Sunday midday. I was walking down to camp for two reasons, food and internet, when I realized that everything was silent... I stopped walking, cleared my mind and just enjoyed the feeling of nothingness!

Seriously, it was so refreshing... no one trying to yell at me, play with me, pay attention to me.... basically no kids. I feel wholly refreshed!

Saint paddys day was last night, and i have pictures to share, but i need to sort through them and pick out the ones i want broadcast on the net... :D

Keep it safe kiddies

Jamie
Veg
Banana

“You owe it to everyone you love (including yourself) to find pockets of tranquility in your busy world.”

It's true, we are!

2007-03-17T20:03:00.000Z

I came across this whilst stumbling (Yes, i'm addicted to that too!) and i just had to share it! It's so true...

Why Geeks and Nerds Are Worth It...

Date: 2005-04-03, 9:30PM PDT

In the wide world of dating, there are many options. Do you go for the flashy guy with the smooth smile, or the dude in the corner typing away on his laptop? The following are reasons why I think my fellow females should pay more attention to the quiet geeks and nerds, and less attention to the flashy boys.

1.) While geeks and nerds may be awkward, they’re well-meaning 9 out of 10 times. That smooth dude with the sly grin and the spider hands? Wonder what HIS intentions are... plus, I’ve never had a geek guy not call me when he said he would. Score major points THERE.

2.) They’re useful. In this tech-savvy world, it’s great to have a b/f who can make your laptop, desktop, and just about anything else that plugs into a wall behave itself.

3.) They’re more romantic than they’re given credit for. Ok true, their idea of romance might be to make up a spiffy web-page with all the reasons why they love you, with links to pics of you and sonnets and such... but hey. It lasts longer than flowers, plus you can show your friends.

4.) Due to their neglected status, there are plenty to choose from. You like ‘em tall and slender? There are plenty of geeks/nerds who are. You like ‘em smaller with more meat on their bones? Got that too.

5.) They’ve got brains. Come on now, how can intelligence be a bad thing?

6.) Most are quite good at remembering dates. Like birthdates and such, especially if they know it’ll make you happy. Due again to their neglected status, they’re more attentive than guys who “have more options”. Plus, with all that down time without a steady girlfriend, they’ll likely have mental lists of all the things they’d love to do once they GOT a girlfriend.

7.) Sex. Yep. Sex. I’m not really familiar with this myself, but I’ve friends who’ve been intimate with geek guys and it’s raves all around. They say a virgin wrote the Kama Sutra... all that time thinking about sex, imagining sex, dreaming about sex, (they are male after all) coupled with a desire to make you happy? Use your imagination.

8.) They’re relatively low-maintenance. Most can be fueled on pizza, Twinkies and Mt Dew. No complicated dinners needed here, so if you’re not the best cook, eh. Can you order a pizza?

9.) Most frequent bars as often as slugs frequent salt mines. You won’t have to worry much about your geek guy getting his “groove” on with club hotties because, frankly, he’ll be too busy rooting around under his computer wondering where that spare cable went. You won’t have to worry about him flirting with other women because, 9 out of 10 times, he’ll zip right by them in a perfect b-line towards the nearest electronics store. I’ve seen this happen.
Me: “Eww. Victoria Secret’s Models... They’re so skinny. How is that feminine? You can see her ribs!”
Geek Guy: “ooooooo...”
Me: “Hey!” *notices he is staring lustfully towards the computer store*
Geek Guy: “What?”
Me: “Never mind...”

10.) Although he may not want to go to every outing with you, you can arrange swaps, as in, you’ll go to his Gamer Con dressed as an elf princess if he’ll take you to the ballet. Plus, if he doesn’t want to go someplace with you, you won’t have to worry much about what he’s up to. You’ll probably come home to find him asleep on his keyboard in a sea of Mt. Dew cans with code blinking from the screen. It’s ok. He’s used to this. Just toss a blanket over him and turn out the light.

11.) His friends aren’t jerks. I can’t stress this enough. You’ll more likely get “Omg! A GIRL!! Can I see?!” than “Hey hot stuff back that ass up here and let me get some grub on...” They’re awkward geeks too and will, 9 times out of 10, treat you with the utmost respect and, more than likely, a note of awe. A cute girl picked one of their clan to date? It could happen to them! Hope! Drag some of your single girlfriends over, open up a pack of Mt. Dew, crack open the DnD set and get working. Nothing impresses geek guys more than a girl who can hack-n-slash (well ok maybe if she can code... a geek can dream).

12.) They’re rarely if ever possessive. They trust you, so you can be yourself around them. You like to walk around the house in a ratty t-shirt for comfort? He won’t care. He does too! They won’t get pissy if you don’t wear make-up or don’t want to bother primping your hair. If you gain a few pounds, they won’t try their best to make you feel like crap.

13.) They’re usually very well educated. Physics majors and the like. See #5. You won’t have to listen to him blathering on about his car (ok maybe a little), he’ll have loads of other interesting things to talk about. Politics, world events, how much the chicken burgers down at the local place rock, so long as you douse them in hot sauce...

14.) You’ll almost never have to hear, “Yaw dawg whazzap!!” plop out of their mouths. Unless it’s in jest. They spell properly, use correct punctuation, and are able to tell the difference between the toilet and the floor. They almost never get “wasted”, so you won’t have to worry about coming home to find him and his friends passed out on the floor amidst a pile of beer bottles. Mt. Dew cans, perhaps...

15.) And the final reason why geeks and nerds make great boyfriends: They actually give a damn about you. Not how you look (though that’s a plus), not how skinny you are, not how much make-up you primp yourself up with, but they like you for you. That kind of thing lasts longer than “DaMN baby you got a fine ass!!!” Believe me.

So, keep a look out for the geeky guys, we're everywhere once you think about it...

Jamie
Veg
Banana

"Michael Jordan having "retired," with $40 million in endorsements, makes $178,100 a day, working or not.

If he sleeps 7 hours a night, he makes $52,000 every night while visions of sugarplums dance in his head.

If he goes to see a movie, it'll cost him $7.00, but he'll make $18,550 while he's there.

If he decides to have a 5-minute egg, he'll make $618 while boiling it.

He makes $7,415/hr more than minimum wage.

He'll make $3,710 while watching each episode of Friends.

If he wanted to save up for a new Acura NSX ($90,000) it would take him a whole 12 hours.

If someone were to hand him his salary and endorsement money, they would have to do it at the rate of $2.00 every second.

He'll probably pay around $200 for a nice round of golf, but will be reimbursed $33,390 for that round.

Assuming he puts the federal maximum of 15% of his income into a tax deferred account (401k), his contributions will hit the federal cap of $9500 at 8:30 a.m. on January 1st.

If you were given a penny for every 10 dollars he made, you'd be living comfortably at $65,000 a year.

He'll make about $19.60 while watching the 100 meter dash in the Olympics, and about $15,600 during the Boston Marathon.

While the common person is spending about $20 for a meal in his trendy Chicago restaurant, he'll pull in about $5600.

This year, he'll make more than twice as much as all U.S. past presidents for all of their terms combined. Amazing isn't it?

However...
If Jordan saves 100% of his income for the next 450 years, he'll still have less than Bill Gates has today.

$$$ Game over. Nerd wins."

- Unknown

The yank has deserted me!

2007-03-17T04:27:00.000Z

I bet that title has a few of you sweating huh? But seriously, don't worry. The Yank has made her own blog... She's stopped being my sidekick (In the blogging sense anyways, we all know she kicks my ass in this relationship!)

Her blog is Bunny ears and Pin cushions., and let me explain that. 1. She has an obsession with bunnies. 2. She is always pricking her fingers to test her blood sugar, hence being a pin cushion.

Keep an eye on that blog boys and girls...

Keep it safe

Jamie
Veg
Banana

Instead of a quote, I have an observation. Notice how in her links bar Matt's blog is above mine... I see where her priorities lie... ;)

2007-03-12T00:01:00.000Z

Hey guys,

Well, another long period between posts, but hey, at least i'm pretty... right? I dunno, i'm sitting here thinking about what to try and post... but I really can't think of anything of substance, so I have some pictures for you!

This first one was just meaning to be a random shot of me walking, but then I looked at the hero workshop page and i thought it looked quite good as an image of my own hero's journey.

Have you ever thought about your own journey? It dosent have to be anything huge like living in a different country. Going to school is a great example of a complete hero's journey. If you don't know what i'm talking about, please check the above link!

In other news, it turns out that spring has sprung in the very best sense of the word! Today was warm enough that i was able to make the 1/2 mile trip to use the internet in just a t-shirt and hoodie! Although looking outside, it's now dark and the sun set about an hour ago... so i might have a chilly walk home! Ah well, you live and learn. Some phrase about not casting a clout until may is out springs to mind. Any english people wanna help me out with that phrase?

Also, the clocks went forwards here last night, and I'm told they haven't in England yet. Odd huh? So now I'm only 4 hours behind!

Also, I love the kittens (or young-adult cats) in the barn! I really wanna take them with me when I live with Kessel and Kit next fall, but I think they might be a bit... wild having only lived in the barn their whole lives. I've already had to show my dominance to one of them, and i really think that with little to no human contact until September, they might be un-trainable. I shall try and make them mine! They already like me... so thats a good start.

I need a good new band to listen to, and on the flip side of that i need Good Charlotte's new album! Its my guilty pleasure! I know i'm supposed to be too cool for them, seeing as how i'm "Hip like the young-un's" but I have liked them since "The young and the hopeless" came out. ~Insert ridicule here~

Also, as i was typing this, Eminem came on my media player, talking about toy soldiers. I know, weak huh? But i like it!

Thats it for now kids, i'll chat to you later!

Keep it safe

Jamie
Veg
Banana

"I love cats because I enjoy my home; and little by little, they become its visible soul." - Jean Cocteau. ~If you've ever owned a cat, you'll know how true this is!~

Huh... i'm a girl...

2007-03-02T01:17:00.000Z

Well, after some insperation from "Onion Rings" I have decided to google myself. I searched for "Jamie Hammond" and one of the first websites that came up was one of a female photographer. Thats right ladies and gentlemen, i'm a girl. Who likes taking pictures of babies in the rain.

Anyhoo, aside from that, i'm going to be going to washtenaw community college in the fall, visa pending. This does mean i need to find;

A. Somewhere to live
and
B. Someone to live with so i can cut the cost of the rent.

Any takers? Young white male non-smoker looking for anyone to share a room with. Preferably near ypsilianti, pets aren't a problem, infact i want a cat. So no allergies please.

Am i needy or what?

Keep it safe kids.

Jamie
Veg
Banana

"Talk may be cheap but intelligent conversation is very expensive these days. Ask anyone with a kid in college." - Unknown.

I get knocked down, but I get up again...

2007-02-12T03:08:00.000Z

Hey guys!

Seeing the popularity of the last post like this i did, I've decided to treat you all to a video showing the hard work it takes for me to make a sucessful video to show you guys!

After we were done filming this, we saw this sign... and I just had to skate it. (I landed that one first try, funny huh?)

I'm such a badass!

Anyways, i'm tired and i have a flight to catch soon!

Enjoy me falling down!

Keep it safe kids

Jamie
Veg
Banana

"Why do we fall, master Bruce?"

"So that we can learn to pick ourselves up again." - Batman Begins.

Wow...

2007-02-11T02:40:00.000Z

This changes everything...

Professor McGonagle - A death eater?

There goes my hero...

2007-02-11T01:13:00.000Z

Hey again!

Seeing as how I am more frequented that I thought one post ago, I now feel more of a duty to update, insted of sitting here playing games! I'd better feed the internet something to think about....

Which is the perfect opportunity to try and tackle a post i have had in my head for a long time. I have been trying to word it just perfectly, so that everyone can understand what I am talking about.

I am going to compare myself to Spiderman.

See, here's the thing,

A few weeks past I had had an extremely long cold day at work. It turned out that I was on water/flag raising in the morning, and was running a campfire that night. So my day started at 8:00am, and I finished at 9:15 pm. Now i know you people who have done summer camp will say that it is a full 2 hours shorter than the day we did every day of the week, but getting up on your own, as opposed to being in charge of 12 little sprogs is much harder, as you all know.

So, I had this day. By the end I'm shattered. I ALWAYS give campfire 110%, and often feel as though I'm the one that has to lead it, start the songs, fill in the gaps etc. I know my co-workers are more than capable of running campfires on their own, and yet i still make myself step up.

But i digress, the point of the story is that i was shattered. Mentally, emotionally and most importantly, physically. So i went to watch T.V. in bed. Spiderman 2 was on, so i thought "Great, some mindless action to let my brain rest.".

The film brought me to tears.

Now, those of you that know me know that I'm not particularly emotional. Some may even call me stunted, but that film really got to me. I've only ever cried at the TV once before, and that was when i was 10.

What brought me to tears was the scene where Spiderman has to fight Doc Ock on the train. The train is hurtling along at hundreds of miles per hour, and all these people are counting on spiderman to stop it. He finally does and the strain, both physical and mental, makes him faint. Somewhere along the fight he looses his mask, and all the people on the train can see spiderman for who he really is. Just a 20-something kid. They all carry him gently to the back of the train, and the kids give him back his mask, quietly saying that "They won't tell".

Now, this hit me hard, because I often feel the strain of working at camp. No matter how I'm feeling, or whats going on in my personal or professional life, I have to be this superhero to the kids. I have to be "Jamie the Great". I'm not sure where that name for me came up, but now I use it to remind myself of who I need to be while I'm working. If I'm not laughing, joking, messing around and being happy, I'm not doing what i need to. I have to be perfect. All day.

Seeing Peter Parker's lives and how he has to work to be the superhero, even though he might not want to that day, or might not feel up to it really hit home for me. I guess what made me feel so emotional was that what i was watching was an amazing representation of my life. He's a normal guy, pushed to be a hero and to be perfect every day, which is how I feel working at camp. Don't get me wrong, I love working there. It has made my life so much more than it would have been otherwise. It's just a lot of pressure and expectations. That's why we all joke so much, and some of us may seem emotionally stunted sometimes. It's because we have to be, for the kids.

When you let long days, bad weather, crappy kids, bitchy girl scout moms, awkward groups, boring classes and pointless rules get in the way, you loose the passion for the job.

You become Mike Althoff.

Don't get me wrong, I like the guy, he was my roomate for a while, but he lost the passion for the job and just stopped caring.

Thats what i'm fighting, that's why I am Jamie the Great at work, and Jamie who needs quiet and videogames when i'm not.

Keep it safe kiddies

Jamie
Veg
Banana

"You're someone's Hero." - The Hero Workshop

I am SO the favourite!

2007-02-10T01:28:00.000Z

Hey y'all

I just finished a night of drinking and playing video games with the boys, AKA Daz, Stratton, Pual, Loz and Pauls girlfriend. Now, there was a lot to be said for the night, but all i can manage to type is that i owned at super smash brothers melee, (if you dont know what that is, seach google, and have fuN!) and also i found out i am the favourite kid of my family!

On the bottom floor of my house, there is no less than 16 pictures of me!

As compared to 12, 14 and 14, of my other brothers!

What can i say?!

except,

"Yeah dude, I rock!" - Me writing on a trading card a kid asked me to sign. Sometimes i write "you rock!"

Keep it safe

Jamie
Veg
Banana

2007-02-09T00:02:00.000Z

Hey Everyone.

Well, I'm back in England, after spending 3 weeks back in the USA. I've had to come home for a funeral, and i'll be flying back on monday, having spent a full week back. It's nice to be home, but i'm a little bored. Which, naturally, makes me lean towards the internet! Unlimited source of entertainment that it is!

One such website is the (now fixed) link on the right over there to "The Artichoke". The Artichoke is a website for anyone who has every worked at camp copneconic, and is extremely funny... If you know the people that post. I can't help but notice that this blog is linked back from the artichoke, and there is a kind of... ranking in the order of camp peoples blogs. I've slowly been slipping down, seeing as how I dont post that often!

My problem with posting is that I don't like to just pass on information that someone else has written, Such as just posting a link and a comment. I like to type something that is either
A. About me,
Or
B. Thought provoking.

It seems like i can't always post what I would like to, because of who reads this now. It used to simply be a place for me to vent, almost like an online diary, but now it seems that family and friends, from both continants read this. So i have to find things to talk about which aren't gonna offend anyone, and which are also about me.

I dunno, all i'm trying to say is that I feel it's not worth posting unless I have something of substance to say. Or would you rather a short and sweet post, linking somewhere else? Answers in the comments please! Bonus points if you're a fellow Blogger.

In other news, Seeing as i have so much free time, i've been playing Runescape again. This is basically an online world (Very similar to World of Warcraft) where you control you're own little guy/girl who quests and does all the kind of things medievil people did. If you can bring yourself to look past the less-than-awesome graphics you'll find yourself in an extremely fun game. Matt, a quick note for you, A lot of the kids from camp play this game, and it is a kind of heros journey. You start with nothing, and work your way up. I can answer some questions on it if you wanna use it in any talks.

College kids - be warned - This game is a little addictive. Well, it was for me! Look me up if you decide to play it . Screename - Vegsk8er.

Anyhoo, thats all for now folks.

Keep it safe

Jamie
Veg
Banana

"I don't quite know, how to say, how I feel,
Those three words, are said too much, they're not enough..." - Snow patrol, chasing cars.

Jamie skates?!

2007-01-16T21:23:00.000Z

Hey guys!

Ok, no updates for a long time, i know, several people have told me what a bad blogger i am! But hey, this is my style of blogging! I like to make sure i have something to say before i go rambling on about nothing!

First thing on the menu today is me trying ssomething new. I have uploaded some videos onto youtube and have them ready to put on here.

This first one is me going into whats known as "Primo" (the board on its side, resting on the wheels) and then performing a veggie flip out. I dont think that flip has a name as of yet, so i like it!

This next one is of me being awesome. I was trying to simply pull a spine transfer, which is the process of jumping from one ramp to another (usually back to back) without dieing. I was going too fast though and managed to clear the whole second ramp by about 2 feet. Yay me!

It may say the video is no longer available, but this is bollox... i just uploaded it, and if you have any trouble, try later. If an hour later it dosent work, comment and i'll re-upload the video!

Anyhoo, i'm going to go play in the snow now, so i'll see you crazy kids later!

Keep it safe,

Jamie
Veg
Banana

""Imagination is a quality given a man to compensate him for what he is not, and a sense of humor was provided to console him for what he is." - Oscar Wilde.

Nostalgia

2006-12-29T03:55:00.000Z

Hey guys.

You've caught me in a very reflective mood. It is currently 4am of the morning of my 20th birthday.

Yep, that may be a suprise for some of you, but i assure you it's true, i am only (as of eight hours from now) 20.

I have been hit with a sudden burst of nostalga. I have really begun to feel a longing for what i once had. I remember when i was 17, only 3 short years ago, i had one of the best summers of my life. Now, i know all you Americans now, that camp summers are great summers, and that they can never be beaten, But this one was different for some reason. I still consider my first summer at copneconic my best summer ever, but let me fill you in on some things that happened the summer before i was the counselor you all know and love.

I want you to all cast your minds back to your summer of 2004. I know it's not a long time ago, but bear with me, this will make sense soon enough.

Imagine, if you will, a 17 year old Jamie. He has much shorter hair, and is even skinnier than he is now, he is basically, a dork.

But not to the skating community... oh no,

To the skating communtiy he is 1/4 of the great TEAM PIE.

For that summer, we were legends. Me, Daz, Stratton and KG were the gods of chelmsford. We skated every day, and drunk every night. Every kid idolised us, and every skater wanted to be a part of our team. It was madness. But, as all storys do, it has a downside.

We started taking on new members, such as irish joe, Laa Laa and Paulio geroigio. Eventually team pie became too big to handle, too many people to please, and too much like work, and it fell apart. we all went our seperate ways.

Nowadays, I live in America, Daz works in a different town, Stratton barely comes out and Kyle works from about 11 - 10 every day as a head chef. Life took over, we had to stop living the dream. We've all had girlfriends come and go (and some stay :) but one thing has remined true, we're still Team Pie at heart, and every now and then, about twice a year if we're lucky, we manage to go get a skate session and a trip to the pub in, just like we did 3 years ago. We still remember the good old days, when we all had no money, and made trips to the local off licence to buy some beer at about 2pm, drink all afternoon and skate home at dusk.

We remember the solid nights we spent filming clips for our show Dumbass, watching Jackass for inspiration and then going and fliming things in my back garden. We remember buying 12p bottles of lemonade, and bringing food from home, because we only had a pound to last us for the rest of the week.

We remember the first pub that recognised us as regulars, and always served us, even though we were only 17. (The picture at the bottom is actually taken in the same pub, for nostalgas sake.)

We remember always being invited to house partys, because we were fun! We did impromptu skate demos in peoples gardens, we performed stunts for crowds, we were the life of the party, every time!

We remember having nothing to do, but skate and laugh. Having no-one depending on us, and depending on no-one.

What i'm trying to say, is that times change. Nowadays I have no time to go skate in the summer, I work on camp, 24/7 for 6 days of the week. I live in a different country, so theres no time to go out with the guys on weekends. We're getting older, and i know 20 is still young, i dont deny that at all, its just that we all have so many responsibilitys. It used to be "meet at the skate park after school", but now it's more, "see you in december". Team pie meets up so rarely nowadays that to the casual eye, we might have not known each other at all, and yet we set each other up for life by being there during the hard years of each others lives. Team pie may be growing up, but we'll always remember each other, and what we've done for each and every member of the team.

Team pie for life.

Keep it safe kids

Jamie
Veg
Banana.

Here is the 2004 Team Pie,

And here is the 2006/7 Team pie.

Click them, its really worth it, honest.

I forgot a title on the other one... damn...

2006-12-28T04:01:00.000Z

DANGER! DANGER CASUAL READER! (i know, i'm a dork) THIS IS THE SECOND OF A TWO PART POST! READ THE OTHER ONE FIRST!
So, here we try again!

These are comics number 4 and 5, enjoy!

4.

5.

2006-12-28T03:46:00.000Z

Hey guys,

So, i was poking around the computay here, and i fond some old comic strips i made about this time last year, feel free to click on them for a better view!

Keep it safe

Jamie
Veg
Banana

Ok, these first few are about my horrible time working at TKMaxx, after my amazing first summer at camp... lets look shall we? Remember kiddies, click to see the pic!

1.

2.

Hmm... for some reason, blogger wont let me post comics 4 and 5.... i'll put them in a second post.

This will mean you'll have to look at this post first, which you wont know untill you get this far!

2006-12-13T01:07:00.000Z

How do i start this?

"Sorry i havent posetd for a while?"

"yep, i'm back in £ngland now?"

"woo! no underpants!?"

The answer is, all of them, and who cares?! I'm back in England, and i'll be here for a good month and a bit. Now, i'm home for xmas, and new years, and i'm having a great time! But i do miss the privacy of my own room at camp, and when i'm at camp i miss my family. so i have a catch 22 going on, i can't win.

But, i havent let that get to me! The picures you see above are me and my family enjoying my brothers new years party! It was fun and eveyone had a great time!

I dont have much to say, at least not now, so i'll say peace out, and i'll see ya soon, updating more often now i hope!

Keep it safe

Jamie
Veg
Banana

"I can see you're sad, and even when you smile even when you laugh, i can see it in your eyes, deep inside you wanna cry." - Eminem - mockingbird

Heros

2006-09-29T01:16:00.000+01:00

Hey guys

Here is an exerpt from my former camp directors blog,

The Journey

September 22nd, 2006 at 3:18 pm (Heroes, The Hero's Journey)

The Hero’s Journey ends with a return home. Consider Frodo returning to the Shire after travelling the world. This return is always as a slightly different person, with a slightly different perspective.

T.S. Eliot wrote,

“We shall not cease from our exploration
And at the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time”

As I begin my new journey, I expect to return to this place with a new appreciation. Currently my opinion is tarnished by those most regularly surrounding me. There are moments where I see the results of this journey I am ending; a phone call from a long-time camper, first-time counselor telling me how much I have meant to him; or an email from a counselor thanking me for a great summer. My hope is that when I close the doors on this one, it will be with a happy heart.

To which i commented ;

Jamie the Great said,

September 24, 2006 at 9:04 pm

If there was ever a more perfect version of the heroe’s journey, its the one you’re finishing right now. You showed that to me in that slideshow you played in staff training. You arrived in this country with nothing, just like I have. You worked hard and well, Completeing your trials if you will, and you have emerged as the master of both worlds. You have moved from the hero into the role of advisor, the person that helps or trains the hero. You are the obi wan of the camp world. From apprentice to master.

What i’m trying to say, is that you’ve helped so many people over the years, even the ones that havent said it because they’re too shy or too proud or whatever the case may be. You havent just completed your journey, you’ve helped create so many others.

I remember that it’s your fault I was pulled down this rabbit hole… You hired me in London!

Keep it safe…

Jamie

And then we found this a few days later:

The Mentor

September 25th, 2006 at 10:26 am (Heroes, The Hero's Journey)

The hero rarely completes a journey without a mentor. Thank you Jamie for your comment. I have only recognized myself as an advisor or mentor in the last couple of years. Just as one must accept the role of hero to fully experience the journey, one must be proud to actively fill the role as mentor. A mentor cannot properly fulfill their role in a hero’s journey unless they choose to. Often the mentor is the spark that begins a hero’s journey - thus being the most important person in the journey.

Back on the old blog I had a post on mentors. There was a quote from Pamela Slim: “The reason a great mentor is so effective is that you can learn from someone who has already walked down your path and therefore has tested, practical advice.”

Imagine Harry Potter’s journey if Hagrid hadn’t bothered to help. Imagine the life of Luke Skywalker if Obi-wan Kenobi had chosen to keep his heritage a secret. I’m proud to have been that person sitting at a table in London seeing the hero in the skateboard carrying man from Essex.

I think that what this is showing me is that not only am i gonna miss Matt a lot, because he has been my personal Hagrid for the last year or so, but also that there are a lot of similarities between what he's done and what i'm doing. Really Matt has a gift for seeing the good in people. wether its good with kids, or simply just a good heart, Matt is THE best man for the job he is in right now. Thats why it's such a shame he's leaving.

I can see so many similarities between us, it makes me wonder what lies ahed. But, as always, the butterflies will create the hurricanes that shape our future.

If you dont know what that means, check out my first post on here ever,

Keep it safe kids

Jamie
Veg
Banana

Yeah... this is my rant.

2006-09-19T00:58:00.000+01:00

Hey y'all,

Thats american for "Hello Everybody".

So, I noticed the Yank posted a sneaky picture of me at the michigan game. Now, i'm not one to argue with a woman (you'll almost never win...), Especially one that you're dating (you'll NEVER win), But I think the obvious reason the game was rained off for the first time in 70 years was that the central Michigan players, in a desperate attempt to postpone the horrendous loss, hired a "Native american" (Indian), To perform a raindance of noah like proportions...

That seems logical right?

A N Y ways, I'm writing this with a vile taste in my mouth. No, I didn't eat the camp chicken, this was caused by something much worse...

Have any of you seen trailers for the film "The Covenant"?

If so, wash your eyes with some hydrogen peroxide and repress that memory as soon as you can. Go on, squish it further down than that memory of you wetting yourself in year 8. (the bathrooms were out of order...)

Now, this film wasnt just bad... It was so damned awful that there was never more of a reason to boo. Its so hard to describe whats wrong with this film that i dont even know where to begin... Forced acting, cliches, wires showing...

Ok, ok, i'm gonna compose myself... I got a little wound up then. The point the film was ruined for me was right at the start, which is never nice...

The first scene... the very first scene... the lead guy opens his mouth and says something... and I can tell you, i felt a whole new feeling. It was like someone far away sent you a package, and when you open it, it's full of rocks. Ugly brown rocks. This film had so much potential, but then they go and hire the worst actors ever, and i've seen jet li movies.

I like to immerse myself in my films. When I go to the cinema, I like to forget everything, and just enjoy the film. I know it's not real, but it's nice to not have to do anything except watch and relax. This film reminded me that it was a film every time somone spoke... The "Actors" were so bad at delivering the poor lines, it was like having someone poke you in the ears... constantly.

The dialogue did nothing for them, the screenplay must have been written by a monkey using his own crap as a pencil. Here is an example of the kind of this we had to endure;

Female romantic interest : "I'm scared..."
Lead "actor" : "Don't be..."

-Awkward silence...-

-Actors hug-

Let me put this in context. This man is about to go fight the man who is supposed to be killing him later. The best he can come up with is dont be? I bet the actor himself wrote that line... He seemed about as deep as a splashed puddle...

I mentioned cliches... well the worst one of all was the characters themselves. The lead five boys. (Yes, there was 5 of them. I know one didnt have any lines and stayed in the back, like the shy kids at the nativitys)

There was the all American hero, good in school and loved by all the girls, The pretty boy rebel who makes girls melt when he looks at them (He also had trendy long hair, like them young 'uns today), There was the bad guy, notoriously evil and willing to do anything to get what he wants. There was the bad-good guy, Such an outcast in the group, *sigh* he's so misunderstood... He wears fingerless gloves and resents the fact he's not the strongest one... poor thing... and lastly, the quiet guy. Thats all i can say about him, he had the personality of beige wallpaper (which is slightly more than the rest of them) and blended into the backround just as well.

Then we have the soundtrack...

The exectutive director or whatever useless title he gave himself must have sat there and thought "Well, we're aiming this film at those goth kids... the ones that think they're misunderstood poets who practise wicca and wear those long jackets... well, they listen to that "Heavy metal" stuff dont they... Lets make every song on this track slamming drums, wailing guitars and no words... that'll please them..."

Then, just to make everyone else happy, he puts in some sappy music for the love interest. I SWEAR right after having a slipknot-esque sound track during the fight, he goes and puts something like Britney spears (the young version) on right after. Its like they couldnt decide who to aim the film at. They tried to please everyone, but all they did was make a film that, if i hadent been sitting in the middle of a row of seven of us, i would have left from. I've only ever done that once before. Those of you who know me know that i LOVE movies, and for me to not watch something is a big deal...

Also, when there is a male shower scene, complete with full back nakedness (butts) and towel whipping ('cause thats what guys do y'know, whip towels at each other... like men...) You know something is wrong with the film...

Aside from all that (read - everything!) the story itself was a good one. Classic good versus bad, but i liked the story, if you can look past the cliches and bad acting. Go see it if you're a 10 - 13 year old goth, who secretly likes pop music...

Yeah... thats a lot of people...

Keep it safe kids...

Jamie
Veg
Banana

I have a new pet!

2006-09-01T02:10:00.000+01:00

Well, two really!

This is one of them... His name is blue! I have decided that living in the staff apartments on my own will be kinda dull and boring... so I got me some low-maintenence pets!

They live in this small cage, which they like to climb the walls of. The hermit crabs are great pets because they need so little looking after! All they ask from me is a squirt from the spray bottle (it makes them come out their shells! They don't need it, they just really like it!) and some popcorn every now and then (through careful experimentation, me and the Yank have found that they enjoy popcorn most of all!).

They may be ugly to some, and scary to me... but they're soo cute as well! When i'm in the apartments on my own, nothing to do, i'll try and whip out some pictures of the little guys together!

Today we were packing up all katies stuff into the cars so we can move her into school tomorrow! It's my job to build the futon (for non yanks like me, thats a sofabed ;) ) and I think it'll be the best damned futon in the world!

Also, i had an eye exam and aparantly in America, it's standard to have your pupils dialated, and then examined for... i think Glocoma... or something like that.

A N Y ways, I had it done (picture goodness as soon as I can) and so for about 4 hours todayI was walking around looking like some stoned hippy with huggge pupils... seriously, there was only a small ring of my sexy, ravishing green eyes left. Normal daylight hurt 'cause there was no filtering!

And they said it was the best thing for me... yeah...

But hey! It was free, so i'm not complaining! There's not a lot i wouldnt take for free, although i have no doubt that you guys can find something...

And, as promised (Cap'n B) A picture of me actually standing while waterskiing!

Keep it safe kiddies!

Jamie
Veg
Banana

"Shut up, shut up, shut up, don't wanna hear it,
Get out, get out, get out of my way,
Step up, step up, step up, You'll never stop me,
Nothing you say today is gonna bring me down!" - Simple plan - Shutup.

Good lyrics... Might even have to buy one of their albums...

I guess this is kinda like work...

2006-08-10T14:28:00.000+01:00

Sorry about the lack of posts! Promise to find more time as soon as camp is done!

So, This week I'm running an age group! I'm running the trailblazers, the 10, 11 and 12 year old kids. Which means I have to run C.D. every morning (CD stands for character development), and each day we talk about a different YMCA value (honesty, caring, respect and responsibility).

Today was the last one of the summer, so I decided to do something different, I read them this poem.

Drop a pebble in the water; just a splash and it is gone;
But there's half a hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Spreading, spreading from the centre, flowing on out to the sea.
And there is no way of telling where the end is going to be.

Drop a pebble in the water; in a minute you forget;
But there's little waves a-flowing, and there's ripples circling yet,
And those little waves a-flowing to great big wave have grown;
You've disturbed a mighty river just by dropping in a stone.

Drop an unkind word, or careless; in a minute it is gone;
But there's half a hundred ripples circling on and on and on.
They keep spreading, spreading, spreading from the centre as they go,
And there is no way to stop them, once you've started them to flow.

Drop an unkind word or careless; in a minute you forget;
But there's little waves a flowing, and there's ripples circling yet,
And perhaps in some sad heart a might wave of tears you've stirred.
And disturbed a life that was happy as you dropped that unkind word.

Drop a word of cheer and kindness; just a flash and it is gone;
But there's half a hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Bearing hope and joy on each splashing, dashing wave
Till you wouldn't believe the volume of the one kind word you gave.

Drop a word of cheer and kindness; in a minute you forget;
But there's gladness still a-swelling, and there's joy a-circling yet,
And you've rolled a wave of comfort whose sweet music can be heard
Over miles and miles of water just by dropping one kind word.

~James W. Foley

I was trying to show them that everything they do has an effect, whether it is instant or a more long term thing. They are gonna be the ones making the world-changing decisions in 10, 20, or 30 years... I wanted them to realize that!

Keep it safe kiddies,
Jamie
Veg
Banana

Slideshow!

2006-07-23T00:09:00.000+01:00

This time, it's me again! The yank posted for the first time, but as usual, I have no time on the internet and I can't seem to remember anything interesting to post...

So I have a plan. A plan more cunning than a fox on his graduation day from cunning university where he has finished a masters in being the most cunning thing alive.

Or, yet another cop out... you be the judge!

So, here it is. They say a picture says a thousand words... well, you guys havent had anything from me for a while... so i'll give you some pictures insted, seeing as i can't think of anything worth saying...

Descriptions to follow!

My... how time flys...

2006-07-08T20:15:00.000+01:00

Think of this post as a kind of a... clip show of my blogging life. I'm gonna post some exerts from old blogs that you guys might not even have heard about (or have been bothered to click the links for them!).

This has all come about because of me thinking. Yeah, i know i do it a lot, but this was a little different. I was thinking of how i look to my kids that stay in my cabin. I think that if my 10 year old self could see what i'd look like now, i think he'd be very happy! Even my teenage self, going through my amazingly akward phase (which i am still in, in some respects!) would look ahead and say "hey... Perhaps things arent so bad after all!". I mean, right now, i'm tanned, healthy (getting physically fitter thanks to swimming, walking and playing all day every day, muscle definition!) and happy. I have a beautiful girlfriend, a fun job that i love... I think the main thing is that i'm happy now... which makes it harder to post good blogs!

So, onwards with the clip show!

I wanted to start with something from wayy back in the day, but it seems like my oldest blog has been killed. I guess the website was done...

So, we jump straight in at Saturday, June 27th, 2004, almost two years ago.

"So, yesterday. I was at work for most of the day doing crappy jobs for a pissed off boss. so you can see why i jumped at the chance to "go drinkin'" and it lived up to all my expectations!

We started the night in chelmer village, trying to get everyone to get off their asses in asda car park and go get some drink. After about 15 mins of everyone saying lets go, we went.

The non-drunken walk into town was ok, but as always it took 4 years (y'know, give or take) but we passed the time by commenting on how every other sentance sarah says is a dumb blonde comment. (even though she has dark hair)
Once we got into town, we decided to hit the co-op in molsham street, to try and get served.

This was the plan - Me and Mike Bignall would go in, pickup what we want and if they asked for I.D. i would say "i didnt think i'd need it" and mike would produce his fake ID.

yeah, it didnt work! they didnt accept that form of ID.so we went to molsham wines who, as paul so adeptly put it "would serve a 7 year old if he had the money". we got a crate of bud and some poffy drinks for the girls.
The next destination on our bowl-fest was 24 hour tescos. We went in for more beerand i decided that it would look better if i payed for it on my own, so mike headed off into the freezer section and i went to what i thought was a nice young person on the tills. turns out she was nearly 40 and looked very good for her age!
she asked me for ID and when i didnt have any she called her manager over who said "nah he looks like one or my mates, i'd say about 19" That made me smile! and naturally i milked it for all i could, saying that people always say how young i look for my age and such!

Anyways, after that we just went drinking in a field (john shennons or something) and not alot happened. Just some good old bonding and much photo taking.

check out www.p00p.co.uk and this one http://www.p00p.co.uk/gallery.php?d=2004/06-June/26/&v=Bum-Boys.JPG (i believe this link is broken, but feel free to try it!)

Good times!!We ended the night with everyone going for cheesy chips. By the time we reached the army and navy, it was just me and joe.... so we went for more beer! all we could get was mankey stella though, so i didnt drink many, only about 4 or 5.
We ate our chips on this boat, i think its the muddy waters, at like half 1 in the morning! it was great! The best bit being when the chef walked in on us (we just got on and drank and ate not their food) and just said "........ i'll leave you to it then" and we were left there untill they closed!

The walk home took approximatly 4 seconds, and me and joe stopped on the roundabout and in a playpark (the playpark was great, spinning everywhere!)before stumbling in at half 2 in the morning.joe crashed on my couch, and i came down and woke him up real early, as is the custom after i drink!!

I think thats all i want to put in here, check joes blog for details that i missed!

today was not great... i spent alot of it asleep and as a result, i will not sleep tonight!!!!
-(long post huh?)-

see ya next time, same veg time, same veg channel
Keep it safe,

Veg"

This was posted before i was old enough to drink, but old enough to go out at night! Good times...

This next one is from Thursday, november 25th, 2004. It's from my "dark age" where i hated my job, and really the nowhere my life was going...

"
So, here we go again huh?

Ive found another reason to bitch..... and so the blog returns!

Lets just forgo the formalities huh? straight to the point

-I feel that my life is going nowhere fast.

Thats a good one huh? Lets look at the points i will be discussing;

Work - a good start no?
Social standing - always a good discussion topic.
everything else that dosent fit in the above two.

So, work.... For those who dont know, since being kicked out of sixth form i have been working full-time at T.K.Maxx in chelmer village. I realy can't see any reason for me to stay there. I'm not happy, the work is crap (dealing with customers on customer service), i dont like the managers and there is no morale between the staff.

I really hate my job. which in turn makes me hate every damn morning. I have unwillingly turned into that guy. you all know him. The guy who works a job he hates, for less money than he deserves, in hours that make him an almost social reject. That guy has nothing to look forewards to, and is forever looking back and saying.... "damn, i had it good back then, but i didnt know it."

"so why dont you quit?" i hear you ask.

The answer is, "i dont know". Maby im just lazy, prehaps i would feel bad leaving them, during the christmas period with no FLM (Front Line Manager (my job)). I might even be scared there is noone who would take me. who knows. Its very easy to say "i'll quit after christmas" but who knows if i will?

Now, what was the second topic? ahh yes, Social standing.

As you all probably know, i adored that common room, i loved every second i was in it. and why? because i was popular. lol, sorry but i'm going to be blunt about this, i feel i was popular.
All throughout my school career, i was the nerdy geeky kid who liked pokemon, and sat with the blonde maniac and the fat kid.

as soon as i was in sixth form, i was suddenly accepted by this huge group of people, who didnt care what i did, or didnt do or wear. For a whole year, i was blissfully happy. I was invited to partys, i got off with fit girls...and then i was kicked out... and it all stopped dead right there. like someone pulling the plug on a computer. nothing.

i dont know, maby im looking back at it all with rose-tinted glasses but, im my mind, Thursday, January 29, 2004 was the happiest day for me for a very very long time. for those of you who dont remember , it was the snow day last year. it was a perfect day.

Hell, all im saying i suppose is that i want my old life back, but bitching to a computer isnt going to change anything. I mean is this all im going to have in life from now on? Working during the week, going out on weekends, drinking too much and then doing it all again the next week? I want more from life than that. i refuse to believe that that is all i can have. If i'm depressed now.... what am i going to be in 10 years time? even just 5...... WHAT DO I HAVE TO LOOK FOREWARDS TO?
I honestly never thought i'd say this..... but i really do hate my life.

dont worry, im too smart to do anything stupid, that wont solve anything. It'll just make things worse.

does anyone really enjoy their jobs?

what is there to look forewards to?

heh, I really was just a guest star in the first season of "the common room".

funny that.

Keep it safe
Veg"

As you can tell, thing have got much better since then! But that really was a bad time for me...

Ok, thats enough for now, you're probably sick of reading! If i get encouraging comments, i'll show you guys some more of my past.

We'll see...

Keep it safe guys,

Jamie
Veg
Banana

"What did you learn this week?"
"That it would probably be cool to be English..."

A programme director here and a kid from 2 weeks ago. He was thinking real hard...

Another week... another post!

2006-06-24T18:18:00.000+01:00

Just an example of what kind of things i'm doing at the moment!

Resident camp is exactly what i remember it to be, stressfull... but so much fun! I'm seriously having such a good time. Being here for the second time during staff training was kinda...dull and boring, kinda frustrating etc.

But that has paid off a million times over now. I love being a returning counselor! It's so much more fun because theres no real period of "coming out of my shell" or anything like that. I know what to say to make the kids do what I need them to do, and I still manage to have fun!

Every night on camp we have this thing called evening embers where we talk about the Y value (honesty, caring, respect and responsibility) of the day, and what kind of activities we did that day, what they enjoyed etc. Last year i just had the kids sit down on their bunks and we talked. I have managed to build on that this year and I have them sit in a circle on the floor (circles are important on camp, never ending, everyones equal etc) with me. Then we shut off the lights, and light a scented candle in the middle of the circle.

It dosen't sound like much, but it's more special, and the kids dont feel like shouting out all the time, they raised their hands without me even asking them to do that before they speak.

I think experience is so helpful at camp. I know the schedule, i know whats happening! Yay me!

Aside from work, me and the Yank are doing very well. I'm finding it hard to not show my affections infront of the kids (we discourage camper-camper relations (obviously!) and so us being together is kinda hypocrytical) But we're having fun still! We're good.

There was a big "end of the first week" party last night. Some people showed some ugly sides, and some new relationships started to become more apparant. (alcahol not needed, or even used...)

There is one relationship we're (The Yank and I) keeping a particular close eye on, because we think it not only should happen, it needs to happen. They both deserve it.

Anyhoo, i can't think of anything more interesting to say, so i'll leave this here!

Keep it safe kids!

Jamie
Veg
Banana

"Risk may cause failure, but sucess cannot come without it." - Fortune cookie I got a couple of weeks ago!

Yay training!

2006-06-17T02:27:00.000+01:00

So, staff training is finally over, and we've made it through!

I'm back at the Yank's house at the moment, soaking up the free internet and laundry facilities (while also enjoying an amazing meal from the yank's parents!).

Staff training went pretty well, no real bumps. It's a little different being a returning staff member, like i find myself either mentally (or sometimes verbally...) correcting people, which can be a little embarrasing. but all in all it's pretty good! We know more now, so we're a little better prepared and less anxious... but still,

NERVOUS!

I have all these great ideas about what to do with my cabin this summer, but the one thing they don't tell you during staff training, is that you'll be sharing your cabin with another counselor... which means you gotta share ideas, and your great one might not be used.

But hey, i know i'll do a good job, as long as i keep the kids happy and dont break any rules thats all that matters right?!

There is a lot going on here right now, so i'll post some more when i get time, and internet...

an oxymoron?

See ya later kiddies!

Jamie
Veg
Banana

"Never look down on someone, unless you're helping them up" - somone shouted it out during staff training... I like it!

2006-06-11T20:26:00.000+01:00

Hey kiddies!

Well, looks like i've slipped back into my old ways of only posting once every couple of weeks... but i do have an excuse. The nearest free access to internet (that isn't a laptop, i dont get along with their keyboards and i hate having to borrow them) is a good hour walk. At least.

But! The horizon is bright! We've been setting up an "internet cafe" in Allen Lodge (where we go for staff retreat during the summer) so you shouldn't have to wait much more than a week for info on whats happening here in "Artichoke land"!

Speaking of which, Summer is very nearly here! As of tomorrow night, i'm gonna be sleeping in a cabin and i won't be one of the "Noobies"! (even though i consider myself de-noobified already;) ) Staff training is looking to be the best yet, partly due to the fact that i snuck a look at the schedule (Someone left it out!) and partly due to the fact that Kessel and Romo are in charge of "fun", something which they did pretty well last summer, without the job title!

Another thing you guys need to know is that, once again, my false tooth has fallen out! Same tooth, same side. It's been less than a year since the guy out here charged me $180 to glue it back in, so i think i should get some kind of discount or free service or something. But being English, unless it's offered to me, will i ask for it?! Have i been here long enough to demand whats rightfully mine? Or will 18 years of the stiff upper lip and not complaining take over and sting me in the wallet again? only time will tell...

Other news...

This happens every time. I have a hundred things to talk about, but none of them come to mind untill i hit "publish post"...

I could talk about how sweet i am and how i'm a hopeless romantic... but everyone that needs to know (mom) already knows thanks to the yank e-mailing her.

I like that they do that. I know a lot of guys that would be put off by the fact that they're talking (or is that plotting...?) together, but i think it's a good thing. The yank can tell mom things i'd forget to mention, or even was a little shy about mentioning. (everyone whos not my mom, or that hasn't had the e-mail forewarded by her must be wondering what on earth i'm talking about!)

Also, i just bought a new digital camera! (mom, dont worry, i'm sending you guys a cheque. ) So expect some pictures at some point! YAY PICTURES! (i set the yank up as a member on here, she should be able to post news and pictures too... technology huh?)

Anyhoo, i can't think of anything more interesting to say, i'll see you crazy kids later!

Keep it safe,

Jamie
Veg
Banana

"This isn't a job, it's a life disguised as a job!" - Me explaining things to a whole campfire a week ago during a skit. Came out of nowhere, but i think it fits nicely...

A new post! Within a week! Shock!

2006-05-27T20:51:00.000+01:00

Hey there kiddies and kiddos, welcome to the latest episode of "Jamie's life" Starring me, Jamie!

So, Its been less than a week since my last post! Things are getting better! The only thing i have to complain about is the lack of comments! There are more people reading this than have made themselves known! Visitor number 500 was someone from new south wales (as if we needed a new one...{who hasn't heard that joke before?!})in Australia. DO we have a comment from them? Nope... who are you people?!

Anyhoo, in actual news, i'm hanging out at the Yanks house this afternoon, along with her mad dog. We've come here to use some clean facilties, clean some clothes, and hopefully find time for some tennis later.

This weekend here is Memorial Day weekend. I could look it up and tell you some facts about it, but that would take time and all i care about is that i have this weekend and monday off! Which, in American culture at least, means party time!

We're having an all afternoon/night keg party (not cake, as mom and dad both understood it, am i getting an accent?!) which i am SO looking forewards to!

Thats one of the things i love about living here. I've never been to Uni or anything like that, but it seems to me that what i'm doing now is kinda similar. We all live together in the united nations (staff apartments) and things just happen randomly! Last night for example, a few of us were sitting around bored, and decided to go for ice cream! Partys will happen spontainiously. Someone will say "i'm doing a beer run" or something to that effect and before you know it, BAM! someone has pulled out the beer bong, cranked up the music and everyone is in the lounge!

Even when we're working we have such a... close atmosphere. There is no way to describe it, because there is nothing like this in the world! I am convinced that i have the best job there is. I play with kids all day, doing things i love like making fires or playing games, then i'll eat dinner with people that are funny and interesting, go back to the apartments, play some video games, watch a film, maby have a few "diet cokes" and then head off to bed, ready for "another day in paradise"

I need to get some drama in here or something... you guys are gonna get bored of the same old "oh, he's happy... i wonder whats on telly" situation here...

I promise to try and think of something interesting to talk about for next time!

Talk to ya soon kiddies!

Jamie
Veg
Banana

"Oh it's not a cake party? I don't want an invite then..." - Mom, when i called earlier and explained the keg party idea.

Будет ' причиной, котор я от России

2006-05-22T20:59:00.000+01:00

Hey kiddies!

Yup, another fortnight passes, and another blog goes hungry for information...

Speaking of hungry...

Gahh! Distractions!

See, this is why this is hard for me! I have such limited access to internet back at the staff apartments/camp and when i finally get some time on a computer, i'm distracted by all the pretty colours and webcomics! **cough**cough**

A N Y ways, Things here are going very well actually! Even better now that i finally got paid! I can stop sleeping in a sleeping bag and actually buy some linens for my bed!

So, there is a lot to cover, and i'm hungry, so let's do this in points!

Firstly, What story (Epecially in todays media... but don't get me started about that...) would be complete without some kind of romantic interest? I'm talking, of course, about the yank. Things are going very well indeed over here. We're really having a good time! Today we're hanging out in the city her uni is in.

Now, I know that as far as most people over here think (camp staff excluded), as far as countrys go, there is "America", and "Other". I don't have much of a problem with that, y'know, if they don't wanna travel thats cool. But i thought they might have learned something about the world outside their continant. So i asked some kids some questions during a game we were playing.

I started with things that they might not have known... such as what is the clock on the side of the houses of parliment called? Most people know it's Big Ben right? (Now, please dont say things like "Jamie! You idiot! The clock's not called Big Ben, it's the bell inside! How can you be so dumb?!". It's normally referred to as that so i thought it would be ok. shut up.)

But they didnt know that...

The river that flows through our capitol? They didn't know...
Name of the place where the Queen lives? They didn't know...
Name of the Queen? They didn't know...
Name of the prime minister? They didn't know...

So i thought to myself "Perhaps these are too hard... I'll ask them something easier".

That was a mistake. For no answer is better than the answer i got...

I asked them "What continent is England on?". They answered, after thinking for a few moments... "Russia?"

You can imagine how i felt...

So i asked them, praying they could redeem themselves, "What is the capitol of England?". I should have just cut my losses, as the response was... "England city?"

Then i got desperate...

"Name a fameous person from England" = "Harry Potter!"
"How old am i?" = "Thirty seven?"
"WHAT COUNTRY AM I FROM?" = "New England?"

I gave up then...

Aside from all those kinda things, i'm walking around like i lost a Fiver and found a Tenner! Smiling for no reason! Even though my voice is messed up thanks to an especially loud campfire the other night.

Thats enough now... I fancy some food!

Talk to ya later blogettes.

Jamie
Veg
Banana

"A man is not defined by his job, but rather how he performs his job defines him."

Feels like i'm workin', eight days a week!

2006-05-08T19:43:00.000+01:00

Well, only seven really....

Howdy kiddies, long time no blog! Something like 2 weeks if i know my maths (and i think my C grade says that i do!)

So, the reason you're here. Either A. You already knew about this site and was wondering how i'm doing (thank you!) or B. you followed the link from the artichoke (camp's blog) and know who i am (and probably live with me too...). So, on with the stories.

The main thing i want you all to know, is that i'm having such a good time! Seriously, i love this place. I'm sure this is just a honeymoon period, and i'll get sick of this too, but when you work and live somewhere, and you dont mind working a seven day week, thats gotta say something right? I mean, i'm getting paid to play with kids! I've been teaching them how to build fires, what an ecosystem is and what makes a good bridge. I've been helping them stretch their comfort zones while we're 40 feet in the air, encouraging them to take another step on the climbing wall... I have to say, this is a really rewarding job. I mean, some of the reviews i got from kids and adults last week and over the weekend. "Hilarious", "cute guy, nice accent" "You Rock" etc. I honestly can't think of anywhere else i'd rather be and work right now. I know a lot of you back home dont understand why i'd want to come out here and work on a summer camp, but i ask you this.

Don't you get bored? Don't you wonder whats doing on outside our little social bubble?

Back home, on the weekends, you go out with the same people, to the same bars, drinking the same drinks... hell, sometimes even wearing the same clothes. I need more than that. I want to see the world. I've drunk beer in a little shack of a bar on the beach in spain, i've wandered through old french towns, I've sat on the edge of the Grand canyon and watched the sun rise, I've seen wild elephants in Thailand, I Stroked a live Tiger in malaysia. And more recently, i've made kids sing songs and laugh with me.

And i'm not done yet.

I'm gonna see the world. When i get old, i want people to look at me and say "he's been there, he's done it."

Went off on a tangent there huh? Well, the bottom line is, i'm happy here, and i'm having the time of my life!

I'll try to post soon guys!

keep it safe

Jamie
Veg
Banana

"Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no-one is watching"

Well, i'm off then!

2006-04-20T23:44:00.000+01:00

Thats right kiddies! It's all set!

The visa is being delivered to my house tomorrow, and then i'm flying the next day! Yeah thats right! Saturday lunchtime i'll be up in the air, flying the 4000 miles to my favourite job i've had so far. Everything is turning out ok, finally! It's taken me (since i finished camp in the summer last year) eight whole months! But, in two days time, it'll all be done. Phew...

So, seeing as how i'm going on my next adventure, i thought i might share some travel tips with you guys! (seeing as how i'm such an experienced traveller and such!)

So, here they are, under different catagorys!

Air travel

Most important thing when you're traveling by air, for gods sake, dont mention guns, knifes or anything else terrorist related! My brother once bought a toy gun in spain...which he left in his carry-on luggage...

Alarms sounded, men with guns surrounded us... fun for the whole family!
I don't care what people say, there is no better seat than the isle seats! Sure, everyone loves a window seat. Only problem is you gotta climb over everyone to get to the toilet! And while we're on that subject, dont get those seats with "extra leg room" near the emergency exits. Thats where everyone stands to queue for the toilets!
Oh and lastly, food. If you're gonna order a vegetarian meal, be prepared to be fed everything healthy under the sun! Wereas the meat-eaters will get white bread, decent butter and a chocolate cake for desert, you will get a wholemeal bun, some kind of "i can't believe there's no taste" margerine, and an apple for dessert. Y'know why? 'Cause everyone knows that people who are vegetarians are health mad freaks!

Train travel

First things first! NEVER FALL ASLEEP! Not only can you miss your stop, but you'll probably wake up robbed.... and naked...
If you're riding some kind of subway, such as the london underground, DONT MAKE EYE CONTACT! When people get on underground trains, things can get... unnervingly close especially during rush hours. Just don't look anyone in the eye, and keep an eye on valuables!
Know where you're going! When you're travelling through a forigen country, names can sound very similar. What starts out as a simple trip across paris can turn into a horrible mess of different coloured lines, odd accents (even on letters!) and seemingly only paying 50p each... :S

Walking places

If you gotta walk somewhere, use a damned map! You can never depend on locals (although most "locals" in big cities are infact, tourists!). If worst comes to worst, you know that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west... right?
Blend in! Who's the street robber gonna mug? The guy ambling down the street confidently, or the guy in a hawaian shirt and shorts combo, who has a camera around his neck and a badly unfolded map in his hands? Think about what you're doing. Someone once said, "failing to plan, is planning to fail!"

General tips

Wear a hat when travelling! That way it dosen't matter how your hair looks after an eight hour flight, during which you tried to sleep, but only ended up turning all night. And not just any kind of hat either, it's gotta be a beanie hat! They're soft, so they wont leave any kind of ring on your forehead which can cause spots the next day!
It sounds lame, but put some money in your sock. No-one ever checks the socks! And while we're on the subject of money, if you're traveling abroad, leave a sensible ammount in sterling in your wallet. That way you're not likely to spend it unless you really need to.
If you gotta pee, most train stations will charge you (hence the phrase, spend a penny!), but what they dont think of is that there is most likely (in the big ones at least) some kind of fast food outlet that'll let you use theirs, without even buying anything. (not like those damned pubs!)
If you arranged to meet someone at a certain time, but you don't have your watch, and say, your phone died, then just walk alongside someone with a watch on, and subtley check the time! (digital is easier).
Mainly, just keep your cool, no matter what happens. Think about it logically, and avoid talking to strangers!

I think thats enough for now, dont you?

Keep it safe kiddies!

Jamie
Veg
Banana

Yeah... I know... I suck...

2006-04-16T21:48:00.000+01:00

Howdy blogettes!

Yeah, i lost... without even really putting up much of a challange... I blame iton the fact that i was too busy... or something like that...

anyhoo, i'm gonna work on a comic to try and compensate!

Keep it safe!

Jamie
Veg
Banana

Well, It's on!

2006-04-13T21:11:00.000+01:00

Here's the beef kiddies. The challange has been thrown down! Some of you may remember some guy called Cap'n B. Well, we were bored last night and decided we need some kind of compitition to make thigs a little more fun around here...

So, here's the challange. We both have to post at least once a day, with content. Should be a laugh... If I win I get a teddy in a bottle like he has, only with red water insted of green, and if he wins i have to make him something new using the arts and crafts shack on camp...

Oops.... did i forget to mention that?

Yeah, I GOT ACCEPTED!

Yup, just 5 days or so and then i'll be flying to the good old U.S. of A...

All i gotta do now is pay for the flight. Might have to take out another loan with the "bank of dad". They seem to be pretty fair about lending.

The embassy today cost me so much though. I had to pay £66 before i left to cover the application or some bollox like that, and then i had to pay £25 for my ticket there, because it was rush hour (damn you commuters! Mark my words, i'll have my revenge...) And then i had to pay ANOTHER £63 to cover... ahh hell i'm not gonna pretend i know what it was for! They just said i had to pay it or they wont give me a visa...

oh, and then another £9.50, to have my passport sent back to me via a courieor. Y'know, by the time i've done all this and got out there, i'll have to work for 2 1/2 months before i even break even... I hate the government and money...

I think i will have spent around £500 after all this. It's not fair...

On the good side though, i now have nothing left to do (y'know, except tidy my room...) before i go! I can literally kick back, and just wait for the post each morning.

... Untill mom decides i'm being lazy and makes me tidy things.

But thats another story for another day!

Oh, and make sure you leave nasty comments at Cap'n B's page.

Go team Veg!

Keep it safe kiddies,

Jamie
Veg
Banana

"And i'm not sure which way to go, because all along, we've been going in the same direction.

"How to loose your ambitions in an hour"

2006-04-12T21:41:00.000+01:00

Just a quickie kids, The visa documents came through today, so i set up an emergency appointment for tomorrow!

Wish me luck!

I'll post more tomorrow after they decide my fate... (kinda literally... if i dont get this visa i have nothing... :S)

TTYL!

Jamie
veg
banana

The green fairy cometh!

2006-04-11T00:41:00.000+01:00

Well, tonight was my first time trying absinth. I think thats how it's spelled. Anyways, the deal tonight was that Martin (an old school friend) was turning 19, and seeing how everyone was back from their respective uni's, we went out!

We started at a very nice little bar near the upper end of town, which was where i was introduced to this drink... the "Death Chamber". Just so you know how strong this drink is, i Still feel the effects of it now as i type this. It's one bad mo-fo!

Anyways, what it includes. You take a wine glass, add a shot of two kinds of absynth (if you don't know what that is, just know that it's illegle in most American states because it's so strong.), Where was i?

Oh yeah, two kinds of absynth. Then you add two more kinds of spirit, probably vodka and whisky, and then set it on fire. Yup thats right. Burn it! Then pour the still burning liquid into a slightly smaller glass on the bar. You gotta make sure you spill some, so that the actual bar is on fire too!

Once the original wine glass is empty, set it upside down on the flaming bar (so you catch some vapours i guess) and blow everything out. Drink the small glass quickly, repress the instant vomit feeling, and then once you've composed yourself, you gotta inhale the fumes they trapped.

Repress the tidal wave of vomit that ensues, and behold! You've finished one of the most dangerous drinks in chelmsford!

It does cost £5, but when they put an ice bucket next to you while they serve a drink (y'know, for the chunder) then you know you're getting something legendary!

Aside from that, it was a pretty normal night! I went to the fleece to meet the guys after everyone went to dukes, we had some beers, insulted some drunks...

A good time was had by all!

The only downside was that i couldnt get into dukes to meet everyone after all my skater friends went home. Ah well, i'm sure i'll see them some other time!

Right, i'm tired now, so sleep is imminent!

Keep it safe kiddies!

Jamie
Veg
Banana

(No quote tonight, just sleep ;) )

It's a long one... comfy?

2006-04-10T01:13:00.000+01:00

Hey y'all.

First things first, I'm sorry about the quality of posts thus far. Sometimes i forget that quality is better than quantity. I'll try and post more interesting (and, if you're lucky, Relevant!) things from now on.

Speaking of which... I have a question. Why does everyone feel the need to state the obvious?!

Recently, i've noticed that people are pointing out the most obvious of things! For example, The last few days i've been trying to learn a new trick on the halfpipe at central (the local skate park) and the kinds of comments you get...

Things like "Oooh, you almost had that one!" when I land it one footed, Or something like "Yeah, you gotta turn a bit more" When i might land only halfway around.

I mean, i'm not the first guy to notice this! If you havent read "The hitchikers guide to the galaxy" (which incidently, is a trilogy in four parts), then aside from being utterly literally challanged, you're depriving yourself of hundreds of laughs. Real ones. As in "i just shot milk out my nose" funny.

But I digress, In THGTTG, One of the main characters, Ford prefect, makes a note that Humans seem to feel the need to comment on everything. Otherwise their brains might start working.

Y'know what? it'd be funnier if you read it yourself... go buy it now. You won't regret it!

Aside from people I havent seen for almost a year telling me that i'm loosing my hair ('cause, y'know, it's not like it's on my head or anything) I've been just surviving. The papers i need to aquire my visa should be arriving tomorrow, and then i can book an emergency appointment... and with any luck i should be flying 5 working days after that. So, woot for me huh?

I'm only 10 days late so far. Not too bad...

Anyhoo, i have a new thing to finish on. Seeing as how i've been blogging for quite a while now ( This one was first Then there were two, and More recently, this one.. If you're bored on the internet, read these. They have some good posts in there. I'm hoping for some good content like that when i finally make it to America!)

Again, I have strayed from my point.

The new thing i'm gonna finish my posts on (until I think of something better) Is that i'm gonna use my D in media studies to analyse a line or two from a song. See, I have hundreds of songs that mean a lot to me(lyrically that is) and i want to share some of those meanings!

We'll start with something nice and easy, real puddle-deep stuff. Just take this on face value...

Robbie williams - Strong

"And you know and you know, 'cause my life's a mess... and i'm trying to grow, so before i'm old i confess,
You think that i'm strong, you're wrong, you're wrong..."

This means something to me, because it talks about a time of my life (as most of these will do!). This is exactly how i felt just before i went off to America the first time. Everyone was praising me, saying how proud they were. When all I was feeling was that I had to change something. Life was going nowhere. I could honestly see myself working in TKMaxx for too long... Hence the "before i'm old" part.

I dunno, thats just how i feel about how i felt... (did i just type in the first and third person at once?)

Anyways, Keep it safe kiddies,

Jamie
Veg
Banana

Not even Fallout Boy can cheer me up!

2006-04-05T01:16:00.000+01:00

Escape - Hoobastank

Another day goes without any change,
The feeling we live with still remains,
We're stuck in a hole and we're searching for anything, to hold onto,
There has to be somewhere that we can be safe, from the lives we live each day,
There has to be somewhere that we can be far away...

We have to escape, and I will go anywhere if you just lead the way,
Escape to a place where we'll be together, together everyday
We have to escape....

We could living how we wanted to,
Instead of doing things we're forced to do,
With no one to tell us that we should be going through, what they went through,
There has to be some place that nobody knows, somewhere we can only go,
There has to be some place that we can be all alone....

We have to escape, and I will go anywhere if you just lead the way,
Escape to a place where we'll be together, together everyday,
We have to escape...

Yup, that's exactly what happened!

2006-04-04T03:49:00.000+01:00

Yeah you gotta click on it, as always, but thats how it happened!

I was feeling bored and low tonight, so i thought i'd do something i enjoy. Insted of browsing through all my usual sites, and looking for new things, i decided to make another comic! Enjoy!

Huh... I found a googlewhack...

2006-04-03T00:26:00.000+01:00

The googlewhack
Yeah, and it's about me! Kinda...

Damn you cap'n B...

I'm fairly sure it won't be one after this post... hence the photo goodness!

Keep it safe kiddies!

I've got another confession to make... I'm your fool...

2006-04-02T22:41:00.000+01:00

Hey kiddies,

Well, as most of you know, i'm back in England.

Crap.

By the time most of you read this, i should have been starting my new job in Michigan. But no... Everything with this application seems to be taking so long, So i have had to come home.

I was realy loking forewards to just flying straight from Florida to Michigan, Starting my new job, meeting old friends. I had my heart set on seeing katie. But now i've got at least a weeks wait, And odds are it'll be more like two weeks.

But hey, every cloud has a silver lining right?

It was nice to come home and see the guys, and I have to get this stuff (my visa application) done in the UK. So it's not all bad. I have some numbers to call tomorrow, try to get some information.

I just wanna get this all done, y'know? This wait is killing me. It's been so long.
I want my new life, and i want it now.

Keep it safe kiddies,

Jamie
Veg
Banana

"Save me from drowning in the sea... beat me up on the beach..." Robbie williams, The road to Mandalay. It's kinda how i'm feeling about this whole thing. It saved me from a life of monotomy, but it's constantly kicking me in the teeth by not letting me know anything.

\/\/()o7... and such

2006-03-30T00:04:00.000+01:00

Congrats to Cap'n B for being the 100th vistor! Somehow Iknew it'd be him... damned regulars...

{Insert blog here}

2006-03-29T20:16:00.000+01:00

Now, i know i should be posting something either

A. Insightful and thought-provoking, or
B. About my life,

But i really dont have anything that would be interesting to post about.

SO i started looking around the internet, at all my usual haunts, to try and find something to talk about. I turned on the computer, signed in to msn messenger, checked my e-mails and then went searching. Then it hit me,

Why do i sign in to MSN? I can't remember the last time I spoke to anyone who wasn't Katie on it. A lot of people even just keep it open when they're not there. There are about 3 people who are always on, no matter the time. I mean i was on this computer at about 10pm here last night. Thats 3am back home. Why on earth would they be on at 3am?! I dont even know why i sign in... But whatever!

On a completely un-related note (i'm sure someone will try to relate those two notes...) I've almost had 100 visitors, and i know who each and every one of you are! Some of you arent making yourselves known! Who is from slough?! (both Ashford and Egham)

Who is from Birmingham, Shoreham-by-Sea?

Someone from Lambeth in London?

And lastly, Bracknell forest in Bracknell?

Ah well, I'll try and post something interesting later, ok kids?

Keep it safe!

Jamie
Vag
Banana

I'm a skater... I don't have any arm strength!

2006-03-24T23:08:00.000Z

Hey guys!

Well, you're probably looking for some kind of "whats Jamie been up to" news right? Rockin', 'cause i have the explanation to the odd title right here!

Don't worry, i'll start a tab...

Anyways, as i mentioned before, I spent yesterday at Orlando theme park. It was actually really good! One of the highlights was me participating in a Fear Factor Live show! The first challange was to hang from 40 feet up, on a coathanger shaped bar, with hurricane speed winds blowing at me! There was six of us hanging there, then the first two to fall went out, and the others went on to the next round. I was the second guy to fall, by about a second and a half... dammit! The other two "challanges" were so easy... if only i had held on for that little bit longer i could have done so well... Ah well...

Today was Islands of Adventure, which was another Universal park. This was aimed more at the teenager-adult range, and some of those rides... man they rocked! There was only small queues too, so yeah, good day!

Tomorrow is rest day, which i hear we're spending on the beach. And now its dinner time!

Hope to talk to ya sometimes!

keep it safe!

Jamie
Veg
Banana

Again, no quote today, just another link. This one shows why i'm going back to camp. I think it explains things ok...

Last summer

Blasts from the past...

2006-03-23T02:47:00.000Z

Wow, quite a few old faces have commented! I think i'll have to extend an open invite to anyone who can make it on the 2nd of April in Chelmsford!

Speaking of me knowing all and seeing all, Someone from Canterbury Christ Church College in Bradford, Didn't post... Unless i'm missing something here. So far everyone has managed to comment, Although i'm not sure which of you are from Chelmsford, Perhaps The Cap'n?

Meh

Uhh, not a lot in the way of news. We spent today having a "rest day" which turned out to be a "walk and shop" day. This is exactly the kind of day that i do not class as resting! I mean we spent more time walking around the shops than we would have done in a theme park! But it's all good. I've been promised a new pair of sk8z0r shoes, so shopping's all good with me!

Tomorrow is the theme park i've been looking forewards to! We're going to Denny's for an all you can eat breakfast, then it's off to Universal studios! WOO! Does anyone else remember that line from the end of the "Kenan and Kel" show, something like

"Kenan and Kel is filmed in front of a live audience in Orlando, in Universal studios, Florida."

Well, when he says it, it comes out something like " Kenanndklisilmedinfrontofaiveaudiencein Orlandoin Universalstudios, Florida."

But i digress, (Always wanted to use that!)

I'm looking forewards to it, i think it's gonna be great. The theme parks so far have been, to use a clever analagy, Like the power rangers. Small, kinda puny and with a few different colours. Tomorrow's park will be something like their megazord! Huge, Brightly coloured, and entertaining to watch fight giant baddies.

Ok, perhaps not the last one...

Anyways, this is starting to reek of fatigue, so i bid thee goodnight! Although by the time i post this, it'll be morning for... about 80% of my fanbase! (Yeah it's small, but it's there!)

Keep it safe kiddies!

Jamie
Veg
Banana

Insted of a quote tonight, i'm gonna give you guys something different! This is one of my old posts from an old blog, and i'm showing you because i am so damned grateful that i never have to work there again. I wont! EVER!

An open letter to the customers of T.K.Maxx.

2006-03-20T22:56:00.000Z

Hey guys!
Well, as you may know, things have not worked out to plan! I AM in America right now, but i'll also be coming home when everyone else in my famly does. Shame really... I was really looking forewards to starting in April, and seeing Katie and all that! Also, being here in Florida is a lot like being in Michigan in the summer, Some of the streets look the same and theres just the same feel for the place. I dunno, with any luck i'll get an appointment sometime early after i get back.

But enough about that! You guys wanna hear about what i've been doing! (If not, why are you here?...

Long story short, I love this place! We've been here two days now, not including the flights, and it's so mucn fun! We spent the first day at MGM Disney, which was a lot smaller than I thought it would be, but still fun nonetheless!

Today was seaworld! We went VERY early, because we had to leave very early too. See, west ham was playing (won 2-1!) and we just had to get back for that. Only two more wins and they'll win the FA cup. Cool huh?

Anyhoo, there is so much to say, but not enough time to say it! I may update again later, who knows. I plan on adding a sitemeter on the right there somewhere, so's i can count people again.

One last thing, if it's your first time here, you gotta comment! I wanna know what kind of audiece i'm talking to! (y'know, if any...) even if it's just "yo dude, what-up". And make sure you leave a name, i hate annonymous comments...

Keep it safe folks!

Jamie
Veg
Banana

"The only thing worse than not knowing, is you thinking that i don't know" - Fall out boy - seven minutes in heaven

01 - Hope this answers any questions...

2006-01-25T02:02:00.002Z

Hey guys.

Some of you might be wondering what on earth this is. Formally it's known as a "web log" But the majority of people call it a "Blog". It's basically an online diary.

"But why have you created one Jamie?"

Well, I've created this so that i can show and tell people what i'm doing and how things are going, while i'm in America. This way, the latest information will be available to my whole family and friends at the click of a mouse!

"Wait, you're going to America?!"

Yeah. Sorry if i forgot to tell you... I'll be in America for the best part of 18 months, and i'll be coming back aroundabout september 2007.

"What are you doing there?"

There is a lot of questions like this that you guys might need answering, and to get them, i reccomend going HERE. That should answer any other questions. (it also explains the odd blog name... ;) )

well, i think thats all i want/need to say. As i write this, my trip to America is still not official. It could still all fall through. Also, expect posts weekly at best.

Untill i actually leave though, i'll keep this updated with how my application is going.

25th Jan - I have an appointment to see Matt (my camp director) In london on feb 4th. Then its off to the embassy a few weeks later...

feb 5th - Matt hadn't recieved my application forms yet, and so he'll e-mail them to me as soon as he can. Then they get sent to new york, then back to matt and then me again! Then i go see the embassy...

Butterflies and Hurricanes

I am become Death

A mobile test

Nostalgia

One hundred and eighty!

Mind = Blown

A la EmLaw: Part Deux

Walk Hard.

You're somebodies hero.

New addition to the Blogroll.

Darts, Dice and Douglas.

Ignore this title

Zombie contingency plan

A new look and some "new" links.

Character test.

Experiential Education

Three weeks, three posts... kind of.

Try and keep up now!

499,684 minutes...

ALA Emlaw

Easy listening... Kinda

Thank God i'm taking this class!

Some thoughts

For the law-abiding one

Wow....just.... wow!

Holy super-dorkiness Batman!

Lets play a game!

There is no such thing as not posting, there is only the absence of posts!

HELP?!

The post that isn't much fun if you don't know what you're looking at!

The Ice man cometh

NEVER Judge a book by it's cover...

Anonymous

The big house!

Blogs

FALLOUT BOY!

NEW POST!! SHOCK HORROR!!!!11one

Polar bears have more fat than me...

Tranquility ~Fenton

It's true, we are!

Why Geeks and Nerds Are Worth It...

The yank has deserted me!

Huh... i'm a girl...

I get knocked down, but I get up again...

Wow...

There goes my hero...

I am SO the favourite!

Jamie skates?!

Nostalgia

I forgot a title on the other one... damn...

Heros

The Journey

Jamie the Great said,

The Mentor

Yeah... this is my rant.

I have a new pet!

I guess this is kinda like work...

Slideshow!

My... how time flys...

Another week... another post!

Yay training!

A new post! Within a week! Shock!

Будет ' причиной, котор я от России

Feels like i'm workin', eight days a week!

Well, i'm off then!

Yeah... I know... I suck...

Well, It's on!

"How to loose your ambitions in an hour"

The green fairy cometh!

It's a long one... comfy?

Not even Fallout Boy can cheer me up!

Yup, that's exactly what happened!

Huh... I found a googlewhack...

I've got another confession to make... I'm your fool...

\/\/()o7... and such

{Insert blog here}

I'm a skater... I don't have any arm strength!

Blasts from the past...

01 - Hope this answers any questions...