ravenknight6

I want to run off to bed already...so tired...it's been an awesome, long weekend. Will write more about it tomorrow. So much...

Just wanted to mention that this past week I saw 500 Days of Summer (movie) TWICE!!! It is such a good movie. The dude in the movie is very much like me and I can relate to a lot of what happened in the movie. Also, The Ugly Truth is a great movie. It's hilarious, sweet, and just so full of awesomeness and brilliant observations. In fact, Gerard Butler's character said a lot of things which I've pointed out on a nearly regular basis about the problem with women who are so close-minded as a result of only looking for the "perfect guy" who's a professional or a doctor, a certain age (most of the time, much older), and fits the woman's specific check list of conditions and requirements. It bothers the hell out of me and is just ridiculous. It's hilarious how the leading man in the movie just points out the flaws of how many women limit themselves in such a way as he alludes to how these sort of women, seemingly most women, are only "interested in a resume" more than the person.

This same group of women look for what they think they want, but don't actually know what they want. And a good amount of the time some of them wonder why they're not happy or why they can't find someone that matches their insanely limited expectations.

There's just so much more to the movie The Ugly Truth than you would think from the trailer, but it's still entertaining and funny as hell. I definitely recommend it.

Another thing I appreciate about both of these movies is that they didn't ruin some of the really awesome parts by revealing them in the trailer. They still save some of that wonderful goodness for the movie-goers.

I'd say if you took much of 500 Days of Summer and some of The Ugly Truth, you'd pretty much have a good chunk of my experience with and understanding of women. It's sad, yet true, but highly enlightening and hindsightedly hilarious.

On the other hand, hanging out with and talking to some really good friends of mine that are females (in person, talking on the phone, and chatting online,) along with watching both of those movies, has actually restored my hope and faith that there are indeed quality women out there that are not so shallow. That are open-minded and creative. That are down-to-earth and fun. Women that are confident and love themselves for who they are and won't change for any old douchebag that comes along.

Heck, there might even be that woman that doesn't just put a good, quality, awesome guy in the friend zone/box or shithole of "just-a-friend" hell, but instead sees what's good about him and lets him prove himself by letting him be a man and by accepting his audition for her heart (and I've met a few women like this, some of my friends married quality women like this so there's evidence out there).

To the women out there: There are men who will love you for exactly who and how you are, and not just want to get into your pants (although we're wired that way).

On both the female and male sides I am sure that the same issue exists. A quality person to have a relationship with is indeed a dime a dozen. Maybe even 1 in a million or more, but I admit, I'm still looking. Nobody has to settle for any less than someone who loves and respects them for who they are.

I probably could say more, and I feel that this entry is incomplete, but I'm fugging exhausted.

Next rant should be about "friend zone theory" and what should fugging be done about it.

F!

Good night.

P.S. 500 Days of Summer is such an amazing indy (independent film) movie. It's well put-together, has some awesome, memorable, brilliant lines and quotes. It's just edited really really well. I just love it. It's one of the best films I've seen EVER! It's just new, and refreshing. It might make you want to say "Mother of Citrus! That's good!" The acting is just top-notch and I absolutely adore Zooey Deschanel and am a huge fan of Joseph Gordon-Levitt. JGL has been just awesome ever since the NBC sitcom "3rd Rock from the Sun" and one of my all-time fav. movies "10 Things I Hate About You".

Yay! Tim Horton's has arrived in New York!!! :D Yatta!

http://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/stories/2009/07/13/daily5.html

Yet another reason to go to New York! Now Canada's a whole lot closer to home! :D

So yea. Slow day, but a few things to mention.

My trusty earphones gave out today. The second pair that has died on me after I had them for scarcely 1 year. They weren't cheap, but they weren't expensive. They served me well though as my friends through many dangers and trips. Ordered new ones today from Costco. Man I love Costco! Costco!!! One of my roommates, when i was studying in Canada a few years ago, used to go all the time...but I never got to go...grrr. I wonder if Canadian Costco is just as amazing as its American counterparts...hmmm...Is it worth investigating the next time I visit?

Dissected fetal pig today. Good times. To be continued...

According to my buddy Johnny's status on facebook, the "Sci Fi" Channel, as of today, has been rebranded to "SyFy". Needless to say, I think it is an eyesore.

Moving on, I have received Othello (board game) today and I look forward to learning how to play it! I am now calling on any challengers to bring it on! (Even though I haven't even started playing yet) What faster way to learn, right?

I also just received IGNORE EVERYBODY: And 39 Other Keys to Creativity by Hugh MacLeod of gapingvoid.com. It’s a book about insights into creativity and just doing your own thing. Sometimes it sort of gives bits of advice on how to do that and the little grains of wisdom are also presented by way of mini-comic strips that are both entertaining and humorous. I’m just starting to read it now.

I’ve also gotten back into reading The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. It’s a really great book that presents a 12-week course on unlocking your creativity. One of the tools the book asks you to start with is to do what are called “morning pages”. It’s basically writing 3 pages of whatever comes to mind first. Pretty much stream of consciousness. The point of the exercise is to remove the inhibitions of the inner censor and just write more freely and let the ideas flow. It’s also a good way to start the day fresh and get out negative thoughts you might have as well. It’s a really good book so far. This time I’m planning to stick with it. It’s really fun and has helped me a good deal. Even the morning pages alone have made a noticeable difference for me.

Lastly, I’m very much looking forward to this weekend since it’s my friend Susan’s 21st birthday! It’s gonna be Legen…wait for it…DARY!!!
Plus Will, my friend since kindergarten, Susan’s older bro, is back from his honeymoon. It’s looking like he’ll be down for some awesome as well this weekend!

Just a quick entry today. Now I must read for a little while before I head off to bed. Maybe this is why I’m so tired in the morning…

And a public service announcement…

SUIT UP!

I know I have been M.I.A. from writing in my livejournal for a looooonnnggg-asssss time! It's just that lately, I've been trying to live my life more in the moment instead of writing about it! Also, not to make excuses or anything, I've also been a bit swamped with the good 'ol 9-5/7days a week, plus a class monday through thursday right after work and it's not a class I particularly enjoy; although, it could be worse. It'll be over in 6 weeks anyway. Just gotta bear with it for now.

Another part of it is that I just haven't thought that anything going on with me is all that interesting lately. I have been writing though. I've been concurrently writing more of The Saga of Johannes Jonnes (vaape.tripod.com), a story that shows what happens when Johnny's life is sprinkled with awesome with a dash of fugging epic, and creating a storyboard for the audio comic that Johnny and I are planning to do. A lot of things are set into place. It's just the hard part of getting started and really getting the ball rolling is nearly underway.

At the moment, I am taking a break in the midst of my reviewing slides I must learn for a test this week.

About July 4 though. I think I experienced yesterday the most amazing display of pyrotechnical wizardry that I have ever witnessed!

We also invented a new game with my beanbag happy/smileyface named Moe, since it resembles our friend Moe's nearly perpetually smiling, cheerful face!

The game is called Hot MoeTatoe. We basically threw, kicked, punched, clobbered, passed, and smashed the MoeBall around. It was like a giant hackeysack! Good times! I so hope I can go next year!!! Also, there was a lot of "N-I-C-E" (will later write an article dedicated to the concept of "N-I-C-E") around!

I went with my brother Peter, Johnny, and his sister Christine, following having Blinner (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) at their place which went along with the prayer service that was held for his father for the 40th day after his passing away.

I know I haven't written much about it or maybe nothing at all for that matter here. Mainly, because I talked about it with friends and family and there's just a lot more than I could ever possibly communicate.

Not to be terse or anything, but I do miss Johnny's dad, my godfather. There was so much I learned from him and so much he did for me and my family even beyond what I'll ever know. He was a faithful catholic, a great friend and a good man reminiscent of my grandfather, who also passed away this year.

I've tried to take a cue from him and appreciate, enjoy, and see the good in, more moments in my life. Simply put, to just smile and laugh. It's not something that's easy for me. I've allowed so many things to bother me. It's a constant challenge just to think positively.

It was truly early for such a warm presence as his to go, but he has certainly left behind remnants of himself with those closest to him.

I hope he's enjoying himself in heaven with my grandfather. I'm so happy that he got the chance to visit my grandfather in the hospital not too long before my grandfather's passing as I was not able to. I'm sure my grandfather, upon my godfather's arrival in heaven said something like: "What are you doing here so early? I just saw you!"

On another note, I'm going to do my best to save vacation and get to Canada this Fall. Not sure if I'll be able to go the same time that Johnny does, but that would be cool. If not, I'll just save for a later vacation in the Spring or a year from now even.

For now, i've got my hands full with a fun, yet challenging project outside of work and school obligations and it's both exciting and invigorating.

Went running today and washed the car which was good too. Then had another really great conversation with my friend Carmen. Toward the end we created a most fun game which she called "Great Minds", although I found out there's another game out there already called that so it'll require a re-name of sorts!

Yes, I do occasionally talk in exclamation points (!)!

I wish Bob (giglibob) would read the Saga of Johannes Jonnes (SEE johannesblog6.livejournal.com). It has really changed/developed since parts 1 and 2. The character Bobbo even has some appearances coming up in the story...

So much to do...Once again, I will make more of an effort to write here, but I'm just slammed lately.

Things to do:

-Study
-Finish draft of Saga of Johannes Jonnes Chapter 1 audio comic's storyboard
-Finish writing Saga of Johannes Jonnes Parts 11-13
-Clean up/re-organize room so that the entertainment system can be set up again
-and so that I can set up my audio recording equipment again
-Clean interior of car
-Go running and training every day for at least an hour
-New playlists and load movies/tv shows on/onto IPOD
-Update Saga of Johannes Jonnes timeline and character dossiers (actually, "create" but "update" sounds better hehe)
-Continue to build my project roadbike with MoeMoe so I can join Bob's most amazing adventures and hopefully start my own bogus journeys *insert face-melting guitar riff* (write separate entry about and upload pics somewhere of aforementioned bike building project)

I'm going to sleep now...ZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzz

Good night!

I have created a separate livejournal account from this, my personal blog because "The Saga of Johannes Jonnes" has gotten too large for the confines of this account and will continue to grow. Johannes is of the opinion that he no longer wishes to share this space with me. :P

Without further ado, please add Johannesblog6 to your livejournal accounts, my friends as well as Johannesblog6@gmail.com, the official e-mail for all things regarding Johannes Jonnes. You may also send your comments and questions to the e-mail.

From here on, ravenknight6 will be soley for my personal blogging use.

I have pledged myself to make my best effort to update at least every week, if not more often. I have gotten a slew of more ideas.

So for all things related to "The Saga of Johannes Jonnes" please add and visit check in regularly with

Johannesblog6

on livejournal.com

Take it easy, don't be sleazy, and be nerdy!

-Mig

The Saga of Johannes Jonnes Pt. 6.5 (rough draft 2)

"Like shards of glass
Shrapnel pierces my body
Knives stab my heart
Bullets riddle my soul."

-Dante, on love and war


I didn't expect to see Johnny there in the middle of the city. That elusive bastard. He always makes it difficult to track him, even when he's that incapacitated! Sometimes, I want to believe he's a monster! You know, like the fearsome kind that lives in your pocket!

He sure makes friends quickly though. It looks like Drew doesn't remember us nor what happened all those years ago. It's not time for him to awaken anyway. The pieces have not yet come back together. I bet he'll take Johnny to Dr. "RC". That's good. I should be able to easily track them later. That should also get the cogs of fate turning then. For now, I have other preparations to make.

I ought to know best that one can only run away from destiny for so long. Unlike the rest of us though, Johnny made the choice wholeheartedly. And yet, sadly, to some degree, ours are inseparably intertwined with his.

I volunteered for the sake of the others to continue to live the nightmare awake. I've been carrying the burden for us all. The gravity of regret breaks my shoulders and back. The blood makes me feel stronger.

I'm no hero, nor savior, not even a leader. I just felt that I deserved it most. A penance, as it were, for an absolution that never appeased my heavily beaten soul.

I want to say it was solely SHE that caused me to suffer such unbearable torment, but it was truly accumulated from many "SHE"'s throughout two lifetimes. (Many would see it as a blessing, but I see it as a curse. You see, I happen to age a lot slower than most people.).

Over time, my heart was blistered again and again. The blisters turned to callouses. The callouses hardened to stone. The stone worked to iron, and the iron finally forged into steel.

Here we go. I've finally arrived. The instruments of our futures are stored here. I had to be certain. Soon. Once we've re-assembled, it shall begin again. This time, we'll finish it.

The Saga of Johannes Jonnes Pt. -1: Memories in the Snow


My eyes are closed, but I can see everything. I think this is what's called the "Mind's Eye". I'm pissed because I don't see any Madsen Ice. It's my favorite. It's like "beer champagne".


Out of nowhere I hear this:


"From the inside to outside
Cracks and chasms all over the place
They tatoo my arm
They tatoo my face
My whole body struggles to escape (break free)
From (of) her torturous embrace

Lies before me
Lies behind me
Refuse (waste) all around (surround) me

Red lights
Cheap thrills
I want none of that sh*t
I'll take another hit
Till I drift
To my glorious nightmare"

I don't recognize the voice or any other detail, but I hope I wake up soon.
My heart, my mind, my soul. Feels like a fugging volcano inside me.
Who the hell was I? Who the hell am I?
All I know is that I'll be who I want to be tomorrow.

The Saga of Johannes Jonnes Pt.6 (If you don't get that this is a very rough draft by now...)


I feel groggy as I begin to slowly return to consciousness. I'm lying on a cold, steel table. There's a UV light brighter than the fugging sun blinding me. It's sort of warm. I'm unable to move, but I'm not numb. Where the hell am I?

There's two shadows standing above me to either side. Sounds like they're arguing.

The one in what looks like a white labcoat yells at the one in the suit:
"What did you think you were doing?!? You could've killed him!"

The guy in the suit replies: "Hey, most of the injuries had to have been there before I did anything. I already explained to you he was being difficult. C'mon, you were able to treat his injuries anyway."

WHITE LABCOAT: "Of course! I'm the greatest doctor in human history! Past, present, and future! HaHaHa. (his glasses glare for effect and his smile is full of self-satisfaction and achievement). It's all nothing for Doctor 'RC'!

Anyway, it was quite unusual. I actually had to use nearly all of my expertise in nerve repair and attacks. I rarely see techniques this advanced used on people in real battle anymore. I'd love to spar the man that caused all this damage. Hehe. The style looks similar to my master's, but lacks his unique signature.

Drew, you wouldn't have lasted a minute against this guy's opponent."

DREW: "BULLSHIT! GO TO HELL!"

RC: "I'm serious, man. If I fought someone this skilled, one of us would surely die. This is master class right here."

DREW: (mutters to himself) "I wonder if it was the motorcycle guy. He looked really strong. He was huge!!! Nah...Couldn't have been."


I somehow free myself of the restraints binding me to the table. Not sure how I did it.

I ask Drew: "What biker guy?"

RC: "You're awake! Most Excellent! Honestly didn't expect you to wake up until after several more days! I am truly the greatest! EXTRAORDINARY! INCREDIBLE! How are you feeling? Before I get into the more complicated questions, may I ask what's your name?"

ME: "Johannes Jonnes. Call me Johnny. I barely remember anything."

RC: "You'll be fine. I repaired, among other things (looks disapprovingly at Drew), all your nerve damage, including the blockage causing your memory loss. It should all return to you eventually, yet gradually. Only time will tell.

Physically, you're in horrible shape. In fact, a normal person would have died from your physical state long before Drew found you. My estimate is that it'll take several months for you to fully recover.

You're a fascinating case, my friend. You are definitely welcome to stay here as long as you need to. That way I can continue to study...er...I mean...HEAL you. That's right! haha. You're my number one labrat...I mean...PATIENT! (nervously looks away)."

ME: (Honestly, I wasn't paying much attention to what Dr. RC just said)
"Oh really? That's great!"


I do look forward to sorting out my past and making my own future! I think I can trust these guys. I get a good feeling about them.

We'll just have to see. After all, I'm just a fool. I don't know bout tomorrow!

The Saga of Johannes Jonnes Pt. 5 (Version 2 rough draft)


I lift him into the car. It's a mess. I'd normally apologize to a passenger, but this guy's far more of a mess. This was not easy. I had had to park several blocks away today. This jerk weighed a lot more than he looked. Damn dead weight. I never would've been able to get him to the car if a benevolent biker passing by hadn't stopped and given me a hand. He was strong. His disposition appeared to conceal his true expression. I could see it as he carried the vagrant with me. His real face betrayed the experiences of someone that had been through just as much, if not more than the trashed fool we were assisting. Almost as if he chose to help him, as I did, due to feeling some sort of connection. Interesting guy.

The rider's bike was beautiful, nearly brand-new, and Ducati-like. I say "Ducati-like" because it definitely appeared to have been heavily modded. Looked similar to a design I once chanced upon at my friend "G", boy genius's home laboratory once, following his stint as an NSA contractor. You name a field of engineering and he probably had a PhD or 2 of it already. That was 10 years ago though. I'll ask "G" about it later. Haven't seen him in a while anyway.

The biker's outfit was similar to your typical ninja biker costume, but it totally matched the bike. Man he's huge! Before I could ask his name and about his lifting regimen, he disappeared.

"Mizu?" the idiot said. "That's Japanese for water, right?" I replied. I grabbed an unopened bottle from my car, twisted the cap, and gave him a sip.

He started to flail and curse and apologize so profusely that I got fed up.

So I did what any frustrated rational person would do. I punched him in the stomach, kicked him in the head and both legs, broke both his arms, and then threw him into the car from a wristlock position. Something about him just pissed me off at that moment. What can I say?

I get in the driver's side, turn the key, and rush toward the private practice of my good friend and former college roommate, Dr. Archibald "RC" Carlsen, M.D., PhD., who'd surely be able to fix him up.

The Saga of Johannes Jonnes Pt. 4 (version 2)


"Thank GOD it's Friday!!!" I nearly exclaim aloud as I complete my weekly report. I print it out and sign my given full name: "Richard Anthony Batowski."

Occupation: Getting absolutely no respect.

At work, they call me "Toasty". Don't ask...

I hate it when people call me "Toasty". Except when SHE did. My family calls me "Tony," a name I abhor even more. Friends call me "Drew," after my favorite actor, Andros Lee.

"Another day. Another dollar." That's what she always used to say. I wonder where she is now and what she's up to these days. Probably something more exciting and adventurous than this crap. Here I am 2 years after 4 years of grueling full-time coursework. I'm a cubicle monkey at a dead-end job with no room for growth, already contemplating my retirement. What happened to me?

I could've gone with her. She wanted me to. Her... Sometimes a vile temptress. Other times the beautiful, shining, angelic scepter of my life. When I held her, time just froze, and the world, the universe...None of that mattered. That's why I had to let her go. I traded love and passion for responsibility and stability. I sacrificed my dreams to corporate idols, to false gods with no hearts nor souls.

Damn these thoughts leave me that nasty "shit-for-breakfast" aftertaste. As I approach the front exit, I mull over the choice of "poisons" at home awaiting my return. Which will knock me to sleep tonight? I suddenly feel even more dead inside. The usual routine. The same old routine. Same, immutable daily life. Ha! "life". Hahaha. How long will this go on?

I want more out of life. Something different. Something involving cool shades, the pungent scents of blood, sweat, gunpowder and gasoline. And a dedication to deadly determination dealt daily.

Maybe I'll rent another Andros Lee high-octane, kung fu, gun-blazing, action flick as I drink myself under the table till I pass out.

As I complete that thought while barely passing through the automatic doors, HE stumbles in. Clothes tattered, reeking of alcohol. Madsen Ice. All TWO of them. To be exact.
Don't ask how I can tell...

He's a bloody mess. Normally, I'd probably call security on a nutcase like this before I get stabbed or something. Somehow, crazily enough, he reminds me of me. How I'd appear on the inside anyway.

He keeps repeating the same thing: "Mizu, Mizu..."

Without a second thought, I decide to help him.

The Saga of Johannes Jonnes Pt. 3.5 (shite draft 1.5)

The name's Dante. I'm a Scorpio. I enjoy long walks on white-sand beaches and sun-drenched swims in transparent, turquoise seas.

I'm not looking for a date for tonight. The night has nearly given way to the dawn whoa.

Just trying to find what I've been searching for. A valid reason to keep on going. I've scoured the world. Made numerous acquaintances. Lost many more. None that I've ever considered friends.
Except one. His name was----

Actually, this isn't the time for another careless reverie. Yet again, I walk away with flames as my backdrop. It's like my life really. I escape one hell only to enter one that's worse than the last. It eerily reminds me of the only thing worse in this world. No, it's not holocausts, genocides, wars, poverty, or even famine. None of the aforementioned come close to holding a candle, even combined to its unusual horror and inhumane cruelty. It is truly a punishment, even at times a veritable curse, seemingly designed solely to destroy the righteous and reward the wrong.

I'm, of course, referring to "dating."

I feel a chill down my spine and shudder from my shoulders. I could go on, but more about that later...

I hate to admit it, but I am one of those people that wear masks. Everyone thinks I'm so perfect. That I've got no problems. However, I'd never show them the real me. They can't be trusted.

I did love once, but that faded to black like the naive dreams of a certain man. Oddly enough, he's the only man to whom I've ever told my real name. A worthy opponent, yet the most idiotic rival.

I don't know where I'll find myself tomorrow. I just want this slightly better mood to last.

I finally reach my beautiful Ducati and mount her. Kick start. She purrs. The most beautiful woman in my world. The only one of her kind that I could ever rely on. "Kick the tires and light the fires!" Tonight, I have a yearn to burn. I just gotta experience her limits. I've pushed her hard before, but this is the first time I feel that I must know just what she can do at her best with the proper motivation. I know she can last, but now it's time to see for how long exactly she can go WHOA fast!!!

The Saga of Johannes Jonnes Pt. 3: from Johnny's 1st-person P.O.V. (Version 2)

(Several months after the events of Parts 1 and 2)


I'm lying on the floor. Have no idea how I got here. It's cold. It's mid-August and it's cold. What the F-U-G! I just don't get it. I don't even remember how I got here. The vacant bottles of Madsen Ice strewn about the ground all around me clue me in. All TWO of them.

I chuckle to myself. Another wild and crazy night. One of these days I might just acknowledge the existence of this thing called "social drinking". Sounds like fun. Though, as I survey the damage throughout my room, it appears that somebody had PLENTY of fun. I chuckle again.
Damn this is a bad habit.

After a moment of blissfully ignorant self-contentment, I feel something calling to me. I decide to get up. My hands and legs won't respond, although I can move a bit from my upper arms. Damn. It's almost as if my own secret technique was used against me. Before I can chuckle my annoying chuckle again, I summon all my scarce, yet remaining strength to roll over onto my stomach. I then spy something that will most certainly help me.

It's beautiful. Pristine. Just as I left it. Beacon in my darkest of hours. Instrument of imagination. It might as well be a wizard's wand. It's practically the only thing that can help me now. It's the only thing I can reach anyway.

There are many things I could do with my stylus. If I were able to move the rest of my body, that is. What I'm to do I just know I'm gonna regret, but that feeling. It's so strong. It keeps calling to me. I can't resist. I have to do whatever it takes to get to it.

The stylus is right there before me, sitting ever so peacefully on my desk chair. I could barely caterpillar my way to it, but I somehow made it. Exhausted, I then roll and slam my body into the chair to unseat the stylus. Success! It dropped down to my level and to my right.

I position myself so that I can pick it up with my teeth. Then I lay out on my stomach again and somehow, clumsily position my right hand out in front of my face. I tilted my head back as far as it would go and with all the power I could call forth along with downward momentum, I jabbed the stylus into my right hand. There was a lot less blood than I thought there would be. One hand would be enough. Good. It doesn't seem like I hit a vital point. Lucky.

After regaining as much feeling and mobility into that hand as I could, I used it to sit myself up as best I could against the foot of my bed. Good. A nearly perfect ninety degree angle. Pretty damn good for not being able to move my legs at all. Canada would be proud. I can barely move my arm and have no idea when it might fail on me so I have to do something quickly. Before I realized it, the stylus was now in my right hand. I ready myself to do the worst. I know I shouldn't think about this too much, or it'll just suck even more, but I brace myself. Then I close my eyes and just do it. When I open my eyes again, the stylus is still protruding from my leg. I scream profanities more abundantly and loudly than that time I slipped and fell on some ice on the steps outside my house last winter. Trust me, it was extraordinary... Extraordinarily shitty.

This time nobody heard me though. Nobody's home. I can just tell. It's just too silent. My sister would still be up. A lot of things just don't seem right. At the moment, I have to stay focused. I have to stop the bleeding from my leg. Good thing I managed to avoid hitting a vital point yet again. I'm one lucky sunofa---

Anyway, I'm just grateful my leg is mobile again and there's feeling. That wonderful gut-wrenching, bastardly, agonizing, sort of feeling, but it's feeling nonetheless. I tear off the bottom part of my zip-off cargo shorts and tie it around my leg tight while applying pressure to slow down or even hopefully stop the bleeding. I can walk now, though with a limp. It's just like the time I went gimp from a fractured ankle in high school. I can handle this. I grab my ceremonial plastic toy. That is, I get a hold of my replica lightsaber. I extend it and use it to amble my way out of the room to see what the hell's going on.

I'm fully aware that I'm probably responsible for all of this, but each time I try to think back. I get a glimpse of something like a vision and then pain and then nothing. Must be the hangover. Shit. Where did I leave that train transit card?

I'm going to find the A-hole responsible for all of this.

I can't find the damn train transit card. FUG IT!

I start to walk. More accurately, I attempt to at least simulate an action resembling walking.

I have a vague idea of where to start looking. Two pictures flash in my mind. Actually, make that FOUR. The first two were my bottles of Madsen Ice. I can at least remember how good they tasted in my mouth. Hell yea. None of that imported crap for me. I savor the memory as I don't know how long until another round as they were apparently the last. Trust me, I dropped by and raided the fridge on the way out. To no avail. Mother D-Bags.

The last two images were of an old man and a young woman. My only leads. A cold chill follows the memory of that old man and a sense that something had yet to end. I'd start there. The young woman was more of a mystery. I couldn't clearly see her face, but something told me that she was where it all began and where it all ended.

Meanwhile, whatever it was, it continued to call to me like a pre-heated oven left burning and empty. It would have to wait just a bit longer. As long as I could resist it anyway.

My curiosity was officially piqued. I couldn't help but feel a sense of deja vu with a hint of invigoration. Ah! the burning passion of youth.
This would mark only the second time I've felt it.

If only Dante were here. He'd know what to do. Too bad his name and the fact that he'd know what to do are the only things I can remember about that guy. And one last residual memory that would forever refuse to fade:


I'm shaking hands with that guy while saying:

"By the way, the name my parents gave me was "Johannes Jonnes". My friends call me "Johnny"."

(to be continued...)

Hello friends and subscribers!

Welcome to another edition of MiG's Log: An Honest Blog by MiG.


(Don't worry, I'll return to our recently regularly
scheduled program of
The Saga of Johannes Jonnes Pt. 3 next time!) :)


Yup. It's 230am. It's the last day of July.

Amazing how summer has passed so quickly.

I believe I've made the most of it.

There's a month left of summer from a student's standpoint.

I'm having a bit of difficulty with falling asleep.

Maybe it was the refreshing shower.

Or perhaps, the challenges that lay ahead
that weigh heavily upon an already taxed mind.

The best I can do is distract myself
until the worries are replaced
by overwhelming excitement and extraordinary energy.

Things for a while now, though there have been bumps
in the road on the way, have been working out
and just happening out of the blue in ways
I never would have imagined.

Let's just say I've been pleasantly surprised
over and over again the past 6 months.

Awesome experiences and adventures, changes,
life lessons, new friends, and new skills.

I'm grateful for it all.

At this point, I'm just hoping for a last bit
of perseverance coupled with patience
to carry me all the way to my vacation.

I know Part 2 isn't as good as Part 1. I might go back and edit it though I don't really feel like it. It is late after all. I thought up some better ideas today but they escape me at the moment. darn!

We'll see what happens. Please comment your suggestions for where you'd like the Saga of Johannes "Johnny" Jonnes to go.

In other news, I'm really excited about my trip to London on August 21! I'll arrive on the 22nd! And then will be returning home late in the afternoon of the 31st of August.

I just got a new digital camera and it looks like it takes pretty good video and so I was hoping to make a new video for youtube or a vlog (video blog) or something. I'm not so sure.

I would love to get the gang (Strabo, Bobbo, Johnn-o, Carlo, Peter-o, and myself) back together to do another podcast! My recording equipment's pretty much just been collecting dust unfortunately. I'm gonna see what I can do about getting the band back together before the summer's out. Everyone's been on their own exciting adventures lately and I'd love to hear about it.

I'm still recovering from my intense work out Saturday (yes! I'm still sore as heck! thanks for asking! :D)

so yea. Off to bed for me! It's LATE!

CIAO!

Due to enthusiastic demand from my fanbase (yes, calling it a "fanbase" makes it sound bigger! SEE Flight of the Conchords!), I have now returned with the second installment of the story of our brave anti-hero, Johannes "Johnny" Jonnes.


Johnny has once again risen from his slumber when the sun's warm shine has already expired. Many have wondered if it's laziness, madness, depression, or purpose that bids this young traveler to regularly repeat such a horrid habit. If Johnny were not so elusive, one could ask him. He would probably reply that it indeed stems from his laziness, but it is more so madness and purpose that drives this chronic catastrophe. Johnny, never depressed, and always looking forward to a new night of nocturnal negligence, has a particular reason on this dark day. He dresses quickly for he must actually, yes, for once, exit the safety and security of his room, then venture yet further. The hunt requires Johnny even to step outside of his home which shields him from the wonders of the outside world for THE GAME now follows precisely the coordinates tracked by the GPS satellites in orbit around the earth. His position, location, and environment must match exactly that of THE GAME. He is, after merely one day, an obedient slave to THE GAME.
Johnny once outside, immediately gets down on his stomach, and wades through the tall grass to search for his prey. He follows only the display of his console, never looking up to be wary of the dangers of the real world. Sadly, Johnny fears only the hazards within THE GAME. He vows not to rest until he has terminated tonight's tall order.

Suddenly, Johnny's friend Bobbo, returning home from a late night 50-mile bike ride, perceives Johnny's bizarre behavior. He watches Johnny for a while in an attempt to ascertain the cause. After scarcely 10 minutes, Bobbo shrugs, and finally attributes the spectacle to being another of Johnny's strange somnambulations. Fatigued and hungry, Bobbo quickly returns to the trail home after deciding to simply check on Johnny's condition the next morning.

Hi Everyone!

I know I haven't written in a while, but this time I decided to mix it up a bit and show you a sample of something random, a sort of narrative, I started writing. I don't know if I'll write more of it, or post more narratives and such here, but feedback is greatly appreciated. haha.

This narrative is based on a true story. In fact, it might just be a real life expressed imperfectly by a limited understanding. It could be a less than epic re-telling of an event that repeats itself regularly, and yet is everything to one man.

Sometimes something so simple can be such an ambivalent ambition to achieve abundant aspirations. On the other hand, it could merely be the acutely asinine aspersions of an apathetic, agoraphobic man with an affinity for action and adventure. Indeed, I now humbly invite you to invoke your intrinsic intention to forgive me my induced introspective introduction. I hope that you too are inspired by this introverted man, as so many have been and have yet to be, to imbibe imagination incredibly.



INT. Johnny's House

UPS drops off the newest pokemon game at Johnny's front door.
As if cognizant of a disturbance in his "force", so to speak, Johnny is roused to action immediately from his peaceful slumber. It appears that he "knows" that the portal to a grand new world has arrived!

He opens the door, looks around to make sure there are no enemies lurking, then cautiously, yet excitedly picks up the box and rushes to his dark cave-like corner, like a child who has just recieved a new toy and sort of hides it as if it is only for him and nobody would wrest it from his vicegrip-like grasp.

He literally destroyed the box, wrenched the contents from their protective layers, finally pulled out the game, which was so much immensely more than a game for him. It was life! He then smashed it into his console with more enthusiasm than an uberdork in line for the latest Star Wars incarnation, a sorry taste of George Lucas’ tablescraps, never again to see the beautiful daylight of God’s incredible creation.
It would be the last straw on the camel's back, broken, as far as meeting a member of the female persuasion and getting anywhere would go. This was not destiny. It was more like fate- A fate that he accepted wholeheartedly. Johnny knew not and felt not an iota, inkling, nor intimation of foreseeable regret or fathomable doubt. He believed he was invincible. His conviction was that he’d never rue the day he determined his own decline.

In Johnny's mind, that is to say rather, within his “reality,” all that mattered was that a bold and bountiful, curious new conquest had now certainly and officially commenced.

All through my life everyone's told me 2 things:

1) Be confident in yourself

2) Be Yourself.

3) Get organized!

(Okay, so I just noticed that that's 3 things)

I've finally started organizing my room. Feeling my mind getting a bit clearer too. I have a lot to do and I've noticed that because of exhaustion from work, not getting enough sleep and worrying about things that are nowhere close to happening yet, I've been neglecting certain things that are very important to me and my all-around well-being. That is to say, I've missed a lot of FMA practice, sessions, and training (aka Filipino Martial Arts aka Arnis aka Eskrima aka Kali aka Kicking ass like Matt Damon in the Jason Bourne movies), so I've gotten rusty and can barely move properly. It sucks. It's definitely a downer, but I started going again on Thursday. I feel great. I was able to learn 2 techniques that are new to me. In addition, I'm gonna start going on Saturdays again no matter how tired I am.

I can't give up even though there are so many people in my club that are better than I am or learn faster or are just martial arts geniuses. A lot can be said for hard work. I'll catch up by way of my effort!

In truth, it took a while but upon evaluation, I recalled that I started learning because for me it's fun and I want to get stronger and faster and be able to move. Mainly, I'd love to have the capability to protect the people that are important to me (hopefully, I'd never be in a situation where I'd have to, but it doesn't hurt to be ready). Realistically, none of those martial artists in my club who are more talented than I am will necessarily be around if I'm in a pinch. I can only depend on my self in such a circumstance. I also remembered that I raised the bar of my ambitions and decided more than a month ago to aim to be a Modern Arnis black belt someday (the equivalent I mean. I want moves and techniques. I could care less about belts.). I told my Guro (instructor) about this one day back in February and about how I someday would like to also be an instructor and train my own child someday if I get the opportunity. He accepted me as his apprentice. However, I have a long way to go. His other apprentice has like 2 or 3 years on me (not that I'm competing. He's a really cool dude and has taught me a lot of awesome things). I know I've been letting him down lately since life's been getting in the way in general.

I'm gonna stand up now and flow with the current rather than allow it to drag me along!

(as a side note, Johnny if you're up for a re-match, let's go! I learned a little bit of kung fu technique I'd like to try with ya. It involves an emphasis on seeing and utilizing the flow of battle to increase efficacy of strength and timing and also as a supplement to you if your opponent is much stronger and larger than you are!)

In addition, the training really helps me stay in shape and motivates me. I feel totally pumped and energized afterward.

I've also realized that I need to do more running, and lifting, and just all-around muscle strengthening so I'll be in shape and feel better, but it's other purpose is to be another foundation for my martial arts training. If I'm in terrible shape, I have no stamina, no conditioning, and I should take advantage of being able to attain it. Come on stomach tighten up now! Must get abs of steel back!

Therefore, I'm taking time to workout after I get home from work as the sun's out longer these days and it's warmer.

So if you don't see me online, well, it's because I'm tired of being such a weak-ass slacker!

Got a good amount of errands and chores done this week, but I mustn't be complacent I have a lot to learn and do.

I'll see ya on the battlefield!

p.s. "Never give up on a good thing. Remember what makes you happy."

- masterful jazz guitarist George Benson

So hey,

I'm alive still. Barely. So tired. Work has been such a pain and non-stop this week! Ahhh! I just wanna take 2 days off and run to the beach with today's glorious weather!

Just a couple things new I suppose. The semester's winding down for my MicroEconomics course. 2 Exams and 3-4 weeks left. Yes! I mean the professor's cool and all, but I'm just not that much into economics. I hope my new major only requires one more if any.

On unrelated notes, though related to each other, I have 2 new tech toys! I just got the Olympus Stylus 840, with a slight consultation from Johnny who has it's predecessor, the 830. Not too much different, just a few specs are higher like the ISO and improvement in image quality I believe. It's my first very own digital camera and I am so excited! I look forward to using its vid feature as well!

My other toy is really more of a toy in general. I got myself the Nintendo DS Lite (Cobalt/Blue)! It is so pretty! I got the Hori Official Nintendo surface and screen filters! And Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass got in last night! Haven't had time to play yet, but I'll hopefully get in some tomorrow!

Also, last night I managed to get on stickam for the first time. The first room only had a few people but was moderated/hosted by one of my youtube subscriptions known as Nanalew. She and her friends who were in there were totally funny and fun to talk to, though it was brief. I hope to talk to them again soon. Second room I went to was Todd's (Toddly00 on youtube). There were a bunch of other youtube subscriptions in there. Everybody was really hilarious there too. Nanalew even showed up, which was uber whoa!. yes, I just said "uber whoa". :P

I hope to get back on there again. Yes, as if youtube didn't take up enough of my time. Ah well. The joys of the internet!

I so wanna use my new camera RIGHT NOW! But I have to wait like 4 hours for the battery to fully charge! And I'm waiting for Bob who is en route by way of the W&OD trail. He said he'd be here around 9ish. We shall see!

I look forward to this weekend's Cherry Blossom Festival (festivities?)! My friend said she's working a table as a volunteer at the Beer Garden so hopefully she'll come through with the beer coupons for free drinks that she mentioned! :D Said the glasses would be nearly "pint-size" or as Johnny puts it, it'd be to: "nearly phallic proportions"!

Johnny truly does have some amazing quotes sometimes. Yes, a compliment for the first and only person who reads this! And also, the one who, LITERALLY, created this journal for me so I'd shut the H up and stop bothering the F out of him. Here's to you Johnny, oh Real Pokemon Master of Genius! Just one more beer...Just one more!

If that doesn't get you going: "Who the mother*$#$#%^##%^$^%$#%giant%*^*&%&^$^%$^%$^%#%$#%$bookworm%&$^%$^%$^%tonsilitis#^$#%$#%#%$#%

is JOHNNY?????

I have no idea what will.

In summation, (I've always wanted to say that) I need to take a nap but am vigorously (ha! ironic!) battling that physical necessity in order that I complete this blog and, frankly, I cannot yet dream up yet more ways to procrastinate! (from what? I again, have no idea)

So, that's all for now.

Check back next time for more of my usual random ramblings!

I suppose to the dismay of many I am posting an entry today, but I just had to. Hold it against me if you will, but I haven't in a while and finally felt like it.

Moving on, I found a bit of something I wrote back in January (Monday, 1/21/08):

"It's in the future
But I'm in the past
Just can't catch up
Even lightspeed's not that fast!

It's a dream
I can't yet be
Reflected by the snow
Yet salty as the sea"

This surely expresses how I felt at the time. And it may apply to today as well, although I'm closer now than I was then to realizing a certain goal.

Anyway, I finally picked up from the library, a most amazing and just totally clever book by the title of "An Abundance of Katherines" by John Green. It is an awesome story. I don't feel like mentioning the plot at the moment so if you haven't heard about it despite the buzz, look it up on amazon.com or google or wiki it or something!

I admit when I first heard the title it didn't exactly entice me, but rave reviews and mentions in vlogs by youtubers such as walllofweird and fallofautumndistro, as well as katrina's blog on walllofweird.net sort of piqued my interest as I'm a huge fan of both aforementioned vloggers, especially the former.

The book is absolutely fugging fantastic so far (and I'm only 50 pages into it!)! In addition, it's definitely providing just enough of the diversion from the stresses of real life lately that I so sorely needed. In fact, I even ordered my own copy off amazon.com today along with the Stargate: Ark of Truth DVD that was just released today! I am so excited to watch it. Thanks to an amazon prime trial, I shall have them by means of 2 day shipping at no extra charge! yay! Actually, my last order arrived in only one day due to its geographical proximity so hopefully lightning will strike once again!

Stargate: Ark of Truth, if you're interested, although you'd have stopped reading already if you weren't, but then if you're still reading you would already know what it is, that is, unless you possess an equal curiosity to yours truly...ah yes...anyway, it takes place immediately following the last episode of the last season (10) of Stargate SG-1. It is expected to tie up the loose ends of the conflict with the Ori, the latest bad guys that threaten to conquer/destroy earth and all. I'm am just so pumped about getting to see it. I am a big fan of the original cast and a decent follower of new episodes of SG-1 and SG:A.

Hate to make this even longer, but I just remembered just a bit more that I wished to discuss.

In short, I expressed it this way on Sunday, February 24 at 1:39pm:

"Today I fight for what I want
But enjoy the battle
This life is too short
For tomorrow, tomorrow"

I guess that sums it up actually. Sorry to disappoint, but there are some things I must resolve on my own. I appreciate the well-wishes and support I have received from a few friends during my various stress-inducing happenings of late. "Merde"! Should be back to saving the world in no time!


Until next time!
Stay classy! World!