For Valentine's Day, I decided to look for something unique to get the wife. I already did the star thing, and now I've gone ahead and done the personalized romance novel thing.

Romance By You!

I chose the treasure island book. I know it's corny as hell, but I guarantee she won't be expecting it.

We're also going to a restaraunt that she was talking about yesterday when she was reading Phoenix Magazine. She should be surprised.

I completely botched an assignment due date for my psychology class, as a result I lost 30 freakin' points. I turned in the assignment the morning *after* the day it was supposed to be turned in, so even though I worked my ass of on it, I get nada.

I'm trying not to let this get me down too much. There's still a lot of class left, and I can still get 94% if I do all the work. It's just that I thought I was doing really well, and boom I messed up big time. I'll chuck this one up as a learning experience, and make sure I don't repeat the mistake.

My wife was kind enough to send me some photos of our house with the new paint on it, as well as one showing the one side I have left to do. You can see the old colors and the new colors.

Quick update.

My psychology class is a lot more work than I thought it would be. I'm writing at least 4 pages a week to be graded. So far, I'm perfect with 45 out of 45 possible points.

I'm enjoying the math class. The online lessons are cool with the interactive sections. I'm also carrying a perfect score in that class.

Starting my third week I'm feeling pretty good. I know that this is just the tip of the iceberg for school, and this is probably the easiest semester I'll ever have...but for right now, it's challenging enough.

I really don't want an X-Box 360 at the moment. I've got games galore to play at the moment, and no time to play them. Trying to find game time in between work, school, and painting the house is pretty futile at the moment.

That being said, I still enjoy games when I get a chance, and a few times a week on my lunch hour I'll walk over to EB Games across the street and check out what's on display. They've got a 360 running on some super high-defintion screen and the games look amazing. I have a high definition television at home and my games on the PS2 don't look anywhere near that good. Instead of shelling out upwards of $500 for an X-Box 360, I decided to buy some component cables for my antiquated PS2. I hooked them up and ran progressive scan and the few games I have that support the feature. Thankfully Resident Evil 4 supports it and it looks awesome. Dragon Quest VIII, while it doesn't support PS, looks great as well. I hear that GT4 runs at 1080i (although a bastardized version from what I hear, using some tricks to achieve it), so I'll probably go pick that up used. It's not as nice as the picture the 360 puts out, but it's about 5x better than my old s-video image. It has soothed the savage beast craving higher definition gaming, at least for the time being.

Haloscan commenting and trackback have been added to this blog.

I have some pet peeves directed at others, but I also have some pet peeves about my own behaviour. To be perfectly fair, I will list a few.

1. I'm a sucker for marketing tricks. If I get sent a free sample of something in the mail, I feel glad that they sent it to me. If I get a free flashlight when I purchase a razor, I'm pretty stoked. I know that it's not the company being generous to me, and it's just a marketing ploy, but I fall for it repeatedly. I think it goes back to my childhood when I asked for specific cereals based on the toy inside.

2. I'm an impulse buyer. New game that I want? Got to have it. New phone? Pocket PC? Whatever? I have to have it. I talk myself into the purchase like it's going to change my life, and in retrospect none of the purchases have had that affect. I've tried to put a time limit on things before I buy them, but I'll pass the time while waiting by reading reviews, impressions, and articles about the product I'm trying to hold off buying. Not a smart move, as they just fuel the fire. I'm better now, since I have a shared bank account, and I'm a little older, but it still happens more than I would like.

3. I procrastinate. I actually wanted to post this yesterday, but I waited until today. This is probably the biggest pet peeve I direct towards myself. I hold off on making calls, sending mail, placing orders, and just about everything else. There's always something I'd rather be doing, and a lot of times I do that thing instead. I've gotten better at this as well, but I've still got a ways to go before I consider it scratched from this list.

I'm sure there are more, but I don't want to wade that deeply into the pool of self-loathing today. I have several documents to work on for school, and a couple of meetings at work.

Battlestar Galactica

This show has it all, great stories, great acting, and superb special effects. The Cylons can look like humans now (See above photo...yummy Cylon), and they've used that fact to their advantage in a couple of ways. First is the most obvious, using the human looking Cylons to cause suspicion and distrust amongst the main characters. There have been a few surprise reveals of who is a Cylon, and each one has been relevent to the show. It's not overdone. The second advantage to having human looking Cylons is that the budget of the show isn't all wasted on CGI Cylons walking around (although there is the occasional "Toaster" and they look pretty realistic), instead the budget can go towards some kick ass space battles.

There's a lot of drama on the show. A continuing "Is he or isn't he crazy?" storyline concerning a man who accidentally engineered the almost complete destruction of the human race. A Cylon-Human hybrid baby in the boiler of a Cylon that is loved by two men, both of whom were nearly executed for killing an interrogator who used rape as an information gathering technique. Power struggles, drug addiction, death, and the ultimate quest to find Earth.

Seriously, if you haven't seen the show, go out and get the mini-series first, then season 1, and season 2.1. They are airing season 2.2 right now on the Sci-Fi channel.

The producers put up an episode commentary every week, so you can watch the show again while listening to the podcast on your MP3 player. It's a sweet gig, and this show actually gets better with multiple viewings.

It's official, terrorists have been elected to power in a democratic election.
Hamas wins

Now, if you thought the peace process in the Middle East was a lost cause before, it's pretty much gone full speed in the opposite direction. How long until there is all out war in the Middle East?

Painting and me.

I took the day off from work yesterday to continue painting the house. After 8 solid hours of painting, I still have an entire side to do. I had some seriously unrealistic expectations going into this project. I didn't count on the fact that the wood on our house is so dry from the Arizona sun, that it would be soaking up the paint like a sponge. It's taking a lot more paint than I anticipated, but thankfully we purchased more than we thought we would need. Another problem I encountered was the totally uselessness of the paint sprayer I purchased. The thing is a piece of junk. It spits, it sputters, and doesn't make the job any faster. I gave up on that thing after day 1. With my new, more realistic expectations, I expect to be finished in two more weekends. One weekend to get the first coat on the entire house, and the second to put the second coat on and do any touch up work.

Stephen King released a new book yesterday. Cell: A Novel. It's an end of the world style horror novel. I can't wait to read it. I love reading King's works, even the ones that stray from his traditional style, such as The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon and The Dark Tower Series. The Stand is one of the best books ever written, and in my opinion can be placed alongside any of the classics. King's more recent stuff hasn't been as good as what he put out when he was younger, but considering the accident that nearly killed him, I'll take what I can get. It's not 3 novels a year anymore, more like 1 every three years. I'll miss the days when there are no more King novels to wait anxiously for, no more new material for me to read in a day or two, completely transfixed.

"F U Buddy"
I was driving to work this morning and this guy was riding my ass. The road I take in has stop signs every two blocks, so stopping and going, I'm feeling like this guy is going to plow into me. Eventually he tries to pass me for some reason. I was behind a truck, and we were both going faster than the posted speed limit. Anyway, his first attempt was unsuccesful because of oncoming traffic. His second attempt to pass me was successful, now he was stuck behind the truck. The guy, driving some kind of Ford, isn't stopping completely at the stop signs, more like breezing through.

I was a little annoyed that the guy felt the need to pass me. So was it wrong of me to be completely satisfied when, by the time we got to the freeway on-ramp, I was directly behind him? Was it a bit much for me to be completely overjoyed when I passed him on the freeway, going at a very reasonable speed? If it is, then I'm guilty...I may have even pumped my fist, I don't remember exactly. I hope he's blogging about how his impatience got him nowhere fast this morning, but I doubt it.

- There are currently two laws being passed around Arizona concerning cell phones and driving. The first one would prohibit anyone from talking on a cell phone while driving, the second one targets anyone under the age of 18.

I don't think it's realistic to expect people to stay off their cell phones in their cars. Some people can't drive without talking to someone. My wife, for example, has to be talking to someone on her drive home from work. Me, her friend, her great aunt Matilda, it doesn't really matter.

I don't think it's too much to ask that people use hands free sets in their car, and that kids don't text message each other in traffic. At least have your hands available and free from distraction.

- I've lost five pounds since the beginning of the year.

- I'm going to buy a Jeep.

- My wife calls me to vent about a situation, and then calls her friends for advice on the same situation...should that bother me?

- We're thinking about getting a home equity line of credit. We want to consolidate our debts into one monthly payment, and at the same time update some of the ancient appliances we have in our kitchen.

- This weekend will consist of painting the rest of the house. I have "The Shining" on audiobook to hopefully keep me entertained as I paint.

My first week of being back at school has given me new insight into the benefits of technology as it regards to education. My online math book has video presentations, flash cards, sample tests, and an interactive index...for each chapter!

Back in my day when I first went to college, I actually had to write everything down, pay attention in class, and physically hold a book that I wanted to read.

Kids today, man they got it easy with all this technology.

Why do we allow Al-Jazeera to be the mouthpiece for terrorists? They wouldn't be able to get their message of hate and violence out to the masses without it. A homemade video from Osama would have to be handed off from person to person in order for it to be viewed and have any influence...it would never reach even a fraction of the audience it gets from being on Al-Jazeera.

We should be up in their face, and demanding that they stop furthering the terrorist agenda by pumping their message into the homes of potential suicide bombers and radicals. When someone takes an innocent hostage, where do they drop the tape? Al-Jazeera. When a terrorist group commits an act of violence, where do they send the tape claiming responsibility? Al-Jazeera. When Osama wants to rally the troops where does he send the tape? Al-Jazeera.

I'm not saying the staff of AJ is a bunch of terrorist sympathizers, but they are helping their cause by airing their footage. I think it would be a devastating blow to these terrorist groups to have their messages shelved and only passed on by word of mouth.

Today I'm officially a student once again. I hated being a student the first time around, so I'm hoping I've matured enough to just merely dislike being a student.

Like I mentioned previously I'm taking two courses; Math and Psychology. Should be easy enough right? We will see.

My mother-in-law will be here soon, and my wife just informed me that the m-i-l has hurt her back, and is sort of in pain. I'm trying to be a good guy and offer up my half of our Sleep Number bed. It should be better for her back than our futon, which is lumpy and lies atop an old frame. I'm pretty sure she won't take the offer, which means that I'll need to find some other way to keep her comfortable while she's here. I don't want her suffering through sleepless nights because her back is bothering her. I'll try to insist that she take the bed, but she's awfully stubborn. I've tried to pay for a restaraunt bills in the past , and she about loses her mind. She's a very generous person, but I believe she suffers from a martyr complex. I'll verify that once I ace my psychology class.

My friend Sarah is sick, "Hi Sarah!" She's one of those people that I have felt an instant bond with. Maybe it's because we share some experiences from back in Ohio. She started at the restaurant I worked at just as I was leaving. We know a lot of the same people, however she likes more of them than I do. Anyhow, she's a cool girl, and I hope she feels better.

I'm off to go teach a class. Yay work. :)

I spent the majority of the weekend painting my house. Painting isn't exactly hard work, but it is tedious. We got approximately 1/3 of the house finished. My goal is to have it completed by the time mom-in-law gets here on the 27th.

I love my DVR with HDMI. I never worry about missing a show now. I watched my "Dancing with the Stars" on saturday night. I hate that Master P is on the show, and I hate even more that he isn't getting voted off. Who are these idiots that enjoy watching a train wreck every week? The same people that keep on voting the shitty singers through on American Idol? I enjoy DWTS because it's interesting to see celebrities compete and be judged, even voted off. It's such an atypical situation for these people, b-list, c-list, or d-list who are usually kings of their little worlds. Master P is just dragging down the show by not caring, not putting in the effort, and having a negative attitude.

I'm of the mindset that if you're going to do something, then do it, and enjoy it. This guy is acting like he's been sentenced to community service on DWTS.

Yeah, I watch Dancing with the Stars.

Me, here at The Bloggest Loser, is proud to present the very first edition of "Fred Phelps Phriday!"

Edition 1: God interviews Fred

God: "Hello Fred"

Fred: "Are you MY God, or are you one of them other fake gods?"

God: "I am God of all, the one true God, The God of Moses, The God of Abraham, and The Father of Jesus Christ."

Fred: "Those are some mighty fine credentials, but let me ask you a question. Are you the god of Matthew Sheppard as well?"

God: "But of course I am"

Fred: "AHA! You're a phony! The one true God hates fags, I know."

God: "I dislike that word fag, and I assure you that I am God, and that I certainly do not hate anyone, let alone Matthew Sheppard. He is a fine boy."

Fred: "Fags go to hell. Fags burn. Fags are a plague upon the world, and ummm Fags are gay."

God: "Hell? Burning? Plague? What books are you reading? I never said any of that stuff, even in my angriest moments...which I admit were a little over the top, but still."

Fred: "I read it in the REAL Bible, not whatever fag loving bible you contributed to. You're probably a fag yourself, and I'd appreciate your address so I can send my family out to picket in front of your fag house."

God: "I live in heaven, but alas, you will not be picketing in heaven any time in the near or eternal future."

Fred: "You got fags in your so-called heaven? Fag lovers? Fake christians?"

God: "I have good people here, kind people, their sexual orientation is not a factor in deciding whether or not they are admitted."

Fred: "That is not heaven. That is hell. You are the devil."

God: "Me, you are annoying. But regardless, I have someone here who would like to speak to you."

Fred: "Begone! Leave me alone. Let me go about my business devil!"

God: "Hold on...Matthew, come here. I've got Fred Phelps on the line! Just a second Fred."

God: "Still there Fred?"

Fred: mumbles something about god hating bread, or lead, or something similiar sounding.

Matthew: "Fred? Fred Phelps?"

Fred: "Who is this?"

Matthew: "Matthew Sheppard, you know the fag who is supposed to be in hell? I just wanted to let you know that heaven rules, and I'm still gay. But anyway I just wanted to let you know that all us fags up in heaven, well, we hear things, sometimes see things. Like we heard about that folder up on your computer, the one labeled 'Pictures of puppies and kittens'...you know that one?"

Fred: "Wha, who, wha? That's research, and that's private! Begone fag devil of fake god in the phony heaven called hell!"

Matthew: "Okay, okay, whatever, well I have to get to a brunch with Nostradamus, St. Peter, and Richard Pryor, but I just wanted you to know that I'm not in hell, and also tell you that I feel sorry for you. Bye Fred."

God: "Fred, are you still there? Nice kid, huh? Really smart, making a name for himself up here."

Fred: "It's research. Just research."

God: "Come on Fred, you're talking to God, not one of your brainwashed clan. I know everything you think, every dream you dream, and every secret desire you have...and I gotta tell you some of them are pretty high up on the disturbing scale. This coming from a guy who's been in the mind of everyone who has ever lived on the planet. Just think about that one for a second."

Fred: "God hates Fred Phelps, doesn't he?"

God: "Pretty much. Just kidding! You are going to hell though, can't be helped. You really are a turd Fred."

Fred: "But you made me! Whatever I am it's because of you!"

God: "There's this thing called free will, and I don't mean that movie you keep in the safe, "Freeing Big Willy", I mean the ability to create your own path in life. Your path is a path of hate and ignorance, and despite every option given to you to change, you've proceeded to stay on the path and force others to join you."

Fred: "I know you are not my god, you're a phony! God! God! Help rid me of this demon! Your faithful servant Fred Phelps neeeeeeds youuuuuu!"

REAL GOD: "I am here Fred my loyal and righteous son. I will save you."

Fred: "Thank you Lord, thank you, thank you. I knew I was being tested by a false deity"

REAL GOD: "And for your faith you will be rewarded with 79 virgins, free cable for all eternity, and a big silly cowboy hat."

Fred: "Lord? I don't understand"

REAL GOD/God: "I'm just messing with you Fred. It's still just me. I was doing that voice thing I do sometimes. You've been Punk'd."

Fred: Dies.

THE END

I just got all my instructions for my two classes, both of which will be entirely online. It's a little intimidating. There are lots of links for both the classes.

My "Intro to Psychology" teacher seems to be a bit of a hippy. He likes to relax by taking his laptop outside and listening to Phish and Dave Matthews. He neglected to write that he enjoys toking on bit of the 'Kind', but I'm assuming that's one of those "You-Understood" type omissions.

I had to buy two textbooks, totalling approximately $130. I never quite understood the incredible cost of college textbooks.

In other news, I'll be painting my house this weekend. I purchased a Little Giant ladder, and a paint sprayer to make the job go as quickly as possible. My mother-in-law is visiting in a couple of weeks and I want to get the job done before she gets out here.

I used to paint houses for a living, so I'm comfortable doing the job myself. I got a few audiobooks to listen to, and it appears that the weather won't be too hot or too cold to be outside comfortably.

I've worked out three times this week, I cheated one day on my diet and had a chik-fil-a sandwich with fries, and I forgot to take my vitamins twice.

I'm feeling a little sore from my time with the free weights, I'll have to make sure that I'm not overdoing it.

No change in my weight, which is a little disappointing, but I'll keep at it.

I heard about the movie "Grizzly Man" on Friday, and started to read about it. It's a documentary put together from home videos of a guy named Timothy Treadwell. He was an asipiring actor, drug addict, and weirdo who one day decided to go hang out with brown bears in an Alaskan nature preserve.

This guy would walk right up to bears and sing to them. He would call himself thier "protector", despite the fact that the bears lived in a wilderness preserve. He became a pseudo-celebrity as a result, appearing on Discovery, and on David Letterman's show. Real nature experts told him that they disapproved of what he was doing, acclimating bears to humans. He wanted to show the world that bears weren't crazy wild animals, but soulful creatures of magestic beauty.

After 13 summers of hanging out with bears, he and his girlfriend were eaten by a bear. The audio of the attack was captured by the couples video camera.

The two bears that ate them were shot and killed, the only two bears to ever be killed by humans in that particular nature preserve. A guy spends his life calling himself the protector, but in death actually kills the creatures that he was so-called protecting with his idiocy.

Since reading all this I've been having bad dreams about getting eaten by a bear, or a mountain lion. I think this story brought up some fears about dying, and my subconcious is trying to deal with them. The guy should have been eaten by a bear his first summer not his 13th, and what kept him from that particular death is a mystery that we'll never have the answer to.

I personally think he was just a crazy fucker who didn't really understand bears and the fact that they are predators. Maybe with his death he'll do some good in helping people understand that you can't put human emotions and feelings on wild animals. Just because they don't kill you right away, doesn't mean that they won't kill you 12 years later.

Hello friend