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la vie des hommes

May 16, 2003

Saw the new Matrix film last night. Without spoiling anything for anyone, it was an amazing film, really. Completely engrossing, and great music as well. Of course, much of that might have had to do with the fact that Donald, Paul, and I were sitting in the center of the back row of the front section, pretty much at the convergence, the nexus of the bass waves, so that every time a boom or a deep note would resound it would vibrate through us. I suppose I’ll talk about it more when more people have seen it. It’s only a few days old. One thing, though: Awesome bike in the movie. Ducati 996, black, stylish, and rocket-sled fast. I enjoyed that bit particularly.

I can’t wake up this morning. I had a few bouts of vigorous agreement with the computer screen (i.e. nodding) about half an hour after I arrived, so I had to get up and walk around a bit. I would ingest something caffeinated, but nothing’s available (no coffee machine in the office, and I’m not a coffee drinker anyway). Perhaps I should invest in some soda to keep in the fridge. The fathomless depth of the ponderings that emanate from my grey matter astounds me. Yeah. I’ll write more when I’m more awake.

May 15, 2003

Rain is pending, or it’s already arrived. The mosquito screens make it hard to see if something’s really coming down or not. I got a few splotches on my car’s windshield on the way to and from the grocery store for lunch today. It’s been a while since I’ve played in the rain, splashed through puddles and the like… I used to have so much fun running through the grassy backyard at Euclid road on a rainy day. Well, before my mom lassoed me and dragged me inside, that is. But then she would wrap a towel around me and I could sit and listen to the din resounding off the skylight in the kitchen, bare feet in puddles on the linoleum floor.

I cried when I was eleven. I cried because I could sense my carefree days coming to an end. I had more responsibility at school and at home, and although I only pinpointed the source of the feelings later while talking with my parents, I could feel my obligations encroaching on my whims… The sensations so immediate to that environment, or any in which we lived, didn’t disappear from my consciousness, though, and they never really have. It’s just a simple matter of slowing down and taking stock… I remember walking gingerly across the prickly gumballs on the dirt path leading to the neighbor’s house, collapsing in the yellow, sun-parched grass in Mrs. Donnelly’s front yard next door, and the sound the plexiglass roof on the tree house made when I hit my head against it. It’s no wonder I love smells above all as a source of memory, since if I caught a whiff of something resembling the smell of the freshly painted green shelves in my bedroom, everything would come tumbling back, immediate. Maybe I cried because I thought these things would disappear? No, it was a selfish thing, a simple matter of being able to dictate my own schedule, which meant having no set agenda at all, in fact. But the change is what I want to remember, the turning point. Taking note of those gives me a clearer bead on why I respond to things in ways that confuse me sometimes, and illuminates the path ahead ever so slightly.

Why does it seem like the better I am at answering emails, at getting back to people quickly, the fewer emails I seem to get overall? It’s a mystery. Well, maybe. I think the fact that I’m better about answering the emails has to do with checking my email more frequently, which would make it seem like I’m receiving fewer emails per check. Yeah, that makes sense. Nevermind…

Good workout last night. I’ve been mixing up sets and routines so I’m not doing the same thing all the time like I had been. It’s good for my physique, and just for my own personal entertainment as well–it gives things some variety. My arms are really starting to fill out an XL t-shirt’s sleeves quite nicely (this is good from an ex-Mr. Rail). Well, my Embry-Riddle t-shirt, at least. Dunno how representative that particular one is of the t-shirt population at large, but hey…

I had something else to write. I’ll think of it in a bit.

May 14, 2003

So maybe I’m taking advantage of the situation a little bit… I used one of the service passes we have available here at the office so I could park in the reserved spot behind Cosmic Cantina and grab a quesadilla. At least I got it to go… In any case, I figure I’ve paid more than enough to the UNC parking system during my undergraduate years anyway (in parking tickets. I’m a State alum).

Sleepy. I want an afternoon in black and white, grainy and flickering, but with great conversation. Atmosphere. I love the way her mouth moves when she says the word “something.” Delicate.

May 13, 2003

warmer than
any summer noon in june
it’s the comfort in
the moment right before you fall asleep
watch my eyes; I’m speechless otherwise
inside I’m tongue-tied by something sweet and real

The air is clear today. The blue sky sends me a crystalline wink through the window panes, beckoning me again across the warm leaves. It’s a simple day. Thoughts come and go, floating, never resting on one strand but strolling with light footfalls across my mind. I want to nap in the green lawn. I want to experience that moment of utter contentment before my eyes close with an easy fall, sending my smile into graceful turns of flight, spiralling away into the sunlight.

The air is pure today. My body swells and diminishes in rhythm, breathing with the cool movement of a sloop across a placid lake. My eyes close. Peacefulness is my haven; my mind is held in Hands bigger than the day, more complete than the sky, and infinitely more gentle than even the processions of sleepy clouds.

The air is wonderful today. Just to think that these masterpieces exist is a testimony of love. Thank You.

May 12, 2003

I’m goofing off far too much today. But hey–I’m holed up in my little office in the back of the building, while the rest of the office populace carries on lively conversations in the front lobby area. Well, not today, but most days they do. It’s no excuse, though. I need to get these files to Printing Services before I head home.

It’s a downright St. Augustinian day outside–beautiful, sunny, breezy, and perfect. The adjective “perfect” actually sort of encompasses beautiful, sunny, and breezy, but I decided to add it for emphasis. It’s gorgeous (the day, not the word).

In other news, I want to marry a woman who looks just like Tess.

your only ever smile
is a maybe sunray
and my winking does you turns in days
moving through a sea which is yours again
to only pause inside a fragment
of your reflection
and my leans back a new piece of
splashing ripples
moving down
and under
and into
many and the how sweetness ways
another moment of you is tranquil
exhaling every azure feeling

May 11, 2003

Track day was great. John, David, Joel, and I went to VIR to watch a few groups race. I hadn’t been there before, but a guy from my local car club was racing a spec-class RX-7. His front left shock absorber was shot but he still made a good showing. It was nice to meet up with somebody who could recommend a good place to sit and spectate, not to mention showing us around his little encampment and showing off his car. We watched the spec-7s, the IT (improved touring) class which included faster sports cars, and the GT-1 classes, in which was the really big iron, the Corvettes and Vipers and NSXs and such. It was great fun, loud, noisy, stinky (if you don’t like the smell of race fuel) but awesome. The guys had a great time too, in between the expensive french fries and not bringing any sunglasses (or shades. Does anyone besides me call them shades?). I’m going to post a full writeup on the community, so go there if you want more details.

Rented The Crow and Notting Hill tonight after leaving youth group. Donald returned and reinstalled the DVD player. We couldn’t decide which one to watch, so we flipped a coin and went with Notting Hill. It’s a chick flick, yes, but one uniquely configured so that it appeals to the male psyche, since it provides us with a scenario in which our starry-eyed fantasy of marrying that beautiful (and of course perfect in every other way) movie star could occur. Not to mention the fact that I identify somewhat with Hugh Grant (minus the British accent thing); he’s tall, a little gawky, and self-effacing to a fault. I’m not even a huge Julia Roberts fan; I just like the movie–the dialogue is a notch or two above standard fare, and it is replete with moments when the characters say or do the perfect thing in the perfect way. And I knew this would happen. I knew I’d feel this way as soon as I put my finger on the DVD in the store to pull it off the shelf. I told myself it was bad news. As least I’m not obsessed about it, just a little caught up for tonight is all.

Goodnight, everyone.

May 9, 2003

So tired… And I have to drive the guys to the track tomorrow. Please pray for safety, while we’re there and for the drive too. It’s not too far, but you never know. I’m looking forward to it, though. It’s going to be so much fun.

I got it all done today, by the grace of God. Everything at work, actually had dinner, hit the gym, played tennis with Fatos and Ben, and went to the play this evening.

The play was incredible. Aaron called me earlier in the day letting me know about it and wanting to know if I’d to accompany him, since he had an extra ticket and his younger sister was in it, not to mention his brother Matt would be playing violin. We arrived a bit late, but still got the jist of the plot within the first five minutes. It was a production of Once Upon a Mattress put on by a homeschooler theatrical group. I was in the second production that group ever did, way back in 1997, a performance of Twelfth Night, and they’ve done a Shakespeare play every year since, until this year, since it was a musical. This wasn’t your typical high school production, though; they’ve all been in the group for years, they’ve developed an amazingly slick and professional system for running the plays, and it went off without a hitch. Not only that, but the acting was top notch, the casting was absolutely perfect (everyone looked exactly right for their role), and they actually sang, and sang well, not a sullen squeaking along, but harmonizing and choreography. I was blown away. It was a great show. They’ll be performing tomorrow night at the Durham Arts Council if you’re in the area and you’d like to see it. It’s worth it.

took about as long as writing an entry anyway

May 8, 2003

my morning

May 7, 2003

tuesday
after a reckless and used day
i was running and running
without a chance
to stop and chat at the sky

It was during the in-between years.

i never do these… | on loan from cherrix :o)

May 6, 2003

Ten Bands/Artists You Couldn’t Live Without:
[01] BT
[02] Beth Orton
[03] Simon & Garfunkel
[04] Toad the Wet Sprocket
[05] Jars of Clay
[06] U2
[07] The Beatles
[08] George Winston
[09] Sixpence None the Richer
[10] Sarah Masen

Nine Albums That Are Important to You:
[1] Achtung Baby – U2
[2] Colours – Adam F
[3] Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, & Thyme – S&G
[4] Movement in Still Life – BT
[5] Tickets for a Prayer Wheel – Sixpence
[6] Fear – Toad
[7] Running on Ice – Vertical Horizon
[8] Sarah Masen (self-titled)
[9] Duncan Sheik (self-titled)

Eight Movies You’d Watch Over and Over:
[1] Joe Versus the Volcano
[2] Say Anything
[3] Independence Day
[4] Mansfield Park
[5] Almost Famous
[6] Run Lola Run
[7] Sleepless in Seattle
[8] X-Men 2

Seven Things That Annoy You:
[1] Being tired
[2] When something’s not right with my car
[3] Saying goodbye over the phone
[4] Heck, just talking on the phone (although there can be exceptions)
[5] Dirty dishes
[6] Disorganization (although I swim in a sea of it)
[7] Emotionally draining people

Six of Your Favorite Songs:
[1] “Life in Mono” – Mono
[2] “How Can We See That Far” – Amy Grant
[3] “Who’s Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses” – U2
[4] “Gypsy” – Suzanne Vega
[5] “The Promise” – Tracy Chapman
[6] “Art in Me” – Jars of Clay

Five TV Shows You Watch Regularly:
[1] Don’t watch
[2] TV regularly.
[3] If anything,
[4] Weekend Update
[5] on SNL

Four of Your All-Time Favorite Books:
[1] Great Expectations – Charles Dickens
[2] Araby – James Joyce (short story but oh well)
[3] Appalachia – Charles Wright
[4] Borgel – Daniel Pinkwater

Three Albums You’ve Bought Recently:
[1] Kazaa +
[2] CD burner =
[3] No cash outlay

Two Musicians/Actors You Would Like to Do the NASTY with:
[1] I’m going to edit this to “Have a cup of coffee with.” Yeah. In that case: Franka Potente
[2] Cate Blanchett

One Band Whose Music Would be Described as Writing the Soundtrack of Your Life:
[1] Album: Both Sides (Phil Collins) + Candycoatedwaterdrops (Plumb)

This is the first time I’ve noticed that it’s affected my outlook and productivity. Normally, these things only register as a speedbump in my daily routine and I can cruise right through them. But this week, I feel down. I felt an extreme lack of motivation yesterday (last night notwithstanding), and today is worse. In my moments alone, I’ve felt pensive, and quiet, and introspective, and even a bit melancholy. There’s a soft beauty to the feeling, but for extended periods of time it’s not fun, especially when my muse has gone and I can’t take advantage of the moments and divulge them into poetry. I honestly think I need to buy a roll of register tape and a crappy pen. I think I wrote more poetry in the past two months than I had in all the previous months combined. This is a lot for me. We’ll see. I just feel weary, and worn, and tired. It’s a self-reinforcing state, too, since my lack of motivation means that things sometimes pile up, and I get behind, and then I feel more stressed, augmenting the weariness, and so on and so forth. I don’t like it at all.

Prayers appreciated.

Patience, Matt

Everybody needs a creative outlet somewhere…

I’m smiling. I’m also tired. How can these conditions coexist? Good question. I’m not complaining, though. It’s been a decent morning so far. Cold, dreary, but good.

I had so many things running through my head last night. I still do, but this morning they’re of the “job” nature, the “busy” nature, not the revelations about life, love, and the pursuit of happiness that were coming across my mind hier soir. It’s a little frustrating that way.

I should have gone to bed sooner, but between washing clothes, making ravioli after the workout, doing the dishes, folding clothes, taking a shower, and getting inadvertently drawn into a viewing of The Neverending Story by my roommates, the best I could manage was 1:30 or so. I might go home early today. Depends how productive I am in the next few hours (ironic that I’m bringing that up on here). We’ll see. I’m already hungry again–not a good sign, but I have my trusty box of Nature’s Valley bars beside me (maple brown sugar). Humming along…

May 5, 2003

well the sun rose with so many colors
it nearly broke my heart
it worked me over like a work of art
and I was a part of all that

I’ve found something special. There’s background static on the recording. I close my eyes as her voice trembles with emotion, the lyrics as tautly strung as the strings on her guitar. These songs are like coming home, breathing the welcome scent as soon as I cross the threshold and see the log in the fireplace. And I listened, and I felt the kinship… It’s been a while since I’ve been bowled over by a song, or three or four.

It’s been a quiet, soft night, the kind you press your fingertips into and it gives way slightly, only to rebound. I breathed in the car on the way home and felt it. My hands moved slowly, my eyes blinked, and I thought, and thought… Just to think. Nothing deep, just existing, my mind moving.

Well, Quark is down while Shelly works on Alana’s computer…which basically means my primary productive tool is offline for a little while. Dang it. Oh well… I’m feeling antisocial today. Maybe it’s the weather? I didn’t attend Mexican Monday today, even though they went to Monterrey’s, it’s Cinco de Mayo, and I spent as much at Harris Teeter buying hummus and pita bread and splurging on an issue of Cycle World as I would have going out for lunch anyway.

My eyes are tired. Interesting how LiveJournal is used so often as a procrastination outlet, which I think would explain the preponderance of entries lamenting the LJer’s lack of productivity, laziness, general apathy, tiredness, etc… Just a thought.

I wish the dumb MSF course was held earlier than July. I need to call and see if they have any openings sooner. I bought a helmet on Saturday. I’m wondering if I should get a bike first, or take the course first. I think this is going to be a classic character-building exercise in delayed gratification–meaning, I’ll take the course first. Yeah.

I want to listen to some new music. Let me give you an idea of what I’m looking for: poetic, somewhat obscure lyrics, some love songs but not an overabundance of them, laid-back, mid-tempo, guitar, singer/songwriter obviously, and um…just good music. I think that’s it. Recommendations?

This morning is something of a carryover from last night…and the night before…and so on and so forth, meaning… I’m not quite sure. Emotions are present, but I can’t quite put my finger on their nature or the source. Makes me wish a bit that I were more intuitive as far as those things are concerned, deciphering feelings and whatnot. Intuition fascinates me, but I could never claim to be what I would consider intuitive, and because of that, it’s always been a quality I’ve admired greatly. I’m going around in circles again, at least in my mind, so I’ll move on to more concrete topics.

My office is cozy. I’m sipping cool water from my glass, hearing the footsteps around the office, the click of staplers, the intermittent hum of the printers, the inscrutable voices around corners and through walls. It’s peaceful. The leaves just outside my window quiver in the grey day. I have a profound disdain for overhead fluorescent light, so all the illumination in my office is provided by two desk lamps pointed upward, besides the window, of course. It’s a soft light, and seems to mute everything. More later.

May 4, 2003

I hear the sparse rain outside. It comes and goes, intermittent, peaceful, making me wish. I should be in bed, but well, this is what happens when you start watching Labyrinth at 12:30 in the morning…

Youth group went well. Jeremy led worship, which was kind of a blast from the past since he was the old worship leader before he stepped down. It was awesome. Will and I were in charge of the seventh and the eighth grade boys, with nothing planned, which is just a bad situation. We played Mafia, and then the knot game before they got hold of the kickball and we directed them outside. I left a bit early, around 10:30.

I miss. Objectively. And I love, and I want, and I ache, and more… Where is she? Where are you? Please, so many things. Things run together, my mind steals between the spaces and places and times and longings, a multicolor cloud of unnamed hues, bursting with a…with a… my heart’s hand closes around air, fingers meeting its palm.

It’s a bit raw. And a lot of other things. It’s not often that I can express them, so I take advantage of blue spaces when I can, when the times arrive, on cue. Is it wasted? I don’t think so. Everything will come together one Day. Any idealists out there? Welcome.

May 2, 2003

After having a very Martin Luther-esque dream last night (my brother Paul and I were excommunicated and I had to defend us before a council of clergy), I’m now at work and taking my morning break, eating Kettle Corn (a flavor of popcorn that has a slight sweetness to it, just enough, not overpowering, and so, so good).

There was rock climbing in the dream too, I remember. And cable cars. Weird.

Last night John was watching a clip on his computer of “Jingleheimer Junction” from SNL, and now I have the stupid songs stuck in my head. Wonderful… :o)

Gotta refill on Kettle Corn.

April 29, 2003

I got back last night around midnight and immediately remembered that I had forgotten to stop at Harris Teeter and buy a plunger. Fortunately it only took me twenty minutes to venture back out, buy the plunger, and return so I could go to bed. Still forgot to clean the kitchen from my fajita leftovers. And to buy a phone card. Dang it.

Ah, mundanity (it’s a word now!)

* * * * * *

From the magnetic poetry collection hanging on the wall in the office restroom, some gems:

together
A Manic Childhood
and the car
r we there yet

and

sweet pea you are fluffy

to my journal readers (so long as you’re not stalking me or anything)

April 22, 2003

end of lunch break

The clouds and sun looking in at me through my window tempt me with visions of fields to run through and grass to fall down in. At least I have the window open… though the breeze seems to be in league with the rest of the atmosphere, encouraging longing gazes through the mesh of the mosquito screen. It’s so beautiful.

My cold has gone, thank goodness. I had to take the afternoon off yesterday… I was quite useless that morning between the sneezing and sniffling and carrying on. When you reach the point where you feel like you should buy stock in Kleenex on account of going through so many boxes of tissues, it’s probably worth considering taking the rest of the day off. I came home and crashed and didn’t wake up for five hours. I think that’s what did it.

Alana (the young woman who alerted me to the position here) and her husband Matt are moving to California in the next month or so. I don’t know what that will do for my job here. I suspect it will render my tenure here more secure, since there will be fewer designers for the same amount of work, but nothing is certain. I would greatly appreciate your prayers on that point. It’s difficult not to worry, but I’m going to do my best here and be content (and save money!).

April 18, 2003

The time is now 11:01 AM (April 18, 2003 A.D.). I have been up for about half an hour now (89.7, the Classical Station, woke me). I am enjoying the morning of my day off with two pieces of peanut butter toast (reduced-fat crunchy) and not being as ill as I was last night (head cold). My nose is still running a bit (need to buy tissues), but I don’t feel as ridiculously tired as I did (I still tossed and turned). Sleep does wonders (I still remember the dream). It is going to be a busy day (I hope things are open). I should make a list, and I will, right after I finish this and my glass of milk (1%).

April 15, 2003

Quiet day, after a slightly hectic morning and lunch. I have a few jobs to work on, among them a singing postcard… It produces a 10-second greeting at the touch of a button on the front, and I volunteered to create the graphics for it. I have a few ideas. Thumbnail sketches are my friends. For what it’s worth, the singing postcard will be sent out to who knows how many fabulously wealthy alumni, thanking them for collectively contributing over $1 billion to the university. Ain’t it grand?

Got the entertainment center installed yesterday at the apartment. It looks great, and by great I mean great. With a few pieces of artwork on the walls and a floor lamp, our living room will look neat, classy, and then some.

Went to “Mexican Monday” with the rest of my officemates yesterday for lunch. It’s just the day of the week that they all go to lunch together, and Mexican food is a definite theme. I was the token male/new guy hanging out with four Carolina women… ‘Twas interesting, to say the least. Almost immediately after we sat down at the table, Lauren asked me whether I had a “lady love” in my life, jokingly, of course. Betty mentioned that I had better watch out, otherwise I’m going to turn into the office “project.” I’m just sitting tight for now, thank you, nevermind the fact that they’re all taken, nevermind also the fact that office flings are bad by nature, nevermind also the fact that I really wouldn’t be interested anyway, nevermind also also that I don’t do blind dates if they try to set me up, so, in conclusion, I think any attempts to make me their “project” would be lost causes no matter how you slice it :o)

No poetry lately… Maybe I need register tape?

April 13, 2003

It will be something, or nothing. Sunday mornings alone? I’m here. Maybe I don’t feel like writing something coherent tonight. Donald’s gone to bed. The song sweeps over my ears and around the room. It’s been…a night. We say that often to call attention to the fact that it might have been a period of time out of the ordinary, but tonight’s just been that, a night, like any other. Yeah. Feeling conversational? I am.

The apartment’s still something of a mess. The entertainment center is pending, coming on Monday, and we’re still coffee-table-less, something I really hope to remedy soon. In the meantime, my trunk is serving the purpose, filled with sweaters, which I more than needed this past week. How am I? A bit tired, frustrated with my car’s alternator, optimistic, and myself. The song’s over now. Maybe I should start another–but I prefer to type in silence anyway. I could never write a paper in school when there was any sort of music playing, not even classical. The bass waves from some fellow resident’s over-testosteroned stereo next door were even a distraction. I needed, and need, quiet. But I’ve learned to manage. Music tends to imbue the writing with a flavor sometimes. Most of the time, though, I have a song running through my head, affecting my mood, and that more than serves the purpose of accompaniment.

Romantic sentiments tonight? Poetry so heavy-laden with hidden meaning and symbolism you could wring out the metaphors? Not really. Do you ever get tired of the complexity and non-linearity of relationships sometimes? Especially when they overlap, and something you do or say affects a multitude of conceptions. That’s when I run, or drive, or spend time in the Word, or watch a movie that is far, far too sappy and completely bolsters feelings that I’m trying to evade. I just get…tired of it all. The constant rigamarole. I’m just ready for… Well, I know what I’m ready for.

I remember times when I was so self-conscious that I didn’t remember a word of conversation the other person spoke, just things that I said that I thought were the most inane collections of words imaginable. I still don’t have a good idea of what to do with my hands. I like having something in them, like my water glass at work, which I’m inseperable from, or a pen, or keys, or… It’s rare that my hands will be able to maintain their inactivity and just exist of their own accord. I’m bad that way.

I compare myself incessantly to others. It’s one of my worst habits. Absolutely involuntarily too, since it’s so ingrained in my personality for ages. Social ability is a big one. I don’t know why I do, honestly, since I’m a fully capable individually socially, albeit a bit naive and gullible. But I can laugh about that. I think most of it comes back to the habit quality of the trait.

This bandaid on my left index finger is making it difficult to type. I’ve hit several keys inadvertently a few times.

Why do I do this? When will it stop? Confession: I’m making posters at Design Services for the Burch Fellows Travel Scholarship (that’s not the confession). It’s an award given to rising seniors to travel to a location of their choice and study, basically. Quite a comprehensive package, from what I understand. There were five awardees last year that I’m making posters for, and they’ve sent us pictures they took of their trips, the places they visited, like Samoa, Kenya, Scotland, etc… I had almost finished them by Friday afternoon, but needed headshots for a couple of the posters for the upper left corner, where we have a small picture of the awardee and their name and hometown. I emailed our contact in the University about it, and he said to come by and pick up the headshots the students had provided; they would be with his receptionist. I grabbed the service parking pass and drove over to campus, found the appropriate building, and parked. I made my way upstairs and located the office. After a little bit of explaining, I got the pictures in an envelope and drove back down to Design Services. The only person whose pictures were in the envelope was a young woman who had traveled to Ireland and Scotland to experience the holy sites and shrines, and through that, to study how we as humans make connections with the land we live upon. The rest of her photography was absolutely beautiful, pictures of medieval crosses and mossy churches and such, but as I pulled her photographs out of the envelope, I was stunned. I’m fortunate Millicent wasn’t in the office at that point, since she would have commented on my lack of activity for a good five minutes or so. It was late in the day anyway, but still… This young woman was breathtaking. Not in a traditional sense, but in the…uniquely beautiful sense. I’ve always held that the happiest pairings result not when people are both perfect, but when both parties are closest to each others’ own ideal, and that differs significantly from person to person. I somehow managed to scan in the pictures and finish the poster, but goodness, that singular moment, and its details, were poised in my subconscious for the remainder of the day. I don’t think it will stop, or lessen at least until that day when she steps into my life, full-fledged, or God breathes on my heart with love for someone I already know, and probably a combination of both. Who knows. Conjectures are useless, but feelings are so overpowering on occasion. So much for leaving the romanticism out of this entry, but I haven’t written on the subject in a while, at least not in my public entries, so here it stands.

from yesterday

April 9, 2003

everything i ever wanted
come see, come touch,
come speak, come hear,
everything.

my eyes lifted to the
dark glass overhead for
a moment.
or two.
remaining.
follow the fissure with
your eyes--
imagine the city's
night permeating the white
plaster.
even the wood is cold
and hard.

it shouldn't be like this

wander again

je suis enfermé

slowly

mes pensées deviennent rêves

and
on the cusp
in a roundabout way,
you are.

hello

April 8, 2003

Maybe I should post a normal update… The new job is going swimmingly. I really, really like it. It’s taking me a while to get acclimated to the office environment, but I get along with everyone, more or less, and the job itself is actually coming easier. That’s what’s more important, right? Well, in an ideal world… :o) I’m working on posters for the 2002 Burch Fellows Travel Award recipients. Makes me want to travel.

I have decided that I’m going to get a motorcycle. I’m going to take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation courses at a local community college, get a helmet, my permit, gear, and when I’ve saved enough money, a bike. I’ve got my eye on a 1979-1982 Honda CBX. We’ll see, though. That bike has more power than I’ll know what to do with in the beginning. I’m just telling myself that I’ll grow into it (that’s the rational side of me talking; the emotional side thinks it’s one wicked bike).

We’re moved in, just not unpacked. Anyone got a coffee table or an entertainment center? We need ’em.

More later. I think we have internet now at the apartment…

   you are recently flown
your nothing does perhaps
a star burrowed among
tie me in knots
the hot grains of sand
and if solemnly sleeping you be
featherlight and bearing
then, oh then
unmistakable traces
senses reeling
of a life in the cold void

let me

let me cup your embers

in my hands

if my flesh is burned

it is a small thing

next to your welcome

March 30, 2003

its not
and
i dont
do you remember?
me.
even?
in time
without striving
without trying
brilliant.
you say
but does it sparkle?
does it?
collapse.
in about within without you like george harrison on a watershed roundabout,
navy beans and a hackneyed sponge
junk.
is it?
over.
but
so much much
but
i knew
c'est compliqué...
only?
tell me.

March 28, 2003

so reduce me, seduce me, dress me up in Stussy…

Massive Attack is the bomb. And I’m sitting here on a Friday night doing absolutely nothing except typing and breathing (important, that last one). And enjoying it.

Interminable day. I’m phasing out GNC as I phase into the UNC job. Worked at UNC for about an hour and a half this morning before I had to commute to Cary and open the store. The hour and a half went quite well, especially after the crash course in Quark I gave myself last night. Even if it didn’t matter much today, it gave me a welcome infusion of confidence as I puttered around setting up my office and asking Alana questions about this and that. My supervisor, Betty, came in and asked me what kind of mouse I wanted her to order for me (I don’t do trackballs). She reminded me to bring in my SS card next week so we could go through the formalities of bringing me on board, and as she was leaving, she mentioned offhand that she was just going to pay me $2 an hour even more than I had requested on Monday, since that’s what the other freelancers in the office were making. She asked me if that was alright. Well, gee…

I’m motivated. I’m psyched. And then some. This is such a great opportunity. It’s all happening. Big change from last night, eh? Maybe it’s because I’m on the upside of the weekend.

I’ve made a decision, I’m gonna live in Morocco for one year. I need a new crowd. Do you wanna come?
– Yes! Yeah.
Are you sure?
– Ask me again.
Do you wanna come?
– Yes! Yes.

Stressed, yes… Dazed. So tired. Six hours a night certainly isn’t cutting it with this level of activity during the day. Why’d I have to go for that run earlier? Oh yes, to de-stress… But golly, am I going to be wiped tomorrow. Well, it’s Friday. This entry is degenerating rapidly into a talking-to-myself session, but who cares. I sure don’t. Do you care? No, you don’t either.

Learned the rudiments of Quark in about three hours earlier, thanks to a downloaded demo version and tutorial. I’ve used it before in a cursory fashion. It’s all they use for design in the office, which precipitated a small panic session earlier this evening, but I’ve got it down to where I can find my way around the program, so I’m okay. Yeah.

I’ll be fine, really. Just overwhelmed between the new job and the old job and the move and, and, and… Yeah, I’ll manage. Come find me around mid-April.

*sigh*

March 25, 2003

It hasn’t sunk in yet–the job, I mean. I think a lot of it is this overwhelming feeling bowling over my insides–it’s a bit of nervousness mixed with excitement mixed with a desire to really use this financial breakthrough wisely. I want to save and invest my money with a cool head and make good decisions… Of course, I want to have fun, too, to travel, etc, but I need to get my priorities straight.

So many things running through my head and my heart. These next few weeks are going to see some pretty significant transitions in my circumstances.

And now there’s one person I want to talk to, but she’s not here.

March 24, 2003

I got the graphic design job today! Praise God :o) And now for some celebratory Foo Fighters…

March 22, 2003

The most beautiful day imaginable outside… Spring is present in spades.

Watched most of Showtime last night on digital cable with Donald, Leslie, and Jenn before it cut out on us. After that we were relegated to Godzilla 2000, which was entertaining for a bit, but by that point we were all starting to taper off… The flurry of MST3K-type comments directed at the movie gave way to more of a collection of listless stares at the screen. It was good fun. Polenta goes well with hummus, we established, and Donald did not overcook the steak, either.

Car group today was small, as only Matt A. showed up, and Mike was already here from the sleepover the night before. Incidentally, Matt’s wife works in the design department at UNC, and they need a freelancer to do work for them, so she, having heard through Matt that I did graphic design, contacted me. I have an interview Monday. Your prayers would be greatly appreciated…

Great (late) lunch. Elyse introduced me to Carrburrito, and we had quite a European dining experience before going on an *ahem* spirited drive towards Hillsborough… Good conversation is something to relish. Thank you for the tea :o)

We’re moving the first week in April, to the apartment, that is. John had already started packing before he realized that it would be well if he waited a few days. It’s not as far from home as I would have liked, but the apartments are really nice, a great deal, and I’ll be rooming with two awesome guys. Praise Him.

March 21, 2003

these January thoughts of you
somber though they sometimes are, appear
to me a colleciton of liturgies, delivered
piece by peace
into your more receptive wishes
and possibly to be
that, come again,
i couldn't hear--oh.

now the unveiled sky turns above, covers
whisked away in the heat of the day--colors
are through,
just an Orion gaze,
stately and true, but
here and there and now

move a little

her wings span galaxies
and i can't 
see them all...
,just--
hush.

listen to the grass, close now
to our naked ears.
dark promontories of
the earth will sway overhead,
but the greater stage is hers

March 19, 2003

trip trip
one two
slow, man
stussy was a wide-eyed
band
red light/
green light
treetops:smoke
flares and a 
wing-ed
boots, boots
clasp clap your hands
its all surface, but
come get me outta here
escape flat,real ity
is a haze
id kill for another
cool sound bite
and
thats what its all about

March 18, 2003

Call me shallow, but sometimes my opinion of someone is greatly enhanced by certain preferences and penchants, like their musical taste, for example. Elyse, you rock because of that Heather Nova song you put on the mix cd. It’s great. Not that you didn’t already rock, but y’know…well, I’ll stop now :o)

Went over to Donald’s earlier to check out the Boston pictures, which he just got developed, and to shore up my financial situation, since the computer here doesn’t seem to like my bank’s online service. I can tell you right now which of those two activities was the more exciting. By and large, the pictures came out wonderfully, especially the ones taken after church on Sunday, goofing off on the tank in the sunlight. What’s great is that even the semi-blurry ones have appealing textures to them that I can use as Photoshop fodder. Now we just have to commence the laborious process of scanning the pictures in. Fun.

Nothing deep tonight. It’s been a long hiatus without something of real substance; I know, but I’m doing better, though I may not sound it.

March 16, 2003

So tired. Got back from fixing the Smith’s car just a few minutes ago… That thing is a basket case, so I just address the most pressing issues when I visit. It’s leaking from just about every orifice, and most/all of them require major disassembly to fix, so… Yeah, I stick to the basics, like brake pads and fluid changes and such. Erica is so cool, though. She’s a sixth grader and really interested in mechanical things, so she sits outside and hands me tools and makes conversation… It’s great :o) I gave her a ride in the Supra last week–I think she liked it. Her family is moving to Romania in a few months to be full-time missionaries, so she shares some of her concerns and such… It’s neat.

Deep-sixed the goatee. I think I was just getting tired of it. At least I know I can grow one if the need should arise again, that’s the main thing.

Pending a credit approval, Donald, John, and I will be moving into a pretty darn big three-bedroom apartment on the first of April. I sound a bit apathetic at the moment, but I can guarantee that’s just my tiredness making itself evident. I’ll be okay in a little bit.

March 13, 2003

between conversation,
calm moments surrounded
  by the
rest of a salty snowbank
bustling flakes fall, a
cacophony of noiseless
  wonder,
reveling in the the knit
blue of a sticky scarf.
cold conversation
regrets to steal the
  warming breath
between us, misapplied,
constant, and the
  concrete sky muting a
rising sentiment
bearing the mantle of
  a different season,
clashing with the flecked
  paint and
rough-hewn edges of
  the afternoon air,
beyond the daystars of
  your eyes--

the travails of the interlacing breezes
an appropriate symphony of white descending
around a leaf-flecked observatory
scintillating panes refracting the new
mind-light among her eyes
impossible irises swirl up
to iron-plated tenets of existence
wholly conceived of my own atmosphere's
reflection.
make me a tenuous dewdrop
that i might taste the beauty of your sunlight

March 12, 2003

Grand time in the Boston area this past weekend. Couldn’t get off work Friday, so Donald and I left around 4 p.m. and drove through the better part of the night, arriving in Framingham (the suburb of Boston where my aunt and uncle live) around 5 in the morning. It was a long drive, and I was glad for Donald’s companionship, as I was for the rest of the trip as well. He was born up north and spent most of his early life up there, so he knew things about getting around, not to mention the fact that he’s a delivery driver, and his penchant for directions certainly came in handy.

Over the course of the weekend, we visited Quincy’s Market, the Aquarium, the science museum, Harvard, rode most of the subway, and just goofed off and had a great time. Can’t wait for the pictures.

It was an amazingly incident-free trip. The car performed admirably, all things considered, with only a couple of minor alternator hiccups. What was more amazing was the weather. It was absolutely beautiful, and the only snow we got were a few flurries after church on Sunday up in New Hampshire, which quickly dissolved.

Back to pictures.

March 4, 2003

Anyone want to go to Asheville with me this afternoon? I’m not really keen on driving alone. Speak now or forever…well, you know.

February 24, 2003

you miss too much these days if you stop to think…

Matt is back. 3 miles in 23:45. For those of you snickering under your breath, consider: A month ago I couldn’t do it in 27 minutes. So, the next goal is sub-23, and so on and so forth. Feelin’ fine.

Great ski trip this weekend, even though sleep on the bus was well-nigh impossible due to the eat-your-knees seating arrangements. In any case, I had a wonderful time talking with Jenn and Donald. Saturday morning poured down rain until about 11, but we were at the slopes around 9:30 anyway, braving the wetness, especially at the higher elevations, until things cleared up. After that conditions were great and there weren’t even that many people on account of the poor weather in the morning. Couldn’t have asked for a better afternoon. Well, if I hadn’t wiped out big on the Turkey Chute (an absolutely evil black diamond), things would have been better, but at least I can say I made it down without injury. The slope was absolutely covered with moguls, not to mention narrow, and pitched at close to a 45-degree angle… The worst part was the top, where navigating the moguls was closer to jumping between rooftops of houses than actual skiing. The tuneup performed on my skis last week made a huge difference as well, as the skis actually cut through the inconsistencies in the snow to a certain extent, rather than wandering and pulling with every little nuance.

I had a great time. Hung out with Donald on Sunday night after we returned. It was fun just to hang out and shoot comments at the tv… No work, no agenda, just complete, utter vegetation. I don’t think we’d had that in a while, if ever… We always had some business or something or other to discuss, but last night was just fun. I’m really looking forward to the Boston trip.

minor notes

February 18, 2003

1. Finally watched the little DVD that came with my best of 1990-2000 U2 cd… There’s a video of “Beautiful Day” shot at Eze, in southern France. Brought back memories, especially with the overexposed and grainy quality of some of the images, bringing out the colors and the light.

2. Going up to Boston with Donald at the beginning of next month and staying with my aunt and uncle in Framingham for a few days. It’ll be a nice road trip and a good chance to relax and see my relatives, not to mention Boston. Donald’s going to bring his digital camcorder–he wants to document everything. I want to visit at least the aquarium and the science museum. I’m just hoping we won’t get caught in a blizzard or something. Well, if we do, it’ll just make for an interesting story. That’s the whole road trip spirit, right?

3. Finished my first real job for the new GD business. My client was overjoyed and very pleased with my work. That was a nice feeling, even if some of my creative leanings as far as the layout and graphics didn’t exactly go over. Always more conservative… Well, I have a cd liner note project coming up pretty soon–I’ll be a good deal more edgy with that.

4. God’s really been putting a burden on my heart for some of the guys in my car group, specifically, Michael Fuller. I want to invite him over to just hang out, maybe go grab a bite to eat, or something. I really want to invest in these guys’ lives, not just small talk about cars for a couple of hours every week in a group setting.

February 17, 2003

Glazed over outside, on everything, to the extent that I’m opening the store late today. Wonders never cease. At least it gives me a little extra time to do my laundry this morning.

This is a great song. Pity Vanilla Ice had to rip it off.