Down Under

Plans... What Plans?

2005-11-25T19:16:00.000+11:00

My plan failed for today. First, I stayed up too late talking to people in the US. I never got up so I could work until noon. At that point, I got around and grabbed a bite of lunch. It had finally stopped raining, and I decided to walk down to Darling Harbor to the Colorado store.

Colorado is a clothing and shoe brand only available here and in New Zealand. They have shoes that look like Airwalks and Vans, but they are waterproof and have better support for the foot. I did purchase a pair as I had intended. (Side note: to convert US shoes size to AU size, subtract 1 unit.) As I was walking back, the sun came out, and I wished I had brought my camera with me down to the Harbor, as there were so many pictures I could have taken. I hope to get some of the area before I leave.

When I return from my trip, I find my roommate back at the room because he left work early and his plans are to stay in the room. Therefore, I know I am not getting work done tonight either.

How I almost died today:
1. Slept too later
2. Didn’t get my work done

Turkey and Drinks

2005-11-24T23:06:00.000+11:00

My roommate showed back up yesterday night.  He decided to get a hotel room for the night near his internship as he had to be there at 5:00 am and the commute is over an hour.  I can see why he did not show up, I just wish I would have known not to expect him.

Yesterday and today were good at my internship.  I am starting to be sad that I am leaving there.  I have really enjoyed my time even with the rough parts.  I also feel bad that I am leaving just before two major projects are completed.  They must like me, as my mid-term evaluation from them was stellar.  I think I will ask for a letter of recommendation for my file.

The Thanksgiving party put on by Boston University Sydney (the program I am attending) was fun.  They had awesome turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, green beans, a sweet potato dish, and pie.  I was also surprised as they had an open bar.  (Have to love free alcohol)  It was a nice chance to see all the people of the program again, as the last time everyone was together as a group (besides the photo) was before spring break when we all were in the Australian Culture class.

I am taking tomorrow off as my Thanksgiving Day as it better corresponds to that of the US.  I am also planning to use the day to work on my paper that is due on Monday.

How I almost died today:
1.  Ate too much Turkey and trimmings

Australianisms

2005-11-23T02:55:00.000+11:00

Happy Christmas??? I just find that odd. I do not think it sounds as good as Merry Christmas, but they say Happy Christmas here.

The missing roommate...

2005-11-22T23:01:00.000+11:00

Being productive is something that can be hard to do when you are not in the mood. That is how I feel, now, but I am being productive. I just finished all the work I could do that needed to be submitted to Albion in order to receive credit for my internship. I also submitted copies to the internship director here as I am doing that in lieu of the internship course. I think this is better as it prevents me from duplicating a lot of the work.

My internship today was good. I am still working on a site called Izatso. It is a survey site. I currently am the only one working on it. They have left it to me so they can focus on the Australian Olympic Committee website that has to be done soon. In addition, the Izatso people were in today and are very happy with the site. It is nice to hear the clients talk positive about my work. The hard part is staying focused. I think that knowing that Thanksgiving is this week and that I am going home in just over 2 weeks is causing me to not focus.

Tonight, I have not seen or heard from my roommate. If I do not see him by this time tomorrow, I will worry. I just kind of wonder what happened to him, as he never said he was staying elsewhere. Oh well. I like having the room to myself. Moreover, I do not have to worry about him complaining that I stay up too late!

How I almost died today:
1. Had to complete a lot of work on short notice so I could submit it to BU

I can listen at a reasonable volume, between 9 and 11

2005-11-21T23:51:00.000+11:00

Today was exciting because I did not have class. The professor gave us today off to work on our 2500 word papers. Not so fun! However, we did an extension that gives us until next Monday to have the done. Yay! I spent most of today doing research for my paper. I have lots to read. My topic is the Asian Financial Crisis. I want to deal with the causes and solutions.

Other news was that we as students organized a group photo that we are having framed and are presenting to the director of the BU program here in Sydney. I think this is a great gesture.

I wish I had more to report, but I spent too much time working on my paper.

How I almost died today:
1. Paper research and writing

Who knew mail could be so exciting?

2005-11-20T22:44:00.000+11:00

Kristin- Thank you very much for the card and sticker!! It was great to hear from you!! Yes, I thought the neighborhood being called Chippendale was cool as well. By the way, I hope the trip to Canada was fun. I never saw you as a Peace Corp type, but if your heart leads you to it, do it! I have not heard of anyone regretting the Peace Corp. And yes, online stalking (facebooking, blog reading, and picture viewing) is a great way to check up on friends.

The exciting part about this weekend was getting my mail, which included a card from Kristin. Most of the rest of the weekend was spent watching movies and reading. I am trying to catch up on things happening in Michigan, with Albion College, and with Best Buy so I know what I am going back to.

The second most exciting part was receiving my RA application in my e-mail. I originally sent an e-mail to Trajan (RD, Twin Towers) and Connie Smith (Director, Residential Life) about how to apply while being off campus. However, after 4 days, I had not received a response and the deadline is Monday. Since, I really would like this position, I sent an e-mail to Sally Walker (Dean, Student Affairs), and she sent e-mails to Trajan and Sally asking them to get back to me. Now, I hope I get the position. At least, the first step is done. I hope I did not hinder my ability to get the position by stepping on toes to get the application.

How I almost died this weekend:
1. Filled with joy from receiving mail

Does this Friday end?

2005-11-18T23:42:00.000+11:00

Today went by slower than slow. By three o’clock, I thought it was five and I was ready to head home from my internship. The code just was not working for me and I was tired. I am not sure why I am so tried today, but I am. However, by 3:30, things were working out and next I know it was five. Either time can be slow, or it just flies by. I personally prefer when it is gone in a flash.

The bus ride back really sucked. The bus was packed with people and I was stuck next to a smelly old person. (Just what anyone on the bus wants to have happen) I really miss having my car.

Well… I am tired, so off to bed I go.

How I almost died today:
1. Asphyxiated by the smell of the old person on bus
2. Lack of sleep…

Maybe Normal...

2005-11-17T23:43:00.000+11:00

Once again, I slept late, but I made it into my internship at my normal time. I am glad I build in this extra time.

Today, I was able to successfully tackle the transactions page that has been giving me issues for a week now. I also had other good news; there is an RA position available in Albion in the building I want to live in. I am going to apply for it. I hope to get it, as that will solve my living situation for when I return.

In general, it was a good day. Tonight, I was able to relax and watch some West Wing. Unfortunately, I found out that one of the people here in the program is flying home to the states tomorrow for a family emergency. I wish her well.

Other news: I have had two interesting experiences… I have made good friends with people in Albion that I barely knew when I left. Both of them are friends of friends. I think it is cool to have become good friends while chatting (IMing) online. By the way, today is the third day of it being cold and not very sunny.

How I almost died today:
1. I did not get to go to bed very early (last night/this morning) because my roommate was up half the night drunk dialing the US

Why do I have to have a roommate?

2005-11-17T02:09:00.000+11:00

Well, I got up this morning at my normal time to go to work, looked at my presentation and said… I need to get this finished. Therefore, I e-mailed my internship and told them that I had a presentation tonight and that I need to get better prepared… Then I went back to sleep to be better rested so I can think more clearly.

I wake up closer to noon. Now, I am getting to work on it. I went pretty well. I took an hour break to talk to my grandma, but that is a good thing to do. From there, I went back to working on it. About two hours before the presentation, Sid shows back up. Things started to go badly. He was being noisy, constantly talking to be, and bothering me about the presentation… Basically, egging me on. Finally, I had enough and told him that I had not too much time left and that I wanted to get it done and that he needed to be quiet or leave so I could finish it. His response was that it was his room too and that I should have requested a single or went to a different program. There was more, but that sums it up.

Side note: I thank my friends that wanted to yell at him too, but I did not think that would have helped the situation

Well, the presentation went well and I was in a better mood after it. However, the tension in the room could have been cut with a knife. He ended up going to other rooms for most of the night. Then he went out drinking. (I did not think it was that bad) When he got back, it was so funny; he drunk dialed everyone in his phonebook in the states on the Vonage line.

Btw, I made some awesome Tacos tonight for dinner.

How I almost died today:
1. Can I just say roommate issues…?

How can it go from bad to worse: Yes, they have stupid TV here as well

2005-11-15T23:58:00.000+11:00

Well, I was somewhat dreading going into my internship today… I did not know what had happened to the photos that I did not get finished. When I got in, I found that no one had touched them and they wanted me to finish them. I finished the quickly and was glad to be done, but I did not want to have to go back to my computer. I have an old one that is slow, but works. To do Photoshop, I was using someone’s computer who is on vacation (Holiday). The computer I was using has two monitors and is nice and speedy. Back to the dinosaur it was.

This afternoon, I tried to work on a transactions page, but that was not working out, so I tested coding and just kind let time slide as my mind was not in the coding mood. I was glad when it was time to go. However, while I was at work, the weather turned nasty. I was windy, raining, and cold. I thought it was fall out. I think it is trying to remind me of what I am going home to see.

Getting home was not bad. Nevertheless, later on, my roommate had some of his friends over and they watched the show Brainiac… It is Fear Factor meets complete stupidity. Therefore, I was not able to be productive on my Power Point that I will be presenting tomorrow evening. I think I may have to stay home tomorrow to work on it.

How I almost died today:
1. Trying to get people out of my room…
2. Frozen by the suddenly cold weather

Straight Up, Sideways...

2005-11-14T22:46:00.000+11:00

It is wonderful class day!

This morning started off with me snoozing late (by choice). Class was ok, nothing special. I will be glad when I get my presentation done. I present on the IMF in class on Wednesday.

This afternoon, I was able to get the phone bill for my room… It is $27 and change, but only $2.40 of the calls are mine. Yay, me! I am glad I have Vonage and my mobile phone. Sid and I tried to work out the charges for other things, but did not have much luck. I hope that we can get that done that soon.

My other successful project was to try to get a few more things to take back home. I did get one of the harder to find items, but I had to walk downtown to get it.

For dinner, I reheated Tuna Casserole. It was still as good as it was the day before.

How I almost died today:
1. Walking and my leg still hurts from yesterday… I have no clue how I did it.

City Exploring 2.0

2005-11-13T22:19:00.000+11:00

Today, I got up early… I wonder why that was... LOL.

Today, I went downtown, had a fish and chips lunch down at The Rocks. From there, I explored The Rocks Sunday markets. I also went shopping at several stores downtown, but never purchased anything. As the shops started to close up, I went to the Theatre and saw the just released “Flight Plan”. The movie is very good. It is about this woman who is flying internationally from Europe back to the US. While she is sleeping, her daughter goes missing and no one on the plane seems to remember her. The twist in the plot is excellent.

From the theatre, it was a short walk back to my room where I made Tuna Casserole for dinner. It turned out very well. I would make it again. However, it was a little difficult to mix, as I did not have a dish big enough to hold it all at one time.

How I almost died today:
1. Scared by the movie
2. So cheap that I squeaked in the stores

Yay, Sleep!!!

2005-11-12T23:58:00.000+11:00

Today, I slept in after staying up until almost 4:30 watching TWW (The West Wing, for those that have not figured it out yet). This afternoon, I walked around downtown and then went to a great Tai restaurant. Yum! After dinner, I watched a movie, and TWW. Now, am planning on going to bed.

It basically has been one of those days for relaxing.

How I almost died today:
1. Slept until 1:00pm
2. Trampled by all the people in the city

Why I sometimes despise Fridays

2005-11-11T23:55:00.000+11:00

Arg!!!

Oh, wait… Aren’t those my initials?!?!? However, that is how I feel today.

I started of the day showing up early for internship thinking was going to be a nice Friday… I was wrong. I find that they want me to do some work in Photoshop. It was a mundane task that they really needed to be done. I knew it was boring, but I was happy to oblige, as I am ready to work on something besides coding.

The project was going great. I was resizing photos. I had set Photoshop to automate most of the work. I had just started part two where I make thumbnails of the resized pictures, when I was told that the files were too big. The only requirements I was originally told was the pixel width and height, not the file size. Now, I had to start over and set up a process that was even more time consuming. When I finally left at 6pm, I was only a 1/3 of the way done for the new process. This really sucked. I know what I am doing when I come in on Monday.

Tonight, I did not have any plans. I was hoping to go out, but I did not find anyone to go out with. Furthermore, my trip to the Blue Mountains was delayed again... I hope to go soon, but what can I expect for a free trip.

How I almost died today:
1. Bashed my head in with a keyboard
2. Carried away by flies, again!

Thursday... Is the week over?

2005-11-10T23:42:00.000+11:00

Thursday, another good day at my internship…  I am actually enjoying my internship, and I am a little sad that I will be done with it soon.  I would like it more if I was paid, but for the circumstances, I like it.

Nothing much else to report…  I am ready to get rid of my roommate, but that is not new news at this point.  The bus needs to be on time more frequently.

How I almost died today:
1.  The bus was late and I walked an hour before catching the bus

Thank you

2005-11-10T00:07:00.000+11:00

If any of you had noticed…  I did not have any pictures of Theresa from my trip to Townsville.  Theresa kindly e-mailed me one I took of her in front of the JCU sign.  I have posted this picture with the rest of my pictures from Townsville.

Theresa…  Thank you for e-mailing me the picture!

I would also like to thank everyone who reads my blog and especially anyone who comments on the blog.  I appreciate the feedback as it lets me know that people are reading it.

Like having your brains smashed out by a slice of lemon wrapped round a large gold brick... (Part 2)

2005-11-09T11:58:00.000+11:00

After my last post...
I tried to call my mother, but I did not get any response, so I figure she must be busy… Therefore, I called my grandmother. It was nice to talk to her, but she is having printer problems that I tried to resolve over the phone. I wish I could have resolved them, as I feel bad that she is going to have to wait until I get back to the states now. I also sent an e-mail to BBY letting them know my return to work date and availability.

This morning I woke up to my loft being extremely warm as the sun was beating on the side of the building… I could just tell it was going to be a hot one. On, my way to the internship today, the busses were packed, as no one wanted to be out in the hot weather! I do not blame them; I wish I had A/C in my room. If we had an external window, I would rent an A/C unit so that I could breathe better and get more rest at night. I guess the A/C is one benefit of being at my internship. Today seemed to be extremely productive as Andy and I continued to work on the website a good pace. Wednesdays are class nights, so I have to leave my internship at 4:30 to make it on time.

I arrived back at Unilodge to find it bloody hot in my room and my roommate just sitting in the chair with the fan on him and the TV almost maxed out for volume. I just could tell it might be another one of those nights. Well, I went off to class which was pleasant and came back to find my roommate still here. However, he did leave about 20 minutes later and he has not really returned since then… I can only pray that this continues. Tonight, I came to the conclusion that Vonage may be forced to turn my service off if I don’t register for 911 service, however, I don’t want to do that as I take my Vonage with me everywhere I go. This could cause problems. I would rather it tell people to call from a different phone. I will have to call Vonage and try to get this solved soon as I do not want to lose my service on the 28th (Federal Mandate deadline). The other realization is that I have only received mail from Albion (the have sent The Pleiad over to me twice) and from my grandmother. I think no one else cares enough to mail me.

My plans for the rest of the night include watching another episode or two of The West Wing, reading and going to bed.

How I almost died today:
1. Heat stoke
2. Carried away by flies while waiting for the buss to come home

Like having your brains smashed out by a slice of lemon wrapped round a large gold brick...

2005-11-08T23:44:00.000+11:00

Yay, for registration! I was able to successfully register for four out of my five classes for this spring. The one that I was not able to register for was quickly remedied by e-mailing the professor and asking him to allow me in his class. This issue was that the class has a prerequisite of Calculus. However, I took AP Calculus in high school and never took the AP class, and when I took the math placement exam at Albion, they said I should start at Calculus II. With this background, the professors are willing to have me in class without the need to take Calculus at Albion, but the web registration will not allow me. Therefore, every time I register for classes with a Calc prerequisite, I have to be manually registered by the registrar.

This morning was interesting as we had a good-sized storm during the night. I was woken up by it a couple of times. I think this is my first thunder and lightning storm here in Sydney. The best thing was that the morning air was extremely fresh.

I had to go in late to my internship today as my registration was at 9:30am (5:30pm EST). I am normally on the bus to work at that time. When I did arrive, I had a really good and successful day. I seem to have gained a lot of trust as I am working on a website with one other guy and we are working together on the backend design. Moreover, my ideas are used! The only bad thing about this setup is sometimes he thinks of something and wants to change on a page and then comes over and changes it versus telling me what needs to be changed. The same thing happens when I need some help. I do not learn as well when that happens, but I have other ways of learning.

My way home from my internship changed my mood for the not so good. I used the bus ride time to reflect on myself and I found I was not to happy with a few aspects. The major one is that I feel that being away from Albion has derogated some of my academic ability as I find I am not challenged to think and expand as if I am at Albion. I hope that in coming back to Albion I will be able to regain this quickly. I also am planning to challenge myself over break to help bring me closer to full potential.

The night ended on me being pissed off at my roommate. He is always in the room. I need “me time” as that is the time I use to study, gather thoughts, and prevent insanity. When he is always around, I am unable to do this. What really pisses me off is that while I am at work all day, he goes and leaves (He has no internship), but comes back just about the time I get back… If he just shifted his schedule by 2 hours, I would be much happier. Furthermore, he trashes the room and lets his friends trash the room without attempting to clean it up. I just feel like I am fighting a losing battle.

Between the last two things, I feel ready to come back to the states. I know I will miss Australia once I am back, but I need a change. If I were here studying for another semester, I would move. I think if I had my “me time” I would still be really enjoying it here. I am not sure what to do with only 4 weeks left…

How I almost died today:
1. Mental breakdown from lack of personal “me” time
2. Tried to leave Australia

To Be Productive... Or To Not Be Productive...

2005-11-08T00:40:00.000+11:00

Monday…

This morning stated out with waking up at 6:30 and deciding to sleep in until 9:00 as class was at 10. However, I ended up getting up a little before 9:00 all should be good with that. Check all my e-mails as I normally do and then got in the shower to have my roommate knocking on the door that he has class at 10 as well. I am thinking to myself… I am getting in at my normal time. He missed his. Well, I was almost done anyway, but I thought it was a little odd for him to think that I knew he wanted a shower this morning, as he did not get up. Class was ok today. I find that I am able to get more out of the professor’s lectures as I am starting to understand him. However, I still think he talks in circles.

This afternoon was supposed to be extremely productive; however, it turned to be not so productive. I was supposed to read and do laundry. When I got back to my room, I was a little tired, but I did get some stuff done. When I was about to start reading, Sid showed up and that just messes everything. I find I have an extremely hard time focusing when he is around. I would like to lock him out at times.

The evening was a little more productive as I did get my laundry done as I had hoped to do and finalized my schedule for the morning registration. To bed early I shal try as I have to do registration in the morning!

How I almost died today:
1. Lack of productivity
2. Getting too dizzy from going in circles in class

The weekend... A time for relaxation

2005-11-06T23:37:00.000+11:00

I spend most of my weekend just hanging around my room. I did get my haircut and walked downtown on Saturday. Saturday night brought the time to watch the Aviator. The movie is good, but not something that is great. However, the movie and haircut were the highlights of Saturday. Sunday was just another day. I think the best part was talking to people back in the states. It is nice to talk to family and friends occasionally.

The only downfall to the weekend is that it made me miss the states. I am ready to go back. The holidays are on the way and I think that is what prompted me to feel this way. Most of the stores and buildings put up the Christmas decorations this weekend. I just cannot see it getting warmer as we get closer to Christmas. I know Florida stays warm for Christmas, but it does not usually get warmer. Here Christmas is in summer! It is ironic that they picture/brand Christmas as a “white Christmas”. However, a “white Christmas” is almost impossible here.

How I almost died this weekend:
1. Stuck in a dark lift (elevator)

When bad turns good

2005-11-04T21:36:00.000+11:00

This morning was interesting.  I was awoken to the fire alarm going off.  I think someone was cooking and burned something.  After I went back to bed, I did not hear my alarm.

The day improved as I made my way into my internship and by the time I made it back to Unilodge, I was happy.  I am not sure why my day turned around, but it did.

How I almost died today:
1.  Fire

Milo, the sinkhole, drunken people and more!

2005-11-04T03:22:00.000+11:00

Another day at the office done… It is hard to believe that next week marks the halfway point in my internship. This means I have to get some paperwork back to Albion. I am glad to have settled in, but wow, it took a long time. One thing I really enjoy there is having the internet. Having internet access, means I get to listen to several hours of XM Radio while I work.

Today, I worked on a survey site. This site looks to be a cool site when it is done. It will allow people to take surveys, earn points, and then purchase gift cards with the points. I have been working on the backend management side. It is a challenge as I was put into it with only the code from another site I have worked on. This has been a test to see how much I have learned. I think I have done well. I had some JavaScript errors that I did not understand, but I have not been doing too much with JavaScript.

This evening, I went out for a nice walk. This was enjoyable, as I wanted a chance to think about life without interruptions. I met Milo (and his owner), a half Russian Blue cat on my walk. Also, tonight is a warm one. Our room does not want to cool down. I really miss having Air Conditioning! The heat makes it hard to sleep and harder for me to breathe lying down. Now, as I am writing this… There are drunken people in the hall making lots of noise. Joy… It is Thursday night, not Friday!

Other notes… A sinkhole has shut down one of the major roads in and out of Sydney. This has increased several people’s commutes to over an hour. I travel nowhere near it, but some people at work were complaining about it. The hole has swallowed half a building as well. It started from one of the tunnel projects going on in Sydney. Sydney is having a big-dig sort of thing going on, but it is all private. The parts that are done are not getting used enough because people do not want to pay to use it. To promote the parts that are open, it is a free trial period. I am not sure I would use it if the future part caved in forming a sinkhole.!.!

My new addiction is The West Wing DVDs... Now that American Dreams is done. I have moved one. I have a lot more of these to watch than I did of American Dreams, so I may not finish them before comming home.

How I almost died today:

Heat exhaustion

Spaced out from lack of sleep

Crushed in over crowded busses both to my internship and on the way back! (Why are they not sending more busses?)

Can we say sinkhole?

What a wonderful world... (I mean night)

2005-11-02T22:13:00.000+11:00

Another day at the office… Just Like yesterday, I am feeling pretty good about my experience at the office. I think things are going well. However, the downfall is that I hate my bus ride in. It often takes me an hour to get there, but depending on the time I leave to come back to UniLodge, it can take 30 minutes to 1.5hours. The busses are just not reliable on the times. On my way home tonight the bus never arrived, so I had to wait an additional 10 minutes for the next one. This is what I get for leaving at 4:30 so I can make it to my 6:00pm class and have time to grab my computer and change. Luckily, I made it on time.

After class, on my way back from Blackfirars, I could not believe the evening. Tonight is one of those nights that I wished I was not in the city. Tonight would have been great to be out in a backyard. I would like to lie outside, look up at the stars, and just enjoy the evening! However, I am stuck here in the big city...

Other news: My trip to the Blue Mountains is delayed a week. Therefore, I will not be going out there until next weekend. On a positive note, I may have the room to myself for part of the weekend as Sid maybe going overnight to the Blue Mountains this weekend. I am keeping my fingers crossed. In addition, I forgot to mention yesterday that when I got home from work, I found the room spotless. Sid had cleaned it. I was amazed.

And… For those that like to look at my pictures, I uploaded pictures from around Sydney, Townsville, and added to my cool pictures gallery as well. Enjoy!

How I almost died today:
1. Being stuck without transportation in the city when I want to be out in the country (bush) enjoying nature

Melbourne Cup Day!

2005-11-01T23:57:00.000+11:00

Today is the day in which most of Australia stands still, especially Melbourne.  In fact, it is a city holiday in Melbourne.  However, at my internship, it was a mostly normal day of work.  The only change was the hour of watching TV.  This is not something that would happen in the states.

I think I am finally finding my niche in the office.  I find that I have a place and they are starting to rely on me for certain tasks.  This does have its positives and negatives...  The great thing is that I feel important and happy with what I do.  The downside is that I am still new at the ColdFusion and do not know much JavaScript.  Time is changing this, but I am still green.

I am also starting to develop workplace dialog with Ray (the owner).  This is good as well.  For supposing to work for him, I have been working under others since I got there.

Tonight was not very exciting...  So I will just end it here...

How I almost died today:
1.  Stranded because the busses stopped running

Back to Sydney!?!?

2005-10-31T23:58:00.000+11:00

My trip to see Theresa has come to an end :-( I was sad to go, but I need to get back to Sydney.

The flight once again was great. However, when I arrived in Sydney the transfer back to Unilodge was bad. First, it took me an hour to get the shuttle to take me here, then I spend another hour on the shuttle before I was dropped off. No fun!
To further piss me off, I come back to find the room a mess!

After I get unpacked, the evening starts to go better as I was able to watch my final episode of American Dreams. Now I am done with Season One. I can't wait for NBC Universal to release Seasons Two and Three. I think I will start watching The West Wing next.

Happy Halloween to everyone!

How I almost died today:
1. Attacked by ghosts, goblins, and witches working in the airport and on the plane
2. Stuck in the airport shuttle forever
3. Depression from lack of American Dreams episodes