I have to name my journal?

Brief update.

2008-11-04T19:20:55Z

My day so far: Took a midterm, and did well for sure. Voted for the next President. I'm fairly confident Obama's got it in the bag, but am prepared to commiserate by getting so fucked up tonight that I will scarcely be awake for the next 4 years. I'm also prepared to start making definite plans to leave the country after I graduate.

Later today I'm working a shift for the No on 4 and 8 visibility campaign. Basically just making sure that people are familiar with 4 and 8, since the population in my neighborhood will be overwhelmingly against them so long as they know what they are.

My week so far: Prof. Marotti had nothing but nice things to say about my writing yesterday, and thinks my paper idea sounds good. He's gonna be on Tokyo for a few weeks, which means there's not as much pressure on me from him.

I practiced with the women's rugby team last night. They are the most bad ass women ever, and are really cool in addition to that. My room mate is the de facto team captain, so that's how I ended up committing to an evening of running, drilling and getting in the mud with a bunch of cool people.

I recently got a huge crush on this guy, and I know he liked me too. Then I found out that he JUST started seeing someone that's been a friend for a while. Ugh. Should've acted a week sooner. Besides that little disappointment, I love being single. My time is always mine.

Super

2008-06-21T20:58:30Z

Morgan Spurlock , the guy who made "Super Size Me," and I talked at a bar last night. I thought I'd seen him around LA bike rides, so when he said, "hi," I figured he'd recognized me too. Only after a minute or so did I realize who he was. Apparently he's on the judges panel for the LA Film Festival that's happening in Westwood right now.

There aren't a lot of celebrities I'd get too excited about meeting, but he was rad.

Paige: the sexy librarian assistant to the Mayor Pro-tempore who watches movies all summer.

2008-06-16T22:26:22Z

To be a librarian, one must have a degree in Information or Library Sciences. That sounds like a nightmare to me, but I've always wanted to work at a library. I have gotten sidetracked on research papers by becoming engrossed in the volumes and volumes to old and interesting books. However, I got a job today working in "the stacks" at YRL- the research library at UCLA. Finally, I have a non-customer service job where I can talk to my co-workers and listen to my IPOD on the job. I almost want to buy a pair of glasses and some new pencil skirts to wear on the job.

I'll also be going in for an interview next week for a P/T internship at WeHo City Hall. It would be only a few days a week, but I'd be assisting the Mayor Pro-tempore or a City Counselwoman who does a lot of work in the LGBT community. Hopefully that one will work out awesomely.

In addition to all this, I'm taking two classes starting next week. One is a History of Los Angeles class, which I'm obviously very excited for. The other is a film class: Scorcese, Altman, Kubrick, and Hitchcock. WTF? Don't they all need their OWN class? I figured I deserved an easy class if I'm going to be so busy with work.

Something to be hyped on

2008-06-10T15:50:47Z

I saw a "secret" Beck show last night at The Echo. I hadn't been there in forever, and never for someone as famous as Beck, and I seriously couldn't believe I was seeing him in this small venue that will always feel familiar to me. The show was awesome. Not filled to capacity, so there was dancing room. The guy playing guitar to the right of Beck looked more like Beck than Beck did. Beck actually looked more like Kurt Cobain than Kurt Cobain ever did.

He played some old favorites (Devils Haircut, Where it's at) and tested some new material, which sounded good, but I'd have to hear it again.

Courtney and I agreed to leave early b/c we have a final at 11 today. So we left after he started playing songs from Sea Change. Not that I don't like the album, but hearing it live = not conducive to good dance times.

Guess what: It was my first EVER time seeing Beck!

New York

2008-03-20T07:18:49Z

I have an early flight to New York, and am staying with my sister for a long weekend. I can't wait to spend my Spring Break vacation in 50 degree weather. :)

How does this sound for a class title?

2008-03-12T01:17:01Z

"You dropped the bomb on me: Perspectives on Hiroshima"

I might draft a proposal for a program that allows undergrads to research, design, and lead a seminar class. It's a one-unit pass/no pass thing, so it's really something students just do if they're into it, or for fun. I don't have to do anything about it until Fall, but the prospect of researching the topic, putting together a syllabus, and facilitating a small class of other interested students gets me really excited.

I was thinking of mainly using personal narratives, literature, and definitely film in order to get a handle on the meaning, destruction, and impact of the bomb and issues surrounding it. It's something we barely had a day to discuss in Japanese History class, but a 10 week light load course might be sufficient.

Okay, I really would appreciate some input from whoever on this. Good idea? Too broad a topic? Do you know a book or film I should check out?

Punk rock heroes

2008-03-04T23:31:25Z

I met the singer of Bad Religion today. He teaches evolution at UCLA, and signed on to do this informal "meet with a prefessor" type thing where they talk about a subject in their area of study. It's a really informal discussion-oriented deal.

His topic was, obviously, "Evolution and Religion," but was more about science and religion and policy surrounding those subjects. Hot topic that I already have read plenty about, but hey, it was Greg Graffin.

I was surprised to find out that he's not as harsh as the "New Atheists" like Richard Dawkins. There were only a few dozen students, and I got to participate in what I think were the more interesting pars of the discussion. Some dumb girl tried to wax philosophical and mentioned Paganism. I expected him to shoot her down, but he was really gentle about it. I would have been tempted to scoff.

I spoke with him briefly afterwards, and it was awesome. I've had the chance to meet him before, but this was totally the best setting I could think of for it. He was very nice, very down to earth, and genuinely eager to have a conversation. That's something that you can't say for a lot of professors, or a lot of musicians. He even encouraged everyone to email him if they had any other questions or wanted to discuss it further.

I can't believe that almost ten years after I got my first Bad Religion CD, I met their singer (who for a time I regarded as a genius) in this context.

mynameisboxcar @ 2008-02-27T13:08:00

2008-02-27T21:32:11Z

I was talking to a friend the other day about post-college plans. He and several of his friends in the Russian department are graduating soon, and some are being recruited by companies like Boeing or Lockheed-Martin as entry-level translators and such.

This obviously led to a discussion about weighing prospective job options and career goals against personal values and principles. I'm always taken aback by students who are just dying to become "the man." Like, they want to work for a real big established company that does something important. I mean, it's not like they have a family to feed or a lot of debt to pay off right away, but they want to use their skills to make a good living.

It's true that no matter what company you work for, there is certainly some human suffering involved in what they do. For instance, if you work in clothing manufacturing there' likely some unfair worker conditions at some part of the process. It's hard to avoid buying, selling, or processing anything that is "sweat free" or "fair trade," whatever those labels mean today.

However, I see a HUGE difference between being a buyer for a large retail store that purchases sweat shop clothes, and working for a company that manufactures and sells missiles, thereby profiting the most when countries are at war, and thus people are being killed. It is the worst human suffering that happens today.

I suppose it's more the attitude that people take towards it that bothers me more than the fact that they want these jobs. I think some of these guys see it as a "manly" thing to do, or something. And it's that they're EAGER to do it, like it's really fucking cool.

Procrastinaaaaation

2008-02-23T03:26:04Z

3 weeks till the quarter is over. 3 weeks till my research paper is due. It's supposed to be 10-15 pages. I could have picked any historical topic concerning the subject of "toleration." I chose the Peace of Augsburg- a little treaty signed in 1555 in Bavaria that gave the local princes power to choose the local religion. I should have done something more modern, and something more interesting. I have to admit that I have unexpectedly developed a liking for early modern Europe though. It was a very bloody and very complicated time where generational religious differences (minor ones) radically changed the entire dynamic of Europe.

I'll be visiting Natalie in NY over Spring Break. Definitely something to look forward to. That girl is having too much fun without me. Always coming home after 3 or 4, after going to various hip NY locales. She has a fake ID, something I would have been unendingly jealous of if I were her age.

CRANK Mob

2008-01-22T02:23:14Z

I went to a great social ride on Saturday with my friend Julia. It started at Sawtelle and La Grange and went all over the West Side. Needless to say, it was a blast. The theme was "any theme," and the break time festivities included a dance party, hop scotch, jump rope, and veggie dogs. Some UCLA students and myself took off around 1 am from Alexander Hamilton HS. The ride was going all the way into Silverlake, and Julia and I were already nice and toasty. Going to Silverlake would have meant a most painful bike ride back.

I haven't been biking in some time, so while I was by no means lagging on the ride, the more experienced riders going with us definitely would have lost us after the first mile had they not been exceedingly kind enough to go at a slower pace. I met people at UCLA that I knew existed, but had no idea how to find, besides going to into the social justice clubs at school. (Aside: I hate clubs due to the ego problems prevalent in them. If you want to do something for a cause, then fucking do it. But don't assert yourself as an authority or pretend you're important because you happen to be in some silly student group.) I basically met people that I'd be friends with even if I didn't go to school with them, and ran into some bike friends from a few years ago.

Goodbye 2007, Hello 2008

2008-01-02T06:46:57Z

I am starting off the New Year in a great way tomorrow night.

Fuck You, Julius Caesar! Fuck You, Pompey! And FUCK YOU Dr. Philips

2007-12-13T07:41:44Z

What I am missing tonight: my first Undie Run (a semi-new ritual that involves RUNNING in UNDIES to the fountain by Royce Hall. Also, the LAST Kiss or Kill. Ever. With Midway Kareoke.

All because my (admittedly hot) prof. is a fact/date based guy, rather than an analytical historian. I'm acing at least one of my classes, but in danger of failing this Rome.

Okay, no more time-wasting. Back to the books. Until midnight when I hear a bunch of people outside my window drunk and running around almost naked without me.

Finals: Once Again

2007-12-12T04:31:59Z

I just turned in my final paper for U.S. Working Class Movements. I feel pretty good about it, and think it deserves at least an A-. However, I won't be too pissed if I end up with a B in the class, since I haven't gotten any higher than 88 on the rest of my papers in it.

Tomorrow: Baroque and Enlightenment Germany final, then my first Undie Run. Thursday: History of Rome final.

2 things about UCLA grades: Professors hate to hand out an A. Seems reasonable to me, if a bit frustrating at times. An A is supposed to be a for exemplary work. The other thing: Kids are have an overwhelming attitude of self-entitlement around here. If they don't get an A, they get pissed at the teacher, even if what they wrote is not A material by a stretch.

Oh! Cool UCLA ritual: Midnight Yell. Every night at midnight during finals week, everyone goes to their window and YELLS REALLY LOUD. Shouts can be heard all over Westwood, and it's way fun. I have taken to yelling, "I'm mad as hell, and I'm not gonna take it anymore." Unfortunately, not that many people get the Network reference.

fuck

2007-11-28T21:28:31Z

I hate the great financial aid bureaucracy of UCLA.

Rent is due, and I need groceries. However, I have $$ for neither of these.

Running

2007-11-21T00:27:32Z

Today was a great accomplishment for me.

Since the beginning of the quarter, I've been running with moderate consistency. I started off with 2 (slow) miles a day, then quickly stepped it up to 3. Now I normally do 4, or 5 on a good day. I no longer walk running up a hill, and I run at a good pace. At least it's good according to my friend Steve, who's been doing cross-country since middle school. I really like running, too. For me, it's a great psychological test, and I love the legs it's giving me.

Today, however, marked something big for me, at least the way I see it. Today, Steve and I got up and ran to the base of Bel Air hills on Sunset, and ran up for between 1.5 and 2 miles. This was a 90% uphill route, with a little bit of recovery at the top of the steeper ones. It was grueling, and tough, and I felt like puking at the end of it. However, I ran back down after pissing on some rich persons gate, and back through campus victorious. I was on a runners high for a few hours afterward, and can't wait to do it again tomorrow.

Movie night

2007-10-18T01:46:57Z

I'm seeing The Darjeeling Limited tonight. Another quirky, sweet, Wes Anderson film? Give me!

An update

2007-10-15T20:48:20Z

I am not doing the crazy amount of studying that I thought I might be. Sure, I've turned in a four-page paper, but everyone tells me that it's unusual for a professor to assign something so early. Oh, and I aced a quiz today.

I hate the bars here. There are too many frats. Although... not all frat guys are the way I thought they'd be at all. Most that I've met are decent guys that take their studies seriously, and social life more so.

I like my room mates. Especially Kaelyn-that girl is hilarious. We always have a good time just hanging around the apartment. While doing laundry the other night a cute physics grad student flirted with me for quite some time. Mmmmm... brains. It was refreshing to be hit on.

I find my History of Rome professor attractivhink every girl does. There's usually a bevy of four or five lined up to talk to him after class. Don't knowe. I t what they have to say to the guy. ("Loved your lecture on the oral traditions of Rome's origins!"??) Oh well, I suppose I've forged friendships with professors in the past.

The weather is so freary today, so I'm excited. Cold weather means I get to bundle up like I love to. Plus, I have earl grey tea, and veggie soup.

I am MOVED

2007-09-16T22:05:53Z

Yup, my Mom is here to help with the details of my room, making it comfy, better lit, etc.

Now that I'm on the west side, I know I'll be seeing less of my friends. Hell, I wouls never make it out past Hollywood unless it was for something big. However, Canters and the vegan restaurants are definitely more accessible from here.

I wish I could throw a house-warming party, but I'd have 4 girls to consult, and no one would make it out for the night anyway. East side girl lives on the west side now.

Long distance

2007-09-13T16:30:46Z

I helped Josh move over the weekend, and flew a very nice Virgin America plane back to LAX on Monday. I'm not going to get into sad details of last kisses and teary goodbyes.

We had a great weekend in Santa Cruz. Mostly walking around town, drinking beer, making great food for waaay cheap, and hanging around the beach. We caught 3:10 to Yuma, which was pretty incredible. The whole weekend made me feel a lot better about him living there.

He lives in an old refurbished church, where all the rooms are on the side, and the common room is where they held services. The pews were taken out, obviously, and the common room is HUGE, and has the highest celings you could imagine. If all eight people there had a house guest over for a few days, it still wouldn't feel crowded. It has so much potential, but everyone there, except Josh, is a low-functioning stoner. These are not to be confused with the mostly normal and high functioning stoners that I am friends with.

Now I'm trying to move into my new place. I need someone with a van or pick-up, since now that my Dad's working on a new film, he can't rent one and help me. Boo. Anyone have a friend that would help out? I can pay in money and gas and beer.

Santa Cruz'n

2007-09-07T21:59:37Z

I came up to SC with Josh and his dad on Wednesday. I was going to drive back with his Dad yesterday, but decided to stay till Monday, on the count of not having a job at the moment, and flights being super cheap. Plus, fuck doing that long ass drive twice in two days. I'll be flying out of San Fran, o I think a few phone calls may be in order.

A fiery day

2007-08-25T03:27:39Z

I lost my job yesterday. Laura had Kathleen call me a few hours after getting off work to let me know it "wasn't working out." This is after two months of trying very hard to figure out that woman's expectations, and how to do things I've never been shown. Oh, and how to act when she has her little mood swings, and what position Queila likes the appointment book kept in. How feng shui.

Why it sucks: No income leaves me feeling very nervous and shitty. Especially when I'm moving out for the first time. It has also damaged my pride a tad. I scheduled my classes around those hours, instead of taking a few kick ass classes by a VERY famous academic whose book I read a few years ago.

Why it's okay: I didn't like it that much. I don't have to commute there from the west side. Those girls are cliquey, nutty, and OCD.

Janey and I drank some great beer and sangria at Nicoles today and talked shit on work. God, I hope I don't return to retail or food service!

mynameisboxcar @ 2007-08-19T10:26:00

2007-08-19T17:28:38Z

Found a new apartment. This one's bigger (huge common area), closer to school, and only $710/month. The only drawback is that my room's a tad small. Oh well, show me a better deal in that area than your own room for that price.

A million rides to pay back

2007-08-13T23:03:37Z

I got my liscence back today, after about 3 years. I now have a car (the green Infiniti is going to be transfered to my name), insurance, and drive like I haven't missed a beat. Seriously, it was like riding a bike.

So now I think I'll be playing designated driver till my friends have been duly paid back for all the rides to and from various drinking establishments. For day to day stuff, I'm going to try to drive as little as possible. Buying gas today was so lame.

Moving forward: what's been going on

2007-08-06T21:46:51Z

I just spoke with the History Dept. advisor at UCLA. All he had to do was go into the UCLA interweb and change my major from anthro to history for me. I thought I was screwed out of upper division history classes until I made up a few lower divis. classes. So now I'll be able to add more history classes (if they're not ALL closed) on Thursday. I really wanted the American Working Class Movements class, but it's full. Right now I'm signed up for Ancient Near and Middle East history and Primate Behavior, which I'll likely drop, since there's no reason for me to take Anthro classes anymore. Then again, with all these units under my belt, it wouldn't be too hard to get a minor... But I'd be at UCLA for at least another quarter, and fuck that.

Josh's best friend Marc and I are planning something for Josh before he leaves town. Something with all his friends that he never gets to see. Chances of a house party are pretty dire, but it would be awesome if we surprised him by having all his friends show up at the Cave one night unexpectedly. Or maybe Lucky Baldwin's, considering their amazing beer menu. Either way, I'm glad that Marc and I are collaborating on this. We've never spoken that much, but it's nice to get together and do something for Josh.

Old Crow Medicine Show play the Avalon this Wednesday, and Josh and I are planning on training it there and back in order to get wastey. His car is fixed (AND IS RUNNING BEAUTIFULLY!), but he's really taken to using public transit for daily stuff. But anyways, this reminds me of last years OCMS show. Sacharine memories that I can't divulge here.

I can't believe I'll be living without parents for the first time in just four weeks.

I have a new place

2007-07-25T18:00:41Z

I'll be starting the paperwork this week, and the lease will be signed ASAP.

I'm excited to move, but all this takes me closer to the day when I'm not a 15 minute drive or train ride from Josh's. More like a 30 minute plane ride, which isn't so bad. But we won't be spending every night together the way we have for the past year.