Wednesday, 14 April 2010
-

Currently
Everything You Want
By Vertical Horizon
see related360
So I thought I'd try one last time to make contact with my father. I decided to call his house and see if he'd even initially pick up the phone. I tried from B's phone because I was afraid that my mom's name would appear on the caller ID. It might have made a difference if he saw her name rather than mine. Anyway, he picked up, and my initial statement was 'Hi, are you willing to talk to me?' We progressed from there and caught up on the past couple of years that we've missed. I still recognize his weakness in confrontation and the fact that I'll probably never get my questions answered. He is not one for confrontation, and I guess I'm willing to overlook this trait now and move on. As much I as would like to inquire why he can't react when he knows he is in the wrong, I can leave it be and just accept that part of my relationship. I don't want to regret years from now that I never tried to make this work. So, here's to accepting the things I cannot change. I at least have formed some sort of communication so that I'll have the ability to see one of my younger sisters, and new baby brother within the year. That certainly was a huge concern was maintaining contact with my siblings. I have no reason to be angry with any of them, so I'd to get to know each one and see them whenever I have the opportunity.
The end of the semester is drawing closer and I'm more than excited for it to arrive. As much as I have enjoyed my classes this semester, I am through with homework and studying for exams. Reading books that are for school, not pleasure. I'm ready for the break, because it brings me even closer to my motorcycle trip in September and my 22nd birthday. What a way to spend it... riding around the four corners. First, it was Las Vegas for the 21st birthday, now a trip out west on a motorcycle. Indeed... so far, the 20s are working out quite nicely for me.
Off to class.
Au revoir.
-Tko
Friday, 09 April 2010
-

Currently
Playback
By Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
see relatedPapa, can you hear me?
This has been on my mind since the beginning of March. My father. I'll start at the very beginning because it will make more sense in the long run. I suppose... if anyone actually reads this. When I was born, my father was only 22-years-old. I was sort of an "oops" baby. Once my mom found out she was pregnant, he was already dating another woman. He acted immaturely, and rightly so since he was only 22. He was upset and claiming that I couldn't be his, implying my mom was a whore. He pushed for a blood test, and it was proven with 99.7 % that I was his child. So he fought to keep me and my mom refused. I am grateful for this because if he was ever in my life, I may have turned out like him [I'll explain why it would be a bad thing]. So, he basically bolted after that, eventually having two children with the woman he dated after my mother. We didn't talk for 15 years. Once I was of age where I desired to contact him, I did it. If I want something, I'll go for it. So we met. Everything seemed like it was going to work out well, and I was more than happy. We kept in contact somewhat, and I even visited his house a couple of times. By this time, he had divorced the previous woman and was now married to another with one child from her. I had one half-brother and two half-sisters. I was overjoyed when I learned I had siblings. I met the first two on one of my visits and keep good contact with them now.
The beginning to the end of mine and my father's relationship was his inability to keep decent contact with me. I made the effort, and by the time I was 18, we hadn't talked in months. When he didn't call on my birthday, I had had enough. I called his house, left a rather obscene message in which I told him to go fuck himself. I thought that he obviously didn't care enough to keep me in his life, so I figured we should just cut it off now. He never responded. I hadn't really thought about him for the past nearly 3 years. One day, I spontaneously wrote him a letter where I apologized for my immaturity and would like to have him in my life. I didn't want to remain angry at one another forever. I did realize that the message was immature, but I was upset and was justified for being so. I guess he didn't see it that way. I sent the letter at the beginning of March, and I have not heard a response as of yet. I asked my brother if he had mentioned me or vice versa. Apparently, a little bit more than a month ago, he was still upset over the message and something to do with a bong. Really? I was amazed that he held a grudge for so long. I was bewildered as to why a bong had anything to do with it. I came to the conclusion that it was simply an excuse to avoid contact. About a week ago, I sent an email inquiring if he had actually received the letter. I sent it to his work email, so he at least should have received that. Again, no response.
My father chooses to be an inconsiderate jerk that obviously wants no part in my life. My mom never asked for child support, not even after we met. I've never asked for anything. All I wanted was to talk with my father and have him in my life. So when he was careless in doing so, I reacted. I'm hurt that he doesn't want to make any effort, but I'm angry that he using excuses to avoid me. He is revealing his weakness as a man, and if that's how he wants to act, then I do not want him in my life. As long as I have contact with my brother and sisters, that is all that matters anymore. I've made it well through my life without him. I am a stronger person than him. I am not any different than if he were to be in my life. So, all in all, I'm glad to know where we stand. Perhaps someday he'll get over this immature grudge and regret not being a part of my life, but I'm skeptical. He denies me. He ignores me. He half-asses keeping in touch with me. Then he bails. He doesn't make himself out to be a very good person. To reiterate the most important point, I never asked for anything, never wanted anything but him. So how have I wronged you, sir? Does he truly think that my actions were unjustified and his are? RIDICULOUS! haha.
Well, anyway, that's the story. It is weird sitting back and retelling it. It makes reflect more on what kind of man he is and has become. I'm glad that my mom raised me alone. I'm glad I got her strength, her independence, and her intelligence. All I got from my father was cool blue eyes and a wicked last name. I would change my middle name, so I wouldn't have his initials, were it not for the fact that my mom named me after her best friend. I love that woman, and I like that I'm named after her. My mom did a wonderful job in raising me and I'm more than happy with the person I've become. I'm not narcissistic, nor do I believe I'm some glorious creature, but I appreciate my personality and beliefs. A lot of it is thanks to my mom. Good thing Mother's Day is coming up, she deserves a lot more than I could give her, but I'll do my best.
And I'm sure I'm not the only one who has experiences like this with their father, or even their mother.
How is your relationship with your parents? If you've had time between contacts, would you ever try it again?
Good day to all, and I hope you enjoyed reading it.
Au revoir.
-Tko
Tuesday, 06 April 2010
-

Currently
Rock N Roll
By Ryan Adams
see relatedIn response to Westboro Baptist Church, Kansas.
The Source of All Evil
Ignorance.
Hatred.
Religion.
It corrupts them all.
Name one.
Would war exist,
Were it not for your God?
Would death be as common,
If your God never existed?
How much more,
How much longer,
Will we be able to endure,
Such extremism!?
I’m not homosexual,
But I will keep fighting,
For those who are.
We have rights.
Why don’t they?
Does your God not love all of his children?
Is that a myth?
Did you dirty Christians lie?
If heaven is filled with people like you,
Give me a one-way ticket to Hell!
It will be more bearable,
Than your intolerable nonsense.
Where do I begin with the ignorance of these group of protesters? A church is picketing around the funerals of soldiers who were killed in the war. Their justification: tolerance of homosexuality within the military. What the fuck!? Do these people not realize that the soliders are not to blame for tolerance? I believe that homosexuals should be free to express themselves wherever they please. Everyone else has that right, so the military is not any different. I could understand someone's resistance to homosexuality. There are millions of hardcore Christians in the United States that object to it, but at the same time, it can be done peacefully. These ignorant fucks that are protesting at funerals have no idea what they're doing. The soldiers were not the decision-makers concerning this topic. It would be those in charge of the military, various branches of the government that had their hand in this. Does this church not realize this? I read in one article that it's all merely a publicity stunt. Some Christians that you'd think would be fighting on the side of "God," and they're making a mockery of his work. Again, I don't particularly believe in Christian ideals.
I guess I should stop now before I go too far, but then again, these people did.
I meant what I said in that poem... if these are the type of Christians that will end up in heaven, I want a one-way ticket to HELL!
Wednesday, 31 March 2010
-

Currently
Keep It Like a Secret
By Built to Spill
see relatedMaus
If you view this page and see the picture before reading the actual entry, it will be misunderstood. This is a picture used within Maus, a graphic novel written by Art Spiegelman. It was released in August 1986. This semester I enrolled myself in a class titled Topics in Global Literature. The subject matter, to my surprise, was literature based on the Holocaust. From the very beginning, we discussed the ethics one must have in order to read Holocaust literature. The key point was to understand that we will never be able to comprehend what someone may have experienced in the Holocaust. Simply reading and studying documents which were discovered or published still will not provide a clear comprehension of the event. It is beyond our control. I realize that no matter how much I desire to understand the event and reasons behind its occurrence, I will not. The best we can do is to respect that works that a survivor releases and to never pass judgment. Never think, 'why didn't the Jews resist?' Survival was the word that frequently came up. Food, water, and surviving each day was at the forefront of minds during the Holocaust. If I appear to seem disrespectful of the dead in any way through this entry, I sincerely apologize, for it is not my intention.
My whole point behind this entry is to explain how Maus I: My Father Bleeds History and Maus II: And Here My Troubles Began affected me. Out of all the literature we have read thus far, these books seemed to hit me the hardest. The visuals provided in these graphic novels struck a chord in me, and I found myself crying a couple of times. For those who are not familiar with the books, it is the story of Vladek, Art Spiegelman's father, and his survival through the Holocaust. The characters are portrayed as animals, which was cause for a huge debate when the books were published. The Jews are portrayed as mice, the Germans as cats, the Polish as pigs, and the gypsy is a moth. I apologize but I cannot remember the nationality of the dog, but I believe the point is made. The books are based around Art attempting to obtain his father's testimony, and the struggle he endures while interviewing him.
Although, at first glance, these graphic novels may appear cartoonish, the story revealed throughout the pages brings forth a reality which the rest of us will never understand. The horrors depicted in some of the images, even though it was portrayed by animals, could make your heart stop... or at least it did mine. A recent project in my Global Literature class was using a website, Gradesaver, versus actually reading the books for studying or preparing for quizzes/tests. We were divided up into groups that each had a different section from each book. As each group stood up before the class, a common statement was made. A summary does not express the facial expressions, the emotions,or the personality of each of the characters. Attempting to visualize the scenes on one's own would be a challenge, because it could not convey the pain or sadness experienced by the characters. A website like Gradesaver would only be useful to help understand themes within the book, or details that may not be elaborated on, such as terms, etc. To read the books is much more thorough experience of the story. Actually reading the books makes this story more of a reality because of the visuals. Like I said, some of the illustrations really hit me. I'm a visual/kinesthetic learner, so to experience something with my eyes such as a graphic novel creates a better picture and understanding for me.
I guess my whole point for doing this entry was to make everyone aware of this book. Art was not trying to exploit his father through the book's success, it merely happened. I simply enjoyed this work of art that he created and the new perspective he provided on the Holocaust.
The Holocaust is not a point of intelligent conversation, but a part of history that should not be forgotten. Overanalyzing the event is disrespectful because, again, we will never be able to comprehend it. We will never understand what the Jews experienced in the camps or the ghettos. We will ever understand the motivations behind Nazi soldiers because many will never truthfully convey the sadistic mindset they must have had when carrying out these orders. Respect the survivors and those who passed during the Holocaust. I do my best when I read the materials for my class.
And to those who deny this event actually occurred, I pity your ignorance.
Again, I hope this wasn't offensive or that I stepped over any boundaries. It has simply been on my mind since we finished the graphic novels last week.
Au bientot.
-Tko
Tuesday, 30 March 2010
-

Currently
There's Nothing Wrong With Love
By Built to Spill
see relatedwhy yes, i am bored.
Consider this a survey day. It's for those moments when I can't decide what it is I want to write about. Perhaps a starting point...
Made by acoustic_surveys
Where did you first hear the joke about what "two banana peels" are? I haven't heard that joke.
Is there any book you can read over and over again without ever getting sick of it? Do you discover something new every time you read it? Either Murder for Her Majesty by Beth Hilgartner or the Harry Potter series. After watching the films for Harry Potter, going back to read always reminds me of how many differences there are.
Do you prefers cats or dogs? Why? Would you consider a roommate or partner who felt the opposite? I've had both, but I prefer a dog. Luckily, my partner agrees.
Each decade has had a label, so what kind of label would you give this past decade? The technology decade.
Have you ever changed your opinion on something because of a boyfriend's/girlfriend's love of it? I don't believe so, unless there was a convincing argument to back it up.
Do you have your own "sanctuary"? If not, how do imagine your own "sanctuary"? There is tree near where I live and it has perfect limbs to climb up on. It is downtown, so when I'm up in the tree, no one can see me. It's nice to still be among the excitement of the city, but feel secluded at the same time.
How and when did you come to your current decision on whether or not to have children? I can't remember when exactly I made the decision to not have children, but it stemmed from my own selfishness in wanting to explore the world. I have too much that I'd like to accomplish in life and would not want to have a child if my heart is not fully into the idea.
Do manners matter to you? Do they matter more at the dinner table? I wouldn't say that I'm completely anal about manners, but I do believe there is common sense of respect that everyone should have.
If the interior discussion in your head were indexed by category, what would the five most recurring subjects be? 1- School 2- Money 3- My Dad 4- Insecurities I wish to conquer 5- Travel
Are you good at playing trivia games? Is there a certain trivia topic at which you're better than other topics? I think I could be. I know a lot of random information, but no topic in particular.
Have you been through that very common phase (if you are not British) where you are obsessed with everything British? Yes.
Are you the type to yawn when others yawn or when you hear a yawn or when you read the word yawn a lot? Yes.
Do your parents tell you any interesting stories about their childhood? If so, care to share one? Sometimes. I guess the road trips between California and Tennessee were ones I heard of most often. I can't remember details though, it has been awhile.
How are you most likely to act at a party? Is it how you would act in a normal environment? It depends. Sometimes I do get nervous in large crowds. Derby girl part I was nervous because I wasn't familiar with everyone. Toga party with friends I was able to converse more because I knew those around me.
Do you believe that a higher power controls our fate or that we choose our own destinies? Do you tend to judge people negatively when they feel different than you do about this? I believe we choose our own destinies. Life is based on choices we make. Our future can be altered if we so choose, and no, I wouldn't judge anyone for their beliefs. We all have a right to believe in what we want.
If someone wanted to get hooked on your favourite TV show, which episode would you recommend to them? Err, that's a tough question. Family Guy/South Park has plenty of great episodes.
When you think of video games you played as a kid, what is the first one to come to mind? Do you still enjoy it? Either Sonic the Hedgehog or NBA Jam. I would definitely still play both if I had the opportunity.
Do you know anyone who takes a good-natured joke too far? Have you ever gotten offended by one of these jokes? Considering I, too, have been guilty of this, I couldn't be offended by someone else. I guess the one time that the discussion of my bf's sexuality was up for questioning by Kellie irked me a bit. She took it too far. But, in the end, it wasn't a huge deal.
Have you ever had someone much older than you make a move on you? How did you react, or how would you react if it were to happen? Considering my past 3 involvements were with me at least 17 years older, this question is moot. I never considered age an issue. If I was attracted to the personality or physically, then that is all that mattered.
At what time of the day do you eat the most? As small as I am, I am somehow hungry nearly all day. Perhaps it is the high metabolism.
If you could eliminate one emotion (anxiety, sadness, jealousy, regret, etc.), would you do it? Why or why not? If so, which one would you choose? I would do it without a doubt, and the emotion I would eliminate is my shyness. I suppose that counts. It all boils down to a sort of anxiety I believe.
Does winning an Oscar make you think more or less of that actor/actress? Why? Not all great actors/actresses get an award in which they deserve, so no.
Do you get more frightened by animals that live underwater or on dry land? Err, I'm not fond of insectsor poisonous bugs like spiders, scorpions, etc. Underwater creatures I don't come into much contact with.
What does someone need to say to you to really get you angry? When was the last time someone said this to you? Insulting a friend. A friend's recent birthday, she decided to be immature and insult a mutal friend of mine and Kit's. It was disrespectful and not necessary for it to even be mentioned. I am loyal and more than willing to defend someone I like or care about.
How often do you listen to CDs? What makes you choose CDs over mp3s or vice versa? Not that often. Most music I listen to right now is on my ipod, but there is occasional desire to hear music I haven't put on my ipod.
Do you have a passport? If so, how often do you use it, and what do you think of your photo? I have not been fortunate enough to travel out of the country. I'm hoping I'll be able too when I graduate from college. I'll have to considering I'm moving out of the country once I graduate.
Do you believe there is other intelligent life in distant galaxies? If no, why not? If yes, do you believe this is something to be feared and avoided or actively sought out? I can't really give an answer to this. I would hope that we are not the only ones in the universe, but I can't say I believe it without a doubt.
Have you ever told a member of your family that you wanted them out of your life? If so, why? Yes, my father. He didn't seem to want to be a part of my life so I left a message on his answering machine telling him that he could selfish and to go fuck himself. It was immature, but considering he already hadn't been a part of my life for 15 years, then scarcely contacting me after meeting, I was hurt. So, I said screw it and left the situation completely.
Are you more likely to be influenced by people you know personally or people you don't, like celebrities and musicians? It could both people I know personally and musicians. I'm in love with many forms of music and sometimes take lyrics to heart. I write poetry and believe strongly in the power of words. So it could both ways.
Do you enjoy taking time to study things very closely? Would you ever consider a career in which you would have to do this? Of course. I love noticing all of the little details in the world around me. I'm an observer. I don't know if I would make it a career, because I like it being a small, significant part of who I am. It remains personal and a career could turn into something very impersonal or take the joy out of it.[made @ acoustic_surveys]
How long did/does it usually take for you to find Waldo? A few seconds.
Are you satisfied with the way you've been raised? Yes, my mom did a great job.
How good is your concentration? Err, I can be easily distracted. I have sit myself in a secluded spot such as a library in order to really concentrate. Even then, I can get distracted.
When you eat a popsicle, do you split the halves, or eat it altogether? Altogether baby.
Can you speak a lot of French? I'm in French 101... un peu.
Is there a sound that sends chills up your spine every time you hear it? Not off the top of my head.
What do you think makes someone the "biggest fan" of a band/artist? The crazy obssessed ones.
Do you often lose track of the date? I have been known too.
How is your relationship with your father? We haven't talked in years.
Where do you usually upload all your photos? Some program on my computer.
Do you have accounts on any other blogging sites? I don't suppose facebook counts.
What kind of survey was the one you took before this? random.
Imagine you're able to design your own house from scratch. What would it look like and where would it be? I'm into modern or gothic architecture. As far as location, right now Australia would be nice.
How old were you when your parents started allowing you to dress yourself? I have no idea.
Are you often jealous of other people? Not particularly. I'm happy with who I am and my life. More money would be nice.
Is there someone you know who plays bingo a lot? Old people.
What is your favourite list from Listverse.com? I've never been there, probably will now.
Do you know how old your mom was when she lost her virginity? I'm good on that topic... not necessary to know.
So, what is your house? Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw or Slytherin? Slytherin bitch.
Who is the smartest person you know? My mom or B.
Do you find questions about rape and death rather insensitive? It is a sensitive subject, but in order to learn, we must ask questions.
Did you have a typical dream job as a child (e.g., teacher, vet, astronaut, etc...)? I wanted to be a music producer.
Which urban legend is your favourite? Not sure on that one.. I'll have to think about it.
Are any of your fears completely irrational? I won't eat or drink after my boyfriend, yet we've "shared" everything else.
Where is the light switch in your room? by the stairs.
Do you own any clocks that chime on the hour? No. My great-grandparents had one, and that would be the only time I tolerated them.
Approximately how many weddings have you been to in your lifetime? 1
Have you watch any good horror/thriller movies lately? Not that I remember.
What did you think of the last movie you watched? Inglourious Basterds.
Do you have a hard time believing in things? Depends on the subject matter.
How often do you download/buy new music? Not that often.
Would you make a good lawyer? Doubt it. Sometimes I have a strong opinion but not always sure how to convey it or to persuade someone to my side.
Why did your family decide to live where you're living now? Better opportunities.
Do you watch the Disney Channel? Why or why not? I did when I was younger. The shows on there suck now.
Is there an interesting view from your bedroom window? No window in the bedroom. It's a small loft, so only two at the front.
When was the last time you listened to a love song? Last Saturday.
If Itchy & Scratchy (from The Simpsons) was a real TV show, would you watch it? Hell yeah.
Do you get your Xanga layouts from the same site? No.
Out of the people you're subscribed to, who usually takes the most surveys? At this point me.
Would you rather cook dinner or bake desserts for Christmas? Why not both?
[made @ acoustic_surveys]
- browse entries:
- older »



