Finals

I've just experienced my first two finals ever. And let me tell you... they were no fun. My first college final was psychology, my least favorite subject. There were 178 questions and it took me about 2 hours to finish everything. Handing in that exam was such a huge weight lifted off my shoulders! My second exam was today and it was in French. That wasn't nearly as bad as the psych one, but it still had its difficult areas. I have one paper to write and one exam left before I can board a plane home to New Jersey! Can't wait til Monday night!!

I know I haven't been very good at keeping up with this blog, but I'm trying to make up for lost time now. These past few weeks have been the most stressful, crazed weeks I have ever lived through. Teachers have been piling on the work like it's nobody's business. I've never really had "finals" before. Sure, the ones I took in high school seemed horrible at the time, but I never really had to prepare for them. With all the exams and papers I have due in the next couple of days... it's a little more than just overwhelming. I've never been this swamped with work in my entire life. If this is just the beginning, I can't imagine what my next seven semesters are going to be like.

my mash-up

For my mash-up, I decided to combine a Shel Silverstein poem with zombies. Here is the final result:

Whatif by Shel Silverstein & Katie Inglese

Last night, while I lay thinking here,
some Whatifs crawled inside my ear
and pranced and partied all night long
and sang their same old Whatif song:
Whatif a zombie came in my room?
Whatif it stole all my clothes?
Whatif it pretended to be me?
Whatif my parents never even realized I was gone?
Whatif it went to school pretending to be me?
Whatif it went to my classes and forgot my homework?
Whatif it flunked my last test- on purpose?
Whatif it threw all my clothes in the mud?
Whatif it wore clown makeup on a first date?
Whatif my date really thought that zombie was me?
Whatif zombie-me ate his brain?
Whatif that zombie imposter had me arrested for murder?
Whatif that sombie ruined my life just for fun?
But if a zombie were to eat my brain
the nighttime Whatifs would never strike again!

I decided to choose this as my mach-up because I really wanted to do something literary. Originally, I had planned on using a chapter out of "The Great Gatsby", a classic piece of American literature and a personal favorite of mine. After some careful consideration, I decided I couldn't bring myself to essentially destroy one of my personal favorite pieces of literature. I settled on something slightly more innocent and malleable, like a poem. I didn't feel nearly as bad manipulating those words to become slightly more comical.

A continuation of passing thought...and my last blog.

Casting the story of my life would be quite interesting. Thinking about who would play such a family, my family. Who would dare take on my part-Travis, Travieso, Chucho, T Man, T Money, The Big Inch (and other names given to me over the years)-a role absolutely impossible to conquer by anyone other than myself. I wouldn't even bother burdening someone with the thought...

Something struck me as odd the other day. I can mock and mimic the mannerisms of others, particularly my friends, but not one of them can mimic me. Sure they mock, as I set myself up almost every time-ridicule being the ultimate outcome-and so sacrificing myself for the sake of others. They don't see it this way, and granted maybe I shouldn't be thinking this way, but it's there; evidence exists of this, at most to the subconscious. Freud had a good start, but I would say that some of us think in our subconscious, to further what is given to our conscious mind; that on some deeper plane, nonexistent to those inside my own perception, I exist in passing thought; floating, moving about freely to play as I wish. Funny how these things work...oh these things. These things.

If anyone should read my drudgery, it would seem to them nonsense, which most of it is to the simples in this world. But I'm here to challenge the challenge that is reasoning-ever so mysterious and benign to those who lack the technique of reasoning. Be not mistaken by reasoning, for it holds power only in the mind where little reasoning exists, and in turn, divides rational and irrational thought, more supporting the irrational half because the ability to reason only comes in rational thought. I hold a certain compunction in my heart for those mortal beasts who lack the ability, the 'ableness', required to think rationally-the levelheadedness that adults tell their children all their lives to attain, even though it is something born, not gained, and truth holds reality to par, which is the reality that no one person in existence today (or any time period really) was asked to be given life, and so no one person was ever asked to be given irrational thought. The ensuing endeavor engages, then, upon the evident birth of perception, as Lacan offers to us as 'the mirror stage'-original 'Ah-ha' moment during our infancy-the point in which all the world begins to slowly collapse in on a being over the course of their whole life. If, at some time, that person doesn't recognize and choose to advantage their abilities of rational thought and 'distincting' their immediate reality, they will ultimately and inevitably be burdened with the weight of the world.

Are your shoulders ready for that kind of pressure? Obviously not (no one's are), but now having been reminded, and for some realizing for the first time as they read this text, it enables truth to be told, although truth itself (and awareness) makes one want to isolate themselves under the warm blanket of ignorance. But "NO!" I say. Do not hide, do not worry...embrace it. Exist in a world of self created chaos and confusion with the power of a better understanding.

We are at the forefront of life my brothers and sisters. So come my family, let us gather as one united people; as beings; as living, breathing, struggling, surviving beings, not without character, not without your own, still be your own, but find your own and be you to the best of your ability. We are all the in the same context...we are all beings who carry the same burden that is LIFE...we are all lifers to this world. But still, as I will repeat, find you and be you to the best of your ability...unassuming to the perceptions of Others. I am me because I am not you. MY job is not to worry about the other because they are different from me. MY job is to worry about being me, whatever that may offer to you is not my responsibility because of the simple fact that I'm offering everything to myself, and so reflects ME in this world, in this environment, in this time...here...now. YOU have to decide, knowing all that is you (hopefully, but if not, hopefully one day), whether you are going to accept all that is me as I offer me from the very beginning...

Hello, this is me...

Now...who the hell are you?

-Travis Ryan Barbour-

In Passing

This semester has been one hell of a ride; a roller coaster of being-this place, the life of a working college student-all coming together. What does it all mean? Nothing to no one but me. It is something quite awful. And not the unpleasant kind either, but a truth that applies to us all.

Everything that has happened, happened before now, which doesn't say much in my case for the semester in terms of school, and I regret not recognizing this overwhelming anxiety to come earlier in the year. But of course it does not rupture the more important things to staying sane later in life, which is making sure I'm sane now, which is hard in my family, even though they are the most 'importants' in life. In all the chaos and drudgery, I have somehow managed to survive the last 4.5 months with minor injuries. How? I haven't the slightest...

BUT, alls said and done at this point. The only thing left to do is come to terms with myself and, in turn, all of you. Call on yourself for the answers, and depend on us to keep asking questions.

"Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of our own mind.

Absolve you to yourself, and you shall have the suffrage of the world."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

lady gaga

This lady wears the most outrageous outfits I have ever seen but I think it is great she is doing what she wants wearing what she want no matter how weird it is. She never goes out in public naked so no one can really tell her to stop. Although when she performed at that music awards show pretending to kill herself and ending her performance with blood all over her might have been a little too far but I mean whatever floats her boat I guess.

A little kids dream

I came across all these pictures of amazing tree houses the other day and I thought it would be cool to share some of them. Everyone dreams of having a tree house when they are young but these are so awesome I can't believe how amazing it would be for a little kid if even I am amazed now

I <3 sleeping in

So these last couple of weeks I have had such a hard time waking up and going to my 8:30 classes. Its horrible I don't even try to fall back asleep it just happens. I'm having no luck with my alarm clock because when it goes off I just turn it off and go back to bed. I live at home so its not as close as living on campus would be which I sort of regret. This morning I woke up turned my alarm off went back to sleep then my mom called me I picked up and she apparently talked to me for awhile and told me to get up, then she called again but on the house phone and got my sister to go into my room and try waking me up and finally I was awake but at that point I had already misses most of my class.

Best Pancakes EVERRRRR!

The other weekend I was craving pancakes and Vermont maple syrup but I didn't have a recipe and so I went online and found this ammmmaazzinnngg recipe for the best pancakes everr. They really are sooo yummy. I usually fail at flipping pancakes but this time they all came out perfect so pleasse plleaase if you are ever craving pancakes try this recipe I can assure you, you won't regret it.

Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl, whisk, set aside:

2 cups flour
2 tbsp sugar
4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp fine salt

Combine the wet ingredients in a second bowl, whisk:

2 cups buttermilk
4 tbsp melted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 beaten eggs

Add the wet ingredients to the dry and whisk until just combined. Fry in a pan with butter. Top with maple syrup and devour.

http://kottke.org/09/10/the-worlds-best-pancake-recipe

Christmas Tree scare

I was reading on yahoo news about this couple who went out to look for a Christmas tree in some mountains near the California border and ended up getting their car stuck in the snow for two days until they finally were able to rock the car and somehow free the tires enough to get it out. All of that trouble to get a tree that is going to be disposed of after the holiday season. Getting stuck in the cold is the worst possible thing I would never want to get stuck in the cold for days it would be so miserable. The unfortunate thing was they had maps so they knew exactly where they were they just couldn't contact anyone to get help. When they finally got back on the road they heard on the radio that a search party had been sent out to find them. Luckily this story had a happy ending.

Nature vs. Technology

This was the theme of my mashup and I found this cool example.

The semester is almost ovverr!!!!!

I am so glad this semester is almost over. I am so ready for a vacation. College is obviously very different than highschool and I have figured that out very quickly. I am ready for a break and then to start the new semester now knowing what I am getting myself into and be able to prepare myself more and probably get better grades. I studied for so long for my second Geology exam and I couldn't get any higher than a 70. Im glad I can atleast get that nasty lab science requirement out of the way. Next semester all my classes seem to be interesting so I am very happy yeahhh new semesterrr.

Facebook

There comes a point when some people end up putting inappropriate personal information on their facebook page. When I first got a facebook none of my family members other than my older sister and some cousins had facebook. Then my aunts, uncles, parents, even grandparents got into it. Especially my grandparents not having much to do go on their facebook all the time and post things on everyones wall some a little embarrassing. I made a rule that I would not except any friend requests from adult family. I am so glad I didn't because I heard from my 13 year old little sister that my uncle put some lets just say inappropriate pictures of himself on there for everyone to see including all my very young cousins. Come on people geesh let it just be know don't put your entire life on facebook for everyone to see because some things just don't need to be known.

Cool Example Mashup

I found this really cool mashup example even though it is only about two minutes long it looks like it took a longg time.

Blogginggggg

soooo I don't know about anyone else but I always forget to post things regularly so I always end up posting everything in bulk. I don't know how people who blog everyday do it I run out of things to say or interesting links to show and when I do find something interesting I end up forgetting where I found it in time to post it on our blog. So here comes many posts....

Response to the ignorant bystander: "Why do you bitch about your job if you like coffee so much?""

This is an excerpt from the longer three page response that I gave when asked this question...

"Coffee is a funny thing. The second most mass-produced legal narcotic, under cigarettes, that is naturally addictive and in many ways (proven by science) to be beneficial to your health. I drink anywhere between one and ten cups of coffee a day, and yes I know many of you might be thinking after reading up to this point that I should seriously consider decaf, but fuck it. I’m not here to impress anyone. Coffee is delicate (much like good wine or beer), and holds properties that are distinctive to its growing region. Its true characteristics can only be found when roasted and cupped to its potential. When a coffee isn’t given proper treatment, it won’t give you proper results. Coffee is an art, not a commodity, and with any type of art it has to be appreciated to a certain extent. The reason why I enjoy this tasty black slosh is not only because I know more than most about it, but also because it has never wronged me in any way. Both wine and beer have placed me into oblivion in some instance or another, and while I still drink both to great lengths, the happiness can only last so long. Not with coffee. Instead of bringing me down, it picks me up. Many a mornings I wake to find coffee a Savior from the effects of the alcoholic beverages consumed not hours before. Energy ensues…on top of that, it brings people together for long (or short) periods of time, whether it be a quick pick me up with a friend, to those extensive conversations with someone who either won’t shut up or you actually enjoy being around for more than twenty minutes at a time. Coffee has been a catalyst for social gatherings for many generations ("penny universities") and will continue to become more and more popular as the years go on. Why then do I hate my job so much?

Because I hate sharing such a beautiful, god given luxury with people who don’t appreciate it. Coffee is an art- an ARTisan craft- not a commodity. Never forget that.

Fuck Folgers."

Quick Question

Something crossed my mind while I was walking to class the other day that raised an interesting question: Are men's legs genetically less attractive than women's, or do women really spend that much time making their legs look attractive?

Now I can't say for sure what kind of reaction I would expect from such a question...and it would be assuming to think that most of you would say 'no' and 'yes...they do', which is why I'm throwing it out there. To be honest, I can find arguments for both sides, so I'd be interested to hear what you guys think. More so, I hope to confirm with any women that this may be true, that they do spend a horrible amount of time on their legs...

A Moment From 'The Book'

Jack put his head down between his arms, careful not to look suspicious, and pretended to sleep.

"Let him nap. Come along children," the teacher contently motioned her class toward the EXIT, much like sheep being guided from a pen to pasture, and waited till every last nose-picker was out of the room before quietly shutting the door. Jack was smart to let time pass before revealing his bluff, as the teacher reentered the classroom moments later to shut off the lights. With one last glance in Jack's direction, the teacher smirked at the thought of being a child again; so innocent, so unaware...a distant feeling. This brought a warm glaze over the caring teacher's emotion, and blocked any suspicion that may have 'blipped' her ignorant attention. In a moment of nostalgia, Jack had tricked his foe, and was left as the lone conquistador of a room filled with things yet to be discovered by him.

As Jack lifted his head, he shook off the tired from his eyes, squished his cheeks to even out the blood showing too much red, and soon a smile spread across the young deviant's face.

Oh teacher, he thought, so innocent, so unaware...

The popular trend today seems to be 'getting by'; like everyone just hopes to live another day without worry of being able to live. Or maybe that's just me...

I have been known to make distractions for such things as worries before, and each time bettering the promise for hope although little hope for progress exists. Today, being. Yesterday, being. Tomorrow, being. Good God let's not go this direction again. Time is my enemy...and so I digress.

Or, perhaps, not digress. Truly, work is my enemy, but time is so much easier to blame. Wasting time is what I'm best at, and making excuses is how I survive...

Period, end of story.

Alice in Wonderland

I don't know about any of you but I am extremely excited to watch the new Alice in Wonderland movie by Tim Burton. All of his movies are soo interesting and creative. He is able to create a story that was made specifically for children into something that people of all ages are going to want to watch. I wonder why no one has attempted to create and Alice in Wonderland that was not a cartoon and if they have it probably was not good enough to become popular because I don't remember any being made. Anyways I am going to see it the day it comes out and I heard someone where it is in 3D which if it is would make it even better.