Burned out

It's been awhile, since I've blogged, and held my head up high. Today marks the end of the quintessential, and altogether unplanned, guys week. I spent all five of the weekdays hanging out with the guys one way or another, even though most of it was unplanned and people just ended up hanging out at my house. Since I've already covered Monday's City adventure with Ian, and the subsequent ass-rapeage at KB, we'll start with Tuesday.

Tuesday marked the invasion of the Shadow Lightning, real name Michael Wilden. I was sitting there with nothing to do, except stress out over my passport, when said Shadow Lightning rocks up at my door proclaiming that he's bored as shit. So, we end up having another classic NBA Live 06 showdown, and I end up whooping his ass again. Shadow Lightning got the craving for Halo 2, so we did the co-op missions for a while. We played that for an hour or so; throughout the whole thing, I kept screaming "Gonna get you back, aye! Fucker!" just like Joker from Next Friday, so Mike got the idea to watch the classic movie. Sometime in the middle of all this, Ian rang to tell me he got stovepipes, and I lost all respect for him. Well, not really, but I still think stovepipes come from the fag factory, and Ian's the new employee of the month. Anywho, me and Mike had the bludgiest day, just watching Next Friday and chowing down on peanuts and chocolate bars, which Mike seems to have eradicated from my pantry. After the movie, Mike got picked up and I proceeded to clean the house, for the first time ever. I mean, I keep my room clean, but Tuesday was my first ever whole-house-cleanup experience, and which is...I can...I drawed a willy on it. Tuesday night consisted of me being extremely buggered, and laptop-ing until I collapsed on my bed, into a deep, deep sleep.

Wednesday was the sleepover that almost wasn't, due to my frickin' passport problems (more on this later). After careful reorganisation, the guys night in was on. TJ arrived around 3:30PM, in time to watch a shitty episode of Raw. We flipped back and forth between watching Raw and me kicking his ass in Smackdown! vs Raw, which was fun. RD came by sometime later, and the three of us played Burnout until my Uncle dropped off some dinner. It was heaps of fun just having a guy hangout session, playing Xbox, eating lots of fried food and watching Sportscenter at the same time. Eventually Karl came along as well, a tad late but better than dogging it like he usually does. Jokes, Aussie One. Anywho, TJ suggested we have a late night golfing session at the driving range, and the idea was bounced around until we remembered it closed at 9PM, and it was already 8:12PM. Oh well, nuts to that. Sometime around 10-ish we got the craving for some Mickey D's, so we went to the 24-hour branch at Sunnyholt and got fat. We had to go back to my house to drop off my brother's burgers. I knew from the moment we left Macca's I was gonna have to end up chasing the fucking car after giving Fonz his food, and damnit I was right. Twenty minutes of running, and stopping, and calling, and avoiding getting hit by RD and Karl, the crazy bastards. Fun night, though. Think my neighbours might reckon me to be quite crazy. Or weird, either one. Anywho, after somehow managing to get back inside, it was drive around time. We called Ryan, but the pothead was toasted at the Coast. We called Cristian, and he wasn't answering. So we drove around. And around. And around some more. Karl kept beeping RD's horn at random people, which was funny. We eventually ended up at Billy's house for some table tennis, which I didn't play, and some pellet gun shooting, which I couldn't do properly. I fell asleep on his table, and in RD's car on the way home.

Thursday morning started really, really, ridiculously early. At around 2:30AM, we left Billy's and made our way back to my house. After arranging for the guys to be able to play Xbox in my room and me to get some sleep at the same time, I nodded off. I figured four hours of sleep would be enough, as I usually functioned on that much sleep anyway. I woke up 45 minutes late, which was bad 'cause it gave me 15 minutes to get ready. But, me being the magician that I am, I was able to pull it off. Hooray for me! Anywho, as the guys headed off to Karl's for some more sleep, it was off to the City for me to sort out my passport issues. Ah, the passport issues. Story begins on the 12th of November. I got a notice from the Post Office, telling me I needed to pick up an article from Doonside. Me being me, I decided to ignore it for a while. I forgot about it for a week or so, then decided to ring up Doonside on Tuesday to inquire about my parcel. They said there was nothing under my name, so I rang Australia Post. They said they returned it to the sender. This set off a fucked up chain of events; me having to ring up the Passport Office, then my parents in the Phils to let them know what a RESPONSIBLE young adult I've matured into, then having to sort through a mountain of documents so I can fill out some stuff (that I didn't end up needing) from the Passport Office website, then back to the Passport Office hotline, which told me that I couldn't receive any information about my passport seeing as I'm under 18. Sonofabitch. So I had to ring up the parents again to get them to fax a latter of consent to the Passport Office (again, ended up being unnecessary) giving me the authority to receive information about it. So, early Thursday morning, I had to walk around the City with my Aunties so I can get the bloody passport issue sorted out. After a long train ride, and a couple of taxi rides, I got to the Passport Office building, only for them to tell me my passport wasn't even there. Sonofabitch! I re-rang Doonside just to double-check if my parcel wasn't there, and they said they didn't have a parcel for me. They did, however, have a LETTER for me, contaning what was seemed to be a passport. All this freaking time, it was five minutes away from my house. SONOFABITCH!!! Anyways, got that sorted out, finally. Thursday night concluded with an impromptu practice session at KB, which went down pretty well. I found out why I had such high hopes for this team, 'cause when we really play hard as a team, we can do some damage. Anyways, after a lot of practice, the team crashed at Ian's for some 2-on-2 action. A lot of basketball was played Thursday night, and it was much needed for someone who's seen first-hand the results of not exercising after the HSC. Anywho, the basketball left me buggered, so after some late-night chatting, I eventually fell asleep. I was about to watch The Shining, by myself, at night, with the lights out, but I figured I hadn't wet the bed in years, so why start now?

Friday morning was lazy. Lazy lazy lazy. Tried to watch The Shining three times throughout the course of the day. I, for one, was bored and confused with this movie. I mean, it had its moments, and it does leave a lasting impression, but while watching it, I dozed off twice. The morning consisted of me and Ian arguing about which was faggier, being an OC fanboy (me, even though I'm not THAT much of a fanboy...I'm more of a Friends/Family Guy fanboy than an OC fanboy) or wearing stovepipes (Ian, the fag factory). Anywho, after falling asleep again thanks to The Shining, my auntie woke me up to tell me Ian and Mike were in the living room. Ian had gone to Mike's to borrow his suit for the formal, and they decided to drop by to play some Xbox. Ian made some bad moves, time-wise, and he ended up getting stressed because his formal was at 6:30PM, and he was still at my house playing Xbox by 4PM. Awesome. Anyways, they left, and I ended up finishing off The Shining. I ended up having to research the movie to find out what the hell it all meant. It wasn't as scary as I thought it would be. I guess it has freaked me out to a certain extent, but nowhere near the level as say, The Ring or The Exorcist. Anywho, after dinner, I played Burnout: Revenge for nearly four hours, hence the title. So fucking addictive! And now I'm writing this long-ass blog.

Anywho, today becomes cleanup day, seeing as the folks come back Sunday morning from the Phils. I definitely need to clean up the mess Bron's made in the backyard. Damn dog duties. I think I've made it through this whole 'self-fending' phase quite well. Other than a messy backyard, the whole house seems to be in order. Only major thing was me losing my glasses, which led to a 1AM Australia-to-Philippines phone call/shouting match between me and my dad. Awesome. Haven't had one of those, well, ever. Well, we've had shouting matches, but not over the phone. I took advantage of this time seeing as he's a thousand miles away. That about does it for this extremely long blog; think this might be my longest blog ever. Anyways, later days!

- marty..

END COMMUNICATION.

So tired

Yesterday was pretty tiring, but a whole lot of fun. Well, the day was heaps fun, but it was a shame the night ended the way it did. It started out pretty normally; me not wanting to get out of bed even though I had to feed Bron. I eventually mustered up the energy to get up so that he wouldn't go hungry. Then, it was off to meet up with Ian so he could pick out his formal outfit. The plan was to meet up at Blacktown at 10AM. However, thanks to DOTA, Ian lost track of time and was a tad late. Did I say a tad? I meant 90 minutes. So, for 90 whole minutes, I had to walk around Westpoint finding things to do. At first I thought he would only be 10 minutes to half an hour late, so I just toured EB and Games Wizards. When that didn't kill as much time as I expected, I decided to look around for shoes. Sadly, nothing new. Having not wasted enough time, I bought myself a Ralph magazine. Didn't wanna seem creepy by sitting in the middle of Westpoint checking out the chicks from Ralph, so decided to focus on the Video Games Section. Anywho, Ralph killed a lot of time, and eventually Ian got to Blacktown. After a fruitless 10 minutes browsing through Westpoint, we decided to hit up the City for the proper formal shopping.

Side note: I think I'm more prone to stupidity around train stations. There was that time I only took the coins for my change and left the notes, the time I tried to pay with a keycard, and today when I tried to get to Central on a return ticket to Parra. Awesome. *cough*HIMBO*cough*

We were pretty lost as soon as we got out. We ended up at the Powerhouse Museum. WTF? Lolzordz! Anywho, found our way out of there and made it to Market City, where we found a sweet looking green Nike hoody. Ian was thinking of using it, but he decided to leave it and just come back for it some other time. I 'somehow' ended up at Utopia. I didn't plan that one at all. I didn't try to distract Ian from his shopping so that I could buy more CD's. Of course not. Anywho, finally have all the Death Cab full-length albums after buying Something About Airplanes and We Have the Facts, and We're Voting Yes today. Should be good listening for the coming weeks of relaxation. Along the way, we ended up doing a lot of walking (we visited four different GP's) but barely any shopping (I ended up buying one shirt; he bought none). It was cool because we had one of those life discussion conversations we haven't had in a while. We also managed to sing quite a lot today, mostly stuff from The Postal Service. Quite a bit of Postal Service lyrics analysis along the way, as well.

Anyway, home time was the rush rush (to the llello) adventure part. Karl told us that our game was on at 7:30PM, and seeing as it was still only 5PM, we weren't in any rush to get home. However, being the idiots that we were, we took too much time trying to get home, and we ended up stranded at Blacktown Station at 7:15PM with no way home. The bus was supposed to come at 7PM, but didn't even bother turning up. So, we had to call Karl to pick us up. He was kind enough to do so, which meant we had to get from the Station, back home to get changed and then all the way to KB in about 15 minutes. Seeing as Karl's a race car driver, we managed to make it in about 25, which wasn't too bad. We weren't late anyway.

Anyway, more game disorganisation really took us out of it. We had the effort, but none of the discipline or planning that leads to wins. So, we took home another loss. I remain optimistic about this team, though. It just takes some time.

After the game was more basketball at Ian's house. It was also the kind of ball that I liked: one-on-one. Had my ugly competitive streak shine through again after losing one match. Karl should be used to it by now. All this basketball's left me dead tired though, so I guess it's off to bed for me. Anyways, later days!

- marty..

P.S. Post-HSC shopping spree list, v2.0:

Games - WWE Smackdown vs Raw 06; Ultimate Spider-Man
Albums - OK Go - Oh No; Yellowcard - Lights and Sounds; Amity Lane - The Sound of Regret; The Drama Club - The Long Way Down; Nine Black Alps - Everything Is; Trapt

END COMMUNICATION.

I NEED SLEEP.

So far, over the last 40 hours, I've been awake for 37. Pretty good reasons though, namely two formals, one after the other. Wednesday night was the OLMC formal, which was pretty cool. Was pretty unprepared; with about 30 minutes before I had to start getting ready, I still had to message my Dad in the Phils to find out where my formal pants were. Plus, had to pick up the corsages I ordered for myself and TJ. I had to run from my house to Woodcroft Plaza (a good 10 minutes) and back within half an hour. With that settled, it was off to pick up Di. Funnily enough, I decided to leave my iPod at home, which is pretty un-me. I usually never leave home without it. Hell, I never go to the driveway without it.

Anywho, Di's parents were actually pretty cool. I wasn't even worried about meeting them, for some reason. As hard as Di tried to avoid them, they insisted on taking the prerequisite pre-formal photos. Took a while to reach Le Montage though; we tried following a limo along the way but still ended up getting lost. The place itself was pretty cool; very classy setting. The food, I didn't touch much. The non-alcoholic champagne, I consumed like I was jonesing. Anywho, lots of fun dancing with the Patty Boy contingent for the night (especially Richard, you classic mullet-rocking gangsta! Take our phones man! We don't want trouble!) and having photog sessions, except for the professional one 'cause the dude made me wait for ages just to get my change. Smug bastard.

Anywho, after the formal was Celina's house. At first, everyone was just hanging out and watching Stankervision. Grace was fawning over the guy I now refer to simply as 'the tequila dude,' until me, Timmy and Cristian reminded her of how he got fat. And got ugly. And turned gay. Liberace gay. Then, things moved onwards to the basement, where people played strip poker and rubbed their naked bodies on my head. Would be SO much cooler if they weren't guys though. Bastards. People soon went upstairs to watch Old School. I'd already seen it, so I decided to stick around downstairs. That, and I couldn't be fucked going upstairs. So, I stayed downstairs and spotted the old-school Nintendo! Alas, it was all for naught; without a controller, it might as well have been a paper weight. It was fun getting our hopes up though; Duck Hunt would've been a sweet way to end the night/morning. Without the Nintendo, the convo turned to other fun topics, such as cartoons (Dexter's Lab >>>>> j00), games (FFVII = FFX >>>>>> j00) and Pokemon (Silver Version >>>>> j00). At 3AM, Di's parents came and took us home. All in all, pretty cool night.

Seeing as I got to sleep at around 4:30AM, I figured it would be a good a time as any to catch up on my sleep. And the survey says: "DUMBASS!" TJ woke me up around 9:20AM to pick up his corsage. Damn, not even 5 hours of sleep! But it was all good, I took advantage of the time and bludged the day away. Eventually, it was time to get ready for my formal. My uncle suggested I get ready early in case there was too much traffic down Parramatta Road, so I was ready by around 4:30PM. This was WAYYYY too early though; damn overestimation! So me and Di were at the City by 6PM, and the cruise didn't start until around an hour later. Luckily, a lot of other people were early as well. Anywho, the cruise itself was okay. Didn't spend as much time dancing, mostly just hung out with different people and took photos. My brother stuffed up with the pick up arrangements, and he ended up at the Pontoon bar instead of the Pontoon boat. LOLZORDZ! Di had to walk a looooooong way. Anywho, dropped her off, went home, got changed, then me and TJ got dropped off at IanMan's house for the afterparty.

The afterparty was sweet, though. This is where I lost my sleep. Attention: I was NOT drunk. I just took things way too fast, and couldn't handle it at the time. I was not inebriated, intoxicated, smashed, hammered, gone, whatever! Anywho, heaps of fun though. Took heaps of photogs! Matt turned red, Chris turned red, and Ria turned pink. RD apparently bought out LiquorLand, so now IanMan has an endless supply of Woodstocks. The best part was staying up from 4AM until around 7AM just sitting around IanMan's backyard, laughing our fucking asses off at the STUPIDEST things. Then, around 7AM, I fell asleep for an hour or so, and then woke up to find a penis and monobrow drawn on my face. Thanks, bastards. Anywho, bummed there for another couple of hours or so, then me and TJ got dropped off at the Station by Mark and Nat around 2PM. After that, it was bus time home, and then sleep time around 3:30PM, for around two hours or so. Thanks to the IanMans for letting us have it at their house! Hope it wasn't too much of a hassle. And thanks as well to everyone else who organised and cleaned up (i.e. Ria and RD). Oh, and thanks to Mark and Nat for breakfast!

Anywho, I woke up to find out we had a game at KB. Can't be bothered going through the details, so the long and short of it was that we won. Anyways, later days!

- marty..

END COMMUNICATION.

It burns a hole through everyone that feels it...

The Used - Blue and Yellow

And it's all in how you mix the two
And it starts just where the light exists
It's a feeling that you cannot miss
And it burns a hole
Through everyone that feels it

Well you're never gonna find it
If you're looking for it
Won't come your way
Well you'll never find it
If you're looking for it

Should've done something but I've done it enough
By the way your hands were shaking
I'd rather waste some time with you

Well you never would've found in the end
How amazing it feels just to live again
It's a feeling that you cannot miss
And it burns a hole
Through everyone that feels it

Well you're never gonna find it
If you're looking for it
Won't come your way
Well you'll never find it
If you're looking for it

Should've done something but I've done it enough
By the way your hands were shaking
I'd rather waste some time with you
Should've said something but I've said it enough
By the way my words were faded
I'd rather waste some time with you

Should've done something but I've done it enough
By the way your hands were shaking
I'd rather waste my time with you
Should've said something but I've said it enough
By the way my words were faded
I'd rather waste my time with you

Should've done something but I've done it enough
By the way my hands were shaking
I'd rather waste some time with you

Waste some time with you...

Sucks that this had to happen, but I felt that there were just too many things in the way. Who knows? Maybe someday it'll all work out in the end. But for now, I guess this is it. I guess I could've tried hiding it for a little while longer, but I felt that this was bound to happen sooner or later with the way we've been lately, so I decided to let you know. I've missed you, and I still do, but I guess when I realised that you'd stopped caring about me, I had to do something. So, here we are. This isn't what I wanted, but who gets what they want anyway? So, as the special friend that you used to care about, I bid you adieu. But as the close friend you spent two and a half hours with at the logs 342 days ago, I guess I'm back. And I guess that's the silver lining I've been looking for. End drama.

In other news, thanks to IanMan and RD (AKA the Million Dollar Baby Giant) for taking care of the supplies! Nice work on the food-and-drinks to alcohol ratio, as well. Oh, and IanMan asked for a shout out, so here it is. Hey Ian, ya bloody bachelor/prettyboy! Jokes mate, see ya tonight. Anyways, later days!

- marty..

END COMMUNICATION.

We actually had a productive planning session? OMG! WTF?

In six years, I think this is the first time we've succeeded in planning something. Whether it all works out in the end remains to be seen, but just the fact that we actually have something PLANNED is something to cheer about in itself. So anyway, today was pretty crazy. Billy told me on Saturday that people wanted to plan the afterparty, and that he and Richard wanted to have the planning at my house. I don't know why it had to be at my house, but seeing as I probably would've been bored by myself anyway, I figured I'd just let them have it there. I had no idea how many people would actually turn up, but it was more than I expected. I suck at hosting anything at my house, frankly because I'm a total neat freak. Case in point: I regularly interrupt Xbox games (when four other guys are playing) to adjust the couch because it's hitting the blinds, or it's not properly lined up with the carpet.

Off the top of my head, the people who went today were Karl, RD, IanMan, Matt, Ian, Pat, Richard, TJ, Lutz, Billy, Jay, Chris and Christian, I think. If I forgot anyone, then my bad. Anyway, had heaps of fun playing Burnout: Revenge. Funny 'cause Christian called and said he and Karl were gonna be over in 10 minutes, but they ended up taking 30 to get here. We all agreed that they were making out, with a little bit of rubbin' and shuntin' as well. The story was that Christian 'couldn't get the car started.' Norries guys, we know the truth. Car trouble...is that what they call it nowadays?

Anywho, womped everyone's ass in Burnout, because that's how I roll. That means you, Tim. I pwned your ass. (The times you beat me don't really count, because...which is...I can...I drawed a willy on it.) After Burnout was the actual 'conference' session. This was cool because it worked out for once. So it's all settled! RD just has to buy our stuff. Don't worry dude, we've got the finances covered, 'cause according to Richard, it's $300 each, so that should cover it. If you have any extra moneys, use them for a haircut. Kidding, buy porn instead. Good porn, too. None of this 'RD Borbajo sex tape' crap. Jokes, buddy! Thanks for handling the food preparation. Awesome; porn, food preparation and RD Borbajo all in the same paragraph!

Anyway, aside from Pat and Ian, everyone left after we got that settled. Speaking of the Darsh twins, I'm not Ian's friend anymore, because he beat me twice in NBA Live 06. (No, Ian, not three times. The second time was BULLSHIT. YOU KNOW IT!) He got his first glimpse of me being a very sore loser. Bastard. Before I leave for the Phils, I'm giving you the thrashing of your life. Then we can do smack. My veins feel so alive. Oh, and fuck Andre Iguodala.

In other news, tomorrow's sign out day, which means tomorrow we officially become ex-Patty Boys. I can't be fucked carrying all my stuff, because unlike other people, I can't carry 'the Empire State building in one arm.' Damn alloys, think they're all good. So Karl's picking me up at 10:30AM for sign out day, then me and TJ are off to Parra so he can buy his tie, and I can go CD shopping. Sweeeeeeet. Anyways, later days!

- marty..

P.S. EDDIE! EDDIE! EDDIE! Rest in Peace, Eddie Guerrero. The man whose nickname was so cool I decided to steal it for myself, is now with the God he loved so much. Still can't believe he's gone, but at least he's in a better place. Thank you so much for the memories.

END COMMUNICATION.

Freedom, sweet freedom...wait, this sucks.

Wow, there goes the HSC. And now to paraphrase my good friend Triple H from way back in August 2002...

'"HSC, face facts! You can't burden me anymore! I will cripple your ass! H-S-C is dead!"

Yay! No more HSC! Two weeks of NOTHING..actually, not nothing...but no more schoolwork to worry about! Yay! Then I'm off to the Phils for quite some time. But for now, I need sleep. As such, so long and goodnight, HSC. Rot in hell. Please.

And I'm here to do this blog properly this time. The last time was a cop out. So, today was fun...ish. The start of the day was AWESOME; I was hyperkinetic before my Eco exam because I knew it was all about to be over. I seriously couldn't stand still, but it's not like I ever do anyway. I was constantly running around, walking off ledges, jumping off walls, etc. I wasn't even thinking about the exam; you know you've got your priorities in order when you're more worried about what you're doing after the exam than the exam itself. I was just so happy to get it all over and done with. Plus, I was even more ecstatic afterwards 'cause it wasn't that bad of an exam. I think I put up a pretty decent effort overall, so I was pretty happy with that.

Anyways, post-HSC celebrations started with me and JB going to Parra straight after the exam to go shopping for a corsage. (Or, if we had gone with JB's original idea, a corset. Luckily he figured out that the corsage was the flower, and the corset was the lingerie.) It was cool to see everyone again. Corsage shopping wasn't as hard as I thought it was gonna be, it's now just a matter of planning when to actually pick it up. Karl told me we had an impromptu game at KB at 8:45PM, so that took care of not knowing what to do that night. I originally intended to go CD-shopping as well, but I didn't feel like dragging the guys all the way to JB Hi-Fi in case I couldn't find a CD. So, we just decided to go home.

When I got home, it was sleep time. Well, after feed-the-dog and get-Ian-to-play time. I called Karl to check if he was still playing, and he said he wasn't sure, so I went to sleep 'cause I thought that meant 'no', as it usually does with us. 'I'll see' means 'no,' 'I'll try' means 'no, I'm not,' and 'I have no idea' means 'I'm staying home.' Anyway, he ends up wanting to play, so he wakes me up at 7:56PM and tells me to get ready for the game. I'm like, OMG?! But it was cool, I didn't need to do much to get ready. Karl had to play race-car driver because he had five people to pick up in less than half an hour. We ended up making it on time, but it was all for naught. We, myself included, played pretty sloppily. Totally disorganised. It was all a matter of team disorganisation. We get that settled, then we can put up a fight. But for now, the game left us pretty disappointed.

So the game sucked. Plus, there's still a lot of stuff up in the air that's bugging me and needs sorting out. Sucks, but nowhere left to go but up, right? Anyways, later days!

- marty..

END COMMUNICATION.

A pig in the water?

(Borat is being shown 'behind the scenes' by another well spoken gentleman)

Borat - Nice. And this is beautiful badge.

Gent 2 - These are badges given out by the Leander* club

Borat - And there is a pig? (Borat gestures to the hippopotamus on the badge)

Gent 2 - It's a hippopotamus.

Borat - What is hippopotamus?

Gent 2 - It's an animal in Africa that swims in the water.

Borat - Is it a fish?

Gent 2 - No, like a pig. But it goes in the water.

Borat - What? A pig in the water?

Gent 2 - A hippo.

Borat - This is English humour!

Gent 2 - This is not English humour.

Borat - A pig in the water? A pig who drinks water?

Gent 2 - Swims in the water.

Borat - Lives in the water?

Gent 2 - Not pig size. Bigger.

Borat - And will we see this pig in the water?

Gent 2 - No we won't. We'll see the boats that belong to the club that has pigs on their badge.

Borat - They have a pig on the boat?

Gent 2 - They have a little symbol with a pig on the boat.

Borat - And why do they carry the pig on the boat?

Gent 2 - They don't carry... They carry the symbol of it. You know a little picture like your badge.

Borat - And why do they show a picture of a pig?

Gent 2 - Because that's the symbol. I don't know why.

Borat - In Kazakhstan we say, "A pig is a dirty animal".

Gent 2 - Well you see. It's not actually a pig. It's a hippo.



(Borat is sitting in the grand stand with a gentleman. They are about to watch a boat race.)

Gentleman - It's a very great national race between these two *rowing crews*. You back Bucks *Buckingshire*and I'll back Berks *Berkshire*.

Borat - I'll back backs?

Gentleman - And I'll back Bucks. COME ON BUCKS! And you say "Come on Berks".

Borat - Come on the backs.

(The race is now approaching it's (mildly) exciting finally)

Borat - COME ON THE BACKS!

Gentleman - Here they are coming on their...

Borat - Mow the backs.

Gentleman - Come on the Berks.

Borat - Mow the fuck.

Gentleman - Come on the borks.

Borat - COME ON THE FUCKING BACKS!!!

Gentleman - You shouldn't say that.

Borat - Why not?

Gentleman - Because it's a swear word.



(Borat is chatting to middle aged chap with a moustache by the side of the river)

Borat - You have wonderful moustache.

Man with 'tache - I've had that for a very long time.

Borat - Mine is nothing compared to...

Man with 'tache - It just takes time.

Borat - Your moustache is beautiful I'm very jealous!

Man with 'tache - Well I appreciate you saying that.

Borat - Thank you. May I ask... You are man who does with another man?

Man with 'tache - No! Definitely not!

My font's screwed up now, but it was worth it! Borat = L337z0rZ! 0MG!! B0r4+ i5 t3]-[ L0Lz0rZ!!!!!111shift+1 Oh man, brings back so many memories. Can't wait to watch him on the MTV Europe Awards next Tuesday. Anyways, later days!

- marty..

P.S. Economics, along with the rest of the HSC, can officially eat my ass with a spoon as of 12:30PM tomorrow afternoon! WHOOOO!!!!!

P.P.S. TJ, go to http://www.boratonline.co.uk/
Borat sings the Corky song in the third soundboard!

END COMMUNICATION.

I'll tighten my belt before I'll beg for help...

^^^ Jay-Z - Justify My Thug ^^^

I just realised today how arrogant I can be sometimes. Not in the way that I think I'm better than other people, but sometimes I can have such an overblown sense of self-confidence that I tend to bite off more than I can chew. I think it may be more about pride than arrogance; sometimes I refuse to accept help from others because I want to be able to do things on my own. This may not sound right to those who know me as the spoiled brat that I am, but there are times when I stubbornly refuse assistance from other people. I think it stems from some deep-seeded sense of self-insecurity; I constantly feel like I have to prove people wrong, because they doubt that I can do certain things.

The reason this really hit home today is because, with the passing of my Lola, my parents are leaving for the old country tomorrow to attend the ceremony. This leaves my brother and I to take care of ourselves, not to mention the house and the dog, for pretty much the first time ever. I've lived a really comfortable existence so far; I've always had someone to take care of me, either through a parent, my brother, other relatives, etc. With both parents flying out, I now have to fend for myself, if only for two weeks. The funny thing is, even though my mum offered to stay here instead of leaving, I declined and offered to take care of everything. Why? Pride. Foolish? Probably.

For quite some time now, I've felt the need to learn to fend for myself. I've seen other people who can take care of themselves when they're at my age, and I really wanted to do that, even if was only to prove to myself that I could do it. I wasn't thinking of leaving home, but doing something to become more self-sufficient. I'm extremely grateful that my parents raised me very comfortably, but I feel that this has made me too complacent; I expect too much to be done for me. I know now that this won't work when I'm older, so I guess I want to grow a little bit older right now.

Given all this, you'd think that I would welcome the new responsibility heaped upon my shoulders. But this is where that idea of 'biting off more than I can chew' comes into play. Then again, I can look at this from a different perspective, and view it as a counquerable challenge as opposed to an overwhelming burden. The last sentence sounds like the healthy thing to do, so I guess it's the way to go.

Anyways, onto other pressing issues. Firstly, I am nowhere near ready for Business tomorrow. I've wasted at least 15 hours a day for the last two days on the net, procrastinating instead of working. Damn. Could be playing NBA Live right now instead of panicking. Secondly, as screwed as I am for Business, it's a helluva lot worse for Eco. Stupid last week of exams! Plus, formals have to be prepared for. Prepared: suits for both formals. Not prepared: rides (both there and back) and after-parties. Comparing what's prepared to what's not prepared, my level of readiness for the formal is approximately: shit. Damnit.

In more cheerful news, today's the 8th. At least this month was better than last month. Bright side part two - HSC finishes in 3 days! Bright sides = L337. Anyways, later days!

- marty..

P.S. Happy 8th of the month, you!

END COMMUNICATION.

To my beloved Lola Mommy...

Funny how some things happen and make the rest of your troubles seem petty and insignificant. If it's not too much trouble, I'd like to ask people to pray for my Lola (Grandma), who passed on peacefully in her sleep early this morning, back in the old country. She will be dearly missed, and forever loved. She was an AMAZING woman, to whom God bestowed the strength she needed to raise seven children on her own. It sucks that she's gone, but I know she's in a much better place. Plus, we can take solace in the fact that she didn't suffer. In any case, any prayers would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance, from the whole family. Anyways, later days.

- marty..

P.S. Rest in Peace, Lola Mommy. March 20, 1925 - November 6, 2005.

END COMMUNICATION.

I hope this song will guide you home...

The Postal Service - Such Great Heights

I am thinking it's a sign that the freckles
in our eyes are mirror images
and when we kiss
they're perfectly aligned
and I have to speculate that God himself
did make us into corresponding shapes
like puzzle pieces from the clay
true, it may seem like a stretch
but it's thoughts like this that
catch my troubled head
when you're away
when I am MISSING YOU TO DEATH
when you are out there on the road
for several weeks of shows
and when you scan the radio
I hope this song will guide you home

They will see us waving from such great heights
"Come down now," they'll say
But everything looks perfect from far away
"Come down now," but we'll stay

I tried my best to leave
this all on your machine
but the persistent beat
it sounded thin upon listening
and that, frankly will not fly
you will hear the shrillest highs
and lowest lows
with the windows down
when this is guiding you home

I've been listening to this song for a while now, and it only struck me now that the lyrics are really cool. Well, I love it anyway. Ben said this song was a chance to write about the good side of love and how awesome it can actually be, as opposed to all the other 'love sucks' songs that he'd written before. The result is an awesome song that's got me hooked. Anyways, later days!

- marty..

END COMMUNICATION.

This needs a title, doesn't it?

Hello, November. I've had enough of Physics for now, so that can wait until later tonight. Amazing how four solid hours of study for one topic still doesn't make you feel confident. Four more hours on Ideas for later tonight before I sleep should boost said confidence though. More study over the next two days should hopefully get me ready. Well, as ready as I could be anyway.

Anywho, I don't know whether or not I'm jealous of all the people who've finished their HSC already, because I like the gaps in my schedule. I need to know that I have ample time to study, so I can use that time to play Xbox.

Last night, I played my first ever game of organised basketball (well, third, if two games I played in year 2 in the Phils count, but whatever...). Ian pretty much summed it up: "I can't sit down, 'cause my ass hurts from that ass-raping." Sweeeeeet. Heaps of fun though; am looking forward to the season after I get back from the Phils. Should be fun. My body hurt when I woke up, but I didn't mind. Stupid physical unfitness. Mystery bruise: right knee. I didn't hit it anywhere last night, but it was there this morning, so I was like, OMG!!1 WTF!!

Anywho, dinner beckons, as does more Physics. I think an ass-kicking is in order for the next three exams, but for me or the exam, I'm not sure. Yay! Three more exams and I'm done! I know I'm being overly optimistic, but I'm looking on the bright side for once, instead of bitching about finishing on the very last day. Oh, and nearly forgot about the biggest event of the entire week: THE NBA SEASON STARTS TOMORROW!!! WHOOOOOOOOO!!!! I have reason to watch ESPN again! Anyways, later days!

- marty..

P.S. The Postal Service = L337.

END COMMUNICATION.

Sextension

Today, there was no Extension 1 examination. Instead, there was an Extension 1 annihilation. Ouch.

Today marked my last ever Maths-related exam. The thought of never having Maths ever again feels pretty weird. I'm gonna miss my whole 3unit class! I think some of us lived up to our motto of "BENEATH STATE AVERAGE." Well, at least I did. Hopefully everyone else axed the exam! Surprisingly, I'm not even that bothered by my death-by-3unit. I pretty much expected a thrashing, but I think I still put in a pretty good effort.

So that means in four out of my five exams so far, I've died trying. 2unit Maths was a different story; that exam was such a bloody ambush. But, I'm sick of bitching about that stupid exam. It can eat my ass. With a spoon. End of story.

Anyways, after the exam, me and TJ bummed around Westpoint, then watched The 40-Year-Old Virgin. Hi-larious! Steve Carell = genius! That movie had me ROFLMAOOMGWTF. Watching that movie was a very wise decision; helped me forget all about Extension.

For some reason, I think my headaches might be timed. They almost always seem to strike around late afternoon, before dinnertime. Sometimes they last the whole night, but luckily tonight, it seems to be fading already. Maybe it's the weather being a bitch? Oh well, that's what Panadol and Migrasticks are for.

Tomorrow begins my eight-day study break, very much appreciated seeing as I'm nowhere near ready for Economics. And so, I've got four solid days of Economics revision ahead of me, which gives me another four days to spend on Physics. Hopefully by then I'll be ready. I'm looking forward to Physics; as hard as it is, it's always been a fun subject for me. Less excited for Economics and Business. Both subjects are fun, but the exams always suck. Extended responses have never been my forte, and since both subjects require quite a lot of writing, hopefully this break prepares me well.

But that's all for later on. For now, I just need sleep...after a game or two on NBA Live 06. Game-winning buzzer-beaters make me smile. And scream. Anyways, later days!

- marty..

P.S. Post-HSC shopping spree list:

Games - WWE Smackdown vs Raw 06; Ultimate Spider-Man; Burnout: Revenge
Shoes - Black and blue Dunk Pro Low SB
Albums - The Postal Service - Give Up; Amity Lane - The Sound of Regret; OK Go; Trapt; Yellowcard - Lights and Sounds; The Drama Club - The Long Way Down; Death Cab for Cutie - Something About Airplanes; Death Cab for Cutie - We Have the Facts and We're Voting Yes; Nine Black Alps - Everything Is

[ b l u e s2 y e l l o w ][ i m i s s y o u ]

END COMMUNICATION.

OMG!!1shift+1 mtHs w4s t3h SU><0rZ!!!

Dear Maths,

Fuck you. You weren't cool. What happened to you? You used to be cool.

Hate always,

- disgruntled former friend..


I always knew I would feel sad after finishing my Maths exam, but I never thought I would be this pissed off. I figured finishing my last Maths exam ever would be depressing because Maths has always been good to me. But after today, Maths can, in the immortal words of Tom Tucker from Family Guy, "fornicate itself with an iron stick."

I think it would be safe to assume that 3u Maths isn't gonna be fun either. So that, too, can fornicate itself.

I needed some cheering up after Maths, so I bought myself new shoes. They half-did the trick. Still seething over Maths though. Oh wells, here's hoping assessment marks pull me up. Anyways, later days!

- marty..

END COMMUNICATION.

Fill Her

The Eraserheads - Fill Her

You don't need to leave
It seems a bit naïve
No need to disagree
Or seek my history
You're staring at my soul
My sanity you stole
But then I knew all along
That anything could go wrong
Though I can't see you
I can feel you
I'm so glad you opened my door
When I get near, all my fears disappear
And I won't be alone anymore

Currently experiencing: throbbing toothache of the mind.

Seriously, what's up with this headache? It started last night, around 6PM. I tried sleeping it off around 6:30PM, but to no avail. I woke up around 3 hours later, and it was still bugging me. I ate dinner, watched TV, went on MSN and played Xbox; and none of those worked! I went to bed by around 2:30AM, hoping that when I woke up, my head would be ache-free. Alas, I could still feel a niggling pain in the back of my head as I got out of bed around an hour or so ago. It's the type of headache that flares up when you move your head too fast in one direction. Most of the time though, my head just throbs. Lying down's the worst: I can feel my head pulsating to the rhythm of my heartbeat. Fun.

In light of this, I've come up with a suitable conclusion: there's a fucking alien sucking on the back of my neck, under the skin. It's the only logical conclusion.

In other news, a while back, RD challenged me to come up with 100 RD moments. Seeing as I had a life, I decided not to bother. Then it struck me: instead of an RD Top 100 (you selfish bastard), we should just compile a PBB Top 100. So, I'm reaching out to the fellowship: If anyone can remember any of the stupid/cool stuff we've done since Year 7, keep them stashed somewhere, then send them to me after HSC. I'll start compiling them then, since I probably wouldn't have anything better to do after exams. Still undecided on whether they'll be in order or at random. In any case, that should keep me occupied until I leave for the Phils.

Need. Breakfast. And. Panadol. So. I. Can. Study. For. Maths. Anyways, later days!

- marty..

P.S. Thanks to Karl and Billy for hooking up my wireless internet and such. Wireless = PwNz0rZ. omg!!1 u jst ated the bord and its the LOLZ0rZ. LMAO. I RATE LIEK THAT! UR FAMOUSE NOW LOLZ! jerry jsckson films = PwNz0rZ!!!!11shift+1

P.P.S. Happy birthday, Maths buddy Mark! Ya ADULT bisexual fence-feet train! DEATH TO ENGLISH! DEATH TO RELIGION!

END COMMUNICATION.

Hooray for the Losers

I don't know about everyone else, but to me, months start and end on the 8th. Based on this, I haven't exactly had the best month. I mean, I was okay with graduation and everything. In fact, I was looking forward to all the celebrations and such. But aside from these, the last month has been pretty rough, privately. Furthermore, things don't look too good in the near future. I mean, I know things will pass. I just know they won't be passing anytime soon. Add the HSC to the mix, and you've got an equation I don't really feel like dealing with right now.

And now, for the first time, I'm able to admit this to myself, and to anyone else bothering to read this. I've been denying (to myself) that I have, in fact, been pretty down for a while. I guess it's because I try to avoid feeling sorry for myself, because a lot of people have it way worse than I do. Plus, there have been a lot of happy occasions to distract me from myself (i.e. IanMan's AWESOME 18th, which was a welcome break from self-pity, even though there were still certain things that got me down, and I knew I'd be down again the day after). It just sucks when people forget you exist. Or when you feel like you don't matter anymore.

And so, here are a bunch of quotes that pretty much sum up my month.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here I am, pouring my heart onto these rooftops
Just a ghost to the world...

-- Story of the Year - Anthem of Our Dying Day

But there's no blame for how our love did slowly fade
And now that it's gone, it's like it wasn't there at all
And here I rest: where disappointment and regret collide
Lying awake at night...

-- Death Cab for Cutie - Title and Registration

And it stings when it's nobody's fault
'Cause there's nothing to blame at the drop of your name...

-- John Mayer - Split Screen Sadness

Where are we?
What the hell is going on...

...sinking, feeling, spin me 'round again...

...you don't care a bit...

-- Imogen Heap - Hide and Seek

When you try your best and you don't succeed...

...stuck in reverse...

...when you love someone but it goes to waste
Could it be worse?

-- Coldplay - Fix You

Take away the sensation inside
Bittersweet migraine in my head
It's like a throbbing toothache of the mind...

-- Green Day - Give Me Novacaine

Quiet is my loudest cry
Wouldn't want to wake the eyes that make me melt inside
And if it's healthier to leave you be, may a sickness come and set me free
Kill me while I still believe that you were meant for me...

-- Yellowcard - Rough Draft

I thought it less like a lake, and more like a moat...

...the distance is quite too far for me to row:
it seems farther than ever before (oh no)
I need you so much closer...

-- Death Cab for Cutie - Transatlanticism

'Cause it's always raining in my head
Forget all the things I should have said...

-- Staind - Epiphany

I try to hold it all inside...

...the things I've become
That something is missing...

...and now it seems that I have found
Nothing at all
I want to hear your voice out loud...

-- The Used - On My Own

How can I believe when this cloud hangs over me...

...there's nothing to lose but my mind and all the things I wanted...

-- Breaking Benjamin - Forget It

It's so hard to believe
When someone told me that your suffering
Is what you get for living
I wanted life to be this way
Just a little bit of love could mean so much
Oh please, don't take it all away
But with you, heaven is still close enough to touch...

-- The Eraserheads - Hard to Believe

Just ask the question
Come untie the knot
Say you won't care
Say you won't care
Retrace the steps
As if we forgot
Say you won't care
Say you won't care
You try to avoid it
But there's not a doubt
And there's one thing I can do nothing about...

-- Taking Back Sunday - New American Classic

I've had a hard time, very hard time
Seeing less of you
I never thought you knew...

...and you're blind to the fact that my heart stopped beating...

-- A New Found Glory - Sincerely Me

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I guess even clowns can have their bad times, too. Anywho, I think that's enough drama from me. I guess I just express myself better when there's drama involved. I'm not angry at anyone, nor am I angry at myself, nor do I blame anyone. Well, at least not anymore. I don't want to let certain things go either. For now, I guess I'm just a bit down. Anyways, later days.

- marty..

END COMMUNICATION.

Thank you's/shout outs

I know this is three weeks late. Blame the modem being fucked up, but thankfully that's been fixed and I can FINALLY get this thing written up. I'd been planning this for about a week before graduation, but couldn't 'cause my modem sucks donkey balls. Anywho, on with it...

I was trying to work out the best way to set this out, and couldn't really come up with anything out of the ordinary. So, I decided to copy what musicians do when they make CD's, and have that long-ass thank you's/shout outs section in the booklet thingy. So, without further ado, here are my six years worth of shout outs and thank you's. If this gets a TAD long (and esoteric, since my group relies on inside jokes for most of our humour), then my apologies in advance.

First and foremost, to the fellaz. Each and every one of you little bastards have made the past six years of my life pretty fucking awesome, and from someone who, quite frankly, wouldn't be alive if it hadn't been for some of you, I offer my heartfelt thanks in appreciation. And so (this isn't in any sort of order, by the way) thank you...

To Karlo (wingman! ya homo...what else can I say without this entry dragging on for another billion pages?), to Ian (lolzordz! my pwnage mate to whom I've passed MANY torches, you know me better than a lot of people, and I could go on forever, but I'd be typing for WAYYYY too long), to IanMan (ya bisexual! keep the Maths spirit alive!), to Pat (my partner in comedy, and the only person who laughs at everything I say, either 'cause he's the only one who gets the pure GENIUS of my jokes, or he's the only one who finds them funny...I personally think it's the first one, but whatever), to JB (thanks for keeping my head placed firmly on my shoulders over the last few years, and for pulling on the string when the balloon looks like it's getting away), to Mark (I can't even remember a Maths lesson before year 8, 'cause we've sat together for Maths for the last five years, and it's been awesome!), to Jono (PUNKNOWN FOREVER!!!), to Mike (LOW DOG, FAAAAAAAHHHH! eh eh eh eh eh...), to Christian (we've bagged you out for about 95% of your high school life, but you know we still love ya mate), to DJ (soul brother #1! thanks for everything man, you've always been real to everyone), to Tony (you. make. holes in teeth. thanks for ALWAYS having my back), to RD (the sexiest mate I've got! you're right up there when it comes to giving everyone a moment to remember, and I know everyone has their favourite RD moment, with most of them being embarassing for you! =P), to TJ (thanks for saving me from drowning in a 1 metre pool! we've had our ups and downs, but we've always worked it out...sorry for stealing your magazine! actually, no I'm not, not like I lost anything important =D), to Goldy (the NEW champion, but only because you owe me and Studman...PUNKNOWN WILL NOT DIE!), to Rich (another person who's always kept it real with me, thanks man! you sexy bastard!), to Cristian (to whom I've lent approximately ONE BILLION DOLLARS since year 10, but it's all good 'cause you've always paid me back anyway), to Mattitude (the best and sneakiest Indonesian friend anyone could ever have!), to Ariel (happy to say one of the first friends I ever made, and is still a good mate to this day), to Chris (the future Dr. de Leon, thanks for putting up with ALLLLLL the jokes I've made, and resisting the urge to kill me), to Jay (you sexy nigger! same with Chris, you could have killed me by now, so thanks for not killing me....you sexy beast), to Billy (keep working on 3unit! you've improved by leaps and bounds, so keep going!) and last but definitely not the least, to Dom (literally, my biggest friend, keep it real!).

Also, I'd like to extend a shout out to all the other guys who, although we never ran in the same circles, were still always great mates to be with. To people like Klaska (congrats on the Dux trophy! too bad we couldn't share it again, but you deserved it mate!), Ryan (WEEEEEEED!! I'm so toasted!), Lyle (you funny black gangsta!!), my 3unit Maths class (t-t-t-t-t-t-three UNIT! Pat is an emo kid! Brebrich loves men! this class ROCKS!)...and to all the other guys, if you're not on this list, please blame the mind and not the heart. I apologise if I've forgotten you; kick my ass the next time you see me.

To all the other non-school friends I've made over the last six years, especially to everyone at OLMC, thanks for making something that was already awesome even better. Good luck to everyone in the future! I'll definitely miss Thursdays from now on...

Anywho, if this was an awards show, by now they'd be playing the music to kick me off the stage, so I'll end my thank you's there. Anyways, later days!

- marty..

P.S. "It's funny when people forget you exist. Actually, no it's not. It sucks." - Anonymous

END COMMUNICATION.

You're so cold, keep your hand in mine...

Breaking Benjamin - So Cold

Crowded streets are cleared away, one by one
Hollow heroes separate as they run
You're so cold, keep your hand in mine
Wise men wonder while strong men die

Show me how it ends, it's alright
Show me how defenceless you really are
Satisfied and empty inside
Well that's alright
Let's give this another try

If you find your family, don't you cry
In this land of make-believe, dead and dry
You're so cold but you feel alive
Lay your hand on me one last time

Show me how it ends, it's alright
Show me how defenceless you really are
Satisfied and empty inside
Well that's alright
Let's give this another try

Show me how it ends, it's alright
Show me how defenceless you really are
Satisfied and empty inside
Well that's alright
Let's give this another try

It's alright...

Around this time a year ago, I was scouring the US charts for some new music when I came across a (relatively) little-known band called Breaking Benjamin. This was the song that got me hooked onto the band. Even from the beginning, this song stood out from all of the other stuff I downloaded. Needless to say, they've quickly become one of my favourite bands, if not my actual favourite out of the whole bunch of stuff I flood my ears with. And so, I've decided to post this as kind of a reminder of where I was this time last year, and as a testament to the band's staying power, in terms of constant iPod earplay.

On a more serious note, I'd also like to offer some semblance of remembrance for everyone who lost their lives four years ago, and those still living with the aftermath of 9/11. I can remember exactly where I was and what I was doing the minute the breaking news showed up on my late-night TV (computer room, just finished doing Year 8 Geography assessment). May the future be filled with the happiness that the past ripped away seemingly oh so long ago. May they rest in peace. Anyways, later days.

- marty..

EDIT: Dang, 38 seconds too late.

END COMMUNICATION.

Sneaker Freaker

"I'll show you how to do this, son!
How you want it?
My jeans is $300
These ain't Diesel, nigga
These is Evisu..."

- Jay-Z - Show You How

Priorities. After all the prerequisites at the top of the list (i.e. [in no particular order] religion, family, all my friends, a certain someone, etc.), I've come to realise that the next item down on the list is...my sneaker addiction. Actually, it's debatable on whether the next item is actually basketball or my sneaker jones, but that's a different story. Anywho! Although I'm not even remotely close to being the biggest sneaker freak of all time (there are people out there with hundreds, even thousands of pairs of kicks), I'd like to think I've built up a decent collection for my age. At the moment, I've got 17 pairs in my room, and I can count at least 5 more around the house that I can borrow off my bro (way bigger sneaker freak than me) or my dad. Favourite sneaks:

• black hi-cut Chucks (classic cool)
• pink Chucks (got them WAY before pink on guys got annoying and overdone)
• pink checkered Vans (see previous shoe)
• white on white AF1's; blue & white AF1's (tie; both classics, again)
• black Lacoste (favourite out of all 3 Lacoste shoes 'cause it's so different and 'cause it's Lacoste)
• Air Jordan XVIII (15th birthday present, can count on two hands the number of times I've worn 'em)
• all-white K-Swiss Chilton II's (kicked off (pun intended) my sneaker addiction way back on December 15, 2001...and they still fit me! )

As much as I love my shoe collection, one thing was always missing: I've never had one of those rare, super exclusive shoes. The shoes that stop sneaker addicts on a dime when they're walking down the street and catch even a half-a-nanosecond glance of 'em on some lucky sonofabitch's feet.

That was, until I got home. I came home today (after the Squad Sniper Winter Warfare, but more on that in a second) to some of the sweetest kicks EVER. Because of my impending graduation and my brother getting a job recently, he decided to buy me a relatively rare pair of Evisu sneakers. They're not one-of-a-kind, per se, but they're pretty exclusive: there's only one pair in each size. So, I don't think there's anyone else walking around with size eight-and-a-half Evisu's on their feet. Match them up with my sweet as Evisu jeans, and an appropo apple green shirt (preferrably Polo or Lacoste), and SHAZAM!

Speaking of Fonzy, the guy went on a Bape spree (may not look like it on monitor, but that phrase rhymes) today. Bapesta shoes, two Bape shirts and an pwnage Bape jumper. Sheez, I damn near blew up when I walked into his room and saw the Bapestas. These kicks are R-A-R-E!

Anywho, I think I'm sounding way too materialistic right now. Hope not; I love my sneaks, but I know they don't make me better than anyone else. They're just a passion of mine.

In other news, Team Squad Sniper was out and about again today, invading Macquarie. After the University open day (gathering intelligence), it was off to the Winter Warfare! On a personal note, I was REALLY surprised that I could actually make my way around the ice today! To the fellaz who've been ice skating with me over the last six years, you guys all know how BADLY I suck at ice skating, so me being able to skate properly today was a welcome surprise. Anywho, battle scars were earned by Corey (who was named the new captain today, by the way), Di and new recruit Ericka. Corey and Di were actually double stackers today (ouch), but aside from the scrapes and scratches (and Corey's jeans, and Di's 'droaked' jumper), no major casualties suffered. Operation Winter Warfare was pretty much a success. Thanks for the fun, Squad!
Anywho, it's off to intelligence training (read: "suffering through Physics and English") before I, the newly-promoted Major of Squad Sniper, hit the sack for some serious R&R. Tomorrow, I've got my Grandma's arrival from the old country (yaaaayyyyy! ) to look forward to, as well as the final bits of revision homework to not look forward to. To anyone wishing to tax today's pics, apologies in advance; it's a bitch trying to take photos while skating. Anyways, later days!

- marty..

P.S. We count!

END COMMUNICATION.

Express blog: 10 minutes or less

Haven't been here in a while, so I decided to pop in for a quickie blog. Anywho, yesterday was heaps fun, despite it being the last Parra Thursday and all. No more 15 minute walks to OLMC, passing around the footy (or in my case, watching everyone else pass around the footy) and generally causing chaos around Parra. No more, as Kate put it, large groups of red/green and blue/yellow walking to Food Court 1 and bumming the time away. No more scrambling to try and make it to the early bus, then ending up taking the 4:20 anyway (most likely because, even though the bus was there, we were too slow/lazy to make it). No more using 'too tired from having fun at Parra' as an excuse not to do homework. Even though those days are gone, I've still got a lot to look forward to, so I guess I'm bittersweet about it.

Anywho! The day itself was pretty fun. Trained it to Parra by myself (lost track of the guys thanks to someone in Year 11 borrowing my stuff and me having to chase him up for it), but ended up getting there before they did anyway. Then, after my usual routine of scouring JB Hi-Fi for new music, me, Karl and Ariel went to the field. The guys were already playing, so I got the old (and by old, I mean, buy me a new digicam PLEASE) digicam out and took a BUNCH of random pics. I have to say, I think I've mastered the art of random photo taking. The evidence in the photo album speaks for itself. Highlights include: ginormous group photos, a TON of random pics, the ball got stuck in the tree AGAIN thanks to Julian the Prettyboy, human pyramid and post-pyramid destruction left me smiling AND aching...oh, and got a sweet card from Di! (Happy 8th of the month for yesterday, by the way).

Photog session yesterday was fun, and next week's video session for the final Thursday EVER looks to be even better. I'm DEFINITELY bringing the handycam for that; apparently there are big ballgames (both Foot and Basket) scheduled. And damnit, if I'm leaving Patties, I'm damn sure looking to leave a lasting impression captured on videotape, fingers crossed.

I'm beat, and this quickie blog's turned not so quickie - I've gone overtime by approximately fifteen minutes. So I'm guessing it's off to the homework desk for me. I'm rationing my homework this weekend (which to me includes Friday night); since I've got something to do for all six subjects, it's gonna be two a day (or night, whatever). Anywho, here's hoping to get through everything I need to get through, then get enough sleep for Macquarie open day tomorrow. Anyways, later days!

- marty..

P.S. If it's not too much trouble, I'd just like to ask if people could offer a prayer or two for my grandfather back in the old country, 'cause he's not exactly fighting fit at the moment. A couple of prayers here and there would be very much appreciated. On behalf of the family, thanks a whole heap.

END COMMUNICATION.

Team Squad Sniper

Today was pretty awesome. Aside from having to wake up so early (there's a 7:30 in the morning now?) and hunger pains making for a pretty cranky morning, the day was actually a LOT of fun. Woke up pretty early for a freakin' Saturday...again, who came up with this 7:30 in the morning? Anywho, Christian gave me a lift to Blacktown Station, where we saw Di on the train. Congratulations again Di, you were actually early. Anywho, met up with everyone else at Parra Station, then it was off to UNSW for open day. The train ride there was pretty fun; everyone pretty much sat down on the floor. I baggsed my usual corner seat. The open day started out fun enough; stuff I remember: I was piss-scared to talk to the Psych teacher guy one-on-one, EVERYONE was scabbing freebies, we saw a bunch of school mates here and there, TP had some funky hula hoop technique that got her two free drinks, had my first meal after nearly 18 hours of involuntary hunger pains, Christian came up with two HI-LARIOUS quotes...

Christian: I can't promise to bring you guys back alive, but I promise you this: I will bring you back alive.

Christian: Dead or alive, we're bringing you back alive.

...and so on and so forth.

BUT, the day got really fun after we left the open day. Inspired by Christian's quotes, and after all the ADFA talk that had been brewing since the morning, Squad Sniper was born, with Christian de Leon being named squad leader. Celina pretty much summed up the whole Sniper Squad story in her blog, but I've decided to retell my ordeal as a soldier MIA.

After the formation of Squad Sniper, the first mission was to board the bus back to Central Station. The bus stop was China'd out (i.e. overpopulated), so the mission was pretty dangerous; there was definitely a chance that someone from the squad would not be able to board the rescue vehicle. After a lot of pushing and shoving, everyone was on board the bus, with the exception of myself (Intel) and Gin (Special Officer of Higher Command). I saw to it that she made it on to the bus safely. However, miscommunication with the bus driver meant that I was stuck outside the rescue vehicle. It then sped off, with Squad Sniper's Intelligence left back at the rescue point. Thankfully though, all was not lost. Using my special Intelligence skills, I was able to procure a native (codename: 'One') who provided the information necessary for me to make my way to the rendezvous point. Navigating through the inhospitable foreign environment (infested with thousand upon thousands of hostiles), I was able to survive, arriving at the rendezvous point safe and sound. Along the way, I slayed mighty dragons, rescued fair maidens and saved the entire world from a terrorist attack. That, or I fell asleep listening to my iPod, I can't remember. Thank you, Squad Sniper for the heartfelt, touching salute. It was much appreciated after my terrifying, but ultimately triumphant ordeal against the forces of, umm, lostness.

Anyway, after a number of card photos (still can't believe I went through with them) and some videogaming action, the Sniper Squad disbanded for the day. The five remaining members (myself, Squad Leader Christian, Medic Corey, Special Officer of Higher Command TP and Sanitations Officer, I mean, Demolitions Officer Celina) went through with Operation Eat at Hungry Jack's. Mission was deemed a success from all accounts. Corey left soon afterwards; the remaining four went shopping (purchased: Chevelle and Death Cab albums, black Paul Frank shirt) then made their way back to their respective base camps.

And so, that was today. Team Squad Sniper, est. 03/09/05. Soldiers, remember the inspirational words of our fearless squad captain:

Dead or alive, we're bringing you back alive.

Anyways, later days!

- marty..

P.S. For anyone wanting to tax, sorry in advance for the Squad Sniper pics looking so dodgy. Please place all blame on the scanner.

EDIT: Kicking myself for not knowing Death Cab released a new album, the very same album I held in my hands at Utopia, only to place it back on the shelf. *kicks self* *doubles over in pain* *goes to room* *does Maths homework in disgust*

[ 6 4 7 2 0 ]

END COMMUNICATION.

NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

This is what I get for ignoring The Shallow Bay for so long. Just found out that Kevin Palmer, awesome singer, reasonably talented songwriter and all-around kickass frontman for TRUSTcompany has left the band due to personal problems. I feel really sorry for him, and as a HUGE TRUSTcompany fan, I sincerely wish him the best of luck with all of the problems he's going through. Am officially BUMMED.

Kevin Palmer was the main reason I fell in love with this band. His raspy and impassioned delivery made Downfall, Falling Apart and Hover the classics they are, and drove their first album The Lonely Position of Neutral deep into my brain for weeks and months on end. True Parallels was a slightly less enjoyable follow-up album, but still pretty kickass nonetheless. With Kevin gone, I hope the band can find a new singer and continue busting my eardrums. Still, it just doesn't seem right to listen to TRUSTcompany without hearing Kevin's voice screaming into my psyche. Dang.

Here's hoping Kevin finds his way back into the music scene, somehow, some way. Here's hoping TRUSTcompany continues to whoop ass. And here's hoping I never get this bummed about another band breakup (or near-breakup) ever again. Anyways, later days!

- marty..

P.S. For old times' sake...

No one can see anything on the other side of me
I'll walk, I'll crawl
Losing everything and waiting for the downfall
No one can see everything on the other side of me
I'll walk, I'll crawl
Losing everything on the D O W N F A L L ! !

- TRUSTcompany - Downfall

[ t h e l o n e l y p o s i t i o n o f n e u t r a l ]

END COMMUNICATION.

Maybe the best he can get is still out of his reach...

^^^ Yellowcard - A.W.O.L. ^^^

After getting all my results back for my trials, I can sympathise with whoever Ryan Key was singing about. I didn't crash and burn as expected, but I didn't blitz the whole thing either. There's always been room for improvement, but [***CRAPPY ANALOGY WARNING***] in the case of my trials, there's a whole house, not just a room. Definitely need to improve for English, but that was pretty much a given. I hung my head in shame after getting my Religion marks back. Tsk tsk tsk. I circled my mark and scribbled 'Come back with a vengeance' next to it, which is what I hope to do. It doesn't get any easier from here on in. Gulp. The crappy marks for English and Religion kinda brought me back to reality after Economics and Maths, which was just what I needed; post-trials laziness mode is a bitch to snap out of. As for Business and Physics, I was satisfied with what I got, but not necessarily content (does that make any sense? ). I mean, I got good marks, but I could've done better (stupid silly mistakes! RAAAAHHH!!). Overall, I'd give myself a B- for my trials; pretty good marks, but the overall result was marred by carelessness and lackluster effort in a couple of the exams.

Anywho, all hail Staff Development Days HURRAH! The original idea was to go to RD's and chillax, but that went out the window when we figured out we had no way to get there. So instead, it was off to Parra to find Karen's present. We came up with the highly original idea of an oversized stuffed toy from Happy Girls. Hey, you'd think after doing that twice within the least year or so, we'd come up with a more original idea. Sadly, as a group, we generally suck with presents. Let this serve as a warning in advance to anyone who might be reading; if you ever receive a present from us as a group, you know what to expect, and we apologise in advance. Hope you LOVE your oversized stuffed toy, though.

The forecast for tomorrow looks to be exhausting, physically and mentally. With Sydney Uni having an open day, I'm not-looking forward to plenty of walking and too much thinking. But, I have to stay positive; maybe I'll end up album shopping, or better yet, KICKS shopping on the way there or back.

Shit! Just realised that I haven't bought a new pair of shoes in about nine months or so! Okay, what the hell? (muahahahahaha...excellent. Almighty dagger! Time to keeeel!) Don't mind me...

I made some progress on the whole University thing. Pretty much anything's better than 'I have no idea,' so choosing to focus on Psychology was a step in the right direction. I think Medical Science (then moving on to Psychiatry) is out of the question, seeing as Chemistry's assumed knowledge. My knowledge of Chem goes about as far as 'It starts with the letter C, and involves science.' But my cousin's assuring me that there are bridging courses and such, so there might still be some chance. Also, in the unlikely event I kill 3unit Maths..............................sorry, had to hold my sides there for a second. But, if by some stroke of God, my 3unit marks are great, I might be able to get into Actuarial Studies. Then again, a lot will probably happen before I get into Actuary, such as hell freezing over, animals gaining the ability to speak, the Earth opening up and swallowing all humanity whole, etc. In any case, it's always nice to know there are still a couple of options open. Good luck to everyone dealing with University stuff right now, by the way.

Guess it's back to work for me. Crap! Religion! Crap! Economics! Anyways, later days!

- marty..

END COMMUNICATION.

I thought it less like a lake and more like a moat...

Death Cab for Cutie - Transatlanticism

The Atlantic was born today and I'll tell you how
The clouds above opened up and let it out
I was standing on a surface of a perforated sphere
when the water filled every hole
And thousands upon thousands made an ocean making islands
where no islands should go (oh no)
Most people were overjoyed; they took to their boats
I thought it less like a lake and more like a moat
The rhythms of my footsteps crossing flatlands to your door
have been silenced forevermore
And the distance is quite simply much too far for me to row:
it seems farther than ever before
I need you so much closer

As short as that song looks on monitor, it actually goes for seven minutes. Don't really know why, but I'm getting into this song at the moment. Maybe it's 'cause it's such a shift from what I've been listening to lately (i.e. Karma and Effect, the three Staind albums, etc.), but yeah, this song's pretty cool.

Just realised I've been pulling poser moves when it comes to Staind. As cool as they are, I realised I don't like them as much as I thought I did. They're still pwnage, but only when I'm in the mood for them to be. Ergh, I'm just rambling. Anyways, later days!

- marty..

END COMMUNICATION.

Mom! The meatloaf! F*CK!

^^^ Will Ferrell in Wedding Crashers ^^^

I was supposed to post this yesterday, but my modem was stuffed (as usual), so this is my day late entry. Anywho...

"Now THAT was a funny-ass movie. Anything involving Will Ferrell is likely to have me and Karl cracking up in the aisles, waiting to repeat everything the second we get out of the cinema. We kept saying that line for like, 4-5 hours. I'd just forgotten about it until then, when I needed a title for this entry.

Today was pretty cool. I was bored shitless over the long weekend (except when I was playing Jade Empire, because Jade Empire = L337), so I decided to round up a bunch of people for a movie. TJ dropped out really early because he felt tired after work, and Christian dropped out this morning because he felt sick. I thought Kate was sick today, 'cause she was asleep on the train ride and such. Come to think of it, Michael was sick as well, and that bastard sneezed on my hand when I was getting out of his car! (Fuck it, I got him back. Safe! ) Anywho, a bunch of people are getting sick, and here's hoping whoever's sick gets better, soon.

Still a pretty cool day though. RD came around 9 when he was supposed to come over at 8:30, which was bad because he was supposed to wake me up at 8:30 so we could catch the 9:36 bus with Karl (whoa...okay, no more numbers for a while). Anywho, waking up at 9, I still managed to talk to people on the phone, entertain RD, take a shower, get dressed, get hassled by the parents to make sure the house was securely and safely locked up AND make it to the bus stop in time, which is cause for a ticker-tape parade in my book.

Anywho, the three of us met up with Kate at Parra. We could've watched the movie earlier, but Mattitude was late (actually, I stuffed up with the times, but whatever, details aren't important). Anyway, Matt was late. Caution: never trust Karl with peas, and water bottles. Caution: never trust Karl, RD, Matt or Kate with stickers and labels from CDs and magazines.

John Beckwith: You look beat. Soft mattress?

Jeremy Grey: Soft mattress? Yeah, it could have been the soft mattress. Or the midnight rape. Or the nude gay art show that took place in my room last night. One of those three probably contributed to the lack of sleep.

The movie itself was pretty cool. I was a tad skeptical coming into the movie, then I remembered that anything with Vince Vaughn and either of the Wilson brothers has got to be at least some half-funny shit. I was right. Having Will Ferrell near the end was a pleasant surprise and pretty much sealed the deal. That meatloaf line's gonna stick with me for a while.

After the movie was bumming at Karl's. Watched Pablo Francisco, the funny Latino bastard. Caution: never trust Karl with chewing gum. Caution: never try standing and balancing on a medicine ball. Then I went with Karlo to watch their game at KB, which is something I haven't done in a coupla years, so that was cool. They won, by the way.

After KB was Ian and Pat's house. Caution: never trust Pat and Ian in general, because they are both stupid DARSHES! Pretty funny; it was one-on-one, Michael vs Ian, Dark vs Darsh, with the role of loudmouth trash talking bastard on the sideline being played by me. Doesn't matter who won, because PAT IS A DARSH!

Tad: What's your name hot shot?

Stan: Stan. Marsh.

Tad: Stan Marsh? [laughs] Stan DARSH is more like it.

Skier: Haaaaa, Darsh!

Anywho, after all that, I should be dead tired, fast asleep in the comfort of my own bed. Actually, I was, between 9:30 and 11PM. I have no idea why, but I was woken up, probably because of Sex in the City. Bright idea to leave the TV running while I slept; cue coincidental backfire deriving me of sleep. That's a common theme these days: Marty is not allowed to get a decent amount of sleep. Case in point: I tried to get some sleep before the guys got here in the morning. Last night, just as I'm falling asleep, TJ messages me to tell me he can't go, which was cool and all. I just wish he messaged me earlier so I could get some sleep! Kidding, badger boy. Then, this morning (well, to be pedantic, yesterday morning), instead of waking up to music from my iPod sometime around 8:15 (which was the original plan), I woke up to my brother's bathroom music instead. I don't mind him listening to music when he's getting ready for work; just sucks when you share a wall with the bathroom. Then, just as I'm falling back asleep, Christian rings me up around 7:30 to cancel. Bastards. Not for cancelling, but for disturbing my sleep.

Anywho, Operation Try Not To Be Tired As Shit For School commences now. Anyways, later days!"

That was yesterday. The Operation was bombing out for the first part of the day; I was bloody exhausted 'cause I couldn't fall asleep until around 3AM. Tonight looks to be more of the same, sleep-wise. I woke up at 10PM this time and remembered to correct my 3unit Maths paper.

Speaking of, I went better than I expected for 3unit. I would've been happy with ANYTHING over 50%, so I was happy with what I ended up with. BUT, I was spewin' when we got the answer sheets, 'cause I saw I made a shipload of silly mistakes and such. All in all though, still happy with it.

Also, spewin': came 2nd in Economics by ONE FRIGGIN' MARK. SONOFABITCH!!!!!!!!! Happy with my result, just saying...

Maths made up for it though. I'm REEEAAAAAALLLLLYYYYY happy with 2unit at the moment. Thanks to the 4unit guys; if you guys stayed, I wouldn't be where I am now.

But that's enough about school. I needs me some sleeps, but I don't think I'm gonna get it for a while. Anyways, later days!

- marty..

[ b l u e s2 y e l l o w ]

END COMMUNICATION.

...aaaaaaaaaaaaand DONE.

Somehow, some way, I made it through the trials. I don't know how, but hey, who cares?!! Four day weekend, part two, unofficially begins now! Whoooooo!!!!!!!!

First and foremost, I NEED FOOD. I'm starvin' like Marvin', damnit! Secondly, I NEED SLEEP. I don't expect to be awake anytime within the next 12 hours or so, but knowing my body clock, I'll most likely end up awake sometime around 4AM this morning. For now though, it's sleeping time. Anyways, later days!

- marty..

P.S. WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

END COMMUNICATION.

The finish line is almost here...

^^^ Yellowcard - Finish Line ^^^

Well, I never thought I'd see the day, but the trials are thisclose to being history. Jigga was right: difficult did take a day (well, a day each) and impossible did take a week (or eight days, close enough). In any case, one exam left. Aptly enough, I finish with Physics, the best class (not subject...Astrophysics sucks donkey balls) I've got. Actually, I might have to re-think that, because 3unit's getting really fun now. We always get worked up around exam time, 'cause we all know we're gonna get axed, one way or another. Also, new 3unit motto: "BENEATH State Average!" Sweeeeeet.

Anywho, the pages. They're what's gotten me through Year 12, so far. Some people call them my 'disturbed' pages, and some even go as far as calling me 'suicidal.' Disturbed and suicidal? No, and no. Had a song stuck in my head, bored and procrastinating? Yes, yes, and hell yeah. Mark jokingly asked me if they were what my therapist recommended. Funnily enough, they do have some therapeutic value; sometimes if things were getting to me, I'd scribble.

I started them back in November, just when school started getting hectic. I usually wrote in them in between Religion naps, or Business naps, or Physics fights. When I was at home and procrastinating, I'd write in them as well. I usually stick to red, black and blue, my school pens. Also, I try to avoid having one area of the page being dominated too much by one colour, so I try and alternate randomly, if that makes any sense. The first page is really loose compared to the rest; all the ones after it got a lot tighter, with the words getting smaller and the quotes getting longer. Special mention: my favorite page has to be my 90% Breaking Benjamin page from the start of this year, which had quotes from all the BB songs I knew at the time. I say 90%, 'cause Di added some non-BB stuff to it. I didn't really mind.

Each of the pages took me about two weeks to a month to finish. Each started with one line, which turned into a phrase, then into a quote from a different song, and then another, and then another, until eventually I'd realise that I pretty much killed an hour writing random quotes. Then, I'd stop, until I got bored again. In which case, lather, rinse, repeat.

And so, nine months of random quotes, from random songs, splashed in red, black and blue ink across five A4 pages. Thanks to Di for adding some stuff to a couple of my pages, and to Goldy for adding a bunch of quotes on my last page. Anyways, later days!

- marty..

P.S. To TJ: BADGER BADGER BADGER BADGER BADGER BADGER BADGER BADGER BADGER BADGER BADGER, MUSHROOM MUSHROOM! SNAKE! SNAKE! IT'S A SNAKE!

END COMMUNICATION.

Procrastination - 1; Me - 0

I just got pwned by my own procrastination. I think I did fairly well in trying to achieve those goals I set for myself for yesterday. I DID get through Astrophysics, and amazingly, my syllabus is still in good condition. I actually resisted the urge to burn it. I'm saving that for after the HSC. I'm gonna light each and every one of my syllabi on fire, and take pleasure in doing it, as well. Take that, education! Anywho, I pretty much blew the Business revision goal though. I had ample time for revision, I just didn't use it wisely enough. I was supposed to get the report out of the way right after studying for Astro, so I could spend the rest of the night actually revising. Oh well, nuts to that now. I just finished the report now. And here I was, thinking I actually had a chance at sticking to a study schedule. Tsk tsk tsk. So naïve. Anywho, I can at least cross out the third goal, which is sleep! I needs me some sleeps, so I can get in some early study tomorrow morning. If I can get Business out of the way by lunchtime tomorrow, that leaves me with a day and a half to study for Maths.

CRAP. All the topics are rushing to my head now. Locus. Permutations and combinations. Simple harmonic motion. Must...prepare...for...ginormous....ass...womping. Anyways, later days!

- marty..

END COMMUNICATION.

Middle of nowhere

Well, examinations are halfway over, leaving me in the middle of nowhere. Four down, four left to die in. So far, though, they haven't been THAT bad. I expected a whole lot worse. [***CRAPPY ANALOGY WARNING***] Instead of a full-body cast, I've so far only come out with some internal bleeding, (read: it could be a whole lot worse). But yeah, I don't think the human hand (well, not mine anyway) was made to write five extended responses in one day, and eight in two days .

Anywho, am currently officially in day two of the first of my two four-day weekends (whoa, too many numbers in words), which may sound pretty cool on monitor, but considering I only started studying for Physics yesterday afternoon, and I haven't touched a Maths revision paper in about two or three weeks, this four-day weekend pretty much turns into a four day study/suckfest (they're one and the same, right?).

Speaking of Physics, three topics in six hours does not a prepared student make. Six hours is a little (read: a crapload) more than I usually study for ANYTHING; bad thing was, things seemed to go [***CRAPPY ANALOGY WARNING***] in one eye...and out the...ass? Point is, shit didn't sink in.

Things I learnt whilst studying for Physics:

• ANY proper study routine involves at least one can of Coke. Half-proper study routines combine Coke with Skittles. Taste the caffeine-loaded rainbow, folks. Try not to injure anything when you hit the ground too hard coming down from a MAJOR sugar high.
• Trying to study while lying down results in two things - falling asleep, and the other thing I can't remember, because I fell asleep.
• Motors and Generators suck donkey balls. Boggled by eddy currents and electromagnetic induction, I decided to solve things the only way I knew how: playing with toys, or as I call them, action figures.
• Thank you, Macquarie Revision Guides. Your slightly-less boggling information helped a bunch.
• Thank you to whoever came up with the idea of Macquarie Revision Guides.
• Best form of study break yet: spending 20-30 minutes dribbling a basketball in front of a mirror, with Jay-Z's Vol. 2: Hard Knock Life playing eardrum-piercingly loud. Hey, I can't really study with my Mum vaccuuming, now can I?
• Speaking of Jigga, favourite quote at the moment: "Difficult takes a day, impossible takes a week..."
• Study environment essentials: Coke; Skittles; a ton of notes; Macquarie Revision Guides; any and all remotes (specifically TV, DVD and iPod speaker remotes) kept within arm's reach; 'action figures' kept close by; silence; and most importantly, study breaks to make you completely forget whatever it was in the last hour or so that you didn't really get in the first place .
• No matter how much study's involved, four-day weekends are still pretty much pwnage.
• There was a lack of color ...

With my modem coming up with new and inventive ways to test my patience, I think it's time for some sleep, though I don't really feel like sleeping yet. Goals for today: try and make it through Astrophysics without feeling the need to take a lighter to my Physics syllabus; complete some revision for Business; sleep properly. Anyways, later days!

- marty..

P.S. You suck. Here's REALLY hoping to see you soon, somehow or other...

EDIT: Crap. 4:15AM. These aren't eyebags, they're suitcases.

END COMMUNICATION.

Wake up! Time to die!

^^^ W. Axl Rose ^^^

It's times like these that...I can't finish this sentence. I'm only sitting here now because I'm stuck. I can't be bothered doing any further study for English, so I'm leaving it there. She'll be right. I've been studying for it, but inconsistently. I just can't keep my head buried in English notes for longer than say, 30 minutes, and still remain focused. Case in point: Yesterday, I got through two handouts, three max, on King Lear before falling asleep with my notes on top of me. Sweeeeeet.

And so, I'm stuck. I either bore myself to sleep doing English, or...bore myself to death doing Economics. It's like that South Park episode where Stan had to choose between a giant douche and a turd sandwich. I'm half-expecting P. Diddy to come out of nowhere, point a gun to my head and scream, 'Vote or die, muthafucka!' Actually, that'd be kinda cool.

I've quoted it before, and I'll quote it again: School sucks! And it's full of lesbians!

Before I go and have my last two hours of freedom before death-by-English, I've got one last Family Guy quote.

Dennis Miller: I don't wanna go on a rant here, but America's foreign policy makes about as much sense as Beowulf havin' sex with Robert Fulton at the First Battle of Antietam. I mean, when a neo-conservative defenestrates, it's like Raskolnikov filibustered dioxin monohydroxinate.

Peter: What the hell does rant mean?

Ahh, Family Guy. What would the world be without it? My guess is, shitty! Speaking of shit, it's time to study for Economics. Anyways, later days!

- marty..

END COMMUNICATION.