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- category: "all about me" -
September 24, 2007
"To future Jim Stone, from past Jim Stone"
Here's an interesting, surprise birthday present...from me in the past. Apparently about two years ago I had stumbled upon a website called FutureMe.org where you can write emails that will be delivered in the future to whoever you want on whatever date. I don't remember doing it but I got this email on my birthday...from myself.
Dear Me,
Who would have ever thought we'd reach 30 together? Have you figured your sh*t out yet? What country are you in right now, anyway? You'd better not be married.
-me
September 12, 2007
Happy 10,957th to me!
Can you believe it's been two whole months (and two countries ago) since I last wrote on here? Shame on me, I know. But I have good news! The adorable person typing this that you all surely hold dear to your hearts actually made it to 30!
Yep, this last weekend I celebrated my 30th birthday (or 10,957th day, if you didn't figure out the title) in the absolutely decadent style that I've quickly become accustomed to. The gala lasted from the late Thursday afternoon until the early hours of Tuesday morning. It all started in Chico, CA with my wonderful friends Donna, Casey, and Jelena - the first two taking Jelena and I out for dinner at the best restaurant in town. This weekend was also Jelena's 22nd birthday. Happy birthday, darling!
Friday I drove to SF to meet up with the lovely NZ Kristen (hereby known forever more - or at least until sufficient notice - as either "Kiwi Cuervo" or simply "Shooter") before she flew back to the land of the Kiwi in the late afternoon. The parking garage at the airport will never be the same without you, Cuervo!
Then it was off to change into the leopard pants and convene with 20 of my closest friends at the Porn Palace downtown. Now, Mom, before you faint - I've been to the PP several times and it's always been MUCH tamer than the title suggests. It's basically a big, fun place that a guy who makes, um, movies for a living owns and throws an open bar party for his friends once a week. And my friend Shameless just happens to know everyone in town and, in traditional superstar form, got us all in once again. It was pretty laid back and we mostly saw everyone's pics of Burning Man, which was a lot of fun.
Pause for a brief aside...
If you'd like to check out my pics from my first Burning Man event ever, do so here!
and now back to our irregularly unscheduled broadcast...
Saturday I got my first (and certainly not my last) "Superhero Purple" (although that's not the official name of the color, just the one I christened it) manicure and pedicure combo. Although at least my toe nails have been purple for almost a year now (yes, I know some of you have Morrison's "People Are Strange" in your head right now... and if you didn't, well, you do now) I've never actually painted them myself. Usually it's Jelena doing a fantastic job on it whenever I can get the lil' swiss miss to lay her hands on me but on Saturday I went for the full nail spa treatment. Niiiiiiiice!
Afterwards Shameless and I gorged ourselves on sushi...in my surprise hotel room! Soon after about 20 of my closest friends showed up to help me ring in 30 in true style. We put on our favorite party clothes, jumped into the biggest limo i've ever seen, and rolled out to take on San Fran-freakin'-cisco's dance scene. The gala lasted all night and I'm pretty sure I wasn't the only one surprised to see the sun come up earlier than really expected.
And then Sunday came the picnic on top of top of Mt. Tamalpais with champaign and lots and lots of fur. We had the city to our left and a beautiful sunset coming down over the ocean on our right. If there was a better place to be at that moment I couldn't think of one.
Monday night closed out the celebration with a relaxing post-Burn hot tub party in Oakland (called, cleverly, "Soakland", of course) with Shameless and High Dive, the latter a new awesome friend from New Zealand. More champaign, of course, and more bubbles all around.
A big kiss to Shameless Heather for making this weekend happen. I told her a week or two ago that I wanted all of my friends to come out dancing and to be surprised. I knew if anyone could show us the way to a wonderful weekend it would be her. And big love to Casey for the limo, the picnic and who really knows what else (he's so modest he'd never say). And big, big love to everyone who came out this weekend to show me the most amazing birthday celebration I have truly ever had. I love my life, I love my friends!
Go see the rest of the pics here! http://picasaweb.google.com/nomadjim/HappyBirthdayToME
June 22, 2007
People Who Know Me...
Have you ever thought about what your funeral would be like? I have. Don't get me wrong, despite too many bad habits I don't actually plan on actually passing away, but if the death thing actually catches up with me I have some plans (think viking-style funersal with a gameshow twist). But I'm also really curious what people would say about me.
Thanks to CouchSurfing I don't have to wonder so much about the eulogy that I'll never hear. CS members have the opportunity to take the CouchSurfing profile but if you do you'll see what I'm talking about. I have 300+ "friends" on there (I absolutely only add someone if I've met them "in real life") and more than a hundred or so personal references (an extra, optional step). Some of them are pretty basic like "We had some nice conversations" and many of them go into much greater detail, like "...random-meant-to-be meetings on the streets of SF. And then all of a sudden we were living together in the southern hemisphere..."
See for yourself. Here's the direct link: http://www.couchsurfing.com/profile.html?id=SHNP&all_friends=1
April 19, 2006
101 Things About Me, v2.0
 A long time ago I wrote a "101 things about me" thing. I wrote it before I started traveling and a lot of it has changed or further developed. For instance, in #24 I said I never wanted to go to Antartica. Fast forward 29 months later to present day and I can say that I most certainly WILL step foot on that continent one of these days. #57 is now false and i'm glad to say #58-60 are no longer valid, either. I had a fabulous time in Arkansas last year, thank you very much. My CS host (and professional chef) Rich in New Zealand was personally offended by #84. I'm happy to tell him that I now enjoy great food quite a bit. I've even starting making much more of an effort to learn to cook. It's becoming somewhat of an obsession (see old #21, or new #27). #91 has also changed. I throw stuff away much more now than before.
Ok, on to the new list.
1. i'd rather be exposed to new music than listen to what's familiar
2. the above can easily be applied as a metaphor for the rest of my life
3. but not so much with movies - i'm more likely to want to rent something i know is good unless i've heard plenty of raves about something new
4. two hours is way too much time to throw away on a crap movie
5. i want to one day live somewhere where people don't don't wear watches or have clocks on the wall
6. regardless of what The Stones say, time is not on my side
7. i've discovered that "timing" is not my thing
8. which just means that i have to make my own timing
9. i respect and appreciate the role i let adversity play in my life
10. i learn the most when i have to change, adapt, or discover what is really at the core of "me"
12. i regularly seek out the things that scare me or take me out of my "comfort zone" and find ways to conquer them
12. that's a major reason why/how i started traveling the way that i do
13. my favorite season is spring
14. ...or maybe summer
15. let's call it a tie
16. i've dated 2 different women who lived in 2 different states that shared the same city name
17. 8 more states have cities with the same name - i'm considering collecting the whole set
18. i love good quotes that apply to my life
19. Nathaniel Branden - "a goal without an action plan is a daydream"
20. i'm definitely a daydreamer
21. i've never been much of a planner
22. i'm working on changing that... somewhat
23. i most certainly enjoy living spontaneously and without a plan
24. i'm positive i can find a way to do both, eventually
25. my personality is much more laid-back than most people i've met
26. but i open surprise people with my intensity
27. i'm often quick to obsession when i find something i really like or get excited about
28. "life is nothing if you're not obsessed"
29. holding back is not something i'm good at
30. i'm not sure it's something i want to be good at
31. my "intensity" is something i'm learning to embrace
32. if i'm not "obsessed" i'm generally undecided, detached, and/or apathetic
33. middleground is not exactly my forte
34. even so, i consider myself very open-minded and open to suggestion
35. i try to follow Coach Wooden's schollarly advice and "make every day [my] masterpiece"
36. i'm rarely bored but often restless
37. quality and/or lasting sleep ironically comes hardest when i'm the most exhausted
38. guilty pleasure: over-produced music by the Righteous Brothers
39. i firmly believe that life rarely presents certainty but provides ample opportunity
40. Douglas MacArthur - "there is no security on this earth. only opportunity"
41. opportunity is not something i consciously waste
42. i always carry either a notepad and pen or a pocket recorder to make notes on the fly
43. i also always have my camera on me
44. i'd rather lose $1,000 than my camera with 100 pictures
45. i'd much rather be without my cell phone than my camera
46. i love greatbeer
47. the above makes me a bit of a beer snob and i can hardly be bothered with bad beer
48. i'm currently attempting to brew my own
49. i've made too mistakes to be too optimistic about it turning out well
51. that doesn't mean i'm not hopeful
52. these last 2+ years of traveling have turned me heavily away from cynicism and towards general, overall optimism
53. this doesn't mean that i don't question everything
54. i (try to) take nothing for granted
55. my passport is never far away - in case an unexpected opportunity suddenly arises to get it stamped
56. i can't believe i'm only half way through
57. i have no idea how to finish this
58. my past is highlighted by "commitment issues"
59. it's easy for me to get excited and then find greener grass elsewhere
60. this is something i am finally consciously changing
61. i haven't missed a Pearl Jam US tour in 11 years
62. maybe i'm better at commitment than i think
63. my favorite part about traveling is meeting new people
64. i'm very much a "people person"
65. i have an intense need to share my life with other people
66. i think i would make a good teacher
67. 2/3 done - i can do this....
68. Lost is the only TV show that I regularly watch
69. i quite often forget to tune in when it comes on and end up downloading it somewhere
70. i'll occasionally catch re-runs of The Daily Show since Comedy Central habitually re-runs the hell out of it
71. i've become a huge fan of yoga
72. it's my favorite way to start the day
73. my prior favorite start was having a Diet Coke
74. it's been 24 days since i've had a Diet Coke
75. i've given them up for a month
76. after it's been a month i might go back to one a day
77. i would drink it right after yoga
78. my right foot is slightly larger than my left
79. i'm more prone to damage the right side of my body than my left
80. i blame the foot
81. if i could pick one supernatural power i'd have a ability to instantly transport myself anywhere in the world
82. i'd never have to fly coach again
83. i often find myself daydreaming about the many ways i'd exploit that power for profit
84. i'd make one hell of an expensive courier
85.. i'm an entrepreneur at heart
86. i wanna breeze and an open mind, i wanna swim in the ocean, wanna take my time for me
87. i still like quoting my favorite songs
88. there is always a song playing in my head
89. many times two or more of them battle for airplay (Truly, Truly just "came on")
90. i'd love to hearn how to play violin
91. i can say "cheers" in more than 15 languages
92. i believe in the power of ambition
93. i believe i can do anything i want to do
94. unfortunately i rarely know what i truly want to do
95. when i do know, big things have a way of happening
96. i'm lucky in sets of 3
97. that luck goes both ways
98. i'm getting better at making my own "luck"
99. Frank Sinatra - "you only live once, and the way i live, once is enough"
100. i aspire every day to "make once enough"
101. i love my life
I invite you all to make your own list by using the "comment" button below (if it's still there, anyway - if you're reading this a while after i published it you lost your chance to comment). You don't have to do 101 of them but i'd love to learn more about those of you that bothered to read all of that.
April 16, 2006
My deathbed
Here I lie, thinking about my deathbed.
The hour of 6am is undeniably too early to be conscious on a Sunday, especially considering this one of only two widely spread out days off for the next 12. Sleep and general restfulness are easily compared to oxygen and sex: it's easy to take it for granted unless you're not getting any.
But my thoughts on life's final moments can scarcely be blamed on aching joints and heavy darkened skin arching below my eyes. Even in the throws of my pathetic but glaring awareness of the physical limits and necessities of mortality it's still impossible to dismissively attribute these thoughts on too many rounds of shuffling a few dozen 94 lb bags of cement. Even in my laziest of days (and believe me, I've had a lion's share of them) these thoughts are easy to entertain.
When my time is over, so be it. Dying or being dead isn't something I'm prone to dwell on. I find it remarkably easy to refrain from worrying about the things I have no rational control over. A quote of unknown origin always comes to mind: "worry is interest paid in advance on a debt that may never come due." True dat, yo.
But this morning, like many mornings, I lie in my bed wondering what those final moments of consciousness will be like. For the sake of countless unforeseen variables and infinite wonderment I carelessly assume that before I breathe my last breath I'll have time and opportunity for reflection. And I'll ask myself as I ask of myself most every day – have I been wasting it?
Another quote comes to mind: "I do not regret the things I've done but those I did not do." While my Left Brain (which is the one that researched and tagged that link for you, by the way) argues "Hey! You can't regret not doing something because taking time to do it would nullify something else that you actually did, therefore invalidating said claim for no regrets on past actions." And then it crosses it arms and stamps its little foot in bold punctuation. But the Right Brain (and yes, I most certainly have two sides that routinely battle for dominance,) unconfined by reason and quantum time structures leans back, smiling across the brain at the Left, and says "Silly fundamentalist. Don't be so easily confined by the declared "truths" of others that surround you." (Did Righty get stoned while I was asleep??) Thinking of the simple wisdom of that statement I find myself adrift in a sea of lost opportunities. It's not entirely true that I do not regret the things that I have done. I only regret doing many of those things in lieu of more fulfilling coarse of actions.
Being back in my original hometown has had several interesting effects on my thought process. Most people remember me as quite the introvert. It wasn't until I got to college that I started to truly find my stride and began to embrace a much more extroverted lifestyle. From there I took my first solo overseas adventure and, well, the rest is somewhat adequately documented for your reading pleasure on these virtual pages. I never felt truly whole or like I "fit" as that introvert growing up but I'm still not completely comfortable with full-on extrovert. My struggle seems to be in finding that balance. Most of my "regrets" come from inaction - opportunities missed because of lack of confidence or blatant apathy.
I have learned this: My course in life is decidedly to seek out the full intensity of each of life's moments. These last years have taught me that, at least right now, I'm most comfortable "living in the now." I have to say I do quite well with that. But because of this great responsibility I feel for "not wasting it" I continually evaluate where I've been, what I'd love to do different, and how I'll make it better today. This is my struggle.
12 days from now I will be back out on the road doing one thing I know I love. I'm determined to lie on that deathbed with a great big smile on my face.
March 24, 2006
63 million seconds ago...
 730 days. 17,520 hours. Over a million minutes. 63 million seconds. However which way I look at it 2 years either seems like a long time or a really long time. 2 years ago today I got boarded a plane bound for Paris. If I had known before that day what adventures and memories that first voyage were to bring, well, I would have left even earlier.
Like I've mentioned before, I'm a sucker for nostalgia. While my chronological memory is typically nothing short of abysmal I'm unusually good with dates. The strangest (and, often, most useless) "this day in history" often sticks to my brain easier than any information I might have an actual use for (phone numbers, locker combinations, ect - i'm terrible). Anyway, all day today I've been thinking back to 63,000,000-something seconds ago.
I don't know if I would have ever taken that flight if three months ealier in early December of 2003 I didn't open my mailbox. It was raining and I was in a hurry to get my mail and back to work. The lid popped open in a hurry and out fell my mail. Scrambling (and cursing) I scooped up the drowning envelopes until something caught my eye and stopped me in a rush. On the outside of one of my bills or credit card offers (or whatever it was - this part is foggy) was something along the lines of "Respond before Dec 15, 2003). Dec 15... why did this date stick out in my head? And then it hit me - I graduated college on that date in 2001.
Could that be? Had two whole years really already ticked by since I had walked across the stage? What the hell happened? Those two years were the most depressing years of my life. Up until December 15, 2001 I had been on a track. I had a gameplan. Through grade school and high school I went without any thought. Even college wasn't so much of an active choice but rather "the thing to do" after high school. I went into it (and out of it, really) without ever really thinking through what I was doing. But then the track ended. I graduated from college three months after the 9/11 tragedy. The job market was completely tanked. Someone with my degree of Communication Studies did one thing - sales.
Sales sucked. Every day I put on a suit, tie and plastic smile as I went door-to-door to businesses selling them things I told them they needed. It was relatively easy but decidedly souless. I've never had any idea what my "dream job" would be (i've always listed "rockstar" when asked) but I added one more item to the list of careers I never wanted to do again.
Seeing that date on the envelope changed everything. I kept asking myself how two years had so effortlessly drifted by? My life was depressing. I had a job that I hated and was bored with but it had been months since I had even breezed through Monster.com for a new one. I had no idea how numb and complacent I had become with my souless status in life. I was stuck and didn't know it.
For the first time in my life I could see how time can really fly by. If two years could pass so quickly without me noticing what about the next two? And then 5, 10, 20...until the day I got a gold watch and "happy retirement" written across a cake. Standing in the rain that day I was freaked out in a big way. I need a big change.
Three months later I was on a plane. I had packed a small backpack of things I thought I might need over the course of a few months and thrown the rest of my stuff into storage. My "plan" was to tramp around Europe for 6 or 7 months, "find myself", and get back with the program. Obviously I had failed to imagine that two years later I'd be hopping around the world taking pictures of an inflatable red couch.
--- to be continued ---
unrelated yet interesting side-note: while Googling for an image of a #2 birthday candle I found this strange cake
March 16, 2006
Dominant Extraverted Sensing
Today I took the Myers-Briggs Personality test. Even though it only contains four questions the test still remains a widely acclaimed instrument for determining and categorizing key psychological personality types based on the generally accepted Jungian model. Confused yet? It’s really not that difficult when you check it out. It just takes a few minutes: http://www.personalitypathways.com/type_inventory.html
My type is best classified as ESTP (Dominant Extraverted Sensing). Here’s what that means:
Extraverted sensing types are pragmatic and realistic with a zest for living life to the fullest by way of multiplying experiences. Always on the alert for what needs immediate attention or what might provide a bit of action, excitement or entertainment, they engage quickly with their environment. They seek and enjoy freedom, are good-natured, direct, and tolerant and are often the ones who provide levity.
They have a way with dealing with people on a very equal platform and are not easily star struck. Rank, celebrity and status mean little when they are face to face with another individual.
On the job, they appreciate having the right tools and are quite ingenious at finding ways to fix and repair things with dexterity. They love variety and are curious and adventurous, enjoying the unexpected. Their brand of extraversion is one of deeds rather than words. As long as things are moving along, they are happy. They like to keep things simple and immediate, going with the flow. They are helpful in very concrete ways, providing the correct tools or specific service the person requires. They often have an uncanny ability to respond appropriately in cases of emergencies, often having excellent reflexes. They act without thinking. They also tend to have natural mediating skills.
They are attuned to the environment and the myriad colours, textures, sounds, beauty and the sensuousness of it all. They are quite graceful and agile while moving through their environment. They love having fun and if things are too quiet they may provide the entertainment or distraction. They learn by imitation and are keen observers. They teach through example. Their attention will always go towards whatever provides the keenest impression on their senses.
I was torn between the Introvert and Extrovert descriptions until I read about how Introverts characterized as “armchair detectives.” That’s not me. I’d rather be on the ground in the thick of it.
Which type are you?
July 22, 2005
How Well Traveled Are You?
Think you're well traveled? Find out just how you match up here.
Here's my results:
Your Travel Profile:
You Are Extremely Well Traveled in the Southern United States (92%)
You Are Extremely Well Traveled in New Zealand (83%)
You Are Very Well Traveled in Western Europe (79%)
You Are Well Traveled in the Western United States (58%)
You Are Well Traveled in Southern Europe (47%)
You Are Somewhat Well Traveled in Australia (38%)
You Are Somewhat Well Traveled in the Northeastern United States (29%)
You Are Somewhat Well Traveled in the Midwestern United States (25%)
You Are Mostly Untraveled in Eastern Europe (20%)
You Are Mostly Untraveled in Scandinavia (20%)
You Are Mostly Untraveled in the United Kingdom (13%)
You Are Mostly Untraveled in Latin America (7%)
You Are Untraveled in Africa (0%)
You Are Untraveled in Asia (0%)
You Are Untraveled in Canada (0%)
You Are Untraveled in the Middle East (0%)
I'm surely going to jack that USA score up to 100 before this trip is over. Obviously I need to make it to Asia, Africa, South America, and the Middle East.
October 26, 2004
Go Vote!
I took advantage of the early voting tonight. I was greeted by five ladies at the Crane County Courthouse tonight who all knew me. At least two of them looked vaguely familiar but I'd be lying if I told you I could name even one of them. Such is life in the small west Texas town I find myself back in (only momentarily, mind you) after nine surprisingly quick years. Crane is also the only place I know that while I vote I can park my truck at the police station when a) the inspection sticker has expired as well as b) the registration and c) no insurance and not worry about it.
Who did I vote for? I'll give you one guess. But it's safe to say I didn't vote for this guy.
Do your own part in the electoral process. And do NOT chose the "straight party ticket" option. I can't believe we even have that as a choice. Make use of the cornucopia of information available to you on the internet and take a few minutes to pick your candidates wisely. Vote-Smart.org is a great place to learn a little about the people who are and will be running this country.
September 17, 2004
New York Times article
Oops, I forgot! Last Sunday I was mentioned in the New York Times. Is there a back copy available somewhere? I'd like to have one.
Since you have to subscribe to the NY Times website in order to view the article I saved the trouble of those interested. You can read the article in it's entirety below.
Decorate a Couch With a Tourist
-Joseph Siano
Casey Fenton says he has never seen "The Man Who Came to Dinner." Maybe he should, to understand the potential risks in his newest venture, the CouchSurfing Project, in which he and his partners have set up a Web site that guides house guests to willing hosts around the world.
His site, www.couchsurfing.com, which started last January, arranges meetings between travelers who want to save on accommodations (and meet local people) with residents who want to meet interesting people from faraway places and are willing to put them up for free on their couch or in a spare bedroom.
Mr. Fenton, 26, said he got the idea before a trip to Iceland a few years ago.
"I spammed 1,500 students at the University of Iceland and got about 50 to 100 responses," he said. He said he wound up staying at the home of an Icelandic rhythm-and-blues singer.
Mr. Fenton, who is a computer programmer, urges prospective roommates and hosts to talk on the phone and exchange e-mail messages until they are comfortable with one another, and his site does offer some safeguards. One option is to check references on a guest or a host, if any have been posted by other participants.
Also, participants can have their identities confirmed by agreeing to have CouchSurfing charge a credit card $25, thereby verifying a name and address. CouchSurfing then mails a letter to the address with a special code, and when a traveler or host enters the code into the Web site, the address is verified.
The Web site allows registered users to search for hosts by location. Hosts who register can turn down any potential guests who contact them, if they do not feel comfortable.
Jim Stone, 26, of Crane, Tex., said he has arranged about 30 trips through the site (as far off as Vienna and Prague), and all have turned out well. "If I had the money to stay in nice hotels, I'd still do it this way," he said. "The people make the experience."
Mr. Fenton said about 3,800 people have registered, from 87 countries. Guests are expected to repay their hosts by being good conversationalists, sharing details about life in their country and hometown, helping with housekeeping and otherwise behaving like engaging guests (which includes knowing when to leave - generally in two or three days).
Although there is no charge to be a guest or a host, the Web site does ask for donations to cover operating costs.
Mr. Fenton isn't the first person to come up with this idea. Veit Kühne, in Dresden, Germany, says that he created a similar Web site in 2000. According to his site, www.hospitalityclub.org, about 20,000 people have signed up. It offers safeguards similar to those at Mr. Fenton's site.
"It has always been a pleasant experience," said Tijs Breuer, 33, an environmental lobbyist in The Hague who said he has been a frequent host. "In fact, I've had better experiences than when I've rented my house to visitors."
May 24, 2004
Worldwide Employment
Attention everyone! Find me a job!
I´m looking for something interesting to do. Anywhere. I´m not picky about the location. I would love to find something to do while I´m traveling. Got a hostel I can work in where it´s ok that I only speak English? Great! Let me know about it. Need help remodeling a house? I can work with tools. Basically, I can do lots of things. Jack of all trades, master of none (well, maybe a few). Let me know if you know of anything!
May 23, 2004
Soul for an Ipod
I have a new idea on how to get my hands on an Ipod. Check it out here on Ebay.
April 11, 2004
Another "All About Me" Kinda Thing
Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 18, find line 4. Write down what it says:
"Molto più forte del solito, tanto che mi venne il dubbio che la suola stesse davvero fondendo."
-La Fine de Mondo e il Paese Delle Meraviglie by Haruki Murakami (in Italian)
Stretch your left arm out as far as you can. What do you touch first?
A very comfortable chair.
What is the last thing you watched on TV?
Italian soccer news.
With the exception of the computer, what can you hear?
Two small parrots that should be (but aren't) sleeping by now (probably because I'm typing).
When did you last step outside?
A few hours ago to walk around the neighborhood in Bolzano, Italy.
Before you came to this website, what did you look at?
Journalism.org
What are you wearing?
The same pants I've been wearing for days now and a shirt that I'm wearing only for the second time between washes. It still has a few more days left if I'm careful.
Did you dream last night?
If I did I don't remember it
When did you last laugh?
An hour or so ago over a nice bottle of Valpollacella (sp?) made less than 100km from here and while tasting a lot of unfamiliar liquors with two new friends.
What is on the walls of the room you are in?
A framed completed jigsaw puzzle of a unicorn jumping over a rainbow and some cool art posters that I don't recognize.
Seen anything weird lately?
A homeless person with a sign written in both the german and italian languages.
What is the last movie you saw?
Bridget Jones' Diary for the first time while in Munich last week. It was funny.
If you became a multi-millionaire overnight, what would you buy first?
A Smart car.
Tell me something about you that I don't know:
Olives are the only thing I can think of that I don't like to eat but I dig a good martini. Go figure.
If you could change one thing about the world, regardless of guilt or politics, what would you do?
More people were interested in meeting and getting to know fun, friendly travelers and letting them stay in their home for a night or two.
Do you like to dance?
Not really.
Imagine your first child is a girl, what do you call her?
I've always liked the name Havana. Too weird? I probably won't have children anyway so it doesn't really matter.
Imagine your first child is a boy, what do you call him?
Fred Flint. If you know my last name this is funny. If you don't know it you can probably figure it out.
Would you ever consider living abroad?
Ha! I'm doing it right now.
I want to hear your answers so please comment!
April 09, 2004
Friday 5
1. What do you do for a living?
Nothing at the moment - just traveling. My business card says "vagabond"
2. What do you like most about your job?
I never know what's going to happen tomorrow, just that I'll see a new place and meet new faces.
3. What do you like least about your job?
It's often very exhausting. It would be much more comfortable to know for certain where I was going to sleep every night but so far I'm very ok with finding out day to day.
4. When you have a bad day at work it's usually because _____...
At work? Ha! Ok....it's usually because I've walked all day completely lost and a little stressed about not finding whatever it is I'm looking for (like my host).
5. What other career(s) are you interested in?
If I could find a way to get paid doing this I'd sign up tonight!
Now tell me yours with the comment button below.
April 04, 2004
Me!
I haven´t quite figured out the picture posting thing but I did figure out how to take a pic with one of the cameras in the internet cafes here in Munich.
March 20, 2004
Friday 5
If you...
1. ...owned a restaurant, what kind of food would you serve?
It would be a steakhouse
2. ...owned a small store, what kind of merchandise would you sell?
A bookstore sounds nice.
3. ...wrote a book, what genre would it be?
If? You mean when. It will be travel.
4. ...ran a school, what would you teach?
Communication or science
5. ...recorded an album, what kind of music would be on it?
I've recorded two already and the third would be similar. I'd say something like Stone Temple Pilots or Red Hot Chili Peppers. Something punchy and beat driven with a good group of musicians.
Now tell me yours with the comment button below.
March 12, 2004
Friday 5
1. What was the last song you heard?
Something by Howie Day but I forget the name.
2. What were the last two movies you saw?
In the theater it was...I don't remember. It was something at the Angelika. The one before that was Mystic River.
3. What were the last three things you purchased?
Groceries, gasoline, and pants.
4. What four things do you need to do this weekend?
-Get a database going to organize some info I'll need while I'm traveling.
-Rework my website a lot more
-Do some more trip planning/research
-Whatever I want - my life is stress-free at the moment
5. Who are the last five people you talked to?
Dad, Barb, Sybil, girl at the grocery store
March 03, 2004
Which historical lunatic are you?
Which Historical Lunatic Are You?
February 25, 2004
Random MP3s
Step 1: Open your mp3 player.
Step 2: Put all of your music on random.
Step 3: List the first ten songs it plays, no matter how embarrassing.
- Pearl Jam - Thumbing My Way
- Black Lab - Wash It Away (acoustic)
- Prince - Pink Cashmere
- Toadies - You'll Come Down
- Evamore - I Follow You
- Deftones - Oh Girl
- John Mayer - Great Indoors
- Third Eye Blind - Burning Man
- Sleeter Kinney - The Drama You've Been Craving
- Sting and the Police - If I Ever Lose My Faith In You
Thanks to Jeff and a whole bunch of others for the interesting idea.
February 20, 2004
Friday 5
When was the last time you...
1. ...went to the doctor?
About six months ago for a cold. Before that it was at least two years.
2. ...went to the dentist?
About the same time as the doc. I went in for a toothache and ended up getting a root canal and a crown that same afternoon. Not cool.
3. ...filled your gas tank?
Usually twice a week, sometimes more. I drive a lot. I've had my truck for 14 months now and have drivenover 65,000 miles. That averages out to 4600 miles a month and over 1000 miles a week. That's not what I actually drive every week but that's just how it averages. Either way, I drive a lot. I bought gas on Tuesday maybe (?) and I'll probably fill up again today or tomorrow.
4. ...got enough sleep?
I've been sleeping a lot lately. I still don't ever feel very rested but I don't really mind. Sleep isn't too important to me.
5. ...backed up your computer?
Never. I'll regret it some day, I'm sure.
February 16, 2004
Friday 5
I haven't done one of these in a while because the last several Friday's have had weak 5's. Tonight I'm kinda bored and waiting for a rerun of Sex and the City that I missed last night to start (is that strange to anyone that I watch that show? - I also haven't missed an episode of The L Word) so I'm doing this one anyway (even though I'm three days late). Don't leave me hanging out here - comment with your answers too.
1. Are you superstitious?
No, but I like to play along.
2. What extremes have you heard of someone going to in the name of superstition?
I love hearing about what sports players do. Basketball players always do the same routine before shooting free throws. Hockey players will tape their sticks exactly the same way each time. It's interesting to me.
3. Believer or not, what's your favorite superstition?
There can be a enjoyable novelty to routines in themselves. That's about all there is to it to me. I don't do anything particular myself (if I think of something I'll come back and edit this one). Then again I enjoy mocking superstitions by doing or not doing the opposite of what you're supposed to do. Does anyone else feel like walking under a ladder and breaking a mirror? Maybe I'll throw a hat on my bed while I'm at it.
4. Do you believe in luck? If yes, do you have a lucky number/article of clothing/ritual?
We make our own luck. If part of the process for you is doing something symbolic then good for you. As for me...I've always liked the number 3.
5. Do you believe in astrology? Why or why not?
I have no reason to believe or disbelieve in astrology at this time. I'm perpetually on the fence with most of life's great mysteries (if you haven't figured this out about me already). I'm open to (and welcome) discussion.
February 07, 2004
More favorites
Favorite Color: Silver (no, not gray - there is a difference)
Favorite Flower: orchid
Favorite Scent: the clean, pure rain in west Texas
Favorite Cocktail: Crown and Coke
Favorite Wine (if any): i'm very partial to Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot blends lately - no particular label but Black Opal is always a good choice
Favorite Soda/Drink: Diet Coke
Favorite Food: i don't have a fav - i'd rather try something i've never had
Favorite Restaurant: lately it's been Japango - a sushi joint here in Denton
Favorite Treat: dark chocolate
Favorite Candy: recently i've been eating lots of Reece's Pieces out of the candy machine at work
Favorite Number: 3
Favorite day of the year: September 10
Favorite Season: Fall
Favorite Holiday: Thanksgiving
Favorite Game: Scrabble
Your addictions are: changes often - lately they have been good wine, movies, and travel-related books
If you had a whole day to yourself, alone, and you wanted to treat yourself, what would you do?: i treat myself regularly so this question doesn't so much apply to me. ideally i'd love to fly to Vancouver for lunch and then come back that same day just to do it
If you had an extra $200 that you didn't need to spend on bills or debt, what would you buy with it?: all of my money has been going towards my big upcoming trip - but excluding that i'd spend it all on a limo and a crazy night around Dallas with a few of my friends
Thanks to Jeff and a whole bunch of other people for the list of favs.
You've seen mine, what about your answers?
January 24, 2004
Top 5ive Favorite Movies
What are your top five favorite movies?
Here are mine, in no particular order:
This just popped into my head because I'm flipping through channels and found Heat on. I absolutely love this movie and never get tired of watching it.
I like movies. Tell me your favorites.
I hate limiting myself to five because there are really so many good ones. Want some others? Here we go:
What about you?
January 23, 2004
Friday 5
At this moment, what is your favorite...
1. ...song?
That's a hard one. I'd rather give five favorites at the moment, in fitting with the theme: - Pearl Jam - You Are
- John Mayer - Georgia
- Howie Day - She Says
- Three Days Grace - I Hate Everything About You
- Bright Eyes - One Front In Front Of The Other
2. ...food?
Cheese. I love cheese.
3. ...tv show?
TV sucks lately. I'll just say ER. It's always good when I actually do watch it.
4. ...scent?
The rain in west Texas.
5. ...quote?
"Between two evils, I always pick the one I never tried before." -Mae West
January 16, 2004
Friday 5
1. What does it say in the signature line of your emails?
"Worry is interest paid in advance on a debt that may never come due."
2. Did you have a senior quote in your high school yearbook? What was it? If you haven't graduated yet, what would you like your quote to be?
I'm thinking I might have had one but I barely remember high school, much less the quote I might have had.
3. If you had vanity plates on your car, what would they read? If you already have them, what do they say?
BADMOFO or something equally tasteless, I'm sure.
4. Have you received any gifts with messages engraved upon them? What did the inscription say?
I was given this nickname once in high school by a sociology teacher when I was one of the only ones who passed his "Doctorate of Rock" test. My mom gave me these cool drumsticks once with my name on them along with the nickname "Jim 'Rollin'' Stone". I believe that's the only thing I've ever gotten with anything engraved on it.
5. What would you like your epitaph to be?
"Jim died while bravely saving a bus full of nuns, school children, and baby kittens from a fiery and most certainly excrutiating death", even if I die doing something stupid (which is more likely).
January 09, 2004
Friday 5
What one thing are you most looking forward to . . .
1. ...today?
Meeting up with an old friend.
2. ...over the next week?
Finishing a certain book (hey, it's possible).
3. ...this year?
Beginning my worldwide adventure.
4. ...over the next five years?
Who knows what's going to be on my plate in five years. It's almost unfathomable. I'd be shocked if I was able to hypothesize anything close to what I'm going to be doing five years from now. Your guess is as good as mine.
5. ...for the rest of your life?
See #4.
January 02, 2004
Friday 5
1. What was your worst experience traveling?
I had help carry a dead body on a United Airlines flight from D.C. to Paris and then getting to France to find out my hostel I had booked wasn't actually booked (and they were full) and I had to wander around lost for five hours feverishly looking for a place to stay on my first night in a city that was completely full. Even all that I wouldn't really consider bad experiences (it was way worse for the woman who died, of course).
2. Would you rather fly, drive, take a bus or take a train?
Trains are the best!
3. Do you think that airport security is effective?
Works for me. Most Americans go overboard on just about everything, including airport safety. Things are going to happen now and then and we can't stop them, even though we think we have to.
4. How far do you currently live from your hometown?
I grew up about 400 miles from where I am currently but I don't really consider it my hometown. I have little attachment for it.
5. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you want to live?
Everywhere! I want to move and keep moving. But if I had to settle somewhere I'd pick Italy or somewhere in the northwest US, like Washingon or Oregon.
Your turn. Comment with your answers, too.
Thanks to Abbey for being the only one who actually send me her answers. I like it when you people comment!
December 27, 2003
Friday 5
Little late but hey, it's Christmas!
1. What was your biggest accomplishment this year?
Putting almost 1000 miles on my bike.
2. What was your biggest disappointment?
Waiting too long to realize I'd like (and need) to get out of Denton.
3. What do you hope the new year brings?
Opportunity.
4. Will you be making any New Year's resolutions? If yes, what will they be?
I make NY's resolutions every day. Why should Jan 1 be any different?
5 What are your plans for New Year's Eve?
No idea. It's still four days away, right?
Your turn! Let me know what your answers are.
December 19, 2003
Friday 5
1. List your five favorite beverages.
Diet Coke, 1554, 90 Shilling, a good Cab/Merlot, and right now I'm loving Starbucks Christmas Blend
2. List your five favorite websites..
Slick Deals, Fark, Hospitality Club, MetaFilter, and Yahoo! Games
3. List your five favorite snack foods.
I don't really snack. If I'm going to eat anything it might as well be a meal.
4. List your five favorite board and/or card games.
Dominos, Scrabble, pool, Monopoly, and chess (although I suck at it)
5. List your five favorite computer and/or game system games
Project Gotham Racing (xbox) is pretty much all I play. Oh, and I'm a unsuccessfully recovering addict of Yahoo! Pool
December 16, 2003
Time's a wastin'!
Hurry! Only 9 days to buy me stuff before Christmas! Of course you can get me something any time but where's the sense of urgency in that?
My wishlist
December 12, 2003
Friday 5
1. Do you enjoy the cold weather and snow for the holidays?
I like it like it is today, in the 40F's and the wind isn't too bad. I like snow but I don't like snow storms because I live in Texas and people freak out about that and forget how to drive, ect. I don't like being stuck anywhere because of the weather...unless it's some place nice and I don't want to leave anyway.
2. What is your ideal holiday celebration? How, where, with whom would you celebrate to make things perfect?
I like spending time with family during the holidays, even if it's just for a day.
3. Do you do have any holiday traditions?
Not really. Everything changes in our family so often that it's hard to do the same thing in the same place with the same people twice. It's not two weeks until Christmas and I still have no clue what the plan is or if there even is one.
4. Do you do anything to help the needy?
All of my money goes to the needy (ie. me)
5. What one gift would you like for yourself?
Open-ended around the world plane ticket (yes, they really do sell them). Oh, and socks.
December 11, 2003
2 for Tuesday...on Thursday 'cause I'm lazy
1. What's on your Christmas wish list this year?
Nothing, really. I don't want stuff anymore. I'm getting rid of more stuff than I'm buying lately. I'm definitely getting geared into storage mode for when I take off on my trip. But ok, if you really wanna buy me stuff (which of course I encourage) you can check out my Amazon Wishlist or just buy me books or bottles of Cabernet/Merlot mixes. I'll make sure they don't go to waste before I leave.
2. Do you participate in any kind of work related holiday event whether pot luck, party, or secret santa?
Not hardly. If you saw the place I worked you wouldn't either. However I did get a $25 Walmart giftcard from them this year, which came as a total surprise. Usually "Jim, could you come to my office" doesn't turn out so well.
December 07, 2003
say what?
Blizzard:: chocolate covered cherry (mmm...Dairy Queen)
J:: is for Jim
Control:: Puddle of Mudd
Blood:: Pearl Jam
Mysterious:: Ways (U2 - I must be in an especially musical mood today)
Annoying:: Habits
Throat:: Sore
Condom:: inium
Search:: Light
Heartfelt:: Heart Attack
I'd ask you to hit "comments" and copy and paste your words and answers to but no one ever does so why bother?
--from LunaNiña.com | Unconscious Mutterings
December 05, 2003
9 Layers of Jim
LAYER ONE:
-- Name: Jim
-- Birth date: 10 Sept 1977
-- Birthplace: Crane, TX
-- Current Location: Denton, TX
-- Eye Color: Usually hazel, but I'm told they change colors
-- Hair Color: Brown
-- Height: 5'13"
-- Righty or Lefty: righty
-- Zodiac Sign: Virgo
LAYER TWO:
-- Your heritage: German, maybe?
-- The shoes you wore today: Teva sandals almost all the time
-- Your weakness:
-- Your fears:
-- Your perfect pizza:
-- Goal you'd like to achieve:
LAYER THREE:
-- Your most overused phrase on AIM: lol
-- Your first waking thoughts: "What time is it? I'm sure I've slept too late."
-- Your best physical feature: My chameleon eyes
-- Your most missed memory: Wrestling on the floor with my dad when I was a wee boy.
LAYER FOUR:
-- Pepsi or Coke: Diet Coke
-- McDonald's or Burger King: Yuck. I'll just go hungry.
-- Single or group dates: Both are great.
-- Adidas or Nike: Teva
-- Lipton Ice Tea or Nestea: Don't care, just lots of sugar.
-- Chocolate or vanilla: Choco
-- Cappuccino or coffee: Coffee. Black.
LAYER FIVE:
-- Smoke: Never
-- Cuss: Hell no
-- Sing: Whatever's on the radio when I'm driving alone, even when I don't really know the words.
-- Take a shower everyday: Almost always - sometimes I really amlate when I wake up
-- Do you think you've been in love: Always
-- Want to go to college: Got the BA. I be educated.
-- Liked high school: Bittersweet
-- Want to get married: Probably not
-- Believe in yourself: Yep
-- Get motion sickness: On anything carnival ride that spins.
-- Think you're attractive: I'm a big cutie.
-- Think you're a health freak: Yeah, but sometimes I'm a big liar that eats McDonald's and then curses the stomach ache later.
-- Get along with your parent(s): Very well.
-- Like thunderstorms: Always
-- Play an instrument: Drums. I have a harmonica in my truck that I'll play sometimes when I'm driving long distances even though I know I sound terrible.
LAYER SIX: In the past month...
-- Drank alcohol: Yes.
-- Smoked: Nope.
-- Done a drug: No.
-- Made Out: No.
-- Gone on a date: I had waisall last night, if that counts.
-- Gone to the mall?: Hell no
-- Eaten an entire box of Oreos?: Nope.
-- Eaten sushi: Yesterday.
-- Been on stage: Yep.
-- Been dumped: Yep
-- Gone skating: Rollerblading now and then.
-- Made homemade cookies: Yep. Mmmm...
-- Dyed your hair: Just once. Midnight black. "3-7 day" washout dye that lasted 7 months. Not again.
-- Stolen Anything: I ate a cookie last night in a store when I wasn't sure if they were to just take.
LAYER SEVEN: Ever...
-- Played a game that required removal of clothing: Nope.
-- If so, was it mixed company: If I had this would be a yes.
-- Been trashed or extremely intoxicated: My 21st birthday was crazy.
-- Been caught "doing something": Nope.
-- Been called a tease: I mean what I say
-- Gotten beaten up: Never been in a fight but have always wanted to find out if I'd be any good or just get my ass kicked.
-- Shoplifted: I stole gas once but didn't realize I didn't pay for it until I was 3 hours away and wondering why I had $20 more than I should.
-- Changed who you were to fit in: Not really. I like being me.
LAYER EIGHT:
-- Age you hope to be married: Maybe on my deathbed.
-- Numbers and Names of Children: I hope that answer is zero. :)
-- Describe your Dream Wedding: If i ended up getting married I'd like it to be fun and without all the hoopla. Maybe Vegas or on a beach somewhere.
-- How do you want to die: Painfully but relatively quick. You only die once why not make it an event. I just don't want to end up in the Darwin Awards.
-- Where you want to go to college: UT but I ended up at UNT. Not sure what went wrong there. Wish I'd have gone out of state or at least to a school that had some sort of pride. Don't go to UNT people.
-- What do you want to be when you grow up: I don't want to grow up.
-- What country would you most like to visit: There aren't many I don't want to visit. I hear Belize is great.
LAYER NINE:
-- Number of drugs taken illegally: One.
-- Number of people I could trust with my life: 2, maybe 4.
-- Number of CDs that I own: tons.
-- Number of piercings: I pierced my navel when I was in high school and it's still there. I've taken the tongue stud out after I chipped a tooth. My ears both still have holes in them.
-- Number of tattoos: None. I want to get one in a cool city in a foreign country (like Prague, maybe) after something eventful happens. I want a story to go along with it. I'm not getting one in Denton.
-- Number of times my name has appeared in the newspaper?: No idea.
-- Number of scars on my body: Several. I mountain bike and had an hyper-active childhood filled with dozens of experiences that should have killed me.
-- Number of things in my past that I regret: "I do not regret the things I've done but those I did not do." That sounds nice...but it's crap. I wished I'd done lots of things differently.
Now it's your turn. Hit the "comments" button, copy/paste these questions and give me your answers
--Found @ Blog.This and Pixelsphinx.
December 03, 2003
It's that time of year again
I finally got a haircut. I know what you're thinking, "two in one year??" It's almost a record for me. Usually I just cut it maybe once every 18 months or so. But I'm getting ready to take a trip in a few months and I'm thinking now's not the best time to look like a terrorist. Plus I like it short...for now.
December 01, 2003
Word Association
Scrooge:: McDuck
Ribbon:: yellow
Physical:: Madonna
Income:: wealth
Dream:: sickle
Notebook:: laptop
Disney:: Walt
Combo:: McDonalds
Booty:: call
Skin:: MT
--Unconscious Mutterings--
What about you?
Friday 5
1. Do you like to shop? Why or why not?
···Absolutely not....unless you count Ebay. I love me some Ebay! But shopping malls and Walmarts has to be one of Dante's lost circles of hell.
2. What was the last thing you purchased?
···Food and gas. That's just about all I go out and buy anymore.
3. Do you prefer shopping online or at an actual store? Why?
···see #1
4. Did you get an allowance as a child? How much was it?
···I got my mom to agree to give me whatever my age was each month. When I was 10 it seemed like a lot of money. By the time I was 12 I thought I had negotiated the wrong deal.
5. What was the last thing you regret purchasing?
···I have this habit of buying WAY too many DVDs. I have some I've never even watched. Lately I've gotten much better at restraining myself but I still get the urge whenever I see one for under $10.
Now let's hear yours.
Too much turkey
Did anyone else eat their weight in turkey and sweet potatoes this last week? I know I just about did. I've been doing so well riding my bike and getting in better shape these last few months and all is well. Then one day I wake up with a sore throat and then I'm sick for over a week.
Then I travel across Texas to eat more pieces of pie that I ever could imagine would fit in my stomach and suddenly I've gained 10 pounds.
This time I'm not playing around. I've started this South Beach Diet today and I'm going to see what I can do. Do you think it's feasible to lose 30 pounds in 3 months? That's my goal.
November 25, 2003
I think I'm up for the challenge
To drink my weight, I would have to chug 176 pints of beer.
November 21, 2003
Friday 5
1. List five things you'd like to accomplish by the end of the year.
- de-clutter my apartment
- ride 200 more combined miles on my bike
- lose 10 pounds
- begin seriously learning german, italian or another language
- save $2000 more in my travel fund
2. List five people you've lost contact with that you'd like to hear from again.
- Alanna
- Deb
- Holly
- Becca
- Todd
3. List five things you'd like to learn how to do.
- speak German fluently
- speak Italian fluently
- speak French fluently
- fly a plane
- read minds
4. List five things you'd do if you won the lottery (no limit).
- travel. constantly.
- ride my bike across the US
- visit every continent (yes, even Antartica - see #24)
- build a cabin in the woods somewhere
- move to Italy
5. List five things you do that help you relax.
- ride my bike
- drive
- laying on my couch and zoning out to television
- sleep
- this weblog
You've seen mine now I wanna see yours. Hit "speak up!" and copy/paste it for me to see it.
November 20, 2003
Song titles that describe me
Ok, here's what you do. Pick a band and then answer the following questions using only song titles by that group.
Band: Pearl Jam
1. Are you male or female: Dead Man Walking
2. Describe yourself: Given To Fly
3. How do some people feel about you?: Nothing As It Seems
4. How do you feel about yourself?: I Am Mine
5. Describe an old girlfriend/boyfriend/interest: Indifference
6. Describe your current girlfriend/boyfriend/interest: Half Full
7. Where are you?: Habit
8. Where would you rather be?: Leaving Here
9. Describe what you want to be: Better Man
10. Describe how you live: All Or None
11. Describe how you love: Love Boat Captain
12. Share a few words of wisdom: Spin The Black Circle
You guys do it, too. Push the "speak!" button below and copy/paste it there for me to see it.
November 19, 2003
Despair, Inc.
Finally there are posters out there that seem to be made just for people like me! They're made my Despair, Inc. I love them! The above picture is one of my favorites. Another fav is on their front page. Perfect!
------
By the way, if you haven't figured it out already you can click on a lot of the pictures on my page and (including the one above) and see a bigger one. Just a lil' FYI.
Yeah, sometimes I actually do some things away from my computer
I'm need a good book to read. I have lots of books that I keep buying but I haven't read them all. With most of them I read a few pages and get bored with them. What are you people reading? Send me some comments by clicking that link below this post and tell me.
November 18, 2003
Wired
You know it's a slow day when a big highlight of it is getting the new Wired magazine in the mail. Let's see, what else happened today:
- went to dentist ($55 for 15 minutes of work)
- worked a little bit
- played with my website a little bit
- i think i'm getting a sore throat
So yeah, the Wired magazine was a big event today. Maybe tomorrow will be more eventful.
What did you guys do today?
November 13, 2003
If you love school...
 I saw this picture on someone's website today. I love it.
How accurate is this, though? I enjoyed school mostly BECAUSE i didn't have to go to work. I liked being a student and not having to get the "real job". I liked taking being able to take off to Europe without having to plan too much about it. When I wanted to go to see my grandparents in NM or a friend in CO or WA I didn't have to save up vacation time and juggle appointments or what-not around to fit it in. I just went -- occasionally on the same day of thinking about it. I've gone across the state to ride my bike in a different spot because it sounded nice. Now not being in school I have even more flexibility, which is nice. I have a job (no, not a career, definetly just a job) where I can just take off when I want. I like that. I'd like to make more money but at the cost of my freedom.
I didn't mean to rant today. The picture is a funny one and I thought some of you might enjoy it like I did. Have a good day.
September 29, 2003
Dispose of me properly
I saw this on a cup from Whataburger. If I got a tattoo this would probably be what it would say. I love it. :)
(you can click on it to enlarge it and see it better)
No, I'm not carrying box cutters
Here's my passport picture. If you've seen me
you'd know it looks little like me anymore (with the haircut and shave, obviously). Do you think I'll have any trouble traveling abroad with this pic?
September 27, 2003
101 Things About Me
1. my name is Jim
2. actually it's really "Jimmie"
3. that's with "ie" and not "y"
4. no, it's really not James
5. my favorite month is September
6. but if i was born in March i'm sure it would be my favorite
7. i assume my audience needs to be led where i need them to go
8. i think most people are sheep or at least think (or don't think) like them
9. independent thought appears to be a diminishing natural resource
10. my favorite color is silver
11. no, not grey but silver - there is a difference
12. no one else's favorite color is silver
13. that makes me like it more
14. i have a job, not a career
15. i'm convinced that this does not make me lazy or unmotivated
16. i have an ambition for greatness
17. i don't think having a career = greatness
18. i plan on redefining what it is to achieve greatness
19. i lack direction
20. so i try them all
21. i tend to get fanatical about any hobby/career/tv show/ect that sparks my interest in the least
22. i love to travel
23. i plan on visiting all of the continents before i die
24. maybe not antartica
25. who really wants to go there anyway?
26. i've seen snow and felt like i was going to freeze to death already
27. i will soon leave for a great worldwide adventure of intrigue and excitement
28. i don't know where i'm going, how long i'll be gone, or if i'll come back
29. i like things one day at a time
30. i aspire to live more in the present than for tomorrow
31. most people think this is irresponsible
32. most people are sheep (or cattle)
33. i tend to repeat myself and tell stories more than once
34. i like to tell interesting stories
35. i've had my fair share of interesting things happen to me
36. i'm just getting started
37. i often really do feel like most days are the beginning of the rest of my life
38. but what does that say about yesterday?
39. yesterday wasn't so bad
40. i can't believe i'm only on #40
41. i think i have some form of ADD
42. i am the king of multitasking
43. i do more things than i should safely do while i drive
44. sometimes i read a book
45. i've won 7 games of gin in a row while driving across New Mexico
46. i have a hard time not keeping active
47. i ride my bike just about every day
48. i want to ride my bike across the US some day soon
49. i might settle for riding one across a smaller country
50. maybe The Netherlands or Luxembourg
51. Belgium might be nice, too
52. i like to put things on the internet
53. even though most of these things i think only interest me
54. i heal really fast
55. sometimes i get road rash from crashing my bike on trails and wish the marks would stay around longer
56. i would estimate i've spent more than 6 combined months of my life looking for my keys and the tv remote
57. i've never been to arkansas
58. if i make it to my deathbed without going there i won't be sad in the least bit
59. i'm sure there the state has lovely things to offer
60. i just don't care to see them, alright?
61. i've recently started drinking coffee
62. i love it
63. i see how people (ie. my brother) can become absolute coffee junkies
64. i have random bouts of crazy insomnia
65. i rarely get tired
66. most nights are a struggle to get to sleep
67. maybe coffee isn't a good idea afterall
68. i play the drums
69. my only career ambition to date has been "rockstar"
70. i currently list "vagabond" whenever my employment information is requested
71. my favorite movie is Pulp Fiction
72. i know nearly every word of the movie
73. my favorite band is Pearl Jam
74. i know very few of the words to their songs
75. i love HBO original shows
76. Six Feet Under and the earlier seasons of the Sopranos are genius
77. i'm starting to like the new one "Carnivale"
78. i get distracted easily
79. in my fit of mulitasking i do too many things where i rarely get one thing accomplished
80. i have a hard time reading one book at a time
81. i am currently reading 6 - 8 different books
82. odds are i'll finish maybe two of them
83. i love good music, good wine, good beer, and good movies
84. i like good food but if i could take some kind of pill and never had to eat again i'd do it
85. i'd never sleep if i didn't have to
86. i don't mind living out of a bag
87. i love to travel with the minimal amount of stuff
88. i own a lot of crap for a "vagabond"
89. i love to throw stuff away
90. i feel a sense of freedom when i do so
91. i still rarely throw stuff out
92. my hair is brown
93. it is rarely a consistent length over long periods of time
94. i rarely cut it
95. when i do it's usually a drastic change
96. my eyes are hazel
97. one of them is mostly blind
98. i'm nearing the end of my list
99. but i'm starting to get to like making the list
100. i can't imagine anyone reading it this far
101. i'm not sure if i'm happy or sad for you for reading this far
102. don't you have better things to do?
103. i went over #101
104. i don't really like rules anyway
105. why should i stop just because i got to #101?
106. what if i still had more to say?
107. but i doesn't appear that i do so maybe i should stop
108. i'm not stopping yet
109. a good woman will pick you apart
110. a box full of suggestions for a possible heart
111. i like to quote songs i like
112. jim stone is back where he feels he belongs as voice of the aztecs
113. ok, i'm done. if you've read this far - i both congratulate and pity you
September 11, 2003
Urban Challenge
How cool does this sound???
September 10, 2003
9,496 days
Or 227,904 hours or 13,674,240 minutes or 820,454,400 seconds.
August 14, 2003
Ouch!
Guess what I got to do today? I went to the dentist because I had a little bit of a toothache with one of my molars. Turned out I needed a root canal, which they did right then. And I thought my tooth hurt before! I can't wait until I can eat solid food again without grimacing. Yuck.
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