FLAME ON!

Wow, today was crazy busy and yet I got everything mostly done and I'm not stressed out of my mind. I think it's because I enjoyed what I was doing.

8AM- Wake up, lie in bed, pretend I'm in a cave for an hour. MMmM, warm.
9AM- Get up, breakfast, do readings for Japan Religion class.
10AM- Begin math worksheet of doom.
12PM- Lunch with Sarah.
1-5PM- Ecology lab. This entails hiking out into the forest with Sarah and wading through plots of ferns that are taller than we are and we know there's a ravine somewhere close...
6PM-Comic House meeting to discuss our first event, scheduling for flyer circulation, and the purchasing of our mascot, S.T. Strange. Details to come.
7:30PM- Clean and inspect the house to prepare for the arrival of the RCC. (Think Campus Housing RA.)
8-9PM-Meet with said RCC, discuss our vs. other houses on campus. Learn that one house on 17th street has "a lot of chains in the basement. A lot. Of chains."
9PM- Head to library to print copies of a handout needed for Asian Art class. Note that only seven copies exist for a class of forty people.
9:30PM- Send out Comic House e-mail the first (two more to go). Finish math worksheet of doom and hope she's nice about it since it's a review.
1AM- Read some of the Asian Art handout,decide to do rest at lunch break.

The good news is that my RCC is also a member of campus security, so if any weird or unwanted people who don't belong to UPS drop by I can get them escorted away right quickly. Damn busy street with easy-to-find houses.

well damn.

I want to order volume two of ES and EN, but they can currently only accept Paypal...and Paypal hates me.

I'm sad. =( I was assuming I could pay with my credit card, and now I don't know what to do.

Well, I made it, and am mostly moved in. A virtual tour of Comic House will be available as soon as my camera's battery is charged.

Chronicles of Wrennie- the home stretch

Here is the last bit of the trip. Have fun with the satellite views.

It looks like roughly two hundred more miles of mountains, and then four hours of flat eastern Washington, and then a brisk jaunt through the Cascades and I am home.

I am making damn sure we're out of the Cascades before it gets dark.

Karma

Where the tire blew was truly provident. Not only were we near a town and actually possessing cell service, but the hotel of our choice was 1 mile away....and we find out this morning that two blocks from it is a firestone.

So we're getting two new tires, a rotation, and going on our merry little way.

I'll be editing in or near Spokane tonight.

::EDIT::
Here is the progress we made today.

All of it was mountains.

I am so damn tired.

I fucking hate mountains.

You wanna look around, but then there's a hairpin turn and a semi and it's RAINING and your bug collection is making the windshield cloudy.

Chronicles of Wrennie-D I S A S T E R S T R I K E S

Blogging from my car in Wyoming, the land of no cell service. And I think I’ve seen three gas stations in the past two and a half hours. It feels bigger and emptier than South Dakota did, which is really, really impressive. Rammstein, by the way, makes good travel music here. Something about the echoy background beats their songs have. Evidently this is one of the least populated states in the nation, and most of them appear to live in nice trailers and own lots of horses.

I’ve seen one local license plate here. Most of them have been from Cali, Wa, S Dakota, and one from Jersey and Pennsylvania, respectively. We waved at them, since they were in the long haul, like us, and even though my tags say from MO, I drove here from DC, baby.

Give it to me baby, say the Offspring.

My iPod has been dead on with its music choices, as usual. (Remember Lon Lon Ranch from a few posts back?) It has managed to sync up practically the entire day with only the slightest bit of help from me.

It started this morning when we breakfasted on Arby’s (the fact that I can eat it without getting sick makes me wonder about their claims to serving real roast beef…) and drove down highway 16 to get to Rushmore. On the way there we decided to stop by Bear Country USA, which is a drive-thru wildlife park set back in the hills. I have a lot of pictures because the animals were active and quite unafraid of the car, but since there were wolves and bears it was forbidden to roll down the window, so I have no idea if they will turn out. So, I’ll describe the highlights.

1) In the Arctic Wolf section, I had selected Enya to play on shuffle, and we listened to a song about hiding in the grass while looking for the wolves in a large hilly field. Found one asleep by a rock, flicking his ears.

2) Found a rather amusing-looking sheep in another section, right past the goat feed station. A lot of goats were there, and the kids had hopped into the troughs and were eating lying down with ears atwitch

3)Enya’s “Wild Child” started playing as soon as we entered the wolf and black bear section. They were filling a pond to our left, and three bears were flopped in it, enjoying what water there was already, while four wolves were playing with the jet of water coming from the filling spout. They were leaping around, pawing, and biting at the water jet. Then they’r run off and go race each other before coming back and doing it all again.

4) As we left through the Bison area, a large male stood at the gate exit and stared us down as we left. He had really bad allergies and a lovely afro and big, warm eyes.

After that we drove off to Rushmore and listened to Beethoven through the Black Hills. BEST IDEA EVER. Ode to joy played as we left the trees and entered the hills, and Pastorale played as we were driving in and out of a small thunderstorm. I don’t have a picture of the full Rushmore face, but I have a really awesome shot of Washington’s profile.

Next we drove through the national park proper and took the scenic route through a lot of little mountain towns and up into a canyon before ending and having lunch in Spearfish. Had a lot of fun discussing geology during the drive. Spent most of it in silence because everything was so astoundingly pretty.

After that we headed into Wyoming and headed off to Devil’s Tower with a thunderstorm on our tails. It ended up south of us, so we had a nice sunny drive through the middle of nowhere up towards the tower. Once we’d had our fill of the scenery we drove off down highway 14 and picked 90 back up at Gillette. I think we’re going to stop somewhere in Montana tonight, possibly in Billings. I’ll finish this post then.


::EDIT::

We've been a bit held back.

Luckily, this happened near a town, in a place that had cell service.

So I can't whine about it too much, considering what the rest of Wyoming was like.

And we're not too far behind. Should be in/near Spokane by tomorrow.

But, we ordered a lot of room service, anyway. Having a tire explode while going 80 on a highway is a little...stressful.

The Chronicles of Wrennie: Road Trip USA, part the third, 8/21/05

Today we went from Independence, MO, to Rapid City, SD. It was boring until we got past Sioux Falls. We collected a lot of bugs, too. ("Was that bug made of mustard?" "SHUT UP AND DRIVE.")

Everything was FLAT FLAT FLAT until we crossed the Missouri. It was actually really shocking. Everything was zooming along all straight and flat (did I mention it was flat?) when all of the sudden we were going downhill and there was an overpass. In front of us was flat, but in the overpass area there were these HILLS. Black soil with rich green foliage, and cliffs of shale along the Missouri (which was actually BLUE. All the water in South Dakota is BLUE.)

So in the time it took to cross a river we went from farmland to gentle hills. Things got pretty wild, exits got few and far between, and we had to keep a good eye on our gas meter. Since most of the towns were this size (yes, that is the ENTIRE TOWN of Vivian, South Dakota), few of them had gas stations.

Eventually, after about 250 miles of Wall Drug signs (I lost all will to go there after the first 100 miles...) we hit the Badlands.

Once there, we decided we had time to get out and stretch for a bit, so we took a short walk. The sun was starting to go down when we started so the lighting was really good, and we made it back up the path just in time for sunset.

Then we got to the hotel and realized that we have three days to do about 1,200 miles. So we're sleeping in until 11 and tomorrow going to see a wildlife park, mount rushmore, and Devil's Tower. More pics are to come.

Chronicles of Wrennie: Road Trip USA, part the third 8/20/05

Yesterday started badly, but ended well. We didn't leave the city until far, far later than we wanted to, Global Foods Market was out of gummy, and the only thing I am going to say about that first hellacious, wasted hour of driving that ended up making us get lost in East Saint Louis is FUCK THAT CITY'S HIGHWAY INTERCHANGE SYSTEM.

Once we got out of the city, though, it became rather pleasant. It was all about how my car has no acceleration (who knew dishes were so heavy? pictures to come), how nice an evening it was, and the Random Question game ("If you could own an orchard, what type of trees would you have growing in it?"). The rest stop we stopped and had dinner at was very nice and quiet, so we spent the second leg of the trip much less stressed out.

Oh, we also hit Nostalgia Ville, USA, the largest 50s and 60s retro store I have ever seen. I picked up a couple presents for Comic House's living room. Sorry, it's a surprise =O. Daryl evidently got something, too. I know what it is, but it makes me giggle too hard to describe it. >>

Speaking of my dishes, my family is having me take an insurance policy out on them. They seem to think I am bringing two thousand dollars worth of servingware to Comic House. (Either they're overstressing as usual, or I really need to get my stuff appraised in the future.) Anyway, they're worried about someone stealing my silver and hocking it. I told them I trusted everyone in the house and that I highly doubt anyone easting over will notice the flatware is real unless we point it out. (My theory is that college kids are just too damn hungry to look for real silver to steal.) Despite this, they didn't shut up. I decided quickly that I should have just put the damn boxes in the car before they got home. XD

Thanks to the nice Holiday Inn receptionist, I had a good night's sleep in a huge room with free internet and a TV that allows the plugging in of PS2s. With a discount. And now I'm a member of the Priority Club, which gives you every fourth night you stay in a hotel free. Which is great for my trip. >>

Anyway, I'll keep blogging and post when I have internet. Once I hit the pretty part of the US there will be pics. We're headed north once we hit Souix Falls, and coming into Washington through Spokane.

Call me if you get bored, dahlings. It's gonna be a 12-hour day.

bow to me.

Now giving invitations to my fellow WoW addicts who want to be able to contribute over at my new site.

Comment, call, e-mail, poke me. I don't care. Just join so it will be all fun!

Also, from now on all things WoW will be over there, so those who don't get it can be spared posts like this that devolve into intricate conversations that bore the casual observer.

TARGET IS GOD

Today I outfitted my entire kitchen, minus two cake pans, a mixer, rolling pin, and cheese grater for less than 50 dollars.

And a baking pan. I have a pizza pan, though.

Time to go polish the silver!

::EDIT::
Wow, silver is a pain to polish. Luckily nothing else is as tarnished as the "brass" set.

I am COVERED in newsprint and dust

I was sorting through all my boxes downstairs trying to find the dishes I want to take back to Comic House, and stumbled upon no less than FIVE different sets of dishes, one which seems to be entirely for desserts and lots of alcohol... and two different sets of silver.

*sighs* And now I'm taking inventory. Comic House, expect a mailing of my findings. We no longer lack glasses, I can tell you that much.

::EDIT THREE HOURS LATER::
HOLY CRAP, how could I have forgotten about my blow-up bell penguin?!!
College list now includes:
Rug for kitchen
2 dragons, one small one large
said penguin
cute owl stuffed animal
fox stuffed animal

::EDIT AN HOUR LATER::
I have a Bavarian China tea set?! Why didn't anyone ever tell me? I would have been USING it!!!

::YET ANOTHER EDIT::
Okay, so I'm looking through the "misc china" box and find two lovely, if a bit tarnished brass cream and sugar decanters.

Then I look at the stamp on the bottom and get a horrible, horrible sinking feeling.

Compare:




Yep. My brass decanters are actually SILVER.

XD

Well, I now have a $21 dollar credit to use towards the new Legend Of Zelda game when it comes out in November. Well, I was just told it's not November anymore, it's March. But whatever, it doesn't expire, and at least I'll be able to get through first semester with only ONE addiction to hurt my grades.

I also have an almost-full $50 gift card to Target to use for the house. I figure it will either be spent on beanbags, spiderman-head pillows, or cleaning supplies.

I also have two rather huge posters for the house. I'm bringing up my Uma 4-panel and my LOTR spread by request of Sarah. And me. Supposedly Fam is gonna fork over the money to get them framed....

...I don't trust that, but we'll see. Things have been okay for...oh...a week...

And I'm pretty sure Anna's not coming on the trip. =/ So I'll be bringing up lots of dishes and my real silver. I mean...it'd be fun to use it, yah? Not all the time, but when I cook...why not eat off of ridiculously extravagant tablewear?

My back hurts

"Resist" and "A more powerful spell is already active": two of my most despised phrases.

The Chronicles of Wrennie: Road Trip USA, part the first. 8/7/05

My computer is telling me that it can’t detect a wireless connection. I am telling it “no shit.”

Today is Toll Road Day. The rest of Ohio was pretty pleasant, and so was Indiana (which we ran through using less than half a tank of gas). Then all of the sudden cars come out of NOWHERE. There was no on-ramp. It’s like they just materialized out of the air of the STATE. So it’s been full of Illinois dumbfuck drivers, but we’re still alive.

Though if Ian keeps singing “America Fuck Yeah!” every time he sees a typically mid-American truck, I may have to kill him.

And now we are entering the fifth toll road of the day. Have I mentioned today is Toll Road Day?

::EDIT::
Oh, and why the fuck does the Sears Tower have big white bunny ear antennae? =_=;;

Very disappointing and not at all looking like the Nation's Tallest Monument to Corporate America.

>>;

The Chronicles of Wrennie: Road Trip USA, part the first. 8/6/05

This is a landmark post, ladies and gentlemen. For the first time in the history of Poetic Instability Lite, I am blogging from my car. And to make you all stop worrying, two points.

1) OF COURSE I’M NOT DRIVING. Geez.

2) I am, however, using Word.

I really thought today would be hell. In the first mile of our trip we ran into a terrible accident that blocked off most of an intersection, and I spent the 1^st 100 miles convinced this was an omen.

However, the good Karma caused by actually taking care of my car must have offset this, because we’ve barely even had asshole drivers. Oh, I said it. The trip to Wisconsin has so far been pleasant. =O I even had a civil conversation with my AUNT.

This has led me to believe that Rain-X is the key to happiness. That’s right. Simply apply with a circular motion to your windshield, and everything will be okay. I also did the interior fog prevention treatment, AND aired my tires.

I am walking on fucking SUNSHINE.

Yes, I’ve had a few sodas. Why do you ask?

::EDIT AFTER DINNER::

Luck has yet to run out. We entered Ohio feeling a bit hungry, and lo and behold- to our right appears the largest and cleanest rest are I have ever seen. It looks like a smaller version of the Ohayocon convention center, and it has a Panera Bread. So I had chicken noodle soup and a nice hot panini for dinner. In a comfy booth. With soft music playing. It was soooo nice.

Most amusing moment of the day?

*gazes out window at the flat, dreary farmland*
“Yeah, this is definitely Ohio.”
*cue iPod selecting Ocarina of Time’s Lon Lon Ranch Theme*

Right at that moment. One out of 4254 songs.

It still makes me giggle.

::EDIT IN HOTEL::
There is a JACUZZI to my right.

Best fucking road trip day ever.

Yet another thing I thought would never happen

I swallowed my tongue stud today.

Okayyyyyy...

Why are there no males? Or dwarves or gnomes?

Do not click this.
For reference to that last link: I wouldn't really click this, either.

...

So I woke up horribly sick this morning. I've been feverish all day, and my face is literally burning. My skin is dry, and I can't get enough water.

I somehow blame Six Flags.

And yet I still have to start packing.

Well, here's one thing I never thought would happen

Went to Six Flags America today. First ride I got on was the Mind Eraser, alright....and it broke. We're slowing down and getting to the part where you wait for the other car to load before pulling into the bay, and there's this horrible popping noise and the sound of pressurized gas escaping and we come wrenching to a halt.

So everyone was stuck on it for a while. It's one of those hanging rides with the locks that go over your shoulders and have headrests on either side, and of course it smelled like really bad B.O.

So I chilled for about 15 minutes with the sun in my face and the B.O in my nostrils while all the jackassess behind me made really crummy jokes to the stressed-out employees. ("Can you bring me a Sprite?" "Hey kids, we got ourselves a free season pass on this ride.")

Ended up getting a V.I.P pass which let you cut the line to whatever ride you wanted and get a good seat. But, considering that two more rides jammed up in the next hour, I almost wish I'd gotten a refund. =/

Wow.

A quote from Customers_Suck:

" Background: I am the manager of an arcade in a mall.

Question of the day? Who pisses me off the most?

If you guessed Mall Walkers, you guessed correctly!

I am usualy at work between 5-6 hours before the malls open dealing with broken machines, taking money out, etc... Basic manager stuff. I hate dealing with the Mall Walkers. I want them all to die. I have to deal with "Hey sonny, can I get a stuffed animal for free? I'm a senior!" I get that about 10 times a day.

Today, took the cake as far as horrible mall walkers go.

So I was in the store (Gate is closed and locked) taking money out of the games as I do every morning so I can take it all to the bank. This old lady walks up to the gate and yells.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING? ARE YOU STEALING THAT MONEY? YOU ARENT SUPPOSED TO BE DOING THAT!!"

This caught me way off guard, but I told her "Maam, im the manager and I am just taking this money out so it can go to the bank."

"NO! YOUR STEALING! THIEF! THIEF! THEIF!!" She screams at the top of her lungs, then she waddles off.

A few minutes later she shows back up with a group of mall walkers and they all start accusing me of stealing and telling me I had better run because they called security. I know the morning security guard, and know that he was probably laughing his ass off at the situation. HE comes up to them (Chuckling as I thought) and tells them what I am in fact doing. They dont believe him, and say he is in on it and they are going to call the cops.

So about twenty minutes later a cop shows up and talks to them, then to me. Does he yell at them for making a false call? No.

He tells me "You need to be less suspicious and stop scaring these nice people. Next time you scare someone into thinking you are a thief you are coming down to the station."

WHAT THE FUCK????? WHAT!!!! THE!!!! FUCK!!!!

Then mall managment gives the lady a bunch of mall gift certificates for helping to catch a shoplifter, and then they have the balls to tell me I had it coming by looking "So iffy." Yea, because a well groomed guy, in glasses, wearing a button shirt/tie and black slacks really looks iffy.

Every store in the mall has coupons for the mall walkers, to encourage them to walk by every store in the morning or some bullshit. It is completly optional, and I have been doing it to be nice. Well fuck them, today those coupons went in the trash.

I FUCKING HATE MALL WALKERS!!!!!!"

______________________________

....... ...
I don't think there are words for what I would do if this were me.