Year 1, Day 35

Tired. Check out my tumblr for some updates. I'll try harder tomorrow.

Year 1, Day 34

Here we are with another late night post.  Not much to say, but there was a nice write up about the library in today's The Times (Gainesville, GA). Of course, I made the mistake of reading the comments--never read the comments because the comments are infested with trolls.

I almost applied for a new credit card (as if I need another means of accruing debt). I also learned that my student loan website has locked my out, which means I now have to call them in order to regain access to my online account.

The tickets to Guardians of the Galaxy have been purchased and the anticipation builds. I need to read through the Guardians graphic novel that I currently have in my position despite the fact that it is the original Guardians as opposed to the Guardians of the silver screen.

I really need to find a means of overcoming the malaise that I currently find myself in.  I struggled with my relinquished burden again, but my admiration is slowly turning into disdain and I think that this is an appropriate response because I need something to fill that void that currently consumes me.

Year 1, Day 33

Supposedly, tonight's temperature is supposed to fall into the high 50s, but in my room and in front of my keyboard, I am basting.  I know that this will most likely be another uncomfortable evening in which little sleep is found, but I should take a moment and talk about a few things that will take my mind off this heat. For example, the new Manchester United kits for the upcoming campaign.

From L to R:  Primary | Secondary | Alternate

First (and I know that this point has been beaten to death), what is the deal with the oversized Chevrolet logos?  It is difficult enough to be sponsored by a poor car manufacturer, but now, they have emblazoned the chests of my beloved Red Devils with not only that ridiculous symbol, but the name of their company too. Anyway, in comparison to last season's primary shirt, this year's primary shirt falls short because of its lack of collar. In truth, it remains of the shirt from two campaigns ago, but now you have to button up the shirt.

Next is the secondary shirt, which I believe is the best of the three new shirts and if it were not for that ridiculous sponsor logo; I would not only purchase, but I could wear it to work.

The alternate shirt is interesting and I'm not sure if that is good or bad.  The thing I find funny about this kit is that many of the Twitter accounts I follow that are primarily MLS accounts derided the shirt as one of the worst they have ever and yet, this is the same group of people that praised the Colorado Rapids secondary (or alternate--the blue Colorado flag shirt) is one of the best they have seen in the league. Oh well.

Year 1, Day 32

I am a jack-of-some-trades and certainly, a master of none.  Through my thirty-plus years, I have worked at a burger joint, a pizza joint, a medical manufacturing plant (in a clerical capacity), two political campaigns, a trucking company (as a relief dispatcher), a fastener manufacturing plant (in quality control) and now, a library.  To be honest, the times I had the most fun on the job was with the political campaigns, but those positions also proved to be rather challenging too. I enjoy my work in the library, but this is a major deviation from my original career goal of becoming an attorney. Also, there are moments in dealing with either my coworkers or with patrons that I become jaded.  To be frank, I already live a rather pessimistic life and I do not need to be egged on by my peers.

Anyway, there is really no point behind today's entry.  It is just me wasting time and filling space and in truth, I probably could have written on a more specific topic, but I'm not quite feeling up for it.

Year 1, Day 31

I honestly thought about continuing my rant from last night, but I decided that it was best to leave the dead horse alone.  Instead, I thought that I would use my brief time this evening to discuss some of the things that I am looking forward to in world of personal fandoms.

First is Guardians of the Galaxy.  The Marvel (Cinematic) Universal finally enters space and it looks amazing.  I cannot wait to see what James Gunn brings to the big screen.

Second is Batgirl #35.  Yes, this is not due out until the fall, but the new redesign of Batgirl's costumed coupled with a new team at the helm is sure to make this a memorable issue and I am not even a single-issue reader.

SOURCE:  Cameron Stewart on Tumblr

Third and I am in a bit of a rush now is Dragon Con. Coming off the heels of having to endure a weekend of San Diego Comic Con coverage, I am ready to have my own convention adventure and what better convention to have an adventure at than "North America's Largest Science-Fiction and Fantasy Convention", Dragon Con?  My coworker traveling companions and I cannot wait to cut lose and let our geek fly amongst a sea of our peers--maybe I will run into you there? (REMEMBER:  I'm bespectacled guy with a debonair mustache) 

Year 1, Day 30

Well, Batman Day (at the library) has come and gone and while it appears as though there were some swag bags left (at least at a little past noon), I was glad to see that the presentation worked and happy to hear that it was well received.  Of course, no moment of joy at the library can last too long as a particular patron made it a point to rain our parade by being a royal bitch to my two coworkers.  Odd enough, this same patron just submitted an application to volunteer at our branch and needless to say, I want nothing to do with her.  Now, all I have to do is come up with some lame excuse for not bringing her on as a volunteer despite our need.  To be honest, I want to be frank and straightforward with the patron and tell her that I simply do not want to bring on an individual, paid or volunteer, that believes that they are better than us and will create unnecessary distractions due to the fact that we have had multiple issues with her in the past.

Anyway, enough with the negative vibes. After I stopped by the library to check on the status of Batman Day, I stopped by Uncle Maddio's Pizza Joint and ascertained another free individual pizza (two free pizzas in three days equals HELL YEA!).  Personally, the concept isn't revolutionary, but the setup does set it apart from your run-of-the-mill pizza joints.  Think of Maddio's as Subway, but for pizza.  As for the actual pizzas, they were good and since it only takes six-and-a-half minutes to cook each pie; it is a feasible lunch option.  In comparison to other pizza places in the area, it is definitely a second-tier pizza joint:  not nearly as good as say Mellow Mushroom or Little Italy's, but far better than Little Caesar's Pizza and Stevie B's.  In other words, I would say it is in the same area as other major pizza chains like Pizza Hut and Papa John's, but I think I may prefer Maddio's over the two because of the concept of building your own pie and seeing it actually be made.

After lunch, I headed down to Buford for the second time this week.  I was headed down primarily for the Anime Weekend Atlanta event at Barnes & Noble, but since I arrived in town early; I stopped by Galactic Quest and picked up the latest trade Superior Spider-man volume (I know that I shouldn't have, but sometimes you have to treat yourself).  When I arrived at B&N, there wasn't really a crowd for the event, which consisted of a costume contest and an art and trivia contest.  Of course, as the contest drew closer, a small number of cosplayers did appear and a small crowd did gather to watch the contest.  There were a few standout costumes, but I felt out of place because (1) I was much older than the vast majority of the people in attendance and (2) I did not recognize a number of the entries.

But, as I stood there, I was privy to a number of comments from curious onlookers unaware of the growing anime community and it drew my err.  In truth, this aggravation has been festering me for some time and it actually covers a wide range of fandoms, but it is still baffling to me how individuals are so taken back by the notion that an individual could actually have a wide range of interests.  For example: today, some of the onlookers my snide and ignorant comments about the characters and the event by saying that the event was some poor man's San Diego Comic Con.  Okay, but no, it is not (and in truth, they said as much, but they did not mean it in the same way that I mean it).  For some, the chance to participate in such events is more than satisfactory and to brush it off as if it was pointless venture reeks of ignorance.

Anyway, I actually have much more to say on this matter, but I need to get this posted before the day ends. And one more thing, my Tumblr is up and running and can be found at:  johnpast30.tumblr.com

Year 1, Day 29

After nearly a week of work, I have finally finished my slideshow presentation for Batman Day at the library. Of course, there are a number of ideas that did not make it into the slide, but there is nothing more that can be done. All I can hope for now is that it runs smoothly come tomorrow.

On a another note, I am considering a tumblr site to go alongside this site.  Of course, this site will continue to serve as my primary journal, but the tumblr blog could be used to further expand my plans for avoiding oblivion. Also, there is a number of incredible things that can be identified and then shared easily on tumblr.

If I create a tumblr site, I will link it here on this site. There is a good chance that I will use the same name and address, if possible. It is also my hope that I will be much more active with this tumblr site than I was with my previous tumblr site, which was hampered by my limiting moniker.

Also, I'm hoping, once I start watching movies again, to introduce a recurring "column" to John Past 30 that will simply be shite movie reviews. Anyway, pardon me as I go forth and expand my sphere of influence.

Year 1, Day 28

I'm tired, sore and I just want to be left alone. Sorry.

Year 1, Day 27

So, here's the plan for the next two months (please refrain from using this entry as a means of stalking or murdering me):

• AWA Staff Meeting
• Guardians of the Galaxy
• Braves versus Dodgers plus Weezer concert
• Dragon Con (single day--Saturday or Sunday)
• Anime Weekend Atlanta

It seems pretty easy and straight forward, but the cost is what will eventually kill me financially. I am excited about it despite the eventual financial problems it will cause for me.

I will admit that I am really looking forward to what lies ahead over the next couple of months.

Year 1, Day 26

Today was another long day.  It was not as long or as busy as yesterday, but today had its moments. One moment involved a patron that could not understand our policy about not tying bicycles on the trees immediately in front of the library. It was not so much has ignorance of our policy, but his attitude and use of profanities in the presence of young children. My second moment was much more lighthearted and humorous and involved to bearded and elderly men.  In the opinion of my co-worker, both of these individuals could have easily been confused for extras on Duck Dynasty except they were at the library and there was no crew present. It turned out that one of these individuals had run for mayor of Atlanta despite being homeless and situated in a town nearly sixty miles away.  I would continue, but I do not want to capture the attention of these two individuals.

As of now, I sit in my bedroom awaiting the results of today's runoff election. Personally, I do not bother myself with politics as much as I once did, but I still enjoy Election Night. In truth, the results of the most significant races of the night hold little interest to me because I am a single-party voter.  Regardless, it is still excellent to observe.

Year 1, Day 25

Today was one of the busiest days at the library in some time. From the moment we opened until the moment I left at approximately 6:30 PM, there was barely a moment to catch our breaths. In truth, the only opportunity we had of seeing the second floor was prior to opening.

I will admit that the muscles in my right leg are sore and that even as I draft this entry, I find myself fending off exhaustion. But, this is not to say I did not enjoy the day. In fact, it is on days such as this that I find myself energized and invigorated.

Anyway, it should get to bed because I know not how much longer this shall pass. 

Year 1, Day 24

Today was the epitome of a "Lazy Sunday" because I did nothing productive.  The only things I did today were watch anime, watch old episodes of Epic Rap Battles of History, read graphic novels, and eat.  Well, I did a handful of other things, but they were nothing I would openly share in public.  Since my Sunday was lacking in any sort of interesting activities and I am not in the mood to opine on anything in particular, allow me to share some my favorite ERB episodes:

This is just a small sample of the epicness that is ERB.  I have a number of other favorites (e.g., the Hitler vs. Vader trilogy), but to name them all would make this entry particularly longer than necessary.

Year 1, Day 23

Today, I was tired and miserable and I did not want to deal with anyone (patrons or coworkers), but I gritted my teeth and went about my business.  I suppose despite my grumpy morning exterior, I still desire to be recognized and greeted and yet, this did not happen and I knew that it would not happen.  Regardless, I still expected it and I was met with disappointment with a tinge of jealously at the fact that everyone else seemed to enjoy one another's company.

As I reflect back on some of my latest entries, I have reached the conclusion that I sound incredibly needy and desperate and while I am needy (e.g. - I need a better paying job, I need to clear my debts, etc.), I have little need nor desire to be desperate.  And it is with this in mind that I shed the burden of my unrequited love for a coworker that clearly has no interest in me.  It is clear that after nearly a year-and-a-half of this nonsense that nothing is ever going to change and I am only doing a disservice to myself and my departmental coworkers by continually allowing myself to be distracted by this foolishness.  So, with that being said, I bid adieu to unnecessary and unwanted feelings of unrequited love.  Good bye and good riddance.

Now, to the business at hand:  I stand at a crossroad in my life in which I must make the decision to either advance my current career path or alter my path once more.  At the moment, I am leaning toward the former, but there remains an inkling of wishing to return to my passion of politics.  I understand at the moment that my skills are dated and connections drastically hampered by poor personal decisions, but if I have learned anything from the various scandals that politicians place themselves in; it is that redemption is always possible through a proper public relations strategy.

I suppose my political itch is being driven by a gubernatorial election year in which a Democrat has a strong opportunity to oust a scandal-embroiled Republican incumbent.  Of course, this itch always hits me during this time and while I may have a lingering bitter taste in my mouth from past political business; I find the political theater to be enthralling and truly captivating. Anyway, I am only speaking out of my own ass and I have plenty of other business to tend to before I make any drastic decisions.

After this entry, I feel a lot better and I think things are going to get better--if not immediately, then at least, somewhere down the line.  From here on out, I am only about myself and my family (well, the family that I like) because at the end of the day:  only I am going to watch for me and only I will have my own back. Now, I'm not saying that my outlook on life has been radically altered--I'm just saying that I have one less burden on my back and it's all about me.  This my sound conceited because it is, but I like it because it is simple and to the point.

Year 1, Day 22

I know that I have been hitting all the sour and bitter notes this week with my posts, but I thought I would switch things up today by sharing with you one of my "guilty pleasures":  "Weird Al" Yankovic.  If you did not know, Weird Al has a new album out and during the past week the weird one has been flooding the inter-tubes with videos and tracks from his album: Mandatory Fun.  Anyway, here are some of the videos that I have been able to find on YouTube--sit back and enjoy:

The comedic cameos and outfits in this parody of Pharrell Williams' "Happy" are glorious and of course, it is just as infection an ear worm as the original.

I will be the first to admit that I guilty of using terrible grammar and misspelling words, especially, when spell check is not available, but I think we should all take a moment to ponder some of the tips and hints that Weird Al provides in this parody of Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines".

At last, Weird Al confirms what we have all known about aluminum foil--that it is a great way to store sandwiches and other foods and that it will protect our brains from the mind-altering rays that the Illuminati are sending out to the masses.  Who knew that a parody set to Lorde's "Royals" could be so informative? The answer: Weird Al did.

There was actually one more video that was released, but it was released in partnership with Yahoo! Screen and well, to be frank, I did not want to be bothered with embed codes and the sort. So, you can go look it up for yourself--it is called "Handy" and it is a parody of Iggy Azalea's "Fancy".

Anyway, enjoy the tracks and have a pleasant evening and hopefully, I will "see" you tomorrow.

Year 1, Day 21

I am back on my iPhone grind as I am simply too lazy to set up the PC. Anyway, today marked the end of the regular work week since the system has a furlough day scheduled for tomorrow. I could plenty about furlough days, but that would require use of a keyboard. This work week has been incredibly manageable; tamed almost. I suppose with the summer winding down, there is just so many other things to concern themselves with. This won't run too long since it is getting late and I am getting tired. I just wanted to say that I am coming up with what I think are brilliant ideas for a number of personal projects.

Year 1, Day 20

I am still in the midst of my "Batman Day" brainstorming, but I thought that I would share some thoughts with you about some of the things I have been doing over the past couple of days (aside from moping about the end of the World Cup):

First, I just want to say that I love the song "Stay With Me" by Sam Smith.  I first heard about this song and about Sam Smith on NPR and after the events of the past couple of weeks, the song really struck a chord with me.

I know that it is foolish of me to continue longing for someone that is obviously disinterested in me, but I simply could not get over the possibility of losing her--even if she was just transferring to another branch within the system.  I honestly have not felt this way about someone in such a long time--I really cannot explain my feelings, but I know that it would have hurt tremendously even if she did not realize it herself.

Second, another song that I have been really digging is Bleachers' "I Wanna Get Better".  I understand that this track does have some particularly morbid themes to it, but the hook draws me in.  Again, this all goes back my unrequited longing and how I want to change and become more like the sort of man she wants and deserves.  I know that this is sounding rather pathetic, but I am simply a man that longs to be loved.

Of course, I couldn't leave this update on such a depressing note. So, here is a unique take on Ferris Bueller's Day Off starring stars from Major League Soccer and United States women's national team:

Year 1, Day 19

Something exciting has landed at my feet and while I have not been formally invited to assist in the preparation, I know that I would be glad to lend a hand if needed. For those that were unaware, 2014 marks the 75th Anniversary of Batman and it happens that as of this afternoon, our library will be one of thousands of libraries celebrating "Batman Day" at the Library on July 26. In truth, I have been searching for a project to undertake that would pique my interest and this could be it. As of now, I am working through a couple of ideas to work on in regards to my part in this awesome event. Actually, I should be getting back to that now.

Year 1, Day 18

Okay, here are my thoughts on the World Cup finale:

1. The match was far more entertaining than its 2010 equivalent.
2. Personally, it was a disappointing result because I was supporting Argentina.
3. For some unknown reasons, I have come to dislike the German squad.
4. But, I will admit that Mario Götze's winner was superb.
5. And Gonzalo Higuain and Messi, blew their opportunities to score.

I have nothing else to say in regards to that matter. It was a satisfactory ending to a fantastic tournament.

Year 1, Day 17

The World Cup is over and I am tired. I would speak more about the final and the feelings of disappoint it invoked within me, but that will have to wait for another day. I know that this isn't much of an update, but one learns that there be moments like this from time to time.

Year 1, Day 16

Tonight's update is coming to you from my grandfather's house (actually, it is my aunt and uncle's house, but that is besides the point since it was basically my grandpa that forced them to move from Virginia to Georgia). Anyway, I'm playing caretaker for the evening while my aunt, uncle and mother spend some time and money in Cherokee. Of course, I have no intentions of boring you with the details (of which there are few) of my time watching over my grandpa instead I plan on boring you with my prediction for tomorrow's World Cup final match between Argentina and Germany.

I suppose you could dub this match "the best player in the world" (since the current best player of the world crapped out of the tournament in the group stage) versus "the current best national team in the world" (given their dominate victory against Brazil in the semifinal round). If one were to go by each side's performance thus far in the tournament, then Germany would have to be considered the heavy favorites to win. But, I could care less about recent past performances instead I chose to believe that Germany have played their best match of the tournament already and Lionel Messi has yet to fully play to his potential.  And this is why I believe that Argentina behind a legacy-solidifying performance from Messi will win the World Cup final in the home of their greatest national rivals, Brazil, while at the same time ensuring that Europeans remain trophy-less in World Cups played in South America (or the Americas in General).