Monday, July 28, 2008

Why I wear a kilt

One of the questions tossing around in my mind for awhile is "Why do I wear a kilt?".

For those of you who don't know me, I own and proudly wear two Utilikilts (tm): a black Classic Utilikilt and a Jean Cut Utilikilt. I also have a custom made leather belt and a black leather sporran which looks absolutely great with the Jean Cut Utilikilt.

So why do I wear them?

I cannot choose one singular reason why. I wear them because I can. I wear them because it makes me stand out. I wear them because they are comfortable.

1. I wear my kilt because I can.

This is pretty much the non-reason reason. In many ways, it is the reason we all use to justify our hobbies and interests. It is a driving force which can inspire both fear and confidence. It is the bold statement which weeds out the strong from the weak. I wear my kilts because I *can* wear them. I'm not afraid to wear my kilts, and I don't give a damn about what you think.

2. I wear them because it makes me stand out.

I never intended to spend my life being the odd person. I never wanted to be the person who never quite fit in. I definitely never wanted to be the person who was bullied and constantly criticized over every damn thing. Fate had something else in mind, though. Between being intelligent and diabetic, I was always different in grade school. Making matters worse, I was the non-athletic geeky kid who was always picked last.

Spending so much time putting up with being the outcast causes subtle changes. I am a lot more understanding and sensitive to others, however, I'm also more of a realist (some would call me a pessimist) and I have a different edge. I can exist in the mainstream, but I choose to be my own person. My sense of individuality runs very deep inside of me.

So, when it comes to my clothes, I have decided to have a few items which are different from everyone else. Somethings which reinforce my individuality. I'm a casual non-conformist.

3. I wear them because they are comfortable.

Most simply put... If you have never worn a kilt, you wouldn't understand.

There is an unique feeling of freedom which is virtually impossible to describe. Movement is so much easier. You can feel the local environment.

Nothing can match the feeling of being able to feel the cool air rushing by as the rain gently falls on you while you run outside to your car. Nothing can ever match the feeling of standing on the upper observation deck of a ship, looking at a glacier directly ahead of your position, as you hear the glacier calve and feel the wind blow.

4. I wear them because they reinforce my image of toughness.

This reason is strictly self image and ego. In real life, I am a stout computer geek. In real life with kilt, I'm a tough stout computer geek. Ok, so the image doesn't quite work out. You may have to use a bit of imagination here...

In any case, I feel like a tough guy when I wear my kilt. Therefore, I am a tough guy while I wear my kilt. Self image is everything. Your inner self image directly influences your outward image.

Friday, July 25, 2008

"Loyola Bounce" still exhists, film at 11.

Ok, first a little back story. At Loyola, students call the tendency to be bounced from office to office to office ... in order to get something signed or otherwise submitted or done the "Loyola Bounce". Usually, the Loyola Bounce will send a student to no less than 8 offices before they will get what they need done. On a particularly bad bounce, someone will be forced to make frantic calls or send emails to a staff member who will (ideally) respond (at some time, hopefully, if the phase of the moon is right and the proper blood sacrifice had been made...) with some information (usually wrong or vague, or both) which will help the student get what they need (usually at this point, the student has started to draw up plans of armed rebellion against the machine...).

In the good old days, the Loyola Bounce could mean being bounced between multiple buildings and multiple campuses. Average distances covered during the various quests in these ancient Loyola Bounces could reach well into a 6+ mile (administrative) hell march. And yes, we did have to face a gate keeper with questions three. Back during those days, student losses were high. But the survivors tended to become stronger... or something like that.

Now, the administration (read: those bastards, the keepers of the red tape, the ominous "they" who upon mentioning will cause the average Loyola student to projectile vomit...) made an announcement that the creation of the new Student "Service" Centre, the "Hub", formerly the Sullivan Science Library, has put a total end to the Loyola Bounce. Rumors have circulated that they held a funeral ceremony for the Bounce.

Anyways, let us move on...

So, on Wednesday, I decided it was time for me to do the unthinkable. Yes, it was time for me to submit my request to be promoted to Graduate Student Emeritus. For you non-edumacation folks, it was time for me to submit the paperwork to apply for graduation from graduate school.

My starting point for this exercise is the Granada Center. For you new Loyola Students, don't be mistaken to call this building "Fordham Hall". Fordham is the dorm which is attached to Granada Center. Granada Center is the rest of the building.

Anyways, from Granada, I walked to the Student "Service" Centre in order to pay the Bursar (also known as "those trolls", or more affectionately "the department of making me broke") the graduation fee (read: not a bribe) and to get a special stamp (made from the bones of undergraduates who died on one of the Bounce quests of old, inked with the tears of 1000 graduate assistants...) which indicates to the Graduate School that your account is paid in full. This fee is $75, and ideally should (in theory) be the last damn fee you (theoretically) pay Loyola.

From the Student "Service" Centre, I had to walk back to Granada. Unfortunately the Student "Service" Centre, which is supposed to be a "one stop shop" for students does not include the Graduate School. Anyways, after a brief elevator ride to the 4th floor, I was on my way to the kingdom of he Graduate School.

I entered the inner sanctum and immediately was greeted by a sign which read "Please ring bell for service!"

"Ding!!!"

Yes, ringing that bell was the highlight of my day. To be honest, I wanted to ring that bell a few times as it was so satisfying to hear it ring out into the abyss... A clerk greeted me and immediately told me that this was not the place of form submission I was looking for, and that I needed to visit another office located around the corner. *SHIT, THE BOUNCE HAS RETURNED!* So, I went to that office. Upon entering that office, I was told that this was not the place of form submission I was looking for, and that I needed to visit another office located a few doors down. *SHIT, THE BOUNCE HAS ME!* Upon entering that office, I was told that this was not the place of form submission I was looking for, and that I needed to visit another office located a few doors back and to the left, but if I saw the copier I went too far. *BOUNCE!* Upon entering that office, I was told that this was not the place of form submission I was looking for, and that I needed to visit another adjacent to the mens room. *BOUNCE.* Upon entering that office, I was told that this was not the place of form submission I was looking for, and that I needed to visit the office of some person who they don't personally know, but should be able to help me. It was located somewhere, but they don't know where, so I need to ask the clerk again. *BOUNCE, again.* Upon finding and entering that office, I was told that this was not the place of form submission I was looking for, and that I needed to visit another office located a few doors to the left. *BOUNCE.* Upon entering that office, I was told that this was not the place of form submission I was looking for, and that I needed to visit another office located near the elevator. *BOUNCE.* Upon entering that office, I was told that this was not the place of form submission I was looking for, and that I needed to deposit the form in the mailbox of someone, and that mailbox is located in main office area.

So, I deposited the form in the mailbox. 7 years of university (Undergrad and Graduate studies combined) ends not with human contact, fanfare, and paperwork, but with the sound of a piece of paper hitting an empty metal bin. I think I need a hug and a cup of tea!

Fast forward to Thursday morning... I get a form email from the graduate school...
Dear Graduate Student,

Your application to receive a degree in December 2008 has been received by the Graduate School office.

All students will receive written notification in December 2008 as to whether or not their degrees will be conferred. Due to the great number of students receiving degrees, we would be grateful if you refrained from inquiring by phone or email about the status of your application to receive a degree.
I sure as hell better have my degree conferred!

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

An archer's thought

Somewhere between twang and thump
During the time perceived between taking the shot and impact
A split second, enough for a single intake of breath
While the bow string sings for the departed arrow

There is a period of peace and calm
Mind still and thoughtless
A fleeting moment in time
Shortly replaced by reaction

I am the one responsible for my shot
My arrow flies by my skill and dedication
My strength projected, Sent with sweet song

Monday, July 14, 2008

Music Playlist

Today I was looking through the play list in Rhythmbox on my main machine. I never really gave thought into what music I listened to until this moment. My current play list has the following:
  • Apocalyptica (Chello Rock)
    • Bittersweet
    • Apocalyptica (album)
    • Cult (album)
    • Inquisition Symphony (album)
    • Reflections (album)
  • Bloodhound Gang (Rap / Alternative)
    • Hefty Fine (album)
  • Blue Man Group ("Other")
    • The Complex (album)
  • Corvus Corax (Folk / Medieval-like Music)
    • Kaltenberg Anno MMVII (album)
    • Venus Vina Musica (album)
  • Cranberries (Alternative)
    • Zombie
  • Depeche Mode (Alternative)
    • Precious
    • Stripped
    • Personal Jesus
  • Eagles (Rock)
    • Journey of the Sorcerer
  • Filter (Rock)
    • Hey Man Nice Shot
  • Gary Jules (Rock)
    • Mad World
  • Hoobastank (Rock)
    • Running Away
  • Korn (Hard Rock)
    • Another Brick in the Wall (Parts 1,2,3, Goodbye)
  • Linkin Park (Rock)
    • Numb
    • Breaking the Habit
    • Minutes to Midnight (album)
  • Metallica (Hard Rock)
    • -Human
    • Ecstasy of Gold
  • Moby (Freestyle)
    • Porcelain
  • Muse (Rock)
    • Knights of Cydonia
  • Neil Young (Rock)
    • Sun Green
    • Be the Rain
  • Red Hot Chili Peppers (Rock)
    • By the Way
    • Dani California
    • Snow (Hey Oh)
  • Serj Tankian (Rock)
    • Elect the Dead (album)
  • Tanwut (Bagpipe Rock, also a subgroup of Corvus Corax)
    • Ihr Wolltet Spass (album)
    • Labyrinth Der Sienne (album)
    • Schattenreiter (album)
    • Tanzwut (album)
  • U2 (Rock)
    • Sunday Bloody Sunday
  • Weezer (Alternative)
    • The Red Album (album)
And that list is only a small list of what I have in my music library. I don't have Enya, Johnny Cash, Black Sabbath... all of the other good artists I listen to loaded up at this time.

I feel like there is a pretty big mix here... from geeky (Pork and Beans, the theme from Hitchhikers Guide...) to angry (Nein Nein). From conventional to cello rock to German bagpipe rock.

It is a pretty big change from my listening habits as a young child. I remember taking road trips up to Burlington, WI with my parents listening to classic rock (former Oldies 104.3 fm), but having my radio alarm clock tuned into classical music. In second grade I was a huge New Kids on the Block fan, but in fifth grade, I based my music preferences on Beavis and Butthead.

I remember taking piano lessons in grade school. I remember being somewhat good at it. I also remember playing Christmas carols at a small Christmas party my family held for my grandmother while she was in hospice care in the mid 90's. Actually, now that I think of it, that was the last time I seriously played piano.

Anyways, I feel that I'm starting to rant here... However, I do feel that the music we choose defines more than a simple play list. It defines what is going on at that moment in our lives. It becomes a sound track for the real life. I just wonder what my chosen soundtrack for this moment says about me.