I am a Rock Immortal

Well, I passed the 8 song challenge to get on the Rolling Stone Rock Immortal List in Rock Band 2 at a medium level of difficulty on guitar.

What's perhaps more noteworthy is that for the first time since I got the game at xmas, I made it all the way through a song with no mistakes. (A song I'd never played before, woo!) In the game, this is known as FLAWLESS. Usually just after the moment I consciously notice that I'm doing well and might get through the song without any errors, I trip up. C'est la vie.

Same thing often happens to me when I play DDR. The announcer dude saying, "100 Combo," used to ensure a misstep within the next five arrows. I bet it's a brain hemisphere thing. To play well in either game, I need to connect scrolling symbols on screen to physical actions without really thinking about it. Recognizing that it's going well accesses another part of my brain which can easily throw me out of the zone.

Here's to staying in the zone!


A year ago on TTaT: Once upon a time in New Mexico

Surrender. / No. Not now. Not ever.

Thanks, Vahid!
The hair's not unruly enough. Semi-short, fairly curly hair never seems to be an option. However, I probably would pull it back to fight crime with my laser whip.

You can get your own here.


2 years ago on TTaT: At least it's sunny?, So far, so good?

Out of time

Lately, I find myself obsessed with looking up actors that I find appealing only to discover that they're a few years younger than I am. Which, honestly, is horribly depressing because then I think, Look what they've already accomplished, how much further they've advanced professionally in less time. Course it's not like acting has a linear, cumulative path towards success, so that's something, sort of.

And Kari Matchett is actually three years older than I am which is a little reassuring. I know, 3 years plus or minus is no big deal, but there is something to feeling completely outclassed.

The clothes, the sense of purpose, and the goals that go with someone in her mid-thirties: I just don't have them.

Is it only fear constraining me?

No. There's a fundamental mistrust of paths to success which are based more on socializing than merit. And contempt, can't forget the contempt.

Mi dispiace if that's harsh. Just feel like I can't breathe today.


A year ago on TTaT: A 30% chance shouldn't feel like doom...

My hands are cold...

...but my ears are warm.

However, if I keep feeling my ears, that may change.

What's the wives' tale that goes with burning ears? People talking about me? Doesn't seem likely, but it's not like I'd know.

Damn, they really are quite toasty. Hope I'm not coming down with something.


A year ago on TTaT: Valentine's Day is over...

Remember the other V-Day

Who cares about chocolate, flowers, and jewelry when there's a movement to stop violence against women and girls to celebrate today? Not me.

Check out the V-day site to learn more about the movement.

Find a V-day event near you occurring now or in the coming weeks, read The Vagina Monologues, and support V-day until the violence stops.


A year ago on TTaT: Happy V-Day!

Interrupted sky

Two years ago on TTaT: The Road is my Favorite Place: Day 16

Don't hang yourself with a celibate rope

Highs around 50, that's the forecast for tomorrow. Even if it does rain, that still sounds real nice. A good day to pick up the dvd I requested from the library. With any luck, friendly Nick with the great smile and thick, almost unruly hair will be working the desk.

And then there's the general store. I first stopped in back in September. The day after Thanksgiving, I stopped in to get some stocking stuffers. The moment I walked through the door, the shopkeeper said, "Hey, you've been in before. Right?"

"Yeah. A couple months ago." Generally I prefer scoping out stores as if I'm invisible, so being placed as soon as I crossed the threshold unnerved me a bit. A while later, as I looked around, the shopkeeper said, "Did I ask your name last time?"

"No." A combination of perverse humor, nervousness, and a general aversion to talking to strangers kept me from saying anything further.

"What's your name?"

"Claire."

"Hey, Claire. I'm showing my jewelry at a holiday craft fair coming up. Here, let me give you an invitation." She reached under the counter and handed me a promotional postcard.

"Thanks." I resumed looking by the opposite wall several feet away, beyond a partial divider that could be seen through. I surreptitiously read the postcard, finding her name on the back.

"Did I tell you my name?"

I turned to face her, smiled and said, "No."

"I'm Carrie."

"Hey, Carrie."

The whole encounter could be chalked up to salesmanship and self promotion. I noted how she dealt with other customers: friendly, clearly an outgoing person, but she didn't engage them in conversation quite as much.

When I was leaving, she said, "You're from around here, so I'll see ya."

I paused before crossing the threshold and said, "See you around, Carrie." She looked... surprised in a good way is my best guess. I assume that my using her name again is what caught her off-guard in that moment.

I didn't make it to the craft fair and I haven't been back since, but I find myself searching for a reason to buy some novelty as an excuse to stop by. The chatting puts me out of my comfort zone, I'm not fond of her name, and she reminds me of an old bipolar friend of mine in her pre-meds days when she was manic. And yet, I wonder if she'd remember me a second time and if she'd be able to greet me by name.

The name thing goes for Nick too. He had mine down before I figured his out, but it's been a couple months since I've seen him.

I suppose there's something about being remembered by people I barely know that reaffirms that I'm seen even when it may not be my intention.

Now if I can just manage not to sound like an idiot, tomorrow will be a good day. Any tips to bring out my suave?


A year ago on TTaT: Don't get too excited