The zombie apocalypse and trying to be a good listener...

So, I was goofing off this morning (imagine that), and stumbled across a wonderful time waster for anyone who likes zombies (and honestly, who wouldn't?)- http://www.urbandead.com is a turn based game wherein one creates a character and tries to survive a zombie apocalypse. So, being the fan of games, zombies, survivalism, and apocalypses that I am, I decided to play. You're very limited in what you can do, but it seemed like a good way to waste a few minutes each day. I probably will, anyway.

Going home Friday, for Transy's graduation, and then staying through 6/3 to see my sister graduate from high school. I'll be in Lexington this weekend, possibly getting a group together to go see X-Men 3 on Friday night, if anyone is interested. You know how to find me...

What have I been up to since the last update you (don't) ask? Well, absolutely nothing productive, that's for sure. I spend my days playing video games, reading, watching movies, and wasting time on the internet. I did talk to Alfred (at Briarlake), and I start that job on 6/4. Looking forward to doing something productive. Well, let me rephrase that- I look forward to being productive in that context, not so much being productive in general.

I've also spent a lot of time talking to people about relationships- break-ups, fights, etc. It seems like a great many of the people I know (from Transy, Emory, everywhere) are having some difficult times. So, I try to be a good friend and listen to them, and maybe even help them through it. But most of the time I feel useless, because there isn't anything I can do, other than listen. I don't really like feeling useless. In situations like this, however, listening and trying to be some source of comfort is pretty much all I can do. I wish I had the ability to make things right. I'd be rich (and of course, I would be helping people, which is honestly much more important). I hope my "help" has been just that- some help.

I find I am often someone that people turn to when they need to talk. I'm not really sure why that is- I'm no expert, I'm not much of a talker, and my advice is often just common sense. I suppose I make people feel comfortable, or so I am told. To be honest, when people come to me for advice, I'm usually just worried I'll say something stupid that causes more problems (which has happened on occasion). Of course, I do want to work with youth, and dealing with problems is a big part of that, so I suppose all the times people come to me for advice is good practice for that...haha. But, I care about the people who come to me, even if I feel unqualified. I try to help.

Ok, enough of that. I suppose I should get back to my busy schedule, so much to do, so little time. I love being at school with nothing to do. Those were always some of the best times at Transy, and I can see that trend continuing here...

Peace...

Yet another boring update...

It's been a long time since my last update- end of semester press and all. Lots of paper writing and reading. But on the bright side, I am done with forced academic work until September, leaving me free to engage in much more useful and beneficial stuff- that is, non-forced academic work. Translation- stuff in which I have an actual vested interest, namely working with the youth group at Briarlake, and "independent study."

I've already started reading some of the stuff I want to read this summer. Today I found a copy of "Fight Club" at a local used book store, so I'm about 3/4 the way done with that. I love that book, and the movie.

What else have I been up to? I spent a little over a week at home, visiting people at Transy and spending time with the fam. After finishing up my work for the semester (including a marathon session that resulted in 35 pages or writing in 2 days), Iturned the papers in and bolted for my old Kentucky home, God's country. I spent a few days at Transy, and was able to see just about everyone I intended to see, and even got some "bonus time" with people I didn't expect to see, including but not limited to Jon and Hutch (shout out). Good times. Then I went home, and did the family thing, also good times (for the most part).

Now I have two weeks here to do basically nothing, which I find to be glorious. The only thing I really need to do is get in touch with the people at Briarlake to set up when I will be starting, and to find out more about what exactly I will be doing. Other than that, nothing. It's going to be wonderful.

So, now that the boring recap of my actions is complete, I suppose I should talk about something of substance. Hmm... yeah, I got nothin'. I've never been accused of having substance anyway, other than the physical. I'll think about it and get back to you. Seeing as how my schedule has cleared up, I imagine I'll be updating this more often, so the two or three of you who actually read this can get pumped about that! I am Jack's wasted sarcasm and self-deprecating humor.

Peace...