In which Eric is unexpectedly candid in a further attempt to avoid usefulness

So over the last week or so I've decided that nearly my entire life has been an unfortunate and large waste of time. Well okay, so that's a bit of an overstatement, but (for me at least) there's an undeniable grain of truth to it never the less. I made so many mistakes prior to 2002 with my life that it harldy even qualifies as being a worthwhile span of time.

There were, undoubtedly, many things that went well for me before then. The most important of which was (again, and in lieu of a better adverb) undoubtedly was becoming close to Rob -- the whole Clan Glazebrook, really. It seems I suffer an affliction that runs deep in my family: utter loyalty to one's best friend. My mom and dad have forever proclaimed their best friends to be people whom they rarely see. My mom and her friend only see one another two, maybe three, times a year. My dad hasn't seen nor heard from his bestfriend for a good twenty years. I imagine this has had a profound affect on me as well. I've never considered time, nor distance, to be a meaningful barrier to much of anything, least of which would be friendship. For a lot of time between the years of 1999 and 2002, I never saw Rob. I think I met up with him a few times, but that was a long ago, so it's really unknowable. ;p Since then, particularly in the last few months, we've done what we can to stay in touch. It's been nice to re-establish a link. He is the only person that I've never felt a need to "be-on" for. It's been remarked a few times that it's apparently surprising that I can consider someone whom I rarely see to be my best friend. The most recently was late last week from a co-worker, which is why I brought it up at all tonight -- it makes me wonder about the veracity of that person's friendships.

But I digress, the point of this update is to explain the waste of time that was my life prior to four years ago (there will be future opportunities to detail Rob's and the rest of the Clan's role in my life). I did so much to screw up and screw over my life before that that is remarkable. I graduated from a small school that probably did me more good than I care to get into. Recently I've came to dislike and even outright deny involvement in. I'm not really sure why, perhaps it was the degree of mediocrity that the school inspired me to achieve. All I really know is that I don't care to acknowledge my attendence at Murray any longer. I'm sure that there were things that MHS allowed me to do that I'm overlooking (mouthing off to other students is among them). All-in-all it's just one part of that period in my life that I now consider to be largely useless.

There were other life lessons I learned. For instance I learned that current decisions not to pay one's bills will have an adverse affect at some later point. I also learned that when one's best plans go awry because of another person (perhaps even the one you trust more than yourself), the best thing you can do is scrap it and start another -- not continue to pursue it. I learned that following a dead-end job out to California, while a load of fun, does nothing for one's hunger pains and that stealing food to eat isn't a path I'd like to extend outward very long. (Other lessons I learned from California: Cops are lousy and that entrapment should be extended to anything concerning police-involvement. Also that parks in Long Beach, which are nice during the daytime, may not be as nice come sunset, along with various other sundrious opinions that I care little to discuss in such a public forum.)

We were.. I forget where, but Renee and I were doing something that required background information. They rattled off an address I had from around later 1999- early 2000, and Renee said she thought they had the wrong person. She was surprised when I confirmed their information (and added current information). She later remarked that she had forgotten that I had had a life before her (okay, so that was a paraphrase). In all fairness, I've avoided sitting down and having a long conversation about this with anyone. Renee is among those anyones. Frankly most of it I think little of and care to discuss even less. A lot that has to do with the fact that I'm embarassed with most of it. (Though she seems to think that I was some sort of drug czar before I met her, she's weird like that). But that's the sort of thing I did before I met her: stupid crap.

Renee gets the credit for giving me someone to love and someone to support me emotionally. She gets credit for reminding me that I'm not alone. Actually, I give her credit for pretty much everything that has gone right since I met her. She has that sort of effect. Anyone who has that type of positive influence over a person is a one worth keeping and holding on to. The rest are worth jettisoning or at least distancing from yourself.


/distracted and forked ramble (I filled out three scholarship applications while this sat here unfinished and unpublished. I'm giving up for now)

What luck

Apparently Africa has come to like me. I've received some eight emails from presidents of various central and national banks in Africa, each telling me I am the designated recepient of between 4.5 and 17.6 million USD.

The grammar and spelling is poor, but their natural tongues are swahili and arabic, so all things considering it's not terrible. I am a trifle concerned that they are using hotmail and yahoo addresses instead of any sort of official-sounding email addresses, but I'm sure it's legit, never the less.

Idiots.

There are probably a dozen other, more important things that I should be doing. However, I’ve become accustomed to updating my blog, and I’d feel amiss should I neglect it any longer.

Mostly, things are going well. In fact, there’s very little to remark about. My classes have gotten predictably more difficult. I’m becoming concerned about Statistics class. It’s become one of those points where I’m just far enough behind to be out of the loop, but not far enough to visit the Academic Achievement Center or to get a tutor. Mostly, I’m confident that I can get back into the swing of things. However, I’m not 100%-sure that my confidence is well weighted. It may be that I am too comfortable with working from behind. This weekend should tell. I plan to do a complete overhaul of my notes. We get to use notes during our group tests (yes notes and groups). However, last time I don’t think they held us in good stead. It was an ugly test, followed by last Friday’s uglier quiz. Mostly my group are well-meaning but lazy (yes, I’m included in this). But the amount of homework is ridiculous. Ridiculous to the point of being depressing. In four days of classes per week, we’re subjected to between 140-180 questions for homework. Figure at *least* three minutes a question and that’s 7-9 hours of homework/week. It’s just plain too much. I blow an entire weekend day on stats alone. That leaves like one-and-a-half days for two econ classes.

The econ classes consist of: Two tests a week, at roughly 45 mins per test. 10 discussion threads, figure a minimum of 15 minutes/thread (not including the reading). Two Chapters of dry, econ-BS and several articles. That’s a lot of crap to do on the weekend.

The weekdays are left for my accounting (10 problems at about 30 minutes per problem), various activities (such as replying to others’ comments in the discussions for econ) in other classes, and a little relaxing. Also, now, 30+ hours of work throughout the week. It’s a lot of stuff in a week’s time. Not to mention that I’d like to spend some time with the wife and dog. The amount of statistics’ homework is taking far too large a share of my time for being the same number of credits as my accounting class.

Speaking of accounting, I’ve changed my degree to the Accounting paraprofessional track. Mostly because I intend to pursue my CPA/CMA after I get my four-year degree. Luckily, there’s a requirement for 150 college credits before one can be licensed under either CPA or CMA. So, while it’s longer than just grabbing a BA, most of my extemporaneous credits are needed for my licensure anyway. One day I will graduate. It’ll take me longer than I care to admit. But since we’re buying a house and aligning our retirement, I don’t feel terribly lazy about it (at least not right now). We did make more money in 2005 than we did in 2004, so I think we’re on the right track. Also, I probably end up with a double major Liberal Arts AA and Accounting AS from DMACC.

Gotta go.

So, I've been trying to figure what I'm going to update about. To be honest there's quite a bit, however, little of it would be of interest to the public at large. So a lot of this will be disjointed. Some of these things I've been planning to blog about for a while, but couldn't fit them in properly.

So, without further adieu:
So Renee and I went in for physicals a few weeks back. Clean bills of health. Found out that until I turn 30-something, I need only take my physicals once every five years. Fittingly (get it? fit-ingly) enough, my last physical was in 2000 and my next one won't need to happen until I'm 30. I'm off the hook for a bit.

Here's a strange bit of information. My doctor wasn't a doctor in the M.D. sense. She was an Advanced Nursing Practictioner, or something to that effect. I was confused by the initials on her business card, so I cross-referenced it online when I got home. What I found out was that she likely holds a doctoratal degree in nursing. She's also apparently qualified to write prescriptions and work with almost complete autonomy. So, she's a "Doctor," but not a "doctor." I never knew such things existed. I've not had a lot of time to wrap my brain around it as of yet. It's intriguing to me. I find it interesting that someone who works in a clinical practice who doesn't hold an M.D. is still called "Doctor". It's something that I've found interesting since Basic Training. We had officers throughout my battery, and later my company, who were commissioned in all sorts of different ways. Our XO was enlisted and then went into Officer Candidate school. Our commander had a college degree and went through ROTC. We had a cadet from West Point in basic who would be commissioned in that way. We even had an guy who had been given a field commission during Vietnam. He was an E-6 (staff sergeant) whose Lt. was shot and killed in action, due to a lack of officers in the area, he was promoted on the spot to Lt (he later attended OCS to make the change permanent). Our JAG Rep was a civilian lawyer who received a direct commission (his job was non-leadership, so when he signed up, he was given officer status) to the Guard. It's probably just my inner anthropologist that drives my interest on alternate acquisition of titles.

I did however just realize that my including of "Esq." behind my name to be improper. I don't do it often anymore. I just feel nekkid without a title behind my name. In the States, it's reserved for lawyers. In the Kingdom, the title of Esquire has been abused into having no meaning due to over useage. So, my search for a suitable title continues. (The upswing is that I'm the eldest, as it my dad, and his dad. So, if I ever do find a title suitable to my family, I am eligible to inherit it. Jake would not qualify. Sucker.)

Now for something, completely different:
I'm boycotting the winter Olympics this year and the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and London in 2012. The IOC decided to make a politcal statement about the United States by not allowing Baseball (or softball) to be played in London. They'll be playing in Beijing. I may decide to watch only the baseball and softball portions. I call shenanigans on the IOC. It's reprehenisible to boycot sports on the basis of trying to make a name for oneself politically. Which is exactly what is happening. It's ridiculous, in large part, because it won't hurt the United States. The US already has MLB, whose players are ineligible to play in the Olympics anyhow. The teams it does hurt are those teams in Cuba and Taiwan, or Brazil and S.Africa.
I made the claim that it is politically motivated because the person driving the anti-baseball votes is one of the monarchs from Belgium or somesuch place. Anyway, he's a duke or a prince who, according to the AP is a staunch supporter of all things anti-US. Particular the US dominance in sports. The thing is though, that Cuba is the baseball powerhouse. Not the U.S. Baseball's been on the decline ever since I got into it. Those of us who love the game have the same appreciation one would have for the love of another person. The blacklisting of baseball in the Olympics doesn't make me care about it any less. Nor will it anyone who loves the game. It doesn't prove to me that the U.S. is to blame. All I know is that the sport that has provided me with countless hours and days of enjoyment is being attacked because of political reasons.
The IOC is pissed at MLB because they won't suspend their season and allow the players to play in the Olympics. The IOC is pissed because the U.S. dominates the summer games. The IOC is pissed because it's predominantly yet another European alliance that is having another aspect of their lives dominated by America (not because of underhanded dealings, or political backstabbing, but because of the exceptioanlism of Americans. Athletes, businesses, individuals, politicians or military. You name the aspect of life, and they'll tell you why they hate America for "ruining" it.)
Of course the biggest possible problem for the IOC lies in the WBC. If the Olympics doesn't accept Baseball back for 2016, it'll be overshadowed by the Classic just as the World Cup of Soccer overshadows the Olympic soccer tourney. Baseball is waning in popularity here, but around the world it's largely considered the world's second favorite sport -- just behind soccer. (Although I wonder how well soccer will be loved once the US eventually catches up to the curve and surpasses their national teams.) Those kids in the US who do love baseball, don't grow-up visualizing and fantasizing about playing in the Olympics. It's all about the World Series.
And don't even get me started on Softball. It's a different sport and should in no way be penalized simply for having similar characteristics. But, I guess I should remind myself that this isnt' about the games. It's about making a political statement. Unfortunately for softballers, there's few choices for their stardom aside from college and the Olympics. It's a pity, really.
The funny thing is that Europe's political entities seem to have this superiority complex that always ends up hurting them in the end. Their opposition to the US simply on principle may be endearing to their people now, but it's going to be their continued downfall.
Western Europe's growth rates are falling in comparison to their death rates. They continually try to subvert American policies. All in their rights. But they should be careful. While they're trying to butt heads with the US, Eastern Europe is trying to learn and join in alliances with us (something Jefferson would warn us against) and there are inherent advantages in learning from the most dominant nation in the world.
As you maybe able to tell Europe is a bit of a sore point with me. Only because all of my family's blood comes from somewhere in Europe. I have no Native American in me, no Asian and no African (for all intents and purposes anyway). So much like anything I feel a close connection with, it pains me to see it destroy itself. I have British, French, German, Norwegian and Italian blood in my veins. I'm proud of my European heritage, as I am of my American citizenship. Eventually, I'd like to be able to reconcile the two. They are both part of me and it's sad to see both sides bicker over things that seem to be important but really evolve around a single issue. Especially when that single issue is the wrong one. The problem isn't politics. It's exessive pride that breeds ever-more excessive pride.

PETA sucks
http://www.smithappens.com/video_petamonster.php

Chivarly is apparently alive and well : http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2329694

Two instances of stand-up action, and at least one that wasn't for publicity's sake. Although, from this story, it doesn't seem like either was motivated by self-interest.

And as quickly as it set in

It's now disappearing. There is a definite clearing in the trees. A silver lining to our cloud. A modest check at the end of the rainbow. And all other manners of cliché-ic goodness.

Even though there is no new job on the horizon, equillibrium has returned in the form of essays and small infusions of unexpected checks. Our tax return will be on the measure of 10 times what we originally thought it might (not as impressive as I made it sound), Renee received a large bonus for her associations with quarterly goals, and somehow we only have two additional bills to pay this month and we're done. Granted they're not small bills, but they'll be readily attained. My essays pulled me through a rough spot in my economics classes, and I managed to pull the third-highest score in my accounting class, despite not having time to study. I still classify the accounting score as a slight disappointment because it was only an 89.5%, a B. This would be rounded to an A, but frankly, I don't like getting B's. I like A's, and I'll tolerate C's if it was a difficult test or a hard class. But B's just make me feel like I didn't do enough to get an A. Particularly when I only miss a true A by one-half of a percent. Everyone sitting in my circle of "What did you get?" hate me because they all out-right failed the test. The average was a 76%. There were a lot of middle 70s scores, but no one will believe me from now on when I tell them I'm not really ready. I think my anticipation of ready differs from most. If I don't go in thinking I'll ace the test, then I don't consider myself prepared. This time I really didn't think I'd get anything more than a C. I was pretty well ready to call this one in. So when people asked me about it whether or not I was ready, I replied the way I usually do, "Looks like I've got little choice." I've found that phrase to be a reliable, succinct way to dodge the question. I don't like that most of the people that I've ever been in class with look to share their misery with one another. So when I know I'm going to do well or I'm uncertain, I use that phrase to dodge their negativity. It conveys the feeling of being unsure, without joining them in their slop.

Also, I've had my essays praised by both of my econ instructors. One even advised students via email who didn't score as well as they wanted on the essays to refer back to mine (and one other student's). Once I learned to stop writing the way instructors told my classes they should, and started to write my own way, I've had a good deal of success with essays. I tried the traditional paint-by-numbers techniqué, but once the essays went longer than two paragraphs I have problems keeping the form. So, I gave up on the guidelines and just started writing in a style that opened up my options further. I do tend to keep closer to the traditional style for more formal things. However, when the purpose of the essay isn't to grade the essay, but the concept of the essay, I do quite well. Except, everyone once in a while, I run into a teacher who just cannot stand my essays. I had a sociology instructor who routinely gave my A-papers a C. There was nothing wrong with the papers. They were accurate and the ideas were sound and backed with examples, but he just always gave them a C. Then there's philosophy. I never got anything other than a C in my philosophy and ethics classes. However, that was due to the fact that I don't necessarily agree with the ideas behind western philosophy and the concepts of ethics. As far as those two instructors were concerned, it was blasphemy and made no sense to disagree with some aspect of western philosophy.

The one that immediately pops to mind was in the discussion about free-will versus determinism. The the example was something like: Eating a peanut butter sandwich makes you thirsty, so you drink a glass of milk. The instructor was open for discussion on whether or not it was free will. His thinking, it's an example of determinism because the peanut butter made you thirsty, therefore it made you get some milk to drink. He also accepted free-will because You chose to eat the sandwich, knowing it would make you thirsty. However, my answer of it's free-will because you choose to drink milk, when you could have chosen water, or soda or even have chosen to not drink anything at all. Got a C. How that's any less valid than his free-will argument was beyond me. It was like that during the whole semester. The same issue with ethics. As far as I'm concerned it's not a matter of ethics as to whether or not a business closes down all of its jobs at once or if they do it in staggered means. It's simply a matter of profit and economic evolution. If a major business lays off everyone at one time, or staggers the lay offs cannot be an ethical nor a moral consideration because it's nothing to do with "correct behavior." The teacher disagreed. I did get an A in that class, but then everyone got an A in the class. That in itself isn't really ethical, now is it?

Next week I start work with John again. That's good. I get more hours and less garbage I have to put up with.

Not trying to force things and just swimming with the currents instead of trying to swim up or across them has already started paying dividends.

Rough week

So, it's been a rough week. Probably the toughest week I've had in a while, and thus far Tuesday hasn't even ended.

So this past weekend was supposed to be a catch-up weekend. I ended up staying up too late on Friday evening (waiting up for RayRay) and got up too early on Saturday. I wanted to knock out my homework on Saturday, so I could job hunt on Sunday. Alas, I was too tired to form any cogent thoughts, so essays and workout problems were out of the question. So, I tried to take some notes for Econ. I kept dozing off and nearly impaled my eyeball on a pencil at one point. So I gave up and I think I may have even blogged something on here. I don't recall. I have tests in all four classes this week. One was due Monday, it was for econ. Since, I couldn't stay awake long enough to even read the chapter, I didn't do so well. In fact, my score was terrible. So terrible that it was my single worst grade on any assignment since that debacle with my English paper in 10th or 11th grade that I scored a 27% on. It was also the first time, since I tried to take a Finite Math online class two years ago, that I've failed a test in recent memory. I scored a 45%. However, it's not without a redemptive factor. For starters I had in the realm of a 106%, so even with the terrible score, I still have an solid A in the class. There is also an alternate test that I'm going to take in the next couple of days, he takes the higher of the two scores. I'll do better on this one. I took another stab at notes and, thus far, it's dry, difficult material, but I understand it.

Also yesterday I had a bit of a profession depantsing. I pretty much had a job lined up through a temp agency for a job at the Federal Reserve offices here in Des Moines. It was a third shift job, which was what I wanted, and it paid very well. It was also a long-term contract that would have secured me a position at the Fed for at least a year, making about $30k/yr (Renee doesn't know that yet, so I'm sure she'll be... well actually I don't know what she'll be, but I'm pretty sure it's not going to be happy). Anyhoo, so I pretty much had the job and all I had to do was get a background check and it probably would have been mine. I qualify it with "probably" because she still had to check to make sure it was open. So, she sent me back to take some of those ridiculous tests.

While I was in there, I remembered a possible sticking point. Back in 2000 I had written a check to Medicap in Indianola. As I recall, it wasn't even my medicine the check was for. Anyway, it bounced while I was on an extended sales trip out of town. By the time I got back, the case had already been filed. So, I went into court and pleaded guilty to 5th degree theft. I paid restitutions and fines and whatever else. I got something like six months probabtion and promised never to do it again.

I felt it best to be up front about it, incase I didn't get it but she had something else for me. So, I told her about it and she looked it up and verified that it was indeed still on my record. So that automatically disqualifed me for the job. What's more is she ended the "interview" afterward. Now, that kind of came as a shock. I've never had this interfere with me before. And I had forgotten about the conviction (along with a lot of other people and things from that particular point in time), until I was specifically asked and had some time to think about it. So I went back and checked on that particular item, looking for the amount of the check. I found it.

Now, I'm big on taking responsibility for your past actions. But being turned down six years after a single bounced check seems a bit steep to me. Particularly since the face value of the check was for $14.53. I paid around $200 in various fines and penalties and autograph fees (not to mention whatever sort of NSFs I had to pay on the check itself). Now, six years later, I also just paid about $30k in addtional fines. C'est la vie, I suppose. Kids, watch your actions. Only do illegal stuff before you turn 17. Don't do stupid crap, it's not worth it in the long run. Don't let anyone else have access to your bank accounts, especially if you think you should be able to trust them.

I'm done with job hunting. I'm putting in one more application at a place I have a friend, but after that it's no mas. Not for me. If I find a new job afterward, it'll have to be because I fell bass ackward into it. Just like it used to be. I'm fighting things way too hard. It's time to sit back and let life have its way with me. I'll end up where I end up. My focus is on my accounting class first, then my other classes, then work. I go back to working close to 40 hours per week, starting tomorrow.

So, today I had to take two tests. I don't have the tallies on them as of yet, but I'm expecting this same general string of events to continue onward. My stats group is near worthless. They're fine people, but don't know a damned thing about managing time or test taking. I was pawned off on the two hardest questions while the did the easy ones. Well two of them did easy ones, the other one just sat there and wrote the name on the test. I don't really expect to pass that test. The accounting one went marginally better. The lack of studying over the weekend hurt though. I think I passed that one. I don't think it was a high score, though. I'm going to work on getting back on track this week with my classes, then get swept back into the Tao over the weekend and let destiny take me where it may. I'm going to adopt a policy of wu wei from here on out. No more fighting life, its a worthless endeavor that's left me tired and behind where I was before.

Anyone need proof that open trade and international commerce is the ultimate route to understanding?

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L06153755.htm

May Allah bless the free market.

As if I needed another reason to dislike Iowa State...

Que será, será. It would seem the fates are conspiring against me (factors discussed in earlier entries, plus an added joy of jumping tax brackets, resulting in possible tax owage). Regardless, I remain confident in that far greater days are close at hand for us.

Apparently Iowa State feels I owe them a fair bit of money. What's more is that it would seem they feel I've owed them said money since September. Also apparently, they felt absolutely no need to send me a notice of it until today.

First of all, I'm not even sure I owe them the money. Though, I may.

Second of all, (and infinitely more irritating), I routinely get mail from lenders with credit cards being offered with special rates since I'm going to ISU. I get information concerning special alumni events. I even get solicited for money from the Alumni Association at ISU. Nevermind the fact that I only attended school there for three weeks.

I'm fairly confident that the Alumni stuff comes via the same mailing route that this letter came through. They always get the Alumni crap to me in plenty of time to donate to The Cause. Yet, somehow, they wait almost six months before letting me know I might owe them money.

Rule of thumb is that once a debt passes 90 days, it's considered to be in "default". I've not yet checked my credit score, but I'll be royally .... peeved off if this happens to be on it. I rather likey paying off my debts. And I'm at an important turning point concerning my credit, and it'd be ashame if pitiful and pathetic execution of business from a University which promotes its Business program should stain my record.

I should have known attending ISU would come back to haunt me. The entire University's system is far too large and bureacratic to provide any sort of customer service. It's a good thing it's state subsidized, otherwise there would be no ISU. It must be nice to collect money without having to put forth any effort or notify the one who supposedly owes the money.

I don't know why their alumns are so loyal to the University. I suspect brain washing.

As a student they were unable to provide me with any straight answers, it was always necessary to go there and talk to someone else. No one would ever just step up and answer my questions. I should have been suspicious when I called to ask about skipping out of orientation and I was transferred three times and made to sit on hold for about 20 mins before being met with, "Oh, they'll be able to answer that for you at orientation." That's pretty much the way I was treated any time I needed to talk to a non-student, non-faculty member (to be honest I wasn't overly impressed with the faculty either, but my three weeks probably isn't sufficient to properly guage them). I did, however, have to deal with enough staff members that I feel comfortable placing a blanket-judgement of the organization as a whole (Graduate College staff, excepted ;p). I work at a government-education store. I am aware of the run-arounds and passing of blame, but it was on a whole other level (which is remarkable when one experiences DMACC). I never even encountered this in the Guard. Well maybe the Guard, but at least at Basic and AIT, I was pointed in the right direction right away. It's ridiculous.

We need more alternatives for training and/or experience. All we have is government education, military training (which a college degree is needed for officer commission), and private school. Military training doesn't really pay off unless you have 10 years in one area of expertise (that or gained fame while a person is in it and that's unlikely since our government doesn't know how to wage a proper war, let alone how to promote it within the country). The government's role in education should be completely severed. The government doesn't do anything well, especially ensuring it remains small enough to be useful in everyday activities. ISU no more cares about the students than I care about it.

DMACC isn't quite as bad, but it tends to present a more blue-collar appearance so it doesn't lose its target sectors of recently-unemployed and adult students. So DMACC advertises itself as reachable and we're constantly reminded via email from the president that it's important to continue that image when we deal with outsiders. At ISU, this obviously isn't an issue -- a little confusing since it's best-known as an agricultural school. They act as though they carry one's future in their hands and their hands alone. Aristocratic is a good one-word summary. When my poli. sci. prof. found out that I was a DMACC transfer, he wasn't hardly going to let me in to his class. He reacted as though I told him that I was retarded. He got so high on his horse that I had telling him I thought he was an asshole considered excusing myself, and leaving. However, at the time I was considering a poli. sci. degree and decided that might not be in my best interest. So I sat quietly and absorbed his insult.

The worst part is that since I dropped out of ISU, he probably thinks his estimation is correct. Luckily, my former hang-ups of being contrarian just for the sake of being contrarian had long ago dulled. In high school, I might have felt it necessary to stay in the class to spite him. Now, I no longer feel it's my responsibility to prove other people wrong on principle, nor is it my responsibility to represent for future DMACC-transfer students. I aced both quizzes I took in the class, so I did myself proud.

Speaking of dropping out of ISU, I never did disclose publically why I dropped out. It basically had to do with an old habit of competing with Rob. I never even considered Iowa State as somewhere I wanted to attend school, at least not until Rob decided that's where he wanted to go. There was a chip on my shoulder that had been growing since 1999. I also suspect that had something to do with why I kept choosing majors that req'd a stint at grad school. At first I didn't (or refused to) see why I dreaded going to school there everyday. Everyday I had to battle to even make the drive (let alone the 20 minute walk to campus from the parking area). I tried to blame it on the amount of work, but really other than my Korean politics class, there wasn't anymore homework than I had at DMACC. Then after a few quizzes in my classes, all grades at least a "B", that excuse failed me. So one day as I was making the hour-long trek to class after working in the morning, I decided I needed to seriously take a look at why I was hating it so much. There was so much effort being put in (mostly working a split shift) and very little being brought out of it. The classes and activities were geared toward "traditional students". I was pretty much out of that realm as I began classes in 2001 and completely out as soon as I took out this mortgage. It wasn't at all a proper fit. C'est la vie.

I think I've found a new political home:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anarcho-capitalism

Actually, I've not read anything but the first two paragraphs and I'm mostly posting it now to remember to look it up later.

I find the first two paragraphs to be intriguing. More thoughts later on.