The Collection

breathing a sigh of relief

2011-09-29T20:00:00.000-07:00

So here's the thing. I really enjoy intense video game experiences. The thrill, the challenge, the fear and intensity of action/horror video games are amazing. I find myself sweating while the controller trembles in my hands. It sounds lame and dumb, I know, but I enjoy it. Sometimes, the games can be extremely frustrating. The challenges can give way to great aggravation. However, recently I have begun playing Toy Story 3 and I must say it is a relief to play a game that is so whimsical and care free. The fun and relaxation of its innocent game play was fantastic. It was a nice break.

I guess you could say that many things in life are like this too. Things can get so frustrating; so dark and sad that all we really need is just a light, care-free experience to relax in. Lately, things in my life have been quite frustrating for me and as I began Toy Story 3 I started to just giggle at everything it was. This is not an advocacy for video games in any way; it was simply the means in which I escaped from that which has vexed me for the past few weeks. I think I'll go play some more. See ya.

So it finally dawns on me...

2011-09-18T09:05:00.000-07:00

Driving home last night from a concert at Six Flags; I'm alone and in deep thought. I begin to think about who I am or rather what defines me. Then my thoughts turn towards what my image might be to many other people I know. BAM!!! It hits me. What I know about myself; my deeds, core personality, attitude, everything that sums me up is so far from the person most people know me as. This leads me to conclude how often I use teasing, laughing, jokes, insults, sarcasm and nonsense to keep myself distant from...well, everyone. Why? Why would I do this? Is this my way of hiding the disgusting, sinful creature that only God and I know that I am? The saddest part of all this is that I am more worried of being exposed to my peers than the ever-present fact that God sees my deepest secrets better than I do and that I daily ignore this fact. Moreover, in doing this do I somewhat deny the presence of God in my life? Because I act as though Him knowing what I do doesn't matter as much as other people knowing should send up a red flag about my priorities. Its sickening.

2011-08-20T19:57:00.000-07:00

So, how's it going? Its been a while. I'm sure that there have been so many things that I could have posted; so many emotions that could have been expressed through this blog. Alas, I am forgetful and possibly lazy; I don't really feel like finding that out for sure. I suppose I will just fill you in with something that I have been thinking about for literally the past few minutes.

Before I begin I should state now that I adore Jim Henson. There is something that has been bothering me though. Why is Kermet the Frog the leader of like the entire gang? How did he earn this position of leader? Think about it, he's just a flimsy little frog. Has none of the other characters bothered to vie for that position? I bet Fozzy could take him. So could Animal. What about that huge muppet, what's his name.... SWEETUMS! Not to mention that Kermet is practically a slave to a narcissistic pig. That can't be a good political move on his part. Look, it seems that he's nothing more than a push over. At least Sesame Street has "BIG" Bird and Mario is Nintendo's plumber even when he's "shrooming". Those chracters posses qualities that promote leadership. Kermet does no such thing and he is the only iconic leader who questionably sits at the head of his own world's table.

"Well, what about Mickey Mouse? He hasn't done anything really special as head of the Disney body..."

"Oh thanks, Nathan. Look what you made me type."

I suppose I could delete that last part but I guess I am kinda lazy...

So pissed, need to vent

2011-03-22T13:51:00.000-07:00

Right now, I am just so friggin pissed off. I hate, I hate, I hate trying to do something very simple and having it all become the most complicated thing on the planet. Today, all I wanted to do is a simple data transfer but nothing will let me do it and now my hard drive won't work and I need to the data. I am just so made right now. The only way to vent my frustration right now is to pound on the keys I'm using to type this harder than usual. So yeah, I am rambling on here, just trying to cool myself down. This would be the time that I wish I had someone try to fight me because I would unleash a wrath that has never been seen from me. The rest of the day will be plagued by my distaste and anger; all of which will in the form of silence and a scowl.

A new addition to my blog

2011-03-13T08:42:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to let you, my beloved readers, know that I will be adding a new snippet to my posts. Each week I will be posting a list of the lesser known holidays that will be recognized (I use that term loosely) that week.

Here is a list of them for the week of 3/13/11- 3/20/11

(3-14) Pi Day

(3-16) Lips Appreciation Day

(3-17) Evacuation Day, Absolutely Incredible Kid Day

(3-18) Awkward Moments Day, Forgive Mom and Dad Day

(3-19) National Quilting Day, Worm Moon

(3-20) Kiss Your Fiance Day, Won't You Be My Neighbor Day

Think about it people!

2011-02-23T17:03:00.000-08:00

My car had recently broken down and my laptop had come down with a virus and I had to get them both fixed. On my way home, something dawned on me. We have no idea how complicated the things we take for granted are. Think about it people! We have cell phones that are smaller than our hands and they can carry hours of music, videos, take pictures and call people anywhere on the planet...yet we're picky about whether it folds or not. Coffee comes in more flavors than I can count, with a smorgasbord of additives, and it comes from another country with people making careers out of picking and growing these beans correctly so they can be roasted properly yet we can't drink any other brand than the one kind we like. (How many different coffee bean fields are there in Columbia anyways?) Lastly, we have cars that require pinpoint precision, every piece working in perfect harmony yet we won't buy one that isn't a certain color or it doesn't have a spoiler. We are severely spoiled people...

This is the last part of this and I need you to really understand this point and take it to heart. The only reason that I'm writing this is because I have no radio in my car and I was forced to sit and think instead of enjoy some music.

Another thing ticks me off...

2011-02-20T18:15:00.000-08:00

I think youtube is a fantastic way to post some great videos and be able to see so many things. However, I also think that about 70% of the videos uploaded to this site are the dumbest, most pathetic things ever recorded. The particular type of videos I am referring to are the ones where its just a video of people's reactions to a video someone else produced. This is just tragic. It ticks me off that people think that this is worth watching. Get some talent to make your own videos or stay off youtube, you hacks.

Life could've been too good

2011-02-18T21:14:00.000-08:00

So I had just gotten my tax returns back and it was a large amount. Well, when you have been broke for about 3 months, any amount of money would look like a lot. So when I saw it in my account, I just started to giggle uncontrollably...for about 20 minutes. It was weird but I just couldn't stop. I guess that's how I dealt with receiving something I have needed for so long. The next hour or so was spent on making a list of things I needed to buy but had no money for them. Needless to say, I was ecstatic.

Later on, a bunch of us went out to eat and we took my car. Just before we got to the restaurant, I noticed a noise coming from my car and it got louder and more awful quickly. We made it to the parking lot and then, after we ate, my car was....lets just say inoperable. Well, now I am going to spend the early part of tomorrow calling around an area I don't live near for an auto shop I know nothing about to tow and work on my car. I fear that all of my taxes have just been sucked up by the inevitable cost of owning a foreign car with a major problem. It seems that these kind of things happen every year around the time I get my taxes back; which can be a really good thing. Last year around this time I needed a new clutch. Sigh.......and I was really looking forward to buying new bristles for my auto toothbrush.

By the way, I will end with saying that an automatic toothbrush has changed my life and my dental appointments. I went in just a few months after getting one and I had one of the best check ups I have ever had. This is even without flossing very much. Try one!

Check 'em out!

2011-02-17T14:32:00.000-08:00

I have recently started a youtube channel. You should definitely check it out. You won't regret it...and if you do? Oh well.

My youtube channel

Why do these things happen to me?

2011-02-17T14:26:00.000-08:00

There isn't really anything deep happening to me right now but some cool things none the less. I have recently procured a job finally. Come Monday afternoon, I will be employed by the new D'Angelo's located in Greenfield, MA. I am excited for this because for a couple reasons. I will finally have some money coming in. Also, my schedule should be flexible enough to still pursue internships in broadcasting. However, I will also be the only person employed by this restaurant that is old enough to buy alcohol. Oh well, its not sad because I am not making a career of it. If I do, then someone please come ad kill me...I wonder how many people actually do wanna kill me?
On another subject, today I went for a walk with my mother and my lovely dog. We were walking past these people who smile and said hi, then their dog chased behind mine and began to sniff her butt. As I leaned down to make a comment to the other dog he turned and ran towards this elderly lady walking behind us. As the dog left I said "she's old, you can do better" (referring to my dog cause she's almost 15 years old). Only after I said it did I realize that the old lady thought that I was speaking about her. Very, very awkward. I walked a bit fast after that.

Valentine's Day Tips...

2011-02-13T18:14:00.000-08:00

To my knowledge:

2011-02-13T18:08:00.000-08:00

This is How Valentine's Day actually began:

5th Century, Rome

Mid February was traditionally the time of the Lupercian festival, an ode to the God of fertility and a celebration of sensual pleasure, a time to meet and court a prospective mate. In AD 496, Pope Gelasius outlawed the pagan festival. But he was clever to replace it with a similar celebration, although one deemed morally suitable. He needed a "lovers" saint to replace the pagan deity Lupercus. The martyred Bishop Valentine was chosen as the patron saint of the new festival. Saint Valentine had been beheaded for helping young lovers marry against the wishes of the mad emperor Claudius. Before execution, Valentine himself had fallen in love with his jailer's daughter. He signed his final note to her, "From Your Valentine", a phrase that has lasted through the centuries.

Pope Gelasius didn't get everything he wanted. The pagan festival died out, it is true, but he had further hoped people would emulate the lives of saints. Instead they latched onto the more romantic aspect of Saint Valentines religious life. While not immediately as popular as the more passionate pagan festival, eventually the concept of celebrating true love became known as Valentine's Day.

Regardless of how it started, it has become this day where we for some reason should show love to someone we actually love anyways; usually by buying something. I love you always sounds better with a price tag, right?

However, my first instinct about this holiday is to be completely negative towards it; probably because I have no "significant other" to share it with and that is how most single people deal with it unconsciously. I don't want to be that person; bitter with envy and self-loathing. So I will take the smarter road and say congratulations to all who have someone to share this day with. Someday, I will join you...and for those who are still single, I know that you will find a reason to join in with the celebration too.

Thanks for reading.

Every loves lists...

2011-02-12T13:45:00.000-08:00

Top 10 cheesiest Christian pickup lines

10) Is it a sin that you stole my heart?

9) The Bible says “give to those who thirsty and feed those who are hungry”…wanna get dinner?
8) Have you ever prayed at a drive-in before?

7) After seeing you, I do believe in predestination.

6) I believe one of my ribs belongs to you.
5) You are so unblemished that I would sacrifice you.
4) I don’t speak in tongues, but I kiss that way.

3) Hi, I’m Adam…wanna be my Eve?

2)You put the “cute” in “persecution.”

1) Are you cold? Ecclesiastes 4:11...

2011-02-08T17:04:00.000-08:00

I will keep this short for you all this time. Right now all I can think about it trying to describe how I am feeling right now. My life at the moment feels like I'm flying somewhere, having to layover at one point. I have just disembarked and now I am not sure where my next flight is, where its going and I am scared of it taking off without me. Plainly, I know where I want to go in life but I am not getting any directions on how to get there. I get severely impatient when I don't know what to do next and the clock is ticking. Have you ever felt like that? How do you deal with it? That's all I got for now. Thanks for reading.

My Venting on 2-3-11

2011-02-03T08:22:00.000-08:00

Sorry, its been a while since my last post. I guess I just wasn't that motivated to write anything. For some reason, now I feel like I have all these things to share but I haven't the time to share them all. I know that I have to be delicate with some of the things that I am about to say. I have just realized two things simultaneously that I really despise. I cannot stand it when someone forces you to listen to their music. I am not referring to when you are in their car and they can play whatever they want. That's not what I am talking about. I am talking about when a person interrupts what you are doing to introduce something to you and saying that you'll like it. Aside from that, I hate it when people are doing something with their music and they play it loud enough for everyone to hear. I suspect that people do this on purpose like you are gonna ask them about the music and thank them for introducing it to you. I hate it when people do these things. I try to be conscious about what I play when other people are around. If I have ever forced my music on anyone outside of my car then I apologize.

The other thing that occurred to me is that with some people it is impossible to sit next to them while the check their email and do other thing on our beloved interweb. Emails they get seem to have been intended for me because the email that was sent is something I "must check out". Plus, I am slowly becoming a person who does not want to help anyone with the internet because I find that people who don't know how to use it, aren't willing to learn how. And that is just frustrating. The worst part is when the person who asks for your help gets angry or frustrated at you. At some point along the way, they forgot that they asked you for help and that is essentially how you are being thanked. Screw all of that.

Yeah, I know that I am still going to say yes the next time someone asks me for help. I just wish help will get more appreciation some day. Thanks for reading my venting.

therapeutic video games

2011-01-10T08:25:00.000-08:00

I have found that there are many complaints about the violence in video games and that they are the cause of much of the violence that kids are committing today. I find that it is odd that people, mostly parents, are complaining about this situation while not calling into question the violence that they watched as a kid. Shows such as Looney Tunes and The Three Stooges are great and show a lot of violence. Granted, the stooges didn't have blood and gore and Looney Tunes is a cartoon, but think about that for second. I watched these shows and played these games and I have never thought about killing someone or gunning somebody down. Why are kids so dumb to not be able to distinguish between fantasy and reality?

I can also argue that some of these violent games are therapeutic, at least to me. If I have a really rough day at work and I have no outlet for the anger that I am feeling. Being able to sit down to a game like Grand Theft Auto and shoot a bunch of people then steal a car only to blow it up is a destructive feeling that helps release rage. This helps get rid of anger in a way that hurts no one. Sorry, but screaming into a pillow or drawing a picture of what I'm mad at just doesn't cut it. This is why video games are important to me... Plus, they are fun too. Thanks for reading.

2011-01-04T18:11:00.000-08:00

I love music. I don't always understand the mechanics about it and I can't even really describe what I'm feeling when a song moves me. That being said, music moves me in weird ways. Sometimes, its just gets me so charged and pumped. There are other songs that just break my heart. These song are few and require certain qualities that, like I said, are difficult to articulate...but I'll try anyways. These songs can be soft or even harder metal and sometimes other genres of music. They need to hit certain notes and those notes most of the time are hit at a time that fits perfectly with the music; it doesn't have to be harmonized. The lyrics are important too. Not really for what the singer is actually saying but the sound of the words that are being said. There are two examples of this. One, The Offspring has a song called "I Want you Bad" and Eleventyseven has a song "Nightmare". Both have one part that is maybe about three seconds long and is crushes me for some reason.
There are not enough songs like this that I know of and I find many times that I have a need to have that broken feeling and yet I have no new songs to add to this list. Does anyone know what I'm talking about or have any songs that effect you in this way? Thanks for reading.

~Tyler

Its a new year...its just like last year.

2011-01-01T10:50:00.000-08:00

1-1-11

Well, I felt it was necessary to begin a new blog on the first day of a new year. I'm sure many people are talking about New Year's resolutions and what they feel they need to change about themselves. I know that I have plenty of things that need changing. I am far from perfect and lately I have felt more so than I have felt in a very long time. Well, I'm not gonna let my short-comings come betwix me and complaining about the things that other people do. This is the American way, right? I have two things that I have been thinking about in the past couple of days about New Years.

First, I have noticed that people, myself included, will limit themselves to waiting until the new year to make changes to their lifestyle. Why is that? Why not get started now? All I'm saying is that your vices will only tighten their grip if you decide to wait until the new year to say good-bye to them. We're lying to ourselves if we think its better to wait on bettering ourselves.

Secondly, I understand that people have different things they need to change about themselves. The most popular being to lose weight (I need to do that), to stop drinking or focus more on family. A resolution that dawned on me last night on my way home was that I should find all the things that I hate about people or obnoxious things that people do. Then I should focus on not doing those things. I have been hypocritical for far too long and I need to stop it. Nothing sucks more than someone being able to turn a despicable act on you knowing that you also partake in that which you are condemning.

Of course, I could always just stop pointing out other people's faults but that's an American way that I'm just not ready to give up...

I'm Tyler Bourbeau and that's my rant.

PS-there is something significant of today's date...its ONE/ ONE/ ONE, ONE