I just finished reading Steve Martin's second novella, The Pleasure of My Company. I loved it immensely, as I almost expected. I can't even begin to explain how this book affected me. In fact, I won't even try. After several deleted paragraphs, I have found that attempted explanation is futile. Suffice it to say, if you are interested in getting a closer look at the ways in which I function intellectually and emotionally than I could ever realistically convey to you, please give this a read. I'll even loan you my copy. Kudos to you, Mr. Martin. I aspire to your level of artistic achievement.

  posted by Matthew @ 6:56 AM

 
I happen to like axioms. Adages, aphorism, proverbs, call them what you will, I think they are effective methods of communicating ideas, because I maintain that people remember a complex idea better if it can be represented in a short (and hopefully catchy) phrase. I've come up with a few of my own, during my time as a blogger.

Morality is not legality. And vice-versa.

My normal propensity for grandiloquence seems unnecessary. Though in retrospect, it ought to have been "superfluous" not unnecessary.

"Happy Ending" is a contradiction in terms. (probably my personal favorite)

If anyone tells you the truth is always the best policy, they are lying.

I have another that I just came up with today, even though it sounds a little like a Jeff Foxworthy bit.

You know you're a pessimist if you don't know whether you should feel vindicated or horribly depressed.

  posted by Matthew @ 12:57 AM

 
While I spend New Year's Eve just chilling and watching Adult Swim on Cartoon Network, I am struck by one thought: if we cut NASA's funding, where are the new stupid toys and mattress technology going to come from?

I kid, I kid. In all seriousness, I opted to stay in tonight because last year I hung out with friends from high school and ended up depressed over the relative prospects of all my friends and my own interpretation of what I had accomplished, where I stood, and where I was headed. I figured it was better to have a meaningless holiday instead of a depressing one. And so I have entertained myself with a marathon of the 2003 World Poker Tour on ESPN2 and then Adult Swim.

I haven't really made much in the way of resolutions, since I try not to buy into these meaningless anniversaries as occasions for self-reflection and improvement. (check out Confessions of Zeno) But I'm still listening to my New Year's theme song as I do every year, This Will Be My Year. (Thus the reference last post) I don't think it will, but hey, if I keep listening to it, the odds are eventually it'll happen.

  posted by Matthew @ 12:36 AM

 
My sister is having some real trouble with this guy, who's really a jackass and is majorly fucked up. You know, she broke it off and he goes back and forth between, "I love you! I can't live without you! You're the only thing that gives meaning to my life!" to "Fucking bitch! Whore! Cunt! I'll kill you!" And this is making my mom and dad understandably upset, and the whole thing down here is just... weird.

I want to go back to Bloomington, but I can't yet. And my sister will probably be back in my mom's house by summer, which would mean - if I came back - I'd be in the tiny guest room the whole time.

Hmm. New Year's is tomorrow... Maybe this time this'll finally be my year, eh? Eh, I'm not holding my breath.

  posted by Matthew @ 6:53 AM

 
My internet is now back, which is good. I'm basically well, which is also good. I did get some really neat stuff for Christmas, too. I got an external 80-gig HD from my dad, which I asked for since I'm down to 20 of my original 120 on my current one. From my mom, I got a wireless keyboard and mouse set which are really sweet. My stepdad got me Simpsons season 3 and my stepbrother got me Simpsons Hit and Run for the PS2. In all honesty, I feel a little guilty.

  posted by Matthew @ 3:15 PM