Week in Review...

I need a day off from work. Yeah I know, everyone complains about their job and how they are overworked, but its not that. The assholes scheduled me with long shifts 8 days in a row. I like my job, pays well, and is fun most of the time, but sometimes, you just need a day to sleep and be a lazy ass.

But other than that life is going swimmingly.

I finally got a new computer monitor and desk, as well as a way to get internet, so Im typing this from myveryownpersonal computer. No more borrowing other peoples. Sheesh.

Ive been hanging out with the MOST AMAZING friend lately as well. Unfortunately she didn't dance this weekend like she was supposed to... but not her fault... her belly dancing troop contains a few stupid people... But we've still been hanging out alot and having alot of fun.

Also my group of Tulsa friends has grown again. A few more people are now on my list of people I can hang out with. Not that I dont spend pretty much all my free time with Baily or Wade, but now if they are busy I have other options. I'm not so much of a loser anymore!

And through various other posts, you know what happened the rest of the week. So yeah... heres to another fun filled week full of action and adventure.

~Ian

The Things I'd Do For You

If you were mine,
I would love you like no other.

If you were mine,
We would always have each other.

When times got hard,
We would always have someone to turn to.

And when times are good,
We would always have someone to share them with.

We would laugh,
We would talk,
We would fight,
We would walk,
We would smile,
We would cry,
We would love,
We would fly.

If you were mine,
You would be my everything.

But until I find you,
I can only dream.

My Newest of Friends...

So not too long ago, I happened upon a very interesting person. Someone who I enjoy spending time with, talking to, laughing with, and have a generally good time with. She's rather cool. We have alot in common, share alot of the same things, and are also different in ways that interest us even more in each other. To say there is a connection is an understatement.

This brings me to the broken bridge.

As is my way, I've found the person I cannot have. Why I can't will remain between myself and her, but besides that little mis-step, I cannot say one bad thing about the relationship she and I have.

So anyways, let me tell you about the woman that is Baily. She is a belly dancer... yes you read that right. She's also a really free spirited person... laid back, chilled out, and does not give a FUCK. She is who she is, and if you don't like it... Sorry 'bout ya. That's one reason I really like her. She is the way I am... she is her own person and wont let anyone tell her different. She's crazy, bitchy, funny, cool, happy, stressed out, relaxed, fun, etc. Shes totally down to earth but still has her head in the clouds.... but isn't that the way to be? She also is becoming my muse. The girl inspires me, but that also seems to simply be her way. She is everything I look for in a friend and companion on my path in this life.

So to Baily... welcome to the elite club that is my best of friends. Its a small small group and I let few in. And thanks for letting me into your world too.

Writing...

I am currently working on two books. Yes... BOOKS. While I want to write for newspapers and be a journalist, I want to eventually write books, and I'm starting now. I know it's going to take a while to get my ideas out on paper, and worthwhile to show to the public, but it will be worth it. I also wouldn't mind writing scripts either, but that's another story... no pun intended.

ANYWAYS... I just thought I would let everyone know about my plans and how they are progressing, and if anyone REALLY wants to know the plot lines I have so far, and may want to help me work, twiddle, fidget, and mess with them, let me know. I'm not one of those people who doesn't accept help or criticism. I welcome it, so bring it on.

For the curious, I will give you the title so far A.K.A. the working title... and a the genre of the novel.

The Guilds: Sci-Fi/fantasy set in medieval times

Cold Blood: Mystery Thriller

I know.... totally opposite ends of the spectrum, but that's me...

So if anyone wants the low down or wants to help... just let me know.

And to those who have ALWAYS supported me in my endeavors... thanks for the continuance of the support... I need it.

And Sis... we need to write our book too.... cause it just has to happen. the world NEEDS it.

That's all for now.

~Ian

Mr. Movie Guy and the Order of the Phoenix

So I got to see the midnight showing of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. You're jealous, I know. I did have to wait in line for an hour and a half with a whole lot of really strange people, but it was WORTH IT.

OOTP was very well done. It, like its predecessors, had to pack an enormously large amount of book into a 2 1/2 hour movie, so naturally things were left out, altered, or completely made up. It's cool though because it was still great. Now realize this. I was seeing the movie after reading the book, so I could make connections, see what they left out, and follow the movie, knowing what was coming next. Had I not had prior knowledge, there could have been some "getting lost" in the plot lines. But despite anything that can detract from this movie, what it boasts far outweighs it.

The acting was superb. The trio of Harry, Ron, and Hermione were played to the t. I still don't like Michael Gambon as Dumbeldore as much as Richard Harris, but I don't think Harris would have been suited for the later Dumbeldore character due to the nature of the action he's involved in. Still, Gambon just doesn't strike me as the Dumbeldore I read about in the books. Umbridge was played perfectly. She was as nasty, hateful, and conniving as in the book, although she did not look like a toad, but who's complaining really? Dudley simply looked like a damn fool. I can't say I was unhappy with the director cutting out the Dursleys in the 4th movie, but I'm certainly glad they were kept to a small part in OOTP. Everyone else did a good job in their roles as well. I think it is funny how everyone in the movie got a haircut between GOF and OOTP.

The special effects were phenomenal as always and the only thing I wish they would bring back is Quidditch. It was so fun to watch... but oh well, sacrifices must be made.

OOTP is definitely in the running as the best Potter film, along with POA but time will tell. I'm glad to hear they have signed David Yates to direct HBP and have made sure at this point everyone will be returning. There seemed to be speculation that some characters would not reprise their roles, but that rumor has been squashed.

All in all, OOTP is a good movie, and worth watching in theatres more than once, and owning when it comes out on DVD.

Only 10 more days until Deathly Hallows is out on bookshelves...

Fuckin Typos.... and other fun observations into my life

I've noticed recently, I make a small amount of mistakes when I write. Its not totally obvious, and I'm sure everyone gets the point of my words, but when I go back to read it, after I've already released it to the world... it bugs the SHIT out of me. Alas, I know I am human, and I make mistakes, but for a future pro writer... it's annoying. Sorry, but I felt the need to complain for a second.

OK, on to the real stuff I planned on writing.

Raise your hand if you are happy, right now at this very second. It's OK I'll wait for those who are unsure.

*pauses for a moment*

If I am as omnipresent as I think I am, not many of you raised your hand, or at least not more than half-heartedly. It's OK... I can't claim pure happiness either. While I am quite content with parts of my life, I am not so with others. Natural state of being. Anyone who is totally happy with everything in their life is either medicated or psychotic... and should be medicated.

My point is that after all these years... I have accepted the fact I can't be totally happy. Perhaps for a split second, I can achieve full happiness, (usually in the moment of climax... but isn't that true for all of us?) but otherwise, there is always something to keep you from being all-emcompassingly (yes I made the word up, deal with it) happy. I have a decent job (its a part time gig...ends when I get a "real" job) that pays bills, at which I've showed a proficiency and even garnered a $1.35 raise after two months, and a relatively steady personal life that doesn't consist of me sitting at home all the time. I have friends, I have a great family, and I am generally content with my existence. But things are missing from my life puzzle (B can take credit for that analogy). I want things but they aren't within my grasp... or perhaps they are... I just can't bring myself to reach for them. Its maddening, but I've learned that its the nature of the beast. My sister will love this... A certain Rolling Stones song reminds me of this.

You cant always get what you want
But if you try sometimes well you just might find
You get what you need

So yeah I have chilled out on trying to find perfect happiness, and have settled into a life of just being content and being OK with it. The road of life is paved with both happiness and sadness, so we just have to learn to accept our share of both, and know that in the end, those happy times will outweigh the bad.

In other news...

I don't miss playing sports all that much. Maybe it's the nagging pain in my back and neck, but I just don't really feel the itch to play like I normally would this time of year. Maybe I have realized my dreams of playing sports any longer are over, or maybe I'm getting older, wiser, and more conscious of wanting to live my life out of a wheelchair. Sure I miss it, but who wouldn't? I at least will still be involved with sports, albeit writing about it or taking pictures, but maybe that's where I am supposed to be. When I found journalism, it took away the sting of the possibility of not doing sports anymore. It gave me a path to follow where I control my destiny, and can still involve myself in things I am interested in. I have made a list of goals for my future and here they are.

1. Own my own publishing company and photo studio.

2. Write novels.

3. Travel the world.

That's it, that's my list. Achievable no? So instead of my life being a sprint... its become a marathon. I am not setting forth on the path to MY future, and only God knows what it holds. For someone who had his life planned out, it was a huge struggle to accept this change, but it's been nothing but a good thing since it happened. I've become more flexible, more accepting of change, and now allow myself to do what I feel in my heart is right. It's liberating. I now follow my own path, one I built for myself. I've got my hiking boots for when the road gets rough, my jacket for when it rains or gets cold, and my suntan lotion for when the sun shines on me. I'm ready to go forth and be the man I was destined to be... ME.

So this post ran a bit longer than expected, but what am I to do when the muse descends? Anyways I hope to be a more regular poster than I have been and with increased computer time, I can be. So check in often.... I might just post something for you to enjoy.

~Ian

A Son's Tribute to his Father

I was racking my brain thinking of what to get my dad for Father's Day. What would convey my love for him more than anything else? To put it simply... nothing money can buy. What will a sappy card or a gift certifcate show? It's funny... at holidays I used to be like every other kid... I wanted shit. Now I am more like my dad... he would rather have to company and love of those closest to his heart. I am unable to do one of those this year (company) but I can show my love.

As I hav grown, matured, and lived over these past 22 years, I have come to appreciate, respect, and love my dad more and more. He has been unwavering... always behind me, supporting me, pushing me forward in whatever it is I choose to do, whether he agrees with it or not. I know it has killed him knowing that I have finally called it quits on sports. Regardless... he has stood behind me in my new endeavors. He talks to me with excitement about my future. He is as committed to seeing me succeed in photojournalism as he was for football. He knows I love what I do, and knows Im damn good at it, and it makes him proud to see my achieve amazing things.

He stood beside me in the best of times and the worst, always pulling, pushing, dragging me forward. He has done more than anyone else in my life and has never once given up on me. In all the chances he had, he refused, and worked even harder to see the best in me.

He understands me in a way that shocks and amazes me and we share a connection that words are of no importance. We feel each others moods from even hundreds of miles away, and are always in constant contact.

Lets not fool ourselves. He isn't perfect, but then again who is? There were times when he wasn't there... when he wasn't supporting me, but he works even harder now to make up for it. I done hold anything against him... our past is littered with good times and bad, but I dont regret any of it. I love him even more for the flaws he has, and for his ability to know he has them, and to try and overcome them. He doesn't hide who he is, or what he is, but wears it proudly, and badges of honor. He has survived more than most people and came out better than before.

If I had one wish... on request of God, it would be that I could be half the father my dad has been. Its because of the love that my dad gave me, that I can't wait to be a father, and to raise a son on whom I can bestow all the knowledge and love that my father has given me.

People always speak of heroes and role models. They pick celebrities, athletes, teachers, etc. I never had to look past my own home. I had a hero living with me... MY hero.

Dad... I love you with all of my heart, and thank you for everything youve given me. Youve been a better father, friend, and man than you will ever know. Without you... I would not be here... and I know without me... you wouldn't be either. I miss you every day, and wish I could tell you this face to face. I wish I could sit with you, and just talk like we used to. The time will come around again soon... but for now, let these words be the messenger. No father could ever take your place... and you are the person I look to in my times of need. You are the man who I learn from, and whom I will model when I have a son of my own.

Dad I love you... and this Fathers Day... be reminded that you are very much appreciated.

And know that whenever I look at my left wrist I am reminded of you. (you'll see soon enough)

This is my tribute to you, Russell George Townsend, and the father you were, are, and always will be.

Your son,
Ian