All Prologue

http://www.archive.org/details/The_General_Buster_Keaton

The General (1926) - starring Buster Keaton

Most people wouldn't think a silent feature-length film from the
early part of American cinema would be interesting enough to watch, but
this classic would surely change a lot of minds. The level of comedy,
pacing, and plot are far better than most of today's movies. And as far
as movies where the action is centered around trains, The General is
easily the best one I've ever seen (sorry, Denzel Washington).

These are the lonely, waning days of summer. Bummed out. Where'd all my friends go?

I inevitably hit that wall on a vacation where I know I've spent enough time somewhere and am ready to pack my bags. Usually that's on one of the last days I planned on being somewhere. But that's not the case with this trip to Belize.
Don't get me wrong; this place is great. It's right on the beach; the people are incredibly friendly; it's essentially a small town; the food is good; and there are a lot of interesting people, both local and from abroad. I'm certainly not in any way regretting my trip here. It's just not a great place to spend a lot of time while traveling solo.
For some reason, traveling here alone is much more difficult. Its easier to feel lonely and bored here than it is anywhere else I've gone (except for Las Vegas). Time feels like it goes by much slower, and there isn't as much to do as a place like San Francisco or a big city.
There are numerous tour options to go see various parts of the country, but that costs quite a lot and I'm traveling on a bit of a budget. I've hung out on the beach a fair amount, but I'm not a sunbather; I get too bored. I've read a lot, but I'm pacing myself because I'm worried I'll run out of reading material before I leave (and it's not like there are any bookstores around--just book exchanges packed with crappy romance novels). I've certainly walked the town a few times over, and not much changes, especially being that the tourist season has ended or is, at the very best, in it's waning days.
But this is still paradise, and I'm exactly halfway through my month-long vacation. Day 14 of 28. I just wish I had some friends to spend it with, that's all. Not that this is a wasted trip by any means, I just have to keep this in mind when I come here again.

As for the projects I had intended on doing while I was here:
1) Documentary: scrapped. I sent my thousands of dollars worth of equipment home with my mom after we got done sailing after hearing too many rumors of a serious and growing threat of theft, attributed to the newly-completed interstate and the influx of some overly-greedy, opportunistic Guatemalans.
Placencia technically has a police "force," but the extent of their control and ability to actually function on any level is arguably non-existent. They rarely catch anyone because they don't pursue anything or anyone unless they're specifically asked and paid to (you have to pay an officer for their time just to fill out a report). And they rarely solve or resolve anything because no one really has the money to independently fund the officers and detectives to lazily (their getting paid, so why hurry, right?) pursue and solve the case.
I don't want to lose equipment and then have to deal with that. Lost anything is going to remain lost, so I'm not going to risk it.

2) writing: ehhh. I've written some stuff, but there's still something lacking in all of it. I'll have to flesh things out some more and then workshop whatever I have when I get back.

3) catch up on rest: success! I've been getting up and going to sleep earlier, and I feel much better. I sleep a full 8 hours, and I'm not as tired randomly during the day. An occasional nap every once in a while is still nice, though--a luxury I'll enjoy while I can.

Posted via LiveJournal app for iPhone.

I went from graduating school to sitting on a beach in Belize within 5 days. Needless to say, things are going really well right now.

Setting sail today on the boat for an 8-day sail to the different cayes and reefs. Tons of pictures to follow. I'm thankful I get to share this with my family, but I also wish I could share this with my friends.

It finally started to sink in today, that feeling of finally being done with school. I had my last official class and there was an excitement in everyone, some of them graduating, some just finishing another semester. While I'm certainly not close to being done--still 10 papers to write/finish, a shit ton of work to do in 6 days--I'm starting to let myself see the end and think a little more about Belize. My mom and step-dad are leaving tomorrow for Kansas City where they'll catch their flight to Belize. I'll meet up with them on May 4th when I get there, and I'll sail with them until they leave on the 14th.

It's still pretty crazy that I'm living this life now. It just took someone to point out how accessible things like this are if you just plan and save properly. About $800-1,000 for all the travel expenses (round trip flights from Des Moines, and connecting flight in Belize), anywhere from $30-70 per night for beach-side accommodations (usually $5-10 per night cheaper if you stay longer [or even costing you $250 TOTAL for the WHOLE MONTH if you go in the summer!]), and spending money for food and what little souvenirs are available. Prices there are totally reasonable and usually on the cheaper side, so money can go a long way if you spend wisely. Yeah, okay, this is kind of a sales pitch to friends (I hope you're listening and interested).

Gear-wise, I'm all set. There will be lots of photos and video. I'm still aiming to make a documentary of some length about the town and the coral and the consequences of the growing travel industry. It's still a vacation first, but since I'm down there and have a good idea and the opportunity and connections to see it through, I'd be stupid not to give it a go. And who knows, maybe something bigger will come of it.

Holy fuck, Dixieland jazz/traditional jazz totally makes any dinner feel classy and any afternoon/evening feel like a total success. I just puttered around the house today, doing nothing all that productive, but I feel like a million bucks. Dinner was just some grilled chicken and grilled vegetables--nothing too fancy--but it tasted extra delicious when paired with good moods. Despite the low 30-degree temperatures and ceaseless clouds, the combination of the grilling and the music made me totally feel like this was a perfect summer evening.
Dixieland jazz -- I'm so glad I have the recipe for my own personal happiness.

I never thought I'd see the day when Livejournal would be the place where my posts would consistently be about being content with life, but when I get to the point where I can better understand and handle myself, I guess that just sort of happens. So, to those despondent and disconsolate days, goodbye.

Today is one of those perfect Saturdays so far. Deposited some money in the bank (this, every time for some reason, feels like a good accomplishment), met up with some friends for our Saturday tea at Gong Fu, perused the antiques at the Found Store (bought an old book of poetry and prose), and then went to the Planned Parenthood annual book sale with Dustin (got a few mostly Dixieland jazz records and various books on poetry and photography). It's still rather early in the day, too--only 4pm--, and I have so much of the day remaining.

I'm getting some stuff ready at home--marinating some steaks for tomorrow, uploading some pictures from the other day, and packing some more stuff up in boxes, all while listening to one of the Dixieland albums (which is awesome, by the way. I wish everyone could appreciate Dixieland jazz)--before I head out to a friend's (Heather Jones) going away--far away--party. (She's moving to Japan for a job.) After that, I'm driving up to Ames to take some photos for a girl and hang out for a while.

Man, such a good day!


(This writing style is nuts.)

Dating websites can sometimes be hilarious. Here are some prime examples:

"kat here just looking for mister right
i AM 24 YERS OL I HAVE DARK BROWN HAIR.I AM FUNNY EASY GOING AND WILLING TO TRY ANYTHING ONCE. I AMLOOKING FOR man THAT WONT TEAR MY HEART OUT OF MY CHST AND STOMP ON IT AN THEN PUT IT BACK."


being ultra-defensive and typing in all caps is usually a good way to not scare people off. i bet you'll do great!
and from another one...


"Fun facts about me.....
~ I love reading trashy romance novels
~ I love being on or near water
~ I collect Bob the Builder items
~ I'm a cat person
~ I play on the swing-set at the park at least once a year
~ I love all things Coach
~ I'm making sexuality my career
~ I can't whistle
~ Campfire is my favorite smell"


you sound like a weird, slutty 7-year old instead of a 30-year old woman. (also, whenever I see "I'm a cat person," what I really see is "I'm banking on being single the rest of my life.")
how about another one?


"Ya I make mistakes, I laugh at stupid things, I am amazed every day by the sky, I love to dance in the rain - especially if it's pouring, I like to dress up and go dance but everyone knows im much happier playing football in the mud laughing my ass off, i never test the water before i jump in, i find it hard to keep my mouth shut especially when i probably should, and I guard my heart with all ive got...i figure if you really want it you will work for it, im confident but at the same time insecure as hell, but i cant be anything else so learn to live with it!"

Amazed every day by the sky? Everyone knows you'd rather act like a dirty crazy person instead of classy? Never test the water before you jump in? You sound reckless and absolutely insane. I hope you dive into that water without testing how deep it is.
(Also, always good to end your bio by attacking the reader.)
ok, another one!


Seriously, you started your bio like this?...
"Attention: Please no arrogant, rude, mean, sex addicted guys. If you’re immature you need not apply. Strangely enough I am a lady and prefer to be treated like one, so if you’re not ready to be a chivalrous prince- don’t waste my time."

Attention: I just want to get up in them guts.


Seriously?...
"Although I love to shop, it is not my only, or my favorite past-time."

This is great/funny/confusing for a few reasons.


"I am a girl that loves to be outside i work on race cars and go to the races all the races all the time i am looking for a friend, i listen to counrty music, and love going to the big counrty bash. i think what makes me unigue is that i love to work on cars not many girls do."

Yeeehaw! All I read was "races races races cars races cars cars cars country country cars races cars."

Apartment is signed for, and I'll be moving in less than three weeks! My new roommate should be pretty easy to live with. I've known her for quite a few years, and we've been hanging out more and more. The apartment itself is pretty nice. Smaller than the place I currently have to myself, but I'll be happier paying half the rent I am now.

Now to just get by back fixed before I have to move all my stuff...

I feel like my brain is almost filled to the brim, and yet it still thirsts for more knowledge.

Classes are kicking my ass, but I'm kind of enjoying it. This is what college should have been like all along. I'm learning incredible amounts of information, becoming super-productive when I want to be, and I'm actually starting to become more social at school. At one point, at the beginning of my college career, I was in the exact opposite position I am now. Realizing this huge change I've gone through feels truly wonderful. I really believe I'm going to be a great person as I get older, smarter, experienced, and wiser.