chriswelch.com

My hometown's an interesting place. Since it's not quite a farm town, but not quite a full fledged city, we have all the basic amenities: malls, mega-theaters, chain restaurants, Wal-mart. What we lack though, is a sense of vitality. It seems that when in my hometown people instantly adopt the attitude of "this place sucks".

I'm not throwing any stones, mind you, cause I do it too sometimes. It's the community. We're a very family friendly area, very middle class, and very average. Nothing racey happens here. We have culture, but it closes at 11. There are bars-a-plenty but even still, they aren't busy but a couple of days a week.

So I think it's time for some solutions... first of all, we need good places to hang out. When we're back from college, the last place we want to be is home with our parents hanging out with our friends. It's a drag, and if you can remember back to when you were in college you'd know what I'm talking about.

A good place to hang out is like a home base, where you can leave from to go do something and then come back to hang out more — and be left alone. Think of it as a 20-something thicket of solitude (for all of you who know who Quail Man is).

But here comes the hard part... instead of complaining about there being nothing to do, do something about it! At worst, Parker-Brothers has published over a hundred games, probably more. If Risk or Monopoly doesn't sound up your alley, then pick up and go for a drive, take a walk, go bowling (one of the things that doesn't close at 11). The fact of the matter is, there is stuff to do, it's just that we need to stop being affected by this hometown duldrum and actually want to participate in life...

And another thing... what's up with "I'm bored... No, I don't really feel like doing anything." I mean what the f@*# is that all about? Or "Oh, sorry, I'm doing something." I mean how about "Oh, yea someone's coming over, wanna come over too?" Seems to me like the more the merrier. If you know people that cam easily interact with their fellow human-beings, then why not have them tag along?

Okay, okay, maybe I've tipped my hand. I've been resorting to entertaining myself while I'm home cause people just don't seem to be available to go out. I'm not letting it get me down too much. There's plenty to do, you just gotta find it.

So I'm going to go find something to do now. With only 3 days till my 10 week adventure starts, I'm gunna live it up while I can, come along if you're not too busy... or too bored to do something (how ironic).

This will be my last entry from my apartment for 12 weeks. I love my apartment so much... I'll miss you!

Moving on to something a little more interesting... I've been thinking a lot about stuff recently. First, I think I'm going to have a lot of fun on my trip. I'm livin' the dream, and I'm really excited about it.

On a related note, over the past couple weeks, I've also been thinking about people who really are kinda just chillin' with life, doing their own thing. I guess I really don't understand those people, and I tend to be hard on them, especially if I really care about them.

While I was thinking, what I realized is that while I may not agree with it, or necessarily understand the reason behind it, it's okay to chill with life, as long as they're taking care of their business (i.e. not hurting anyone) and they're happy. All that I should really care about is that they're a good person and that I enjoy spending time with them. Otherwise, I should be supportive, and "bring the love" (sorry, I'm listening to Eminem).

So in conclusion, I want to publically apologize if you've been one of those people whom I've been unsupportive of. I really shoulda done better, and I'm sorry.

I forgot to mention. I went shopping today, and when I came home, and was pulling into the parking lot, a squirl started racing me. I tried my best, but the fast little fur-ball beat me. He cheated though. He ran up a tree! ^o^;;

I'm a sad, sad guy. I'm watching another one of those reality love shows — "For Love or Money"e; show. I'll only see one episode, so I'm not going to get the chance to become addicted to this one. Basically, 15 girls are after one guy. The guy thinks they're in it for love, but the girls are going to win a million dollars if they get picked. Poor guy :(

I guess the thing about the guy, Rob, though is that he's so anti-dynamic — go figure for a lawyer. He's a good looking guy (I need to work out), but he's so shy and dorky. Some girls like that though, so maybe it'll work for him. The fact remains, though, that this show is a cruel human study, and I think we all know the outcome.

Man.... where do they get these people!? I dunno if you've ever watched the 5th Wheel or Blind Date, but you need to, at least once. These people are actually amazing. It's like watching a car wreck — where everyone dies.

It's June 1st, and that means that in 10 days I'll be leaving for Europe. I'm kind of in a state of denial — I can't believe I'm actually going after so many years of wanting to, but I'm getting more excited every hour.

Today's been cold, and dreary, so more of the same R&R is in order. I'll do some reading, play some video games, and watch the sunday night tele. But most importantly I've got to stop obsessing over this blog, till I get back...

First, I made a nice little update to the Web site today. I added a Links section and made some other random tweaks. I've also been getting really into exploring the blog community online, trying to get ideas to make mine better. I found this great site, blogwise that's an ever growing list of people's blogs — and of which I am now a member.

I really enjoy writing in a blog, which is wierd cause I can't stand writing in a journal. It seems like such a wasted effort, you know? I think the fact that people are actually going to read the stuff I write, makes me think about it logically instead of like an emotional ninny. Therapy of sorts.

It's probably all voyeurism, like looking at people naked through their window... with the obvious exceptions that they're not naked (or maybe they are but you can't tell) and they advertise themselves. I like to think of it as emotional voyeurism. But it's all good, cause it's like meeting all these people and hearing their perspectives on life.

What I can't understand though are the people who purposly talk about their personal lives — especially where involved with other people. I'm a blogger, but I don't think I could ever drag someone I knew into it. It's cruel and unusual. Imagine reading your significant other's thoughts on your dress-style, personality, or other even more personal details. The thought gives me the creeps. Thanks, but hey, I won't put you in mine, if you don't put me in yours.

I'm feeling like a lazy guy today. It's amazing how little you can do when you try. I did start playing Medal of Honor: Allied Assult, again. I think I got better at it after not playing it for almost a year. Is that possible?

After two days my rice cooker is here. (Comfort House is great!) I'm making some rice in it right now, and I'm in love with thing... it'll practically do your dishes for you :P But what I didn't realize is how big this monster is. Check out this picture and then look at the rice cooker in relation to the cookbook next to it. The point is, this thing is large. As a result, I have dubbed it "Beast" :)