Let's think about awesome things instead

Yesterday I got some shirts, and today I got a couple more. I didn't get any more pairs of pants today, though, because I figured that I had enough. I have two weeks to try out my new wardrobe. Then school starts. Eww, school. Yucky.

Last year, it was difficult for me to get used to going to bed early and waking up early. I felt groggy for weeks. This year, I'm going to try to make a gradual change before school starts. I'm going to get the usual 7 hours and 50 minutes of sleep -- no more, no less -- while sliding my bedtime back from midnight or 1:00 to the usual 9:40.

I don't really want to say much else about school (or getting ready for it) today. I don't want to have to think about it. There's plenty of time for that later. Besides, I start to get a sickening feeling whenever I think about school.

Ask Jordon:

Gilbert: Why do you have such self-esteem issues...?

Gilbert probably asked this question after reading my response to his last question, in which he asked why I was so cool. The truth is that putting myself down is like a reflex. Sometimes I see myself as a failure, a sluggard, or a burden. I don't really know where it came from, but it's probably from a young Jordon being taught not to be selfish or haughty. Wait, who am I kidding? It's my own fault.

No, wait. That's me doing it again. It's a tricky subject, because I don't know whose fault it is. Anyway, I guess I've noticed that self-deprecation (read: humility) is more welcomed than its opposite: being self-righteous. But I guess that when I can insult myself without realizing it, it's time to take myself more seriously. So I think the best way to be is somewhere between the two? Maybe? But then again, how would you answer the question, "Why are you so cool?"

Is it good to take oneself seriously or humorously? Do I have self-esteem problems, and if I do, how can I fix them? Maybe I need a shrink? Anyone who has any opinion on this is invited to join in the discussion.

Luke: What's happening psychologically when I think I've got something insightful to say but I don't remember what it is?

It's my belief that if you can't remember something, it simply wasn't worth remembering. (There is a chance that it could come back, though.) I guess an exception would be if you're old and have memory problems due to some medical condition or your old age.

The situation in the Middle East is very complicated. Luckily, there's the Middle East Buddy List, a handy chart that summarizes some of the relationships between the parties involved.

Who knew that there was a "paranormal phenomena" site on About.com? Here's a gem from their photo gallery: What Are These Things? (It looks like snow or dust.)

One year ago: "Sí, yo puedo hablar español."
Two years ago: "It just goes to show that spelling reform, unless made mandatory, is a hit-or-miss thing."