Just In Case You're Not Affected By The Economic Crisis

I never check the links I list on my blog. It has been so long since I've read any one's words. I did, however, recently realize that my own information was incorrect. I have been selling my stuff (and now mostly items I buy at reduced prices) on Amazon.com via the Marketplace for nearly six years. I sell books, DVDs, Cd's, etc. If you get a hankering for something and just want to spend some money, see if I have it. I'll even cut you a break if you're a friend. At some point, Amazon gave me my own store-personalized address. Perhaps everyone receives their own store now, but I know one used to be required to purchase a store. The link to my store was previously this long address convoluted with letters, numbers and a plethora of backslashes. Now, it is the very simple:

http://www.amazon.com/shops/punkboy11

Please stop by, I just may have what you always wanted. Or, just splurge and help me out.

P.S. I just lowered the price on nearly everything I'm selling.

These Are Not The Basketball Diaries

Oft I dream of grander times. I look at my accomplishments and realize I have not accomplished that much. I want to finish more than a pack of cigarettes. I want to be known... Not by the masses, but by the people who matter most to me. I want a lot. I probably want too much. Fame and fortune they are not. Time leaves me when I least expect it to. Rather, he isn't the one who stopped. I have quit. Given up. Finished. Something, sometimes, gets in my way. Memories are like obstacles. It's like a car trying to pass a parade. Even though city lights give way to country floods, I change the light bulbs anyway. Either way, I have another day. Another chance. A shot in the dark. Sparking. Restlessness is wrestled with by people who need help. I need it. Help. I need more than just a simple solution. No more restitution. Don't give me money because I took your place. Take what you want, but by legal means, please. Don't change your mind. Forget what you once thought was wise. I used to quote rappers as if they were Greek philosophers. I want to be Greek. But I got a D in the introductory course. Don't go to Greece. Don't play in the streets. Don't buy into this whole freedom scene. East goes east for the rest of the distance. Stars seem brighter when you are closer. Hollywood is just one place were movies are made. Virtuosity is far worse among those who practice a lot. Don't confuse this allotment for something more. A time or a spatial tenure, measured by means. Work. Live. Lye. Lay. Look. Don't back up. Tree trunks are in now. Forgive what you once thought. Lost little lessons. I don't know why. I just don't know. Why? Why what? Police truck. Don't get drunk. Don't sin. Be perfect. Never win. Exclaim the beauty. Repress the weak. Turn your last cheek. Deposit more money so you never run out. If money is worth having, don't waste it all. Collections rule. Depression, too. Laid down by the walls too heavy to hold above your head. Don't dread the dead. You know what? Dreamless nights are still a goodnight's sleep.

My Mind Says No, But My Body Says Yes

I don't want to come here ever again. It is such a mind numbing chore to blog. Who blogs anymore? I hear about these so-called bloggers who shape news and inform the public. If you have a web log that has been around for as long as To Whom, then you can say something. I read so much crap on the internet. So much pretentious fluff about God knows what. Who cares, really?

An update on my life:
I want to start blogging more frequently again.

Realization:
What did I just say?

Confession:
I sort of miss having a place to air grievances and share my life. I think I need to just stop being pretentious and treat this thing like what it ought to be, not what it could be. I am not a reporter. I am Jeff and this is my life.

Currently:
I graduated in December. I am still working for the Magnolia School in old Jefferson, Louisiana and living in New Orleans. This May will mark two years of employment.

Also, I am applying to Ph.D. programs now. Right now, working on stuff for Rice University and University of Louisville (in the areas of Religious Studies and Humanities, respectively). I also have been corresponding with the chair of the Religious Studies department at Brown University. I have missed the deadline to apply, but they have some unique things there that might be worth the investment of five more years in school. Why do I do this to myself?

Love and death,

Jeff

Enough with the 'Happy New Years' Already!

Okay, I know I'm too cynical at times. But it's the 8th of January. It has been the new year for like eight days now! I am tired of people wishing me a happy new year so far after the fact. If I wasn't fortunate enough to see you on the 31st, 1st, or 2nd, my apologies. If you want move beyond well-wishes and actually help me have a good 2009, just don't be a douche bag.

Thank you.

Merry Christmas

Even though I don't say much nearly enough, I just wanted to wish everyone who comes by here a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

With Peace and Love,

Jeff Watkins

Ny New Car: 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5 S (Smoke Grey)

I did it.



I finally bought a car. It was a long and difficult process. Finding the right car. Getting said car to the right price. All of my efforts feel necessary given the condition, mileage, and options of the car. It was not easy. There was a lot of frustration throughout the process. If you need any tips, I can help. I did a lot of research. I waited a month and a half, but it paid off. My new car is a 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5 S. I bought it with 29,200 miles on it. Just from my drive back from Florida to New Orleans and it now has 30,000.



Features:
175-hp 4-cylinder engine
4-speed automatic
4-wheel disc brakes
16-inch alloy wheels
8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment
Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio and trip computer controls
Front anti-Lock brakes
Cruise Control
Driver and passenger air bags
Rear Window Defroster
Power door locks
Power mirrors
Power windows
Sunroof (with moonroof option)
Tinted windows
Periscope and tilted wheel
Keyless Entry
Anti-theft security System
Bose 6 speaker stereo system with 6 disc CD changer



I got it from a wholesale lot, but at a private seller price. Bill of sale price $12,949 ($13,761.94 with tax, tag, and title transfer).

I just wrote a blog

And it is gone.

So.

Nothing.

Weird

I graduate with my Masters Degree in 25 days...

It doesn't feel like that big of deal. I've graduated before. Kindergarten, High School, and College. What's one more garb rental fee?

I guess because I want to do a Ph.D., I know I'm not done. Perhaps I won't even get in. I still have to take the GRE. That alone may keep me from getting into a legitimate university.

I attend a seminary, as you may or may not know. And those in control wish for us to abstain from the drink. I do my best to abide by the rule. Yet, once I cross that stage, I will be hitting up the local drive-thru daiquiri establishments (oh yes, they do exist; search good for New Orleans Original Daiquiri).

I Guess 2Pac was Wrong -- ("Changes")

"I see no changes,
all I see is racist faces.
Misplaced hate makes disgrace to races, we under.
I wonder what it takes to make this one better place,
let's erase the wasted.
Take the evil out the people they'll be acting right,
'cause both black and white is smokin' crack tonight.
And only time we chill is when we kill each other,
it takes skill to be real time to heal each other."

"And although it seems Heaven sent we ain't ready, to see a black President."