Below are the 20 most recent journal entries recorded in gomaironin's LiveJournal:

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Saturday, June 13th, 2009
1:35 pm	Random thoughts During a punching drill just now we were focusing on only 3 strikes, all very basic. Hammer fists, palm strikes, and elbows. It's amazing how adrenaline and tunnel vision can make you completely forget the existence of something, even when you've only got 3 parts to remember. For the life of me, I couldn't remember what palm strikes were for the middle 30 seconds of the drill.   I'm really liking this class. Current Mood: happy (2 Comments |Comment on this)
Saturday, April 25th, 2009
8:16 am	Brazilian Steakhouses Up until last night I'd never been to a churrascaria before. Its truly a unique experiene. Unique and filling...  After you've arrived and settled yourself in (perhaps even with a selection of vegetables and cheeses to start) the waiters begin bringing scewers of meat by your table. Large skewers of meat. Filet mignon, top sirloin, bottom sirloin, bacon wrapped chicken, sausage, lamb chops, rib eye... A never-ending cavalcade of cuts until you flip over the disc provided by the house to indicate you're ready to stop and actually eat. 15 cuts of meat available, each with it's own chef standing watch. If the evening had a theme I think it could only be: "So... much... meat..." http://fogodechao.com/index.htm I'd love to go back and celebrate my carnivorosity with friends sometime. Current Mood: full (11 Comments |Comment on this)
Monday, April 20th, 2009
4:27 pm	News http://cgi.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/04/03/scotus.sex.offenders/index.html Civil liberties? WTF? Current Mood: uncomfortable (1 Comment |Comment on this)
Tuesday, April 14th, 2009
9:09 pm	My birthday this weekend This Saturday is my 28th birthday. I'm thinking of going to Oregano's over by Dobson & Southern for lunch around 1pm, followed by a happy afternoon over at Games Depot (Southern & McClintock). Boardgames and general geekery to ensue. You're all invited. Let me know if you're free to come. :) Current Mood: happy (9 Comments |Comment on this)
Monday, April 13th, 2009
6:18 pm	Christianity & Ben Allright, let's jump right into this one. Easter Sunday Kristi, RJ, and I attended the Universal Christian Chuch of Tempe's mid-morning mass.     http://desertpalmucc.org/ Very lovely church, and as Kristi noted, far less gaudy or ostentatious then many overly-decorated churchs can be. (I'm mostly taking images from tv here, as I've been inside very few churches in my life so far). The pastor was a jolly looking former engineer. Perhaps the most amusing bit though would be to any onlookers very familiar with me. I wasn't a complete bundle of nerves, but I was so anxious to be polite and not offend anyone during the ceremony that I was horribly on edge. Several times I responded with non-sequitors to various greetings. "So nice to see you here, I'm John." *grin and a handshake* "Thank you." I wasn't trying to be my usual oddball self, in this case I was so busy playing expected scripts in my head, I didn't really hear what was said until several seconds later. My response was expecting the line, "Thank you for attending or service," or possibly, "Happy Easter!" Given the situation, I'm amazed I didn't spout out something to the effect of, "You talk religion good!" Which he would've totally deserved mind you. If you haven't had this conversation with me before, please feel free to ask about my beliefs in spirits. In fact, I think I'll make that post sometime soon. Suffice to say that I do believe in them, as well as in a metaphysical world but NOT that "everything is true." Just because I can buy into something like psychometry (which I am NOT 100% sure of in most cases) does not mean I'm also a phrenologist. When the priest blessed the communion ceremony (and technically he didn't do a blessing, more of an "intro") and then different laypeople took trays of bread and trays of winte to give out... There was just a moment where it looked to me like they were distributing little glowing stars amongst the congregation. This unsettles me at the same time that it moves me... It is really ODD to be one faith and share in a really holy moment of another faith and see, for lack of a better term, a manifestation of holiness. Have you ever at a meal that you knew was brilliantly prepared by a chef who obviously knows his craft backwards and forwards, twirling around the flavors he's created for you, and realized that while an excellent prepared dish can hold genuinely good flavors, they are almost totally NOT the way of understanding/interpreting flavors you're used to? That was the best analogy I could craft for Sunday's experience. The more I talk with my few Christian friends, the more I'm forced to see some things in myself I don't like. Namely that I can be very judgemental about a religion I profess to respect. Perhaps I do feel both feelings at the same time. Maybe the fact is that I'm used to approaching Christianity from the safe vantage point of the religious scholar, not the spiritual seeker. I am learning that part of the problem seems to be the great divide between the large category called "Christians" that exists in my mental filing space, and the various subcategories of "Christians" many of my friends believe in. This says nothing about the sheer... embarassment several of my friends have expressed, when viewing the actions of vocal minorities of various denominations or speakers. That said, I'm also quite proud to be going outside of my comfort zone (literally and figuratively). There's something to be said for the sense of anxiousness one feels when attending a service you've never been to before. I suddenly have IMMENSELY more respect for Megzor's outing to Temple Emmanuel with Elliot and I, as well as the visit Kristi and I made. To make things even more amusing, they withstood a service partially in an alien tongue. I found it somewhat alien hearing a service completely in English of all things! At least I can always take heart in seeing both faiths have an even share of mavens, gossips, and proud mothers cooing over dolled up children. Some things never change. Addendum: I'm told by Chris that UCC wouldn't be the best example of traditional Christianity. I'm told by Kristi that the definition of "traditional Christianity" that I'm working with isn't the best either. At this point, I'll just have both elements neutralize each other and declare the point moot for now. Addendum: To clarify a point Chris brought to my attention, what I saw didn't seem to me to be the classic miracle of Transubstantiation. It felt more like an enchanting/enchantment, though NOT coming from the pastor. Possibly a communal one, but I'm not quite sure that's right either. Current Mood: happy Current Music: "Let it Rock" -Kevin Rudolf (3 Comments |Comment on this)
Thursday, April 2nd, 2009
12:26 am	For the first time in 25 years For the first time in over 25 years I've seen a picture of my biological father Mark Jarmel. For the first time in over 25 years I've spoken with him. Its something I've given considerable thought to for my entire life quite literally. In some ways it was a little anti-climatic. I did a few different seraches on Google and after a call to a chiropractic clinic in North Carolina (which hadn't seen him in 20 years) found two different numbers of his in California. After getting off work today I tried them and the second number was indeed his. In the end I think I caught him a bit more off-guard then I'd intended. "Hello?" "Hello, is this the Jarmel household?" "Yes it is." "Am I speaking with Mark Jarmel?" "Yes, this is he." (All the while sounding a bit tired and uninterested.) "My name is Ben Mandall." *Pause* *Pause* "Hi!" Current Mood: cheerful Current Music: "Right Round" -Flo Rida (4 Comments |Comment on this)
Tuesday, March 17th, 2009
6:34 pm	My grandfather died today ( You are about to view content that may not be appropriate for minors. ) Current Mood: mellow Current Music: "Carry On Wayward Son" by Kansas (10 Comments |Comment on this)
Tuesday, March 10th, 2009
8:47 pm	News Grandpa is doing very poorly. Multiple strokes, uti, possibly other conditions. He's out of it, depressed, not eathing much, and if family isn't present he's refusing a lot of meds. I feel pretty shaken up about this. Over at Kristi's right now. I'm glad she invited me to come over. She really is a great person to be with, especially when her friends need support. Current Mood: sad (12 Comments |Comment on this)
Saturday, February 21st, 2009
12:02 am	Tonight This week ends on a much happier note then it began. Just got back from nerf wars with Ivan and Sarah (had a blast) and spent part of the afternoon with Kristi (yay for being willing to work through concerns). All in all it's been a good day, and my cold's finally on the way out. Oh, and "The Graveyard Book" by Neil Gaiman is wonderful. Go read it. Current Mood: happy (3 Comments |Comment on this)
Saturday, January 17th, 2009
6:12 pm	Job weirdness So I'm in between jobs for 2 weeks, due to finishing job 1 and suddenly being told by job 2, "We've pushed our training schedule back by two weeks." Frustrating, but tolerable. I'm SO happy to not be going off to a 6am outdoors shift. My uncle pointed out yesterday that I was due for a raise. Wonderful timing he has. Ahhh well, him being a jerk is NOTHING new in my family. Lee comes into town on Monday to crash for a while and I think this weeks is a good time to get back on track with gym visits. Setting things in order is good. Plot writing... must do more rpg plotting... Current Mood: energetic (Comment on this)
Wednesday, December 17th, 2008
9:17 pm	This test actually makes me feel lonely The Five Love Languages My primary love languages are probably Acts of Service and Words of Affirmation. Complete set of results Acts of Service: 8 Words of Affirmation: 8 Physical Touch: 5 Receiving Gifts: 5 Quality Time: 4 Information Unhappiness in relationships, according to Dr. Gary Chapman, is often due to the fact that we speak different love languages. Sometimes we don't understand our partner's requirements, or even our own. We all have a "love tank" that needs to be filled in order for us to express love to others, but there are different means by which our tank can be filled, and there are different ways that we can express love to others. Take the quiz Current Mood: pensive (1 Comment |Comment on this)
Thursday, December 4th, 2008
5:22 pm	Holiday meme Parts of this seem bizarrely accurate... On the twelfth day of Christmas, Gomaironin sent to me... Twelve tactics drumming Eleven glocks piping Ten fables a-leaping Nine bbws cooking Eight ufs a-shooting Seven computers a-writing Six rifts a-painting Five bo-o-o-oard games Four strategy games Three card games Two graphic novels ...and a warhammer in a psychology. Get your own Twelve Days: Current Mood: indescribable (1 Comment |Comment on this)
Thursday, November 27th, 2008
7:45 pm	Today Today has been a challenge.  Grandpa is in the hospital with an almost identical repeat performance to one year ago. This time Grandma didn't wait for him to injure himself, she just forced him out. Tomorrow I'll begin working to find an assisted living facility for him. There has been other, rather severe drama. I'm not at liberty to go into it just now, but this has not been one of the easier days I've had. I am thankful for many things. I hope everyone has a great evening and a peaceful end to their night. Current Mood: determined (5 Comments |Comment on this)
Friday, November 14th, 2008
7:11 pm	Good news So I passed the Tempe police written exam today with an 89 out of 100. I'm eligible to take their physical test any time during the next year. So tomorrow I'll be going running at 7am. The requirements are tougher then Scottsdale, only 14 minutes for the mile and a half. We'll see how things go. Either way I'm happy to have part of it delt with. Wish me luck for tomorrow. Current Mood: tired Current Music: "Fear" -Disturbed (8 Comments |Comment on this)
Wednesday, November 12th, 2008
5:04 pm	Quiz I've been wanting to make For those who are new to the internet, new to LJ, or are currently not even online and reading this through extra-sensory perception or technomagick: This am quiz. You take. Or not. Happy fun time is begin! The purpose of this quiz is musical. All the answers should be in the form of a song, music video, theatrical performance, or similar media. If you have a single favorite piece of music, what is it? I'm a little partial to "In the Hall of the Mountain King" by Henrik Ibsen Favorite songwriter? "Weird" Al Yankovic Favorite composer? Hmmm, I don't really have one come to think of it. Singer you really wish you liked more but just can't take much of? Tori Amos Favorite tv show theme? "Thesis of an Avenging Angel" from Neon Genesis Evangelion Favorite song to dance to? "Sandstorm" by Darude Song you surprisingly listened to a LOT as a child? "Fortune of the Night" by Niel Diamond Song that inspires naughty, kinky, sexy thoughts in you?  "Paralyzer" by Finger Eleven Song that really makes you want to righteously smite someone? "The Battle" from the Chronicles of Narnia (The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe) soundtrack Song you meditate to that probably never intended to be meditation music? "This Corrosion" by Sisters of Mercy Song you work out to? "No Leaf Clover" by Metallica Song that caught you completely by surprise but fits you nonetheless? "I Wanna be Fat" by the Go Go Girls Last really good song a friend introduced you to? "Barracuda" by Heart Singer/group that you'd have compose background music for your personal theme? I've had several people tell me that "White and Nerdy" is already my anthem. "The Pusher" by Steppenwolf is the second song I've been awarded. My own choice? They Might be Giants could do it right. Singer/group you'd have perform the music for your big fight scene? Disturbed Singer/group that has nothing to do with your life but would sneak in during the credits roll anyway just to be on your personal soundtrack? I think the credits should be long enough for at least two good ballads. In that case I'm calling E-Type for something bizarre yet happy and Rhapsody to take it home. Current Mood: bouncy Current Music: See above (2 Comments |Comment on this)
Friday, October 17th, 2008
7:42 pm	The last son of Krypton http://news.yahoo.com/s/ynews/20081017/pl_ynews/ynews_pl95 I think he may've just clinched the geek vote with this one... Current Mood: happy (Comment on this)
Saturday, October 11th, 2008
12:00 pm	Yin Yang There's an old Chinese fable, possibly Taoist, possibly not; that deals with the upswings and downswings of life. In brief, let me retell it here. There was a man once who lived the best life he could in a simple countryside village. His neighbors viewed him as an especially lucky man because his horse was the best animal anyone had ever seen for several hundred miles in any direction. One day as the man went out riding the horse was startled by a gnat and reared back throwing him to the ground. The man's leg broke sharply during the fall and he barely managed to drag himself back to the village. "What poor fortune!" exclaimed all his neighbors. The man simply shrugged his shoulders and began making himself a crutch. Several months later war broke out with the barbarian tribes to the North and imperial officials began canvassing the countryside to recruit all able bodiesinto the army. The recruiters spared not a second glance at the lame peasant and he stayed safely at home during the war. I can't remember the rest of the story but it continues the same pattern of good and bad fortune following each other, sometimes in the same event.  I can't help but feel a little bit of kinship to the man this morning as I read article after article of people who've lost money in the current economic craziness. One article in particular struck me as it tried to explain that an investor didn't actually "loose" thousands of dollars and that there is no greedy banker, wealthy oil baron, or chuckling huckster that now has his money. The investment wasn't so much "money" as it was "perceived value." The stocks held weren't the same as a briefcase full of $20 bills, but instead a reflection of how much money could be obtained were they to be sold. So while I may not have a fat retirement account or engrossing stock portfolio, I can also say that I've probably not lost much either due to the recent market downturn. Strange ray of sunshine to find in the cloud, but an amusing ray nonetheless. Current Mood: amused Current Music: "Because the Night" -Cascada (Comment on this)
Tuesday, October 7th, 2008
5:05 pm	My grandfather I spent five hours with my grandfather today. Its been over half a year since I've had such a long "shift' of looking after him.  I don't feel I have the energy to do the full story justice. There were some really hard moments today, but also some really good ones. The happiness of everything simply falling into place during our outing, like has happened so many times in the past. Listening to him call mom, for the first time in over half a year. Then listening to him spend the first half of the call just telling her how proud he is of me. Listening to Grandma welcome him home with anger and insults and choking down some very negative feelings. The almost insane comedy of Grandma's new realtor. Hearing in his voice and seeing quite clearly in his stride that he's dying. Spending twenty minutes cleaning up a rather disgusting mess and realizing mid-way through that once the worst of it is dealt with, its really not that bad. I'm going running now. I'm so tempted to stay home and wallow in certain feelings. I'm gonna go run and try to not beat myself up for pushing aside my workouts 3 times in the last week and falling off the "eat right" wagon. "Fall down 7 times, stand up 8," as the saying goes. But damn do I feel weird. (3 Comments |Comment on this)
Thursday, October 2nd, 2008
2:01 pm	I knowz me the history! As was demonstrated in an interview with Katie Couric, Sarah Palin is unable to name any Supreme Court Case other than Roe v. Wade. The Rules: Post info about ONE Supreme Court decision, modern or historic, to your lj. (Any decision, as long as it's not Roe v. Wade.) For those who see this on your f-list, take the meme to your OWN lj to spread the fun. Brown vs. Board of Education Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, 347 U.S. 483 (1954), was a landmark decision of the United States Supreme Court, which overturned earlier rulings going back to Plessy v. Ferguson in 1896, by declaring that state laws that established separate public schools for black and white students denied black children equal educational opportunities. Handed down on May 17, 1954, the Warren Court's unanimous (9-0) decision stated that "separate educational facilities are inherently unequal." As a result, de jure racial segregation was ruled a violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution. This victory paved the way for integration and the civil rights movement. Citation: Wikipedia entry:  en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_v._Board_of_Education Current Mood: energetic (Comment on this)
Monday, September 29th, 2008
2:45 pm	Interview Wow... I just got a call from a VERY bored, but still helpful phone worker regarding a personal banking position. I'll be interviewing for it on the 2nd. I know most of you reading this journal are aware of my current job search. If any of you would be interested in critiquing my resume as a favor to me, please let me know here. I'll send you a copy post-haste. Thanks in advance! Current Mood: surprised Current Music: "Electro Gypsy" -Savlonic (6 Comments |Comment on this)