Hello All,

The other day I took the CCNA test (the final one that would have given me the full CCNA), I failed...first time I have ever failed anything related to academics or work, a bit shocking actually, and it points out that I might actually be partly human. I'm currently planning on what I need to study to retake the test, and I'm going to go in ASAP to pass the test...because I am rather depressed and angry that I actually failed (I'm extremely hard on myself about work). By the by, don't do any consoling if you can help it, its something I'm rather against.

Studying the first time was why I have yet to blog about Montana at all, nor posted pictures of the trip. So, here are a couple of pictures to lighten the blog up.

Clouds

Reflections

Itchy the Chipmunk

Wanted to Swim

Yeah, actual picture of me.

Best picture ever taken of me.

On other notes, I'm back home, for the time being, and I spent yesterday ripping the carpet out of our living room. Getting it replaced today, after it's been in this house for, quite possibly, 20 years.

I also happen to be in the middle of a great many fires right now, so far none have threatened my home, but I knock on wood every time I say that. (pretty good, since I'm not very superstitious) Much of California is burning right now, and the parts that aren't burning, they are covered in pretty darn thick smoke...because of that I've been trapped inside allot more than I would like, only been able to go out for walks a few times...and even then there was an official warning against doing much outside.

Anyways, be back around eventually, I'm kind of lost; can't go outside much, can't study yet...might be online a wee bit. Best wishes all.

- John

"The more we learn from losses, the less losses we will see, but soon again we'll fall behind, and lose and learn again." -John

Simple Things

Time ago I told myself,
to look beyond the sea,
but mists would come,
and block away the bay.

And time would go,
and I would wait,
and never could I see,
those simple things were right in front of me.

Now I'm looking out the window,
but damned if I can see,
the leaves are rustling in the wind,
but rustle not for me.

I blink aside the blurryness,
but still a blurr I see,
the clouds can blow, and birds can fly,
but flutter not for me.

Time has past,
and I am lost,
and never will I see,
the simple things that sit in front of me.

- John1918

Howdy all,

Hope those approaching the end of their school periods are doing well, finals can be a pain in the arse. Personally, I just got done with them on Tuesday, and for those wondering; no I didn't study for any of it.

Apparently an entire semester (half a school-year) has disappeared on me, and so has all the time when I lived in the dormitories. I'm currently moving my stuff out and cleaning, and tomorrow I'm going to say goodbye to those still here, and to allot of memories that accumulated on the way. I must say, we did go out with a bit of a bang, I had been wanting to throw a pool tournament, and one got started up for me and a couple of buddies...then it grew until six players was sixteen, and ten attendees were...I couldn't even count. Heck, I even got to chug a fair bit of a keg of rootbeer...yes they sell it in kegs. (I'd post pictures, but common sense says no)

Now, about that job I was considering, I did apply (3k a month is hard to pass up), but it turns out that all hirings at the college have frozen due to budget cuts...ergo, nobody is getting the job. I've still got an offer here and there, but I'm pretty sure that I will just take my last fun summer and run with it.

On that note, I get to the title thing, I'm going to Montana on Monday. *listens to that bloody cricket chirp* Yeah, I found out about it not very long ago. I was hanging out at a friend 's place and he asked me, over drinks, to go to Montana with him and another of his friends. My family had even less notice...essentially getting a call asking if I had any prior engagements then. A little trip (over 1000 miles) is a good way to start off a summer eh?

Hmm, guess that means I'll be gone even more, do yourselves a favor while I'm gone...make sure to keep having fun, no matter what you're doing.

- John

They say that there is no greater joy than accomplishment, I say there is no greater accomplishment than joy. - John