To think that its been 15 days since I last posted is a little crazy. These first few weeks of the semester have been just a little busy, and by that I mean I have barely found time to put on my pants in the morning.

Don't worry, I found time.

Due to my finely honed scientific mind (sharp as silly putty, I tells ya), I have picked out a pattern in school. Each semester gets harder. At the end of the semester sitting in my recliner @ home, I think: "That sure was tough. It can't get much tougher, I guess." Then the next semester starts and a small man in a green three piece suit (he is reality, you see) walks up and hands me a telegram that reads:

Dear Mr. Chandler,
This semester is going to be harder than the last.
Love,
Learning.

Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining. Just pointing out the fact that things don't get easier, you just get better at doing things. It is AN ILLUSION OF THE MIND! And I have figured it out. Now if I could just get the second part down (that is, getting better)...

In other news, George Bush is still president. Among other things, this has caused me to hate the Sesame Street Episode that is brought to you by the letter "W."

U2 is going on tour soon and Jenn and I are laying down the moola to go see them in Chicago. I am, as they say, "pumped." It will allow me to cross off yet another concert from my "Joe's Super Dream Concert List." I have already seen Paul McCartney and Bob Dylan. Now U2. Who reamins, you ask? REM, among others. You here that, Stipe? Gets to touring.

Speaking of cool bands, my friend Matt introduced me to one called Blue Merle this past week. He described them as a "mix between Nickel Creek and Coldplay." Aptly said. Check them out @ www.bluemerle.net

Speaking further about music I like, The Shins and The Postal Service have both become regulars in my driving rotation. Its difficult for me to like new bands (consider the Super Dream Concert List mentioned above), but lately I have been introduced to a few by friends. I like the Shins so much at this point that I officially rocked out to them in the car the other day. An Official Rocking Out Session involves being caught by another person @ a stop light (or sign, if you like) while rocking out (in-car boogie dancing, singing in an unnecessarily loud manner, acting as if you are a member of the band). I was doing just that when I looked to my left and a family of four was watching me. You know what the best part was? The song rocked too much to stop. Oh. Yeah.

It is time now to go and help give a workshop on how to use Microsoft Excel for general science research. Notice that this was not included in the letter from Learning above.

I hope everyone is well.
Peace,
Joe

Hey. Look at this.

Ano Novo Feliz Todos!

Yep. Its 2005. And yes, that is Portuguese. I thought it might add some flavor to the post. Tasty Portuguese flavor. Enjoy.

So it has been quite awhile since I have posted. Since I always post about school, I will just say that the semester is over. And that is a good thing, considering I survived it.

Semester: "Do you like that $#!^&*-Kicking I gave you, Joe?"
Joe: "Why yes, Mr. Semester, may I have another"

Except I don't want another. So I have a plan this time. It involves ferrets, two fine Italian folks named Vinny, and lots of Whiskey. You'll see. Suffice to say, it will all turn out smoothly.

Now, on to vacation. Christmas and New Years were both a blast. Nick and I got a PBR lamp with a man whose nose lights up, I got outfitted by the Compton Family Outdoors Store (more on that later) and we got to spend some time with Will, Meghan, and Liam in South Carolina. I read for pleasure, slept and ate more than I should have, hiked, played guitar, and generally did all of the things not allowed during school.

Well I must now cut this short. Its time to take my mom home after Vespers. Stay tuned for ADVENTURES AT THE WALLS OF JERICO, JOE READS A BOOK, and JOE AND JENN GO CAMPING.

All riveting, I assure you.

PS... my long post about Nick turning 21 did not show up for some odd reason. It was fun, and responsible. It is possible, you know.

I hope everyone is well.
Peace,
Joe