First thing’s first: Matt Mays Rocks. (see below)

One cool thing about being so sick with the flu that it hurts to think, is that you have all kinds of free time.

I decided to ignore Tim Ferris’ advice and take a day to do things that could barely be construed as “productive” and not even remotely “goal-oriented.”

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My current favorite television show is BBC2′s Top Gear. I don’t really even like cars that much (or TV for that matter), and tend to look down at car-fanatics as muscle heads, but this show is absolutely brilliant. It has edged out The Long Way Down and The Long Way Round (also both BBC2) as being my all-time favorites.

The single thing I don’t like about the show is their attitudes towards motorcycles:

“What do you mean you don’t have a car now? What do you drive?”

“A motorcycle. A Ducati.”

“Ah, I see…. So, how long have you been a homosexual?”

I let it slide only because of the fantastic specials, like last season’s Polar Expedition where they race a dog sled and a suped up pickup truck to the North Pole. By far the best thing on television.

Cosplay: Corruption of the English Costume Play; To dress up in character (maid, schoolgirl, anime, furry animal). A cultural expression of socially awkward Japanese. Also a popular genre of Adult Video.

Karaoke: From the Japanese Karappo meaning empty, and the English Orchestra (oke); A worldwide phenomena wherein people who can’t really sing are encouraged to sing publicly.

A few friends and I went in November. This is the video that wasn’t supposed to get out…

The other night I got wasted drunk with a few close friends and had a great time. Even better was waking up in the morning, and realizing that I had received a drunken present of — a book of Lists.

Have I mentioned that I enjoy making lists? And particularly crossing things off lists?

Thank you Dylan.

Best. Gift. Ever.

It reminded me that about 3 years ago when I was living in Japan I made a List of Things I Want to Do Before I Die (I later changed the list to Before I’m 35 because it seemed to be a better time line).

Below is a copy of what was in the word file.

I actually got to cross off a few, which is fun.

100 Things I Will Do Before I turn 35

Experiences/Adventure

• Bungee Jumping
• Sky Diving
• Scuba Diving
• Motorcycle Canada to South America
• Motorcycle India
• Hitchhike/Boat-hop around the world
• Race in the Iditarod (Alaskan Dogsled race – 1150mile)
• Spend a Week at Burning Man Festival (Black Rock City, Nevada, August – Labor Day Weekend)
• Join a band and tour on a hit single in a foreign country
• Get a traditional tattoo in Central Borneo and Central Africa
• Hitchhike to the North American Hitchhikers gathering
• Magic Mushrooms (someone recommended that I include paints and crafts, or outside)
• Opium tea (I actually didn’t think this one would happen; and no, never again)
• Join the Mile High Club
• Walk across Nova Scotia, both coasts
• Get invited to one of Hugh Hefner’s Famous Parties

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“Do you like Michael Jordan, Sarah?”

“Kind of.” She pauses. “I guess I liked him in Space Jam.”

I hang up the phone, frustrated.

Michael Jordan rules. He owns basketball. I know this might not come as news to most people, but I actually just found this out two weeks ago.

You see, I’ve never played, watched, or been interested in basketball whatsoever. I’m still not. Only Michael Jordan.

Two weeks ago, thanks to the magic of our favorite time-vortex (YouTube), I came across a video of Michael Jordan in action. I was pretty impressed. His highlight reel looked less like basketball, and more like the work of an extremely talented artist. After reading an article about his philosophy (losing, winning, dedication, passion for his calling) and feeling inspired, I downloaded a few documentaries about his life and basketball career.

“Nothing of value comes without being earned. That’s why great leaders are those who lead by example first. You can’t demand respect because of a title or a position and expect people to follow. That might work for a little while, but in the long run people respond to what they see.”

This guy is amazing. I have no idea why I didn’t watch him when he played. I mean, why the hell aren’t people still talking about this guy? He holds himself with dignity, even grace (and that’s something for a basketball player) on and off the court; not to mention his spirit in training himself and leading his team to six championships…

“It all started with an appetite to prove. Whether it was competing with my siblings or trying to get attention from my parents, I wanted to show what I could do, what I was capable of accomplishing. I wanted results, and I was driven to find out the best way to get them.”

PS. His Airness is the best documentary out of the ones that I watched. Very recommended. I’m going to order his book off amazon now…