Food For Thought

All ph34r the mechanical squirrel. I've lost my voice - can anyone help me find it? It's kindof important. But hey, power is in the fingertips - with this keyboard and this text box I can create and destroy with just a few strokes. A bubbling brook and rolling hills get pwned by a lavaspitting arachnid and firebreathing drakes; a gentle touch is overshadowed by explosive content; a sighing wind drowned out by a raging hailstorm.

Life spits golfballs, one after the other. Man dodges what he can, catches what he can, knocks aside all that he can and gets hit in the face with the rest. An endless drive forward, deciding to do; to say; to ignore; to live up to; to attempt to overcome; to build upon; to push against; to scream at: wordlessly, soundlessly, triumphantly.

Pain, sorrow, struggle - relief, joy, achievement. Balance what you can on the point of destiny and pray that fate is in a favourable mood. Accomplishment comes from trying - success comes from wise decisions - happiness comes from being able.

Reflect not so much on the past; it heralds the now but tries to hold back. Dwell somewhat on the present; it is where you are and plots where you are going. Think on the future; unless you plan ahead you won't get there.

-Timotheos
Rasping

Case Closed

The mystery has been solved. Secure data was retrieved earlier today and reconnaissance reports state that the goods are in possession of another. This investigation is officially over.

The inevitable hit him like a shot to the head. His heart was ripped out and left to drift on a sea of forsaken desire, devoid of feeling. Such happy days and seemingly positive coincidences led to regret and negative consequences. Life bites and hopes shatter. What thoughts; what feeling; what, but numbness and reflection?

The Greatest of These
1 Cor. 13:13 – “There are three things that will endure – faith, hope, and love – and the greatest of these is love.” (NLT)

Empty
Isolated
Alone
Yearning for closeness
Companionship

Unspoken
Tired
Withdrawn
Looking for something
Salvation

Escape
Internal
Afraid
Hoping for adventure
Action

Broken
Tiered
A pawn
Dying for recognition
Realisation

Eternity
Inside
Altogether
Praying for freedom
Faith

Woken
Tried
Torn
Longing for life
Love

Tim JM Gough, 02 August 2006

Have a good weekend, world.

-Timotheos
Shattered

Mythtery

It's always best to write down what you are thinking, as close to the time you thought it as you can. This is where a dictaphone would come in handy - could endeavour to be a little embarrassing, if you're in a public place and decide to have an epiphany ^^

Today was a good day. It could have been better, but it's better to say that a day was good than focussing on what could have improved it. University seems to be full of coincidences - or at least events seem to point to a divine hand that is guiding things in their course, ensuring that all goes well according to a higher purpose.

For example, I left a lecture this afternoon and began making my way to my film tutorial. I bumped into a classmate who was heading in the wrong direction. He'd just had a test so was a little frazzled and had completely forgotten about the tute. What would have been the result had I not spotted him? It's interesting how events come together like that.

Mystery girl is still a strong focus for me. I'm thinking I'll just call her Mystery from now on - makes it sound a little more... mysterious XD And hey, if, by some divinely crafted happenstance, things do work out - as I hope against hopes that they miraculously do - then maybe the beat of my Blog will change. Less WoW, more Mystery. ROFL. I can't help but laugh at my own folly - if indeed it could be called that. Ineptitude, possibly.

As usual, I walked up the stairs this morning towards the lecture theatre wherein I had my scheduled ENGL114 lecture. Who should be sitting on the seat second nearest to the top of the landing, but Mystery; reading a book. And so, as fate would have it, I was able to talk to her a little before the lecture started. I even determined where she lives. And to make things even better, I had the blessing of being able to sit next to her for that particular lecture. Not a big deal, really, as I tend to concentrate on what's happening and try to take full notes. Still, it was... a start.

I expected to see Mystery in my ENGL112 lecture this avo, but her appearance failed me. It was in hope of that expectation being fulfilled that I decided to break off our engagement after the first English lecture without first procuring her number. Once again, I feel the need to slap my forehead in disappointment. It was a small oversight but one that left me feeling somewhat inadequate. Could have gone the extra little way but didn't - now I have an entire evening ahead of me where I will wonder how things would be right now had I asked. Of course, there would have been one of two possible outcomes: receiving the mysterious number or being outright, mysteriously rejected. I'd like to hold onto hope of the former. At least for now.

Tomorrow will bring the deciding factor: will she or won't she? Tune in tomorrow night to find out if he did or he didn't :p

-Timotheos
Just ask!

Grand Adventure

Though perhaps not the most vibrant, inspiring image on the net, this symbol of the big game of cinema represents a good portion of my afternoon - good and portion being two distinct words, as timewise my experience was merely along the lines of 1½ hours, the afternoon consisting of that and a train ride home, only to leave for work an hour later.

Suffice to say, our film assignment is coming along nicely. We now have all of the necessary photos to compile a storyboard - girl tied to chair, axe wielding maniac and all ^^

Perhaps an axe would have made for a more interesting header. Eh, why not:


Firewood, anyone?

We had the official store shift tonight. Our store has now moved ~200m north, to a bigger, brighter, more accessible location. Yay. Having to work six hours wasn't my idea of a wonderful Wednesday night. Of course, there are many things I'd have preferred. Had I mystery girl in my life, and given the choice not to work, I would have spent all hours of the evening with her and compromised running Zul'Gurub with my guild - as much as they needed me tonight. I will get her number!

A big congratulations to Catlord of my guild, Unknown, who reached Rank 14: Grand Marshal. That is a huge, huge effort and deserving of applause from all inhabitants of the Proudmoore realm. Well done for hitting the number one spot and the highest ranking position in all of PvP-dom.

I wrote a poem and some thoughts last night. This morning. Yesterday morning :p
May post up the poem tomorrow night (tonight) if I remember to. Friggin late posting. Will never display my close, personal thoughts on the Internet. They are for my benefit - a much needed release of emotion. The only person who may read such thoughts does not yet hold the appropriate title o_O

-Timotheos
Suffering

A Load of Bull

For a good time: click the pic ^^

Early server shutdown again. I guess I could go watch more MacGuyver - or something.

Oh yeah, and I made this animated gif this avo for want of portraying an idea I had. If you don't play WoW the joke just isn't as funny. But that's the thing with situational jokes - you have to understand the situation in order for the joke to be humourous. The same is true with culture and language. Translating a joke often loses the punchline, since many jokes are culturally esoteric.

Still wanting to catch the attention of mystery girl @ uni. She's still a bit of a mystery to me, it's true, but I do know her name and that's a good start. I'm calling her mystery girl because it keeps her identity that much more in the dark from prying eyes - if any such happen to wander this way. Those that would seek to pry into my innermost thoughts: oh, alas, it shall not be! Mystery girl's in two of my three classes, too. I never even noticed until this afternoon. I guess that doubles my chances of getting her number? And also gives me more of a chance to find out whether my hopes pay off and she is both single and available - and if she returns the interest ^^

Ah, mystery girl, your beauty doth confound this poor, wretched soul. My heart is pierced with longing for thy notice and approval. Wherever will this path lead me? Such longing is not becoming of such a sensible man as myself. And yet I can't help but take this situation and weave a web of words to suit the mellifluous mood that surreptitiously surrounds such enigmatic emotion!

Time will tell - then Tim will tell XD

-Timotheos
Mysterious

Pinnacle of Delight

Thought I should put up a pic of the Broodlord himself. Possibly the most humanoid of BWL bosses so far. He hits like a truck, too, apparently. I've been within range of his blast wave and that in itself is not nearly as nice as a simple slap to the face. Next stop, Firemaw.

What's wrong with the following picture:


Aside from the fact that it is obviously a Horde on a PvP server, in Silithus, with their cursor on the mage, and aside from the fact that the character in question is holding what looks like a sprig of lilac in their offhand; this is a mage with full Netherwind (as far as I can tell) - and they have [Maladath, Runed Blade of the Black Flight] - a warrior weapon for sure :/ Strangest thing I've seen all day.

I was praying this morning - as you do - and I was just talking to God about this girl at uni that has caught my eye - and more. She's absoultely gorgeous, actually. I basically asked for an opportunity to at least say hi to her (and maybe do something really bold and brash like ask for her number - despite the fact that I left my phone at home today, charging. I think the battery is finally giving out). Well, I saw her at my lecture (she came in a little late, methinks) but afterwards, she wandered over to some people that were obviously her friends, so I couldn't exactly walk up to her under the circumstances. Still, I went down to the toilet, and when I came out, who should be walking past? Bingo! She was chatting to a female friend at the time. No coincidences here; now was my opportunity! Alas, once again this braveheart fails to take that courageous step - and lets yet another opportunity pass him by. I let her walk right on past without even so much as catching her attention - or her glancing in my direction. Fool young man! But thanks God, anyway. You tried. Please be a little more patient with this inept student ^^

/sigh I'll miraculously fall into the right relationship one day. And there shall be feasting and rejoicing across the globe. I just hope it's her XD

-Timotheos
It'll happen

80's Cheesiness

With this pocket knife and paper clip I'm gonna save the world! Or at least disarm a bomb with a mere 1 sec left on the timer XD They call me: MacGuyver. Queue theme music.

Nick went and grabbed the first two seasons of MacGuyver yesterday. We watched the pilot this afternoon. Classic stuff! It's still just as awesome. Some of his mannerisms have carried through to Stargate, which is interesting. Especially since you see characters develop over the years that a programme is aired. The Jack O'Neill I am currently familiar with is Lieutenant General O'Neill, Base Commander of the SGC and no longer a part of SG-1. Compare that with Angus MacGuyver in his debut episode - and perhaps even the entire season - and there are just some quirks that seem oh-so-familiar - despite it being a contrasted character.

We defeated the third Blackwing Lair boss tonight: Broodlord Lashlayer. It'll be quite some time before my mage gets any of the loot from these raids but I'm biding my time and having fun - while supporting the guild as best I can.

I hope I'll have a chance to talk to that girl in my English class tomorrow (haha, 100+ people in a lecture - one can only hope). Argh, must stop thinking about such things all the time. Next I'll be dreaming about her... ^^

-Timotheos
AOE DPS FTW

Corruption Dies

After three weeks of attempts to down Vaelastrasz the Corrupt, Unknown once again defy the improbable and difficult and take this nasty fire-drenched beastie down.

Well done guys! We reached yet another milestone in our Blackwing Lair venture ^^

In other news, I spent the afternoon with three guys from my film class, setting up a couple of scenes and taking photos for our upcoming assignment. It seems to be coming along quite nicely. I don't exactly do much whilst at home - hopefully I will be able to motivate myself enough to do well in all tests, essays and other assessments as they arise - not leaving things to the last day (like I'd ever do that anyway...).

Oh, and there is this really nice girl in my ENGL114 tutorial, which is held on Friday afternoons. I'm not gonna say much more than that. Maybe I can get her number next week... XD

-Timotheos
Adventurous

Zzzt

Not feeling too well. Must take a break. No WoW tonight. Got home really late as it is and I just want to go to bed.

-Timotheos
Migraine

Jin'don't

We took down every ZG boss first try tonight. Bloodlord, Hakkar and Jin'do all went down without too much trouble. We rock!

-Timotheos
Short

Mach VIII

Ripping round a smooth corner at 120km/h, accelerating out and tearing down the straight to cross the finish line at break-neck speed. Racing is a thrill - albeit a somewhat noisy and life-threatening pulse of adrenalinised action. I'll stick to Gran Turismo, thanks ^^

Life is like a racing track. Well, that's a bit of a cliched simile. Let's say that life _is_ a racing track, making it a metaphor and a whole lot more clicheically accurate :p Navigation, surprises, moving at different speeds, taking things as they come - all of these are traits that both life and a racing track share. Well - you get the point ^L^

Listening to trance now.

-Timotheos
Professional

ps. Never watch 'Bad Santa'. It is the worst movie, ever.

The Right Idea

If I leave my entry too late my brain shuts off and I can't come up with anything at all. Right now, I'm quite tired from the weekend. It's not too late but I'm still tired and hope to get to bed earlier than usual. I should have PvPed with my mage but instead I levelled my warrior to 49. Yay.

What happens to the writer who fails to write every day? Or cannot think of a single thing of interest? Or begins to write and comes up against a brick wall; impenetrable and too high to scale? Does he dip his hand into a hat of some magical description and pull out random idea #154? Perhaps flipping through a physical dictionary would work better than a random google search.

The best literature comes from an original idea that is expanded to form a plot and then an entire story, complete with characters, places, actions and events, and detail in everything. It's the initial idea that is oftentimes elusive. Not that I want to write an entire story a day - imagine that! I'd like, however, to grasp an idea that allows me to write something substantial; something encouraging, rather than falling back on this game that I spend so much of my free time in.

Creative reasoning :/

-Timotheos
Unbekannt

The Firelord

Taste the flames of Sulfuron!
By fire, be purged!

It's bedtime; and very much so.

-Timotheos
FR FTW

For Argument's Sake

Do you ever feel like arguing? When you do, argue with yourself. Perhaps then you will reach a better insight and be able to more readily face the world head-on ^^

-Timotheos
Is tired

Blackwing Cabal

We defeated Razorgore for the second week running. This time, we only wiped about five times before really getting into the swing of things and teaching him a fatal lesson. As it stands, the server has been playing up a lot this week, and so there are rolling restarts - however, I believe that there will be a half hour gap or so between when the servers went down and when we can log back in. My guild has decided that we will all take a half hour break before logging back on, reforming our raid and giving Vael a few attempts.

The biggest problem here is that you need quite high Fire Resist in order to stay alive as long as possible. There is constant Damage over Time of the fire persuasion. The more resist you have, the longer you will stay alive, and the more Damage Per Second you will be able to punch out. It's a very fun fight no matter whether you live or die (as some people cannot avoid dying. See: Burning Adrenaline*). As our regular raiders, my mage included, raid each week, we will get stronger and better geared, improving our effectiveness overall. It doesn't hurt to have a bit of practise at any boss, either; whether we are likely to succeed or not ^^

*Burning Adrenaline (BA) is a debuff that gets randomly put onto one caster at regular intervals (I don't know the frequency of this). You are given approx. 30 secs to do as much damage as possible, as you already have the universal debuff that prevents the requirement of mana usage, but it also causes all casting times to be zero - this basically gives you unlimited insta-cast spells for the duration of BA. But once the timer hits zero: you be dead.

I have to get up early for work tomorrow. This is going to be the case every Friday night. I'm going to just have to live with less than 8 hours' sleep for a 10-hour day. Getting back into the swing of things is only going to be good for me, anyway. Taking a break from playing all weekend is just what I need. An early night tomorrow won't hurt either, as I am playing the drums at church this Sunday morning.

-Timotheos
Improving

WTB Sleep

Hakkar is down. Why'd I wait another 30 mins while the guild mucked around, just so we could summon and defeat Ghaz'ranka? Ah well, we all do stupid things :/

Thought I was working today so I went all the way down to work, through the pouring rain and howling wind, to find that I wasn't. At least I got a ride home.

Went to music practice of all things. It was fun ^^

-Timotheos
Dunno

Beneath A Steel Sky

The streets were slick with the rain as it came down more than lightly. Small rivulets threaded their way between various objects, running into gutters and covering the entire surface with a sheen that reflected the city's lights. The walk downhill didn't cause too much trouble as the pavement surface was pitted and uneven, giving more grip than the water could take.

The sun was up - somewhere. It must have been. Hiding behind a few grouped clouds, perhaps. What little good it was hiding its face, and its much needed warmth, from everything. The air was damp but also rather frigid, causing breath to come out in puffs of mist. And in this cool afternoon air, one was glad to be walking downhill towards a destination, hood up and waterproof overclothes barring the rain from making any impact and causing any discomfort.

Once true shelter was reached, it was just a matter of throwing back a hood, unzipping a jacket and striding resolutely towards the waiting train. The journey home would begin in 15 minutes. Time could be killed in exactly the same way as on the journey itself: by reading a book. A dry ride in a warm carriage with obligatory reading material; a fine end to another day in the world of lectures and notetaking.

10K honour. Not bad ^^

-Timotheos
Giving

No Denying It

An early entry because I felt like it. And also because I was browsing the guild forums and came across a link to this Blog - most notably, this entry. Since I play a mage I found it to be rather amusing. There's also a hunter one. I still have an affinity for hunters but my mage is my main character now that my hunter is on sabatical.

When I got home today, I actually had something in mind for putting in tonight's Blog entry. I should keep my eyes open more as I walk through Wellington. Who knows, I may find things to write about every day.

I saw a commercially painted car that said "Fire Denyer" on it. It also said some small message about preventing fires. But I thought to myself, what's a "denyer"? I was thinking DEN-ya (rhyming with tenure), and it puzzled me for about half a minute before I realised that it was intended to be "denier". Fire denier! Of course! I'm guessing the guy is either a complete n00b or the 'y' is intended for eye-catching purposes. Either way, I really do miss the most obvious things at times - and yet at others catch the most obscure almost straight away.

There's a girl in my ENGL112 tutorial that is from Germany but she looks Japanese. I'm guessing half 'n half. Very attractive, too. Found out she speaks German, Japanese and English. Very intriguing. Must pursue this further ^^ There's always next Tuesday!

-Timotheos
Speeking

Purple Lotus

I searched for purple. I found something purple. Fancy that ^^

I will study this week. Heck, I already did somewhat today during the big gap between my lecture and watching two movies for FILM101. That's right, we had two screenings today: Down With Love and Snake Eyes. Both decent movies - from a film critic PoV, of course XD

Rags must go down before I go to bed... :/

-Timotheos
Resistable

Like A Pro

The thing with formatting your entire system, especially when you've been running it for more than a year, is the sheer volume of what needs to be saved - and the amount of programmes and the like that have to be reinstalled. My intention is to format my entire system sometime before Wednesday - but from then on in it will be an arduous process of setting everything back up again, no matter how much has been backed up and kept intact, structure-wise. Gotta back it all up first, and that in itself will be a real mission, especially considering that I have to sort through everything.

Guess there'll be no PvP for me tomorrow night, unfortunately. Not only do I know that I have to force myself to study and stay on top of things, but it will be best to sort through all of my files, ready for the format. Then again, I could always leave it until another time and see if I can get myself a legitimate copy of Windows XP Professional. Not that what I'm running is pirated, but it is a corporate version that is no longer supported by Microsoft. I would just feel better having paid for a copy of Windows that I can call my own. The last one I bought was Win 95 :/

My warrior is doing well. I dropped Enchanting to take up Skinning. I already left a note on my Mage's guild signup page to say I couldn't make tonight's Ahn'Qiraj raid due to drumming at church - a good opportunity to come home and play my warrior. If only I'd decided to change professions a little earlier, I would have saved myself a lot of time and hassle. Ah well, it's the easiest profession to level. I never made much money with my Hunter skinner but I'll see how a Warrior skinner does ^^

As for collecting Glowing Scorpid Blood for the awesome epic Darkmoon Faire amulet that my mage would look so good in, I really should hand in something else until my rep goes up. Collecting 600 of them would take forever :s

-Timotheos
Skinning