Hmmm... the Xanga interface has changed... a lot. Has it been that long? I guess i haven't actually logged into my account in a while, and have been reading most of my friends' xanga updates through the subscription emails, so i really have been away from xanga weblogging for a looooong time!
... i'm not too pleased with all the ads though... oh well... i'm not a paid xanga subscriber anymore so who am i to complain?
In any case, i just thought i'd jot down some thoughts i've been having lately. One particular thought or epiphany is the observation that the art of conversation (at least in my world) seems to be diminishing. Conversationalists are simply defined as those who are skilled in conversation, contributes to good conversation, and poses the ability to be interesting in conversation. Conversationalists come in all shapes, sizes, and forms. One who is skilled at conversation doesn't need a specific minimum level of education, nor does one who is educated preclude that they are good conversationalists. Often good conversationalists use humor to express themselves, and at times, rarely require speech to convey interesting thoughts. At the foundation, it seems good conversationalists have three great attributes: ears that listen, mouths capable of talking, and brains that are able to translate what they hear into expressive, interesting, and thoughtful feedback. Where have all these talented artists of expression gone?
Lately, in mid "conversation," i've stopped and thought, "is it just me who's talking, or is my hearing going bad?" At that instant, i'd finish my thought, concerned that i might just simply be talking too much, and start asking questions in hopes of spawning an interesting exchange of thoughts (a conversation). Maybe i missed the bandwagon on this one, but it seems like those one or two word replies are in fashion now. What's with that?!?!
Then again, it could very well be my lack of:
Connecting to the person(s) i'm speaking to
Sparking interesting debate
Expressing genuine curiosity through voice inflection, body language, etc
I dunno?
Truthfully, what i've bulleted above probably has something to do with it, because i'm not always attentive to those aspects when in casual gatherings, but i'd like to think that everyone naturally aspires to sustain conversation, at least at a level safely above awkward silences or boredom, right? Afterall, even with close friends, at least for me, complete silence in the absence of all other things, feels a bit strange.
Maybe i'm just not conversing with the right people? I know i can be quiet at times, but the spark of a good conversationalist could lure me out of even my most anti-social moments. I suppose i just yearn for great conversation, and my most available outlets aren't the most consistent quenchers of thought-provoking thirst.
Discussion: Who do you think is the unworthy one in the music video?
I've heard a few opinions, but honestly, i think Jay feels unworthy of her love. It's a sad story... kinda makes you wonder whether Jay really feels like that in real life?
So due to my laziness about posting pics, i'm going to start simply posting slideshows from picasa albums. So here are two from the past month or so.
Halloween in Georgetown
Happy Birthday to me @ Avenue
BIG UPDATE:
I close on my new condo on November 16th. It's a sweet pad in old town fairfax. I'll post pictures when i get the chance. Too bad my finances will be in the shitter for a while, and it'll take some time to furnish the place the way i want it, but oh well... such is life after buying a new place.
Julie's farewell party at Chloe Have fun in Taiwan and come back soon:)
Mark and Julia's wedding Me and Alice all dressed up
Mark and Julia saying their vows
Scott being scott...
Me and Alice taking advantage of the beautiful location
TennisDC update:
I've been seeded #1 in this season's playoffs, so i had a bye in the first round. Fortunately, the 2nd seeded player, Chris Jackson, is in the other half of the draw, who will likely be my toughest opponent. If i advance, i will probably see him in the final, and if that happens, amazingly, there's already quite a handful of people (including fellow tennisdc players in the current playoff bracket) who want to know when the match is scheduled, so they can come watch. It'll be like the State tournament all over again with fans cheering from the sidelines. Let's hope i don't choke like i did at State's. For the most up to date playoff bracket, click here. Wish me luck!
...So sad so sad. I must say, it was a pretty fun summer though. It started a little slow, with spatterings of great fun, but it ended fantastically. It's not quite over yet, and there's still plenty of fun to be had, but with hopefully cooperative weather, i promise to make the best of it!
A quick update of recent events:
Chex Mix 2007 at Ocean City was a total blast! Me and Alice are grateful to have been apart of this yearly tradition among my cousins, Ben and Sophia, and their fun bunch of close friends from Michigan. I was just sad that i had to leave this week-long getaway early because of work :( A special thanks go out to the entire Chex Mix crew: Ben, Sophia, Panos, Jodi, Sarah, Aaron, Mo, Patrice, Scott, Ross, Jamie (did i miss anybody else that was there?) for being so inviting. I barely had to introduce myself before we were taking swigs outta the beer belly and tackling eachother in the surf! So many great pictures... so many great times :) I'm feeling a bit lazy now to filter through the 500 or so pictures i have of that week(end), but since most of them are on facebook, i'll just post one of my favorites of my brother, and my two cousins here. All i'd need to do is photoshop my lil' bro in, and it'll almost feel like the annual Christmas with the Dunn's and Luong's!
COUSINS!
... except a hundred times more awesome!
In other news, i started playing A LOT more tennis. I'm getting hooked again, just like in my competitive days! I swear... with the US Open on day and night, and my tennis league matches, i have nothing but those furry yellow balls on my mind! So i joined the league (www.tennisdc.com), and have played a few competitive matches in the singles and doubles (with partner, Julie) brackets. As of today, the results are:
Singles:
I'm pretty happy with my singles results so far. I don't think i've played the best in the bracket yet, but from the results, i really think i have a good chance at competing for the title in the end of season tournament, which i've already qualified for with 5 wins:) The official end of the season is the 14th of this month, and the league is still waiting for a few more players with 5 wins to fill up slots in the tournament, but i will likely get a few more singles matches in... who knows... i may be 6-0 or 7-0 before the tournament begins (intimidation! #1 seed for the win!).
Doubles:
Julie and I have had a slightly rougher road in the doubles bracket. We've had a few really really close matches that we definitely could've won, but it's ok... just gotta keep that composure and focus... tennis is 80% between the ears. I won't speak for her, but regardless of the record, i've had a lot of fun being her partner, and hopefully she's become a better player listening to my suggestions/advice, hitting with me, and playing these matches. I won't go into her circumstances, but since i know she reads my journal, i wanted to say:
I'll really really miss you, and hope you'll find a way to come back soon. Not many people outside of my family have enjoyed the sport of tennis with me, and although it's just a game, it's been a part of my life since age 7, and sharing it with a friend is particularly special. Believe it or not (and i'm not being sarcastic here!), i'll actually miss running my ass off trying to return balls you've miss hit, repeating myself over and over as i try to teach you those tennis fundamentals ("IMPROVE YOUR FOOTWORK"), and watching as you botch those easy put-aways in our doubles matches. My network of friends that i can vent to is taking a HUGE HIT with your departure... what am i to do?!?! I'll see you a few times before you go, but keep in touch! When you come back (and i know you will), there'll be 3 furry yellow balls, a tennis racket, and a tennis buddy waiting for ya! Enjoy the US Open! I know i will.
I'll see ya tonight for our last match together. Let's win for "old" time's sake!
With much love, Jenson
Anyways, that's all for now. Have a great Labor Day weekend everyone!
