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July 7th, 2009
 | 03:20 pm - I need wonder no longer...
... no quitting. Just getting over my own funk, and sloshing thru the valley of suck. The best thing to do I think is not worry about it, just play.
So yes... playing, however badly, will get me through my improv-related funk. This is wisdom. Yes And.
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July 4th, 2009
| 11:25 pm - Books I've been reading.
Two books I've just read in the last week have really caused me to think about my life, and how it isn't working for me as well as it could. The books in question: The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz (a college prof and writer local to Philly) and Better Off by Eric Brende. The first deals with how too much choice, especially in free market economies like the US, actually undermines and ruins your life, while the second deals with choosing to live without so much of the technology and other STUFF we swamp ourselves with, which, in turn, robs ourselves of the joys and benefits of doing things with our bodies and hand tools.
That I read these on vacation in Denver, with no access to a car of my own, or a computer I could play around on while Christy was at work just underlined the very reality of both books' cases as being salient.
Do I have the courage to break the lazy modern rut I'm stuck in? I bet my heart (and general body proper, for that matter) hopes so. We shall see if I can make enough small changes to make it a reality over time.
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June 24th, 2009
| 10:43 pm - Why keep up the charade anymore?
I'm going to delete this journal unless any readers out there can give me a compelling reason not to.
One compelling reason to NOT delete is that I get to read Jill's journal, as I'm on her friends list, and she beams rays of sunshine onto the internet, but does that outweigh the drag of having too many places to divide my attention?
I don't know. So, help me make a case, yay or nay, my friends/readers.
***EDITED, UPDATE***
Congratulations, guys and girls. You convinced, although to answer Anthony specifically, since I AM going to be a teacher, the less students know about me, the better. Still and all, I'm not deleting, so I can still communicate/look at LJLand for you, my constant readers/friends.
Love,
Matt
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| 09:59 am - To Tumbl or Not to Tumbl? To be a "writer" or to not to be a "writer"?
If you know me and read me in other places now (hint, hint, wink wink, knudge, knudge), you know I don't use this much anymore, but sometimes, what I'm posting to Twitter doesn't jive with some of the more petty thoughts I'd wanna express. Especially now, as I'm attempting to make every update (though not reply) to my personal Twitter account rhyme. Mock heroic couplets mostly, and it's actually been fun thus far.
But maybe my followers don't care? Whatever, it's my own experiment, and exercise, in poetic and rhythmic fortitude.
Oh, but I had a thought about signing up for Tumblr, because a dear friend of mine uses it. I was just about to sign up when I remembered, wait... I still have a livejournal that almost no one reads! Let's just unload my petty thoughts and annoyances there. Here goes:
I think it's really amusing that people who claim to be writers/poets/what-have-you on their web journals actually seem to write very little. Now maybe they're saving all that juice for offline writing projects, but honestly, I don't think so. It's very possible they could be J.D. Salinger or Emily Dickinson, and be reclusive and shy about their work, but I think it's something else. For some reason, there's some cultural cache, even now, when someone says they're a writer, and on the Internet, you can often say something, and somehow, it magically becomes true. Never mind about PROVING that you work at that particular craft (of any craft for that matter), as long as you said it, it's true.
I'd like to consider myself a writer, even with the above websites notwithstanding. Until I get published and make money to support myself and my wife, though, I can't consider myself a writer in the truest professional sense. Up until that day, if it ever comes, I am only an impassioned amateur. I have even been published, but it was in one of those rip-off Poetry.com anthologies you pay for. But a writer?
Not yet, but I'm refining my craft, by each word I type, and each edit I slog through. Man, husband, teacher, writer. That's how it's gonna be. Everything else is just preparation.
Oh, and what I said about those people being amusing? I lied.
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March 17th, 2009
| 07:52 am - Just popping in for a bit to say...
... I really love the interface over at Wordpress, and I'm happy I moved over there.
Wondering, though... maybe I should keep this around for the really "personal" things, as I'm feeling the Polyhack blog is turning into something a bit more... public? Polished? at least as far as how and what I'm writing over there... huh... I don't know. An entry like this certainly wouldn't show up over there.
stuff I wanna do over there include: a review of musical instruments I think I'm going to get some day (Hapi drum, Irish keyed flute, mandolin), CD reviews, book reviews, pimping my "band" the Odd Relations, and other stuff.
For now, I'll end this with a few personal notes. I'm reading the stuff, Deb, and I'll get back to you before I go to the Kodo drummers show tonight at the Kimmel. Also, I need to add your blog link to Polyhack, and will do so the next chance I get. Jackson, I love your work, pal, and I need to start commenting more on your blog TWIW / personal journal. Peter, thanks for the ups over in blogland. I really appreciate it!
Alright folks... it's St. Patricks Day. Don't be jerks/drunks and blame it on being Irish. It's a stereotype and one that's become increasingly offensive to me over the years. Enjoy the day like it was any other day. It is, after all, a Tuesday.
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February 22nd, 2009
| 04:26 pm - Moving out of Livejournal
Hey guys and gals. I just wanted everyone here that reads my thoughts at all to know that I'm moving my blogging over to a publicly hosted Wordpress blog. All my livejournal entries dating back to when I started writing here in 2004 (which, apparently is something on the order of 749 entries or thereabouts), have been imported there already. The address? dig it:
mattlydonwrites.wordpress.com
yep, you know me... always super-creative in blog names : P
Of course, there are still friends/reasons for me to use LJ, not the least of which is to read and respond to your journalling. Also, when I get my free time to be creative, I love putting in entries at ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/community.gif) 50wordstory and just_tanka and _haiku_. But why, Matt? You might ask... well I'll tell you.
My friend Peter T Buckley, he of Breakeven.com fame, has this blog I stumbled on by accident, and after reading and enjoying the posts, I asked if I could also write stuff for My Latest Distraction. Pete welcome me into the fold, and though I have yet to write my first post (hopefully later this week!), I'm kind of energized by the idea of writing for the blog, mostly because it reunites me with the old Breakeven columnists Kevin Hilyard and Peter T Buckley himself. Oh, and Pete's wife Angie is also a contributor to MLD (along with being a solid gal), and so the mixed electronic company I'm keeping is top notch.
Anyway, MLD is a wordpress blog, and so I figured I should tinker around and get familiar with the system before I start writing blogs for MLD. I liked the interface so much, I started my own. The absolute simplicity of porting my entire LJ history over was the sealing factor.
So... where does that leave me and LJ? Well, i might just post links to new blogs at the wordpress site, rather than just be complete gone from here, in case you all want that. Short of forcing anyone to update bookmarks for me, this might do the trick nicely, even though my showing up on your LJ friends list will be ho-hum and disappointing, probably.
But that's where we're at, folks. It's been a good run, and I'm not gone, of course, just in a different place, to continue on.
Live that La Vida Loca, y'all.
Current Mood: ![[mood icon]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/mood/loxocosmic/lumplings/hourglass.gif) busy
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February 21st, 2009
| 08:30 am - The Follow Up to the Cryptic Post
From my question asked here, I realize there's a range of understanding about who/what makes up my family. That's good in the internet age, I guess, as it means that I'm not putting everything out there, and, just as I predicted, the people I spend the most time with in real life knew the details correctly (lookin' at you, Janet, aka ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif) taintedheaven. This wasn't a pass/fail question, of course, and Debbie and Peter knew some of the stuff, too, but Janet had it all.
The reason I ask is because I was curious of something my sister Christa has implied over the years. She really believes that I don't talk about her to my friends, and that my friends have never met her, or anything. From the responses to my question, it's pretty obvious you guys know about my sister Christa and our rocky relationship. What some of you don't seem to know is that I have a younger sister, Jessica, with whom the relationship is alot more easy.
Maybe it's because of the easiness of the relationship between Jess and I that I don't talk about it much, though I have mentioned her on one or more occasions. She's the sister that lived in Florida for years, and now lives in Fishtown. Christa's the sister who is mother to my niece and nephew. To be sure, Jess and I had our fights and bad behavior toward each other when we were younger (only 2.5 years apart, as opposed to the 8 between Christa and I), but somehow, Jess and I moved past that. I wish I knew how to move past the bad with Christa, but I can't repeat the process that occurred with Jess. Two COMPLETELY different personalites, and two completely different sets of issues.
Oh, and as for my parents: both living, divorced, and moving ahead with their respective lives. I think they're happier people now, than they were in the 1990s, but that's just an outside observation.
***
Following this idea of not knowing about something, or being willfully secretive on the Internet, comes another conversation I had.
A friend of mine and I talked about FB, MySpace and other places, and how he was upset that people have taken pictures/scanned in pictures and tagged him in them, creating an online presence of his (past) self, about which he has no control. He's actually so angry about it, that he requests people take pictures of him off their accounts, or at the very least, delete tags on the photo identifying him. He refuses to get either a MySpace or FB account, and with good reason: they are, in fact, complete wastes of time. We tell ourselves that they're for networking and staying in touch, but my friend already does that through phone calls, visits and emails. I can see his point, but I do beleve in the power of networking/staying in touch/reconnecting with people through FB and even LJ.
The danger is, I think, in shaping that to be almost our whole persona. We need to be conscious that what gets seen on the web really doesn't represent us as a whole, and is merely a simulation, a simulacra, of who and what we are. That's both good and bad, of course. It's up to us to find that balance if we're online and using these tools.
If all you have up is pictures of you at the bar or doing something stupid, people could, rightly or wrongly, assume you were a drunk that gets up to questionable behavior, when you have a day job, a house, a car, a S.O., maybe some kids, and you take care of your elderly parents. Those pictures are only from 3 different ocasions you were able to go to a bar in the last 5 years, and one holiday party where games were played. For the facebook stalker, though, it becomes proof you're a shallow drunkard who does stupid things. This isn't the truth of your existence, but then, the people who would think that it is don't really know you well enough to find out the truth. They're just playing the Stalk-via-Click-Through game.
Come on, FB account holders, you know you do it. ; )
I wonder what the people from my gradeschool who found me on FB think of my pictures. Half naked with a lollipop and tattoos? Playing guitar with a suit jacket on? Wearing a jersey and proposing to my wife? I don't know what they think, but I know what my life is like. Do they?
All that being said... today is my friend's 30th birthday. Happy Birthday, man. You won't be tagged here, or referred to by name.
***
The aforementioned things made me think about how I use the interent. Yeah, I waste a load of time on it, FBing, music searchin', blog readin' and writin', but at the same time, through those blogs and through IMing, I'm actually continuing to strengthen some friendships that I otherwise don't have the physical capability to do.
My friendships with krisispm and wafwot, who I went to college with at Drexel are good examples. The former lives in Philly, but I see him maybe once a year at a musical event, the latter lives in New Orleans. But both comment on here from time to time, and we chat. I don't see my friends Vicky (nothing73), Debbie (skewedsolipsism) and Janet (taintedheaven) nearly as much as I would like to (due to school and other committments), and so internettin' is how we continue to freshen and build our friendship. And as for Jill (biscuitpig) and to a degree, Kennedy (thatmikeychick), those ladies are part of the "extended family" of ComedySportz, improvisor friends who are hella good people and who I wouldn't get to know much about without their journals (Jill, due to living in MNPLS and Kennedy due to us never being at the same rehearsals or shows). Do I REALLY know that much about either of them? Maybe not, but from what I do know, I extrapolate that both Jill and Kennedy are great ladies that I'm glad to know, in however small a capacity I know them.
***
Time to wake up my wife for Saturday errands. Homework for me this weekend. Test on Monday, paper due on Tuesday, project due on Friday. If I have a few minutes later, I'll write a post about this really weird dream I had.
Other than that, folkrockers... have a good weekend!
Current Mood: ![[mood icon]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/mood/loxocosmic/lumplings/think.gif) contemplative
Current Music: "One" - Eluvium
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February 16th, 2009
| 08:01 pm - One More Little Thing Before My Crypticall Referred To Post...
Before I write my post about the question I asked here, here's something else:
I don't know if youse guys know or not, but I write a microfiction Twitter called Matthew Tweet, Civilian Adventurer! This is updated when I have a little extra time during the week. If you don't HAVE a Twitter (bless your heart, you're sane, and not addicted to the Internet like I am) and would rather just see the story unfold in more readable chunks, rather than the line-by-line Twitter action, you can check it out at my other blog, Polyhack, to which I've moved operations.
You may recall seeing the chapters here in LJ, but I downgraded to get rid of ads, and lost the ability to import via email posting here. Now it's there. If you have itchy clicker fingers, have at it! Otherwise...
I now return you to your regularly scheduled evening.
edited 3/20/09 to reflect blog change.
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| 05:34 pm - Unofficial Poll for my friends who read this journal...
I'm curious, so for all my friends out there who know me more than just casually on the internet (and yes this DOES include you, Debbie, as I have indeed hung out with you in real life!)...
What do you know about my immediate family? Do I have any brothers or sisters? If so, what are their names? Are my parents living, dead, still married, divorced?
I have a reason I'm asking this, as I have a post coming up that deals with this information in a bit of an indirect way. So... if you can, answer the bolded questions. It'll be edifying for me to know what you know (or think you know) about my family.
Thanks in advance!
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February 13th, 2009
 | 09:44 pm - The first nightmare I can remember having in a long time.
( Visions in Disorder )
Please God, just don't let me dream about this again.
Current Location: Salem Harbour
Current Mood: ![[mood icon]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/mood/loxocosmic/lumplings/eek.gif) scared
Current Music: "Sleep Through the Static" - Jack Johnson
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February 12th, 2009
| 10:34 am - Today is my first "mental-health" day of the semester
... although to imply that I feel overwhelmed is a little grandiose. I just didn't see the need to go downtown for one class, when I have A LOT of reading and writing to catch up on. There's also some homework of the Linguistics and Assessment & Evaluation variety to do.
Tomorrow night, I have this weird thrust to go see the new Friday the 13th reboot. I'll be honest and say that I never actually watched the original in its entirety, but I also never claimed to be much of a horror fan. I guess I'm not as "metal" as some of my friends, but then again, I was always more "punk rock" than "metal". Whatever.
Saturday is Valentine's Day, right? Christy and I are going to LUNCH rather than dinner, and then seeing where our day takes us. I have a feeling we'll end up doing something cool and out of the ordinary, at least for what's been our normal weekend schedule of late. My money's on some live theater that ISN'T CSz or maybe some live rock'n'roll. Or maybe we'll visit my sister Jess at work at the Franklin Institute and take in the Narnia exhibit before it disappears.
Back to work!
Current Location: Salem Harbour
Current Music: "Blue" - A Perfect Circle
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February 8th, 2009
| 01:48 pm - This is a notice.
i am going to
attempt making one entry
a week in haiku
or tanka format because
i really like the challenge.
***
when i'm a teacher
i'll make all my kids write this
way. least once a week.
***
short phrases like this
only sound like wisdom,
slyly short and clear
Current Location: Salem Harbour
Current Mood: busy
Current Music: "Chukhung" - Biosphere
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| 01:03 pm - I love Johnny Vegas.
It's not his real name, but I do love me some Johnny Vegas. I don't get to see Johnny alot, but when I do, he taps into something that reminds me that life is pretty much okay, even if things are going wrong. He's one of the players at CSz Philly that I can always hang out with, no matter what my mood is, and somehow, someway, I end up smiling. How he does this, I don't know, but Johnny... you're a helluva guy!
And though I know he won't read this in any fashion, it's what's on my mind right now, before I assail my mountain of homework.
Thanks Johnny, and everybody out there reading today. It's a nice Sunday in the Delaware Valley. Enjoy it!
Current Location: the Salem Harbour
Current Music: "Meissa" - Robert Fripp and Brian Eno
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February 7th, 2009
| 10:47 am - Simplifying.
I downgraded from a Livejournal PLUS account to the basic. I didn't really need the 15 userpics, nor did I ever use the voicepost or text message features. So why keep something I wasn't using, and had no desire to use?
Of course, am I really simplifying, when I'm batch-tweeting to my LJ everyday from 2 different Twitters (this one, and this one)? Maybe not. But somehow, it feels like progress.
Homework, and visiting my doggbro and his son, then CSz tonight. Yep... life is good!
Current Music: "Lullaby Baby Blues" - Keb' Mo'
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February 6th, 2009
| 05:31 pm - Episodes of Matthew Tweet
The Continuing Adventures of Civilian Adventurer, Matthew Tweet!
Tune in tomorrow, around 5:30 EST, for another episode!
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| 03:52 pm - My Real-Life Micro-Updates
Because I didn't have time to write a REAL post...
Automatically shipped by LoudTwitter
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February 4th, 2009
| 04:04 pm - My Real-Life Micro-Updates
Because I didn't have time to write a REAL post...
Automatically shipped by LoudTwitter
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February 3rd, 2009
| 06:03 pm - Lesson Plan for Becoming a Better Student
Objectives:
1. Understands the principles of time management
1.1 Wastes no time on internet
1.2 Relegates creative work to after school work is finished
1.3 Gets out of house to arrive at class on time.
2. Does all homework in timely manner
2.1 Writes journal entries after reading.
2.2 Reads all material with enough time to fully process
3. Communicates effectively.
3.1 Emails teachers if missing class.
3.2 Conferences with teacher on clarity issues.
4. Completes all course-related work in timely manner
4.1 Skips no assignment, no matter how small.
4.2 Removes procrastination tendencies from routine.
5. Gets proper food and rest.
5.1 Eats more vegetable matter.
5.2 Retires for sleep before midnight.
5.3 Exercises.
Instructor statement: Mr Lydon believes his student, Mr. Lydon, can attain the goals of good scholarship, time management and personal health. Impediments to this are: too much time spent on the Internet, musical side projects not affecting schoolwork, reading non-school related things when there is a sizable hill of school material to be read. Mr Lydon knows Mr. Lydon can do this, but is sometimes unwilling or unable to wrest himself away. This plan will be printed out and posted on the student's computer as a daily reminder.
If there are any questions, Mr. Lydon suggests the student look in the mirror and remember why he's in school again, and that his wife is counting on him.
That is all. Good luck this semester, class!
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| 03:53 pm - My Real-Life Micro-Updates
Because I didn't have time to write a REAL post...
Automatically shipped by LoudTwitter
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February 2nd, 2009
| 06:06 pm - "Clearly"
I have to add the word "clearly" to my list of over-used words that make my angry for their MISuse. I can not count the number of times in a single day I hear smarter-than-thou types use the word "clearly", when what they're saying is anything but. Also, the way these snobs deliver the word "clearly" feels horribly condescending to me, the listener. They might as well just say, "Well, asshole..." or "Look, moron..."
I can understand how a great many of the women in my life feel when some snot-nose brat in a customer service position opens with "Ma'am".
You know what they REALLY wanna say.
I can't believe "clearly" is added to the list of overused words I hate, but add it I must. And boy howdy, hearing a phrase like, "Clearly, you're awesome" causes my skin to itch like that pesky hemorrhoid. What? You didn't think I'd "go there", huh? Well, friend, I have indeed "gone there".
It might be time for me to return to making OTHER people feel uncomfortable. Too many folks have had their shot at testing my patience. I've held back long enough, and it's only fair I get my shots in, before I have to be a role model for the kids I teach. Lookout, douchebags.
Curmudgeonly Yours,
Matt
Current Music: "Your Racist Friend" - They Might Be Giants
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